7 Common Cub Cadet LT42E Problems and solutions

The Cub Cadet LT42E is an electric lawn mower that is powered by a battery. Similar to other brands and model tractors, the Cub Cadet LT42E is not protected from various common problems.

The Cub Cadet LT42E have several common issues like engine overheating, engine not starting, engine knocking issue, excessive vibration and smoke emission from the tractor, and more.

All these common issues can be easily resolved if you follow this guide. Moreover, you need to have a proper tool kit since you will open various components in the tractor.

Quick Look at Cub Cadet LT42E Problems:

7 Most Common Cub Cadet LT42E Problems and Their Potential Solutions

1. Engine Overheating Problem

The first major problem with the Cub Cadet LT42E is that its engine starts overheating. Overheating is caused due to several reasons, including engine overloading, improper oil viscosity, clogged cooling fins, air inlet plugged, fast idle speed, or too high oil.

Solutions

Fixing the overheating problem in Cub Cadet LT24E is super easy and straightforward. First of all, check the engine load. If it’s overloaded, make sure to reduce the load.

After that, check the clogged components, like the cooling fins, and make sure to clean them. Next, check the oil level. If there is too high or low oil, make sure to balance it.

If the engine oil viscosity is improper, make sure to drain the oil and add balanced viscosity oil. Lastly, adjust the fast idle speed.

2. Engine Won’t Start

Another common problem of Cub Cadet LT24E is that it won’t start. An empty fuel tank, filthy fuel, defective fuel cap, clogged fuel filter, blocked carburetor, clogged fuel lines, and a loose battery is a possible causes of this problem.

Solutions

To fix an engine that won’t start, you need to try out several different solutions. Start by inspecting the fuel system and fuel. If the fuel is contaminated, you will need to replace it.

Next, check the fuel tank and fuel lines. If the fuel lines are clogged, clean them using a cleaning brush. Apart from that, check the fuel cap, spark plug, fuel pump, carburetor, air filter, and battery connections. If you notice any problem with any of these components, make sure to service them.

Lastly, check the safety switch, broken recoil, and other components. If they are broken or damaged, you will need to replace them.

3. Engine Knocking Issue

The engine-knocking issue has been reported by a lot of Cub Cadet LT24E owners in online forums. If you are also facing the engine knocking, then you need to know that it can be caused due to bad octane fuel or stale fuel.

When engine knocking occurs, the engine may run at low revs. Other possible causes of engine knocking issues are low oil levels, worn-out crankshaft, worn-out bore cylinder, and excessive engine load.

Solutions

To fix the engine knocking problem in Cub Cadet LT24E, make sure to use high-quality oil. You may also need to reduce the load on the engine. Apart from that, check the oil levels and add more if needed.

Also, adjust the speed of the engine if it is running at low revs. If the cylinder bore or piston rings have worn out, you will need to replace them.

Additionally, check the cooling fins, which can cause overheating if clogged, which will result in engine knocking. Inspec the adjust the crankshaft end play as well.

In the end, if the camshaft bearings or crankshaft have worn out, you need to replace them.

4. Tractor Won’t Move

If you are facing a problem with your Cub Cadet LT24E in which the mower doesn’t move due to the worn-out pump belt and arm string, you may need to fix the issue immediately, as you won’t be able to operate the tractor in such a case.

This issue can also be caused due to defective tensioner pulley or the wrong position of the release lever. Moreover, it can be caused because of the hot and old hydraulic oil or air that is present in the system.

Solutions

To fix a Cub Cadet LT24E that won’t move, you need to check the drive release level first. If it is causing the issue, it will need to be replaced.

Next, check the pump belt, air spring, tensioner pulley, and hydraulic system. If you find any problem with any of these components, you will need to service or replace them as needed.

5. Excessive Vibration Issue

Another common problem with the Cub Cadet LT24E is that it vibrates excessively sometimes. The vibration problem is commonly caused when there are loose bolts in the mower. Apart from that, if the blades are damaged, bent out, or twisted, they can also cause this problem.

In some cases, the worn-out bearings, deck belts, and stones lodged in the mower can also lead to excessive vibration in the mower.

Solutions

To resolve the vibration issue in the Cub Cadet LT24E mower, you need to tighten any of the loose bolts and clutch in the mower. Next, you need to balance out the blades. In case you can’t balance the blades, you need to replace them.

Apart from that, you need to check the bearing and deck belt and replace them as needed. Lastly, check the mower deck and remove any dust particles or debris present in the deck.

6. Tractor Won’t Drive Straight

The Cub Cadet LT42E has a common problem in that sometimes it doesn’t move in a straight direction. Moreover, when you try to use the steering, you are not able to move the mower in a straight direction.

This problem occurs when the tire pressure in the mower is unequal to each other. If one tire has high air pressure while the other is running on low air pressure, then it can cause this problem.

Apart from that, if the steering internals has worn out, they can also cause the issue and may also lead to jerking, which will move the mower in one specific direction.

Solutions

To fix the Cub Cadet LT42E steering issue, you need to adjust the tire pressure first. Also, if any of the tires are faulty, you need to replace them. You may also need to replace the damper. Apart from that, you will require to adjust the speed bolts accordingly.

7. Excessive Smoke Emission

Another common problem with the Cub Cadet LT42E mower is that it emits excessive smoke sometimes. This usually happens when the oil drops onto the cylinder and starts burning.

If the engine oil capacity is low, it can also cause excessive smoke. Moreover, if the gasket, valve train, and piston rings are faulty, they can also lead to excessive smoke emissions.

Solutions

If the problem is caused due to oil capacity, you will need to drain a little oil from the crankcase and also need to change the air filter if it is in poor condition.

Next, check the engine oil levels, and if it is low, add more since it can cause extreme heat and smoke emissions.

Read: Case 100c problems

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which Engine Does Cub Cadet LT42E Offer?

The Cub Cadet LT42E offers a powerful 18-horsepower engine that runs at a rate of 3600 RPM.

Which Battery Does Cub Cadet LT42E Have?

The Cub Cadet LT42E has a 56-volt battery with a capacity of 60 Ah and 3000 Wh battery power.

How Long Can the Cub Cadet LT42E Battery Hold the Charge?

The Cub Cadet LT42E can last up to 4 hours after a full recharge. However, if you charge the battery in rapid-charge mode, the battery may last less than 4 hours.

Conclusion

These are some of the most common problems with the Cub Cadet LT42E that you may encounter. However, they are not impossible to fix, and you can do some of them by yourself. If you face any other problem that you cannot handle by yourself, you should contact your dealer or a qualified technician for help.

You should also follow the maintenance schedule and instructions in your owner’s manual to keep your lawn tractor in good condition. The Cub Cadet LT42E is a great electric lawn tractor that can provide you with a smooth and eco-friendly mowing experience if you take good care of it.