Cub Cadet LT1042 deck has no cutting power

[msayer]

Howdy -

I have a 2008 Cub Cadet LT 1042 Model #13AX11CG330.

I have replaced the worn deck belts about 3 times in the last year. They end up shiny and clearly worn on the inside and often end up twisted.

When cutting, the deck doesn't seem to have much power. When the grass is only a couple of inches long, the deck seems to really struggle and I can hear it slow down to almost a stop. The mower engine doesn't seem to be struggling though - which makes me think it's either a problem with the clutch slipping, or the belt slipping. I can sometimes hear a ceramic grinding sound when the deck slows.

I can cut the same grass to the same height with my parent's MTD which is only 15 hp without any problem. My Cub Cadet should be able to do it easily without even working up a sweat.

I have serviced the deck - all pulleys are spinning freely and the belt is installed correctly. I can't see how it could be a problem with the deck or belt so I'm leaning towards the clutch.

I can spin the PTO with my hand with some resistance when the mower is powered off.

Just wanted to see if anyone had any other thoughts before I go and shell out a bunch of cash for a replacement clutch.

Regards,

Mark.

 

[Don87]

Howdy -

I have a 2008 Cub Cadet LT 1042 Model #13AX11CG330.

I have replaced the worn deck belts about 3 times in the last year. They end up shiny and clearly worn on the inside and often end up twisted.

When cutting, the deck doesn't seem to have much power. When the grass is only a couple of inches long, the deck seems to really struggle and I can hear it slow down to almost a stop. The mower engine doesn't seem to be struggling though - which makes me think it's either a problem with the clutch slipping, or the belt slipping. I can sometimes hear a ceramic grinding sound when the deck slows.

I can cut the same grass to the same height with my parent's MTD which is only 15 hp without any problem. My Cub Cadet should be able to do it easily without even working up a sweat.

I have serviced the deck - all pulleys are spinning freely and the belt is installed correctly. I can't see how it could be a problem with the deck or belt so I'm leaning towards the clutch.

I can spin the PTO with my hand with some resistance when the mower is powered off.

Just wanted to see if anyone had any other thoughts before I go and shell out a bunch of cash for a replacement clutch.

Regards,

Mark.

I would replace the tensioner spring (s) on the deck first.

 

[msayer]

Okay - I checked the tensioners and the springs feel pretty firm - no stretchy-give in them - a good solid amount of tenson applied at all times.



One thing I thought of now though - now that you've drawn my attention back to the deck - is originally, I tried replacing the deck belt without removing the deck and ended up with the belt on the outside of the guide for the tension pully. This resulted in a short lifespan for the belt but also caused some wear on the outside of the guide. It's quite close to the pully wheel and on the tension pulley, the belt faces outwards. I'm wondering if maybe this is bent and a little too close to the pulley and is catching on the belt? I've attached a photo (hard for me to judge because I never saw it before I put the belt on the wrong way so don't know if it's even bent at all).



I've also attached a photo of the whole deck so you can see the belt is configured the right way.



Cheers,

Mark.

 

[dieselmechanic]

Hard to tell but looks like the pulley is worn and the belt is bottomed out in the grove of pulley which will allow belt to slip a good belt and a good pulley the belt will protrude above the pulley slightly

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Are you sure you have the right width belt. It is riding way too deep in the pulleys. Either it is the wrong belt or the pulleys need replaced.
Bill

 

[Don87]

Hard to tell but looks like the pulley is worn and the belt is bottomed out in the grove of pulley which will allow belt to slip a good belt and a good pulley the belt will protrude above the pulley slightly

In your third pic, if that is the belt that is currently on the deck.........it looks like the belt may have 'flipped over' at some point.

When that happened on my old Cub, it would do as you describe, and lose power.

The belt guide does look awfully close to the pulley, but as long as in isn't touching, it should be ok.

If the deck is currently off, check for a possible bearing seizing up on the deck.

I don't think the clutch is the problem.........but anything is possible.

 

[mostly_gas]

Msayer, 3 belts worn in one is screaming something else is going on. Belt routing belt guide positioning ... you need to fix that first then see how the deck works

 

[Don87]

Another thing to check. The 2 guide pulleys at the front of the tractor, below the clutch. Check for seizing, or bends in the pulleys. They will cause a belt to flip in a heartbeat.

Could still be that electric clutch, but when mine went on my old Cub Cadet 2160..........it locked up tight, instantly.

 

[alchemysa]

Are you sure you have the right belt? It looks pretty skinny. It looks like its sitting too deep in all the pulleys to me. If its just riding on the bottom of the valley of the pulley it will slip easily. Belts come in different widths. Try a wider one. You need one that wedges tightly against the sides of the pulleys when its in 'drive'.

Measure the width of a pulley or, better still, take one into a proper 'belt and hose' distributor/shop. You'll pay less for belts at a belt shop rather than buying 'original equipment.' (Although ebay stuff is often very cheap too).

How a V belt should sit in a pulley...
http://simplifyurl.com/28ya

 

[msayer]

That's a great reference alchemysa - thanks for sharing! Hmmm...I do have some wear on the tension pulleys and the belts are definitely riding on the bottom. Might take the deck to a different workshop to get them to assess for me.