I just purchased my first riding mower, a new Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro with the 42" cutting deck. I think it will be perfect for my sized property and I'm happy that it has already cut my front lawn cutting time down from about 1 hour to 5 minutes. I also really like the way this thing looks. It has a nice stance and a serious presence. I know it's "Bush League" in the mower world. but it looks like a serious piece of equipment! I have some general questions though...
First off, this Kohler Courage motor; is it junk? I've read that people have had issues with them in the past, but that seems to have been a couple of years ago. Are they better motors now?
Do I have to cut my lawn at full throttle, or do I only need to go full throttle to engage the blades? The reason I ask is because, so far during the one use of my new mower, I was launching grass clippings across my yard, across my double-car-wide driveway, across my yard on the other side of the driveway, AND INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD!!!! LOL If I could throttle it down a little, that'd be nice.![]()
My second set of questions has to do with my initial care of the mower. I bought it assembled from Home Depot, and checked the oil before connecting the battery and putting about a gallon of gas in it. Should I consider changing the oil earlier than the suggested service interval after a break-in interval? Is there an oil that you guys suggest that would help me keep the engine running in top form for a long time? I've heard of people buying these from Home Depot and they haven't been properly lubed. What needs lubed? Any other things I should consider being this is a new mower?
As for the mulching kit; would it help with keeping down the thatch in the yard by mincing the clippings even smaller? I'm considering the mulching kit as much as I'd like to be bagging my clippings because the mower just fits through the doors of my shed and the bagger would make it significantly wider.
And my last questions have to do with the upkeep of the appearance. I really like to take care of my stuff and try to keep it in god shape for a long time. You should see my Mustang GT. I take ridiculous care of that. After my little 5 minute mowing adventure, shooting grass clippings all over my neighbor's yard, my new mower was COVERED in dust, dirt, and grass clippings. I took the leaf blower to it to nock off a lot of the dust but it only look barely new now.![]()
Would it be ridiculous to wash my mower? Can I do this safely without damaging it? I have some motorcycle cleaner that I use under the hood of my Mustang on the motor called S100. Can I use this on my Cub Cadet?
Thanks for entertaining my questions guys. I can't wait to hear something back from ya all.
First off, this Kohler Courage motor; is it junk? I've read that people have had issues with them in the past, but that seems to have been a couple of years ago. Are they better motors now?
Do I have to cut my lawn at full throttle, or do I only need to go full throttle to engage the blades? The reason I ask is because, so far during the one use of my new mower, I was launching grass clippings across my yard, across my double-car-wide driveway, across my yard on the other side of the driveway, AND INTO MY NEIGHBORS YARD!!!! LOL If I could throttle it down a little, that'd be nice.
My second set of questions has to do with my initial care of the mower. I bought it assembled from Home Depot, and checked the oil before connecting the battery and putting about a gallon of gas in it. Should I consider changing the oil earlier than the suggested service interval after a break-in interval? Is there an oil that you guys suggest that would help me keep the engine running in top form for a long time? I've heard of people buying these from Home Depot and they haven't been properly lubed. What needs lubed? Any other things I should consider being this is a new mower?
As for the mulching kit; would it help with keeping down the thatch in the yard by mincing the clippings even smaller? I'm considering the mulching kit as much as I'd like to be bagging my clippings because the mower just fits through the doors of my shed and the bagger would make it significantly wider.
And my last questions have to do with the upkeep of the appearance. I really like to take care of my stuff and try to keep it in god shape for a long time. You should see my Mustang GT. I take ridiculous care of that. After my little 5 minute mowing adventure, shooting grass clippings all over my neighbor's yard, my new mower was COVERED in dust, dirt, and grass clippings. I took the leaf blower to it to nock off a lot of the dust but it only look barely new now.
Would it be ridiculous to wash my mower? Can I do this safely without damaging it? I have some motorcycle cleaner that I use under the hood of my Mustang on the motor called S100. Can I use this on my Cub Cadet?Thanks for entertaining my questions guys. I can't wait to hear something back from ya all.