Hey Shannon,
I'm a new LT1042 owner also...Bought mine a week ago at Lowe's....I've got the pulley chatter/rattle problem also and posted here a few days ago - you probably saw it. Thankfully there are some really helpful people on here though ,that pointed me in the right direction...i contacted lowes service who put me in touch with cub service people in my area...they knew exactly what the problem was and i've arranged to have it fixed soon under warranty...i really love the new LT1042 - looks awesome and seems very well put together (aside from that idle pulley!). Before i bought it i'd considered one of the new JD's but i feel that overall the Cub is a better value for the cash. I've owned a JD LTX38 for 10 years and have never been happy with it. It cost a bundle back when i bought it, has never provided a nice clean cut, and has had numerous costly repairs even though it was very well maintained. I decided this year i'd had it with that thing and wanted something new...But, i'm keeping the old JD as a beater to move stuff around the yard (aerator/roller etc) until it dies for good!
