5 Common Cub Cadet XT1 Problems + Troubleshooting

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Cub cadet company is known for making excellent mowers, but the XT1 enduro series is fascinating. These tractor series stand out from the crowd because they are much more durable, have superior handling ability, and increase performance power.

Amidst all these, the cub cadet XT1 mowers also have some flaws, most of which you can fix in the comfort of your home. Some common Cub Cadet XT1 problems include failure to start, engine overheating quickly, and belt popping off.

In this article, we will discuss some of the problems with cub cadet XT1 mowers and how to troubleshoot and fixe them.

Let’s get started!

Troubleshooting Cub Cadet XT1 Problems

Problems Solutions 
Engine refusing to start or stalling Examine your fuel and clean out contaminated fuel and replace it with a new one 
Mower deck filled with grassClean your deck more frequently and sharpen your blades 
Engine overheating Check the oil level and clean the air and fuel filters. 
Deck belt coming off Replace the belt tensioner and also adjust the belt tension
Blades won’t engage. Replace the PTO switch or PTO clutch 

See Also: Cub Cadet LT 1050 Problems

1. Cub Cadet XT1 Engine not starting 

Your machine engine refusing to start or even stalling is one of the obvious problems faced by the cub cadet XT1 mowers users. You cannot be able to say this problem is from the manufacturer because these mowers come with a two-cylindrical engine that provides about 24 horsepower. 

Most times, this happens because of low fuel or even none; the throttle is set to the off position, fraying of the spark plug wires, or turning the PTO knob on. Not to worry, you can quickly fix these problems by getting the correct type of fuel for your system. 

Using stale fuel in your machine gradually loses its volatility and becomes useless in just a few days. So, before you refill the energy, ensure that you empty the gas tank and clean the tank before you fill it with clean fuel. 

When your spark plug is the issue, ensure that you replace the spark plug and always set your throttle to the “on” position. 

2. Cub Cadet XT1 Overheating Problems 

Photo by DrNegative via Wikimedia

Many cub cadet mower users usually complain about the overheating engine and exhaust compartment of their mower. The engine that the cub cadet mowers use is from Kohler, and it doesn’t take long before it dies down after being in use for a few hours constantly.

So, if your engine is overheating, make sure you stop the machine, lift the hood, and let it cool down before trying again. There are several other reasons your engine might be overheating; using the wrong engine oil type with the wrong viscosity can also cause this problem. 

To fix this issue, you should first consider relieving your mower of too much weight and then cleaning some dirty parts like the air and fuel filters, cleaning the engine oil level, and replacing them if necessary. 

3. The mower deck is getting filled with grass

Most large cub cadet mower users complain about this issue, but the fix is straightforward. When the mower’s deck is packed with many types of grass and still not cleaned regularly, there is a very high chance of this happening. 

Sometimes, the blade quality and the age of the blade can also be a part of this problem. Ensure that you change your mower blade regularly, and also, when operating, ensure that you use the mower with care. You can also fix this issue by sharpening your blades regularly; blunt blades contribute to the clump. 

4. Cub Cadet XT1 deck belt popping off 

Common reasons your mower’s deck belt keeps coming off include a damaged bracket, belt keepers, idler springs, dirt interfering with the belt’s operation, and a broken pulley or spindle. When the spring or bracket hole starts to wear off, it might create vibration and cause your belt to wear off. 

When your deck belt gets damaged, the best step is to replace the belt. Otherwise, you can apply some deck leveling techniques for adjustments to fix most of the tension issues you might be facing with your deck belt drive. If, you should consult a professional for help. 

5. Cub Cadet XT1 blades refusing to engage 

The blades of your riding mowers might get dull and even twisted as time goes up and due to this, the machine’s efficiency starts deteriorating over time. Your blades won’t engage if the PTO clutch doesn’t work either because the solenoid is broken or enough power is not getting to it. 

Sometimes, the clutch itself can be worn out and eventually fails, and once this happens, you cannot be able to repair a broken clasp, and the best option would be to replace it. So, if you want your blades to start engaging correctly again, all you need to do is replace your clutch.

See Also: Bad Boy Mower Problems

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Long Can a Cub Cadet XT1 Last? 

Your cub cadet XT1 should be able to last for as long as 500 to 1000 hours. 

Is Cub Cadet as Good as John Deere?

At the need, the cub cadet XT1 LT42 and john Deere D130 are both perfect riding mowers and ranked very closely in ratings. 

What Engine Does the Cub Cadet XT1 Make Use Of?

The cub cadet XT1 riding mowers are powered by a 22 hp KOHLER 7000 series. 

Why Is My Cub Cadet Mower Not Starting?

Some reasons why your cub cadet XT1 mower wouldn’t start include a poor spark plug connection, a wrong or faulty switch, corrosion in the electrical components, and a bad battery. 

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