The deck is a significant part of a lawn mower and a huge determinant of the mower’s functionality. It holds the blades and protects the user and engine from debris. A small deck is for small-scale use, while a large one is ideal for commercial and heavy-duty applications.
Cub Cadet is a prominent mower brand with various deck sizes under its vast catalog. However, this mower’s deck is prone to a few issues. The most common Cub Cadet mower deck problems are blades getting stuck, belt issues, vibrations, noise, uneven cuts, step cuts, and scalping.
Is your Cub Cadet’s deck problematic? Read on as we look at the deck troubles you may encounter and how to overcome them.
Contents
Blades Getting Stuck
As a Cub Cadet mower owner, there is a high chance that you have dealt with stuck blades. The blades won’t turn or may turn at intervals, which affects your workflow. The mower won’t trim the yard, or it will leave unsightly patches.
Causes of stuck mower blades include:
- Use of wrong blades
- Obstructions due to debris
- An issue with the belt
- A bent blade
- Rusted blades due to lack of lubrication
The Fix:
You should probe the mower body to understand why the blades are not moving. Did you recently replace the cutters? If yes, it may be the root of the mower troubles, a case of wrong size blades. Getting OEM-standard blades for your mower is advisable to avoid such setbacks.
Check for debris by turning the mower or lifting the deck. Clean the deck after use to stop dirt accumulation, which affects blade movement. Replace a bent cutter if it is worse off to prevent secondary issues like vibrations and engine stress.
Rust buildup will lead to the immobility of the cutters. Avert rusting by lubricating the blades and the moving parts during your routine mower servicing. Also, inspect the belt.
Issues With the Belt
Cub Cadet mower deck belt problems will have a significant effect on mowing. The belt conveys power from the engine to the blades, and its failure directly affects cutting. The cutters may fail to move, particularly if you have a ripped belt or it slips.
Other signs to look out for are vibrations, squealing noises, power loss, and evidence of wear on the belt’s sidewall. The belt may slip due to loss of elasticity, damaged pulley bearings, a bad idler tensioner bracket, or debris.
The Fix:
You should locate the mower belt for inspection if you suspect it to be faulty. Replace it if it’s past its service time, and ensure you get a high-quality replacement. Attend to the pulley bearings and idler tensioner brackets by acquiring new ones. Finally, remove debris on the belt or pulley grooves to prevent slips.
Vibration and Noise Production
Vibrations and noisy operation are among Cub Cadet mower deck problems that arise after prolonged use. The shaking gets more pronounced with time, meaning you must get to its source before it becomes unbearable.
The issue may be as minor as the terrain you are working on, but the deck is usually the culprit. You will face this snag due to a dirty body, a worn-out assembly, a damaged belt, and imbalanced or bent blades. An improperly adjusted deck can also be a noisy setback.
The Fix:
You must adjust the deck height accordingly if working on rugged turf. A low-set deck will rattle and may shake the mower. Poor adjustment is a leading cause of mower body wear and tear, and some parts may start falling off. You can weld broken parts of a worn-out cutting deck assembly or entirely replace it for the best service.
Balancing mower blades is a crucial maintenance routine for a precise trim. Out-of-balance blades are among the frequent Cub Cadet zero turn mower deck problems. The bad cutters stress the engine, and the mower may wobble from the lack of equilibrium.
You can straighten a bent blade, but there is a high chance it will need to be balanced. Replacing the damaged cutter is a worthy alternative.
Uneven Cuts
Uneven cuts indicate several Cub Cadet mower deck problems, with the cutters being the primary genesis. Unappealing mowing can result from imbalanced, damaged, or missing blades.
The deck’s cutting height will determine how neat the trimming will be. Sometimes, bad cuts may be a case of deflated or misaligned tires.
The Fix:
You should stop mowing when you notice the unsightly appearance of the yard before you cause further damage. Probe the state of the tires before you move to the deck.
The mower’s body should be at the correct mowing height. Tweak the levels depending on the terrain. A higher level always works fine for rugged surfaces.
The blades should be in good condition. You should sharpen and balance them to avert a messy yard. The deck should have all the required blades and replace them if they are no longer functional.
Step Cuts and Scalping
Not veering far from uneven cuts, you may experience step cuts or scalping. Step cuts refer to sharp bumps on the yard, while scalping is cutting too low, removing all the leaves, and exposing the roots.
Step cuts and scalping make your work look unprofessional, and you may lose clients if you are in the landscaping business.
Incorrect deck height is to blame in most cases, though the state of the blades may be troublesome in some situations.
Fixes:
You prevent scalping and step cuts by working with the ideal mowing heights. The mower’s body may be too low and will overcut the turf. Check the blades, and sharpen them if they are blunt. Change your yard-tending techniques, especially on challenging surfaces.
Tips On Attending to Cub Cadet Mower Deck Problems
The following are tips to rely on for Cub Cadet troubleshooting.
Tilting Your Mower
Tilt your Cub Cadet to expose its underside when inspecting the deck. You can have the mower on its side, or upside down, with the handles on the ground. Keep in mind that the carburetor’s side should be upward-facing to prevent gas and oil leakage.
Act Fast
Acting quickly after noticing anomalies with your mower deck will save you from a lot of trouble. Be keen on abnormal sounds, vibrations, and cut quality to nip the hitch in the bud.
Get Genuine Parts
Always go for genuine Cub Cadet replacement parts to avoid recurring troubles. OEM-standard parts may be quite pricey but are worth the cost. Cheaper parts get damaged fast, and you will spend more on constant replacements.
Have a Mechanic Guide You
As a new lawn mower owner, you may not easily pick out deck troubles. Such a scenario calls for the guidance of an experienced mechanic who can teach you the basics of mower mechanics and troubleshooting.
Are Cub Cadet Mower Deck Problems a Deal Breaker?
The troubles affecting Cub Cadet cutting decks are not necessarily deal-breakers, as they are easy to deal with. Moreover, the decks feature advanced technology, like the patented AeroForce, for enhanced functionality and durability.
When dealing with Cub Cadet mowers, you must ensure the mowing height is okay, and the cutters are in excellent shape for a fulfilling experience.
Hello! My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associate’s Degree in landscaping. I am here to share my years of experience with you – be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn.
