Cub Cadet XT1 Reverse Problem Fix

[@Jamesngraham]

9:30 is the solution to the "slow reverse" problem on the Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42. Thanks! It worked for me.

[@Macknard74]

Cause He talks too much about nothing way too long!

[@perrylee3051]

Thanks man! The tractor sat all winter, and after I changed the oil and the hydrostatic oil the reverse did not work. Your remedy worked like a charm! Thanks for saving me a trip to the dealership!

[@jongreene4859]

At first view, I didn't think much of your solution. But I gave it a try anyway and lo and behold I'll be damned if the rapid pumping of the reverse pedal didn't fix it. My reverse was barely working but now seems to work just fine. Thanks to you, my Craftsman is now working as good as new. Thanks Jesse!

[@f86fman]

Major kudos to you for helping me fix my XT-1, 46-in with only 24 hours on it. Reverse got so slow and weak that it would lose a tug of war with a carpenter ant. After seeing your video, I half-heartedly went back out to my sweetheart of a mower and began rabbit pumping the reverse pedal. At first it did nothing, but then after about 25 pumps the reverse was fully restored. Thank you again so much.

[@ronmounts8075]

Outstanding!!!!! I will definitely TRY THAT!!!!!

[@johnpileggi5257]

I also was having a problem with very slow in reverse. I tried a couple things to no avail. Then I stumbled upon this video and tried the rabbit pumping procedure. It worked! I had a small engine guy lined up to pick up the tractor for repair. I was able to cancel that. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@SidSimian]

Big thumbs up. I just finished a disappointing mow as I almost couldn't back away from my hedge. It's well into the 90s so I just finished up without using reverse, put it away, came inside, and googled "cub cadet reverse pedal stopped working". 15 minutes later I was backing out of my garage and popping wheelies in my driveway. It's working great now. I'll follow up if it doesn't stay fixed. Thanks Jesse!

[@adamkerr8353]

I bought this mower only three months ago. I had problems after I took a leaf blower to the deck. It was very slow in reverse and the pedal didn't seem right. But I watched this video and did the jack rabbit method and it worked! Thank you. Now everything is just fine.

[@tyronewhite8518]

I'm having problems out of my mow want drive or reverse

[@1911nutJMB]

Your 6 year old video is a valuable reference. Thank you. The rapid pump method worked for me. Thanks again!

[@MegaSling]

I'm at 150 hrs and started to experience the very slow reverse. Rabbit pumped it and she started to come back. Floored it going forward and floored it full reverse and was spinning the tires in reverse. Went full reverse and floored forward and lifted the wheels a solid 2 feet off the ground. Reverse is operating perfectly now. Thank you very much! I thought I was going to have to rebuild or replace the old K46 but all is well in the world now. Thanks again!

[@rendellhansen6050]

did this tapping on the reverse pedal on my 2013 cub cadet. With the engine running full speed I vigorously taped on the reverse pedal and low and behold reverse is working like new. Thanks for the information. It worked GREAT.

[@KenSonnierjr]

This trick/hack for this issue is still working . Same as everyone else I was having the slow reversing issue. Worried about a actual repair I started searching the internet and ran across this video . Thanks for taking the time and posting this remedy . Another cub cadet back to making the tall grass short . 👌🏻👊🏻

[@odaat2001]

Exact problem I experienced with slow reverse then eventually, no reverse. Peddle solution worked for me, too! THANKS Jessie

[@richardstone5241]

I have one of these, same year but have a 24hp engine. Over these past eight years I have mowed over 2 acres at least once per week without any issues. GREAT MOWER!!!!

[@craigt8078]

Rapid pumping brake worked instantly on my XT1-LT46. So nice to have my speedy reverse back again. You're a life saver Jesse Williams...many thanks!!!

[@addieandkaysenfamilyadvent1418]

My Cub Cadet suddenly started backing up very very slowly and any hill it wouldn’t bulge. Only two years old. Googled and found your video tried it out with the peddle pump Boom 💥 its working good again. Thanks for posting. Also subscribed so I can get more useful info when needed.

[@tomfussnecker723]

Thank You, I have a Craftsman Pro Series 46" cut (2016) with the same reverse problem. Now works great again. I may be 75 but I still loved doing the wheelies.

[@markconner5446]

OK mine ended up being real easy to fix. When i dropped my deck and started to look. I noticed forward and revere rod going along the inside frame was packed with mud and grass. It wasn't letting the rod travel back far enough to fully in cage the valve. I just cleaned all the packed grass out and it works great now.

[@raylucas7947]

other people said the same

[@JohnSmith-uf5xg]

I was going to order a drive belt.... Read your comment. Cleaned that area and it works great. Thank you so freaking much for writing that.

[@markconner5446]

@@JohnSmith-uf5xg You're very welcome

[@miapalk1253]

Fixed the 'no reverse' problem with my Husqvarna. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@andyjame7108]

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzbin.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

[@dnovello]

Jesse, you have helped a lot of people; and, saved them a lot of money! Thank you for coming up with this solution. My LT46 went from nearly being without reverse, to reversing at full, original speed; so, thank you! I am one the folks who have been saved by your solution!!

[@tomgoins6875]

My cadet has 46 hours on it. It started to have same problem so I decided to give this a try. It works just as subscribed in video. Thanks buddy for the info!

[@7waysfromsunday284]

Thanks for the video. After doing some research and a lot of things entailing more complicated fixes, I came across your video. Since my reverse was working great and then suddenly stopped working, I felt your idea of rabbit pushing my reverse a few times to see what happens. IT WORKED! I moved it back and forth by hand a lot but working it harder and fastest the job, working fine now

[@williamelliott]

I have the 2019 50 inch cut with the manufactured deck. 24 horse Kohler. I have 605 hours on it. I've used it constantly for many projects. I change oil at maximum 50 hours depending on how hard it used. It is the absolute best mower I've ever owned. I've just started having this reverse problem. Until this reverse issue this mower has never caused me a bit of trouble. I recomend this mower to anyone. One of my friends took my advice and bought one too. He only needed a 42 inch cut with a 17 horse motor. He loves his too. If you are an over weight person the seat and springs on the seat are perfect. The springs will not sag.

[@jeffreybaumann7044]

Thank you! I can't believe how easy that was to fix! I'm still in shock that all is took was pumping the reverse lever. I was putting up with barely reversing for a few mows, until I couldn't get it out of the garage.

[@beckyboston6936]

THANKS SO MUCH!! My mower is a 2017 model and would go in reverse very slowly. I tried the "rabbit pump" from this video, and it worked immediately. Appreciate your video!

[@gtwolfe100]

Going to join a bunch of folks below by saying this trick worked perfectly on my GT. Only have 29 hours and always maintained (couple years old and only has to work a few weeks each year to clear 3/4 acre of weeds and small brush) but a few weeks ago suddenly I had almost no reverse. Used this video as my guide and in about 5 minutes last weekend had reverse fully engaging at good speed again. Thanks a bunch of money saved for posting this video.

[@dougcoffey5047]

I am going to trying this tomorrow on my Cadet as it has failed with the same symptoms. I will get back to you with my results...While I like the tractor I have lost a little confidence as I only have a 100 hours on it, has been well cared for, garaged kept, shop serviced and not abused. It appears by all those who have shared here below this is not an uncommon problem. Thank you again....DougC

[@patriotbarber7282]

I was going to bust your balls for taking 15 minutes to say what should have taken 2, BUT your solution worked perfectly. Thanks for the info!

[@georgecampbell9597]

Semper Fi. This video sold me on the new Enduro, I bought the 46 - horse Kholer. Nice to find vids from a guy with common sense and the ability to fix something. I'm subscribed and will check in regularly for new vids. Thanks.

[@jessnjennplus5]

George Campbell thanks brother. mine has been a good mower. I've cut a lot of grass with it. I recommend the Cub to anyone looking for a lawn tractor.

[@johngregory4237]

just got the XT1 42 for Father's day, I love it. I found and watched all you videos, they were more helpful than the owner manual. I cut the lawn with it yesterday, Wow!!!! BTW,, thanks for your service.

[@dwats2390]

67 hours on mine and no/weak/reverese. I did exactly what you stated at 11minutes and fully functional now. Thank you

[@alexm-2033]

Just watched this and your bush fix worked on my reverse problem. Thanks a lot!!

[@OurWild-Life]

My 2016 XT1 with 67 hours had this problem today for the first time. Reverse stopped working I had seen this video a year ago, when I was looking for videos to disable the switch under the seat that kills the engine when you lift off the seat. I never did disable that. But today reverse stopped working, and my first thought was "this is going to be expensive". But I went on KZbin and found this video, again. The forward then slam it in to reverse trick worked like a charm! I have reverse again. For free. Who'd of thunk? Anyway, thank you.

[@Brandon-g8o]

My x t one was barely creeping in reverse did what you said and wow now it's a monster thank you for your help

[@MBballer2]

Thank you it actually worked. I was servicing a customers property. And the reverse was very weak then stopped all together. Did the suggested method and did a wheelie back on the trailer. Reverse is strong as ever

[@texmantoo]

Very helpful video, I now own an XT 2, I had a Cub 1225 for 10 years and a Cub LT2138 for 16 years, very pleased , the XT deck does not clog up.

[@Blade-hp9mn]

Looking all over the web for a few weeks, was about to just give up and take it to the local repair shop. Video was great , she works like a charm. Semper Fi. Thanks a million.

[@stevefletcher52]

6 years later and this problem is still going on. I tried your method and it worked instantly. Note: My problem occurred shortly after I pulled the xmssion release lever to push the tractor around in my garage. Might be significant!

[@paulinmt2185]

Thank You Jesse. Hey Cub Cadet, this is one of the videos that is selling me on the XT1 LT42! Good info, both from you and from the comments. I feel much better about going with this little tractor. Best regards.

[@lf98037]

Mine was just turning 50 hours and would barely cheap backwards. I took your advice and stomped it good a dew times. Problem solved! Thanks

[@jackwomack6450]

I have a new XT1 46 inch cut. I have used it for about 10 hours with NO issues, wife used it once (not sure she properly engaged the little lever on the back) and it wouldn't go much in reverse. This video gave me exactly what I needed and it is back in business. It cuts good, doesn't clog and seems to have plenty of power. I have cut some very tall grass, had to take small bites, but it made it through and got the job done.

[@jessnjennplus5]

the 46 has a bigger engine than mine as well as 3 blades vs 2. I chose the 42 for more gate access. I have ran mine like a bush hog and it handled it pretty well. I've bogged it down a couple of times in a thick Bermuda lawn that was taller than the tractor but I've never had this deck clog.

[@MadMetalShop]

Jesse Williams my 46 inch signature cut only has 2 blades.

[@earlmacblane2659]

Jesse, thank you. I’ve had the exact same problem all summer, going in reverse slow etc. Today it wouldn’t go into reverse at all. I watched the video and went out and pumped the reverse pedal and it’s like new. Thanks again, you saved me all kind of headaches

[@dalehobbs8782]

Thanks Jesse- tried the hydrostatic purge, which did nothing. Blew out as much debris as I could, although I couldn't see where there was grass build up. Did the rabbit action on the reverse lever multiple times and this fixed the problem. Reverse is now functioning great!

[@carlhefner2398]

I'm handicapped from a stroke and my cub cadet has had the same problem. This worked on mine so thank you

[@annlayne216]

Fixes our issue. while backing up move pedal up and down real fast (Worked) thought we still did the forward driving fast and slam on reverse to try to make sure it unclogged the valve. thanks for the video sure worked for ours

[@elayhohnson2536]

Thank you very much, I had the same issue with my XT1 46 Cub Cadet (75 hrs total run time), my reverse speed was almost zero. I did as you suggested ''jack rabbit' the reverse lever about 6 times. Now my reverse speed will give you 'whiplash' Thanks. 9-30-21

[@rickdff62]

Pure gold good sir, pure gold. Mine was running slow in reverse so just as you said, I "rabbit" pumped it like 5-10 times and boom I was cruising in reverse! FYI - I noticed it going slow in reverse right after I had disengaged that tranny using that rod in the back. I knew it was somehow related to that but just couldn't figure out why. Thanks!

[@PatriciaEsmus]

just tried rapid pump and it worked instantly!!! great job Jesse

[@timothycorrea8679]

Awesome information I just fixed the reverse issue by doing what you explained It worked well and yes popping wheelies was pretty cool too lol. Thank you for that information I thought my transmission was failing.

[@tedunzicker3370]

I have a 2015 XT2. Only 30 hrs and I was ready to start adjusting belts when it seemed like my reverse was getting bad. This fix worked like a charm. Thanks!!

[@redwow]

My first Cub Cadet. Very durable and tough. Factory service is great. This video was helpful.

[@davidyates4106]

Saved me heaps of work, worked perfectly on old Husqvarna 1797, thanks Jesse,

[@plafrankie]

Your video just saved me a ton of time and Im sure a big repair bill. Made my day ! Thanks!!

[@danburdsall1268]

Your "rabbit method" to restore reverse worked perfectly on my 2016 xt2. Thank you!!

[@jessnjennplus5]

Dan Burdsall I'm glad it worked.

[@billa.2450]

I've got about 3/4 acre of flat ground to mow and have been researching lawn tractors for some time. I had heard good things about Cub Cadet, so have spent a lot of time looking at them. I have a reputable dealer/service center close by and now having seen your video, this 42 inch model is the one I have my sights set on. Thanks for the honest appraisal of the tractor's capabilities and potential problems. I think you have convinced me that this is the model I will invest in. Bill Anderson, SW Missouri.

[@xDoomsdayx]

+Bill A. I have had mine for a month or so now. I love it. my old mower was a 24inch murry riding mower. It would take me about 2 hours to 2.5 to mow half an acre. I have put 4.5 hours on my xt1 and have mowed my yard 5 times and my neighbors yard once. That should show the quality of the xt1. The cut is fantastic. I bought the mulching kit but never put it on. Its not needed. It cuts the grass plenty small and it will throw the grass out like 20-30 feet. Its crazy strong. I have never had to go over any section more than once. My old murry, I had to go over the clippings several times and still could never get them small enough. Yep, Im a big fan of this tractor and think it should do just great for you.

[@geodeticchicken]

Its one of those things in life that's so stupid, it actually works. IT WORKED!!!

[@jessnjennplus5]

I don't know why it works out what prompted me to try it. The idea just came to me and it worked!

[@paullandon569]

The rabbit pump worked on my XT1 LT46! It would barely move in reverse, now it flies, thank for the tip!

[@JohnMoore-wc4nn]

You just solved my problem in 2 minutes. Was about to take it to my small engine repair guy. THANK YOU!

[@Soaringeagle123]

Have a Cadet 42. Had it two years and love it! Easy to do your own maintenance.

[@krukabman]

I have an XT1, reverse steadily got worse. Watched this video and went out in the shed to try it. I figured what have I got to loose? It backed down the ramp slow and barely at all on the flat ground. I tried this and it works like it used to!!!! 👍🏿👍🏽👍🏻

[@richardlane5225]

I have the same cub cadet and mine would not back up, I did what you recomended GO FORWARD AND STOMP THE REVERSE PEDAL that fixed mine the first time that I did this. Thanks very much , Slick Rick

[@tomsamol2809]

I don't generally comment on videos, but this was so helpful and to the point that I had to. Thanks for sharing your experiences with this mower and the fixes for the common problems. Keep up the good work.. it helps a lot of us.

[@darrennance9412]

OMG That worked perfectly!

[@jaggieboy]

Thanks to you my cub cadet is reversing at full Speed again.

[@jessnjennplus5]

Carl Jaglal I'm glad i could help.

[@daniellyons9302]

Thank you. I just did this on my 2016 XT1 46" and reverse works again. Very happy I didn't need to take it in for service.

[@dillsplace]

Worked like a charm on the X2 Fuel Injected. Thanks for saving me a trip to the shop!!

[@TheLinuxGuy1]

Thank you sir. The solution beginning at 11:08 solved my problem. It works like a new one again. Prior to the fix it would only back very slowly on level ground. It has been a great rest of for me and only recently had the reverse problem. It works like new again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@cjwix]

Was skeptical but it fixed my slow reverse Cub Cadet X2 mower... Thanks for the tip it's like new!!!

[@wesgietz]

This is a great video, Jesse. Really appreciate your down-to-earth approach and honesty. I'm off to try your solution now.

[@jessnjennplus5]

Let me know how it works out.

[@mikemacaluso9941]

Thanks for pointing this out! You just saved me from doing a lot of undeserving work!

[@billbuckner3628]

Boy you just saved me a trip to the shop thank you a whole lot for this video

[@SilentGhost79]

Great video! Just ordered my XT1 46 the other day. Can't wait to get it!

[@georgebudwick27]

Your advice was Spot On,, Just justed hard on thr back up peddle,,Now it works great..Thanks..

[@Steve-og3cr]

What you're looking for is at the 10:00 mark.......

[@svsoleil3255]

Thank you...

[@portigy1]

So what do you do? Drive fast forward and jam it in reverse?

[@warmacht]

@@portigy1 no, just start off by rabbit pumping (like he calls it at the 11:00 mark) the reverse pedal, i have had to do this on my Cub Cadet twice now and i am pretty sure the reason this happens is due to dust, grease and gunk build up in the rear assembly. if this doesn't fix it you've got a mechanical issue and the first process he described isn't helping you in either scenario.

[@blackguy2732]

Thank you. Was about to skip this vid until I saw your comment.

[@jonathanredmon3122]

@@warmacht No way! This completely fixed it! Super stoked!

[@truckinsince9617]

Thanks for the video. I have the same “slow reverse “ problem with my XT1. I’m going to try your remedy and will update…

[@odessy8]

Thank you so much for this video! Not only good information about reverse issues but helps encourage me to make a decision on buying a XT2. Cub Cadet owes you one!

[@alanmarino1445]

Thank you for the quick response. Wanted to be sure it is safe. I realize it is picking up only about 50 % of the total weight and transferring weight to the rear wheels. Thanks again. just had this tractor delivered today.

[@jessnjennplus5]

I think you will enjoy it, it has been a really good mower for me.

[@Classyrican]

Wow! Mine had a sluggish reverse. Did the tap rigorously method and it worked! Ty!!!

[@genegrottke1781]

Was getting ready to call to take it in and did the cleaning. Working GREAT after doing that. Thanks for you information!!

[@terrymccormick5432]

I was having this problem, one repair shop said $700.00 plus labor to replace rear end, i took it home, crawled underneath with a air hose, blowed all the packed grass clippings from under it, come to find out, the clippings compacted was blocking reberse pedal from going all the way down. Then i pumped pedal like he did and reverse works fine now.

[@alanhoy5347]

Thats exactly what it is.

[@toddlevick6016]

I think this is the majority of everyone’s issues with reverse. This is just a design issue of cub cadet where all the grass clippings plug up the forward and reverse gear in the frame limiting the travel of the pedal. All they’re doing by stomping on the pedal is packing the grass a little bit further down and getting a little more travel thinking it’s all fixed when in fact it will happen all over again as soon as more grass packs in. Just get under and pull all that grass out and 99% of time problem solved. Do not stomp, clean it out first.

[@odessy8]

In addition to my comments about your information about the mower, I would also like to thank you very much for your service 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@stevew911]

Thanks, I had the same issue after not using for a couple of weeks. Problem solved like you said.

[@dougcoffey5047]

Mr Williams, Well it worked. I rabbit pumped the heck out of it and back in business. Thank you for the shared info.. Smiles.....DougC

[@jessnjennplus5]

Hey Doug,I'm so glad it worked for you!

[@tedhenke8428]

Watched the video this afternoon and tried your suggestion tonight on a 2015 XT2 that was very sluggish in reverse and it seem to work. Time will tell. Thanks

[@dcslapout5697]

Had the same issue and followed your tip. Worked ! Thanks a bunch

[@danehannon9658]

Thanks! Tapping the reverse a few times worked wonders.

[@radiotests]

Good to know! After a long winter here in Chicago the reverse was anemic I kind of stumbled on to the repair before this video because I was so pissed that I pounded the pedal a dozen times and it worked! I have 2 acres of grass that's more humps of weeds rye and fescue than anything like real grass. So the seat is nice but I had to run the tires at 5 psi and put 6" of yoga mat memory foam under my arse to keep my teeth from rattling out! We will see how well this little beast can handle my "fields" of green stuff. I'm sure there will be warranty concerns and will hope for a little guidance from you before I call them. Sounds like you and Cub have a good relationship. ttyl, Craig

[@richardjk1383]

Put the transmission in neutral (pull out lever at rear of tractor) run engine and pump the reverse pedal . Worked for me. Safe way to fix reverse .

[@johnhampton3780]

This fix worked a treat, thanks so much.

[@russcobb5142]

This worked for anyone that is wondering and I have a newer model

[@AnOldSchoolG33K]

The "fix" explanation actually starts at 9:40

[@sendmedics]

Thank you. I was pulling my eyes out of my head...

[@ericbertoldo7986]

Brilliant. You just saved me a ton of time and money. Worked perfectly. Thanks buddy.

[@candaceoropeza7493]

I’m a single mom and this one has saved me a headache!!! Thank you so much!

[@elmerschymansky5431]

Just had this reverse problem at 80hrs. 2018 xt1 went full speed forward slammed into reverse a few times then pumped in reverse now just like new. Thanks 👍👍

[@ronaldlegree285]

Worked great saved time and money thank you never would have thought of that.

[@roncase7166]

Thank You! This worked, it operates like new now.

[@tims2188]

Nice level headed review! I don't own a Cub Cadet...have been a JD user for years but looking to buy a used mower for my gal friend and also w hydro tranny. Your comments reminded me of a person locally who has an older JD with reverse not working properly and will suggest it to him for attempt on the reverse. Also...Semper Fi

[@zeus-mt7wx]

Jess, 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 You are the best. Club Cadet 2018 X1. 35hrs FIXED. Thank you.

[@patriciamedlin8638]

Thank you so much, went and did what you said and it now works like a charm!

[@joseplaza-w9c]

Thanks I like the way to explain, Hello from Puerto Rico

[@1911loaded]

My 1989 mtd finally gave the ghost after the main drive pulley separated. The cub is a fantastic machine. Good to know about the reverse issue. It did not care how thick the grass was it just ate it with ease. Solid machine