Check that the hydrostatic bypass rod has not been displaced from the normal full-in position. This is the rod that you'll find in the rear between the wheels on the right side. If it's pulled out, it allows you to push the mower a short distance without starting the engine. When it's pushed in, the mower won't move at all unless driven by the engine.
If this rod is pulled out slightly, the transmission won't develop full hydrostatic pressure, and it will lack power or fail to climb a hill, all as you described.
Answer from MTA on Stack ExchangeReddit
reddit.com › r/lawnmowers › transmission problem with cub cadet xlt42 lawn mower
r/lawnmowers on Reddit: Transmission problem with Cub Cadet XLT42 lawn mower
February 23, 2024 -
My 4-year-old Cub Cadet XLT42 broke down this weekend. The engine runs great, the blades spin, but it won't move forward or backward. I've checked the drive belt (still properly in place) and the transmission bypass rod is pushed fully forward (engaged). Is there anything else to check before concluding that the transmission is trashed? I really want there to be something else, because the mower repair shop said replacing the transmission will cost almost as much as a new mower. Unfortunately, the powertrain warranty was only for 3 years, so that bill would be on me.
Top answer 1 of 2
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Have an 08 LT1046, start with checking the plastic bushings on the left underside of the mower, the pedal shaft goes into. When they break, the pedal drops about 1/2 to an inch, and there is no movement. It's one of many weak spots on a Cub. Buy a bag of 10, and they last from 3-5 years. If not the pedal, make sure the fan blade is turning in forward or reverse. If not, it's either the drive belt or the hydrostatic transmission.
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My tranny quit at just over 3 years...I was told that they know there's a problem with that transmission.And they did warranty it
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › kljxn-2016-cub-cadet-xt1-hydrostatic-transmission.html
Cub Cadet XT1 Hydrostatic Transmission Problems & Solutions | JustAnswer
I have a 2016 Cub Cadet XT1. The Hydrostatic drive was empty so I filled it. It still won’t go forward or backward. It is the hydrostatic transmission. Cub cadet zt1. I had to remove transaxle and replace the block kit piston pump.
Videos
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Cub Cadet XT1 LT46" Transmission Repair | Low Fluid - YouTube
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working on cub cadet tractor w/bad trans - YouTube
28:01
Hydrostatic Transaxle Service on a Cub Cadet Garden Tractor - YouTube
05:43
Cub Cadet XT2 - Weak Reverse Quick Fix - YouTube
Hydrostatic Transmission Control Repair, Part 1 – Cub Cadet ...
Thelandautorepair
thelandautorepair.com › home › auto repair services › solve your cub cadet transmission problems today: expert solutions await at cleveland auto repair!
Solve Your Cub Cadet Transmission Problems Today: Expert Solutions Await at Cleveland Auto Repair! - Cleveland Auto Repair
September 2, 2025 - Whether you’re dealing with slipping, unusual noises, or complete transmission failure, we have the skills to address any problem. By using a combination of cutting-edge technology and proven methods, our experts will have your Cub Cadet functioning like new.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › 5temo-lt-1050-cub-cadet-hydro-static.html
Cub Cadet LT 1050 Hydrostatic Transmission Not Moving
These modifications do not change the intent or substance of the original messages. ... LT 1050 often faces hydrostatic transmission slipping and sudden loss of drive while engine runs.
Top answer 1 of 2
1
Check that the hydrostatic bypass rod has not been displaced from the normal full-in position. This is the rod that you'll find in the rear between the wheels on the right side. If it's pulled out, it allows you to push the mower a short distance without starting the engine. When it's pushed in, the mower won't move at all unless driven by the engine.
If this rod is pulled out slightly, the transmission won't develop full hydrostatic pressure, and it will lack power or fail to climb a hill, all as you described.
2 of 2
0
This ended up being a bad transmission. As time went on it got worse and worse. Fluid leaking from the bottom is what was the final telltale sign. Replaced with a new one ordered from Tuff Torqs website (not super difficult) and it is running like a champ now. Couple things I learned:
- Tuff Torq customer service is actually very very helpful. They were able to answer my questions about buying a replacement and got me connected to two local techs in my area! (who knew?)
- The local tech recommended that I opt for a full replacement rather than a rebuild. While the rebuild kit is half the price, he said it wouldn't necessarily guarantee a full fix, and the warranty isn't as long (a new unit has a 2 year warranty).
TractorByNet
tractorbynet.com › forums › general tractor topics › parts/repairs
Z-Force Zero Turn Cub Cadet Transmission Problems.. HELP!!! - TractorByNet
August 21, 2009 - I have a 2004 Cub Cadet Z-Force 48" 22 HP B&S zero turn mower. It has about 300 hours on it according to the previous owner. It shows only 33 hours on the hour meter but the previous owner said they put it back to zero when he bought it from his local dealer. Here is the problem, after about 40 minutes of mowing the right side transmission pretty much just gives in.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/lawnmowers › hydrostatic issue cub cadet
r/lawnmowers on Reddit: Hydrostatic issue cub cadet
June 17, 2020 -
Hi. Today my cub cadet xt1 stopped moving. Just 36 hours but probably out of warranty. It sounds like a grinding from the transmission. How can I check/diagnose. I can push the mower without disengaging the transmission.
Top answer 1 of 5
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Warranty is 3 years. The xt1 series doesn't have heavy duty transmissions. What is your yard like?
2 of 5
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It looks like the current XT1 warranty is 3-years. It's certainly worth checking. Check the rear axles. If the axles use keys to make the wheels turn with the axles, it's possible (though somewhat unlikely) that one of the keys sheared off. That would be a very lucky and cheap fix.
Lawn Care Forum
lawnsite.com › home › forums › equipment › 🔧 mechanic and repair
Cub Cadet LTX-1045 stopped moving | Lawn Care Forum
Hi Guys, I've got a problem with my 2009 Cub Cadet LTX-1045 with Hydrostatic transmission. It has a Kohler Courage 20 HP motor, SV600. I was cutting my yard with it and all of a sudden it started slowing down until it just stopped going forward. I tried going in reverse but only moved a few...
Hunker
hunker.com › 12002759 › how-to-troubleshoot-the-hydrostatic-transmission-in-a-cub-cadet
How To Troubleshoot The Hydrostatic Transmission In A Cub Cadet - Hunker
March 19, 2011 - Many hydrostatic transmission problems on a Cub Cadet tractor are due to a transmission control rod misalignment. The transmission control rod causes the tractor to rock slightly forward or backward when the engine is powered high idle speed ...
Only Cub Cadets
onlycubcadets.net › forum › showthread.php
SLT-1554 Transmission Problems - Only Cub Cadets
SLT-1554 Transmission Problems Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor (LT)
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Cub Cadet Transmission Repair - YouTube
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Published May 2, 2021
Farm Sun Seed
farmsunseed.com › cub-cadet-hydrostatic-transmission-problems
7 Most Common Cub Cadet Hydrostatic Transmission Problems
January 26, 2023 - If there is no damage, the problem may be due to loose bolts or gaskets. Tighten any loose bolts and check/replace any damaged gaskets. In either scenario, having your tractor repaired at a licensed Cub Cadet dealer or service facility is preferable.
Thelandautorepair
thelandautorepair.com › home › auto repair services › solve your cub cadet hydrostatic transmission problems today: expert solutions await!
Solve Your Cub Cadet Hydrostatic Transmission Problems Today: Expert Solutions Await! - Cleveland Auto Repair
September 2, 2025 - Struggling with cub cadet hydrostatic transmission problems? Discover common symptoms, causes, and DIY solutions with our expert guide. If issues persist, our Cleveland professionals are ready to help. Enjoy the benefits of professional repair services and ensure your equipment runs smoothly.
My Tractor Forum
mytractorforum.com › home › forums › compact utility tractors › cut tractors by brand › cub cadet
Cub Cadet 7260 transmission Problems. Need Help | My Tractor Forum
Sometimes water gets in and mixes with the transmission oil and when it sits, it turns to rust, and freezes thing up so they won't move or slide smoothly. It sounds like an internal shift linkage problem you are having.
Mr. Motor Problems
mrmotorproblems.com › cub-cadet-transmission-problems
Cub Cadet Transmission Problems: Causes and Solutions
May 19, 2024 - These transmissions are responsible ... Transmission problems can manifest in a variety of ways, including slipping gears, noisy operation, and even complete failure....
My Tractor Forum
mytractorforum.com › home › forums › lawn and garden tractors › lawn and garden tractors by brand › cub cadet forum
Cub Cadet 2521GT Transmission Problem | My Tractor Forum
Cub Cadet Forum · KyCub · I bought this tractor brand new in 2004. It been a great tractor. About a few months ago I noticed that I had a transmission fluid leaking and found that above the transmission filter, which I believe is the pump, 4 screws were loose and I tightened them and the leak went away.
Manuals Kart
manualskart.com › blogs › news › cub-cadet-mower-transmission-failure-causes-fixes
Cub Cadet Mower Transmission Failure: Causes & Fixes – Manuals Kart
July 2, 2025 - Low levels or contamination with dirt or water can reduce pressure, causing failure. Symptoms: Sluggish movement, jerky operation, or no drive response. Solution: Check fluid levels and quality, topping up or replacing with the recommended fluid.
Thelandautorepair
thelandautorepair.com › home › auto repair services › solve your cub cadet sltx 1054 transmission problems today! call 855-cle-auto for expert help!
Solve Your Cub Cadet SLTX 1054 Transmission Problems Today! Call 855-CLE-AUTO for Expert Help! - Cleveland Auto Repair
September 2, 2025 - Have you ever wondered why your trusted Cub Cadet SLTX 1054 suddenly refuses to operate smoothly? Whether you’re dealing with erratic speed changes or unsettling grinding noises, understanding the root of these transmission woes is crucial. This section delves into the symptoms, causes, and preventative measures to keep your mower running like new. Recognizing early signs of transmission problems can save you time and costly repairs.
Yesterday's Tractors
forums.yesterdaystractors.com › miscellaneous › garden tractors
Cub Cadet 1320 transmission/hydro problems | Yesterday's Tractors Forums
March 28, 2011 - cub ... In #1-should read check that eng/trans drive belt not broken. ... I had one that done what your saying. I dropped the rearend and split the case. Inside you will find a stamped steel differential holding the spider gears. This housing has a tendency to tear/split leaving the spider gears with no meshing to the axle gear. I have a mower boneyard that I found a used housing and just transferred the gears over. Problem fixed.
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › small-engine › fcs7y-cub-cadet-xt1-does-not-want-move-when.html
Cub Cadet XT1 Transmission Not Moving Properly
... Thank you for that information. It seems like there may be a problem with the traction drive belt. It could either be worn, have come off the pulley, or the tension spring might be misaligned.