Cub Cadet has created a name for itself in the lawn mower business, especially with the zero turn hydrostatic lawn mowers which are highly effective and efficient. However, in as much as these mowers are deemed perfect, they also face problems as a result of wear and tear. The article below highlights some of the most common Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic problems you should look out for.
Table of Contents
Cub Cadet Zero Turn Hydrostatic Problems
NB: Cub Cadet zero turn mowers are sold without any malfunctioning parts and the problems listed below are influenced by wear and tear of the lawn mower.
1. Starter Problems
One of the most popular Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic problems is that mower will not start. In some instances it will start but then stop after a few seconds. This problem is one of the hardest to solve as you have to run a series of diagnostics in order to identify the challenge. Firstly you need to check the battery, there is a chance that it might be damaged and needs to be replaced. If the battery is not the problem check the levers position and make sure that the direction levers are on. Lastly check the PTO switch, there is a chance that it might be damaged and needs to be replaced. If all these methods fail, seek assistance from a qualified repairer.
2. Problems With Oil Indicator
Cub Cadet Zero turn hydrostatic lawn mowers also face challenges with their oil indicators. The Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic lawn mowers have an hour meter that has a light which indicates when the oil is low or needs to be changed. However, the light is faulty in that it blinks even when the oil tank is full and this can cause a lot of confusion to owners. Since the light blinks when there is either low oil or the oil needs to be changed you have to solve the problem by first adding oil into the crankcase. Make sure you fill it up to the recommended point. If the light stops blinking then that means your mower just needed more oil but, if it continues blinking then that means you need to change the oil and replace the filter with a new one. If you change the oil and the filter keep the engine on for an hour and the LED light will reset and turn itself off.
3. Poor Hydrostatic Transmission
Another Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic problem is that the mower experiences poor hydrostatic transmission especially if it has been in use for a long period of time. This problem is usually caused by a worn out drive belt, bad tension pulley or low or old hydraulic oil. In order to solve the problem you have to replace the drive belt and tension pulley with new ones. If the hydraulic oil is low or bad you need to add new hydraulic oil.
4. Excessive Vibrations
The Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic mower also experiences problems of excessive vibration. This problem is usually caused by loose bolts, blades, pulleys and bearings. In order to solve this issue you need to ensure that you tighten all the components. Furthermore, make sure that the blades are correctly angled and that the bearing is well balanced so that excessive vibration does not occur.
5. Emits Smoke
Another problem that the Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic lawn mower faces is that it produces smoke. This problem usually happens when oil passes from the crankcase into the cylinder and then starts to burn off. Another cause is low oil within the crankcase and as a result certain components start to burn as a result of friction. In order to solve this you have to start by reducing the oil in you crankcase to the recommended amount. If the problem persists, you should take your mower to a reputable repair shop.
6. Mower Steers Incorrectly
Due to excessive wear and tear, the Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic lawn mower can start to steer incorrectly. This can be caused by a loose steering wheel, uneven tire pressure or bad dampers. In order to solve this problem you have to start by adjusting the loose steering wheel and then inflating all tires with equal pressure. Lastly, you should check the dampers and replace them if they are damaged.
What Happens If You Do Not Change Transmission Fluid?
If you do not change transmission fluid your engine will start to overheat. This will then prevent your engine from producing enough power to start the lawn mower. Therefore, you should always change tour transmission fluid frequently in order to avoid such inconveniences.
When Should I Change My Hydrostatic Transmission Fluid?
You should change your hydrostatic transmission fluid after every 75 hours of the first operation and after every 400 hours occasionally. This helps to ensure that the hydrostatic transmission fluid does not go bad and that your machine operates to its full capacity.
How Long Does Hydraulic Oil Last?
The shelf life of hydraulic oil is determined by a number of factors ranging from quality of the oil as well as when it was produced. However, a good brand of hydraulic oil will last 6 months if the conditions are not severe.
How Do You Know If Hydraulic Oil Is Bad?
In order to know whether hydraulic oil is bad you should pay attention to your engine speed. If it’s slow then there is a chance that the hydraulic oil is bad. Also if there is a decrease in hydraulic pressure or an increase in noise on your machine that means the hydraulic oil is bad and needs to be changed.
Conclusion
The Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic mower might seem like a faulty lawn mower but, this is not the case. The problems indicated above are usually influenced by wear and tear of the mower. So if you are thinking of purchasing a Cub Cadet zero turn hydrostatic lawn mower, do not let the problems discussed above discourage you from buying one. This brand of zero turn mowers is definitely worth every penny.