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.

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.

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.

Thanks Mower Mike , for sharing your experience and knowledge with us my friend, hope you have a great week ahead ! 😊❤️👋

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.........

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 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'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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 LTX 1040 I bought eight years ago and yes I replace belts spindles blades but I've never had any steering problems

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

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 .

I have never had a Cub but I love my 1976 JD 400, its a tank.

Aswome information had to subscribe 👍 keep the knowledge coming I'm a newbie to lawnmowers so I appreciate it thanks

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.

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.

I've had Cubs for decades and never had the issues you describe.

I bought my cub cadet in 1992 and just mowed my lawn yesterday with it !! My model 1863 is a workhorse!!

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.

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.

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 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?

I've owned both, and both are fantastic, great video, some very valid points,

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

Had a Cubby for last 5 years with Kawasaki engine Love it, NEVER had any problems.

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!

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.😣

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’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?

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

My newest cub is from 1971. Still runs and mows great.

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?

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.

Your thoughts on the 2012 Cub Cadet LGT 1054 ??? 350 hours, ... $1000. Looks good. Is it worth it? Thanks!

I have a 2010 Cub GT2550 shaft drive. I can't keep a deck belt on it. And now I think the governor shaft is broken. It runs wide open all the time. I mean wide open, lol I wish it still worked like it's suppose to because it's a beast when it's working. Any suggestions on the governor issue?

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

Looks like the tank on the JD was already removed!! How did that go??

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 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.

Subbed, and rang the bell, great stuff man.

That nut on the pinion gear, does it have a torque spec?

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. 😂

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 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.

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.

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.

I push the throttle to the fast mode and nothing happens until I manually move the lever going into the side of the motor, how do I fix that?

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).

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.

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

Is there such a thing as service contract for 6 years parts and labor bumper to bumper. that is any good?

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.

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.

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?

Do any of these issues get remedied on the 2022 cub cadets? Like XT1's?

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.

Benjamin/Sheridan pellet rifle over the window and Klipsch speakers in the corners. Very nice.

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.

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'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

Is Kohler engine better than craftsman rig and Stratton engines on a cub cadet?

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

Mike,im lookin at a 09 john deere x320. 48" deck,Kawasaki fh661v, k58 tranny. Its got a thousand hours on it,but looks to be in good shape. The dealer wants $1200 for it. It seems to run and drive ok. Would ya consider it a fair deal and worth foolin with? I dont mind fixin most little things,as long as the engine and tranny hold together. Ive never owned a Kawasaki anything,but i recon theyre supposed to be of good quality. I haven't found to many videos on them and the ones i have found were several years old and the machines were almost new.

I have a lt1045 Cub cadet I've had it for 5 years never had problems regular maintenance

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

I've owned both liked both. But the Cub with the big twin Kohler was a beast! Cut thru a field 4 ft deep weeds no rpm drop. So the taller pinion gear is good why? The sector gear is thin. So it only rides on a thin area of the thick pinion gear right? Rust looks to be worse than the thin sheet metal, it may rust easier.

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 looked over the years at all the common yard mowers thinking I might need to upgrade. They all have steady been disappointing getting worse and worse on build quality. I then go by my snapper dealer and get a new belt for my rear engine snapper I bought 1992 and just keep mowing.

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've got 3 shaft drives.....love em

Keep it going I have two tellers that I need fixed and would like to know were you are from ?? Because I can't trust anyone here were I live .....

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 had an all metal Cub Cadet twenty five years ago and it was fanastic. Not so sure about the plastic ones they now knock out.

Have any of these issues been resolved on the 2023’s?

great video.

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 my Cub Cadet since 2007 replaced the starter once pretty happy with it. You have to maintain it.

I’m with you! I have John Deere and Kubota mowers. Love your Texas Tech hat, I live in Lubbock!

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?

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.

JD L118 owner. I got mine new 19+ years ago. I have over 1000 hours on it now, and it's my #2 mower and yard trailer puller. Sector gear and steering gear replaced 2-3 times, steering drag links replaced 2-3 times, front wheel bearing/bushings replaced with new style. Front tires replace twice, rears once. Several drive and deck pulleys replaced. Same for deck belt and drive belt. Spindles replaced 1-2 times. Deck cracked and weld repaired once. Just replaced the blade engagement cable, as it was cracking. General engine maintenance kept up. Changed the transmission fluid once a long time ago. I was told once that Cub Cadet actually made the JD mowers. Don't know for sure...

Can you tell me how to fix my X390 John Deere transmission.?

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.