What Is the Right Cub Cadet Zero Turn Oil Type? [Oil Grade & Changing Guide]

Using the wrong oil type for your Cub Cadet Zero Turn can be the cause of premature damages. The right oil reduces heat generated from the engine, and ensures better efficiency.

The right oil for the Cub Cadet Zero Turn is either 10W-30 or 5W-30. This is what is recommended by the manufacturers. Also, the oil quality should meet the specifications on the API service symbol in your Zero Turn mower.

I will discuss which engine oil is the perfect choice in what conditions and how you can easily change the oil in your Cub Cadet Zero Turn mower. Let’s get into more details.

Cub Cadet Zero Turn Oil Type: What Oil Should You Use?

To ensure you are using the right oil for your mower, you need to understand the oil grade. Each engine needs a specific grade of engine oil, depending on its use case. Outdoor power equipment such as a Zero Turn mower is used in hot and cold weather conditions.

So, it requires a multi-grade engine oil for optimum performance. This is why the manufacturer suggests using the 10W-30 or 5W-30 oil in the Cub Cadet Zero Turn mower.

The following table shows the oil-type suggestions for your Cub Cadet Zero Turn based on the weather.

Temperature Range	Oil Grade
Summer (32℉ to 100℉)	10W-30
Winter (-22℉ to 50℉)	5W-30

What Does the Numbers Mean in Oil Grade?

To use the right oil grade, you need to check the API or American Petroleum Institute service symbol donut. It has different numbers and letters to determine what oil is suitable for the engine.

Service Classification

It is denoted by two letters on the top part of the donut. Letters like SP or SN are written beside the API SERVICE. The first classification was SA, which was suitable for vehicles in the 1920s. It gradually moved and has come to a point where the letters SN or SP are used for newer engines.

Here is a quick chart to understand the classification.

Classification	Engine Build Year Onwards
SP	2020
SN Plus	2018
SN	2010
SM	2004
SL	2001
SJ	1996
SH	1993
SG	1988
SF	1980

SN is suitable for engines produced after 2010, and SP has been introduced for engines produced after 2020. You can still use a motor oil with newer ratings in older engines. But the vice-versa isn’t possible.

Oil Viscosity

Viscosity is the property of a fluid that resists deformation. We can informally call it the thickness of the fluid. The higher the viscosity rating, the thicker the fluid.

Inside the donut, you will see two different numbers separated by W. These numbers indicate the viscosity rating of the motor oil in different temperatures. For example, the 10W-30 oil indicates that it is a multi-grade motor oil. So, it can be used for both hot and cold temperatures.

The left number indicates the viscosity rating at lower temperatures. In this case, the oil has a viscosity rating of 10. The W beside this indicates that the left rating is suitable for winter. The other number on the right is the viscosity rating of the oil in higher temperatures.

In this case, 30 is the viscosity rating when the temperature is hot. Understanding these numbers is important because the thickness of the oil changes with the temperature. When the outdoor temperature is hot, the oil will be thinner.

But as the temperature drops, the oil thickens up naturally. So, you must use the right grade of motor oil for Cub Cadet Zero Turn mowers to ensure the oil can lubricate all the parts.

How Much Oil Does Cub Cadet Zero Turn Need?

Now that you know the right oil type for the Cub Cadet Zero Turn mower, you also need to know the right amount of oil for the machine. The amount of oil required for the machine is typically specified on the engine label. You can also find this data in the owner’s manual.

In general, Cub Cadet Zero Turn mowers take about two quarts of motor oil. It equals 0.5 gallons or 4 pints or 64 oz or 1.89 liters of motor oil. You may find 1-quart or 2-quart oil bottles out there. Buy the right amount of oil to prevent wastage.

How to Change Oil in Cub Cadet Zero Turn? Step-By-Step Guide

Among regular maintenance tasks, changing the oil of your Cub Cadet Zero Turn mower is an important one. Here is a detailed guide on how to change the oil in Cub Cadet Zero Turn.

Step 1: Stabilize the Mower

You should always park the mower on a level ground. Make sure the mower is turned off and has cooled down.

Step 2: Prepare the Drain Pan

Take a large drain pan to catch the drained oil. It will prevent a lot of mess. Locate the drain hole below the mower base. You can also use flexible drain pipes to drain the oil at your convenience.

Step 3: Drain the Oil

After preparing the pan, you need to turn the drain nut counterclockwise. Be careful so that oil doesn’t spill on you. The draining process will now start. Leave the mower like this for 20-30 minutes so that all the old oil is drained completely.

Step 4: Change the Oil Filter

It is a good idea to change the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. If you do this, the new oil will last for a longer period. Find the oil filter housing beside the drain hole. Then, turn the filter counterclockwise and remove it from the mower. Take a new oil filter and install it.

Step 5: Clean the Fill Tube Area

The oil fill tube is on the left side of the engine. Take a clean rag and wipe off any dirt or debris in the area. It will prevent any dirt from going inside.

Step 6: Add Oil

Remove the filler cap and pour two quarts of 10W-30 or 5W-30 engine oil inside the tube using a funnel.

Step 7: Check the Oil Level

After adding the oil, check the oil level using the dipstick. Take it out and see where the oil mark is. The mark should be at the MAX or FULL level. If the oil mark is lower, it means the engine requires more oil.

Keep adding oil and checking the level until it reaches the MAX marking. Then, keep the dipstick inside and lock the filler cap.

FAQ about Cub Cadet Zero Turn Oil Type

You may have some more questions in mind regarding the Cub Cadet Zero Turn oil type. Check the answers below.

Q: How often should I change the oil in the Cub Cadet Zero Turn mower?

You need to change the oil and the oil filter after 100 hours of use. For example, if you use the mower for 50 hours in one season, you can change the oil after two seasons.

Q: What if I use different grades of oil in Cub Cadet Zero Turn?

Using oils of different grades will impact the lubrication of engine components. As a result, you won’t get the desired performance from the mower, and the engine will deteriorate faster.

Q: Is the SAE 30 oil the same as the 10W-30?

No, these two are different oils. SAE30 is a thicker oil, and it is a single-grade oil. But 10W-30 is a multi-grade oil suitable for different temperature conditions.