CUB CADET 490-280-F016 135CCA 12 Volt AGM Battery Mini Rider Hydro CC30H 725P17136 725-17136 490-280-Y016 490-280-C016

What It Is

The CUB CADET 490-280-F016 is a sealed AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery delivering 135 cold-cranking amps (CCA) at 12 volts, designed specifically for Cub Cadet mini riders and hydrostatic lawn tractors like the CC30H. It powers the engine start and electrical system without requiring water or maintenance.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, check your machine’s model and serial number against Cub Cadet’s official list. This battery replaces OEM numbers 490-280-Y016, 490-280-C016, 725P17136, and 725-17136. It fits the CC30H mini rider, but also works on many 30-inch deck hydrostatic models from the same era. Measure your battery tray: this unit is approximately 7.5” L x 5.1” W x 6.2” H (Group U1 size). Verify terminal orientation (positive left or right) matches your cable routing—this battery has standard SAE posts, but adapter spacers may be needed if your cables use small flag terminals. Not compatible with push mowers or zero-turn riders requiring larger batteries.

Key Things to Know

• AGM advantage: No filling, no acid spills, and vibration-resistant—ideal for rough terrain. Lasts longer than standard flooded batteries in seasonal use.
• Installation difficulty: Easy (15 minutes). Disconnect negative cable first, swap battery, reconnect positive then negative. A 10mm wrench is all you need.
• Common gotcha: This is a 135CCA battery—enough for a small engine, but insufficient for cold-weather starts below 20°F if your mower sits for weeks. Use a trickle charger (1A or less) during storage to avoid sulfation.
• Check date code: Newer batteries (code letter after “B” indicates year) perform better. Avoid anything more than 6 months old at purchase.

Should You Buy It

If you own a Cub Cadet CC30H or compatible mini rider and want a drop-in, maintenance-free battery that handles seasonal use well, this is a solid choice. It’s not for extreme cold or heavy electrical loads, but for standard mowing and occasional starts, the price and 4.4-star rating make it a reliable replacement. Skip it if you need higher CCA for frequent cold cranking or a larger capacity for accessories.