Buying Advice Cub Cadet 5234D belly mower

afdrivercle · Mar 6, 2011

I just picked up (and repaired the transmission) on a 5234D. The original owner had it set up for a loader, but kept the loader for his new 6000 series tractor. I wasn't really interested in the loader because I feel this machine isn't strong enough to operate a loader.

I am looking for a belly mower that perhaps somebody else doesn't use. I don't care if it is a 54 inch, or a 60 inch.

If anybody has one, or knows someone willing to part with theirs, I would love to talk with them.

jnelson · Mar 7, 2011

I can't help you with the mower deck, sorry.

I think it would be interesting to read about what and how you did to repair your transmission. Where did you find information and/or manuals? Where did you find parts? What required repairs and is it something that other owners should be aware of? That type of information could be very useful to others.

Good luck on your mower deck search!

JN

afdrivercle · Mar 7, 2011

These 5000 series tractors were lemons, and it is well documented. The weak link are the two bevel gears that attach to the hydro pump and transfer power from the pump to the wheels. They are the smallest gears in the transmission. Nearly every failure on the 5000 series happens right there. If you look at a parts diagram of the transmission from cubcadet.com, or messicks, the parts that fail are numbered 38 and 39.

I assume the failure occurs when you are trying to drive forward, the rear wheels do not slip, and then the gears strip. They just are not large enough, nor are the groves deep enough.

I just simply replaced the gears, and decided this tractor has to be used very carefully. The process of replacing them took about 17 hours. You have to remove the entire rear half of the tractor, rops, hitch, fenders, wheels, transmission. You then have to break the case open, perform some disassembly to get to the parts that have failed. Upon removing them, you then have to have a machine shop press a bearing off of one gear, and press the gear off of a shaft, then replace the bearing to the new gear, and the other new gear to the shaft. Then come reassembly, which was no fun either.

I decided If I can get another 7 years out of the machine by repairing it myself, it is worth it. Parts and oil cost me around $300.

jnelson · Mar 8, 2011

I know what you mean about the poor reputation of those tractors. It spilled over on to the 6248 models (which I am not sure had the same problem you describe but do have some issues of their own). That said, it did depress the value of the 6248's and I was able to purchase one with FEL and only 12 hrs on it for a very good price. I now have 200 hours on it and have been happy with it.

I use a 5' 3pt finish mower with my tractor for mowing duties, but I have a very large yard to mow. I have seen the type of mid-mower deck you need on E-Bay from time to time. I can also keep an eye on our local Craigslist listings for you. What region are you located in?

Thanks for sharing your information.

JN

stev18g · Nov 29, 2011

Hi, I was wondering how you determined to set the endplay/backlash for the two gears you replaced. I understand there is a spacer and a shim where the hydropump meets the pinion bearing. That shim needs to be selected to set the backlash. Any input or reference would be appreciated.

Steve

scoutcub · Nov 29, 2011

That's quite a project you undertook with the tranny. Yes, the 5000's suffered some under-engineering issues. I've owned several 5000's and never had a problem....but I also didn't abuse them. The last one I had I only used for mowing, blowing and blading, and it worked very well for those tasks.

I'll keep an ear out for a deck, I know lots of Cub dealers. I would opt for the 60", that's what I had and it worked well. I've heard complaints about the 54" throwing belts more often.

Where are you located? If you find a deck, I've got most (or all) of the parts to put a mounting kit together. have instruction manual as well.
And finally, I have a front hitch and blower/blade for the 5000's that I'm selling.

Good luck!

vik1706 · Nov 11, 2015

I recently purchase a 2005 Cub Cadet 5254E with the loader attachment. I wanted to mount the 54" belly mower but I'm have trouble locating the parts for the lift & mounting kits. A number of the parts are potentially available through Cadet but the front and rear hangers are OOS. I did find a deck in good condition but I need all the stuff to hook it up.

Would love if anyone has stuff to sell would contact me. Thanks!