Short Update on THe Cub Cadet Challenger 750

[@JK-us5zd]

Recently purchased a 2018 Cub Cadet from a farmer. Rode hard, dirty, mechanical problems. Working on a shifter lever being stiff, and not able to move through gears well at all. Also, Seems to have a fuel starvation problem: starts, stops, tough to start. Going to replace the fuel filter, and look at the fuel system. Anyone have these issues?

[@johnsine46]

SteeveeDan, Do you still have your Cub Cadet Challenger 750, I am looking to pick up a used 2017 750 eps model, any suggestions would be appreciated?

[@SteeveeDan]

I do still have it and use it often for short work tasks. Only problems so far with it is the steering wheel is rusty, the driver side seat material is coming apart, and the u-joints need to be greased regularly or they'll start clunking when driving it. Still lovin it though. GL

[@johnsine46]

@@SteeveeDan Thanks for the update, how many miles or hours on it so far?

[@billmalec]

How has it held up, especially with snow plowing?

[@SteeveeDan]

I don't use it a ton but the only problems I have with it are a bit of rust on the steering wheel center, the dry driveshaft u-joint clunk that was fixed by greasing them, a blown fuse, and the seat cover on the drivers side flaking off. Other than that, it's been very good.

[@class8garage308]

Got same problem with the brushed aluminum steer wheel on my Volvo heavy rig , and that has a cab with heat semi truck i,m talking

[@SteeveeDan]

O wow!

[@pamwerner2912]

What would cause gas in oil on my 2018 750 challenger

[@SteeveeDan]

"Typically" it's running too rich and the unburned fuel is leaking past the piston rings into the oil. Could also be a leaking fuel injector that drains in the cylinder when the machine isn't being used. That would usually case a hard start, fouled plug, or some black smoke on initial start up.

[@maty8751]

Do you have a video on how to adjust the parking brake?

[@Synic08]

Any new updates coming…? Your cable probably broke because you wrapped the log and attached the cable to itself…. Thats a nono

[@240zzz]

The cable broke in the stress area from going in and out on fairlead. Dump the cable junk and get a synthetic rope, problem solved. Eliminate all winch rope contact points for plowing ,rope lasts for years. Rollers, rubs ,and bending makes wear.

[@SteeveeDan]

Good info.

[@leenicholson6919]

Do you have any comments on the Cub Cadet Challenger 400 on steep hills? I have 33% grade in some spots and am very interested in stopping going down. I guess 750 experience going down would be relevant. Any comments would be appreciated.

[@SteeveeDan]

Well, when I had the 500 I really didn't have any problems in Pa. but in my estimation the grades that I used it on were probably 20% or so. When I moved to Arizona I took it with me and ran around the Mohave desert quite a bit. There were some really steep grades there and once I got into a situation where I had to back up a really steep hill and the 500 had a very hard time with it. Once I got turned around and could go forward again, it was better. Remembering this, when I came back to Pa. and bought the 750 I took it to the steepest hill near me and tried the reverse climb and it did fine. I can't really comment on the 400 though I've never driven one. Hope this helps in some way.

[@wildbill23c]

Yes they have a shift interlock just like your car. Winch cables break, that's not a machine issue, its just a regular maintenance issue that comes up on every machine...try a synthetic winch cable, you may find it will be a better match for your needs. I can't remember what tires I had on my Yamaha Rhino 700 but after about a year they were trash. Good to hear the tires on the Challenger are much better...the diff locks are a huge thing that I'd be looking at my Rhino's rear diff was locked all the time it sucked for yard work, it really would tear up your lawn if you used it for utility purposes. Selectable diffs is the way to go....the layout of the instrument cluster, the standard features and the price puts this machine in a spot where it should be highly considered.

[@SteeveeDan]

I just keep fixing the winch cable when it breaks. Fortunately, no breaks this year so maybe it was just a weak spot in the cable from the factory. I really only use the winch for the snow plow so far. Tires are still in great shape and I've been through the woods a lot with it doing the firewood gig over lots of downed branches and relentless rocks, no flats, no missing knobbies, all is good. Thanks for the comment!

[@UncleDanBand64]

I ordered the Massimo 400 yesterday from Tractor Supply yesterday! I got a great deal on it. I hope I don't regret it.

[@SteeveeDan]

I still love mine, no regrets!

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@SteeveeDan good to hear and thanks for the reply👍🇺🇸

[@down-n-outinNC]

@@SteeveeDan how long have you had yours

[@SteeveeDan]

@@down-n-outinNC The 750, just about a year. My 500, almost 3 years.

[@bryankerr69]

Thanks for all the updates. I’ve been looking at both the Cub Cadet and the Massimo MSU. I think I’ll be getting the Cub Cadet.

[@SteeveeDan]

I mentioned that the other names were a bit cheaper at HD and TC in one of my other videos. The reason I bought the Cub is dealer support if I ever had an issue with it under warranty or need parts in the future. Good luck!

[@jakekohtala3032]

Winch cables break all the time. My dad's warn winch is only ever used for the snow plow and its snapped 3 times. Mine warn has snapped once. Just keep a couple cable clamps with you and a wrench and you're set.

[@SteeveeDan]

Thanks for the comment, I just bought some clamps but will be getting a synthetic rope for it soon.

[@jakekohtala3032]

@@SteeveeDan synthetic can break as well fyi. I hear there's a tool you can buy to weave a new loop if it breaks on the trail, or just use a figure 8 climbers knot.

[@SteeveeDan]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it!

[@timdaoust4284]

Don't these have a 10 gallon tank? So 21 miles equals about 2 mpg, I wouldn't say that is good lol.

[@SteeveeDan]

Man, why did you have to do the math! LOL

[@FPSTed]

21 miles and 21.6 hrs so you gotta factor in the idle time

[@SteeveeDan]

@@FPSTed Very true!

[@mdspear8768]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting these video updates! I don't think you can beat the price with all of the options that are provided with the Cub Cadet Challenger..... Just like anything, even the name brand UTV models have their own issues. Definitely like price and the looks of the "Cub"

[@SteeveeDan]

Agreed, they all have their own issues and for the price and what's included, and the same warranty, I think it's a great deal!

[@mdspear8768]

I heard you say that you might post something soon about what you liked about the drive-train and engine. Look forward to seeing it! I plan on purchasing a Cub Yellow 750 soon. Thanks for input that you can provide!!!

[@SteeveeDan]

Weather is supposed to be lousy this weekend but I'll get it done and posted asap! Thanks

[@ryandeelo8819]

Definitely looking forward to seeing more videos in the future, seems it’s hard to find any good real world ones on the challengers. I’ve looked at them at the dealer and have watched every video I’ve found on them, it looks like a quality build, a lot of features that I like. But I’m worried that I’ll buy it, and I’ll be bored with it. Also the resale value when it comes time to buy a newer one or something else.

[@cathypascale8187]

Thank you. I'm only beginning to think about buying one of these ATVs. So...lots of questions. What is the upkeep? what kind of maintenance do they need? I always go to You Tube for opinions. You know they are real.

[@SteeveeDan]

Thanks for posting! These UTV's are similar to your car except, in my opinion they are more capable in many areas such as off roading, traveling in tight hilly terrain, work, plowing, joy-riding, etc. The upkeep is again, similar to a car. You should keep it clean, keep the oil and filter changed as recommended, the air filter, coolant, transmission and differential fluids, and so on full and changed as the manufacturer advises. Checking brake material wear, tire wear and pressures are other things that you should also keep an eye on. If you get one just know they can be addictive, good luck!

[@wildbill23c]

It all depends on how well you treat it. Maintenance is basically like a vehicle every so many miles you change the oil/filter, check fluids, check/change air filter, grease all the fittings, etc. If you beat the crap out of it stuff will get damaged of course, but if you take care of it and use it as its intended it'll last for many many years. Also, don't leave them sitting in the weather that's what will quickly destroy them, the sun destroys all the plastics and seat materials. Just like any other ATV/UTV they're not really going to last long if you leave them out in the weather, you'll quickly find yourself using the thing for every little thing you can think of LOL.

[@aceofspades9785]

No matter what you use that windshield is gonna scratch...

[@SteeveeDan]

Totally agree!

[@aceofspades9785]

@@SteeveeDan just put my plow on...we’re supposed to be getting hit pretty good here in NEPA...possibly 12”!!! Mine plows great!!!

[@SteeveeDan]

@@aceofspades9785 Us too here in NEPA. Calling for up to 16". Can't wait, sort of, to move some snow with the Cub! Yes, these machines can plow very well in my opinion. Best luck!

[@aceofspades9785]

@@SteeveeDan this will be my third winter with it...plows great...climbs hills and rides trail excellent...(takes rough trails like a Cadillac...very smooth ride)...the only problems I can come up with is...it’s a little loud when the cab is totally closed in...(no big deal)...it gets a little warm in the cab in the summer from engine heat...(still no big deal...took out back window and helped a ton...could take windshield out too if you want...I keep mine in)...and every now and then it’s a little hard to shift from low or high into reverse or park...(working on that...sort of...but it’s not that big of a deal bad)...other than that it’s been great...we really enjoy ours!!! I got mine from HILBERT’s in Dallas PA...they’ve been pretty good so far with anything I needed!!! Have fun plowing!!!

[@SteeveeDan]

@@aceofspades9785 We're practically neighbors, I bought my 1st one at Hilbert's too! I'm very happy with mine as well and glad I didn't blow a ton of money on the other brands as I did in the past!

[@easttnlawncare6740]

How fast is it

[@SteeveeDan]

I've had mine over 40 mph on level terrain but can't seem to hit 50.

[@easttnlawncare6740]

@@SteeveeDan it's probably governor that's fast enough anyway if you're in a trail start working

[@SteeveeDan]

For what I use it for which is more work than pleasure, 15 - 20 mph is fast enough!

[@cathypascale8187]

Price? Interested in what you paid and what State do you live? Seems difficult in Oregon to find a Dealer.

[@SteeveeDan]

I live in Pennsylvania and there are several dealers fairly close by me. Mine is a left over so it was about $1000.00 cheaper than the new model. If you're not in a hurry, I recommend waiting until the new model comes out as they discount the left overs pretty well. I bought my 500 as a left over too and it was about $1000.00 off of sticker price also.

[@wickedmainah950]

How is the suspension and power, I'm looking for a work and play rig. That is a good looking rig

[@mc2272478]

It's been a nightmare for us. Always in the shop. Don't buy a cub utv. The options are great but what good are they when it's not running. Snapped the belt twice in the first year. Muffler replaced twice in the first year. Replaced the piston, clutches... It's just been a nightmare. Huge letdown. If you go ask a cub mechanic. They'll tell you. China junk.

[@SteeveeDan]

Sorry to hear that. I'm on my 2nd one and the worst that has happened is a rusted steering wheel and a broken winch cable.

[@jtraveny]

that happened on my 500, your best bet is to go to a synthetic rope, using the plow wears it out faster. my plow came with one from the dealer so i just put that on, get one for a warn winch, i think they are stronger. you should have no problems then

[@SteeveeDan]

Thanks for the tip on the rope, I'll be getting one!

[@jtraveny]

@@SteeveeDan no problem. You are right though, these cub cadets are really good, im happy and loving my 500, i just finished plowing our driveway here in central pa, still freezing rain though.

[@TheBandit7613]

You're commenting about fuel mileage and tire wear with less than 20 miles of use? And we can trust your review?

[@SteeveeDan]

You should trust no review. You should view as many as you can and then formulate your own opinion. And just for the record, fuel mileage tends to get better as an engine breaks in and the tire wear statement is based on the last Challenger I owned with the same tires as well as a Ranger that I owned which had the worst tires on it in the world. As a matter of fact, I have been told that other manufacturers use low quality tires on new machines and flats are not uncommon the first time the machine is taken for a hard trail ride. Thanks for the comment!