Cub Cadet CC30 - Won't Start because of Design Flaw

How to Fix!
Today we'll be looking at a 2016 Cub Cadet CC30 Riding Lawnmower that won't start due to a simple design flaw.
We also have a 2019 Columbia CR30 (basically the same machine) that has had the issue fixed by the manufacturer!
Replacement Safety Switch: 725-04363
_______________________________________________
If you enjoyed the video, hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE!
New videos every week!
SOCIAL MEDIA:
/ eliminatorperformance
/ eliminatorperf
/ eliminatorperformance
2ND CHANNEL:
EP Vlogs: / @eliminatorperformance...
GEAR:
Camera: amzn.to/2HVkW9o
Tripod: amzn.to/2HGWt4w
Microphone: amzn.to/2J7k9DA
Cheap Mic: amzn.to/2xCBn6z
Headphones: amzn.to/2JeHUG9
Editing Software: amzn.to/2JD7OTx
Photoshop: amzn.to/2HBY6Ez
DONATE:
Bitcoin: 1NYgPvcvBWuhGRewsLE4Scy1cbzwndh5hZ
MUSIC:
Intro/Outro Music: Burnt - Jingle Punks

[@Kasakitty]

Thanks so much! Mine has a bar over the top of the deadswitch to keep the cover down but it STILL had disengaged and I had no idea it was there - at least partly because the bar obscures the switch LOL. Thanks to your video I removed the cover and cleaned the area and my cubbie is purring again!

[@kcg777]

Oh good lord, I never saw that safety switch on the deck. After taking off the mulching cover to clean away grass clippings, I reattached it without the switch being depressed. I spent an hour with my multimeter, etc. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to post this video. I owe you one!😄

[@dianereed281]

I have this mower and did not get the configuration right after cleaning it. I just happened upon your video when I was looking for a solution to a dead machine. This is exactly what happened. Thank you so much.

[@DianneFulkerson]

Thank you so much for showing me how to repair my cub cadet cc30H. You actually showed me how to repair. Very helpful 5 Stars to you. Thanks Larry

[@gothamknight2700]

YOU ARE THE MAN!! 🔥🔥🔥 I had the very same problem, and when you showed how the safety cover for the blade wasn't seated properly, the mower didn't start. There was so much play between the cover and the safety switch. I made the adjustment after watching your video, and it's starting perfectly now. Thank you!!

[@robertlee4172]

Oh, shy t, you're in Canada. I just got delivery of my Columbia mower yesterday. HD Canada heavily discounted this model and shipped it out to me ($1095.00 cad) I was told it's discontinued. Now I know why. Thanks again for saving me such grief.

[@EstevenHeartlove]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a CC30E (electric version). It's brand new and stopped during the second time is was used. The wing nuts were tight, but the plastic beneath one of the wing nuts was damaged and caused flex that disengaged the switch. This video saved me from a world of hurt.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Common issue, glad you're all fixed up. Thanks for watching!

[@alexlechef2]

You are 100% on point. My guard moved. The switch was tucked right under it. Made my day man!

[@user-kf3fl5wb1i]

Thank you thank you. Thank you. I'm looking at about five hundred different cub cadet troubleshooting videos and I stumbled across you reminding me of a simple fix thanks again.

[@jf6720]

Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I never would have looked there and you saved me a lot of time and money. It was so covered with dried grass I never would have even looked there!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@harlan51537]

You were the first video and you nailed it. Ran fine..I stopped to gas it..I must've bumped the deck getting back on just enough to cause that problem. I have also been storing it outside and wasn't using the fitted nylon cover for it. The sun must be playing havic with the plastic. All good things for me to check. Thanks for the info on the fixes. Good job Man!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@randis2065]

Yess!! This saved me soo much money by not paying someone to look at it. Thank you!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad this video helped!

[@jaymcdonough1475]

Look

[@susanbrettell4337]

Troy Bilt 30 inch riding mower also. Just had it happen again. Tired of buying new mulching chute. Thanks for the easy fixes.

[@RurouniKalainGaming]

Turned out my CC30E (Electric) , while improved upon this with a metal piece firmly pressing the switch, doesn't help if I'm in the dark and didn't put the catcher back on right, lol. Glad to find this fix, still helped troubleshoot x thanks!

[@reillyreilly7352]

🙌🙌🙌 Saved me so much time. My mower was down a total of 5 minutes thanks to you

[@henryduncan8966]

Thanks s lot. Just boght the Toro neighborhood riding lawn mower, removed and replaced the cover to clean of debri, then would not start. Found your video. Thanks for the illustration. Problem solved.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Nice short video of great importance to 30" riding mower owners, this video likely applies to all manufacturers of these riders. Likely will save these owners many dollars in service calls. Appears the engineers never thought this would happen.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@Savage-lx5yj]

Ya know, the engineers are extremely intelligent. However, it appears the corporate controlled bean counters get in the mix and change the design to save a penny! The end result is the problems that you have so eloquently highlighted in this video and others. It's really a shame, total breakdown in corporate social responsibility. The consumer is always taken advantage of so the corporate hogs can profit. Great job man, keep up the good work raising the awareness!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikevanderschaaf7166]

Thank you soooooo much! This saved me a ton! I had the same problem and couldn't figure it out.

[@lambrechta]

Mine was filled with the leaves from the fall mulching and it prevented the mower from starting. Once I cleaned the leaves and dirt, it worked nicely. Thank you, your video really helped me.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@NatalieMahmoud-j7z]

The same as kcg777, I never saw the switch and tried everything to get it started. Thanks for posting the video.

[@capjohnson5541]

Thank you putting this video out, went through all the electrical checks no know luck getting cc 30 h to start, seen your video and bingo, starter switch was not being depressed just like in your video, saved me some cash, thanks!

[@jazz5767]

Thank you. My Club Cadet 30C safety switch was being separated by accumulated grass clippings. Works now!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@andynewton8237]

Spot on!! This was my issue as one of my wing nuts came loose and was causing the mower to sputter and eventually stop when engaging the blades... YOU ROCK Dude! Thanks so much!

[@lorieast6820]

I worked on my cc30h for hours came in found your video and 2 minutes later it was running. Thank you for sharing this video. I wish I could buy you a beer. Great job.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I don't drink alcohol, but I'd take a coffee lol glad I could help, thanks for watching!

[@cph3459]

It's not Cub Cadet or Columbia it's MTD, Also Troy Built and many others. They are all made in the same factory just different colors to target different markets. But good work and that is a great tip to look for.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes I'm aware of what brands MTD makes, I was just saying that they fixed it a couple years after.

[@cph3459]

@@EliminatorPerformance yes you are right

[@altonriggs2352]

I really like your direct and informative manner.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@A3Kr0n]

The safety switch on the seat of my Cub Cadet Yardbug 1027 is normally closed so it opens when you sit on the seat. That also means disconnecting it disables the seat safety switch. Clever.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@enzoflo6217]

Thank you bro! Just bought one of these and I was ready to pull the whole thing apart.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@wiremanbob8777]

Never get a day off for the mower repair man. thank for the info , great job of finding that switch. More stuff we do not need, thy must stay up nights to think of this S--- .

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindsayjenkins5430]

Thanks ….heading to Home Hardware for some self tapping screws! 🇨🇦😀🇨🇦😀

[@dcadieux73]

My mower stopped and it was due to a grass clog. I removed the cover and cleaned it out and it worked great.

[@russb3816]

Another awesome video. I appreciate you posting such helpful videos.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, I'll always try to keep them interesting!

[@teacherbakerful]

Thank you so much! I'm going to see if that will fix my self test fault message. I love this mower so much and love electric models so I was so happy to find this mower. When it kept cutting off I was so sorry because I adore it otherwise. I hope it works, wish me luck! Update: It worked with lots of stops and starts. I did make sure the plastic was under the steel portion ( I have the newer model where they installed that. I think I wasn't paying attention early on and sometimes I attached the guard where that wasn't always on top. The plastic is a little warped as you say can happen. I got out some duct tape to try to hold the end down and then added a small stone under the duct tape ( don't laugh at me. Lol). It seems very sensitive to the slightest incline, wet grass, who knows but it shut off at least 12 times during cutting. Bottom line that and "seat fault" and "self test fault" was the code so not sure if they are related but thanks again for everything. I got the job done and I'm a weekly grass cutter so thanks for helping me get my yard back the way I like to see it. You're a gem!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Good luck!

[@ddh7779]

Hi Sharon. Did you ever get this fixed? Sounds like we have the same mower (electric version purchased in 2020). Yesterday it started doing what you describe - starts up, mows a short distance, stops with a seat fault. This pattern continues.

[@ddh7779]

For posterity, answered my own question. My mulching cover wasn't perfectly attached/aligned. It was tight and seemed fine, but after adjusting it to be sure it was "perfect", I was mowing like normal again.

[@brucel.6078]

Nice find!! Id bypass that switch for sure if it was my mower!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobsr15]

First of all, thank you for your video's. We have a CC30H & at times when we release the emergency brake & add gas it doesn't move. It tries & by keeping on the gas it breaks free. This is intermittent. Also, I now park without the emergency brake on & it acts the same way. Thank you in advance.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Could be a sticky brake, possible to lubricate the pivot points of the brake lever, leading back to the transmission.

[@Andrew-hp1yj]

F'in eh. Thank you. Took my mower deck off to sharpen the blades and removed the covering to stop mulching, and didn't put it back on, so that "saftey switch" was the issue. Thanks.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Anytime, thanks for watching!

[@whitecastle3032]

Putting a cotter pin in it is the best fix.. it hasn't given me problems since i did it

[@donvoll2580]

good day Boy I first thought that safety switch was a good idea, but like you said , plastic warps & then things go wrong. Good video, Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@JAGINTENSE]

Been trying to figure this out. Thank You.

[@duhe98]

Fast forward to June 2022, and this happened to me. Thanks for the video. Saved me $$

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it help, thanks for watching!

[@BigTony2Guns]

THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !! THANK YOU !!

[@theodoredekoninck]

thank you , thank you thank you , i had the same thing happen to me and tore off the seat, engine cover , ignition switch, was ready to buy a new ignition switch, ....thank you

[@themaddtitan9799]

Thanks man, you saved the day for me.

[@gregwalters9574]

Had same problem with my 2018 Cuc Cadet CC 30 H. Mine has that extra welded tab but it still allowed the plastic to bend enough to not engage the safety switch. Removed and remounted the mulching plug and adjusted the tab with a couple of wacks from a hammer. Good to go now.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Awesome, glad to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@andremercier3482]

Thanks for your vidéo, you help me this morning !

[@rodneybrand8521]

You should put a tab on it instead or a screw..that would be a better fix...thanks again..Cheers friend 🍻🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@rodneybrand8521]

@@EliminatorPerformance for the record..cub cadet and toro's are junk..i work on many of them..made lots of money...lol..

[@fasx56]

Eliminator Performance I have a 1991 small Toro Ride Mower which has served me well for the past 30 years.Recently the Carburetor needed repair but parts for this old of Toro Model engine and carburetor are not available any longer. I can still start the engine if I squirt starting fluid into the carb chamber, choke it when cold and it will start and I can mow with it, but it will not start without using the starting fluid. This process gets old so I was in the market for a New Small ride mower, was wondering if you would have any recommendations. There is a Club Cadet dealer close by but I have seen several videos on Club Cadets and they all said changing oil was very difficult. I do not understand the Engineering and design of a mower that would not make the oil changing easy, that would be a good selling point.My old Tore is easy to change oil when needed, thank you.

[@stemmentor9700]

Thanks for vid. Tried to start mine with new batttery after winter and nada and baffled. Hopefully it is the switch. No light, nada. Did learn to put a trickier on these batteries as they don’t have generators to keep battery charging. Will see what happens

[@tedujam]

Thanks! Wasted 2 hours with a multimeter on the battery/solenoid/electrical system, then saw your video. Stupid POS switch.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Hey thanks for watching, and glad you got it going!

[@MrGlennw110]

Thank you so much you saved me a lot of grief! Appreciated very much.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@clevegirl1]

This is EXACTLY why my mower wouldn’t start !!!! Thank you for saving me a fortune !!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad you found the issue!

[@watermanone7567]

Another great video. Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@altaf7092]

Thank you so much. I fixed it

[@Firemann03]

The Troy built TB 30 has that same switch in it. The first time it happened to me, I hit a pine route in the yard. Thought I broke the shaft on the motor. Took me three weeks and a couple people to look at it before we figured out what went wrong with it. Turns out it was just that stupid safety switch.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Annoying isn't it! Thanks for watching!

[@regentlaperriere2336]

This saved me soo much money .Thank you!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@bartusher8865]

Thanks for the tip

[@sleepymaldonado9559]

I'm gonna check that. Mine just did this n I was thinking was the battery

[@brycecouling386]

Thank you so much!!!

[@crentintrain801]

Thank you

[@philliphall5198]

Thanks 😊

[@jasonnapper191]

Troy-bilt has the identical mower in Canada. Trying to work through issues on mine here.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@oldpatriot3478]

This unit is quite possible one of the worst designed machines from a maintenance standpoint, that I have ever seen. The oil change process is hideous also. The Cub Cadet tractors are fine, and usually pretty easy to work on. This is a good tip on this tu7d.

[@pietrocanada]

Awesome rectified my problem👍 thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomhickey1266]

Good fix

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@k24a1nick]

Tank you.. my probleme is solved

[@noneofyourbusiness8092]

I think it’s a good idea , because of all the law sues now days

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Absolutely, they want to cover themselves! Thanks for watching!

[@arruita]

What a great video, really helpful. I had the exact same problem. Is there a way to resolve this? I got this mower like 2 months ago.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

We've used self tapping screws, or you could bypass that switch if you wanted too.

[@seangillespie9081]

Thank you so much! Solved my problem😁

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrStillproven]

Thank you so much bro!!!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Anytime, thanks for watching!

[@whitecastle3032]

Same problem with mine.. the bagger chute tab that presses the switch got deformed the first year I owned it. It can be a ROYAL PITA.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@ArtbyIsabel_OG]

I have the Cub Cadet CC30, 3 years old, kept in very good condition (annual maintenance done, etc.) everything was fine until our recent mow after a few passes the deck started making a rattling noise only when the blade is engaged. I have checked the blade, lose nuts, and what I think the problem could be but no luck. Any idea? Any tips would be appreciated :)

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Maybe a broken clip on the deck hangers? Check the bars that connect the deck to the machine

[@jspranger5084]

love it

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinsigal5637]

Only had this for a month started up and worked perfectly fine the first few weeks but now it won’t start up even after making sure the safety switches are engaged. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

[@tommygee7889]

Do you have video on changing belt on club cadet cc3o hydro drive

[@troyhummon7978]

I have this exact mower. This is a perfect example of a self•inflicted gunshot. I can't fault Cub Cadet for the owner installing the cover wrong and permanently bending the plastic. There is no truly idiot proof design 😁

[@douglasjackson9058]

That's great! Thanks!

[@enidoferral2856]

Thanks my cadeb is cc30e had the same issued. Problem solved

[@aldricracette4813]

Great video keep them comig

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@alira99]

Hi, very helpful! I have a similar issue but with the PTO handle that engages the deck, every time ( since new) I try to engage the deck, the engine will turn off! I am not sure what the problem is, but using Duct tape to depress the safety switch solved the problem for me. Do you have any thoughts about why it's not depress the safety button when the deck engaged?

[@TheSilveravi]

Hello! I am having the same issues and some are saying that the battery may be weak and that is making it shut off. I am going to try and keep the switch in with a piece of tape and see if it persists.

[@alira99]

@@TheSilveravi I am using a piece of tape as well. The battery is fully charged, I'm not sure if my assembly of the machine was wrong!

[@howardbarnard1919]

Well done👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@viperexpress305]

By-pass the dam switch ! 👍🍺

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Unfortunately I can't, for legal reasons.

[@tjonessc]

MTD built all of these Cub, Columbia, Craftsmen are all the exact same platform.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes and the troy bilt models too, I was simply referring to the difference on machines between the manufacturing dates. The Columbia was newer, so I just mentioned they figured out there was this issue and updated the design by that date.

[@MultiChaga]

You said 4/5 times this machine lacks construction imagination. Its very poor design makes me regret this purchase. I estimate the time to assemble it in their shop is about 18 to 24 minutes.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

They're decent, but they're not the best. For the 30" small residential mower, they're definitely the best. I would recommend the hydrostatic transmission version CC30H as they are easier to operate. The deck switch issue is something they have fixed since having this issue.

[@johntomsky]

The companies that manufacture products with design flaws, should take a small part of their profits and send out a notice to the buyer's of the item.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Absolutely, great idea!

[@keithsampson3630]

My cub just grinds will not start why

[@karenguercio2048]

I had to install a new battery. It didn't start right off, so I charged it and it started right up. Once I turned it off it wouldn't start. No clicking, etc. Checked this video and it didn't fix it. Am I missing something? After installing a new battery is there something I could have disconnected? I am new to this, as my husband passed away last year and he was the fix it man. Any ideas what I can try before having to have it go to the shop? Thanks in advance!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Could be a bad brake switch, it all depends on what happens when you turn the key. Does the solenoid click when you turn the key, if you hear nothing at all, perhaps the battery is connected backwards? There's lots of safety switches on these machines, make sure the deck is raised and the blade is disengaged!

[@DAPwny]

Mine will run at idle but when u rev it up it will break up bad will that switch do that

[@dmolnar]

does anyone have a picture of how the belt is feed through and how the idler pulley is aligned?

[@bronco68695]

Or when you accidently step on that plastic blade guard!

[@protonhead1]

These are junkie mowers, i have worked on those type mowers. troybuilt , craftsman rer1000, they are all the same.

[@100Aces]

Not just Cub Cadet...Craftsman, MTD, Troy Built, all 30 inch rear engine riders are made in the SAME Factory! Just different colors and name plates! Just a F.Y.I.

[@ericbailey7697]

Great video, but this seems really minor. Easy fix.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes it's a simple fix, thanks for watching!

[@Steve-bm2zm]

My neighbor has an electric CC and says it will go forward but the blades won’t turn on

[@Lori-rg4fu]

I just bought a cub cadet cc30E did 3 rows and have an error code E101

[@alliehunter9896]

And here am wanting to disable the seat safety.

[@charley124]

All the more reason to buy a cover and not let it sun rot - These things was not built for people that don't know how to take care of s***t and then complain about it.

[@vaxinjuredbypfizer]

I just bought a brand new one and still can get it to run..grrr

[@johnwhiting6405]

I saw the switch strait away,and the plastic chute........however ,the poor performance in wet grass I wasnt expecting......the blades simply load up and stall ,and smoke the belt ......most unhappy .......so I had to remove the chute ,as it was the worst block point for cut grass........so I had to tape the cutout switch ..Oh an keep my feet out of the blades.......My 45 year old mower will mow grass you cant walk thru ,even when its wet......zero stars for this new mower.

[@worddunlap]

It's a Cub Cadet branded mower but not design.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

MTD owns Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoors, Columbia, many different brands

[@worddunlap]

@@EliminatorPerformance I own the Troy-Built version which seems to be a rough copy of the old Snapper small mowers. Some of the Safety features our litigious society has caused suck. The modern gas cans cause me to have a conniption....