LTX1045

McGruff 138 · Feb 23, 2010

Purchased my LTX1045 last spring (2009). Since that time, I have mowed for one season and experienced the following issues:
1. Replaced the mower belt 3 times.
2. Replaced the two pulleys twice each.
3. The mower brake (allows the engine to run when you get off) will no longer engage.
4. Mower belt slips off constantly.

I owned a Sears Craftsman for 12 years and NEVER had these type of issues. After conducting some research, it is apparent that these issues are common in the LTX1045 and that Cub Cadet/MTD refuses to provide a fix, much less honor any warranty. I am seriously considering a lawsuit against CC to recoup the cost of this defective product so I can purchase something that actually works. I cannot find any "contact us" section on the CC website that would allow me to email them. I have registered a complaint with Consumer Affairs.

For what it's worth, my property is a little under 2 acres and it's all grass. I have not been using the mower for purposes other than what it was intended. This is extremely frustrating and I'm to the point of looking into a Class Action suit.

CCinCT · Feb 23, 2010

What is your dealer telling you about this, and is he charging you for the parts and labor?

MUD&GRASS · Feb 23, 2010

what does the forward pitch look like. if the front of the deck is too low compared to the rear of the deck you'll go through belts pretty quick, they also fly off fairly often. if this is the case a couple of turns of the front hanger will raise the front of the deck. def worth checking into

question -was this bought from a big box or a dealer ???? could be a setup problem. sort of sounds odd that cub would not honor warranty for what you have listed or is this what a dealer said. the only hangup i could see would be more than 120 hrs use since spring 2009 which would be a whole lot of seat time for one season.

as far as a phone # there is 1-800 one on the back page of your owners manuel.

VinceSMTA · Feb 23, 2010

I agree with what has already been said. I'd work with your dealer first and try to work something out. Actually, I am surprised that the dealer didn't recommend something a little different for 2 acres of mowing...seems like a little much for an LTX.

Undercover · Feb 25, 2010

That sounds like a big box store purchase if not, that dealer will not be a dealer for long.
Also i agree 2 acres is a bit much for it.But that shouldn't be hurting it yet unless it is mowing some good sizes hills.
McGruff138 how many hours on it.You are under warranty.When you got your Lawn tractor Didn't they give you a owners manual?The 1-800 number on it is at the beginning of that book.
Try these #'s
customer support 1-800-965-4cub
locate dealer 1-877-282-8684

RandyT · Feb 26, 2010

Some MTD products are prone to through belts if mowing at the lower cutting height position. The dealer may have his hands tied by Mtd as far as warranty even if he did sell it. Belts are not normally covered under warranty unless caused by another failure. If the deck is too low in the front it can cause belt flip off and is considered a setup issue and is not covered by warranty. The idler pulleys should be covered under warranty.

I have run into cases such as this and the Mtd tech department response was to tell the customer to not mow as low if the belt keeps coming off. If another dealer preforms a warranty repair and the repair doesn't hold and the customer takes it to another dealer for the same repair Mtd may deny his claim because it was repaired by another dealer previously.

I know it can be fustrating but it may not be the dealers fault that the customer may be paying for repairs. Mtd has had several cases of deck belt problems and they may fix it eventually or not. I once had a case where the belt was slipping off of the idler pulley when mowing in the lower positions and Mtd fix was to shim the pulley with a washer to raise up the pulley, but was not a warranty authorized repair.

VinceSMTA · Feb 27, 2010

Hmmm, 1 post, doesn't comeback to explain situation and he's mentioning a class action lawsuit? I'm sorry, I try not to get too negative too often but this is what's wrong with America. I know I might be old fashioned but I think lawsuits should be a last resort type thing. When I was farming I had a CaseIH 7140 that I had terrible luck with, however I worked with the dealer and worked out a solution. Yes its frustrating and yes it cost me more money than 10 LTX1045's but in the end I was happy and there was not even a second thought of a lawsuit. Thanks for letting me vent.

CCinCT · Feb 27, 2010

I think this was a drive-by venting. I'd like to see this thread removed if he doesn't respond after some period of time, say 1 week.

Undercover · Feb 27, 2010

CCinCT said:
I think this was a drive-by venting. I'd like to see this thread removed if he doesn't respond after some period of time, say 1 week.

Not having the phone # to CC made me wonder,That is why i put the #'s in the above post.
I agree this post should be removed!
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CC 3235
CC 1872
IH CC 782
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McGruff 138 · Mar 1, 2010

VinceSMTA said:
Hmmm, 1 post, doesn't comeback to explain situation and he's mentioning a class action lawsuit? I'm sorry, I try not to get too negative too often but this is what's wrong with America. I know I might be old fashioned but I think lawsuits should be a last resort type thing. When I was farming I had a CaseIH 7140 that I had terrible luck with, however I worked with the dealer and worked out a solution. Yes its frustrating and yes it cost me more money than 10 LTX1045's but in the end I was happy and there was not even a second thought of a lawsuit. Thanks for letting me vent.

Sorry guys.. I was away due to work... I wasn't conducting a "driveby." I'm not a "lawsuit happy" person, and in all reality, I will just try and sell this lawn tractor and pass the problem on to someone else, although that goes against everything I believe in...

I will say this... Why should I pay $1700.00 for a product made in America that has an issue such as this, AND JUST TAKE IT?? If a company markets a product and a consumer purchases the product believing he/she is purchasing a well-made item, only to find out the cub cadet has a "belt issue" that has to be constantly fixed during the mowing season, then why should the consumer just "take it" and not "take action." Your decision to not have a "second thought of a lawsuit" is your right and/or decision.. I have mine as well. I really didn't want to make this a legal thread, but America also lacks accountability/responsibility... Who will hold this company accountable if we just "take it." I saved money for a year to buy this mower. I assure you, I'm not the only Cub Cadet owner who is very frustrated and dissatisfied. My biggest mistake was buying this thing from Home Depot... I will not make that mistake again..

I do appreciate the advise regarding leveling the deck. I will give that a shot in hopes it alleviates the problem.