Cub Cadet XT2 - Weak Reverse Quick Fix

[@EliminatorPerformance]

One thing I didn't mention in the video, and also something easy to check: Inspect the drive lever on the transmission (this is what the pedal rod hooks up to) as it could have a large build up of dried grass behind it, preventing it from pushing back far enough to engage the reverse drive! However, sometimes these Hydrostatic Transmissions can develop air in them, even on these Residential units that (normally) don't require fluid replacement. Shown in the video are Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2 riding lawnmowers that I am in the process of performing a full spring service on. The XT2 has a Tuff Torq K46DM transmission, and my customer complained that the reverse seemed a bit weak. Sure enough, when I picked it up, it wouldn't even back into my trailer. Today I'll be showing you how to "purge" the air out of these hydrostatic transmissions, and this can be done regardless of whether you've changed the fluid in them or not. I've found on numerous occasions that doing this simple and quick purge significantly increases how the transmissions drive up an incline in reverse. These residential units don't have External Oil Reservoirs, and as long as they're not leaking, generally don't need fluid added. However, Tuff Torq does recommend you replace the hydrostatic transmission fluid on the K46DM in the 1st 50 Hours, and every 200 Hours under extreme operating conditions. This would include towing heavy loads, commercial use, etc... Note: To drain and change the hydrostatic transmission fluid on these residential riding mowers, the transmission usually needs to be removed from the riding mower. Even checking the fluid level on these can be difficult, due to the placement of the fluid fill cap on the hydrostatic transmission (shown in the video). Tuff-Torq K46DM Maintenance Instructions: www.tufftorq.com/tuff-torq-k46-oil-maintenance/ Hydro-Gear Transmission Purging Video (on incline): kzbin.info/www/bejne/anSXgWSHqZuSjrs

[@clemkadiddlehopper2706]

Takes just a few minutes (for me, at least) to blow out all the grass, dirt, etc that you mentioned above. I have a curved tip on my air hose nozzle and this does it just fine. I was surprized as how quickly this can be done, because I am an EXPERT of turning a job that should take only 10 minutes or so to complete but usually turns out to take 1 & 1/2 hours to finish!

[@roguebull3548]

HA this worked after my local shop told me I would likely need a new transmission. They are thieves and ignorant. My unit only has 68 hours on it. Thank you Sir!

[@sargeast1629]

Kudos! Somebody who FINALLY knows what they are doing! Note to others, the first time I did this it had no effect at first. I went ahead and began mowing my 2 acres, and about halfway to though my mow, reverse began operating normally.

[@philliphall5198]

Thank you for not dragging it out because time is important to me the most

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Phillip!

[@s7a2g65]

Have to give you Kudos... I was on the verge of paying a shop to replace my drive belt, thinking my CC was in need of it due to slow reverse and poor hydro response. I skeptically went and jacked my mower up, ran it and ran the trans. All the while KNOWING your vid was BS. While in the air, the wheels would miss-spin. Confirming in my mind you were BS. Once I got it back on the ground, it functioned like new. THANK YOU for the 300 price tag you saved me on some drunk red neck doing the same thing! For anyone reading this: Can't speak for all y'all's situation, but for me this "bleeding" technique worked FANTASTICALLY!

[@longislandbiker7]

You have no idea how badly i needed to see this video, my reverse has been horrible for at least a year and a half and searching the internet and Facebook pages have gotten me nowhere. I will be purging the air from my machine and see what happens. Thank you!!!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Good luck, this fixed both the XT2 and my father purged the XT1 that I showed and they both had an increase in reverse power.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Yep i did the XT1 and it would not climb a raised section of our lawn in reverse until i did what Jake showed and climbs up like nothing now.

[@longislandbiker7]

@@EliminatorPerformance i just got done doing this to my mower and it did help but i have a 1¾" lip at the top of my ramp going into my shed that it still struggles with. So it's not back to the way it once was unfortunately. My transmission is non serviceable so that's also fun lol. Thank you for the tip it was much appreciated!

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@longislandbiker7 I would try it again: parking brake off, trans lever pulled out, forward and reverse 5 to 10 seconds each 5 times engine at full rpm.

[@longislandbiker7]

@@waynestefinashen239 forgot to update, disregard my last comment. Apparently my tires weren't 100% inflated. Once i inflated them to the proper psi it worked! I do plan on replacing the fluid in my transmission at the end of the season... it doesn't sit right with me that my transmission is non serviceable.

[@808airgunsbackyardaz6]

Just stopped by to support your channel. You have saved my lawn tractor more then once.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks 808!

[@darrencollins8028]

Thanks for this video! My Cube Cadet’s reverse went to snail slow today and this video was the solution.

[@darrencollins8028]

Also I’ve subscribed to your channel as I’m new to having a riding lawnmower this fall and I’m sure I’ll need help in the future.

[@wylykyotys]

My Stanley quit going forward and backward, your remedy worked like a champ, Amazing!! Thank you!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching, glad it helped!

[@1968dasher]

Thank you so much, I had my cub cadet serviced and been having issues mowing on my step incline since I got it back, 5:26 did this and works like new, thank you so much

[@waynestefinashen239]

Great information on a simple fix done on a nice short video. Well done amazing how many hydrostatic drive mowers are coming in that have this problem and it is so easy to fix.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes very quick fix, thanks for watching!

[@bwilsonleasburg]

Great video. I have a Craftsman T240 2 years old and the backup problem I was having was grass buildup behind the pedal. Using a hooked wire and a compressor with a blow gun attachment I clened out around the pedal without having to take anything apart. I then used the quick fix noted here and everything worked like new.

[@Tonedog88]

One of the best DYI videos I've seen. Well-done and concise. Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@DIYVariety]

Never seen it done before, learn something new every day. Cheers

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@henrypalin1109]

Very good video. Got to the point without endless babble.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

Right! I hate it when they blab and blab and flapjaw and seem to be trying to get you to watch the video longer instead of getting to the point.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

The simple things usually elude us. Good fix. Thanks Jake!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Ken!

[@DTartist4336]

I have a john deere x320 with a tuff tongue transmission. My problem is weak forward after warm up. Do you think this will help?

[@ashimaearthsky]

OMG THANK YOU! I will never buy a cub cadet again, my first brand new mower in 30 years. So many issues @ 48 hours!!! This fixed my slow reverse!!! I am so grateful!!! My battery died after the first year. Never in my life have I had a battery die over winter. Any suggestions so this doesn't happen every year????

[@wftyler9680]

Buy a trickle charger and hook it to your battery every other cut and once a month in the non-cutting months. Should extend your battery life exponentially (3 or 4 years easy for a *quality* (non-Walmart) battery.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Hey, Jake! Thanks for a great tip. I expect this condition is more common than most would imagine.

[@waynestefinashen239]

Just weird that the last 3 Cub Cadets that came in had the same issue some with hardly any hours and others with many hours on the meter.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@waynestefinashen239 Sounds like more than a coincidence. Are there gaskets involved or mating surfaces that aren’t decked or flat enough from the factory, or maybe fasteners not torqued correctly?

[@waynestefinashen239]

@@Rein_Ciarfella No all is good just happens that they rarely go in reverse or never paid a lot of attention to it. Jakes repair has worked on all of them so far.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes definitely happens to quite a few, the old man did the purge on that XT1 and it reversed much better afterwards.

[@richardwoolard9804]

Thank you it helped the issue , its still not great but i can back my mover into the garage, you saved me about $300

[@mattdeluca99]

Thank you! Was frustrated by this for so long. Parked it facing downhill on yard. Worked like a charm! 😊

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍 Once again another 1st class instructional video. Thank you.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Pete!

[@808airgunsbackyardaz6]

Amazing video again helping owner's to DIY it

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad to help!

[@Bbendfender]

Thanks. My Xt-1 is doing the same thing (won't move in reverse). I'm going to try this method.

[@delmarrathbone7092]

My local Cub Cadet dealer said to only use the Cub Cadet fluid in my HDS-2165 which costs $18 quart. I was determined to find an alternative and after searching the web for months I found a gentleman that worked at the Cub Cadet factory in 1995 when mine was built and his job was to fill the transaxles with oil. He said the fluid came from a barrel labeled Castrol 20w50. I’ve been using it in my mower for over 25 years and have never had a problem.

[@85camaro57]

Rear axles aren't assembled at a Cub factory. They are Tuff Torques assembled and filled at their factory.

[@delmarrathbone7092]

I guess I misspoke. He said the factory and I assumed it was the Cub Cadet factory. I didn’t know the axles were built elsewhere. Thanks for correcting me though.

[@MikeSchlager-k5w]

Thanks did what you said with video and demonstration. Worked like a charm. Thanks

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Jake, the problems with your sound on a windy day are easily eliminated. Either purchase foam covers for all your mics or you can even make your own with something like prefilter foam and elastic bands. This same fix also works if you ever develop “s” mic overloads (known as sybilance), often caused by a mic placed too close to the speaker but also possible if the mic has the high end EQ tuned incorrectly.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I have a Sony camcorder with a professional mic that has a wind sock, but this was a rapid fire video I filmed with my phone. Quickly shot as I didn't have time to format an SD card and set it up. Too many mowers to fix lol

[@HobbyMotorDK]

Super nice tip Jake. Thanks for sharing

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks HM!

[@bobnarrus3218]

Thanks for the information!! Worked perfectly on my XT2. Appreciate you sharing it!!

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

Good to know thanks for the tip brother Jake 👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxrockatanksyOG]

If you change the oil at the 50hr mark & not 200hr, it helps the tanny (can i use that word anymore) last longer. I asked my dealer to change the fluid- they didnt as it is a "lifelong oil", so will be doing mine this week

[@happycamper5900]

Perfect! This is exactly what I needed. Thanks.

[@redbull5181]

I thought that we had a transmission problem on our mower, wouldn't go forward very good, it went backwards fine. It turned out that the mount for the rear axle had broken loose and was letting the belt have to much slop. So i reinforced the axle mount back on to the frame with a 3" piece of angle iron. I must have mounted the axle to far back because now the mower go's forward ok but reverse is weak.

[@KirstenFickas]

Thank you that worked perfectly Can't believe it was that easy

[@scrubsz]

Thank you! Absolutely brilliant!

[@leepinnguin9682]

question: @Eliminator Performance I have that LT2-42 with the same engine BUT the transmission is sealed, no filter, no way to change the fluid...so will this work for that or am I screwed?

[@Big_Johns]

Nice job Jake 👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks John!

[@KTWhite]

Completely fixed my problem! Thanks!!!

[@markvol11]

Does that work for the mower if it is slow in forward AND reverse?

[@MrGattor33]

Oh very nice and good info. Does this work for all hydro's like also on JD series??? Thanks for the video 👍🏼

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes it will purge the air out of any hydrostatic transmission

[@richardstone5241]

What type and weight oil do these things use? Mine is a 2015 and has never had the oil changed nor is there any mention of this in my manual .....go figure!

[@davidellis7695]

What a great tip! Thanks for sharing this.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@robk2670]

Does this only work on the Cub Cadet ?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

No this works on any hydrostatic transmission, and I did this on a zero turn X Mark, although that was a little different because of the filter and external oil reservoir, but the steps are basically the same. Put trans into bypass mode and then run it forwards and back to get the air out of the transmission; kzbin.info/www/bejne/innTandrZrmoZ7s

[@robk2670]

@Eliminator Performance thanks for the info.

[@LaceyLutterbein]

Question for you (probably a dumb one)… I just bought a new Cub Cadet LT42. The reverse is not working or if it happens to work, it is VERY slow. I’m assuming there could be air in the lines from when it was assembled? I’m hoping I didn’t get a lemon. 🥴

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Try the purge, it seems to work well on these "non-servicable" transmissions. They're basically fluid pumps, so any air in the hydraulic fluid makes them not work so great. The biggest complaint I get is weak reverse, and this usually fixes it.

[@christophertomlinson414]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@TLMD]

Now that was awesome man! Thanks for that info brother! Keep up the awesome work!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@ericmoss8344]

Great tip!! I've had issues w/reverse for a couple years now on my Cub Cadet LT1042 (older mower I know) but it has the hydrostatic non-serviceable transmission. Will this air purge process be safe on my mower as well? I've wanted to service the tranny as I'm pretty sure the gear oil is worn out after all these years, but she still runs, just not like it used too.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes it's perfectly safe for all hydrostatic transmissions, it basically just allows the hydraulic fluid to flow around it as it's in "bypass mode" and is recommended when the drive starts to lack. It's not a guaranteed fix, but it definitely helps most models that come in with weak reverse.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@EliminatorPerformance thanks. I'll be sure and give it a try this weekend.

[@craigh3332]

Worked "perfectly" thanks for the video

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@allendodson9881]

Just this week my XT1 started off slow kind of fish biting as I started, I stopped and put it in reverse it did the same thing in reverse. Got off to make sure I had my neutral switch in the back of my mower pushed in all the way and it was. Got back on Fired her up and engaged my mower blades and she ran fine. Cut my yard with o problem, Concerned as to what my problem I may be beginning to have? Any suggestions

[@JungleBobRepair]

Good video, thanks for sharing the info!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@chevroletbartley6383]

New here mate what does it mean when you can't re engage that pin that you pull out to put in free spin mode was going fine before hand pulled that pin now I can't re engage help

[@EliminatorPerformance]

It might just be dirty and or seized, the rod you pull is connected to a small lever on the transmission. Just follow it back and you can likely press it forward by hand

[@sylert]

This worked for me last year. Tried again this year and now it whines when I’m driving? Any suggestions?

[@roc89]

Awesome another great video❤

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@garmstr400]

Excellent Video

[@roboverholt2035]

I have a cub cadet 1050 with the 22 hp kawasaki I love it

[@traceydavis8862]

Thank you 🙏🏾 so much man. Liked and subscribed 👍🏾🫵🏾👌🏾💯‼️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@sweatinthedetails375]

I have an XT2 with the Cub cadet fuel injector motor smokes like crazy when I 1st started up any ideas?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

White or black smoke? If it's white it could be valve guides or valve stem seals, if it's black it could be an over fueling issue

[@gamertwisted]

Attempted process, still weak/no reverse. It the hydrostatic toast?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Next I would check the drive lever on the transmission (what the pedal rod hooks up to) as it could have a large build up of grass behind it, preventing it from pushing back far enough to engage the reverse drive!

[@MannyTavares-s4k]

Great info, thank you

[@bdauphinee81]

I tried this and I do have reverse however it’s once in a while it doesn’t work. What’s happening do you think. And when it does run in reverse it’s strong enough to go up a ramp but it’s slow

[@shannonrusso5441]

Have a 2021 XT1 42” that stopped going forward or reverse. As I was driving it felt like something just let go. Have checked belt, pulleys, and bypass rod but found nothing. Think I’m still under warranty but wanted to know your thoughts so maybe I could avoid having to take it in for service. Thanks.

[@Tommyr]

Another great video, thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Tommy!

[@leonardspaide]

Thank you it fixed my issue

[@ayyyoomarv]

Worked for me. Thank you!

[@CooganBear]

Will this work on a John Deere? I have an LT150.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

If it has a hydrostatic transmission (hydraulic fluid pump) then yes it'll work!

[@CooganBear]

@@EliminatorPerformance Thank you for the reply. I'm going to try this today. My rider has been getting a little slow in the get go. The drive belt is tight, so hoping this will help.

[@nicklloyd496]

I’m going to try this and report back.

[@JonKasai]

So are we doing these steps with the lever still pulled

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes, that way the transmission is in "bypass mode" so essentially you're just running the fluid through it, but not actually moving. It helps to purge the transmission oil from air, by allowing all the air bubbles to come to the surface.

[@ruj1970]

Tried this and reverse barley improved but the transmission now makes a whining noise in forward.

[@TreeSawTTV]

Great save!

[@marcpuzier7130]

grass dirt build up by pedal stops often is problem for weak reverse

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes good point, this one was clear. I use compressed air to blow out all the debris on the mowers I work on

[@toddsparks661]

How do you do this with a zeroturn hydro trany.thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

You need to put each transmission into bypass mode by opening the relief valves. Watch the video I linked in the pinned comment

[@michaelhudock8426]

Great Video Thanks

[@The-D-Hoyt]

I have that very same 1st mower, with Kawasaki engine, i got mine in 2021. But...... Mine won't go forward or reverse. Was just cutting and i stopped to pick up a branch, then re-engaged the blades and pushed the petal and now it won't go forward or reverse. Mower is running fine. Blades will engage and/or disengage , but when i push the petal it doesn't move. petal feels fine, normal. No sounds. I checked that lever in the back and pulled it out and pushed it back in. That did nothing. All the belts are on the pulleys. idgi, i was cutting grass perfectly fine. I stopped to lean over and pick up a branch , then re-engage the blades and when i push the petal forward or reverse it does won't move when i press the petal, yet is running just fine. ????????? I even thought maybe some safety wire got loose or i tripped the system or something, so i checked under the seat, everything looks normal, almost like brand new. Then i tried again, it starts, but won't move when i press the petal. Blades will engage, but won't move. Then i disconnected the battery and let it sit for about 1o minutes, then re-connected it. Tried again. Same thing. Starts fine. But when i push petal it doesn't move. ?????????? 🤔

[@henrymurawskibigdogrepair]

Thanks Jake

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@philliphall5198]

Warranty should start from time it’s bought not when it was made Are you sure you’re correct ????

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes most likely, but my customer didn't tell me exactly when he purchased it so I'm just going off the manufacturer date. Basically saying it's experiencing issues and it's around 3yrs after it was built which I'm sure is no coincidence.

[@mikepatten1373]

I have a xt2 cub cadet LT46 and when the reverse switch is pushed to mow in reverse, the deck will mow for a minute then it cuts off and I have to press the switch again. Any ideas what might be wrong?

[@mikekelsch9464]

after started, turn your key into the yellow position, push the orange triangle and leave the key in the yellow position while mowing.

[@robertmailhos8159]

You had to burp the transmission 😂 she had Air in her tummy 😂

[@philliphall5198]

Lololo that’s really what it’s about to

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@philliphall5198 yes it is 👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Just a bit by the looks of it, thanks for watching Robert!

[@robertmailhos8159]

@@EliminatorPerformance your welcome young man 👍😎 (Jake)👍

[@donaldsmith188]

Excellent! Great info, thank you. Subbed

[@jamiesawyer5102]

That's a great tip

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Jamie!

[@DO-zm3ce]

I was told you should NEVER have to do this. And you should never do this. it sealed for this reason if your having issues it usually is not this. Mine did the same thing and after a painfull belt change it worked great.

[@johnokruta9344]

So straightforward and easily explained (*ˊᗜˋ*)ᵗᑋᵃᐢᵏ ᵞᵒᵘ❤😊

[@Mach141]

My 2015 XT1 has the K46

[@Mach141]

I wonder why your XT1 had a hydro-gear?

[@johnbaird2395]

Does this apply to j Deere

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes any riding mower with a hydrostatic transmission

[@johnbaird2395]

@@EliminatorPerformance thanks so much

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Thanks for posting this. This sure is a good tip and a heart attack preventer eh!! LOL Take care!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Grampy!

[@sweetlou5902]

Thanks for the quickie Jake! Ha ha ha

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Lou!

[@Mike-o1t5p]

I tried it but it pops out the pin in back

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Use a pair of vice grips/locking pliers to hold it

[@GeraldJensen]

Thanks!

[@macmccune21]

3 months out of warranty and anyone who "money is not an object" to will buy a new one. Planned obsolescence should be illegal. I don't expect companies to make 50 year lawn mowers but this is predatory

[@waynestefinashen239]

I have seen a lot of push mowers that have lasted 30 and some 40 years (with proper maintenance ) but very rare to see a rider mower last that long even with proper maintenance mainly because of transmission failures.

[@kenhilson786]

My mtd with hydro gear takes 20w50 oil

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes most call for synthetic too

[@everardorodriguez8265]

I don't think it's the same mower

[@Joseph-l3v9s]

All lawnmower take 30 weigh oil I been working on small engine for 54 years now longer than this guy read your book

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I've only been working on them for 10 years, but these Kawasaki's take 10w40 www.cubcadet.ca/en/all-parts/kawasaki-part-number-99969-6296.-k-tech-sae-10w-40-oil/KM-99969-6296.html

[@margeehensley8417]

This did not fix the problem now what

[@Mikael.formermilitary]

How do I straighten the front wheels on my Cub Cadet XT1? Thank you.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Check the tie rods, they might need adjustment.

[@Mikael.formermilitary]

@@EliminatorPerformance How is that done? Thank you.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@Mikael.formermilitary try watching this it may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HbYaOohq9mepI

[@OIFIIIOIF-VET]

Hilarious considering I have the big Kohler and never had a problem.

[@Masonfox8272]

Hey eliminator performance do u have any stickers you can send me if so what’s your email

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Check our about page!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Mason did you send us an email yet?

[@GeraldJensen]

Thanks!