RT Garden Tillers

RT Garden Tillers

When you need to do some serious tilling, nothing beats a rear tine tiller. Cub Cadet’s RT garden tillers give buyers a choice of engines, tines and drive systems to fit any need, yet even the biggest model can still be used for cleaning up rows.

Designed for Maximum Performance

“RT” stands for “Rear Tines.” While smaller models use the tines to pull them along, these tillers have a drive system to turn the wheels, letting the tines concentrate on digging. If you hit a tough spot, you can disengage the drive system and let the tines cut as many times as needed to break up soil. When you’re dealing with compacted clay, rocks and small roots, nothing can beat this design. With engines normally seen in walk-behind lawn mowers, these tillers pack some serious punch, making the RT series perfect for creating new garden beds. All models have a maximum cutting depth of 7.5 inches.

RT tillers are also narrow enough to be used for removing weeds between rows through the growing season. By slowing the tine speed, they can cut through problem areas without digging and throwing soil over adjoining plants.

Tines

Cub Cadet offers these tillers with two tine designs:

Counter-rotating tines have two blade sets on each side spinning in opposite directions, giving them the best overall soil cutting performance.

Dual direction tines can operate in either direction. Having them spin in the same direction as the wheels lets them fly through loose ground while spinning against the drive direction helps them dig in, cutting through the hardest soil.

Engines

Powerplants aren’t just sized for the application: Cub Cadet offers several options so you can get an engine that best fits your operating conditions.

The 208 cc Cub Cadet engine is built in-house specifically for their products. It’s built with an automatic decompression system and choke, making it easy to start.

The Kohler Courage SH265 has a low oil alert system, dual oil fills and drains to check and change the oil from either side of the engine and a dual ball bearing-supported recoil starter to make it easy to fire up the engine.

The Briggs & Stratton 1150 comes with a dual element filtration system, keeping dust at bay when working on sandy soil.

Honda’s GC 190 has innovative features including an internal timing belt and resin camshaft that reduce noise and vibration significantly.

Drive Systems

These tillers use a direct drive system, so wheel speed is always matched to engine speed. The most basic models have a single forward gear. To move backward, the drive system is engaged so the operator can roll the tiller. A power reverse uses an extra gear to switch the direction of rotation. This delivers the same gear ratio in either direction. Transmissions with forward and reverse gears use different gear ratios, moving slower when in reverse for easier maneuverability.

Models

Picking the right tiller for your needs is simply a matter of finding the model with the features you want:

RT 35 – 208 cc Cub Cadet, forward drive only, counter-rotating tines, 16-inch tilling width

RT 45 – 208 cc Cub Cadet, forward and power reverse, counter-rotating tines, 18-inch tilling width

RT 65 – 196cc Kohler SH265 or 208cc Cub Cadet, forward and reverse, dual direction tines, 18-inch tilling width

RT 65 H – Honda GC 190, forward and reverse, dual direction tines, 18-inch tilling width

RT 75 – 250cc Briggs & Stratton, counter rotating tines, 18-inch tilling width

Parts

No matter which model you have and which engine it uses, you can get everything you need for your RT tiller from www.cubparts.com. We’re not just a Cub Cadet dealer, we’re also a certified dealer for their manufacturing partners including Kohler, Honda Engines and Briggs & Stratton. Finding what you need is easy: our site has built-in factory exploded parts diagrams and descriptions for Cub Cadet equipment and the engines that power them. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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XT1 Enduro Garden Tractors

XT1 Enduro Garden TractorsWhich XT1 Enduro models are garden tractors? All of them. Thanks to powerful engines and a heavy-duty frame shared across the line, every model from the LT42” to the GT54” D can handle trailers and attachments. To get the most out of these features, Cub Cadet makes a variety of accessories for the XT1 including tools for landscaping, lawn care and even snow clearing so you can use your mower all year round.

Blurring the Line Between Lawn and Garden Tractors

Garden tractors are suited to trailer and attachment use because they use strong frames designed to handle extra weight and withstand forces put on the front and rear end. When Cub Cadet updated their residential lawn and garden tractors, they created a single frame that works with every engine and deck combination in the XT1 and XT2 lines. That means there’s no strict “lawn” or “garden” category for these tractors, and if you choose a smaller engine, you won’t be stuck with a weaker frame.

Engines

Even the smallest model in the lineup, the LT42”, is suitable for use with attachments thanks to a new 18 hp Kohler 5000 engine. Cub Cadet also offers Kohler 7000 Series engines with up to 25 hp as well as their own in-house designed powerplant. The 547 CC Cub Cadet engine is a great choice for winter use because it comes with electronic fuel injection, making it easier to start in cold weather.

Drivetrain

Power is sent to the Tuff Torq K46 transmission. It’s the most popular integrated hydrostatic transaxle on the market, refined over years of production. This unit is maintenance free and has a built-in wet disc brake.

The GT54” D adds a differential lock, keeping both wheels spinning at the same speed for more traction. This is handy if you plan on using your XT1 with earth and snow-moving attachments.

XT1 vs XT2

If the XT2 has the same frame, what’s the difference between it and the XT1? The XT2 has ball bearing-mounted front wheels, a larger battery (300 vs 230 cold crank amps), a higher output alternator and some minor comfort improvements. Cub Cadet only sells the XT2 through their main dealer network, while the XT1 is also available through hardware and farm supply stores. All XT1 models are the same no matter where they came from. While the XT2’s features are nice to have, you shouldn’t miss them if you only have to take care of a lawn that’s between ½ and 4 acres in size.

What Can You Do with an XT1?

Strength and power are only good if you can use them. Fortunately, Cub Cadet makes a range of accessories to handle common landscaping jobs.

The disc cultivator can be used straight or at a 10 or 20-degree angle for a working width between 30 and 38 inches. It cuts through the ground with 8 11 inch powder-coated discs, readying it for gardening. Once the ground has been broken, the XT1 can pull a 42-inch wide box scraper leveling and backfilling, and the 46-inch all-season plow can smooth out surfaces. A long handle lets the operator control the plow angle from the tractor seat.

In the fall, the lawn sweeper can be used to picks up leaves, pine cones, and other lawn debris for fast cleanup. When winter comes, the 46-inch dozer blade can pull double duty, moving snow and materials. For serious snow removal, Cub Cadet offers a snowthrower that uses their three-stage auger system. It uses a center auger to chop up snow so it can be thrown further, and it has controls that can be operated from the tractor seat.

Cub Cadet offers several trailers. There’s an 8 cubic foot poly cart and a 12 cubic foot steel cart for moving tools and materials, as well as a 12.5 cubic foot dump cart which is perfect for dropping off soil and ground cover. The Hauler is a 10 cubic foot poly dump trailer that can be tilted by pushing down on a foot lever mounted at the tongue. The panels on this trailer also fold inward, creating a flat bed for carrying large materials.

The Fastattach 100 cubic inch electric rear spreader is designed to mount and unmount without requiring tools. This includes a quick connect for the battery to operate the spinner. If you want to haul more material at a time, there’s also a broadcast spreader trailer that holds up to 175 lbs.

Getting Parts and Accessories for Your Garden Tractor

You can find anything you need for the XT1 at www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and Kohler, letting us provide accessories as well as parts for tractors, engines, and add-ons. Not sure if something is compatible? Our site can search for parts by model, and we have factory parts diagrams and descriptions built into our search results. This lets you see where the part fits on your equipment so you can be sure it’s what you need. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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XT1 Enduro Lawn Tractors

XT1 Enduro Lawn Tractors

Advancements in mowing technology have started to blur the line between residential and commercial mowers. Nowhere is that more evident than Cub Cadet’s XT1 Enduro lawn tractors. Steering improvements and high quality construction make it a great choice for homeowners. Options including fuel injected engines, constructed decks and Bluetooth integration make the XT1 one of the best mowers on the market.

Construction

Some updates to this model are immediately obvious. All models come with a hydrostatic transmission, providing infinite speed adjustment. This also eliminates throttle adjustment, so the blades are always at maximum speed. The redesigned steering system uses a wide front axle, giving the wheels space for extremely sharp angles.

Less obvious, but just as important is a new electrocoating process that fuses powdered paint to the frame. This results in an even coat that’s almost as hard wearing as electroplating.

Engines

Cub Cadet offers a choice of three engines in this line:

The 5400 is a new single-cylinder engine from Kohler that brings the design up to par with their larger engines. Noise and vibration have been significantly reduced and serviceability has improved. The oil filter is top-mounted, making replacement mess-free, while the air box opens without tools. This engine comes with an automatic choke and Consistent-Cut governor, features previously found only on Kohler’s V-twins.

The Kohler 7000 is a V-twin based on their renowned Command Pro commercial engines. Most of the Pro’s features carry over including a fully pressurized lubrication system.

Rounding out the lineup is Cub Cadet ‘s own EFI V-twin. It delivers higher fuel efficiency, easier starting and lower fuel sensitivity than carbureted engines. Fuel doesn’t need to be treated before use during the mowing season, and the remaining fuel can be treated instead of drained when it’s time to store the mower for the winter. It can even run on E15, which is often cheaper than regular gasoline.

Decks

The XT1 is available with 42, 46, 50 and 54-inch stamped decks as well as 46, 50 and 54-inch fabricated decks. Stamped decks have rounded mowing chambers that stay close to the blades, providing maximum vacuum. This keeps grass straight as it’s cut for the best possible finish. Fabricated decks are made by welding steel plates together, making them durable and resistant to impacts. Cub Cadet builds baffles into these decks to improve vacuum. While they won’t perform as well as their stamped counterparts, they still deliver a quality cut.

Cub Connect

Having an hour meter is handy for keeping up with maintenance, and it’s even easier if it’s integrated into an app. Some XT1 models come with Cub Connect, which lets owners connect their lawn tractor to their smartphone via Bluetooth. From there, Cub Cadet’s app can keep track of maintenance and display repair instructions.

Warranty

Cub Cadet guarantees XT1 mowers and their EFI engine for three years. Kohler also guarantees their engines for three years.

Models

There are 9 versions of the XT1, each with a different set of features.

LT 42” : Kohler 5400
LT 42” EFI : Cub Cadet EFI
LT 46” : 22 hp Kohler 7000
LT 46” EFI FAB: Cub Cadet EFI, fabricated deck
LT 50” : 24 hp Kohler 7000
ST 54” : 24 hp Kohler 7000, fabricated deck, Cub Connect
GT 50” : 25 hp Kohler 7000, Cub Connect
GT 54” : 25 hp Kohler 7000, fabricated deck, Cub Connect
GT 54” D : 25 hp Kohler 7000, fabricated deck, Cub Connect, works with ground-engaging attachments

Accessories

As expected, there are kits available for mulching and bagging, as well as trailer and overseeders that attach to the trailer hitch.

These mowers can be used to clear snow by adding a plow, suitcase weights, and tire chains. For major winter cleanup, there’s a snow thrower attachment that uses Cub Cadet’s three-stage system. The extra stage breaks up snow picked up by the main augers, increasing throwing distance.

If you buy a model without Cub Connect, it can be added by installing a Bluetooth-enabled hour meter.

Getting Parts and Accessories for Your Cub Cadet

Whether you’re getting an XT1 Enduro or you need to work on your current lawn tractor, you can get everything you need from www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and Kohler, and our site has built-in factory parts diagrams so you can find exactly what you need. We ship to the United States and Canada.

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Cub Cadet PRO HW Hydro: Balancing Power and Precision

Cub Cadet PRO HW HydroIt won’t reach dealers until next fall, but we’ve already got a good idea of what to expect from Cub Cadet’s upcoming entry into walk-behind commercial mowers. The PRO HW Hydro will have the performance you expect from a commercial stander or mid-deck ZTR, yet it’s designed for precise control along landscape features, letting it cut in places that would normally require a small walk-behind. Here’s what we know about this addition to Cub Cadet’s professional line based on its debut at the GIE+ Expo.

A Better Control System

That first bit of resistance when using the levers on a stander or hydrostatic walk-behind can make it hard to make fine speed adjustments. This makes tight maneuvers around buildings and sensitive landscape features risky: push a little too hard when trying to overcome lever resistance, and you end up launching the mower into the areas you want to avoid.

Cub Cadet has designed a steering control that uses ball bearings for smooth movement, even in small increments, making it easier to keep the deck trimming close to landscape features without veering into or away from them. This makes the PRO HW a practical alternative to small walk-behind mowers for close-up work while still retaining the speed and power of a wide-area mower.

Precision steering also requires accurate tracking to keep movement consistent whether moving in a straight line or making a turn. To this end, tracking on this mower is adjusted using a single knob that is accessible from the operator’s position.

Deck

These mowers will use a 10 gauge steel cutting deck with 7 gauge reinforcements on the top and bottom. The blades are treated with Fisher Barton’s Marbain process, creating an outer surface that is strong, hard wearing and resistant to abrasion from sandy soil. These blades will be mounted on maintenance-free sealed aluminum spindles. Nothing has been said about mulching, but this seems to be a given due to the blades’ high lift design.

The deck is designed to be set in 7 positions ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Models will be offered with decks in 36, 48 and 54-inch widths. Low-mounted components and high clearance axles keep the mower maneuverable while being able to roll over almost any curb with the deck in its highest position.

Power

All versions of the HW will be powered by 603 cc Kawasaki engines with outputs ranging from 14.5 to 18.5 hp. An electric start will be standard. The engine model hasn’t been identified, but these specifications match Kawasaki’s new FR Series engines.

This engine is paired with a set of Hydro-Gear ZT2800 hydrostatic transaxles, providing a top speed of 7 mph when moving forward and 3 mph reverse. Expect to see a sulky offered either from the factory or as an accessory so the operator keeps up. Cruise control will also be included.

Other Features

Details are light at this stage, but there are a few more things we know about the HW:

— The operator will be protected from debris by a 7 gauge plate that surrounds the controls.

— The fuel tank used on all models will hold 5 gallons.

— The deck will be connected to the drive system by a Warner electric PTO.

Warranty

Cub Cadet will guarantee these mowers for two years of commercial use with no hour limit. Kawasaki offers a similar warranty on their commercial engines.

Release Date

The PRO HW Hydro should reach dealers this fall.

New or Old, if it’s Cub Cadet, We Carry It

Cubparts.com is a certified dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including Kawasaki Engines and Hydro-Gear, letting us offer the full line of OEM parts for your equipment. We cover all professional and consumer models, and our site has built-in factory diagrams and descriptions so you can easily find the parts you need. We can ship what you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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Cub Cadet’s New RZT L and LX Lawn Tractors

Cub Cadet's New RZT L and LX Lawn Tractors

Zero turning radius mowers were once exclusively used by professionals who could justify the high price tag. Now that same maneuverability is available to the regular consumer thanks to Cub Cadet’s RZT L and LX. Priced competitively with lawn tractors, these ZTRs are perfect for mowing flat terrain, maneuvering around landscape features with ease.

Decks

These mowers use a mid-deck design, placing the mowing deck directly beneath the operator for a compact footprint. Most L models come with a stamped steel deck. This gives the deck a curved shape that hugs the blades, increasing vacuum. This pulls the grass into the mowing chamber, letting the blades get an even cut for an exceptional finish.

The RZT L 54 and all RZT LX models use Cub Cadet’s Aeroforce constructed decks. Welded together from flat plates of 11 gauge steel, these decks can withstand impacts that will bend a stamped deck. Added interior liners help these decks provide high vacuum and reduce clumping.

Engines

The RZT L 34 is powered by Cub Cadet’s own 452cc single-cylinder engine. It’s designed in-house for the needs of their equipment, making it easy to operate and maintain.

LX models are powered by Kawasaki’s FR-series engines. While famous for their motorcycles, Kawasaki’s engines are a staple of the commercial ZTR market. The FR-series is aimed at home use, but it still has most of the features of their commercial engines. This includes a full pressure lubrication system, cast iron cylinder liners, and a grass chopper that helps keep the cooling fins clean.

Like the FR-Series, the 7000 Series is a residential version of Kohler’s Command Pro commercial engines. It has a fully-pressurized lubrication system, an automatic choke, and a Consistent-Cut governor. This makes it easy to start and helps it maintain cutting performance when moving into thicker grass.

Honda’s GXV630 is a commercial V-twin. It’s built with the company’s usual focus on high tech features. It uses forged steel connecting rods and hybrid aluminum/steel pushrods keep reciprocating weight low. This improves performance and significantly reduces noise and vibration.

Built for Easy Use and Maintenance

Yet again, Cub Cadet includes features that were new to professional models not that long ago.

These mowers come with adjustable lap bars and a high-backed seat, making it comfortable for operators of all sizes to operate. All controls are placed next to the bars including a clearly marked height adjustment lever.

Some models come with Cub Connect, a Bluetooth-enabled hour meter. Together with the Cub Connect app, you can keep tabs on maintenance and look up repair procedures on your smartphone.

Models

RZT L

Cub Cadet makes this model in 5 versions with a choice of decks and engines:

34 — Cub Cadet single cylinder 452cc

42 – 23 hp Kohler 7000 V-Twin

42 H — Honda GXV630 V-Twin, Cub Connect

46 – 23 hp Kohler 7000 V-Twin, Cub Connect

54 – 23 hp Kohler 7000 V-Twin, Cub Connect, Aeroforce constructed deck

RZT LX

This series has all the features of the RZT L and come with Aeroforce fabricated decks, Kawasaki FR V-twin engines and a 300 amp Sure Start battery. The only difference between these models is the deck size and power output:

46 – 18 HP

50 – 21.5 HP

54 – 23 HP

Accessories

Kits and blades are available to set up any L or LX for mulching and bagging. Cub Cadet makes several versions sized for a specific deck range, ensuring a perfect fit for each application. Lawn striping kits are also available for 48 and 54-inch decks to get a ballpark finish.

Heavy towing isn’t recommended for ZTR mowers, but a hitch can be added to any model to tow a small utility trailer like the Cub Cadet Hauler.

Warranty

Cub Cadet guarantees their mowers for three years, and they offer a limited lifetime warranty on their constructed decks. Cub Cadet, Kawasaki, Kohler, and Honda guarantee their engines for three years.

Getting Parts for Your Residential ZTR

When you need anything for your Cub Cadet, visit www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer for Cub Cadet, Honda Engines, Kawasaki Engines USA and Kohler Power. This means we can provide parts for everything on your RZT no matter which model you own. Our site lets you see factory parts diagrams and uses factory descriptions, making parts easy to find. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Finding Model and Serial Number on Snowblowers

Cub Cadet 1X Snowblowers

Need some sheer pins for your snow thrower? Is it time to give it a tuneup? Ordering the right parts is easy if you can correctly identify your machine. Here’s how to find the model and serial number for your Cub Cadet snowblower and its engine.

Finding the Model and Serial Number

Since 1997, Cub Cadets have used model and serial numbers that are 11 characters long, and are made up of dashes, letters, and numbers. These numbers are printed on a sticker that also has Cub Cadet’s name, address and a contact number for customer service or finding a dealer. This sticker measures approximately two by three inches and can be found in the following locations:

Single Stage Snowblowers (1X) — On the belt cover on the right side of the auger housing

Two and Three Stage Snowblowers (2X and 3X) — On the frame between the snowblower’s wheels

Cub Cadet Engines — The sticker should be located on the back of the engine shroud on the left side. Older engines may place the information directly below the shroud on the left front side of the engine. If you have an engine made by another manufacturer like Briggs & Stratton, there is usually a standard Cub Cadet sticker on the engine along with the manufacturer’s original label or stamping. Both the model and serial number will be identical on both locations.

Keep in mind that engines and equipment are updated separately, so a specific model of snowblower won’t necessarily come with a specific version of an engine. When ordering engine parts, you’ll need to know exactly what engine model you have.

Decoding the Sticker

Full model and serial numbers are 11 characters long. The third, fourth and eighth characters are always letters.

There are two model numbers. The short number is used for marketing. While this number is typically four characters long, some 3X models have longer names to indicate equipment options, such as the 3X 30” TRAC, which has a 30-inch wide auger and track drive. The longer number is the specific model number, which is changed to reflect running changes during a model’s production. These are usually changed at least once per model year.

Sometimes, smaller changes don’t warrant a new model number, so the serial number is needed to identify the exact version you own. On snow throwers, the serial number will start with “31.”

Identifying Equipment with a Missing Sticker

While Cub Cadet intentionally puts these stickers in areas that aren’t likely to be replaced or damaged, there’s always a chance that they’ll get scraped up, peeled off or rendered unreadable by contact with strong solvents. If that happens, there are a couple ways you can identify your snow blower.

First, look at the owner’s manual: every Cub Cadet manual has an area to write down the model and serial number for easy reference. If it isn’t there, it’s time to gather some information and contact Cub Cadet.

The company’s technical support line can help you identify the model you own so you can order the right parts. They may ask for the following information:

— Purchase date
— Engine size
— Model information including labels on the machine
— Model features
— Parts dimensions

When you call, be close to your machine and have a tape measure handy. In some cases, they may ask you to send photos to help identify your model.

Call Cub Cadet’s support line can be reached at 1-877-428-2349. This line is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm Eastern time. This number is the same for both U.S. and Canadian residents. Cub Cadet will not identify your model using their Internet-based live chat support system due to the sheer amount of information needed.

Getting Parts for Your Cub Cadet Snowblowers

Now that you know what you have, you can order anything you need for your Cub Cadet from www.cubparts.com. Once you select your model and serial number, our site can show you parts that will fit your equipment, along with factory diagrams and descriptions so you know you’re ordering exactly what you want. Since we’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, you can be sure you’ll always get quality OEM parts. We can ship your order to any address in the U.S. and Canada.

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XT1/XT2 Snowblower Attachment

XT1/XT2 Snowblower Attachment

Want serious snow clearing power, but don’t have the money for a commercial snowblower? Already own an XT1 or XT2 lawn tractor? Cub Cadet makes a 42-inch snowblower attachment that fits these mowers and uses the same snow crushing three stage auger system found in their largest stand-alone models.

Three Stages are Better than Two

This attachment uses the same three-stage system found on Cub Cadet’s 3X models. While a two-stage blower picks up snow and pushes it out of the chute, this type of blower has an intermediate stage that chops up the snow to make it easier to move. On average, this increases output by around 25% without requiring extra power. Since it’s powered by the large engine in your lawn tractor, it can deliver commercial-level performance at the cost of a small residential blower.

The auger housing is 42 inches wide and has an intake height of 23.5 inches, letting it move snow up to 18 inches thick. Once lifted and chopped up by the main augers, the third auger pushes the snow through a high arc steel chute. This chute can rotate up to 180 degrees, which isn’t as much as a stand-alone unit due to interference with the mower cowl, but will still let you spread snow over a wide area to avoid building up snow banks.

This attachment has two control levers that extend to the operator’s position. On the right, there’s a lever to easily lift and lower the unit, letting you drive around without the scraping against cleared pavement. On the left, there’s a crank to change the chute position, a lever to adjust the chute angle, and a switch to start and stop the augers.

Compatibility

This attachment fits 2015 and later XT1 and XT2 lawn tractors. It should be used with a rear weight kit fitted with two 42 lb. suitcase weights and a set of tire chains to help the mower get a grip on icy pavement. These accessories aren’t included with the snowblower itself since these parts can vary model to model and can be used with other accessories, like the dozer blade.

Installation

A carriage assembly attaches to the mower using Clevis pins and lock rods. This assembly replaces the deck and connects the PTO to the auger drive belt. A bumper also needs to be installed to provide slots for the snowblower frame. Once those parts are in place, the snowblower slides into the slots and locks into the carriage assembly. The auger drive belt is then attached to the drive pulley on the carriage assembly.

When it’s time to go back to mowing, the snowblower can be slid out from underneath the mower, and the carriage assembly can be removed and replaced by the deck. The bumper can stay on the mower, although XT2 owners will probably want to refit their stock bumper for added front end protection.

Getting Parts and Accessories for This Attachment

From tire chains to skid shoes, if it fits a Cub Cadet, you can get it from cubparts.com. We’re a certified dealer, which lets us offer the full line of OEM factory parts and accessories. Our site lets you look up your model and see exploded parts diagrams and factory descriptions so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We ship across the U.S. and Canada.

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Using a Snowblower

Cub Cadet 2X Snowblowers

Have you had to put extra wear and tear on your snowblower getting through the Bomb Cyclone? Not getting the performance you want out of your Cub Cadet snowblower? These tips will help you resolve common issues and make clearing snow easier.

Warm Up the Engine

The engine needs to be warm before it will produce enough power to run the drive system and augers. Cub Cadet includes a manual choke on their snowblowers to help with this process. Start the engine with the choke fully closed, then gradually open it. Once the engine runs with the choke open all the way, your snowblower is ready to use.

Keeping Warm and Safe

If you’re using a snowblower, you’re out in the winter weather longer than you’re usually used to. Add in the chance of getting snow blown back into your face, and you can get uncomfortable and even dangerously cold in a hurry.

Thicker clothing and reduced skin exposure can keep you comfortable, but it’s also important to wear an outfit needs to be free of any loose items that could get caught in the machinery. Skip the scarf and get a balaclava or wear a jacket with a heavy hood, and make sure any adjustment cords on your coat and hood are out of reach.

A snowblower cab may look like an overgrown umbrella, but it can shield you from wind and snow, dramatically improving your comfort when operating your snowblower. Cub Cadet also offers heated grips on most models to keep the circulation in your hands so you can operate the controls comfortably.

Remove Snow Before the Storm Stops

Using your snowblower to remove snow before accumulation reaches 6 inches will make the job much easier on your machine, let it throw snow farther, and let you cover a wider strip with each pass. In turn, it also reduces the height of snow banks, helping the snow melt faster.

Slow Down

If the snow exiting the chute isn’t making it past your driveway, you’re trying to move more snow than your machine can handle. Increasing the throttle speed, reducing the ground speed and taking on smaller strips of snow with each pass will help. Snow density can vary a lot so a dense snowfall may be a lot heavier than a previous storm that left light, fluffy snow even if the later storm had more accumulation. Whether you’re using a 1X, 2X or 3X, in most cases you should only be using 1/3-1/2 of your auger’s total width at a time.

Check for Newspapers

By now, you’ve made sure that rocks, chains, and other obstacles are out of your driveway, but there’s one obstacle that can surface and quickly jam your machine: a newspaper. If you have a subscription or you end up with a trial copy or a free weekly in your yard now and then, make sure it has been removed before you start clearing snow.

Wait to Refuel

Run out of fuel in the middle of clearing snow? You could go ahead and refill the tank, but doing so means you’re pouring a volatile liquid next to a hot engine. Spill a little, and you’ll end up with a fire. If it’s time for a refuel, take a break and give the engine a few minutes to cool.

Know the Right Way to Clear Jams

There are 6,000 snowblower-related injuries in the U.S. every year, and nearly all of them are caused by operators being careless when clearing a jammed impeller.

Always shut the engine off and wait until the augers come to a complete stop before you try to clear out the housing. Never reach into the housing with your hands: even a stationary impeller is a danger due to its sharp edges and finger-pinching fit inside the housing. If your model doesn’t include a clearing tool, use a broom handle or a shovel to break up the jam.

Sheer pins may look like regular bolts, but they’re made from soft metal that will break if the impellers stop moving. Replacing them with off-the-shelf bolts will maintain the power transfer between the transmission and the auger, which can result in serious damage and injury. If a pin breaks, it’s because something happened that could have broken major components on your machine.

Getting Parts and Accessories for Your Cub Cadet Snowblower

Whether you need some new sheer pins, want to add a cab, or need to do some major work on your snowblower, you can get everything you need from www.cubparts.com. Our site lets you search for parts based on your snowblower’s model and serial number and will show you factory descriptions and diagrams so you can be sure you’re ordering exactly what you need. We’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, which means we can ship OEM parts across the U.S. and Canada.

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Snowblower Maintenance

Snowblower Maintenance

Like any machine, a Cub Cadet snowblower will only deliver its best performance if you take care of it. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your X1, X2 or X3 and how you can keep a step ahead of common problems.

Parts You Should Have on Hand

Having shear pins, belts, skid shoes and a fuel filter on hand will let you do common repairs on the spot so you can get your snowblower working again. Why these parts?

When there’s a jam, the shear pins will break, detaching the auger from the drive system to prevent serious component damage, and if there’s a major jam, the belt can snap, protecting the engine. When this happens, inspect the auger housing and chute thoroughly, removing whatever caused the jam.

Skid shoes support the auger housing, scraping against the ground and eventually wearing out. While they won’t suddenly break like a shear pin, it’s good to have some replacements on hand.

Fuel quality is easy to overlook since the weather is unpredictable. If you end up not using your machine for months, the fuel can varnish, clogging the filter.

Skid Shoes and Shave Plate

The shoes and shave plate should be checked before each use. The shoe height may need to be adjusted occasionally to keep the auger housing at the right height above the ground.

To replace the shoes and plate, simply remove the carriage bolts and nuts holding them onto the auger housing and bolt in the new parts. When installing the shave plate, the carriage bolts should be installed so that the heads are on the inside of the housing. Newer models have reversible skid shoes: once one side has worn down, the shoe can be flipped to use the other side.

Auger Control Cable and Drive Control Cable

Over time, these cables can stretch, which can prevent the auger clutch from engaging or the transmission from working correctly. When either cable is released, there should be very little slack in the cable, but it should not be tight.

The cable tension can be adjusted by moving the tensioner, located on the base of the snowblower next to the handle. Loosen the two bolts holding it onto the back plate and move it up or down to get the tension correct, then retighten the bolts.

Check the auger control cable tension by starting the engine and engaging the auger control lever several times, holding it closed for 10 seconds each time. The auger should engage, then disengage immediately after the lever has been released. If the auger is still spinning, shut off the engine and readjust the tensioner.

To test the drive control cable, put the shifter into neutral and start the engine. Push the snowblower forward: it should roll easily. Engage the drive control and push forward again: the snowblower should resist movement. Release the lever and shift the transmission into each gear. The gear lever should move freely. If any of these tests fail, the cable needs to be readjusted.

Gear Shift Cable (Geared Transmission Models)

To adjust the cable, make sure the engine is off and put the transmission in the highest gear. The cable should be tight. If there is slack, loosen the adjustment nut on the cable index bracket, located on the base of the snowblower. Pivot the bracket until the cable is tight, then tighten down the nut.

Gear Shaft (Geared Transmission Models)

This shaft should be lubricated every season or 25 hours of operation. To access it, run the engine until it is completely out of fuel. Carefully tilt the snowblower up and forward so that it’s resting on the auger housing. Remove the frame cover from the underside of the snowblower by taking out the four screws near the middle and back of the plate. The gear shaft is the large hex-shaped shaft running between the wheels.

The shaft should be coated in anti-seize. Be careful not to get this lubricant on the drive plate or friction wheel as this can keep the drive from engaging.

Chute Assembly Preload (Remote Adjustable Models)

If the chute moves around during operation, the preload on the cables needs to be adjusted. The adjustment nut is located on the front of the chute control assembly at the top center of the snowblower. To increase preload, tighten the nut ¼ turn. If moving the chute is difficult, loosen this nut ¼ turn.

Getting Parts for Your Snowblower

Whether you have the smallest 1X or a commercial hydro drive 3X, you can get everything you need for your Cub Cadet snowblower from www.cubparts.com. Our site makes finding parts easy by letting you search for your model and serial number and showing you factory descriptions and parts diagrams. We can ship whatever you need to any address in the U.S. or Canada.

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Snowblower Troubleshooting

Snowblower Troubleshooting

Having trouble with your Cub Cadet snowblower? Here’s what to look for when trying to diagnose common problems on these machines.

Wheels Not Engaging

V-Belt is worn or broken: Check the belt for damage and make sure the clutch pulley
Over time, this belt can stretch out, preventing it from transferring power from the engine to the axle.

Friction wheel is slipping: The friction wheel has a rubber outer ring that engages the drive plate. If there is grease or moisture on this surface, it can keep the plate from engaging. Over time, wear can reduce the diameter of this ring, keeping it from engaging. If this happens, it should be replaced,

Traction control cable: This cable should move freely when closing the lever. If it doesn’t, apply a light oil or silicone spray onto the cable to lubricate it. If the cable is stretched, it won’t be able to move enough to engage the drive clutch and should be replaced.

Hydrostatic transmission: Models engine in “H” use a hydrostatic transmission. While this transmission is maintenance-free, years of use may lead to leaks in the seals, reducing power transfer. If this happens, the transmission will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Auger Doesn’t Turn or Snowblower not Throwing Snow

Shear pins: These pins go through the auger axle sleeve, connecting it to the drive axle. They’re designed to break off if the auger hits a rock or other obstruction to prevent damage to the auger and drive components. If the pins are broken, remove any objects around the impeller and housing that could cause a jam and install new pins.

Belts: Inspect the belt that runs between the engine and auger gearbox. If it is loose, cracked or broken, it needs to be replaced.

Snowblower Won’t Start

Electrical connection: If the on-board electric starter doesn’t work, make sure it’s connected to a live outlet using an extension cord that can support the power drawn by the starter, typically 14 or 15 amps.

Choke: Make sure the choke is closed during cold starts. If the engine was just running and is up to operating temperature, start with the choke open.

Spark Plug: Check the spark plug gap. If the insulator is cracked or the electrode is damaged, the plug should be replaced.

Carburetor: Most carburetor problems are caused by deposits left by stale fuel. Clean the carburetor and replace the old fuel with fresh, stabilized fuel. Perished seals should be replaced to prevent air from entering the carburetor without passing by the jet.

Engine Starts and then Stalls

Choke: Make sure the choke is closed when starting the engine. This creates a richer air/fuel mixture that helps the engine stay running until it’s up to temperature.

Fuel cap: The cap has holes in it that let air enter the tank as gas flows out into the carburetor. If these are clogged, the pressure inside the tank can drop, keeping fuel from leaving the tank. This leans out the air/fuel mixture, shutting off the engine.

Carburetor: If the float bowl is stuck or the jets are clogged, the carburetor may not be delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine. Clean the carburetor and make sure you’re using fresh, stabilized fuel. In severe cases, the carburetor may need to be rebuilt to get it to add enough fuel to the intake air.

The Snowblower is Leaking Gas

Fuel line: The line may have been pulled off its connections to the fuel tank and carburetor, or it has been damaged.

Carburetor: One of the seals inside the carburetor may have perished. Fuel leakage is typically caused by a bad float bowl gasket, but if this happens, all seals should be replaced.

Snowblower Leaving Behind Snow

Speed and collection rate: Try operating the snowblower at a slower speed or overlap passes more to pick up less snow at a time. Snow density can vary widely, so the volume of snow that your machine can handle will vary between snowfalls.

Skid shoes: Make sure the skid shoes are at the right height, and that both the left and right shoe are at equal heights. These shoes will need to be replaced periodically as they wear.

Auger housing and chute: Make sure there aren’t any clogs in the housing or chute that could prevent snow from being picked up and thrown by the augers.

Getting Parts for Your Cub Cadet Snowblower

From sheer pins to major components, if it’s Cub Cadet, you can get it from www.cubparts.com. We’re not just an online parts warehouse, we’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, letting us ship the full line of OEM parts currently in production to any address in the U.S. and Canada.

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