LT1042 idler pulley loose/rattles

[Fooznut]

Hi folks, i just bought a new lt1042 from lowes. got it home, started it up, and heard a fairly loud and consisent rattle/clunking sound from underneath...i identified the problem (if it is one) as a somewhat loose idler pulley/idler bracket (for the drive belt - not the mower deck). it vibrates when i'm idling at the lowest setting (blades not running) and knocks against the frame etc. i checked the bolts holding that pulley in place and they appear to be tight. .anyways, i went back to lowes and talked to somebody who told me it's just that the tractor is brand new and the belt needs to set in or something...he said after a couple mowings it'd go away. i started up a couple other 1042's at lowes and each had the same rattle to one degree or another.

my question is, has anyone here with a 1042 had this same problem? did it go away on it's own? have you had it fixed? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[wildcatman]

My dad and I both bought 1042's a couple weeks ago from TSC. Neither one of us have had any problems so far. The problem that you're describing with your 1042 did not occur with mine. I have mowed my lawn a couple of times this spring and so far no problems. It seems like a good solid mower. Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I just haven't heard any rattling or unusual vibration going on with my new 1042.

 

[gamble77]

We had one unit that was like this. Take it to whoever the servicing shop is and let them fix it. I believe Cub knows about this problem on some of the models. It is a pulley problem. good luck.

-Nate

 

[CubTech]

Fooznut,

Call the number you have for Service from Lowes. We do have a slight issue of loose idler brackets on the belt drive systems. They were shipped out wrong. Some units experience a chatter or tapping at idle.

The fix is a shim under the idler bracket. Also, be sure you change the throttle from idle if you choose to operate the unit. The drive system is designed to operate at 3/4 to full throttle. Low idle causes belt slap.

So call the service number and tell Lowes that they need to contact Cub Cadet Technical services for the fix.

They will get you fixed and ready for mowing season!

 

[Fooznut]

Hey, thanks for the quick response...I will call the service people today...just curious, is this a simple enough fix that i could perhaps do it myself? I'm fairly handy with tools, and I've located the idler pulley and can pretty clearly determine where the shim would go...i just don't want to be without the mower for a week or 2 because of this - down here in NC the grass is growing fast already!

Thanks.

 

[gamble77]

Yes you can do it yourself however, it won't be warrantyed through Cub if you do. In other words if you try to fix it yourself and something goes wrong then Cub can't warranty it.

My suggestion would be to take it to your local servicing dealer and let them fix the problem. Good luck!

-Nate

 

[IowaAndy]

Could this issuse also happen on the LT1018? Ours has about 11 hours, and I can't climb any hills. The drive belt immediately chatters and slips. I've considered increasing the tension spring size to get more tension on the belt.

Andy

 

[Geo148]

I had this problem with my LT 1018 (New 4-15-05). I had my local dealer return it to his shop & fix it. He put in a stiffer spring. This would also be for the 1042, they share the frame.
I contacted the CC web site (twice) both times they told me that there where "no previous issues" of theis nature, thus no recalls or service bullitans. The mechanic at the shop told me, "it seems that they shipped them out with a poor spring" and he knew exactly what I was about to say when I mentioned the rattle, implying that he knows of several machines with the same problem. BTW the dealer had it only one night & brought it back early the next AM. so far very pleased /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[KINGLODI]

Bought new LT1042 weekend of EASTER this year. Experienced exact same problem right off the bat. Cut the yard several times since then. Haven't taken it back to TS because I have no means of doing so. Dealer and service garage will both charge to pickup and redeliver. I just deal with the noise.

As a side note the two bolts on the mowing deck which the stiff springs attach to snapped off right at the mowing deck surface. For same reason as above I fixed the problem myself by replacing the bolts.

/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif