Cub Cadet LT1042 Problems And Troubleshooting Guide
Lawnmowers can be troublesome machines. Even when you spend thousands of dollars on a high-end tractor, it seems that there’s always something going wrong with it. And when you go with a popular model like the LT1042 by Cub Cadet, facing weird issues can get extremely frustrating.
Cub Cadet, as you might know, is one of the staples of the industry, ruling the landscaping scene for quite a while now. They have a wide category of lawnmowers, with each one offering better performance than the next.
But recently, I have heard a lot of complaints regarding the Cub Cadet LT1042, a lawnmower that is well-known for its efficiency and durability. So, I decided to tackle the issue head-on and get to the bottom of all the problems with this specific lawnmower.
In this article, I will talk about the common issues in the Cub Cadet LT1042 and help you figure out what you can do to fix these problems. So, without further ado, let’s hop in.
Common Issues With The Cub Cadet LT1042 And How To Fix Them
The Cub Cadet LT1042, just like any other lawnmower, will start performing poorly if you don’t service it regularly. You see, without regular maintenance, the internal components in a lawnmower start to get dirty, which leads to a decline in performance.
So, if you want your mower to work in peak condition, there’s no going around it. You need to clean it regularly and service it in a professional garage at least once every six months.
Otherwise, weird issues might start popping up every now and then. That being said, here are some of the common issues that people face with their Cub Cadet LT1042 and their solutions.
1. Engine Doesn’t Turn On
While it might seem like a massive issue with your new lawnmower, if its engine refuses to run, in my experience, it is simply a mistake on the user’s end. And I am saying this because of the overwhelming number of times I have heard of startup difficulty in a new Cub Cadet LT1042.
In most cases, the reason why the engine doesn’t turn on is that the PTO key is turned off. You need to turn the PTO lever which is located on the right side of the machine, to the ON position and release the parking brake. This should allow your mower’s engine to fire up without any issues.
2. Poor Engine Performance
A common complaint with the Cub Cadet LT1042 is that its motor starts to perform poorly after a couple of hours of use. There can be a lot of different reasons behind this issue, such as a cold engine, debris in the tank, or even faulty wiring. Thankfully, fixing it is pretty easy, even on your own.
First, move the throttle control to the choke position and leave it there for a couple of seconds. This will let the engine get a rich fuel-to-air mixture and let your mower have a smoother operation.
You should also make sure the gas in your tank is fresh, and the spark plugs are connected and working properly to ensure smooth engine operation.
3. Engine Idles Suddenly
Another weird issue that may come up with Cub Cadet LT1042 is that you might notice that the engine stalls suddenly when it’s in use. In some cases, the engine runs properly at low RPM and speed, but as soon as you turn it up, the engine starts to struggle.
There can be a couple of different issues at play here, also. The most probable culprit is the spark plugs. Thankfully, it’s also the easiest to diagnose and fix. You need to open up the housing and get access to the plugs located in the engine. Inspect the plugs and look for any signs of damage. If it looks worn, you need to replace it.
While the spark plug is the common cause of this problem, a dirty air filter can also lead to sudden engine idling at high RPM. So, you also need to check the air filter element and look for any blockages that might be messing with the engine performance. Cleaning up the filter should fix the problem.
4. Mower Not Mulching Grass
Now on occasion, you might find that your mower will not mulch grass as efficiently or even at all. This can be extremely frustrating as a homeowner, and if you don’t know much about lawnmowers, this can be quite difficult to diagnose. The truth is there might not be anything wrong with your mower at all.
If your mower won’t mulch grass, there is a chance that either the grass level is too high for the mower to mulch properly, or the engine speed is too slow. You also need to understand that this mower is not made to wet mulch grass, so if you are using it after a rainy morning, it might not work properly.
When mulching grass, make sure you set the throttle in the FAST position for the best performance. If the grass is wet, do not use the mower and wait until it dries up. And if the grass level is too high, you want to set the deck high for the first pass and then switch to a narrow cut for the second pass.
Of course, dull blades in the mower can also be a possibility here. So, inspect the blades in your mower and make sure they are properly sharpened. If you notice any dent in the blades, replace them right away.
5. Uneven Cutting
Uneven cutting from a lawnmower can leave your lawn looking downright horrendous. It’s a complete nightmare for any homeowner who prides himself in keeping a neat and tidy lawn. So, if your Cub Cadet LT1042 doesn’t cut evenly, it can be quite frustrating.
Thankfully, the fix is pretty easy. There can be three possibilities here – the mower deck is not even, the tire pressure is not right, or the blades are dull. You need to go through all three possibilities.
- First, check the mower deck height and see if it is level. If not, you need to reset the deck.
- Next, check to see if the tire pressure in the front and rear wheels are even. If the front wheel is higher than the rear wheel, it can lead to uneven cutting.
- Finally, check the condition of the blades. If it is dull, it will cause the cut to come out unevenly.
6. Excessive Vibration While Using
If your lawnmower vibrates excessively while in use, this usually means that the cutting blades are loose. So that’s where you need to start your inspection.
Usually, reseating and tightening the blades get rid of unwanted vibration from the lawnmower. You should also remove any debris stuck between the blades while you are reseating them.
However, sometimes, bent or damaged blades can also cause this problem. If you notice the blades in the mower’s decks are bent out of shape, replace them immediately. They can also cause uneven or inefficient cutting when you use the lawnmower.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cub Cadet LT1042 is a fantastic lawnmower for the money. If you found one on sale and are seriously considering picking it up, then it’s natural to have some questions about it.
In this section, I will address some of the common questions people ask me about this lawnmower in the hopes that it will help you make your decision.
1. What Type Of Engine Does The Cub Cadet LT1042 Come With?
The Cub Cadet LT1042 features a single-cylinder, 19 HP Kohler engine with a displacement rate of 596 ccs. It features a hydrostatic transmission system and has a rated RPM of 3600.
2. Is The Cub Cadet LT1042 Suitable For A Large Lawn?
While you might be able to get away with using a Cub Cadet LT1042 on a large lawn, it will give you a better performance for moderate to small areas. Because of its single-cylinder design, using it on a larger estate might be a bit too taxing for the lawnmower.
Final Thoughts
The Cub Cadet LT1042 at the hands of a new user can feel a bit overwhelming. While it’s a pretty popular model and also quite user-friendly, some of the issues that it has can confuse you easily.
But as you can see, most of the issues that I talked about here are on the user’s side, and the lawnmower really holds no blame. So as long as you are well-versed in the different functions of this lawnmower, you should have little to worry about in terms of its durability and performance.
I hope my article on Cub Cadet LT1042 problems could help you diagnose and troubleshoot any issues you might be having with your mower. Good luck!
