Know Your Unit. Cub Cadet GC145

KNOW YOUR UNIT

APPLICATIONS

• Cultivating sod and light to medium soil

• Cultivating in garden areas, around trees, etc.

• Edging

NO ASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED

Handlebar

Starter Rope Grip

Tine Guard

Cultivator

Tines

Muffler

Spark Plug

Handlebar Knob

Fuel Cap

Throttle Control

Choke Lever

Wheel Support

Bracket

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

POSITIONING THE HANDLEBARS

1. Loosen the two knobs on the inside of the handlebars (Fig. 1).

2. With the unit upright, swing the handlebars up into the operating position (Fig. 2).

NOTE: Take care not to pinch the throttle cable or switch wires when positioning the handlebar.

3. Tighten the knobs to secure the handlebars in place.

NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.

Handlebar

Knob

Washer

Fig. 1

On/Off Control

Air Filter

Cover

Bolt

Primer Bulb

ADJUSTING TINE DEPTH

To adjust the wheel support bracket proceed as follows:

1. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug to avoid accidental starting.

2. Remove clip from the cotter pin and slide clevis pin out of tailpiece bracket (Fig. 3).

3. Slide the wheel support bracket up or down in the tailpiece, aligning the holes to the desired tine depth.

4. Place the cotter pin through the hole and secure with clip.

Fig. 2

Wheel Support

Bracket

Clevis Pin

Cotter Pin

Wheel Bracket

Fig. 3

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

WARNING: Overfilling oil crankcase may cause serious personal injury. Check and maintain the proper oil level in the crank case; it is important and cannot be overemphasized. Check the oil before each use and change it as needed. See Changing the Oil.

RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely important. Check the oil before each use and change the oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and failure.

Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, SH.

Funnel

Spout

ADDING OIL TO CRANKCASE: INITIAL USE

NOTE: This unit is shipped without oil. In order to avoid damage to the unit, put oil in the crankcase before you attempt to start the unit.

Your unit is supplied with one 3.04 fluid oz. (90 ml) bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil (Fig. 4).

NOTE: Save the bottle of oil. It can be used to measure the correct amount during future oil changes. See Changing the Oil.

1. Unscrew the top of the bottle of oil and remove the paper seal covering the opening. Replace the top. Next, cut the tip off the funnel spout (Fig. 4).

2. Tip unit so that the back of the engine is facing up in a vertical position.

3. Remove the oil fill plug from the crankcase (Fig. 6).

4. Pour the entire bottle of oil into the oil fill hole (Fig. 5).

NOTE: Never add oil to the fuel or fuel tank.

5. Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall the oil fill plug.

Check oil before each use and change as needed. Refer to Checking the Oil Level.

RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE

Old fuel is the primary reason for improper unit performance. Be sure to use fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline.

NOTE: This is a four cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, do not mix oil with gasoline.

Oil Fill

Plug

O-Ring

Oil Fill

Hole

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Definition of Blended Fuels

Fig. 6

Today's fuels are often a blend of gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol or MTBE (ether). Alcohol-blended fuel absorbs water. As little as 1% water in the fuel can make fuel and oil separate or form acids when stored. Use fresh fuel (less than 30 days old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.

Using Blended Fuels

If you choose to use a blended fuel, or its use is unavoidable, follow recommended precautions:

• Always use fresh unleaded gasoline

• Use the fuel additive STA-BIL® or an equivalent

• Drain tank and run the engine dry before storing unit

Using Fuel Additives

The use of fuel additives, such as STA-BIL Gas Stabilizer or an equivalent, will inhibit corrosion and minimize the

WARNING: DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT. It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will likely damage this engine and void the warranty.

WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable. Ignited vapors may explode. Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the fuel tank. Do not smoke while filling the tank. Keep sparks and open flames at a distance from the area.

formation of gum deposits. Using a fuel additive can keep fuel from forming harmful deposits in the carburetor for up to six (6) months. Add 0.8 oz. (23 ml) of fuel additive per gallon of fuel according to the instructions on the container.

NEVER add fuel additives directly to the unit's gas tank.

FUELING THE UNIT

1. Remove the fuel cap (Fig. 7).

WARNING: Remove fuel cap slowly to avoid injury from fuel spray. Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.

OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION

WARNING: Add fuel in a clean, level and well-ventilated outdoor area. Wipe up any spilled fuel immediately.

Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.

2. Place the gas container’s spout into the fill hole on the fuel tank (Fig. 8) and fill the tank.

NOTE: Do not overfill the tank.

3. Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled.

4. Reinstall the fuel cap.

5. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine

NOTE: Dispose of the old gasoline in accordance to federal, state and local regulations.

Fuel Cap

Gas Can Spout

Fig. 7 Fig. 8

Fuel Tank

STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Tines WILL ROTATE when STARTING. Always stand in starting position with foot on wheel when starting the unit.

ON/ OFF

Control

WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Make sure to be in the starting position when pulling the starter rope (Fig. 11). To avoid serious injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean unleaded gasoline. Refer to Fueling the Unit.

NOTE: There is no need to turn the unit on. The On/Off Control is in the ON ( I ) position at all times (Fig. 9).

2. Fully press and release the primer bulb 10 times, slowly. Some amount of fuel should be visible in the primer bulb and fuel lines (Fig. 10). If fuel can not be seen in the bulb, press and release the bulb until fuel is visible.

Choke Lever

Fig. 9

Throttle Control

Primer Bulb

3. Place the choke lever in Position 1 (Fig. 10).

NOTE: Make sure to always have the unit tilted back slightly to bring the tines off the ground when starting.

4. Hold the handlebar and squeeze the throttle contol with one hand and grab the starter rope with the other hand. Using one foot to hold down the cultivator (Fig. 11).

Pull the starter rope 5 times.

Fig. 10

5. Place the choke lever in Position 2 (Fig. 10)

6. Squeeze the throttle control, pull the starter rope in a controlled motion 3 to 5 times to start the engine.

7. Keep the throttle squeezed and allow the engine to warm up for 30 to 60 seconds.

8. Continue squeezing the throttle control, move the choke lever to Position 3 (Fig. 10) and continue warming the engine for an additional 60 seconds. The unit may be used during this time.

NOTE: Unit is properly warmed up when engine accelerates without hesitation.

Starter

Rope

Fig. 11

IF... the engine hesitates, return the choke lever to Position 2 (Fig. 10) and continue warm-up.

IF... the engine does not start, go back to step 3.

IF... the engine fails to start after a few attempts, place the choke lever in Position 3 and squeeze the throttle control. Pull the starter rope out with a controlled and steady motion 3 to 8 times. The engine should start. If not, repeat.

IF WARM... If the engine is already warmgo back to step 5.

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Release your hand from the throttle control. Allow the engine to cool down by idling.

2. Press and hold the On/Off Control switch in the OFF (O) position until the unit comes to a complete stop (Fig. 11).

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING TIPS

WARNING: Dress properly to reduce the risk of injury when operating this unit. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Wear eye and ear/hearing protection. Wear heavy long pants, boots and gloves. Do not wear short pants, sandals or operate barefoot.

1. Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting the engine. Transport the cultivator by pushing or pulling it along on its wheels.

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, never pick-up or carry the unit while the engine is running.

2. Start the unit by following the Starting Instructions.

3. With the engine running and the tines off the ground, depress the throttle control to increase the engine speed.

4. While holding the upper handle with both hands, slowly lower the cultivator until the tines make contact with the ground (Fig. 12).

Fig. 12

5. As cultivating action begins, tilt the cultivator up slightly using the handle so that the tines can penetrate the ground.

6. Once the ground has been broken, continue at a moderate pace.

7. If the tines are digging too deep or not deep enough, adjust the wheel bracket as described in Adjusting Tine Depth.

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit backwards.

TRANSPORTING THE UNIT

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, always stop the engine when operation is delayed or when transporting the unit from one location to another.

1. Stop the engine.

2. Tilt the unit back until the tines clear the ground.

3. Push or pull the unit to the next location to be cultivated.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with unit running. Always service and repair a cool unit. Disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure that the unit cannot start.

Perform these required maintenance procedures at the frequency stated in the table. These procedures should also be a part of any seasonal tune-up.

NOTE: Some maintenance procedures may require special tools or skills. If unsure about these procedures take the unit to any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.

NOTE: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment, individual or authorized service dealer.

NOTE: Please read the California/EPA statement that came with the unit for a complete listing of terms and coverage for the emissions control devices, such as the spark arrestor, muffler, carburetor, etc.

FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE REQUIRED SEE

Every 10 hours Clean and oil air filter p. 4

After 1st 10 hours Change oil p. 4

Every 25 hours

Change oil

Check rocker arm to valve clearance and adjust

Check spark plug condition and gap

TINE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT p. 4 p. 4

WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury, always wear heavy gloves when handling the tines.

All tines should be replaced at the same time as they will wear evenly through normal use. Work on one side at a time.

1. Make sure the unit is off.

Hubs

NOTE: It may be necessary to lay the cultivator back in a horizontal position on a flat level surface with the upper handle touching the ground. It may also be necessary to wash any dirt off the tines and shaft for ease of removal.

2. Remove the click pin from each end of the tine shaft. Slide the tines off of the shaft (Fig. 13).

Convex

Side

Click

Pin

3. Clean and oil the shaft.

4. Slide on the new tines with the hubs facing each other (Fig. 13).

Direction Of Convex Sides

Fig. 13

NOTE: Each tine has a convex side. Make sure that all of the convex sides are facing as shown in Fig. 13.

5. Secure the new tines to the shaft with click pins. It may be necessary to wash the dirt off the tines and shaft for ease of removal.

3