As fate would have it, I discovered this forum while looking for a part for my 2006 Cub Cadet LT1045 lawn tractor. I didn't read all of the responses and can only speak from personal experience, but my 1045 is far from a lemon. In 8 years, I've used it weekly to cut my half acre yard during grass growing season in the southeast. For those outside of this area, that would be about 8 months out of the year. I also used it to maintain another half acre lot for 2 seasons, cut my dad's half acre yard 2 seasons and my daughter's quarter acre lot for one season. I've done all of the servicing on it myself and haven't been very consistent with that, changing the oil and filter only 2 times since I bought it. The spark plugs have been replaced once and that was last year and the air filter was replaced for the first time when the plugs were replaced. I've replaced the blades pretty much every year and the deck belt about every two years. I believe I'm on my third battery. With that said, the only non maintenance repairs I have made is replacing one of the shaft/bearing assemblies on the cutting deck, replaced the mulch plug, and as of now I'm about to replace the stator. This tractor resides under my back deck, uncovered at all times when I'm not using it. Because of that, I need a new seat. It's the best investment in lawn care equipment I ever made.

I have a 1420 that I purchased new and I had a problem similar to yours about 3 years ago. My 1420 has a Hydro Sauer Sundstrand transmission. The hydro and transmission are separate units and the transmission can be torn down independently of the hydro. Turned out my problem was a gear in the transmission. I tore the transmission down and replaced the gear myself. Parts were pretty expensive. Last year the tractor slowed down and I had to pull the rear unit out again and I drained and replaced the hydro fluid with c/c recommeded fluid. Unit now works fine; however, have since purchased a husqy 2448 which is more comfortable than the c/c 1420. I still use the 1420 as a back up mower and for all of my heavier work. The transmission has been really durable. Only time will tell if the husqy is as rugged. If it is a gear problem it is a pretty big job because the rear wheels, if you have never had them off can be a real problem. If you do determine that it is a gear problem and not the hydro, I would drain and replace the hydro fluid while I had it out. Good luck.

Has anyone had any trouble with the CC LT1040 and/or the Kohler Courage 18 HP Engine. It is $100 less than the John Deere. The CC has a 3 year warranty vs JD's 2 year warranty. I just want to cut grass in a country setting - nothing more. I don't live in a subdivision where I have to have a "perfect" lawn. I want something dependable that will last 10 years before I move to a condo.

With engine off, look up under footrest where the forward/reverse pedal is located - move the pedal by hand back and forth while judging it's tendency to stick or "slop around" in the pivot shaft bushings. May need a shot of dry lubricant (avoid oil/grease) or possibly bushing replacement. If the pedal is hanging/binding slightly, there can be some tranny creep. Also chk balance of linkage back to hydro tranny fo similar probs. Also keep engine running full RPM when cutting to avoid excessive heat buildup in hydro oil. Grass strip left at high cut settings - would first chk/adjust front to back deck leveling while at that cut height setting. if uncut strip only happens during a turn, may just be the nature of the beast. New blades - installed correctly - not worn at their tips - may help.