The Cub Cadet GT 2042 garden tractor is one of the best models for both homeowners and commercial operators, thanks to its powerful performance and tendency to be among the most dependable options on the market. Even so, the Cub Cadet garden tractor requires routine maintenance for filters, fluids, and other key parts, in order to keep working at a high level and producing professional results. Those who are new owners of the GT 2042 will find that maintenance is particularly easy if they follow the equipment’s schedule and use only the highest quality OEM parts made in Cub Cadet’s factories.
Safety Disclaimer: Don’t Risk Injury During Garden Tractor Maintenance
Maintenance work might not seem like a very dangerous thing to do, but those equipment owners who don’t follow Cub Cadet’s safety guidelines can certainly find themselves risking significant injury. To avoid emergencies, make sure that the equipment has cooled down if used recently. Disconnect the garden tractor’s spark plug wire and place the mower in an area that is well-ventilated, level, and offers a solid surface resistant to absorbing leaked fluids. Keep bystanders and pets out of the area, and make sure that protective gloves or goggles are worn to reduce the risk of injury from sharp blades, hot parts, or debris.
A Look at the Maintenance Schedule and Common Procedures
Maintenance required by the GT 2042 lawn tractor from Cub Cadet typically is broken down into several service intervals based on how many hours the equipment has been in use. New equipment owners can use the following list of intervals and maintenance procedures as a general guide for keeping their garden tractor in top condition for many years to come.
1. Before Each Use
– Check intake screen
– Check transmission oil
– Check engine oil
2. Every 10 Hours
– Clean the hood, dash, and battery terminals
3. Every 25 Hours
– Lubricate pivot points, rims, and front axles
4. Every 200 Hours
– Change the transmission oil
– Replace the transmission oil filter
5. Prior to Off-Season Storage
– Clean the tractor and lubricate all key joints, rims, and axles
In addition to the maintenance intervals required as part of the maintenance schedules, operators should keep in mind that there are a few guidelines required when working with the battery, engine oil, transmission oil, and other key parts. Those recommendations can be broken down as follows:
1. Battery
After extensive garden tractor use, the battery terminals can become encrusted in dirt or carbon deposits. A wire brush should be used to clean the battery terminals once the battery cables are disconnected, as this will ensure a high level of safety during the cleaning process. If the battery surface or housing is dirty, it should also be cleaned using a brush or a dry cloth during this maintenance procedure.
2. Engine Oil
Before changing engine oil, allow the engine to run for a few minutes so that the oil becomes a bit less thick. Then simply remove the drain cap and allow the oil to drain into an approved container for disposal. Replace the drain cap and fill the oil tank to the proper level with the recommended oil for warm weather use.
3. Transmission Oil
Transmission oil should be checked prior to each equipment outing, simply by removing the transmission oil cap and pulling the dipstick out of the compartment. If the dipstick registers an oil level at or above the “F” mark, no action needs to be taken. If the oil is closer to the “A” mark, then new transmission oil must be added. Remember to fully drain all transmission oil and replace it with fresh oil at the service interval required in the maintenance schedule.
4. Cleaning
The engine intake screen is located at the front of the engine and can be cleaned by simply using a damp cloth to remove any fuel, oil, or dirt buildup that has resulted from regular use of the garden tractor.
5. Lubrication
The front axles, rims, and pivot points found throughout the mower should be lubricated after every 25 hours of equipment use. Cub Cadet recommends using a mild, grease lubricant when performing this maintenance task. In addition to lubricating these joints after 25 hours of use, lubrication should also occur prior to equipment storage and immediately after the garden tractor is removed for storage in the early spring months.
Get the Right Parts for Cub Cadet Tractors Maintenance at CubParts.com
Cub Cadet garden tractors require regular maintenance in order to run at peak efficiency and produce professional results wherever they’re used. In many cases, this means that equipment owners need to find replacement parts with a firm commitment to quality and durability. OEM Cub Cadet parts are made in the company’s own factories, and they’re designed to offer full compatibility with models like the GT 2042 tractor. CubParts.com has an online lookup tool that filters parts by engine model, equipment model, and part number, making it easy to find a perfect match for every Cub Cadet garden tractor or mower currently on the market.