5 Common Cub Cadet Zero Turn Hydrostatic Problems

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 mowers come with a hydrostatic system, which helps transmit any problem. The cub cadet system comes with a motor and a pump aiding its operation, but what happens when either or both of these parts get affected?

Not to worry, there are many measures you can use for your mower. This article will discuss some of the most common Cub Cadet Zero Turn Hydrostatic problems and how to troubleshoot and fix them.

Let’s get started!

Cub Cadet Zero Turn Hydrostatic Problems

Some common hydrostatic issues include; 

1. Air As a Contaminant 

A perfect percentage of the problem caused in the cub cadre 1050 models and several other models is from the air is not supposed to be found inside the hydraulic system, but when this happens, it is either due to a faulty pump system or a breach in the system.

Contamination into the hydraulic system is usually a result of two factors. The first reason is known as aeration. This problem is when the air enters the hydraulic system from external sources, like when the connection is loose.

See Also: 23 Common John Deere 2038r Problems + Troubleshooting

The second method is cavitation, where your pump pulls out from its housing and later implodes the air dissolved in the hydraulic fluid. 

Both aeration and cavitation can cause severe damage to your hydrostatic system and if you don’t want that to happen, ensure that your purge your hydrostatic system transmission correctly. To purge your hydrostatic system properly; 

  • Park your machine on levelled ground. You would need to work on your device without moving, so ensure you park it on levelled ground
  • Disassemble the transmissions, start the engine when the engine is on, move your throttle control slowly, detach the brake clutch, and put the lever control in neutral
  • You should now get rid of the air by moving the motion control levers forward and try to maintain that location for a minute, then move it backwards and let it be for about a minute

2. Fluid Contamination 

Another reason your hydrostatic system might develop issues is due to fluids caused by leaks in your system. When your hydrostatic fluid is contaminated or stale, its quality reduces, leading to low-quality performance from your mower hydrostatic system. 

Besides contamination and low-quality performance, thick hydrostatic fluid can cause your system to have temperature and overheating issues. The solution to this problem is changing your hydrostatic fluid from time to time. 

Before changing your hydraulic fluid, ensure that you ride your machine around for some time so every settled contaminant can come up and be ready to be drained out.

To remove the stale fluid, ensure that you place a container under the oil fill plug and then take out the drain plug so the hydraulic oil can make its way into the container and also, before putting in new oil, ensure that you clean the screen correctly. 

3. Overheating From Your Hydrostatic System 

It is common to hear people complain about their hydrostatic systems being too hot after constant usage, but this is not a normal situation. A hot hydrostatic system can also prevent lubrication and cause your fluids to leak. 

A hot hydrostatic system can oxidise fluids and eventual thickness, leading to your system’s build-up. 

4. Cold Hydrostatic Systems 

If the hydrostatic system of your cub cadet mowers is too cold, it can also pose a severe threat to your system when it is too hot.

A cold hydrostatic system also has the same thickening effect as a hot hydrostatic system, and in the long run, the plan cannot dissipate heat and cause damage to your system. 

5. System Failure 

Some common reasons your system would fail are dirty cooling fins, incompatible parts and faulty components. So, the best way to ensure that your cub cadets’ mower does not fall is by getting the relevant details and cleaning your cooling fins regularly to get rid of dirt and debris. 

How to Care For a Cub Cadet Mower 

Ensure Regular Maintenance 

Not just the cub cadet lawn mowers, always ensure that you maintain your mowers by paying heed to specific rules for their maintenance. Regular maintenance is essential because of how harsh the environment is. Firstly, you should start cleaning off the excess debris after using the lawn mower. 

The best way you can maintain the cub cadet mowers is by following the maintenance schedule that I stated in the cub cadet maintenance guide, or you can also use it to create your personalised guide. 

Maintain Your Limits 

You should keep in mind that in as much as your lawn mower is capable of doing a lot, you should always let it work within its limits. If you try to cross these limits, you might spoil your mower and have to pay for repair. 

For instance, the height of grass you can cut with your lawn mower is minimal, so trying to cut higher than that can end up spoiling your mower blades. Judging by the size and specs, if you think your mower cannot be able to clear up your land, then you should get a larger one. 

Use The Transmission Properly 

Many would think they have been working their transmission correctly, but most people misuse this. If you handle the information correctly, you will reduce the risk of more significant issues. 

The first step to ensure is that you stop your lawn mower ultimately as soon as you shift the transmission. For instance, if you want to reverse your lawn mower, ensure that you control the machine and change it instead of switching it straight up. If you don’t do it this way, it just puts much stress on your linkages and gears.

See Also: 5 Common Cub Cadet Challenger 750 Problems + Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do The Hydrostatic Transmission Wear Out?

Yes, it does, but it would take a long time for that to happen. But if you do not adequately maintain it, the hydrostatic transmission will wear out faster than it should 

What Happens If You Don’t Change the Transmission Fluid?

If you do not change your fluid correctly, it would lead to the wearing and tearing the clutch, and eventually, your machine would get worked out. 

Why Is My Cub Cadet Mower Not Moving?

Check the transmission fluid and ensure that it is not stale. Also, check on the ignition and ensure that it is not broken. A lousy engine or an overworked engine can also contribute to this problem.