Why Cub Cadet Mowers Suck VS John Deere
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- This video goes through all of my pet peeves of Cub Cadet Mowers. I am just feed up with working on these things and had to share it with the world. Check out my Cub Cadet playlist to fix all your Cub Cadet life problems.
Mower Mike’s Tool Store: www.amazon.com/shop/mowermike
Cub's Suck Part #2 - • Cub Cadet Riding Mower...
Cub Cadet Repair Playlist: • Cub Cadet Repairs
Enjoy;)
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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😊😊😊
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 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
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?
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
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!!!!
Awesome video, just came up randomly but I have heard my buddies tell me how bad they are, he is on his second he got used and is amazed on how bad they are.
Thanks for reinforcing this , I may keep me from buying a headache
Wow someone actually agreed with me here lol. Thanks for watching, I am sure the new mowers are good ones, I just deal in old junk
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.
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.
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!
Aswome information had to subscribe 👍 keep the knowledge coming I'm a newbie to lawnmowers so I appreciate it thanks
Welcome aboard, don’t take what I say too serious all my mowers are old and I am very opinionated
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?
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 UA-cam comments so serious, most of my channel is lame jokes
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
You don't have the Kohler Courage single do you? If so -- SELL IT before it blows!
@@RMV-vo2gp I am sure there is one in my yard somewhere haha
@@RMV-vo2gp 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.
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.
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.
I've owned both, and both are fantastic, great video, some very valid points,
Wow first guy not to argue his own point in this videos comments, much appreciated
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.
Had a Cubby for last 5 years with Kawasaki engine Love it, NEVER had any problems.
I bet you keep her well lubed ;)
My newest cub is from 1971. Still runs and mows great.
Haha love it
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 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 have a LTX 1040 I bought eight years ago and yes I replace belts spindles blades but I've never had any steering problems
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
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
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 have a JD D140 that’s 12 years old. Only replaced a deck pulley when the bearing locked up. I do the year maintenance on it.
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.
Watched your video on replacing the drive belt on the CC 1554. Followed instructions to a “T”. Removing and replacing the PTO clutch was a pain. Now it won’t start. Any suggestions??
Was working great until the belt went.
Try putting the parking brake on, that should loosen the drive belt. If it still doesn’t start then it isn’t the drive belt.
I have a 2011 cub cadet ltx1040 with the dreaded Kohler courage. It’s been absolutely reliable and has needed nothing but regular maintenance. Just under 500 hours currently.
Congratulations
Subbed, and rang the bell, great stuff man.
Welcome aboard
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?
Husband has a JD LA175 where the pinion gear jumps frequently on the sector gear. Any suggestions on how or where this slop is causing this problem. Current Pinion gear looks okay, sector gear looks okay, and he made sure that the sector mounting screw is tight. Sector gear is not sloppy. It drives with light force but to make a good turn, that pinion gear jumps like a jumping jack. Thanks
Cheryl, my guess is the sector gear is worn causing it to slip. I suggest just putting on a new pinion gear and sector gear. You can try a new pion gear first since it is super easy to replace and if that doesn’t fix it dive into the sector gear.
Check out this video
ua-cam.com/video/Qj5-AybG9X0/v-deo.html
Old cub good. Newer units are as dependable as Brandon’s pronunciation during speeches!
Haha I disagree, Cub cadets aren’t near as bad as that moron.
I have the very one you were complaining about and everything you said was true. I have been under that mower more often than ive been in the seat. You forgot to mention un-bolting two engine mounts to replace the drive belt. 😂
Finally someone who agrees with me! Haha thanks for watching.
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.
I agree with your comparison of the two mowers. I have an old John Deere 112L with a Kawasaki engine and it is still running strong! My neighbor has a Cub Cadet LTX1045 and he is always calling me over to fix problams on it. One problem he has that I haven't figured out yet is that sometimes when he pushes down on the brake, it will not release. The only way I've been able to get it to release is to pull back on the pedal with both hands and force it. Any suggestions?
Get a back ass hammer and beat on it. ;)
A NEW engine question please.... My LT46 with the Kohler K730 7000 series 23 HP engine will be delivered next week. From the very first starting/operating of a NEW engine, what is your recommendation on what engine speeds and running time would you give this new engine for the best "break in"?? The information I've read is that OHV engines like/need to be run wide open for proper cooling and oil flow but for a new engine, is there any recommendation you may share on the first running time? Maybe one-two minutes of warm up at idle then wide open to mow? I'm trying to understand that full throttle is recommended-even when just driving to transport, or pulling a lawn spreader. Any information and operating tips you may share will be appreciated.... Thanks
Just hammer down on it. Don’t be afraid, will help the rings break in. Just make sure it has oil in it, sometimes they are shipped dry. Have fun with the new ride
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
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.
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
I have a 2015 rzt l54 replaced a starter and one ignition coil that's it close to 300hrs. But nothing wrong with a rant great video. As far as the deck that prob cause from the person who owns it not cleaning it properly or it getting wet and rusting out over time
True but I find Cub Cadet decks just don’t hold up very well.
@@MowerMike I understand mine is fabricated not stamped
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!
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!
great video.
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!
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!
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!
I have the John deere x304, with a very nice kawasaki 17hp v twin, but a bad sector gear, the price of it is insane, I'm going to try and weld new points on the gear, and file them, see how that works out, oh I got it for free, runs strong just doesn't steer right, also have one of those cubbies 1045, deck lift is messed up, and needs rebuilding, also got that one for free, so a lot of work ahead.... Great videos.
@Hell's favorite Salty Berserker in my area it's 90 to 120 dollars... If you can find it for 60 please share the link, if you don't mind.
@Hell's favorite Salty Berserker and a X304 is a all wheel steering model, so the sector gear is very thick, not like a normal sector gear.
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.
CC zts2-50 here. Looks like it'll be a champ. I hope. It better be. 😁
All brands have their junk lines of mowers and there are only a few actual manufacturers for all of the many brands. The less expensive stuff at box stores are likely sketchy.
Yep the Deere dealer has a great mower just cost a lot
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 ;)
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’m with you! I have John Deere and Kubota mowers. Love your Texas Tech hat, I live in Lubbock!
WRECK’M happy to have a Lubbockite on board.
I have my Cub Cadet since 2007 replaced the starter once pretty happy with it. You have to maintain it.
That makes me happy Bill
I have a 2005 JD L120 22HP Briggs that I got in 2007 (with 16 hours on it!) for FREE from a buddy of mine because his wife was mowing their field and hit a rock bending the PTO mount strap, causing the PTO clutch assembly to spin with the engine, which caused a HUGE vibration! He figured she bent the crankshaft, so they parked it and bought a new bigger JD, and the L120 sat in their field for over a year, weathering it some. I loaded it up, hauled it home, replaced that PTO clutch strap and the clutch (clutch just because I was there and it might have been damaged) and the thing now has 280 hours on it. (I got it from a buddy of mine for free, like I said, so once I fixed it, I offered to give it back to him for 300 bucks for the work I had done, or give him cash for it, but he declined, said "keep it, we're all good". He was a good man! R.I.P., John.) That Cub Cadet PTO bracket looks more stout. I have done a lot of maintenance and repairs over the years, so literally 3 days ago had to drive to Yuma Arizona from Southern Cali to buy a Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 FAB. 50 inch fabricated deck, 24HP Kohler, since I couldn't find this model in commiefornia....smaller ones were MAYBE available, but I wanted a bigger model than my current 05 L120. Seems like a well-built machine, but time will tell as my 3 acres are pretty rough out here in the SoCal desert! The L120? Well, the paint has been flaking off of the deck and body for years (cosmetic, I know), I had to replace the fuel pump probably 5 times, had to replace a fuel tank because the original cracked (that involves pretty much removing the body, not just a simple little metal bracket like on the Cub Cadet you showed), replaced the steering pinion and sector shaft and the bushing where it passes through the frame, the steering drag links, the carburetor, the stupid plastic intake that warps (replaced with an older used aluminum intake), and replaced the usual stuff, like blades and belts (it is what it is, wear items), also had to replace the deck spindles once, and several pulleys/idlers, etc. on the deck and ground drive (once again, I would call these maintenance items since I live in a kinda sandy area, and the silica wears stuff out). Oh, and the diode pack went bad so the engine wouldn't shut off with the key, would kinda run on for a few seconds, then sometimes backfire when it finally stopped running. Now that replacement diode pack is bad again, cheap chinese junk! Overall, the JD hasn't been a bad mower, but it isn't without it's flaws and weaknesses. We'll see how it goes with the Cub Cadet. Heading outside right now to give it a once-over, make sure the monkeys at Tractor Supply assembled it right (as well as the monkeys who built the thing at the factory), make sure everything is lubed and greased properly, then put her into service. I do have 4 brand new traction tires on the way for installation next weekend, those are invaluable on our hilly, sandy, rocky, crazy property with weeds like cables! I do tend to take care of my stuff better than most folks, as I am a mechanic for a fleet of police units, and you know those have to be in top condition with the abuse they see! Take care, man, and I will be checking out more of your vids, for sure!
And there we have it, the whole story lol. I used to live in Palmdale I know all about the rock hills you are mowing. Good luck with the new mower!
@@MowerMike Yeah, I wrote a book. Lol.
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 ;)
I got a cub ‘s about five years ago to be honest I haven’t really had any trouble with it. I had to replace the gas tank when I got it also replace the tires and natural wear and tear but other than that it has never given me any issues that’s one of the best molars I’ve ever had. It’s a zero turn with a 20 horse tooth on a Kohler. Hell it even tells you when to change the oil it only has 203 hours on it and I got it had 118 hours
Hot damn, sounds like ya got yourself a robot mower!
Good info! What are your thoughts on the "John Deere Branded engines" vs the Kohlers they used to use? My JD is 13 years old with a Kohler engine and still runs as good as day one...I have a bad taste in my mouth from Briggs quality control and customer service
Hey John glad ya enjoyed. All the JD brand engines I have seen look like they are Briggs with different stickers. If you look at the shape of them you can tell what brand they are. Or if you look at the top of the valve cover there should be a model number on it that will match with a Briggs model.
Hi Mike! I have a John Deere Gt 235 and the PTO won't engage. I was told out at the John Deere dealer the circuit board under the dash could be going bad. Does that sound right to you?
Lol I don’t think that thing has a circuit board. I would check the switch first and then the electrical connection from the PTO to the wire harness. There is a connector there that can get loose. Or it may just be a safety switch
@Ratz Patootie I have had that issue, just took an angle grinder and cut the lip off the deck where it rubs.
Always start with the easiest things first, IF YOUR BATTERY IS TOO LOW the PTO will not stay engaged.
Pretty sure those DO have a circuit board. Nothing fancy like an ECU or anything like on the bigger machines, it's just an interlock relay board.
About once a year while I'm at Home Depot I check out all garden tractors on display in front. This year I was very disappointed when I popped the hood on them and all I saw was electronics instead of a gasoline motor. This is the fate of those who live in green weenie California, no more gas powered garden equipment.
That is crap, are there really no new gas mowers for sale in Cali? In Texas gas are still the most for sale by far.
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!
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.
own a 2005 1000 series, over 800 hours. Never had none of these issues. Runs great, original Kohler engine and transmission. I do regular upkeep , oil and filter changes and lube all fittings. Also, my fuel tank is under the seat.
That is great to hear
I’m in the market for a new 42 inch tractor to replace my 2011 Cub Cadet. I’ve really come to like the controls and wouldn’t mind another. Have they changed any of these design flaws?
Probably so but all I mess with is old stuff so I wouldn’t know.
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
I have a 1984 782 diesel cub cadet it runs great the best lawn mower I have ever owned
Wow that is a rare bird. Very cool machine
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'm working on a 2005 LT1060. The deck tensioner arm tends to twist due to the spring being not being mounted inline
with the plane of the idler pulley. This causes the arm to distort and wear uneven and it gouges into the deck. The arm costs from $38.00 to $70.00 on E bay. Bad engineering/planned obsolescence...Al Scott
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 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've got 3 shaft drives.....love em
Lol why would anyone have 3 old shat drive Cub Cadets, you have a problem my man!
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 own a GT2544 too! Best garden tractor ever! Has so much quality. The transmission is almost as strong as the john deere x700 super garden tractor!
Really! I hope I can get her running again.
@@MowerMike whats wrong with it if ya dont mind telling me?
@@JoshAllen17Goated The coupling on the drive shaft is shot behind the engine. And no idea if the engine will run.
@@MowerMike Shouldn’t be bad. Id replace the drive shaft barrels and couplers on the drive shaft and the coupler on the engine. Then should be all good to go! I doubt she wont run. Kohler commands are some of the best small engines made!
Looks like the tank on the JD was already removed!! How did that go??
It didn’t is still in my backyard junk pile
I have a Husqvarna LTH1542 from 2005.(bought new)
I mow over an acre of rough lawn every 5 days in season.
I have only replaced belts, blades,and 1 spindle since new other than oil changes.
Was I lucky or were they made better?
I would like to get a new mower, as it is starting to get well worn, who makes the best/simple to use 42-46" mower these days???
Want hydrostatic.
For something cheap I would go with a used Craftsman.
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
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
Got a LTX 1046 KW. The best part of the mower is the Kawasaki motor. But most everything else is junk. I inherited this from my Dad, kept his grass cut before he passed and still mow the grass over at his house and around the farm. Seems I have to replace a blade spindle on it every year. The deck is flimsy, and when you lift it up the front left of the deck always droops down. The from deck wheel mount on the left stays bent, and the lift cables for the deck apparently stretch so they will jump off the rollers and the deck is all wonky. I have had to replace the steering gear and bushing recently, and as a former small engine mechanic I agree it was a pain in the ass. So I just changed the oil in it, and getting it ready for another cutting season,, and waiting to see what falls apart next. We also have a John Deere LA110, the only issue is the carb surges at low speeds. No issues with the deck, it still has the original belts on it.
I can relate. I didn’t know they put the Kawasaki on the Cubs. Maybe you should find a broke down Deere X series and just swap the engine over.
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 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!
I’ve lucked out on my cheap 2010 ltx1040. I’m sure the wear points you shown are worn on mine. Right now I’m trying to find a used xt3 gsx that has locking diff. To bad the pandemic put a halt to the production of that model a real garden tractor.
Just keep looking, used mowers are the way to go
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
Thanks!
Haha thanks man! No one ever tips me, especially for my rambling opinions on Cub Cadets.
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.
I have a JD D140 here in Australia and I can honestly say it's the best thing I have ever bought... the thing is a beast... $5000 AUD it should be.
Wow that is an investment. Nothing runs like a Deere!
I considered buying a Cub Cadet mower in Canada a few years ago. The major box stores sell the Cub Cadet but after hours of searching I cold not find a single place that would sell me parts for them in Canada. So 5 dollar part will put the whole mower in the land fill.
Nah Amazon has all you need for mower parts. Just only 50% of them actually work!
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!