(Fixed) 8 Most Common Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower Problems

Do recurring Cub Cadet zero-turn mower problems have made your life terrible? And now you are searching for a practical solution to avoid further hassle, right? 

If yes, relax and don’t take tension anymore, as this article has a solution. 

Some Cub Cadet zero-turn mower problems include the mower not starting, the mower starting then dying, uneven cutting, engine smoking, and vibration. 

So, in this article, I’ll shed light on the easy solutions to these problems. 

Let’s dive straight into the article!

Solutions To Common Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower Problems

Without a shadow of a doubt, everyone indeed yearns for a perfectly manicured lawn.

But as they say,” no pain, no gain.” So, you will encounter some hurdles in the journey to get a pristine lawn. 

Fortunately, these problems have easy solutions and can be fixed at home. 

So, let’s begin to learn about mower problems and easy fixes.

Also Read: Best Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers

1. Mower Unable To Start

Lawn mower unable to start is one of the most prevalent issues. And a vast majority of mower customers complain about encountering this issue.

Some common causes of this problem are as follows:

• Contaminated or stale fuel
• Insufficient fuel in the tank
• Clogged or broken spark plug
• Bad fuel lines
• Clogged carburetor
• Damaged fuel pump and fuel cap
• Dirty fuel and air filters
• Safety switch and ignition switch issues
• Corroded battery terminals and electrical issues

Also Read: Cub Cadet Ignition Switch Problems

Solution

To fix this problem, it is crucial to check the fuel, and if it’s dropping below the required level, then fill the tank.

And if it has become stale, then only replacing can only terminate this issue. 

After that, it’s vital to examine the performance of carburetors, fuel lines, air filters, fuel filters, and cooling fins.

If dirt or damage interferes with their ability to perform their tasks, fix them as soon as possible. 

If the issue still appears after fixing all these parts, you need to inspect the fuel pump and fuel cap.

Ensure that the vents of the cap are not clogged or damaged. And also, make sure that the fuel pump is not going through any issues.

Furthermore, don’t forget to check the ignition switch, safety switch, electrical connections, and battery.

2. Mower Starts, Then Dies

In some scenarios, your mower might start but loses power immediately and then dies.

Undoubtedly, it’s not easy to deal with the issue as it can be highly tiring. But with the right approach, you can resolve this problem.

Some potential causes of this issue include:

• Dirty and contaminated fuel
• Clogged fuel lines
• Damaged cooling fins
• Bad fuel cap or pump
• Inaccurate engine oil level
• Contaminated carburetor
• Clogged air filters
• Dirty mower deck
• Broken or filthy spark plug

Solution

Once you have figured out the causes, it’s time to fix all the parts that are giving rise to this issue.

As you know, most of the mower problems surface due to fuel issues. And the same goes for the mower that starts and then dies.

So, you need to inspect oil quality and quantity. And your mower fuel tank must have clean, fresh, and sufficient fuel.

The next step is to check the vital components of your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower, such as fuel lines, carburetor, air filters, and spark plug.

Ensure that there is no hindrance in the functioning of the above-mentioned parts.

After that, you must inspect the deck, fuel pump, and fuel cap. If any of them has any residue material or dirt, then clean it.

And only a replacement can solve this issue if they are broken.

Also Read: Cub Cadet Mower Deck Problems (Quick Fixes)

3. Mower Not Mowing

It’s also a common issue in Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers. It can surface owing to various reasons.

Reasons include:

• Damaged drive belt
• Low or stale hydraulic fluid
• Air trapped in the hydraulic system
• Damaged tensioner pulleys
• Missing idler arm spring
• Hot hydraulic fluid
• Wrong position of the drive release lever 
• Misplacement of the bypass rod

Solution

To fix this issue, ensure the drive belt is in good condition. Also, check the hydraulic fluid; it must be clean and not too hot.

Moreover, no air should be trapped in the hydraulic system. It’s also crucial to replace the spring of the idler arm if broken or displaced. 

Also, make sure that the drive release lever must be in the operating position. And the bypass rod needs to be disengaged.

4. Weak Hydrostatic Transmission

The weak hydrostatic transmission is another big problem of the Cub Cadet zero-turn mower.

The hydrostatic transmission issue can surface due to multiple reasons. So, it’s highly significant to know the causes before solving the issue.

Here I’ll enlist the common causes of weak hydrostatic transmission:

• Broken or loose drive belt
• Pulleys with less tension
• Low hydraulic fluid

Solution

To eliminate this problem, ensure that your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower has sufficient hydraulic fluid. 

Apart from that, if you have not changed hydraulic fluid for a while, consider changing it to get optimum performance from the hydrostatic transmission.

The next step in this solution method is to inspect the drive belt and pulleys. If you use your zero-turn mower excessively, the belt can be loosened or broken.

So, ensure that the belt is secured tightly and not cracked. Moreover, you should also check the pulleys and lubricate them.

5. Engine Smoking

Engine smoking is another agitating problem that you may have to cope with occasionally.

Some potential reasons for engine smoking issues include:

• Low engine oil level
• Blocked air filter
• Excess oil in the crankcase

There could be problems with different parts such as the piston ring, engine gasket, and valve train.

Solution 

To sort out this problem, inspect the engine oil level and pour more oil if it is low.

The second important step is to check the air filters. And, if they are dirty, wash them, and if damaged, then change them.

If you want to prevent this issue, then it is imperative to regularly check air filters and never let them get dirty.

Also, don’t forget to check the crankcase; remove it if it has excessive oil.

Lastly, inspect the internal parts such as engine gaskets, piston rings, and valve trains and ensure they work smoothly.

Also Read: 7 Prevalent Cub Cadet LT1050 Problems And Solutions

6. Vibration Issue

Vibration issues are also extremely common, and they can appear in any mower, including the Cub Cadet zero-turn mower.

If you are encountering this issue, then it is significant to pinpoint the root causes. And it can assist you in picking the solution methods accordingly.

Here I’ll compile some possible causes of vibration issues:

• Damage pulleys or drive belt issues
• Spindle housing’s bad bearing
• Damaged or unbalanced blades
• Waste material around the mower blade shaft
• Overloaded or underloaded

Solution

To resolve this problem, you should check the blades, which should not be broken or imbalanced.

After that, you need to inspect the belt and pulleys. And if you find any defects, try fixing them as soon as possible.

The next step is to ensure that no external material is present around the blade shaft of the Cub Cadet zero-turn mower.

Also, inspect the bearing of the spindle housing, and if they are faulty, replace them.

And if the issue lingers even after replacement, you may have to change the whole spindle housing assembly.

The last step is to ensure that your mower is neither overloaded nor underloaded.

Also Read: Top 7 Cub Cadet XT1 Problems With Expert Solutions

7. Uneven Cutting

Sometimes your lawn starts to cut grass unevenly and even skip the big patches of ground.

Obviously, this issue can be problematic and irritating, but fortunately, it has a solution.

• Probable causes of this problem include:
• Blunt, dull, or damaged blades
• Improperly installed or misadjusted blades
• An unleveled or dirty deck
• Extremely fast ground speed of the mower
• Deflated tires or unequal tire pressure

Solution

To solve this issue, you need to inspect the blades properly. If the blades get damaged or blunt, they can not cut grass evenly.

So, you need to sharpen the blades regularly. Moreover, replace them if they can no longer perform their job efficiently.

If your mower is still cutting grass poorly even after fixing the blade issue, then it’s time to check the deck and tires.

Make sure that Cub Cadet zero-turn mower tires are inflated and have equal pressure. Plus, the deck must be leveled and clean to give even cutting.

It’s also better to have a slow ground speed and dry grass to get a fine cut.

Also Read: 6 Recurring Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Problems And Their Quick Fixes

8. Steering Issues

Steering issues are also prevalent among the Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers. These issues can make it hard to steer your cub cadet mower.

Here are some common causes of steering issues:

• Unequal tire pressure and damper issues
• Issues in steering system linkages 
• Damaged bearings, shafts, bushings, or gaskets

Solution

If you are encountering this issue, check the Cub Cadet zero-turn tires, and if they have unequal pressure, then fix this issue.

Additionally, check all the connections of the steering system and ensure they have no problem.

After that, you must check that bushings, bearings, gaskets, shafts, and dampers are not damaged. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion 

To sum up the discussion about Cub Cadet zero turn mowers, I must say that there is hardly a mower that is not susceptible to problems.

So, if you are encountering issues with the mower, then rather than taking tension, handle them confidently. And solutions mentioned in this article can surely assist you.

But if the issue persists even after following the solution method, then better to consult an expert technician.