Cub Cadet 1042 or 1045 @ Lowes

[jpmorgan12]

I have narrowed my search for a riding mower down to the following two Cubs at Lowes:

1042: 19hp 42" deck - 2 blades - $1599
1045: 20hp 46" deck - 3 blades - $1699

Other than the 1 extra hp and bigger deck, these two models look identical.

1. I don't mind paying the extra $100 bucks, but is there any disadvantage to buying the 1045 for my yard? Will the extra hp or 4" bigger deck be better, or more to brake?

2. Both come with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. For an extra $250, lowes will add 2 years for a total of 4. Is this money well spent, or should I count on the Cub not needing any major repairs in the first 4 years?

Please advise. Thanks!

Jeff Morgan
jeffmorgan@gmail.com

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[JTKub]

Jeff, either engine/deck combination would be fine. The cub 1000 series are decent LT's compared to others in that price range. The smaller deck might be 'easier' on the machine, but if it takes you longer to mow, would be a wash. I'd be leary of the 'extended' warranty from Slowes, unless you can verify it's usefullness with your local cub dealer. With these lower end machines, it really doesnt matter if you buy from a dealer or not. They'll be more than happy to squeeze you into their service schedule if need be ($$$)! I don't see why you wouldnt get 4-5 years of normal residential service out of a cub 1000 series without anything but regualr maintenance items (oil,grease,filters,sparkplug). She'll start getting pretty loose, wobbly and broke-in after year 5. Typical of any <$2000 LT.
G/luck
Joel

 

[jpmorgan12]

How about the 1046. Is it much of an improvement over the 1045? Lowes doesn't carry the 1046, buy TSC does.

 

[JTKub]

I think you'll find everyone will tell you to go with the V-twin 1046 over the the others since no-one is familiar with the new kohler courage single cylinder series engines. They haven't been in mass production that long. I'm sure they are great engines, just not enough hours clocked on'em yet. The kohler command twins (1046) are a tried & true excellent engine. Other than decks & engines the 1042/1045/1046 are the same machine.
G/luck
Joel

 

[kstandley]

I purchased a 1042 from TSC and at about 1.5 hours (I failed to put the decimal point in another post) the engine swallowed a valve. TSC was very good at replacing the mower. The replacement has about 4.0 hours without any trouble. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I'm still somewhat nervous since the original failed so early.
Time will tell if the Courage engines hold up or not.