Cub Cadet 528 SWE, Operator'S Manual

12

Gas & Oil Fill-Up 

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in 
the Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately with 
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

Starting The Engine

1.  Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the 

metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside 
the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal 
tip on the spark plug. 

2.  Make certain both the auger control and drive control 

are in the disengaged (released) position.

3.  Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert 

ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place. 
Do not attempt to turn the key.

NOTE:

 The engine cannot start unless the key is 

inserted into ignition switch. 

Electric Starter

1.  Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire 

grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are 
not certain.

WARNING: The optional electric starter 
is equipped with a grounded three-wire 
power cord and plug, and is designed 

to operate on 120 volt AC household 
current. It must be used with a properly 
grounded three-prong receptacle at all 
times to avoid the possibility of electric 

shock. Follow all instructions carefully 
prior to operating the electric starter. 

If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed 
as follows:
1.  Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the 

engine’s surface. Plug the other end of extension cord 
into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a 
well-ventilated area. 

2.  Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (for a 

cold engine start). 

NOTE:

 If the engine is already warm, place choke control 

in the OFF position instead of FULL.

3.  Push the primer two or three times for cold engine 

start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of 
the primer when pushing. 

NOTE:

 DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine 

after a short shutdown.

4.  Push starter button to start engine.
5.  Once the engine starts, immediately release starter 

button.

6.  As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control 

to the OFF position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate 
the choke control back to FULL and then slowly into 
the OFF position again.

7.  When disconnecting the extension cord, always 

unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before 
unplugging the opposite end from the snow thrower.

Recoil Starter

1.  Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold 

engine start). 

NOTE:

 If the engine is already warm, place choke control 

in the OFF position instead of FULL.

2.  Push the primer two or three times for cold engine 

start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of 
the primer when pushing. 

NOTE:

 DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine 

after a short shutdown.

NOTE:

 Additional priming may be necessary if the 

temperature is below 15° Fahrenheit.

3.  Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the 

rope out. At the point where it becomes slightly harder 
to pull the rope, slowly allow the rope to recoil.

4.  Pull the starter handle with a firm, rapid stroke. Do not 

release the handle and allow it to snap back. Keep a 
firm hold on the starter handle and allow it to slowly 
recoil.

5.  As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control 

to the OFF position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate 
the choke control back to the FULL position and then 
slowly into the OFF position again.

NOTE:

 Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes 

after starting. The engine will not develop full power until 
it reaches operating temperatures.

Stopping The Engine

Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry 
off any moisture on the engine.
•  To help prevent possible starter freeze-up, proceed as 

follows:

Electric Starter

1.  Connect extension cord to the electric starter outlet 

on the engine, then to 120 volt AC outlet. 

2.  With the engine running, push the starter button and 

allow the starter for spin for several seconds. The 
noise made by the starter is normal. The engine’s 
starter is not being harmed. 

WARNING

Read, understand, 
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings 
on the machine and 
in this manual before 
operating.

Use extreme care 
when handling 
gasoline. Gasoline is 
extremely flammable 
and the vapors are 
explosive. 

Never

 fuel 

the machine indoors 
or while the engine 
is hot or running. 
Extinguish cigarettes, 
cigars, pipes and 
other sources of 
ignition.

If your home’s wir-
ing system is not a 
three-wire grounded 
system, do not use 
this electric starter 
under any conditions.

If your home 
electrical system 
is grounded, but a 
three-hole receptacle 
is not available, do 
not use your snow 
thrower’s electric 
starter.