Cub Cadet?

[bulldog7]

I am in the market for a riding mower and am looking at a Cub Cadet LX1040.
Does anyone here have experience or an opinion either pro or con about this particular model? Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[JTKub]

From the looks of the specs on the Cub website, this looks like a variator drive system (belt and variable sheave pulley system). It's got F-N-R on the left side fender and a motion pedal. I haven't heard anything for or against this system on a new Cub. I know I had a similar system on an cheap MTD/Yardman and always had issues with it. For ~$150 more I would personally bump up to the 1042 for the hydrostatic transmission. If you need to stay as close to $1K as possible, I'd go with a gear drive Sears machine. Just avoid anything advertised with "Shift on the go". It's a super low-end belt/variator drive trans.

Joel

 

[bulldog7]

JTKub,
Thanks for the reply. The 1040 does have the hydrostatic transmissiion but
the difference between it and the 1042 is you do not have the heel pedal for reverse, you have to move a lever from F back to R manually. Other than that I think they have the same hydro transmission, tell me if that is wrong.
The price difference is somewhat over $200 just for this option and I don' think I would pay that much even though it would be nice to have.

 

[JTKub]

If it's got a 'go pedal' and a separate lever for F-N-R, it's not hydrostatic. Your average big box employee wouldn't know the difference and some dealer sales people may not either. I'd peek under one to verify, or go to a reputable dealership to check one out. I do know that specs can vary, regardless of what it says on the Cub website.

Joel

 

[bulldog7]

JTKub,
The 1040 I found out has what is called an automatic transmission and not
a hydrostatic. Cub calls it a CVT transmission. Is this the kind of transmission you mentioned that you has issues with. I don't think it is a variable drive belt system because it only has one drive belt. This belt drives from the crank of course and powers the two blades and then the pump. I suppose the more pressure you put on the pedal makes the pump run faster and thus speeds the mower up. Do you know of any inherant problems with a system like this? Thanks

 

[JTKub]

Yep, cub calls it a CVT, but it is a belt and variator system. They don't show the trans drive belts on any of their operator's manuals. Your typical variator or "CVT" system will have two belts. One from engine to variator, one from variator to trans. I know Cub was rumored to be pairing up with Torotrak for a toroidal drive system, but it's not rolled out yet (in the States at least).

Joel

 

[bulldog7]

JTKub,
If you had the choice to go up to the 46 inch Cub with the V-Twin Briggs&
Stratton engine for a difference of 200.00, would you do that? This model
does have the hydrostatic transmission.

 

[JTKub]

For a larger cutting deck, a V-twin engine and a hydrostatic transmission, heck yes I'd go that route for $200 more. Briggs or Kohler makes no difference to me. They're both good. I know the initial outlay of cash takes a bite, but in my opinion when you're buying new, you may as well take the plunge and get what you want/need.

Joel

 

[VinceSMTA]

I think JT has given some solid advice and is leading you into a direction that you'll like. $200 more for a hydro now will save you time and money down the road...just my opinion.

 

[SHUNKSTER]

Just a thought! If you can stay away from Big Box Stores and go with a dealer. They have better advice, service and they will usually match or get close to Big Box pricing.