The Cub Cadet LT 1050 is a compact little ride-on lawn mower that is very popular for those with large lawns.
However, like with all lawn equipment, there may come a time when you encounter some problems and need to troubleshoot them to fix them.
We will break down the five most common problems you may encounter with the Cub Cadet LT 1050 and give you the fixes for each.
If you follow these simple diagnostic tips and fixes, you should be able to get your Cub Cadet LT 1050 up and running without having to spend your hard-earned money on repairs.
Fact: The Cub Cadet LT 1050 has a 50-inch mower deck with three blades.
5 Common Cub Cadet LT 1050 Problems
Obviously, there is a myriad of issues that you could encounter, especially with a large piece of lawn equipment like a ride-on mower.
Today we have chosen the five most common problems to highlight. This should help you troubleshoot and diagnose your problems and give you some straightforward fixes for each one.
Engine and Exhaust Overheating
This is the most common issue with the Cub Cadet LT 1050, and it can be responsible for many of the other problems you may be encountering.
Overheating can be caused by overworking the engine, using oil with improper viscosity, and restricting airflow to the engine.
Firstly, we recommend lightening the load on the mower and limiting mowing time to 1 hour to prevent it from getting overworked. An overheated engine is not going to be running at its best, and it will only end up damaging the engine in the long run if you continue to overwork it.
Then you can check and change the oil, making careful note of which oil is suitable for your machine. Lastly, you should clean out the air intake screen and remove any debris from the cooling fins to make sure the engine is getting sufficient air. You may even be dealing with a rodent nest that is causing a blockage in your screen.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
There are a few different factors that could be giving you problems with starting.
It could be as simple as the PTO knob being engaged or the throttle control lever not being in the starting position. These issues can be easily fixed by disengaging the knob and moving the lever into the correct position. You may also need to engage the parking brake before starting.
However, it may also be an issue with your spark plug wires being damaged. In this case, we recommend replacing the spark plugs and cleaning the battery cables to improve the connection.
Engine Behaving Erratically
An engine behaving unpredictably is a surefire sign of a faulty machine. Luckily, they are usually issues that you easy to remedy.
First, check if you are running the engine with the choke on. The choke should only be engaged when you are starting and turned off once it’s up and running.
This may also occur because a spark plug is loose, so tightening them all up should solve this issue quickly.
The final factor causing erratic engine behavior is an issue with the fuel. If the fuel has been in the engine for a while, it might be stale and should be replaced. If your fuel is still fresh, check the fuel line for any blockages and clean them out thoroughly.
Engine Not Running at Full Power or Back Firing
This is an issue that can be hard to diagnose, but there are a few things that we can recommend.
Overheating can cause your engine to run on lower power, so refer to our first point to remedy this issue.
If too much oil is in the engine, remove the excess and rerun it. If this doesn’t fix the issue, you can check the fuel pump, governor carburetor, engine compression, and intake/outtake valves. These parts must be cleaned and repaired before you can get your mower back up and running.
Lastly, you may need to replace or adjust the choke.
Engine Knocks or Stops
As with many of these issues, the first thing you need to check if your engine is knocking and stopping abruptly is whether the engine is overheating.
Your engine is likely overheating and knocking from overworking and overloading. You can fix this by limiting your operating time to under an hour at a time.
The other issues might be related to the fuel and oil in your engine. If the fuel is old, it will need to be replaced with a high-octane fuel that is suitable for this model. While you’re checking the fuel, be sure to double-check the oil level and top it up if it needs it.
Fact: This model is classified as a lawn tractor rather than a lawn mower due to its size and power.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will a Cub Cadet last?
The average life expectancy of a Cub Cadet depends on how often you use it.
In general, a ride-on mower like this will last between 500 and 1000 hours of mowing.
What size motor does the Cub Cadet LT 1050 have?
This ride-on mower features a 24 HP Kohler V-Twin hydrostatic OHV engine. This setup allows you to run the mower without needing to change gears while cutting.
Is the Cub Cadet LT 1050 made in China?
Cub Cadet is a proudly American brand that was established in 1961. All units are designed and manufactured in the United States in factories located in Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi.
Conclusion
Running a large piece of lawn equipment like the Cub Cadet LT 1050 can come with its issues, but luckily most of these problems can be sorted out at home.
This model is known for being dependable, well-made, and relatively affordable, so your issues with it should be minimal.
The main two tips that we want you to take away from this are to avoid overworking your Cub Cadet LT 1050 and keep all the components clean and free of blockages.
We hope this guide has given you all the resources you need to get your Cub Cadet LT 1050 running smoothly every time.
