2014 Cub Cadet LTX 1046 KW review

I recently purchased my Cub Cadet LTX 1046 KW at my local Cub Cadet dealer.

Initially, I intend to buying the LTX 1045 from Tractor Supply Co. for $1599.99 with an additional 3 year warranty for $300.00 more. I went to my bank across the street and withdrew the amount of cash necessary to purchase the tractor, warranty and all. A strange thing happened when all that cash was in my hands, I decided to look a few more places before spending it. Boy, am I glad I did. I ended up at Jacobi Sales in Palmyra, IN. The sales person there was able to get me into a Kawasaki engine with dealer set up and service for the same price. Essentially they told me the warranty that Tractor Supply was charging extra for was the same warranty that comes with all Cubs from the dealership, and that the dealer handles their customers first before box store purchases. I found this out first hand after the first week of use. The engine sounded great, very smooth and quiet. However, there was a very loud rattling sound coming from underneath the mower. Naturally, I climbed under and looked around for the problem, it seemed to be coming from the guide that keeps the deck belt from coming off of the pulley. Another thing I noticed was that the tires cut into the lawn when I circled around my trees. I called Jacobi's and they sent someone out that same day. They took it back to the shop, where the problems were resolved within two days. They adjusted the front wheels and they no longer cut into my lawn like before. Their solution for the rattle was a little crude, but effective nonetheless. They wrapped black electrical tape around the guide where it meets the housing for a tighter fit.

. I'll probably do something more permanent like rubber hosing around that section of the guide in the near future, but for now, it is quiet, and I'm satisfied. I've mowed with it two times since and I've got to say, I'm very impressed. This thing cuts very evenly, not a blade of grass is uncut.

. The deck is level, and easy to adjust if necessary. It shoots the grass out very far and spreads it evenly. It's my first tractor with electronic PTO and I really like that feature. I hope it doesn't lead to costly repairs in the future though. The forward and reverse pedals are on the right side, and are easy to use and are seated at a comfortable angle for me. A brake pedal is located on the left side and stops the tractor quickly, even on hills. The safety bypass for mowing in reverse is great. You simply turn the key to the left one click, and push the triangular caution button.

. It will stay engaged until you turn it back to the original position, or turn off the blades. That means, you only have to do this once per mow if no children are present. No need to keep toggling it back and forth every time you want to back up. It's the best system I've seen so far. The steering is very responsive, easy to turn, and the turning radius is excellent, almost too tight. The steering wheel has a sort of rubberized feel to it, and feels very comfortable. The seat is easy to adjust, and is very comfortable as well. My only problem with the seat is that it's made out of a breathable material. This would be good for most people, but I have a lot of cedar trees in my backyard and the little sprigs get imbedded in the material and I'm unable to get them all out of it.

. I realize this is minor, but it does annoy me. It also has cruise control. It is easy to set and works great, however it's not practical on my hilly yard. I like that it has a front bumper, but the rubber caps on the ends come off really easily. I lost one while going down the fence row in the first 2 minutes of mowing with it. I think it got snagged on a briar bush, ( one that I need to remove) and I ran over it. I found it later that day destroyed. The bumper also needs to be attached better. It has two pins, one on each side, that hold it in place, but not real securely.

. I can see this coming loose, falling off and getting ran over, damaging your deck and blades. I'll probably find a better way to attach those in the near future. All in all I'm a very satisfied with this lawn tractor and I expect that with proper maintenance I'll get many years of use out of it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone with less than three acres to mow looking for an affordable, but high quality lawn tractor.