Cub Cadet 18M Manuel D’Utilisation

Engine fails to start

1.  Blade control disengaged.
2.  Spark plug boot disconnected.
3.  Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4.  CHOKE not activated. 

5.  Faulty spark plug.
6.  Blocked fuel line.
7.  Engine flooded.

1.  Engage blade control.
2.  Connect wire to spark plug.
3.  Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4.  Choke engine as instructed in 

“Operating Your Lawn Mower”.

5.  Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6.  Clean fuel line.
7.  Wait a few minutes to restart.

Engine runs erratic

1.  Connect and tighten spark  

plug boot.

2.  Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean,  

fresh gasoline.

3.  Clear vent.
4.  Drain fuel tank. Refill with  

fresh fuel.

5.  Refer to engine maintenance 

section.

6.  Push CHOKE knob in.

1.  Spark plug boot loose. 

2.  Blocked fuel line or stale fuel. 

3.  Vent in gas cap plugged.
4.  Water or dirt in fuel system. 

5.  Dirty air cleaner. 

6.  Unit running with CHOKE applied.

Engine overheats

1.  Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2.  Remove blower housing  

and clean.

1.  Engine oil level low.
2.  Air flow restricted. 

Occasional skips 

(hesitates) at 

high speed

1.  Adjust gap to .030”.

1.  Spark plug gap too close.

Idles poorly

1.  Reset gap to .030” or replace  

spark plug.

2.  Refer to engine maintenance 

section.

1.  Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap  

too wide.

2.  Dirty air cleaner.

Mower will not  

mulch grass (If 

Equipped)

1.  Do not mow when grass is wet; 

wait until later to cut.

2.  Mow once at a high cutting height, 

then mow again at desired height 
or make a narrower cutting path.

3.  Sharpen or replace blade. 

1.  Wet grass.

2.  Excessively high grass.

3.  Dull blade.

Uneven cut

1.  Place all four wheels in same  

height position.

2.  Sharpen or replace blade.

1.  Wheels not positioned correctly. 

2.  Dull blade.

Excessive

Vibration

1.  Cutting blade loose or unbalanced. 

2.  Bent cutting blade.

1.  Tighten blade and adapter. 

Balance blade.

2.  See an authorized service dealer.

Mower will not  

self propel

1.  Check belt for proper pulley instal-

lation and movement.

2.  Stop engine, disconnect spark plug 

boot and clean out debris.

3.  Inspect and replace belt. 

1.  Belt not installed properly. 

2.  Debris clogging drive operation. 

3.  Damaged or worn belt.