Unscrapping: Cub Cadet LT1018

[@leosizemore-hm8jf]

How do you get the tires off the back with the 4 lug taking the sleeve off the shaft

[@motormouth2472]

We have one of these. We got it in 2004. It's old engine, which is the same engine that's on yours, was shot so we replaced it with a new one. It's a good tractor, even with it's problems.

[@SolunaGarage]

Awesome 👍 How many hours are on it now? Kinda curious how long people are getting these things to go on original engine and/or trans.

[@motormouth2472]

@@SolunaGarage well we've been using it since 2004 and we still use it so I would imagine a lot of hours. We had to replace the old engine because it had trouble starting in the cold and it didn't like to start after being put up for the winter. We last used it earlier this year before we replaced it with a brand new engine in April so I would think that we definitely put it through a lot of use. I would say we put the original engine through much more hours than most people would!

[@SolunaGarage]

Those single cylinder Intek/ELS Briggs are actually pretty smooth engines. What engine did you replace it with?

[@motormouth2472]

@@SolunaGarage we put another Briggs and Stratton in it. This one is a 17.5HP

[@motormouth2472]

@@SolunaGarage I just checked the hours yesterday. If I was reading it correctly, it had 600 hours on it. I don't know exactly how much but I know it was around 600-700 hours.

[@stoneyswolf]

A lot of it has to do with simple maintenance. That rusted deck rusted from the top down from grass just left to rot. It takes 30 seconds to grab a leaf blower when your done and blow that stuff off. But even then those decks are thin and will bend easy if you hit something. I found a cub free that had caught fire. Pulled some melted plastic off and it fired right up. So I got new plastic pieces that got damaged and fixed the valve cover leak that caused the fire and found the engine only had one bolt still holding it down. Then checked why it was so loud. Well the muffler bolts were completely missing muffler just hanging there. After fixing all the stupid stuff it's a great mower I've had it 7 years now fires up every spring. Has the same transmission yours has with 237 hours of that's correct and not rolled over had 200 when I found it. Fluid was black black black and very shiny and was slipping. Filled it with hydrologic oil I use in my log splitter and it's working great again... For now.

[@Kntryhart]

Just picked one of these yesterday. Needs TLC. Did you have a video on the transaxle fluid change?

[@SolunaGarage]

I do not. I ended up drilling and tapping for an 1/8" NPT plug at the very bottom of the case. This allows for fluid changes without removing the transaxle. You will still need to remove the fender pan to gain access to the fill plug. Not a bad job, couple hours or so the first time.

[@Kntryhart]

@@SolunaGarage Had a thought about gaining access to the transaxle fill plug. What if I used a metal cutting hole saw to cut through the fender pan directly above the fill plug? I would place a small magnet directly above the fill plug on the underside of the fender pan; rolling a small ball bearing around until it located the magnet below. Could you supply accurate dimensions (or a clear photo) for locating the hole for the lower drain lug? Thanks!

[@SolunaGarage]

I was going to modify the fender pan myself, I agree that would be a good idea. As for the hole location, I looked at a parts diagram of the case and found the lowest spot that was below the strainer inside. I no longer have the unit here but I believe if you watch the video again you will see the flat, low spot at the bottom of the case. Mine had a green sticker there from the factory.

[@Kntryhart]

I need to remove the exhaust pipe from my LT1018. Would you know what size Torx bit is required? Have you had issues removing these bolts? Suggestions? Thanks

[@SolunaGarage]

I have removed them before without issue. I do not recall the size, however. Nothing really to note, it's all straightforward stuff. Just be careful if you are reinstalling anything on the muffler side of things. They use a lot of self threading fasteners in sheet metal that are easily stripped.

[@olddog605]

Enjoyed your video, Just purchased a 2004 Lt1018 with 289 hrs. for $460 looks to be well maintained (no rust on deck, or tractor except floor pans under mats) Said he put a new transmission and all new drive belts @ 275 hrs. (belts look new) I was working on it (just greasing and searching for grease fittings and disconnected the no mow in reverse ground wire) had the neutral rod engaged rolled it a bit, then engaged the neutral rod, started engine went to reverse and heard a GRINDING of the gears. then it seemed to work ok. (had parking brake set after I rolled it in neutral) Is there a procedure to go to place mower in neutral and disengage It? Thank you

[@SolunaGarage]

Sounds like the rod had been partially engaged. You are doing the procedure correctly, I would just roll it back and forth before and after the rod has been moved from one position to the next to ensure positive engagement/disengagement. Congrats on the new purchase! If the trans is not actually new (is it a used replacement or brand new?) I would recommend a fluid change if you plan on keeping it long-term.

[@olddog605]

@@SolunaGarage Yes I was thinking about installing a drain plug but taking off fender pan sounds like a pain but I own old shovelheads Harleys can deal with Pain LOL Thank you

[@SolunaGarage]

That fender pan isn't too bad. Hidden screws are under the "tunnel" area sticker. Everything else is pretty straightforward. If you can deal with the old Shovelheads I'm sure you're well equipped 💪

[@olddog605]

@@SolunaGarage All forward movement stopped today. Just sits there and grinds> put it in N and tried to push it NO GO locked up jacked it up and put it on a dolly to push it into garage Got it to start again just sits there no forward or reverse just grinds apparently I was lied to about being a new transmission Shame the mower is in really good condition no rust seat perfect very clean Probably will advertise for and take my loss. Thank you

[@SolunaGarage]

Noooooo!!!

[@MaraKara-kl4dk]

So much like my baby Cub Cadet. Only it it screams for work. But still works

[@SolunaGarage]

We have since sold Baby Cubby. But he was a good machine and we were glad to have him.

[@gpadge4937]

I picked up one of these at a farm implement auction, in "sold as is" condition. I gambled $300 and a couple hundred more $ for my mower guy, to check it all out . New battery, and ball joints. Today, I repaired PTO wire that broke off at L shade connector. For $500 invested, still much cheaper than a new one. Cuts great and runs good. Probably a valve adjustment in its near future. But if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Right?

[@SolunaGarage]

Yup! For under 1k you can find and fix up a lot of decent machines. The 1000 Series aren't the most robust unit, but for simply mowing the grass they do a great job. Depending on the hours you have on it, I would highly recommend changing the transmission fluid.

[@gpadge4937]

@@SolunaGarage Thanks.

[@guyina4x499]

I've saved lots of those throw away lawn tractors usually just some time and maybe 100 of parts and they're ready to go another 10 years worst thing with the 1018 is the POS B&S haven't seen too many bad trans, I have seen them with over 1000 hours still working fine with original oil. usually the bad ones were leaking and run low on oil.

[@SolunaGarage]

Not a fan of the Briggs Intek line myself, but this particular one is a very smooth runner. Surprised me. And yeah, if these things are maintained, they can go on for a while. Just gotta keep replacing the consumable parts on them, which happen to be pretty inexpensive.

[@sashologaming8769]

What size is the belt on the deck? I have a 61in and I’m trying to figure out how to make it fit

[@SolunaGarage]

Deck Belt: 954-0498 1/2 x 67" PTO Belt: 954-0497 1/2 x 60"

[@sashologaming8769]

That is what ever Manuel that I have come across has said as well. But the belt that I have found that fits that deck is 29 inches. If you know how to get it to work please make a video!!

[@SolunaGarage]

How are you measuring the belt?

[@SolunaGarage]

The belt routing is pretty simple on the deck and the PTO belts. If you want a quick vid on it, let me know.

[@mikelunsford7462]

Mine has the 2 cylinder 21 hp engine

[@yxrdmxn1742]

Just got one for free today. Claims to have over 700 hours.

[@SolunaGarage]

Wow, that's getting up there for these machines. Would most likely have been taken care of or had some work done to keep it going that long. ...or maybe a few times of leaving the keyswitch on!

[@SolunaGarage]

I've actually grown to enjoy using our little LT.

[@yxrdmxn1742]

Soluna Garage yea, i can barely believe it. i got it running and driving today. haven’t tested the deck yet; it needs cleaned bad.

[@yxrdmxn1742]

it’s a good little tractor, but i’m worried it doesn’t have much life left...

[@SolunaGarage]

If it is like ours, there will be some issues with the PTO/deck belt systems primarily. After I get some more hours on it, I'll do a follow up on the areas that still need attention. If you think of anything or come across anything you want to look at together, let me know! Could always do a live stream.

[@colinoscopy4811]

i named my 1995 cub 1420 old cubby

[@SolunaGarage]

Yeah we name most of them around here. We're nuts.