This article may contain some affiliate links and if you make a purchase after clicking on any of teh links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The cub cadet LT 1050 mower belongs to the LT 1000 series of cub cadet mowers. These mowers were made with the CV730 Kohler command engines in the mowers deck.
Like every other mower brand, the cub cadet mowers come up with specific issues every once in a while, like an engine failing to start and several other mechanical problems.
In this article, we will provide you with several cub cadet LT 1050 problems and troubleshooting tips, so make sure you stick with us till the end.
Cub Cadet LT 1050 Problems and Troubleshooting
Some Common Cub Cadet LT 1050 Problems | Solutions To the Problems |
Battery refusing to charge | Defective battery cells Lack of contact between the battery and its terminals |
improper functioning of the lighting systems | Check for defective bulbs. Inspect the electrical circuits for short circuits |
Belt slipping during operation | Check and clear the debris in the shears Check for low belt tension and correct it |
Blades scalping the grass | Set the deck blades to the correct height |
Excessive overheating | Check the air filters to see if it is clogged. |
There are several problems that most customers notice with their cub cadet mowers within a few months or years of their usage. Some of these problems include:
See Also: 7 Common Cub Cadet LTX 1040 Problems
1. Engine Overheating Problems

Overheating Is a common problem among several cub cadet mower users, especially the engine and the exhaust. This happens for several reasons, including overworking your machine, using oil with the wrong viscosity, clogged air filters, and a fast idle speed that can cause the engine to overheat.
You shouldn’t be too worried because this can majorly relieve the engine of specific loads. Ensure that you clean up dirty components, change the oil to that with the right viscosity level and also clean up your air filters so you can move freely.
2. Starting Problems
The cub cadet mower experiences difficulty in starting or not even starting. The cause of the issue is a bad engine, but you should be sure about the problem before you find a solution. Some reasons why your engine experiences difficulty in starting include;
- Insufficient or no airflow at all
- When your spark plug wires are damaged
- Incorrect setting of the throttle control levers
In this case, you should also check the entire fuel system like the fuel pump, injector and fuel tank. Ensure you always use quality gasoline, check your spark plug occasionally, and change it if the need arises. Note that it is essential for you to place the knob in the disengaged position and also engage the parking brake.
3. Engine Knocking and Stops
In this case, if you experience your engine starting and then knocking a few minutes after it started, you shouldn’t be too worried because this problem is common in most cases and in the same way, you can fix it in the comfort of your home.
Stale fuel with a meager octane rating can knock your engine down. Overloading your machine and operating it at a low engine speed can cause this. Check for overheating from the cooling fins and ensure that you replace all the parts that require replacing; also, check for wear in the camshaft and crankshaft.
4. Smokes Emitted from The Lawn Mower
Smoking from your cub cadet results from an insufficient amount of oil deposited and engine failures. Low engine oil can also lead to smoking. When this happens, ensure that you switch off the cub cadet mower and let it cool off for a while. After that, you can now replace the engine oil with more.
When your cub cadet lawn mower emits smoke because of excessive oil that causes pressure buildup, you can remedy this by draining the right amount of oil so your mower can typically perform again.
5. Engine Behaving Erratically
An erratic engine is a ubiquitous sign of a faulty machine; if not attended to immediately, your engine will likely die anytime soon. Three primary running conditions lead to this problem; when you run the device with the choke on, stale fuel and a loose spark plug.
In that condition, you should activate the choke control, clean the fuel tank, replace it with the right one, and connect the spark plug properly. Sometimes the power might not even be stale, but it would be filled with dirt, needs proper cleaning, and then replaced with oil of the correct viscosity.
6. Mower Not Driving Correctly
There are a lot of reasons that affect how your cub cadet mowers drive. This is a result of either a lousy damper, tires with incorrect pressure or worn-out steering components. . if your tire pressure is unequal, ensure that you correct them as soon as possible and fill them up to the manufacturer’s spec.
Bad dampers can also cause your mowers to jerk to one side and not move in a straight line like it is supposed to; in this case, it should be replaced with a new damper, ad if your steering component is loose or worn out, inspect and replace the parts with a new one.
7. Excessive Vibration Problem
Your device vibrating when in use is not a regular occurrence. There are several reasons why this happens, like the cutting blade being damaged or even bent; when the edge is loose or unbalanced, it can also cause your mower to vibrate.
You can fix this issue by tightening the blade or the spindle, and if you notice that the edge is damaged beyond repair, you can replace it.
See Also: Common Toro Zero Turn Mower Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Would a Cub Cadet Last?
When used commercially, the cub cadet driving mowers should last about 400-500 hours. Just like every other mower, with the appropriate amount of maintenance, the mower is even going to last longer.
Is Cub Cadet as Good as John Deere?
The cub cadet and john Deere mowers are A-list mowers, and none can be said to be better than the other because of their outstanding performances. They’ve both earned a spot as one of the best mower brands to get your mowers from.
How Many Horse Power Is A Cub Cadet?
The cub cadet mower is a 24-horsepower V-twin gas hydrostatic front engine lawn tractor.
Who Builds the Engine for The Cub Cadet?
The power more engine brand exclusively designs the mowers for the cub cadet. The ability more engine brands are small block engines with many advantages that make them better than competing brands in several ways.