I bought this mower last year (2020) and planned on it serving me for several years. I was proud of my new mower! I changed the oil and filter at 4.8 hours and used it most of last summer. It sat in my carport during the winter. I changed the oil and filter again at 11.1 hours before using it this spring. I had been using it approximately 15 - 20 minutes when I heard a loud bang and it stopped immediately. I took it to an authorized service center and after contacting MTD (Cub Cadet Corporate) they will not cover the warranty and fix my almost brand new mower! I talked to corporate and asked them what I could have done to prevent this, and their answer was they wished they could tell me, but they are not going to fix my mower. I will never buy another Cub Cadet product, nor recommend to anyone I know! Through no fault of my own, this mower turned out to be highly defective, and Cub Cadet is being penny wise and dollar foolish!
I've owned my XT1 42 for 3 years and it still runs like it is new. Just changed the oil again today and I have really enjoyed it. I can mow my yard in a little over 1 hr.
I have pretty much the exact lawn tractor but it might be the 2019 version. It didn't come with the intelligent throttle. And the starter is push button but you can still mow in reverse by pushing the diamond for 3 seconds. I had my first problem yesterday. The drive belt slipped off the rear spindle and jammed between the spindle and the fan making it impossible to pull out easily. I must say though I was in some of last year's overgrown weeds, now little twigs and 2 ft tall grass, on my ranch. Plus it was kind of wet. Today I took it to my farm tractor specialist and this is how he fixed it. First you lift the seat up and pull the battery completely out and the battery box, there you'll see the transmission spindle and the fan. If the belt comes off there and jams in just take the spindle off and then put it back on with the belt in place and reattach the spindle. Easy peasy! So I assume this is probably the best way if you have to replace the drive belt. I just wanted to chime in because I've watched numerous drive belt replacements for this model on RU-vid and they're way, way too complicated. Happy mowing with the LT 42, I love it!
Cure the weakness of reverse by pulling out the "lock out" rod at the back of the mower so it freely moves with out any drag on the transmission. Start up the mower and push the forward rod and hold for 10 seconds, then press the reverse pedal for ten seconds. Repeat this four or five times. This bleeds the air out of the pumps. Push back the lock out rod and see if there is an improvement.
I got one of these mowers about a month ago. So far I love it. It replaced a 15 yr old tired John Deere L111. This tractor does a better job than my Deere did brand new. Better turning radius, burns less fuel and the power from the single cylinder intellipower engine is plenty to get the job done even in wet tall grass. Like many other brands, this machine is made by MTD.
I have this same mower. It's a 2020 model. After mowing with it some 8-10 times a "small" problem developed. Well, not so small. The engine blew a gasket or a cracked head developed and oil started coming out of the front of the engine and it sounded like a used Mack truck. Fortunately, Cub Cadet honored their warranty. My mower is at a recognized Cub Cadet repair center two towns away. The mechanic is requesting a brand new engine for the mower. I probably just got a lemon. It happens. Until this happened, the mower was doing a great job. I bought it because it had a 5 star rating by everyone who had made a comment on it. Well anyway, my hybrid Bermuda (419) grass is now about 8" high, so I have some cutting job waiting on me when I get my mower back. Need some grass for your goats?
Have had the same exact machine for four years. Had to replace the starter this cutting season...not cheap. Also mine tends to stall out in reverse if the PTO and sometimes even the cutting depth are engaged.
I've used many of mowers in my time, I used to work for the State parks system and mow approximately an infinite amount of acreage.. My point is, having a different machine for every job is nice. BUT, the truth of the matter is as a home - use machine you need a swiss army knife, something that will do every job to get the most money out of it. Going with a 42" deck is ideal because you can fit in many more places, and keep the push mower parked as long as possible.. Even though you may have to make extra passes, you save time fitting in the tight spots removing the trimmer and push mower from the equation, as well as the nifty fact that most truck beds are about 44" wide inbetween the wheel tubs, meaning you can fit a 42" mower in a truck bed with the deck on, again removing the time needed to hook up a trailer and the extra fuel you burn and so on and on.. Just makes life easier. I also own a 54" cub cadet garden tractor, and I prefer the 42" because of the un-even land I own, the bigger decks tend to have a much lower quality final product. In fact the highest quality cut I've ever seen is from a 21" honda push mower lol, I wish I was joking but smaller decks just do a nicer job. So 42" is ideal in my experience, unless you have 40 acres to mow, then just get a 60" + zero turn for 20,000$ and be done with it.
I had this same mower and engine lasted 3 years and 37 hours. Those engines are not made any more. My warranty expired 7/13/2023. Cub Cadet only has one dealer in a town that has over 300,000 people and it was going to be a month to see the unit and they would not pay to let another dealer repair it. I use my Home Depot warranty and got all the money plus tax I paid for the mower. They now use Kholer engines which was a great choice. I may do Vtwin engine this time but the new Kohler single cylinder is 100 percent better than the old engine with no choke control. Glad to hear your mow is still going.
I bought the XT1 22 hp 46" over a month ago. Cut grass 4 times so far. Make sure you have set your anti-scalp wheels at the correct position if need be. Mine had been set at the uppermost position. I didn't notice at first and ended up with a bent blade. The stock blades are thin and something less than desirable.
My 46" stock blades are think. The mulching blades are a little thinner and do not have as high a rise on the rear of the blades. Mulches extremely nicely. That twin -v Kohler just will not bog down at all.
I own the XT1 46" and I really like it....EXCEPT, I do not believe i have ever ridden a mower that throws up a bigger dust cloud! Holy cow, it is insane.
Totally agree with the reverse issue. Very slow going in reverse with the PTO engaged. Could be a safety feature so you don't run over anything or anybody.
Marastar offers a really nice tire option thatd fit these tractors 20/8/8 or 20/8/10. Check the reverse linkage inside the frame rail. They're decks are open around the spindles and grass blows up through around the tractors frame. The grass builds up between the linkage and the frame rail and doesn't allow it's full travel. It doesnt sound like much,but it slows down your reverse significantly. I've got the 2013 version of this called the ltx1040. It's been a good mower for almost 300hrs,but the pto engagement handle wore out and so did the cable. Mine has the cvt transmission that you have to shift from forward to reverse. It still works but its gettin some slop in the shifter.
Mine I bought it 3 weeks ago . I get little confused playing with it but why a 2024 make and doesn’t have an lcd display , so I have to gustimate how many hours I run this plastic machine in order to change oil. All in all I like it I take my time mowing an acre in my back yard every other week . I found 3.5 is the best to mow . Very comfortable with it . Bought it from home depot for $2299 . The double bagger and the discharger from tractor supply for $429 a $150 cheaper than home depot. It’s ok for a residential but not for commercial use. Nice video very informative same thing I thought about it get stuck twice 😂😂😂😂😂.
I have a 3 year old XT1 and no issues at all. I got mine mainly to plow snow(TIRE CHAINS A MUST). Your reverse trouble might be a linkage adjustment issue. Did you perform the break in 5 hour oil change yet? I have several hilly yards to mow and the tires work fine. Nice video!
Interesting, I've always been told that air cooled lawn mower engines should always be run at full throttle so as to cool the engine more efficiently since the cooling fan is on the fly wheel. Same for Hydro-static transmissions since the fan that cools the transmission spins faster at higher engine rpm. That Intellipower dial has you running the engine at partial throttle for just driving around or normal mowing. Your only at full throttle for the heavy stuff.
It's based on engine load so you can be at full on the intellipower and just putting around and it will lower its rpm. I don't feel it will effect cooling.
I have 6 hours on mine also, just bought it. Really like it no issues so far. The only BAD thing about this mower is the Cub Cadet branded engine is China made. Oh yeah and cub cadet downgraded the transmission on this it's the tough torq tl200 vs. the tough torq k46, prior mower, we'll see how it holds up.
Luckily I bought my XT1 42" 2 years ago while they were still putting the good Kohler 5400 series 18HP engines in them. When they came out with that new engine with that intellipower crap I knew they were destined to become a failure prone machine, its only a matter of time before those electronics fail. I've got 51 hours on my machine, no issues so far, haven't used it much the past couple seasons, but once I get a few other attachments it'll get more use...I do have the 42" 3 stage snow blower as well but of course since I got the blower we haven't had enough snow to really use it much LOL. My biggest complaint is it blows grass out the front right side of the deck all over me, it lacks a baffle on that side of the deck to help keep the clippings under the deck and going out the discharge chute rather than being blown out the front side.
I have the K46 in mine and reverse is getting weaker. I need to get the service manual out and see how to adjust it, I know there are adjustments on the rods for forward/reverse I'll have to look into it.
A have a brand new Cub Cadet XT2 QR106, with K46EA transmission and it don´t go up hill also when the hill is less then 5%. I noticed that the problem is when I move first on a plane, not a large surface (cca.200sq/m), then the tractor does´t go up the hill as I mentioned. If I go up the hill right away it's much better but after 5 min. it´s no longer goes up a very small hill. I am very disappointed of the trade mark Cub Cadet or Tuff Torq I buy the CubCadet as recommended like this is Formula 1 of lawn tractors an I get...
Mine has about 5 hours on it...love it so far! I agree with the reverse cause sometimes it takes a second or 2 to kick in. Also the tires were at 20 psi when it came off the delivery truck. Max psi is 10!! I set them all at 8psi and it rides nice and smooth now!!
Same with cars. The dealship pimps em up real high to make the tire look nice n full. Even if a tire looks flat when it isn't customers still think it's a bad buy
I just got a 2023 XT2 LT42 with the triple bagger. Today actually. For me fall and the leaves are an anxiety thing issue; the bagging, the piling, and ultimately what to do with all of the leaves. So I had to have a bagger finally. I bought mine sight unseen. the dealer that I patronage sell out quickly and when he told me what he had in a put a deposit down.
Those tires are actually better than the Turf Saver tires I had on my previous lawn tractor (Craftsman YT4000), those things never held air, every time I used the thing I'd have to put air in all the tires....so far after 2 seasons and starting on the 3rd with my XT1 I haven't had to add air. I think when I need tires I'll order 6 or 8 ply tires though, they're expensive but you'll really not have issues with flat tires and they're heavier so it'll give you better traction. Adding ATV tires don't help much since its only 1 wheel drive, unless you get the XT2 or XT3 model that has the rear locking differential, you'll have 1 wheel spinning when you don't have traction anyways, regardless which tires you have. They're riding lawnmowers not ATV's.
Have had my xt1 for a little over a year, yes the tires suck they are also not great quality, mine pick up every little thing, now my reverse is very strong, and mine has a Kohler on it
Cub went to hell years ago when MTD bought them. My Dad and i always had Cubs but all you get from Cub today is a overpriced Craftsman. I miss my old shaft drive Cub but after 30 years of frankly abuse it finally died. Got a Arens Icon and said bye to CC.
The question, "Is it worth It". That depends on if you are handy with tools. I have the xt1 46 with the 22hp Kohler 7000 series engine. 1 season and the throttle control lever broke, really? I did some investigating and have found this to be a common flaw from Cub Cadet but the replacement is on you the consumer. Can it be fixed? Yes, but I won't replace the plastic junk they put on. I bought a metal lever with an indicator cover plate, $21.57 Amazon. I also purchased a separate push-pull choke lever, I didn't like the engine having to be started at full throttle after sitting for some time between uses. $12.00 also Amazon. The total was $35.54 with shipping. The Cub Cadet replacement is $42 and change. The Long term is what I am looking for and the replacement of all plastic does not offer that, so you decide. Overall the unit is a good unit but like I said if you are good with tools. I have a Scotts 48" 20 hp Kohler made by John Deer 20 plus years old and that thing is still running with no issues other than a severely worn mower deck. Guess they don't make them like that anymore.
I wanted the 46" fabricated deck.....so my engine has the EFI and push button starting.I also have the electric mower clutch.Dont lose the red key because you only get one..The Cub Cadet engines are made in China.....which i was told they are still good engines and can last years as long as you maintain them regularly...the plastic key.is about 30 bucks.so dont lose it
@Project Auto: Hey, have 3 important questions for you: 1) The new cub cadet mower has the "cub cadet" engine instead of the old reliable Kohler engines it had before. Any information regarding this would be greatly appreciated. 2) The newer cub cadet mower's have the TL200 transmission's which are bad and they had something else before. Thoughts? 3) Everything is great till your cub cadet tractor has ANY issues. Cub Cadet has the WORST warranty customer service on the planet. You can check their records. They never pick up calls on purpose. They will do NOTHING for you and brush you off one way or another despite still being on their full warranty. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.
Look deep into the owner's manual and the engine specification documents. They mentioned it is made with Asian partners. The Cub Cadet engine is actually made in China. You want the Kohler engine every time
Did you double check the air pressure on the tires? They ship with way higher air pressure than what is normal operating psi. Just a thought. Loved the video, picking one up tomorrow and been nerding out on videos about them..lol
Got this machine 5 weeks ago and I hate it!!! If your property is even mildly sloped you will be sliding of the seat. You need to hold on to the seat with one hand or you are not only sliding off but the mower will shut off as part of its safety feature, very annoying. If your lawn is even a little bit damp you will experience very poor traction. I have gotten stuck on many occasions and had to rock the machine in order to get traction. I am so disappointed in this machine that I will be contacting cub cadet to ask for my money back.
I bought/installed the arm rests. I also had to put the correct pressure in the the tires in order to get the optimum grip on my slopes. No problems that I haven't found a solution for.
I am looking to replace a craftsman I purchased in1997. I think this mower would be adequate. I just hope they have improved the quality over the years
Not as good as the older ones but nothing is made too last anymore. But mine has been a good mower no problems just turn the throttle down before you turn it off so it don't backfire the only problem I have found so far
I have had the cub cadet xt-1 like your video. One con I have experienced is the belt coming off twice and having to drop the mount to get to it. Perhaps it was due to me having the rpm too high when I engaged the blades. What do you think?
I hate that it has only 2 deck wheels I have a ltx1042kw vtwin 22 hp .This one is only 547 cc./I wish they kept the closed glove box on the side and the handle grips on the side .I hate the plastic seat as it is slippery .My cub has a cloth seat .I like the oil change port as it is easier to get at .
Yes I am not a big fan of only 2 deck wheels. I do find the plastic style seat to become slippery or uncomfortable after some time, and that oil drain port definitely makes changing the oil so much easier.
So it’s 2023 and I just bought the XT1. LT46. 23HP. I’ve never seen that type of throttle even in other videos! Mine has the conventional throttle control. Now Question: Does anyone actually know how many bolts hold the back seat on?? Mine only has one and it’s on the left on the seat slide. I noticed in this video there seems to Be only one but it’s on the opposite side! If someone know, please let me know. Mine came assembled so I didn’t have any left over parts. I adjusted the blade heights and scalping wheels myself. But the seat bolt thing bugs me lol
My 2020 XT2-GX50 is awesome but I really wish I had waited for the 2021 models because it looks like they went to Kawasaki engines and the new style is awesome
Great video I have same mower totally agree with the reverse situation I bought them or because of 3 year warranty I am concerned because the hydro is very weak in reverse please keep everybody and me updated I will ask the dealership about that question myself thanks again
I have to.the mulching kit on a cub cadet mower for a person the blades are not the problem it's the plastic mulch plate is looking like the issue I'm going to have a problem with putting it on can you please help me with this matter
I bought a Xt1 18 hp efi and have ran it 15 hours, nothing but trouble, been sitting almost 2 years, looks like the fuel pump. Trying to sell it to a guy that tinkers with mowers.
the blades are very thin--mower deck flimsey light weight--motor made in china-suspect? trade in value very low if any. I bought a John Deere s240 with a premium Kawaski engine. a much better machine all around.
Hi there, I need help, I bought last year Cub Cadet XT1 LT42, last year after the second cut I face the starting issue, don't know why? I tried everything but no luck. after 4 months when I start again it's started but within 1/2 hr stop in the middle in the yard, if you or anyone know how to troubleshoot this starting issue on Cub Cadet XT1 LT42, please reply. Thanks
Jay Walker, I sent a USPS registered mail with return rcpt to the CEO of Cub Cadet's Corporate office and got a reply within the Sevan days, they agreed to refund the original cost plus the first repair charges. After the phone conversation within the 7 days, I rcvd my total refund.
Did anyone have trouble with the belt constantly coming off? I like the mower and love Kohler motors but I keep having this issue. I've got 12.2 hrs on it.
