I've owned a Cub Cadet for four years, and it has been terrific. Low maintenance, lots of power, mows my steep two-acre lot easily, hauls plenty in a trailer, and has a terrific snow blower that is great here in Vermont.
@@MowerMike owned JD LA130 and the L46 transmission in it is complete trash. Mine failed and was told by dealer, it's disposable. Complete removal to change fluid and seals and it ran about two hours then failed for good. JD has nice green paint but not much else to stand out for the price tag put on these little tractors. Too bad it's not simple & dependable pulley sprocket & chain drive. NO, I don't work for any tractor company.
I have a LT 1045 bought it in 2007 and it’s still going strong 09/2023. Yearly maintenance and keeping it out the weather. Take care of it it will take care of you.
I own a Cub Cadet, and I have another pet peeve to add to your list. It leaks oil like crazy! I've had to replace almost every gasket at least once which is a pain. But on the bright side, it is 15 years old, and still works well which is why I hang onto it.
The original Cub Cadets were made by International Harvester (IH) in the 1960’s and they were a decent unit. Then MTD bought the Cub Cadet name (minus the IH) sometime in the 80’s and they went down hill fast.
Everything MTD makes is crap. I remember when they bought up the troy Bilt name after garden way went under, and they started spitting out the same junk with just a different label.
Yes I had an original Cub built in the 70s. It was a superb machine, but mine was too low in hp (12hp Kohler) so I upgraded to a 20hp Wheel Horse with an Onan. Best tractor ever. Sadly I let it go as part of a house sale and "upgraded" (so I thought) to a JD 345. It's like a BMW car, breaks frequently and the parts are outrageously expensive.
@@billm6294 onan engines were since bought up by Cummins and they scrapped all the onan engine line. Onan engines were extremly expensive parts wise and even more expensive today. Onan engines are OK, however even with strict maintenance, they still have issues.
I've got a Cub Cadet that's given me no trouble since I bought it in 2013. I've used it well for my lawn care business and no complaints. I will add that I bought it from a Cub Cadet dealer and not a big box store.
Wow, I got my first Cub Cadet 2yrs ago and with 3 bolts the engine cover comes right off. Never have had trouble starting it yet. Took the spark plug out for the first time this year and put it back because it didn't have a bit of soot on either the side or center electrode. So far it has been a good mower..Very easy to push in neutral and has very good traction backing up. So far so good. We will see.........
@@MowerMike Well, we will see. I have never really had a huge pref. in name brands. Sometimes manufactures will watch videos like yours just to see what the complaints are about, and perhaps remedy as necessary. This is going on the 3rd year so I will post any failures. As I said, this was a first time cub cadet purchase just to see if they were any better than ones I have bought in the past. I would like to try out a John Deere though..Maybe next purchase?
My whole fleet from pushers to riders are Cub Cadet. The American made ones that cost more and I have not had a single issue aside from slow tire leaks. Ive had 2 with Briggs or Chinese cub branded motors and wore them out insanely fast. All my Kholer Cubs work great, season after season.
I have a 22 year old Cub Cadet 1515 38” deck 15hp Kohler Command with ball bearing front wheels and a big 6” Electric Clutch and has almost 1100 hours. Never touched Engine or the Heavy Duty Hydro transmission. Replaced drive belt once and quite a few deck belts. Has same spindles and I replaced most idler pulleys. Deck in good shape as it is kept greased and oiled at points where rust could start. Put tubes in 3 of the tires. On 4 th Battery. They stopped making this unit around 2004 and the newer ones not built as good. Mine has the metal hood and is real heavy Duty. That was one of their best series. Also replaced blades every 4 years. Never sharpened them.
We had a Cub Cadet in the 60's. It lasted a long time and was great. The new stuff Deere included are plastic junk. I currently own for past 18 years a Kubota BX18 series with a real tractor engine, a diesel!
MTD bought Cub Cadet from International Harvester way back in 1981. They kept the garden tractor line excellent quality for a while, and even made some innovations there. Then they implemented the classic MTD (Made to Die) corporate board room strategy, to cheapen everything down as much as possible. MTD is now owned by Stanley/Black and Decker, so expect even worse.
Perfect comment! But here's the question: Is it really a design "flaw" when the designers deliberately design their junk to fail? Planned obsolescence was conceived in the 1930s and put into standard practice in the 1950s. Producing disposable junk to keep consumers coming back to buy the same junk over and over again is a feature not a flaw of modern manufacturing. When you design something to fail and it fails, that's flawless design execution. The fact that Stanley/Black and Decker are now holding the reigns of this acquisition is just more evidence of deliberate-design obsolescence. They were one of the earlier adopters of this philosophy way back in the 60s when their tool quality began to decline and was solidified in 1990 when all Stanley tool manufacturing went to China. I call that flawless, well-oiled corporatism.
I have had a John Deere D130 for the last 8 years and I have no complaints. I find that doing yearly maintenance is pretty straight forward. The deck comes off easily, the pulleys and spindles are fairly easy to work on. It's just a well thought out machine. This was a great video, I like the way he tells it just like it is.
I'm with you on everything EXCEPT the gear size. It only needs to be as big as the gear it's meshing with. They both are meshing with a stamped steel 'gear' for the steering.
The engine shroud will come off without removing the gas tank if you are careful the fuel tank comes out in 5 minutes. Deck issues are avoidable if proper maintenance is done. Steering is crap but easily fixed and yours is missing a washer that goes above the gear. This is all a mute point because they have been redisigned.
You are wrong about the engine shroud, no way that comes out without the tank off. Also this video is not talking about new Cubs is for people who are buying used stuff and can’t afford the $3k mower so far from a mute point.
I have had my CC for only 5 or 6 years and have zero complaints about it. It's been reliable and does a good job doing what it was built to do. The only thing I've had to do is regular oil changes, sharpening the blades, and replace the battery.....regular maintenance stuff. It may or may not be better than JD's equivalent, but that doesn't matter much to me because I'm happy with what I've got and would not hesitate to buy another CC should the need arise.
I have a 2005 Cub Cadet LT1046 that I have had since new and it has been outstanding! I mow a 1/2 acre suburban lot in Summer and snow plow my driveway and 270 feet of sidewalk in the Winters. I will say I MUCH prefer my fuel tank located under the seat to the one shown here.
I was a John Deere mechanic for years and am not impressed by this cheaper series but they are way better then most of the others. I've replaced lots of steering pinions and a few sectors. The sectors wear away in the center so I sometimes would cut an unworn section of the sector teeth and weld it over the center of the new one to double the width of the teeth and lifespan. I also greased these parts and the bushings. Never had to work on that version of the cub cadet but I welded up lots of Deere decks at lift points etc.
I have a flat 3/4 of an acre. I don't need a big mower, it can be 30" but nothing bigger than 42", because right now I use a push mower, while that is great for a excellent work out, I'm not getting any younger (60 yrs) and anything is better than walking for 3 hours especially in a North Carolina summer. By the way, I don't need to have a Zero Turn mower, just a solid and not expensive vehicle. I'm strongly leaning towards John Deere. Thank you for your suggestions!
I own a 2007 LT 1046 with about 1000 hours. I would suggest having access to a welder to keep the deck and frame in top condition. The hydrogear transaxle and Kohler engine are bulletproof.
I bought a 2001 cub cadet 46” . I used it to cut approx. 4 acres and in the winter I attached a snow blower to it and cleared a 100’ long double width driveway. Sadly the transmission went bad in 2018. I bought another cub cadet that summer and it also works great! Deere is OK if you don’t mind overpaying for the brand and the parts.
"Knock on wood", we've had our LTX 1050 w/Kawasaki engine for 14 years with no major issues, and it still runs and cuts great. The engine hood removes easily on the Kawasaki. The only thing I've had to replace are blades and a starter. I'm still rocking that original belt. I dread the day I have to replace it.
i have several jds from the 1990s . tough as nails , but i've always thought they went out of their way to make them hard to work on . same with my 1960 era 1010 farm tractor . glad to hear they've lightened up on us fix it yourselfers .
My 1054 worked great(27hp powerful) til putting on a new transmission drive belt, after a few hrs mowing the belt loosened & started slipping a little more every time, I cannot figure how to simply tension that belt, but its connected to the brakes which when put on disengages the belt totally = somewhere in there it may adjust like the deck belt-? *So keep 👀 for a clue if it even has tensioning-?
Love to hear your opinion of the Cub Cadet XT line. They came out in 2015-16 so they've been around for a while. Supposedly they fixed all the engineering flaws of the old 1046.
My neighbor gave me a JD 110 after her husband passed away. Less than 200 hours had to replace the deck spindles and yes John Deere makes the same plates to reinforce the deck around the spindles. The plastic hinge on the front of the hood broke and while mowing one day the hood fell completely off in the grass. I have a 2007 Cub zero turn with almost 900 hours. I rebuilt one hydraulic motor on it, replaced a couple of pulleys and belts. Still going strong.
Interesting that the only deck I have seen ripped out was a small John Deere. They also seem to have a bad habit of the paint falling off in sheets. Probably no primer. I think the JD is a thicker 12Ga and the Cub is 13Ga. Not a fan of Kohler. The parts are made in China then assembled and run in the U.S. Briggs is "supposed" to be American made for American engines. I had a 1960 something Cub that was a tank. Not even in the same ball park as what they make now. I am trying my first Husqvarna with a Briggs V-Twin. Time will tell, but seems kinda wimpy built so far. They did add reinforcement to the thin deck.
Had a cub cadet for over 20 years, other then routine maintenance I didnt have any problems. Just bought a new cub cadet and love it! It’s cheaper than John Deere’s too
I have a 2015 model Cub Cadet with over 200 hours on it and it works fine not a problem in fact both them John Deere and the others all used Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission so the only difference is the engine itself
My previous riding mower was a 2005 Troy Built Pony ($700) that lasted me 17 years. These riding mowers are now around $2600 - $3000...this is insane regardless of who makes them. Before COVID the Pony was $999. I just picked up a two year old Cub Cadet LT46 XT1 for $1200. Great machine, has a quiet Kohler 7000 series engine. Excellent condition, looks new. Looking forward to many years of use.
I've got an LT120. Always needs a shot of starting fluid to get going. Noticed the pinion gear was getting a bit worn and got an extra for when needed. Always had respect for Cub Cadet, maybe the newer ones eliminated these issues, but I'll keep what I've got and if the engine were to blow, it's only 4 bolts and $500 for a new one.
Can't say much about Cub Cadet improving, but the JD's in the same price bracket have declined in quality. Pathetic seeing JD's with plastic transaxles.
@@PageMarker1 I just found out JD got rid of the plastic transaxle in the last year or two. The amount of 1 star reviews suggests the failure rate wasn't worth the money the bean counters thought they would save.
@@hochhaul The amount of money spent on warrantied mower repairs really gobbled up however much they saved when they retooled from metal to plastic parts as that transition had to have been costly. JD's cost more because of the name and there is a qualitative value inherent in brand loyalty. Thanks for the good news!
I'm a small engine repair. The cub cadets the ltx or lt series mowers are a hot repair item here in Michigan. They need to be maintained, and people don't do that, and it leads to bigger issues. People complain about the kohler courage that came in a lot of them. I have several mowers and have had a ltx1050 since new and never had an issue, but I do preventive maintenance every year. It's amazing what you would save yourself if people would check the oil, air filter, plug/s, fuel filter and use rec fuel. Grease the zercs and check your blades
The JD needed the (unsafe) electric fuel pump because the fuel tank is low relative to the carb. The CC is basically gravity feed like a motorcycle. Also easy to see fuel level with tank in front. My last lawn tractor was a 2008 LT 1045 46" deck with snow blade/weights/chains. 2 acres of lawn and 300' driveway to plow in Michigan winters. That tractor lasted 14 years of hard year-round service and was still going strong when I sold it for $500. I then immediately purchased a new CC XT1 46" and couldn't be happier. I never had a steering gear problem, never had a spindle mount problem, never had a PTO belt retainer problem, never had a carb problem and never had to remove the engine cowling. I did always keep the tractor in my garage when not in use. I also cleaned the darn thing at least once a year. Also no funky "oil change cartridge" like on the green tractors.
The spindle damage is what happened to mine although it did take 16 years for it to happen. My question is, how old is the deck in the video? I had my 1st Cub Cadet ( LT 1050 ) from 2007 -2022. It went thru hell and just kept on going.
Well Mike, you win. I just Bought a NEW JOHN DEERE S 100, I'm a big fan of cub cadet, mine was built back in 2009, and is still a good machine...but..? I listened to what you said, and took it to heart. It's been fun arguing with you, but at 77 years old, I know when I've been beat.
I have an 05 lt1046 with 700 hour and kohler courage 23and have never had the issues you are talking about, I have replaced the spindles and belt of course and my gas tank is under the seat. Steering still works great. Don't know where that mower came from.
I bought one used and it goggles through deck belts like cheese sticks. I have no issues with the motor or how it runs, you just have to be careful when cutting high grass or you'll knock out the belt. I just recently bought a brand new zero-turn Cub cadet.
I have a 2006 Cub Cadet RZT 50 I bought new. I have cut my 1 acre yard with it all these years and only did oil and blade changes. I still have the original blade and drive belts on it after almost 17 years. The Kawasaki engine has been amazing.
I’ve got two cub cadet 1046s and absolutely LOVE them! Owned a lot of mowers in my 40 years mowing and Cubs are far superior IN MY OPINION to any I’ve owned and that’s a lot!
Bought a John Deere Sabre in 2001 and it's still going strong, however, the tic-tacky things are starting to amount on it, so will be in the market. This video was very useful.
I've had my Cub Cadet LTX 1050 for twelve years without a problem. Just in the past week it started to sputter when engaging the blades. Turned out to be some dirt in the gas line. Can't complain about that after twelve years. By the way, I have a Kawasaki engine and the carb is easy to get to. Blame the carb access problem you mentioned on Kohler.
I think MTD or whoever has owned Cub Cadet for the past 6 years hit on a good thing with the XT1 & 2 series. Only minor changes in hat time and the reviews have been pretty good all round. But I can understand your frustration with the older Cubbies.
I recently picked up a Cub Cadet LTX1040 for FREE! So far, it will need some welding on deck, a starter, tires/inner tubes, a full tune-up/oil change, and I think it will run ok.
I don't get it, I have a 2015 Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 with 500 hrs. and have never had an issue! My only complaint is the piece of sh*t cheap as* seat and Cub Cadet wants almost $300.00 for another piece of sh*t seat. I do however appreciate your observations and experiences and will keep them in mind when I buy another one.
Are 2024 cub cadets XT1 Enduro LT 46 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series designed the same way as the old one in your video. I was going to buy the enduro lt 46 but now I am hesitant. Should I buy the John Deere s110 or s120….help?
@@jameshill8138 You can try topping it off with some 10w30. There should be a litttle rubber plug on the back of the transmission where you can add fluid.
How are the Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro series? Have any of those come to your shop yet? Are all of the Cub Cadet’s lineup (including the high end models) built the same way? Just curious-looking for something that can handle 5 acres. The Cub XT2 GX54 caught my eye, it looks like a Tonka truck LOL. But if it’s still built like garbage, I don’t want it.
I like both brands. I have an i1046 with 400+ hours. The only thing that broke was my fault and easy to fix. I just park it over winter, charge the battery, add new gas to the tank (tank is in the back,) and for 15 years, I'm mowing for another season. It handles a steep ditch slope pretty easily. I don't know any JDs (or other mowers) that would handle it as well, except for the new CC that also has steering wheel zero turn capability. Gas tank is in the back, so that is not a worry. I will mention that CC parts have generic replacements; they are much cheaper, being available from many competitive sources.
Ive got a 2006 LT1045 with 420 ( bought it at 400 ) hours on it with the Kohler. Previous owner didnt even change the oil. Belts were just about to snap. I cleaned the grease n crud off the engine, put new belts on. Mower runs like a champ. Mowed my 3 acres all season, no issues and my yard isnt groomed. Rocks, tree branches n so on with hills. Mine has the tank in the rear under the seat. Maybe they started making them junk after 2006 but id buy a new 06 anytime if they still made them that way.
Have a CC LT1045, the deck is holding up just fine?, had to rebuild the spindles once and had to replace them a couple of years ago now, and the blades and deck belt don't hold up well to all the gopher mounds it flattens out!, other than that it's been a great mower.
I have a 2010 CC1024RD-N. Had it from new, probably between 6 and 800 hours on it. Removable deck has been taken off and washed each time I use it (takes 15 minutes) The mowers Kawasaki engine has regular oil and filter changes, it has had one deck belt and had performed faultlessly in 14 years. It looks better than most 1 year old mowers and is my prize possession. I have no clue what this man is on about🤷♂️
Please answer this question for me koler 7000 V-Twin what's the life expectancy on it if maintain extremely well how many hours The same question goes for the Kawasaki engine. Fr And a single piston Briggs & Stratton I'm just very curious what you see out there hours wise
I appreciate the question but I don’t know the answer. For me it is all about maintaining the engine. If you keep the air filter and oil clean they will last as long as you need to use them. 600-900 hours is the most I have seen on any of them though.
You can have the inconvenience of a gas tank woth gravity feed, or you can replace fuel pumps and/or pump diaphragms. One isn't better or worse than the other, necessarily. Just different design decisions.
I have a Cub Cadet RTZ-S that I have put through torture in the past 9 years and it keeps coming back for more. These older LTX models were replaced by the Enduro series back in 2014. A lot of these issues you mentioned are only on those older models.
@@MowerMike They are making improvements with the Cub Cadet line for sure. I am about to buy the new Cub Ultima ZTS 2, steering wheel Zero turn. Going over the new model I have seen some great improvements even over my older RTZ-S. If you have never used a steering wheel zero turn mower that Cub makes(I think they own the patent), they are game changers for those that mow on a slope of any kind.
@@philmccabe9547 I bought one last spring. My house is in the middle of one big hill. My Husq's were constantly getting hung up spinning and it was difficult to shift weight to the side that was. The Cub Z has worked like a champ so far and I'm able to cut much more that I used to have to push or weedeat.
Definitely the Cub cadet deck is a nightmare. Specifically the timed deck. I've welded mine banged it with a 3lb hammer done just about everything to keep it mowing. Never had an issue with the steering myself and don't have an electric pto so good to know about that bar. My next more another Cub cadet will have a fabricated deck so hopefully no more issues with that.
I was given an L110 with over 1000 hours on it. Besides flaking paint on the fenderdeck and mowing deck, everything functions as it should and it fires right up every time. Wasn't even maintained properly, the air filter was all rust and the transaxle fluid was never replaced. I think the true issue is QC on these box store models, because some people have the worst luck with these mowers!
Our LT1042 finally bit the dust last week when the engine died, I could have fixed it but opted to buy a newer Cub. 18 years and 900+ hours out of a tractor is good enough for me. I’m really not a fan of JD because of how they treat farmers with their larger tractors and getting repairs. I can’t support that system.
I was servicing a neighbors CC not really he forgot to put oil in it. BLEW THE COURAGE engine up. Is there a good replacement engine that I can drop in to get him going again. Or should I part it out?
Good question, I suggest just finding another used Kohler online or off a different mower. Or just get a predator engine from Harbor freight just make sure the wiring matches up. They are different between the Briggs and Kohler
I have zero clue who owned that cub cadet, but to me it seems like it wasn't taken care of. I rarely have to work on my cub cadet and when it does break I don't have those goofy issues, and I've had it since 2004.
My Dad owned a 1972 John Deere 300. Last year my older brother sold it running with a 48" deck, tiller, blade and snowblower. Not too bad for fifty years old. My John Deere has a long way to go as it just turned 22 years old. I have noticed Cub Cadets have increased in price to the point where they are nearly the same as a John Deere. Buy one if you want to but.......
I have a LTX 1040 never had that problem before just regular maintenance spend those blades tune-up and he's got over two hundred hours on it I was just replace the two front tires
I don't need a mower. I need a snow plow for my driveway. I'm typically clearing a foot or two per storm, clearing a foot at a time, here in Maine. I don't want to buy a pickup truck with a plow and wondered if this sort of thing would suffice. Thanks.
I’ve a John Deere now but my first mower was a GT14 Jacobson it was built like a Indy car all tube construction with a Kohler engine. It could Barrie it’s self it was so strong and powerful
I have a 22yo Murray and the deck and spindles are like new. Mows as good as the new $3k CC my neighbor bought. Just safety switches break. It has a 46X briggs opposed. Steering and hardware on the Murray works great. Got plenty of use, The new box store stuff looks very flimsy.
@@MowerMike How do you like the older opposed engines. Seems there is nothing to break! A small engine repair place said to hold on it to it as long as you can. He told me he repowered some newer commercial equipment with my engine and they run fine.
That Cub im sure was a MTD cause my Troybilt Bronco was identical. The gear and especiallly the bushing was so bad i could only turn to the right and the steering would lock up at the end of the turn. Had to remove the big fuel tank. $8 part took me six hours to fix. Lathered the shaft with syn grease feels like it has power steering now. Had to call MTD last week woman informed me they were bought by Stanley/Black and Decker. A company that makes woodworking tools and coffee pots thought MTD was bad before.
I have to LOL in your general direction. I bought a Cub in 2004. It lasted till Aug 2022. Bought another 1 end of August 2022. I'll get back to you in 2040 when i need to get a new one.
@Mower Mike LOL, ur a good sport that way bro. Dint mean it in a meanie poopyhead way......just sharing what Cub did for me is all.....rock on my friend.
They make the reinforcement rings for John Deere decks also. I rebuilt an old L100 that was thoroughly used and abused that needed them. Saying that, the mower is 19 years old and has an old B&S single cylinder splash lubricated engine and it is still going strong (yes the compression release is broken, but all you have to do is turn back the engine and it starts every time).
Thanks for the video... getting ready to purchase my first lawn tractor. Looking at the John Deere S240. The Cub Cadet you are showing is not nearly as robust as the John Deere.
I have owned three Cub Cadets and one John Deere. My current tractor is a Deere X758. I transitioned to a Deere X758 in order to get a diesel engine. All three of my Cub Cadets were solid and reliable machines. I owned them for years. The biggest plus I give Cub Cadet over Deere is dealer support. The local John Deere dealership transitioned from a local mom and pop business to a huge operation with many stores. They forgot about the little guy like me. I never had that issue with the Cub Cadet dealership. Sorry, I am not an employee of Cub Cadet. I am employed as a Deputy Sheriff.
I've had my XT1 for seven years. If you take care of it by using a tune-up kit and winterizing it properly you will have no issues. As of 4/16/24, a new XT1 at HD is 2299 and the equivalent JD is 2399. I paid 1600 minus 10 percent for being a military retiree. Take care of your mowers and you'll have little to no issues. I bought a CC ZT1 three years ago. It's a good machine at the time it was 1000 dollars less than the JD equivalent.
My box store cub is now 12 years old . I have to add gas and change the oil . Most people around here own JDs and consider owning a JD a status symbol . My brother bought a new box store JD and it mowed for 27 feet before the rear axle on the new JD soiled the linen . Warranty was denied by Lowes and JD 🤪 . Pretty cool , eh?
I have a 2006 LT1045 with 20hp kolher courage twin cylinder. It has 625hrs on it and very little issues other than normal wear and tear. Mow about 2.5 acres where we live for the last 16 years.
That's the cheap big box store Cub Cadet with the stamped deck. I have a 12 year old XT2 Cub Cadet (dealer only model) it has the much heavier 54" deck, stronger transmission, bigger tires and 26HP Kohler 7000Series engine, and it works all year round. So far just about 600 hours on it, including running the 42" 3 stage snowblower on my large paved uphill driveway in the winter and my 1.5 acre yard all summer, and other than routine maintenance (oil and filter changes, greasing spindles, etc. and sharpening blades) no issues whatsoever. When I bought it I also looked at the JD unit comparable, it was $2,000 more, had 2 fewer horsepower and a stamped deck instead of the fabricated deck on the Cub Cadet, as well as a warranty not as good as the Cub Cadet. No diss to the JD owners, but I think I made the right choice, just my opinion.
Bought my MTD/Cub SLT 1550 back in '06. 25 hp Kohler V twin. Had some minor issues over time and when I looked online for help, well the comments from people made me think I bought the worst machine ever made. I just changed the original belts last year at 400 hrs. The steering bushing twice and tie rod ends once and the wheels still splay out when backing. New front tires too. But all in all I don't think I can complain compared to other's problems. But yeah, MTD does kinda ruin things.
Cup Cadet has The Strongest Warranty in it's class 3-year / unlimited-hour warranty. Plus, limited lifetime warranty on frame and fabricated deck shell. John Deere, All new John Deere commercial mowers come with a standard basic warranty on the full machine of 24 months/unlimited hours. The warranty does not include mower decks. Cup Cadet is the winner.
I've owned a Cub Cadet for four years, and it has been terrific. Low maintenance, lots of power, mows my steep two-acre lot easily, hauls plenty in a trailer, and has a terrific snow blower that is great here in Vermont.
Okok got beware viewers of fake news, looks like we have another Cub employee leaving comments again. Haha ;)
@@MowerMike owned JD LA130 and the L46 transmission in it is complete trash. Mine failed and was told by dealer, it's disposable. Complete removal to change fluid and seals and it ran about two hours then failed for good. JD has nice green paint but not much else to stand out for the price tag put on these little tractors. Too bad it's not simple & dependable pulley sprocket & chain drive. NO, I don't work for any tractor company.
Two words make me wary. Wonderful and terrific when people defend. One was used twice.
@@MowerMike HAD my cub cadet for 3 years now and love it, I also bought 2 stage snow blower from Cub, and love it too.
@@MowerMike what?
I'm in the market for a new mower and was leaning towards a Cub Cadet. You changed my mind.
Just to clarify this video is about old used cubs. The new ones maybe fine
I have a LT 1045 bought it in 2007 and it’s still going strong 09/2023. Yearly maintenance and keeping it out the weather. Take care of it it will take care of you.
That is what I tell the wife
I have a CC kohler 22hp XT1 the oil seales failed.
I own a Cub Cadet, and I have another pet peeve to add to your list. It leaks oil like crazy! I've had to replace almost every gasket at least once which is a pain. But on the bright side, it is 15 years old, and still works well which is why I hang onto it.
I hear ya, once you get the quirks worked out I am sure she is a good mower
How old is your car????
The original Cub Cadets were made by International Harvester (IH) in the 1960’s and they were a decent unit. Then MTD bought the Cub Cadet name (minus the IH) sometime in the 80’s and they went down hill fast.
Yep all went to crap
Everything MTD makes is crap. I remember when they bought up the troy Bilt name after garden way went under, and they started spitting out the same junk with just a different label.
Yes I had an original Cub built in the 70s. It was a superb machine, but mine was too low in hp (12hp Kohler) so I upgraded to a 20hp Wheel Horse with an Onan. Best tractor ever. Sadly I let it go as part of a house sale and "upgraded" (so I thought) to a JD 345. It's like a BMW car, breaks frequently and the parts are outrageously expensive.
MTD was bought out by Stanley/Black and Decker last year...don't expect them to improve.
@@billm6294 onan engines were since bought up by Cummins and they scrapped all the onan engine line. Onan engines were extremly expensive parts wise and even more expensive today. Onan engines are OK, however even with strict maintenance, they still have issues.
I bought my cub cadet in 1992 and just mowed my lawn yesterday with it !! My model 1863 is a workhorse!!
Wow that is awesome.
I've got a Cub Cadet that's given me no trouble since I bought it in 2013. I've used it well for my lawn care business and no complaints. I will add that I bought it from a Cub Cadet dealer and not a big box store.
Wow, I got my first Cub Cadet 2yrs ago and with 3 bolts the engine cover comes right off. Never have had trouble starting it yet. Took the spark plug out for the first time this year and put it back because it didn't have a bit of soot on either the side or center electrode. So far it has been a good mower..Very easy to push in neutral and has very good traction backing up. So far so good. We will see.........
Sounds like ya got a good mower there.
@@MowerMike Well, we will see. I have never really had a huge pref. in name brands. Sometimes manufactures will watch videos like yours just to see what the complaints are about, and perhaps remedy as necessary. This is going on the 3rd year so I will post any failures. As I said, this was a first time cub cadet purchase just to see if they were any better than ones I have bought in the past. I would like to try out a John Deere though..Maybe next purchase?
My whole fleet from pushers to riders are Cub Cadet. The American made ones that cost more and I have not had a single issue aside from slow tire leaks. Ive had 2 with Briggs or Chinese cub branded motors and wore them out insanely fast. All my Kholer Cubs work great, season after season.
Aggg damn leaky tires!!!! I thought all cubs were American made
@@MowerMike the Cub plant in Georgia that produces the full American, non- Chinese cub branded or Kawasaki parts burned down.
I have a 22 year old Cub Cadet 1515 38” deck 15hp Kohler Command with ball bearing front wheels and a big 6” Electric Clutch and has almost 1100 hours. Never touched Engine or the Heavy Duty Hydro transmission. Replaced drive belt once and quite a few deck belts. Has same spindles and I replaced most idler pulleys. Deck in good shape as it is kept greased and oiled at points where rust could start. Put tubes in 3 of the tires. On 4 th Battery. They stopped making this unit around 2004 and the newer ones not built as good. Mine has the metal hood and is real heavy Duty. That was one of their best series. Also replaced blades every 4 years. Never sharpened them.
@@donaldbracciano832like the old craftsman tractors from late 60s early 70's. Beast of a machine
@@donaldbracciano832
Sharpening isn't hard.
We had a Cub Cadet in the 60's. It lasted a long time and was great. The new stuff Deere included are plastic junk. I currently own for past 18 years a Kubota BX18 series with a real tractor engine, a diesel!
Very cool had to google that one, some day I will get my hands on a Kubota.
I have a LTX 1040 I bought eight years ago and yes I replace belts spindles blades but I've never had any steering problems
MTD bought Cub Cadet from International Harvester way back in 1981. They kept the garden tractor line excellent quality for a while, and even made some innovations there. Then they implemented the classic MTD (Made to Die) corporate board room strategy, to cheapen everything down as much as possible. MTD is now owned by Stanley/Black and Decker, so expect even worse.
Yep but it is interesting that there are design difference in the various MTD brands
@Hell's favorite Salty Berserker Got to watch the video my view is very clear
Perfect comment! But here's the question: Is it really a design "flaw" when the designers deliberately design their junk to fail? Planned obsolescence was conceived in the 1930s and put into standard practice in the 1950s.
Producing disposable junk to keep consumers coming back to buy the same junk over and over again is a feature not a flaw of modern manufacturing. When you design something to fail and it fails, that's flawless design execution.
The fact that Stanley/Black and Decker are now holding the reigns of this acquisition is just more evidence of deliberate-design obsolescence. They were one of the earlier adopters of this philosophy way back in the 60s when their tool quality began to decline and was solidified in 1990 when all Stanley tool manufacturing went to China.
I call that flawless, well-oiled corporatism.
Yup... Stanley drove Mac Tools into bankruptcy too... shifted to Asian tool production from Ohio-based tools. Sad.
Black and Decker (Bleak and Darker). I understand that Bleak and Darker now owns the Hustler Brand.
My newest cub is from 1971. Still runs and mows great.
Haha love it
That was when they were a good well engineered machine.
I have had a John Deere D130 for the last 8 years and I have no complaints. I find that doing yearly maintenance is pretty straight forward. The deck comes off easily, the pulleys and spindles are fairly easy to work on. It's just a well thought out machine. This was a great video, I like the way he tells it just like it is.
Glad ya enjoyed it and didn’t argue your own point in the comment lol. So many opinions on lawn mowers out there!
I'm with you on everything EXCEPT the gear size. It only needs to be as big as the gear it's meshing with. They both are meshing with a stamped steel 'gear' for the steering.
I know, but it sure makes good tv showing the two gears side by side lol
Ive had my 1050 Cub for 11 years. Regular oil changes and grease the front spindles. No problems at all! And Im a bit rough on it too.
Some like it rough.
The engine shroud will come off without removing the gas tank if you are careful the fuel tank comes out in 5 minutes. Deck issues are avoidable if proper maintenance is done. Steering is crap but easily fixed and yours is missing a washer that goes above the gear. This is all a mute point because they have been redisigned.
You are wrong about the engine shroud, no way that comes out without the tank off.
Also this video is not talking about new Cubs is for people who are buying used stuff and can’t afford the $3k mower so far from a mute point.
Thanks!
Haha thanks man! No one ever tips me, especially for my rambling opinions on Cub Cadets.
I have had my CC for only 5 or 6 years and have zero complaints about it. It's been reliable and does a good job doing what it was built to do. The only thing I've had to do is regular oil changes, sharpening the blades, and replace the battery.....regular maintenance stuff. It may or may not be better than JD's equivalent, but that doesn't matter much to me because I'm happy with what I've got and would not hesitate to buy another CC should the need arise.
Good to hear, you have to realize anything I work on in my videos is way over 15 years old and they have been rode hard and put up wet.
Wait until your steering goes out, and it will. That is no fun to fix.
I have a 2005 Cub Cadet LT1046 that I have had since new and it has been outstanding! I mow a 1/2 acre suburban lot in Summer and snow plow my driveway and 270 feet of sidewalk in the Winters. I will say I MUCH prefer my fuel tank located under the seat to the one shown here.
Sounds like a beast
I was a John Deere mechanic for years and am not impressed by this cheaper series but they are way better then most of the others. I've replaced lots of steering pinions and a few sectors. The sectors wear away in the center so I sometimes would cut an unworn section of the sector teeth and weld it over the center of the new one to double the width of the teeth and lifespan. I also greased these parts and the bushings. Never had to work on that version of the cub cadet but I welded up lots of Deere decks at lift points etc.
Wow welding two sector gears to increase the thickness, now that is a good idea. Appreciate the comment I may have to do a video on that idea.
What Deere mower would you recommend from the 1990s or 2000s?
I have a flat 3/4 of an acre. I don't need a big mower, it can be 30" but nothing bigger than 42", because right now I use a push mower, while that is great for a excellent work out, I'm not getting any younger (60 yrs) and anything is better than walking for 3 hours especially in a North Carolina summer. By the way, I don't need to have a Zero Turn mower, just a solid and not expensive vehicle. I'm strongly leaning towards John Deere. Thank you for your suggestions!
Glad to help, older Craftsmen or Toros are good used models also.
By john deere at your peril!!!!!!!
I own a 2007 LT 1046 with about 1000 hours. I would suggest having access to a welder to keep the deck and frame in top condition. The hydrogear transaxle and Kohler engine are bulletproof.
Damn well done, 1,000 hours is impressive on one of these.
@RMV2805 I am sure there is one in my yard somewhere haha
@RMV2805 I've got the two cylinder Kohler engine.
I agree Ken, 420 hours here on my 06 but mines the single cyl. Good engine if u ask me getting 420 so far with neglected oil changes.
By the way the hour meter rolls over at 1000 hours and now it's showing 8 hours.
I bought a 2001 cub cadet 46” . I used it to cut approx. 4 acres and in the winter I attached a snow blower to it and cleared a 100’ long double width driveway. Sadly the transmission went bad in 2018. I bought another cub cadet that summer and it also works great! Deere is OK if you don’t mind overpaying for the brand and the parts.
Totally!!
I have that same series Cub, and previously owned that same model John Deere, and I can say with certainty, the Cub is a superior mower.
Well dang I better delete this video now lol
Yes maybe you should.
@@tomwiggins1225 Great advise Tom keep it coming my man!
Thanks
I work on them for a living and the new yellow ones are pure gold for mechanics and will break the customer 😊😊😊
"Knock on wood", we've had our LTX 1050 w/Kawasaki engine for 14 years with no major issues, and it still runs and cuts great. The engine hood removes easily on the Kawasaki. The only thing I've had to replace are blades and a starter. I'm still rocking that original belt. I dread the day I have to replace it.
Very cool, I didn’t know they came with Kawasaki’s
i have several jds from the 1990s . tough as nails , but i've always thought they went out of their way to make them hard to work on . same with my 1960 era 1010 farm tractor . glad to hear they've lightened up on us fix it yourselfers .
Man those old Deere’s are a beast to work on. The newer ones are way easier. Appreciate the feedback
My grandpa called it a one oh one oh.
My 1054 worked great(27hp powerful) til putting on a new transmission drive belt, after a few hrs mowing the belt loosened & started slipping a little more every time,
I cannot figure how to simply tension that belt, but its connected to the brakes which when put on disengages the belt totally = somewhere in there it may adjust like the deck belt-?
*So keep 👀 for a clue if it even has tensioning-?
Check out my Cub Cadet drive belt video. You will see all the pullies and the tensioner
I've had Cubs for decades and never had the issues you describe.
Well Glad ya watched the video, was just me ranting a bit cause I can
Obviously, these aren’t the same cubs of old.
The new ones are crap.
They are not the IH cubs of old. Not even close.
@@johnoberle9750
Almost exactly what I was saying.
Some people think they are bulldozers or army tanks.
You are Spot on describing the Cub Cadet steering shaft FLIMSY bushing wearing out ..some one from the design department should be doing HARD TIME.😣
Right finally someone agrees with me
I have never had a Cub but I love my 1976 JD 400, its a tank.
A JD 400 is a whole different ballgame than the little toys I play with on this channel. Someday I will make the big leagues!
@@MowerMike they all have their pros and cons. as long as they get the job done....
Hydro 185 rode hard put away wet driven by kids still going good.
I have a lt1045 Cub cadet I've had it for 5 years never had problems regular maintenance
Congratulations
Love to hear your opinion of the Cub Cadet XT line. They came out in 2015-16 so they've been around for a while. Supposedly they fixed all the engineering flaws of the old 1046.
Glad ya enjoyed it, got a lot more for ya on the channel
I own a Cub Cadet XT2 and have had no issues so far in 5 years of ownership. JD is junk.
@@georgem9907 Uggg yet another Cub Cadet employee posting, everyone beware!
@@MowerMike Really? That is what you are claiming? Can pics be posted here? I'll post my receipt
@@georgem9907 Stop taking TH-cam comments so serious, most of my channel is lame jokes
My neighbor gave me a JD 110 after her husband passed away. Less than 200 hours had to replace the deck spindles and yes John Deere makes the same plates to reinforce the deck around the spindles. The plastic hinge on the front of the hood broke and while mowing one day the hood fell completely off in the grass. I have a 2007 Cub zero turn with almost 900 hours. I rebuilt one hydraulic motor on it, replaced a couple of pulleys and belts. Still going strong.
Thanks for the update
Interesting that the only deck I have seen ripped out was a small John Deere. They also seem to have a bad habit of the paint falling off in sheets. Probably no primer. I think the JD is a thicker 12Ga and the Cub is 13Ga. Not a fan of Kohler. The parts are made in China then assembled and run in the U.S. Briggs is "supposed" to be American made for American engines. I had a 1960 something Cub that was a tank. Not even in the same ball park as what they make now. I am trying my first Husqvarna with a Briggs V-Twin. Time will tell, but seems kinda wimpy built so far. They did add reinforcement to the thin deck.
Had a cub cadet for over 20 years, other then routine maintenance I didnt have any problems. Just bought a new cub cadet and love it! It’s cheaper than John Deere’s too
I am happy you are happy!!!!
I have a 2015 model Cub Cadet with over 200 hours on it and it works fine not a problem in fact both them John Deere and the others all used Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission so the only difference is the engine itself
I'm looking for a new mower and need some help. John Deere S100 42 in. 17.5 HP or Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT 42? Thanks 🙂
Don’t over research it. Just sit on them and get the one you like better.
Your caption on this video should include specific models because I have had a dual deck zero turn Cub Cadet for years and had ZERO issues
Haha nah is just for entertainment. I agree though the Cub zero turns are good mowers this is just for the riders.
My previous riding mower was a 2005 Troy Built Pony ($700) that lasted me 17 years. These riding mowers are now around $2600 - $3000...this is insane regardless of who makes them. Before COVID the Pony was $999. I just picked up a two year old Cub Cadet LT46 XT1 for $1200. Great machine, has a quiet Kohler 7000 series engine. Excellent condition, looks new. Looking forward to many years of use.
I am happy you are happy!
I've got an LT120. Always needs a shot of starting fluid to get going. Noticed the pinion gear was getting a bit worn and got an extra for when needed. Always had respect for Cub Cadet, maybe the newer ones eliminated these issues, but I'll keep what I've got and if the engine were to blow, it's only 4 bolts and $500 for a new one.
Sounds like you need a good carb cleaning and maybe a valve adjustment. I got ya covered just checkout my playlist
Can't say much about Cub Cadet improving, but the JD's in the same price bracket have declined in quality. Pathetic seeing JD's with plastic transaxles.
@@hochhaul I hear ya. Made cheaper, costs more, more profit. Would be better to buy an older unit and overhaul it if it's in decent overall condition.
@@PageMarker1 I just found out JD got rid of the plastic transaxle in the last year or two. The amount of 1 star reviews suggests the failure rate wasn't worth the money the bean counters thought they would save.
@@hochhaul The amount of money spent on warrantied mower repairs really gobbled up however much they saved when they retooled from metal to plastic parts as that transition had to have been costly. JD's cost more because of the name and there is a qualitative value inherent in brand loyalty. Thanks for the good news!
I'm a small engine repair. The cub cadets the ltx or lt series mowers are a hot repair item here in Michigan. They need to be maintained, and people don't do that, and it leads to bigger issues. People complain about the kohler courage that came in a lot of them.
I have several mowers and have had a ltx1050 since new and never had an issue, but I do preventive maintenance every year. It's amazing what you would save yourself if people would check the oil, air filter, plug/s, fuel filter and use rec fuel. Grease the zercs and check your blades
I agree, check out my part #2 to this video if you want some more chuckles!
Had a Cubby for last 5 years with Kawasaki engine Love it, NEVER had any problems.
I bet you keep her well lubed ;)
Same here. 10 years no problems!
The JD needed the (unsafe) electric fuel pump because the fuel tank is low relative to the carb. The CC is basically gravity feed like a motorcycle. Also easy to see fuel level with tank in front. My last lawn tractor was a 2008 LT 1045 46" deck with snow blade/weights/chains. 2 acres of lawn and 300' driveway to plow in Michigan winters. That tractor lasted 14 years of hard year-round service and was still going strong when I sold it for $500. I then immediately purchased a new CC XT1 46" and couldn't be happier. I never had a steering gear problem, never had a spindle mount problem, never had a PTO belt retainer problem, never had a carb problem and never had to remove the engine cowling. I did always keep the tractor in my garage when not in use. I also cleaned the darn thing at least once a year. Also no funky "oil change cartridge" like on the green tractors.
Negative on your fuel pump theory, but I appreciate your passion and dedication to your Cubbie.
New Cub Cadet tractors are junk. I have a 2003 Cub Cadet 1525. It runs and looks like new still
I bought a 1984 782 d diesel cub cadet it is one of the best lawn mowers put here runs great it cuts great one of the best mowers put here
The spindle damage is what happened to mine although it did take 16 years for it to happen. My question is, how old is the deck in the video? I had my 1st Cub Cadet ( LT 1050 ) from 2007 -2022. It went thru hell and just kept on going.
All my stuff is pretty old. Probably 20years old
Well Mike, you win. I just Bought a NEW JOHN DEERE S 100, I'm a big fan of cub cadet, mine was built back in 2009, and is still a good machine...but..? I listened to what you said, and took it to heart. It's been fun arguing with you, but at 77 years old, I know when I've been beat.
Haha is just me spewing opinions. Any new mower will be better than the old junk I deal with. Have fun with her!
I have an 05 lt1046 with 700 hour and kohler courage 23and have never had the issues you are talking about, I have replaced the spindles and belt of course and my gas tank is under the seat. Steering still works great. Don't know where that mower came from.
It came from my mind, things got weird
Have Zero turn with steering wheel 2010 model and its been a good one. Safety switches and belts and batteries, it gets used 3 hours a week.
I bought one used and it goggles through deck belts like cheese sticks. I have no issues with the motor or how it runs, you just have to be careful when cutting high grass or you'll knock out the belt.
I just recently bought a brand new zero-turn Cub cadet.
Nice good choice
I have a 2006 Cub Cadet RZT 50 I bought new. I have cut my 1 acre yard with it all these years and only did oil and blade changes. I still have the original blade and drive belts on it after almost 17 years. The Kawasaki engine has been amazing.
Wow you just be a great mower driver to have the same blades.
I’ve got two cub cadet 1046s and absolutely LOVE them! Owned a lot of mowers in my 40 years mowing and Cubs are far superior IN MY OPINION to any I’ve owned and that’s a lot!
I appreciate the passion indicated by the all CAPS. I wish you and your Cubbies many more happy years together.
Bought a John Deere Sabre in 2001 and it's still going strong, however, the tic-tacky things are starting to amount on it, so will be in the market. This video was very useful.
Glad it helped and yes the truth does hurt haha
I've had my Cub Cadet LTX 1050 for twelve years without a problem. Just in the past week it started to sputter when engaging the blades. Turned out to be some dirt in the gas line. Can't complain about that after twelve years. By the way, I have a Kawasaki engine and the carb is easy to get to. Blame the carb access problem you mentioned on Kohler.
Tooo late already blamed it to to the world on Cub Crapdet ;)
Ive on a 50" zero turn for about 9 years now and ive only had to replace blades, belts, and one set of spindles.
I am happy for ya
2017 Cub Cadet had to replace spark plug, he who turns key are usually the engines enemies, more people turning key = more problems.
Wow that was deep. You are a poet and didn’t even know it.
I think MTD or whoever has owned Cub Cadet for the past 6 years hit on a good thing with the XT1 & 2 series. Only minor changes in hat time and the reviews have been pretty good all round. But I can understand your frustration with the older Cubbies.
I recently picked up a Cub Cadet LTX1040 for FREE! So far, it will need some welding on deck, a starter, tires/inner tubes, a full tune-up/oil change, and I think it will run ok.
Hey can’t beat a free mower. Get those rings for the deck they work great, I have a video on it.
I don't get it, I have a 2015 Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 with 500 hrs. and have never had an issue! My only complaint is the piece of sh*t cheap as* seat and Cub Cadet wants almost $300.00 for another piece of sh*t seat.
I do however appreciate your observations and experiences and will keep them in mind when I buy another one.
Just buy a John Deere seat cover and it will slip right over the old crappy one
Are 2024 cub cadets XT1 Enduro LT 46 in. 22 HP V-Twin Kohler 7000 Series designed the same way as the old one in your video. I was going to buy the enduro lt 46 but now I am hesitant. Should I buy the John Deere s110 or s120….help?
Nah these tractors in the video are over 20 years old. Am sure the new ones are way better. I wouldn’t know all I mess with is old stuff.
I've got a 2 yr old lt1 . Transmission went out / parts is backordered...maybe sometime in August the dealer says
You can buy the whole transmission on Amazon for like $600
@@MowerMike thanks but it's warranty. I miss my mower
@@jameshill8138 You can try topping it off with some 10w30. There should be a litttle rubber plug on the back of the transmission where you can add fluid.
How are the Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro series? Have any of those come to your shop yet? Are all of the Cub Cadet’s lineup (including the high end models) built the same way? Just curious-looking for something that can handle 5 acres. The Cub XT2 GX54 caught my eye, it looks like a Tonka truck LOL. But if it’s still built like garbage, I don’t want it.
Nah I just play with old stuff. The cub cadet zero turns are decent. 5 acres, man you need to cut hay on that with a tractor.
I have that same mower and I don’t have that fuel tank issue with the engine cover so they must have changed that.
I like both brands.
I have an i1046 with 400+ hours. The only thing that broke was my fault and easy to fix. I just park it over winter, charge the battery, add new gas to the tank (tank is in the back,) and for 15 years, I'm mowing for another season. It handles a steep ditch slope pretty easily. I don't know any JDs (or other mowers) that would handle it as well, except for the new CC that also has steering wheel zero turn capability. Gas tank is in the back, so that is not a worry.
I will mention that CC parts have generic replacements; they are much cheaper, being available from many competitive sources.
I do agree with that parts are cheap on Amazon for all these mowers. Thanks C-Hina
Ive got a 2006 LT1045 with 420 ( bought it at 400 ) hours on it with the Kohler. Previous owner didnt even change the oil. Belts were just about to snap. I cleaned the grease n crud off the engine, put new belts on. Mower runs like a champ. Mowed my 3 acres all season, no issues and my yard isnt groomed. Rocks, tree branches n so on with hills. Mine has the tank in the rear under the seat. Maybe they started making them junk after 2006 but id buy a new 06 anytime if they still made them that way.
Sounds like you got a real winner there! Keep on Mowin Mikey!
Have a CC LT1045, the deck is holding up just fine?, had to rebuild the spindles once and had to replace them a couple of years ago now, and the blades and deck belt don't hold up well to all the gopher mounds it flattens out!, other than that it's been a great mower.
Haha do you call her the Goofer Get’r?
I have a 2010 CC1024RD-N. Had it from new, probably between 6 and 800 hours on it. Removable deck has been taken off and washed each time I use it (takes 15 minutes) The mowers Kawasaki engine has regular oil and filter changes, it has had one deck belt and had performed faultlessly in 14 years. It looks better than most 1 year old mowers and is my prize possession. I have no clue what this man is on about🤷♂️
I don’t think even he knows!
Please answer this question for me koler 7000 V-Twin what's the life expectancy on it if maintain extremely well how many hours
The same question goes for the Kawasaki engine. Fr
And a single piston Briggs & Stratton I'm just very curious what you see out there hours wise
I appreciate the question but I don’t know the answer. For me it is all about maintaining the engine. If you keep the air filter and oil clean they will last as long as you need to use them. 600-900 hours is the most I have seen on any of them though.
@@MowerMike thank you for the answer it was a good video you had
You can have the inconvenience of a gas tank woth gravity feed, or you can replace fuel pumps and/or pump diaphragms. One isn't better or worse than the other, necessarily. Just different design decisions.
I have a Cub Cadet RTZ-S that I have put through torture in the past 9 years and it keeps coming back for more. These older LTX models were replaced by the Enduro series back in 2014. A lot of these issues you mentioned are only on those older models.
Old crap is the only stuff I have the pleasure of working on. Thanks for the info
@@MowerMike They are making improvements with the Cub Cadet line for sure. I am about to buy the new Cub Ultima ZTS 2, steering wheel Zero turn. Going over the new model I have seen some great improvements even over my older RTZ-S. If you have never used a steering wheel zero turn mower that Cub makes(I think they own the patent), they are game changers for those that mow on a slope of any kind.
@@philmccabe9547 I bought one last spring. My house is in the middle of one big hill. My Husq's were constantly getting hung up spinning and it was difficult to shift weight to the side that was. The Cub Z has worked like a champ so far and I'm able to cut much more that I used to have to push or weedeat.
Definitely the Cub cadet deck is a nightmare. Specifically the timed deck. I've welded mine banged it with a 3lb hammer done just about everything to keep it mowing. Never had an issue with the steering myself and don't have an electric pto so good to know about that bar. My next more another Cub cadet will have a fabricated deck so hopefully no more issues with that.
A BFH is a key tool with a cub cadet ;)
I was given an L110 with over 1000 hours on it. Besides flaking paint on the fenderdeck and mowing deck, everything functions as it should and it fires right up every time.
Wasn't even maintained properly, the air filter was all rust and the transaxle fluid was never replaced.
I think the true issue is QC on these box store models, because some people have the worst luck with these mowers!
Bought an LT1050 in 2007. The deck finally rusted out and fell apart last summer. Outside of throwing the belt it worked like a champ.
Our LT1042 finally bit the dust last week when the engine died, I could have fixed it but opted to buy a newer Cub. 18 years and 900+ hours out of a tractor is good enough for me.
I’m really not a fan of JD because of how they treat farmers with their larger tractors and getting repairs. I can’t support that system.
Replaced 2 of those steering bushings on my cub and on the 3rd pto clutch the new one sounds like it’s about to go too very noisy
It may just be the bracket lose that goes over the PTO. That bar looking thing, see if you can tighten it first
Benjamin/Sheridan pellet rifle over the window and Klipsch speakers in the corners. Very nice.
Excellent eye sir. I killed a lot of squirrels in the suburbs of Houston with that pellet gun during my troubled youth lol
@@MowerMike
I'd use mine on the little pesky devils but live in town and that's a no no unfortunately.
Thanks Mower Mike , for sharing your experience and knowledge with us my friend, hope you have a great week ahead ! 😊❤️👋
Glad to have yall watching!
I was servicing a neighbors CC not really he forgot to put oil in it. BLEW THE COURAGE engine up. Is there a good replacement engine that I can drop in to get him going again. Or should I part it out?
Good question, I suggest just finding another used Kohler online or off a different mower. Or just get a predator engine from Harbor freight just make sure the wiring matches up. They are different between the Briggs and Kohler
I have zero clue who owned that cub cadet, but to me it seems like it wasn't taken care of. I rarely have to work on my cub cadet and when it does break I don't have those goofy issues, and I've had it since 2004.
My Dad owned a 1972 John Deere 300. Last year my older brother sold it running with a 48" deck, tiller, blade and snowblower. Not too bad for fifty years old. My John Deere has a long way to go as it just turned 22 years old. I have noticed Cub Cadets have increased in price to the point where they are nearly the same as a John Deere. Buy one if you want to but.......
I have a LTX 1040 never had that problem before just regular maintenance spend those blades tune-up and he's got over two hundred hours on it I was just replace the two front tires
I don't need a mower. I need a snow plow for my driveway. I'm typically clearing a foot or two per storm, clearing a foot at a time, here in Maine. I don't want to buy a pickup truck with a plow and wondered if this sort of thing would suffice. Thanks.
Hmmm no it wouldn’t, get yourself a tractor. Pushing snow sounds heavy and would tear up a mower
A friend of ours bought a Cub Cadet riding lawn mower. His local dealer went out of business, now he has to hunt for parts.
Amazon has them all
@@MowerMike. Amazon will sell you a purple people eater…and shipping it to you in two days 😊
I’ve a John Deere now but my first mower was a GT14 Jacobson it was built like a Indy car all tube construction with a Kohler engine. It could Barrie it’s self it was so strong and powerful
Nice I had to do my own TH-cam search for that Jacobson, that is one cool old rig.
Is Kohler engine better than craftsman rig and Stratton engines on a cub cadet?
It all depends on how they are maintained.
I have a 22yo Murray and the deck and spindles are like new. Mows as good as the new $3k CC my neighbor bought. Just safety switches break. It has a 46X briggs opposed. Steering and hardware on the Murray works great. Got plenty of use, The new box store stuff looks very flimsy.
Yep I agree, those old Murray’s were good mowers same as the old craftsmen
@@MowerMike How do you like the older opposed engines. Seems there is nothing to break! A small engine repair place said to hold on it to it as long as you can. He told me he repowered some newer commercial equipment with my engine and they run fine.
@@alb12345672 No opinion on that one. Sounds cool though
That Cub im sure was a MTD cause my Troybilt Bronco was identical. The gear and especiallly the bushing was so bad i could only turn to the right and the steering would lock up at the end of the turn. Had to remove the big fuel tank. $8 part took me six hours to fix. Lathered the shaft with syn grease feels like it has power steering now. Had to call MTD last week woman informed me they were bought by Stanley/Black and Decker. A company that makes woodworking tools and coffee pots thought MTD was bad before.
Haha wow thanks for the news update!
I have to LOL in your general direction. I bought a Cub in 2004. It lasted till Aug 2022. Bought another 1 end of August 2022. I'll get back to you in 2040 when i need to get a new one.
I will take all the LOLs I can get!
@Mower Mike LOL, ur a good sport that way bro. Dint mean it in a meanie poopyhead way......just sharing what Cub did for me is all.....rock on my friend.
They make the reinforcement rings for John Deere decks also. I rebuilt an old L100 that was thoroughly used and abused that needed them. Saying that, the mower is 19 years old and has an old B&S single cylinder splash lubricated engine and it is still going strong (yes the compression release is broken, but all you have to do is turn back the engine and it starts every time).
Those old Briggs will run forever if you keep fresh oil on them!
Thanks for the video... getting ready to purchase my first lawn tractor. Looking at the John Deere S240. The Cub Cadet you are showing is not nearly as robust as the John Deere.
This just applies to old mowers, I have no idea on the quality of new ones like you are looking at. Good luck!
I have owned three Cub Cadets and one John Deere. My current tractor is a Deere X758. I transitioned to a Deere X758 in order to get a diesel engine. All three of my Cub Cadets were solid and reliable machines. I owned them for years. The biggest plus I give Cub Cadet over Deere is dealer support. The local John Deere dealership transitioned from a local mom and pop business to a huge operation with many stores. They forgot about the little guy like me. I never had that issue with the Cub Cadet dealership.
Sorry, I am not an employee of Cub Cadet. I am employed as a Deputy Sheriff.
Dang a diesel X758 is a sweet rig. Thanks for the comment and keeping the streets safe.
I've had my XT1 for seven years. If you take care of it by using a tune-up kit and winterizing it properly you will have no issues. As of 4/16/24, a new XT1 at HD is 2299 and the equivalent JD is 2399. I paid 1600 minus 10 percent for being a military retiree. Take care of your mowers and you'll have little to no issues. I bought a CC ZT1 three years ago. It's a good machine at the time it was 1000 dollars less than the JD equivalent.
I dig it. So is Mikael German for Mike?
My box store cub is now 12 years old . I have to add gas and change the oil . Most people around here own JDs and consider owning a JD a status symbol . My brother bought a new box store JD and it mowed for 27 feet before the rear axle on the new JD soiled the linen . Warranty was denied by Lowes and JD 🤪 . Pretty cool , eh?
At least he looked cool doing it on a John Deere!
I bought mine new in 2018. No issues. They did change the fan gear design. There now up to and bothe gears are machined. No more stamped steel
Fan gear? What is that
I have a 2006 LT1045 with 20hp kolher courage twin cylinder. It has 625hrs on it and very little issues other than normal wear and tear. Mow about 2.5 acres where we live for the last 16 years.
I am happy for you and your mower
That's the cheap big box store Cub Cadet with the stamped deck. I have a 12 year old XT2 Cub Cadet (dealer only model) it has the much heavier 54" deck, stronger transmission, bigger tires and 26HP Kohler 7000Series engine, and it works all year round. So far just about 600 hours on it, including running the 42" 3 stage snowblower on my large paved uphill driveway in the winter and my 1.5 acre yard all summer, and other than routine maintenance (oil and filter changes, greasing spindles, etc. and sharpening blades) no issues whatsoever. When I bought it I also looked at the JD unit comparable, it was $2,000 more, had 2 fewer horsepower and a stamped deck instead of the fabricated deck on the Cub Cadet, as well as a warranty not as good as the Cub Cadet. No diss to the JD owners, but I think I made the right choice, just my opinion.
You should check out my latest video if you want some negative Deere opinions.
Is there such a thing as service contract for 6 years parts and labor bumper to bumper. that is any good?
No idea have never had a new mower
My cub cadet 1042 runs very good for the past 8 yrs 🤷♂️,only changed the blades once and the steering gear nut..
I am happy for you
Bought my MTD/Cub SLT 1550 back in '06. 25 hp Kohler V twin. Had some minor issues over time and when I looked online for help, well the comments from people made me think I bought the worst machine ever made. I just changed the original belts last year at 400 hrs. The steering bushing twice and tie rod ends once and the wheels still splay out when backing. New front tires too. But all in all I don't think I can complain compared to other's problems. But yeah, MTD does kinda ruin things.
Just have to keep fixing them
Cup Cadet has The Strongest Warranty in it's class 3-year / unlimited-hour warranty. Plus, limited lifetime warranty on frame and fabricated deck shell. John Deere, All new John Deere commercial mowers come with a standard basic warranty on the full machine of 24 months/unlimited hours. The warranty does not include mower decks. Cup Cadet is the winner.
Dang I even have Cub Cadet factory spokesman commenting on my channel. Going big time ;)