Cub Cadet Pr 521 Operators Manual 770 10088A

PR-521 to the manual e0cf05c6-e9c6-404d-9c22-4e529addedca

2015-01-05

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Operator’s Manual

21” Rear & Side
Discharge Mulching
Mower
Model PR-521
(11A-438C100)

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368023 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

CUB CADET CORP. P.O. BOX 368023 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10088A.fm
(12/99)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content

Page

Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge...................................................................................................... 6
Assembling Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 7
Know Your Lawn Mower .................................................................................... 9
Operating Your Lawm Mower ............................................................................ 9
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 10
Maintaining Your Lawn Mower........................................................................... 11
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13
Parts List............................................................................................................ 14

FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
•

You can locate the model number by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear
of the mower deck. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the
model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.

(Model Number)

(Serial Number)

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CUB CADET CORP.
P.O. BOX 368023
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line at the number given below.
Call 1- (800)-528-1009 to reach the Cub Cadet Customer Dealer Referral Line or a Customer
Support representative. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready
when you call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the
serial number in order to process your call .

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal
safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to operate your lawn mower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.

GENERAL OPERATION
•

•

Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individuals who are
familiar with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be
completely cleared of foreign objects, an object may
have been overlooked and could be accidentally
thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator or any others
allowed in the area.
Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be

•

•
•
•

•

picked up and thrown by the mower in any direction
and cause serious personal injury to the operator or
any others allowed in the area. Plan your mowing
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders and the like. To help avoid a
thrown objects injury, keep children, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while it
is in operation.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times
as the rotating blade can cause injury.
Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.
Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a
wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half
way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the
safety device inoperative and may result in personal
injury through contact with the rotating blade. The
blade control handle must operate easily in both
directions and automatically return to the
disengaged position when released.
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are
losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE
CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATELY and the blade
will stop rotating within three seconds.

•
•
•

•

•
•

•

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks
or roads.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body
in the blade area until you are sure the blade has
stopped rotating.
Never operate mower without proper guards, grass
catcher, plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions provided with the approved accessory.
If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Telephone 1-800-800-7310
for the name of your nearest dealer.

•

•
•
•

•

Service
•

•
•

•

Slope Operation
•

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as
part of this manual to measure slopes before
operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the
slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the
slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or
serious injury could result.

•
•
•

Do:
•

•
•

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
than 3 seconds.

•
•

•

Do NOT:
•

•
•

•

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.

•
•

Children
•

Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.
Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual.
Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or hazard.

•

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the mower and the mowing activity.

Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes
before refueling.
Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
Never refuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a gas
water heater, space heater, or furnace.
Never run an engine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually
inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent, cracked or
worn). Replace with blade which meets original
equipment specifications listed in this manual.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before starting and operating
the mower.

•
•

Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts,
when necessary.

•

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.

Your Responsibility
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.

129 9 AC

•

WARNING

15°

G
NTIN
E
S
E
EPR
E, R

OPE
° SL
5
1
A

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A
riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

DL
TTE
O
D
D ON
FOL

OR A FENCE POST

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

A POWER POLE

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.

SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate the lawn mower safely.

SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER
To Remove Unit From Carton
•
•
•

Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape
at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).
Cut along corners and lay carton down flat.
Remove packing material. Roll or slide unit out of
carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

Tighten
hand knob

NOTE: Parts included for assembly of grass catcher
are listed on page 8.
Figure 2

Tools Required
1. Pair of Pliers
2. Funnel

NOTE: Your mower is shipped with the handle in the
higher height position. If you wish to lower the height of
the handle, refer to the Adjustment Section at this time.

Disconnect Spark Plug Wire

•

•
•

Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 1.
Attach rubber boot to a bolt on the engine to ground
as shown in the figure.

Remove the hairpin clips from the outer hole in the
weld pins on the handle mounting brackets. Using a
pair of pliers, squeeze one leg of the lower handle
against the handle mounting bracket. Insert the
hairpin clip into the inner hole on the weld pin.
Repeat on the other side. See Figure 3.
Handle Mounting
Bracket

Spark Plug
Wire

Rubber Boot

Spark Plug

Insert hairpin
clip here

Hairpin
Clip

Weld
Pin

Figure 3
•
Figure 1
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil before operating your mower.

•

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower
is observed from the operating position.
•

Setting Up Your Lawn Mower
•

•

The rope guide is attached to the right side of upper
handle. Loosen the wing nut which secures the
rope guide. See Figure 4.
With spark plug wire disconnected and grounded,
hold the blade control handle against the upper
handle, and pull the starter rope out of the engine.
Release blade control handle. Slip the rope into the
rope guide. Tighten the wing nut. See Figure 4.
Tighten all nuts and bolts securely.
Slip rope into
rope guide

Remove any packing material which may be
between the upper and lower handles for shipping
purposes.
Pull up and back on the upper handle to raise the
handle into the operating position. Make certain the
lower handle is seated securely into the handle
mounting brackets. Tighten the hand knobs on
each side of the handle (carriage bolts must be
seated properly into the handle). See Figure 2.

Rope
Guide

Figure 4
7

Wing Nut

Assembling Grass Catcher

IMPORTANT: Make sure cables are routed to the
outside of the handle so they are not in the way when
attaching the grass catcher.

NOTE: Make certain bag is turned right side out before
assembling (warning label will be on the outside).

•
•

Parts for Soft Grass Bag:
1. Front Frame & Rear Frame
2. Grass Bag
Assemble grass bag as follows:
•
•

•

Join the rear frame and front frame assembly as
shown in Figure 5A.
Place bag over frame (black plastic side is the
bottom of bag). Slip the openings in the side of the
plastic channel on bag over the hooks on the grass
catcher frame.
Secure bag to frame by working the plastic
channels on bag over frame as shown in Figure 5B.
All of the plastic channels except center top of bag
attach from the outside of bag. Center top of bag
attaches from the inside of bag.

Lift the rear discharge door on the mower.
Place the hooks on the grass catcher into the slots
in the handle bracket assemblies. See Figure 7.
Release the rear discharge door.
To remove the grass catcher, lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Lift the grass catcher
up, out of the slots in the handle bracket
assemblies. Release the rear discharge door.
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
firmly seated in the slots on the handle
bracket assemblies, and the rear
discharge door rests firmly against the
top of the grass catcher.
Rear
Discharge
Door

Front
Frame
Assembly

Rear
Frame

Hook
Slot in
Handle
Bracket
Assembly
Grass
Bag

Plastic
Channels

Figure 7

Converting To Side Discharge

Figure 5

Attaching Grass Catcher To Mower

If your unit is equipped with a side discharge chute, you
can convert to a side discharge mower as follows:

NOTE: The mulching baffle is already in place on the
mower for shipping purposes. Your lawn mower is
equipped with both a mulching baffle and a mulching
plug. While the mulching baffle is located at the rear of
the mower, the mulching plug is located on the right
side of the cutting deck. Do not remove the mulching
plug from the mower even when you are not mulching.

•

•
•

•

To remove the mulching baffle, lift the rear
discharge door on the mower. Remove the
mulching baffle. See Figure 7.

Mulching Plug
Hinge Pin

Deck

Mulching
Baffle

Lift the rear discharge door and install the mulching
baffle. See Figure 7.
On the right side of the mower, lift the mulching
plug. See Figure 8.
Slide the two hooks of the side discharge chute
under the hinge pin on the mulching plug assembly
as shown below. Lower the side mulching plug.
Do not remove the side mulching plug at any time,
even when you are not mulching.

Deflector
Hook

Figure 8

Figure 6

SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Compare the illustration in Figure 9 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields. We
recommend wide vision safety mask for over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

Mulching Plug
Both the mulching baffle and the mulching plug are
used only for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting
the grass clippings in a grass catcher, some mower
models have the option of recirculating the clippings
back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Blade Control Handle

Recoil Starter Handle

Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower.The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the
blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.

Grass Catcher Bag

Spark
Plug

WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.

Height
Adjustment
Lever

Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It is used
to regulate the engine speed.

Side Discharge
Chute

Mulch
Plug

WARNING: The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine. If the throttle
control is located on the engine, do not
adjust it with the engine running.

Height
Adjustment
Lever

Figure 9

Recoil Starter

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle and
is used to start the engine.

This lever, located at each wheel, lets you adjust
cutting height of the grass. Remember to put all four
levers at the same height to avoid uneven cut.

Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is
used to bag grass clippings for disposal at another site.

SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Before Starting

NOTE: For shipping purposes, your mower wheels are
set in low cutting height position. Refer to instructions
for cutting height adjustment on page 10.

•

Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•

Service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the engine manual. Follow instructions carefully.

Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Ensure that
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower
while starting engine or operating mower.

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.

To Start Engine and Engage Blade

•

WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing away from any
moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
•
•
•
•

•

Move throttle control lever to the fast (rabbit)
position.
Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly.
Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly
to the rope guide.

•
•

•

WARNING: Extensive vibration of the
mower during operation is an indication
of damage. If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for
any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting the mower.

To Stop Engine and Blade
•

Release the blade control handle to stop the engine
and blade.

Using the Mulcher

WARNING: The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after engine is shut off.
•

Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or
other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower, and
could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick
grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
Adjust blade speed according to lawn condition.
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third of
the total length of the grass at any one cutting.
Lawn should be cut in the fall season as long as
there is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full
throttle to give you the best cut and do the most
effective job of bagging the cut grass.

•

Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.

Using Your Rotary Mower
WARNING: Never operate your unit without
either the rear deflector or entire grass
catcher assembly in place.

For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass
because it tends to stick to the underside of the
deck, preventing proper mulching of grass
clippings. New or thick grass may require a
narrower cut. The ground speed should be
adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to
grow in excess of 4", mulching is not
recommended. Mow using the grass bag (if so
equipped) to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4"
maximum before mulching.

SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustment to lawn mower without first
stopping engine and disconnecting spark
plug wire.

altitude and load. To adjust carburetor, refer to the
engine manual packed with your mower.
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause an engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor.

Carburetor

Cutting Height

WARNING: If any adjustments are made
to the engine while the engine is running,
keep clear of all moving parts. Be careful
of heated surfaces around muffler.

An adjusting plate and thumb lever at each wheel
position provides cutting height adjustment. Each
adjusting plate has nine height positions.
•

Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
10

Simply depress the lever towards wheel and move
wheel and lever assembly to desired position. All

wheels must be placed in the same relative
position. See Figure 10.

•

•
Height
Adjustment
Lever

•
•

Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the
handle brackets. Press outward on the legs of the
lower handle, and remove it from the mower.
Turn the lower handle around so the notches on the
bottom of the lower handle are facing forward as
shown in Figure 11. Reassemble, placing the
bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in the
handle mounting bracket.
Reassemble the upper handle.
Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld
pins and attach the starter rope as instructed in the
assembly instructions on page 7.

Figure 10

Handle Height

Lower
Handle

Notch

Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher
height position.To lower the handle height for your
convenience, proceed as follows.
•
•

Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
Remove the upper handle by removing the hand
knobs and carriage bolts. Lay upper handle out of
the way, being careful not to kink the cables.

Figure 11

SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Replacing Rear Flap
•
•

WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement,
protect hands by using heavy gloves or a
rag to grasp the cutting blade.

To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire
rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 12.
Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.

•

Rear Discharge
Door

•

Handle
Bracket
d
Ro
re
i
W

Handle
Bracket

Remove the bolt and blade support or bell washer
which hold the blade and adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 13. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
Blade Adapter

Rear
Flap

Blade

Figure 12

Blade
Bell
Support

Blade Care
•

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace
when necessary.

Hex Bolt

Figure 13

NOTE: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds and may cause
damage to the mower and/or personal injury.

Engine

•

Lubrication

•

The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. See Figure 14. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is
recommended that the blade always be removed
from the adapter for the best test of balance.

Refer to the separate engine manual.

(Refer to Lubrication Chart in Figure 15.)
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before
cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of
work on lawn mower.

1. Insert screw driver through hole

2. Blade should be parallel to ground
Screw
Blade
Driver

e
Lub

Ground

Lube

Figure 14
•

•

Lube

Before reassembling the blade and the blade
adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft
and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light
oil (or engine oil). Also lubricate the bolt holes, bolts
and inner surface of the nuts.
Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the
“star” away from the engine. Refer to Figure 13.
Place the blade with the side marked bottom (or
with part number) facing away from the adapter.
Align the blade bell support over the blade with the
tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex
bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed in the
“Blade Mounting Torque” section below.

e
Lub

Lube

Figure 15: Lubrication Chart

Blade Mounting Torque

Blade Control

Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.

•

IMPORTANT:To ensure safe operation, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Rear & Side Discharge Doors

Deck Care

•

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit.These may
cause damage to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
shorten life of the mower and reduce its serviceability.
•

•

Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle and the brake cable at least once a season
with light oil. The blade control must operate freely
in both directions.
The torsion springs and pivot points should be
lubricated periodically with light oil to prevent any
rust or binding. Door must work freely.

Wheels
•

The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of
grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this
debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust
and corrosion, and may cause an uneven
discharge of grass clippings at the next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and
scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).

The wheels require no lubrication. However, if the
wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the
surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the
wheel with light oil. Engine oil may also be used.

Engine
•

Follow engine manual for instruction and schedule
of lubrication.

NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and
keep engine spark plug side up.

SECTION 8: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.

•

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in
an unventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or
silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all
moving parts.

•
•

Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to
prevent rusting.

Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next
to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Trouble
Engine fails to
start

Engine runs
erratic

Engine
overheats

Occasional
skip
(hesitates) at
high speed
Idles poorly

Excessive
vibration
Mower will not
mulch grass

Uneven cut

Possible Cause(s)
1. Control handle disengaged.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected.
3. Dirty air cleaner.
4. Primer button not depressed.
5. Throttle control lever not in
correct starting position .
6. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
7. Blocked fuel line .
8. Faulty spark plug.
9. Engine flooded.
1. Unit running in START position.
2. Spark plug wire loose.

Corrective Actions
1. Engage blade control handle.
2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
4. Refer to the engine manual.
5. Move throttle lever to FAST or START position.

3.
4.
1.
2.
3.

Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Carburetor out of adjustment.
Engine oil level low.
Dirty aircleaner.
Air flow restricted.

3.
4.
1.
2.
3.

4.
1.
2.

Carburetor not adjusted.
Spark plug gap too close.
Carburetor idle mixture
adjustment improperly set.

4.
1.
2.

Clean fuel line.
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Refer to the engine manual.
Wait for a while and crank the engine.
Move throttle lever to FAST position.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire. Check spark plug
for fouling.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
Refer to the engine manual packed with your unit.
Fill crankcase with proper oil.
Refer to the engine manual.
Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
blower housing and clean.
Refer to the engine manual.
Adjust gap to .030".
Refer to the engine manual.

Spark plug fouled, faulty or gap
too wide.
Carburetor not adjusted.
Cutting blade loose or
unbalanced.
Bent cutting blade.
Engine speed too low

Reset gap to .030" or replace spark plug.

2.
1.

Refer to the engine manual.
Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
Replace blade.
Set throttle between 3/4 and full throttle.
Wait until later to cut.
Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at
desired height .
Place all four wheels in same height position.
Sharpen or replace blade.

2.
1.
2.
1.

6.
7.
8.
9.
1.
2.

Excessively high grass.

2.
1.
2.
3.

1.
2.

Wheels positioned incorrectly.
Dull blade.

1.
2.

2. Wet grass.

NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local Cub Cadet dealer or call the
Customer Dealer Referral Line at 1(800)-528-1009.

SECTION 10: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL PR-521
1

69
7

82
9

16
83

3
2

4
13
19

A
14

20
50

54
62
65

A
76
45

67
44

45
52 58

21 72
56

47
48

80 45

71
66

63
55

41
44 42
45 49
39

64
59

51
32
40
36

77
46

34
33

Model PR-521
Ref.
No.

Part No.

Description

Ref.
No.

647-0004

Control Handle Assembly

738-0102

Front Axle Bolt

710-1205

Rope Guide

720-0190

Spring Lever Knob

720-0279

Handle Knob 1/4-20 Thd.

732-0417A

Rear Spring Lever

710-1174

Curved Hd. Bolt 5/16-18 x 2" Lg.

14578

Height Adj. Assy. Comp. - RH

720-0314

Hand Knob

N/I

14579

Height Adj. Assy. Comp. - LH

710-1270

Oval C-Sunk Mach. Scr.

14765

Pivot Bar R.H.

712-0324

Hex L-Nut 1/4-20 Thd.

N/I

14766

Pivot Bar L.H.

749-0705

Upper Handle

782-5002

Front Baffle

Part No.

Description

720-0295

Foam Grip

710-0654A

Hex L-Wash.Scr. 3/8-16 x 1" Lg.

749-0928

Lower Handle

782-5003

Rear Baffle

726-0240

Cable Tie

710-1017

Torx Mach AB-Tap Scr. 1/4 x.62"

764-0310

Rear Catcher Frame

710-0896

HexIndWash. Scr. 1/4-14:.625

746-0550

Control Cable - 39”

682-0516A

Handle Brkt. Ass’y.—RH

731-1523

Front Cover: Black

682-0515A

Handle Brkt. Ass’y.—LH

764-0311

Front Catcher Frame

782-0047A

Cutting Deck

764-0635

Grass Bag

734-1978

Wheel Black Link

714-0104

Int. Cotter Pin 5/16" Dia.

736-0270

Bell-Washer 1/4" I.D.

732-0678

Door Spring - R.H.

682-7000

Hinged Mulching Plug

732-0677

Door Spring - L.H.

731-1409

Chute Deflector: Side Discharge

782-7000

Rear Discharge Door

710-0599

Hex Hd Self-Tp Scr. 1/4-20 x .5" L.

735-0639

Spark Plug Boot

782-5007A

Mulching Baffle Plug

732-0700

Wire Rod

782-5004

Mulching Baffle - R.R.

731-1236

Rear Flap

751B224437

Muffler Guard

753-0588

Blade Adapter (Kit includes 32-34)

710-1268

Hex Washer Head Screw

710-1044

Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.5" Lg.

710-0192

Truss Scr. #10-24 x .38" Lg.

736-0524A

Blade Bell Support

720-0275

Knob

742-0741

21" Mulching Blade

736-0504

Wave Washer

736-0356

Bell-Wash. .39" I.D. x 1.38"

731-0982A

Hub Cap - Rad. Spoke - Beige

712-0798

Hex Nut 3/8-16 Thd.

738-0213

Rear Axle Bolt

15261A

Height Adj. Plate

750-0535

Spacer

15262B

Pivot Bar

710-1248

Weld Pin

14832

Front Spring Lever Ass’y. w/Knob

746-0883

Control Housing w/o Lever

738-0507B

Shld. Bolt .5" Dia. x .357"

751B281451

Engine Shroud

736-0105

Bell-Wash. .38" I.D. x .88" O.D.

NOTE: For painted parts, please refer to
the list of color codes below. Please add the
applicable color code, wherever needed, to
the part number to order a replacement part.
For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx,
is painted Cub Yellow, the part number to
order would be 700-xxxx-0498.
Cub Yellow: 0716
Cub Beige: 0499
Powder Black: 0637

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

TWO-YEAR RESIDENTIAL
ONE-YEAR COMMERCIAL
Proper maintenance of your Cub Cadet equipment is the owner’s responsibility. Follow the instructions in your
operator’s manual for correct lubricants and maintenance schedule. Your Cub Cadet dealer carries a
complete line of quality lubricants and filters for your equipment’s engine, transmission, chassis and
attachments.

Riding mowers, lawn tractors, garden tractors, Cub Cadet
attachments and home maintenance products
This limited warranty for residential users, covers any defect in materials or workmanship in your Cub Cadet
equipment for two years from the date of purchase for the first user purchaser. We will replace or repair any
part or parts without charge through your authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
Batteries have a one-year prorated limited warranty with 100% replacement during the first three months.
V-belts for either the traction drive or any attachments are covered for one year only.
Cub Cadet equipment used commercially is warranted for one year only.
(Commercial use is defined as either having hired operators or used for income producing purposes.)

Items not covered
The warranty does not cover routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters (oil, fuel, air and hydraulic),
cleaning, tune-ups, brake and/or clutch inspection, adjustments made as part of normal maintenance, blade
sharpening, set-up, abuse, accidents and normal wear. It does not cover incidental costs such as transporting
your equipment to and from the dealer, telephone charges or renting a product temporarily to replace a
warranted product.
There is no other express warranty.

How to obtain service
Contact your authorized Cub Cadet servicing dealer who sold you your Cub Cadet equipment. If this dealer is
not available, see the Consumer Yellow Pages under “lawn mowers” for the name of a dealer near you.
If you need further assistance in finding an authorized Cub Cadet servicing dealer, contact:

Cub Cadet Corporation
Post Office Box 368023
Cleveland, Ohio 44136

How does state law apply?
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state.

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Cub Cadet Pr 521 Operators Manual 770 10088A

PR-521 to the manual e0cf05c6-e9c6-404d-9c22-4e529addedca

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