What gas does a Cub Cadet riding mower take?

Quick Answer

Most Cub Cadet riding lawn mowers require unleaded gasoline in order to operate properly. The specific type of unleaded gas recommended for use in Cub Cadet mowers is 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline. This is the standard, widely available gas that can be purchased at most gas stations. Cub Cadet specifically states that premium or high octane gasolines are not required and do not provide any benefit over regular 87 octane gas in their mowers. Ethanol blends up to 10% (E10) are approved for use as well.

Cub Cadet Riding Mower Fuel Type Recommendations

Here are the key facts about fuel requirements for Cub Cadet riding mowers:

• Use 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline (10% ethanol blends are approved)
• Premium or high octane gasolines are not required or recommended
• Do not use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol (E15, E85)
• Do not use diesel fuel
• Do not mix oil in gasoline

These fuel recommendations apply to all engine types used in Cub Cadet riding mowers, including Kohler, Kawasaki, and Cub Cadet branded engines. Always check your owner’s manual for any specific guidance about fuel for your particular mower model.

Why 87 Octane Gasoline is Recommended

Cub Cadet specifies 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline for its riding mowers because this provides optimal performance in their engines. Higher octane gasoline does not provide any benefit and is not required. Here’s why:

• Octane rating indicates a fuel’s resistance to engine knocking. Most mower engines are low compression and do not require high octane fuel.
• Higher octane gas is more expensive and offers no performance advantage in mower engines.
• Premium gas can actually cause deposits and residue to build up faster in mower engines, leading to potential issues.

So for optimum engine performance at a reasonable cost, trust Cub Cadet’s recommendation and use 87 octane regular unleaded gas. Don’t waste money on premium fuels that provide no benefit in your mower.

Ethanol Blend Guidelines

When it comes to ethanol-blended fuels, follow these guidelines for your Cub Cadet mower:

• E10 (10% ethanol mix) gasoline is approved for use
• Blends higher than 10% ethanol should be avoided
• E15, E20, E30, E85 should NOT be used
• Higher ethanol means lower energy content per gallon
• Too much ethanol can corrode and damage engine parts

Again, Cub Cadet riding mowers are designed and calibrated for standard 87 octane gasoline, with up to 10% ethanol blend. Stick with standard E10 fuels for optimal performance and engine life.

Can Other Fuels Be Used in Cub Cadet Mowers?

It is not recommended to use any other fuels besides standard 87 octane unleaded gasoline in Cub Cadet riding mowers. Here’s a rundown of other fuel types:

Diesel Fuel

Cub Cadet mowers use gasoline engines. Diesel should never be used, as it will cause major engine damage. The lubricity, viscosity and combustion properties of diesel mean it is completely unsuitable for a gasoline mower engine. Never fill up with diesel by mistake.

Higher Ethanol Blends

As mentioned above, do not use any gasoline blended with more than 10% ethanol (E15, E20, E30, E85). The higher ethanol content can corrode engine components and cause performance issues.

Oil-Gasoline Mix

Do not mix oil into the gasoline, unless specifically directed when breaking-in a brand new engine. Cub Cadet mowers have overhead valve 4-cycle engines that do not require pre-mixed oil and gas. Adding oil to the gas provides no benefit and may cause excessive deposits.

Kerosene or Jet fuel

These fuels have properties that make them totally unsuitable for use in mower engines. They will cause major internal damage. Never use them as a substitute for gasoline.

Key Gasoline Safety Tips

When fueling your Cub Cadet mower, keep these safety guidelines in mind:

• Always shut off the engine before refueling
• Never add fuel while smoking or near open flame
• Allow engine to cool for at least 2 minutes before refueling
• Always store fuel in an OSHA approved container
• Avoid spilling gasoline and wipe up any spills promptly
• Do not overfill the gas tank – leave room for expansion

Gasoline is highly flammable, so take precautions and refuel carefully to avoid accidents. Also, improper refueling or using the wrong fuels can damage the mower’s fuel system. Follow Cub Cadet’s fuel recommendations to keep your mower performing safely and reliably.

Checking and Changing Fuel Filters

Here are some tips for managing the fuel filter on your Cub Cadet riding mower:

• Check filter periodically and replace when needed per manual
• Filter may need replacement if engine struggles to start
• Use manufacturer recommended filter type
• Beware old gas can clog filters faster
• Add fuel stabilizer to keep gas fresh longer
• Keep extra filters on hand for quick change outs

A clean, working fuel filter is essential for proper engine operation and performance. Don’t neglect this important maintenance task.

Warning Signs of Bad Gas in Your Mower

How can you tell if the gasoline in your Cub Cadet mower has gone bad? Watch for these warning signs:

• Difficult starting or stalling after starting
• Rough idle or misfiring once started
• Loss of power when mowing
• Backfiring or sputtering under load
• Knocking or pinging sounds
• Mower not reaching full rpm
• Unusual exhaust odors or increased smoke

If the mower exhibits these issues, old gas is likely the culprit. Drain the old gas and replace with fresh 87 octane fuel. The new gas should resolve the problems.

How to Store Gasoline Properly for Cub Cadet Mowers

To keep gasoline fresh and working properly in your Cub Cadet mower follow these storage tips:

• Use an approved gas can, never an open container
• Keep can in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Fill can only up to 95% capacity for expansion room
• Add fuel stabilizer to extend gas life
• Always seal can tightly to avoid moisture issues
• Label can with purchase date and ethanol content
• Replace stored gas within 1 month to be safe

With proper storage habits, you can keep fresh gas on hand ready to fuel up your Cub Cadet mower when needed. Letting gasoline go bad can lead to expensive carburetor and engine repairs.

Conclusion

To summarize, Cub Cadet riding mowers are designed to run on standard 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline. This gives optimal performance at a reasonable cost. Premium gas is not required or recommended. Ethanol blends up to 10% (E10) are approved, but higher ethanol content can damage mower engines. For trouble-free operation, always use fresh 87 octane gas from a sealed approved container. Never use old, contaminated gas that may cause performance issues. Follow the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations and your Cub Cadet will provide years of reliable service.