Cub 5234D problem

[viking65]

I have oil very slowly seeping out from around the rear pto shaft and in high range on the hydrostatic transmission the tractor on occasion will slightly jerk /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. This is especially noticeable going up an incline of any grade.

I called my Cub Cadet dealer, explained the problem and he said he would get back to me. Less than 15 minutes later he called and told me he will replace the entire transmission /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. It's still under warranty /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. He told me he had the same problem on another unit a few months ago and that Cub knows about it. The dealer called it a "tolerance problem" in the transmission. I didn't ask specifically what that was. Anyway, my dealer was very responsive and told me that Cub was aggressively tackling any issue with this tractor becuase they want everything "right". They have to have that attitude because of all the other good tractors that compete in this segment.

If you have a 5000 series Cub you might want to talk to your dealer about this issue.

 

[alanwoj]

Thanks for the info. As I recall, your tractor is at least last year's model. I am in the process of purchasing the 05' 5254, any idea if your problem is a past issue or is ongoing?

 

[viking65]

Yes, mine is a 2004 model. I don't know if this is resolved yet in current manufacturing. However, it may be. The reason I say that is when I was speaking to my dealer about this problem he said that my new transmission will come right off the assembly line at the point at which the transmission assembly is complete. That leads me to believe that this problem may have been corrected by now since my new transmission will actually be a 2005 model transmission that was originally destined for a 2005 tractor.

Also, another issue to bring up to your dealer is that of a bad friction washer in the throttle assembly. My throttle lever would not stay were you wanted it to, it would slowly creep up by itself. The problem was the friction washer, my dealer fixed it right away. There is a technical bulletin on this problem that your dealer's service dept. may be aware of.

FYI, the friction washer is on page 12 of the series 5000 parts manual (dash panel and steering wheel) item number 12 in the drawing, part number 723-3013 on page 13.

I have been extemely happy with my tractor and my dealer.

 

[Cub5k]

Viking, Sorry to hear about your tractor. Sounds like you will be treated right though. I'm going to pull mine out of the shed and try a few inclines to see if I notice the jerking. When are you getting your new tranny?

 

[viking65]

Another problem on my 5234D....The lift cylinder on the 3 point hitch is now leaking. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Reported to dealer...will fix when transmission is replaced.

 

[CubTech]

The transmissions on the 5000's series are either repairable or replaced. It all depends upon if there are any available at the time of ordering.

The transmission comes from Rotable Trans in Leitchfield KY.

They are brand new transmissions.

The friction washer under the throttle handle is easily fixed. Replace the washers and tighten. Problem Solved.

Throttle Lever is CC-470

 

[DmansPadge]

Glad to see we have a Cub mechanic on the forum. Thanks for your posts! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[viking65]

The friction washer has already been replaced, mechanic indicated it was somewhat of a PITA to replace. My dealer already tried to repair the trans unsuccessfully, now he will replace it. The leaky lift cylinder will be replaced when trans is pulled. I have to wait for a production run of the new transmissions...about 4 weeks. Meanwhile, I can still use the tractor as long as I stay in low range. That will add a lot of time to cutting the grass. 3 pt hitch still works, but leaks at the lift cylinder.

I have not been doing anything unusual with the tractor, just rear blading the snow in the winter and lately using a 5' landscape rake. I used it to mow last September and October. Only 46 hours on the machine, 41 of them are mine. The dealer is doing all that he can do.

I'm glad this tractor is still under warranty. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ducati996]

Hi Viking,

Maybe you can reach out to Cubtech and have him try and improve that 4 week lead time....
As much as I love Cub - this would send me over the top and is something that should be resolved right away. Its a new machine, its still in production, and it has had a major failure.
Either get the part right away or a new machine period...dont settle for anything less in this....drive it throught the dealer, in writing today, document and escalate it right away....the season is in full swing, and they expect you to wait 4 week's and limp along? Unacceptable in my book....

Ducati

 

[viking65]

duc, I appreciate your comments. I am starting to get a little upset about this whole thing. At this point I am going to be patient and work with my dealer to resolve these problems. If these problems are not addressed to my satisfaction this time I will step it up a notch or two. When stuff like this happens I usually jump in pretty quick and start pissing people off...I don't want to do that this time.

How do you contact Cub directly? There are no phone numbers on their website or in my tractor's documentation with the exception of the toll free number to locate a dealer.
I really feel like I must rely on the dealer to resolve this and I want him to want to help me so I am taking a more relaxed approach right now.

If this goes into mowing season, which will be in 2 or 3 weeks, I can bring my garden tractor out of retirement if I have to. So I am not going to push him very hard at this point since I do have an alternative, at least for mowing. Maybe I can hit him up for another free hat and maybe a coffee mug. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have even thought about trading this machine in once all the problems are resolved but I will take it in the can since it is so new.