How to Change the Air Filter on a Cub Cadet Lawn Mower
The longevity of your Cub Cadet lawn mower depends on the maintenance you provide. Changing the air filter regularly will keep dirt and debris out of the engine and keep your mower running efficiently. We recommend changing or replacing the engine air filter every 50 operating hours. In dry, dusty conditions this should be done more frequently.

Before performing any maintenance on your lawn mower, refer to your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions and safety information. Maintenance instructions vary by model, so depending on your lawn mower model our instructions may vary slightly.

Before changing the air filter on your mower, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting. Clean the engine of your mower and remove any dirt and debris. Remove the air filter cover and remove the air filter from the housing.

Check and clean the air filter. Remove the foam pre filter. Check for any rips or damage to the air filter. Clean the paper element filter by tapping gently to remove any dust or debris. If the paper element is very dirty or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Wash the foam pre filter using mild detergent and warm water. Allow the pre filter to dry completely. Never use gasoline or low flash-point solvents for cleaning the air filter elements.

Reinstall the air filter and pre filter. Install the air filter cover and reconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

Use our illustrated parts diagrams to locate any replacement parts you may need for your Cub Cadet lawn mower.

The air filter on your mower provides proper air induction into the engine and allows the engine to run a lot cleaner. If you have a plugged air filter, dirt can get sucked into the engine or the machine won’t run correctly or run too rich. It’s important to replace the air filter regularly to keep you machine up and running all season long.