Cub Cadet ST428

Operator’s Manual
4-Cycle
Electric Start Capable
Trimmer
ST428
769-07546 P00 01/12
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Optional Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the
latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right
to make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright©
2012 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For service call 1-877-282-8684, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list
of authorized service dealers near you. For more details about your unit, visit
our website at www.cubcadet.com or www.cubcadet.ca.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding
the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer
Support Department.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE
WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be
performed only by an authorized and approved service dealer.
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine,
Oregon and Washington. All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California
(Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and Washington require, by
law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or
grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective
working order, or the engine be constructed, equipped and maintained for the
prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for regulations
pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could
subject you to liability or a fine. This unit is factory equipped with a spark
arrestor. If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL SERVICE DEALER to install
the Accessory Part #753-06334 Muffler Assembly.

Cub Cadet ST428 Specifications

General

Brand	Cub Cadet
Model	ST428
Category	Trimmer
Language	English

Summary

Rules for Safe Operation

Safety Warnings for Gas Units

Crucial safety precautions when operating gasoline-powered units.

While Operating

General safety guidelines to follow during unit operation.

While Operating with Cutting Blade

Specific safety instructions for operating the unit with a cutting blade.

Other Safety Warnings

Additional general safety advice and precautions for unit use.

Safety and International Symbols

Explanation of safety symbols and pictographs used in the manual.

Know Your Unit

Applications

Describes the various uses and functions of the trimmer.

Tools Required

Lists the necessary tools for assembly and maintenance.

Assembly Instructions

Installing and Adjusting the Handle

Steps for properly attaching and positioning the unit's handle.

Trimmer Assembly

Instructions for assembling the trimmer's cutting head shield.

Brush Cutter Assembly

Procedures for assembling and disassembling brush cutter attachments.

Trimmer Re-assembly

Steps for reassembling the trimmer after brush cutter attachment use.

Operating the Rapid-Link System

Install the Shoulder Support

Guide on how to attach and adjust the shoulder support.

Removing the Cutting Attachment or Add-On

Instructions for safely detaching accessories from the unit.

Installing the Cutting Attachment or Add-On

Steps for securely attaching accessories to the unit.

Oil and Fuel Information

Recommended Oil Type

Details on the correct type and weight of oil for the unit.

Adding Oil to Crankcase: Initial Use

How to add oil to the crankcase before the first use.

Recommended Fuel Type

Information on the appropriate type of unleaded gasoline to use.

Using Blended Fuels

Precautions and guidelines for using fuels with ethanol blends.

Using Fuel Additives

Benefits and usage of fuel additives for engine maintenance.

Fueling the Unit

Safe procedures for refueling the unit's fuel tank.

StartingStopping Instructions

Starting Instructions

Step-by-step guide for starting the engine using the manual pull cord.

Starting Instructions for Electric Starter or Power Start Bit

How to start the unit using optional electric starter or power start bit.

Stopping Instructions

Procedures for safely shutting down the unit's engine.

Operating Instructions

Holding the Trimmer

Proper techniques for holding and balancing the trimmer during use.

Adjusting Trimming Line Length

Methods for releasing and extending the trimmer line.

Tips for Best Trimming Results

Advice for optimizing cutting performance and efficiency.

Decorative Trimming

Techniques for performing precise trimming around objects.

Using the Cutting Blade

Guidelines and safety for operating the unit with a cutting blade.

Maintenance and Repair Instructions

Checking the Oil Level

Procedure for verifying the engine oil level.

Removing the Line

Instructions for taking out the trimmer line from the cutting head.

Line Installation

Steps for installing new trimmer line into the cutting head.

Changing the Oil

Detailed steps for draining and refilling the engine oil.

Air Filter Maintenance

Procedures for cleaning and maintaining the air filter.

Idle Speed Adjustment

How to adjust the engine's idle speed for optimal performance.

Rocker Arm Clearance

Instructions for checking and adjusting valve rocker arm clearance.

Replacing the Spark Plug

Guide on how to remove and replace the spark plug.

Cleaning and Storage

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the exterior of the unit.

Storage

Guidelines for storing the unit for short and long periods.

Troubleshooting

Optional Accessory

Electric Starter and Power Start Bit Features

Information about optional starting accessories.

Specifications

Manufacturers Limited Warranty

How to Obtain Service

Instructions on how to get warranty service and locate dealers.

Warranty Exclusions

Situations and parts not covered by the limited warranty.

How State Law Relates to this Warranty

Explanation of specific legal rights granted by the warranty.