Zero-turn mowers hold the distinction of being the fastest machines to cut lawns. Operating them is primarily straightforward, a breeze for homeowners looking to maintain a sharp lawn. The highly functional and efficient machine makes it a popular choice in the United States. However, zero-turn mowers are not without problems.
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are durable, but some issues can frustrate them. Thankfully, you can have them fixed and back working like normal.
In this article, you will learn the common problems that might pop up, their reason, and some practical steps to get your mower working again.
Below are the common problems with cub cadet mowers and some troubleshooting tips to help you fix them.
1. Mower Won’t Start
Unsurprisingly, this is the first problem in this article because it is the most common issue many zero-turn users face. In many instances, the Cub Cadet won’t start. Here are some reasons why the mower fails to start:
An empty fuel tank. When your mower stops, check the fuel tank. Refill the empty tank if that is the problem.
Bad spark plug. Your zero-turn mower can halt due to a broken or faulty spark plug. Even a dirty plug can present some issues. Replace the bad plug with new ones.
Dirty Carburetor. Your mower can stop working when a dirty carburetor prevents proper fuel flow. To solve this issue, do a weekly clean-up with a carb cleaner compressed air.
Faulty safety switch. A working safety switch is a must-have. But when there’s a problem, it can cause unwanted accidents and stop your mower from working. If the safety switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
Old fuel. Don’t be surprised. Fuel gradually breaks down over time and becomes less efficient at powering your mower. Fix this by refilling the tank with fresh fuel.
2. Smoke Coming out of the Mower
Seeing smoke from your zero-turn lawn mower is not a great sight. Some users seriously complain about this issue, especially when they can’t pinpoint the exact cause. Not to worry, smoking mostly occurs when the oil in the fuel tank gets inside the mower’s cylinder, and then the oil begins to burn.
Burns will lead to smoke, and the engine’s internal parts also malfunction when this happens. Too much oil in the crankcase creates pressure in the engine and lets oil into the cylinder.
You can deal with this problem by draining out some engine oil.
3. Weak Hydrostatic Transmission
Your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower can experience hydrostatic problems. One of the reasons for this is a bad drive belt, while others include a faulty tensioner pulley. However, there are some practical solutions to fix the primary causes.
Firstly, when the cause is a bad drive belt or tensioner pulley, replace them and regularly grease the tensioner arm. Secondly, you could have old hydraulic oil, leading to a weak hydrostatic transmission. In such a situation, change your hydraulic oil regularly and perform checks at intervals.
4. Mower Keeps Vibrating
Your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower has unique sounds, but steady vibrations indicate problems inside. Most times, the vibration is caused by unbalanced or damaged blades. Some failing components may also be responsible, such as bearings in the clutch, spindle housings, and pulleys.
Debris from acorns, woodchips, stones, and dirt can vibrate your zero-turn mower. You can deal with this problem after checking the cause and taking it out. If that doesn’t help, perform a thorough check or servicing.
5. Mower Doesn’t Steer Correctly
Ever witnessed your zero-turn mower going out of turn? You are not alone. It’s a problem that can happen due to various reasons, such as:
Your mower can steer incorrectly when there is incorrect pressure and loose components. These issues can ruin the balance of the mower so that it will move out of turn. You can fix this by checking the tire pressure and adjusting the loose steering components accordingly.
Another cause of this problem is bad dampers on your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower. Check the damper and if it is faulty, replace it ASAP.
6. Mower Stops Working Abruptly
You are on your lawn and enjoying how swiftly your zero-turn mower goes about its business, snapping your grass to perfection. And then, everything suddenly stops working. That is as annoying as it gets.
When your zero-turn mower stops working while moving, that’s a cause for concern. Thankfully, you can get it fixed. Firstly, check if the mower’s air filter is not clogged.
Sometimes, grass and dirt can block the air filter, preventing airflow. Take out the filter and clean it thoroughly; if it needs more, get it changed ASAP. Secondly, a dirty or faulty cooling fan may cause your mower to stop abruptly.
The job of the cooling fan is to allow air inside the mower so that the engine doesn’t overheat. But in some cases, the fans get blocked with dirt and grass. For this reason, your mower can ground to a halt while moving.
Getting rid of this problem is easy. Clean the cooling fans at least once every two weeks or replace them if broken.
7. Uneven or Bad Cut
You probably got a Cub Cadet zero-turn because it’s one of the best mowers for providing top-notch lawn trims and cuts. However, uneven or bad cuts can happen even to the best. But if such cuts always take place, consider checking for the problem.
Some reasons for this problem include the following:
The mower may be clogged by grass or other particles. You can deal with this problem by mowing the lawn regularly to stop grass from clumping. Also, stop mowing on wet grass.
Bent blades. With them, achieving a clear, even cut across your lawn takes time. Replace the bent blade(s) with new ones.
Incorrect tire pressures mean your mower can tilt to the side of the lesser tire. But your lawn will get even cuts when both tires have the correct air pressures.
Conclusion
Your Cub Cadet zero turn mower can develop any common problems even after a short period. You can always fix it whether it fails to start, vibrates, smokes, cuts badly, or has another issue. Zero-turns are fast, durable, and efficient, so keep them in great shape.
Now that you know these problems and their causes, follow and implement the recommended fixes when they happen. If the solutions do not work after identifying the issues and applying possible solutions, visit a technician with your complaints.
Alex is a skilled gardener and lawn care expert with over 5 years of experience in the field. He developed a passion for horticulture at a young age and has since dedicated his life to mastering the art of landscaping. When he's not tending to gardens and lawns, Alex enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.
