Cub Cadet is one of those brands that have earned their reputation through a close focus on innovation and consistency in all the lawn tractors that they manufacture. Regardless of whether you are looking for a residential lawnmower or a tractor for commercial purposes, Cub Cadet is a great brand to go with.
The Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is part of their XT3 Enduro Series utility tractors, and just like any other tractors in their catalog, this one, too, promises superb performance and durability. It boasts a powerful 26 HP Kohler engine along with a shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission system.
Not only that but the tractor is also equipped with a 60” mid-mounted mower deck and a snowblower to ensure you are not lacking anything when it comes to yard care. With a retail price of just under 5000 dollars, this lawn tractor is one of the finest pickups for any homeowner.
But just like any other lawnmower out there, it, too, requires a bit of attention. If you don’t maintain it as often as it deserves, it won’t be long before you start noticing performance issues and component failures. Thankfully though, any problems that you face with the lawnmower are easily fixable.
But to fix a problem, you need to first understand it. In this article, I will give you a thorough guideline on the common problems that you might face with the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX lawn tractor and the things you can do to fix them. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
3 Common Issues with the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX and How to Fix Them
Knowing the root cause of the problem is almost half the battle. And if your Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is acting up and showing weird issues, you won’t be able to troubleshoot it if you don’t know the reason behind it.
That’s why I have compiled an extensive troubleshooting guide for some of the common problems that you might face with your Cub Cadet XT3 GSX lawn tractor.
1. Trouble With The Engine
Typically, if there’s a problem with your lawnmower, the engine is the first component that starts to malfunction. You might notice issues like reduced engine performance or the engine not starting, among other things. So here are some of the common engine problems you might face with this lawn tractor.
Engine Won’t Start
One of the most common issues that you will face in most lawnmowers out there is that the engine refuses to start up. But don’t be alarmed; the problem usually comes from a faulty fuel system. To fix the issue, start by inspecting the fuel condition in your gasoline tank.
If the fuel level is low or old fuel has turned stale, simply refill it with fresh fuel, and that should get the engine started. However, sometimes, the issue can also derive from a faulty spark plug or dirty carburetor. So you either have to replace the spark plug or clean up the carburetor to get rid of the problem.
Underperforming Engine
There can be several reasons why your Cub Cadet XT3 GSX engine is suddenly underperforming. The engine might be overheating, or maybe the engine is getting starved for fuel when you are doing demanding tasks like mowing uphill or cutting with the low settings.
So first, inspect the cooling system of the tractor. If it’s underperforming because of overheating, then you need to clean the air intake and replace any damaged cooling fins in the system. You also need to check the engine oil level and top it off if needed.
However, if the engine is getting starved for fuel, that means the fuel filter is blocked. In that case, simply clean the fuel filter or replace it to fix the issue.
2. Electrical Issues
The electrical section, such as the starter or the battery, might also start acting up depending on the condition of the lawn tractor. And if that happens, you need to know how to fix them. Here are some electrical problems that you might find in your Cub Cadet XT3 GSX
Starter Malfunction
The Cub Cadet XT3 GSX comes with an electric starter switch so that when the engine cranks, you can fire up the lawnmower with the simple press of a button. However, some people complain that the starter switch doesn’t work for them at times, and they can’t use the mower even when the engine cranks properly.
While this may indicate that the starter switch is defective, it can also be caused by a drained battery. So, before anything else, make sure your tractor’s battery is fully charged. You should also inspect the wiring around the switch and fix any loose connections. In addition, check the main fuse and make sure that it’s working properly.
If the switch still doesn’t work, replacing it with a new one usually fixes the problem. Make sure you replace your old fuse with a new one if that was causing the issue in the first place.
Battery Won’t Charge
Another problem that peoples face with their Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is that the battery doesn’t charge, or even if it does, it drains much quicker than usual. When that happens, this usually means the battery is on the verge of dying, and replacing it is the only option in your hand.
However, before you do that, I would suggest using a different charger and seeing if that fixes your problem. You should also check the connection between the battery pole and the cable. But if the connection is fine and using a different charger didn’t fix things, you need to get a new compatible battery for your tractor.
3. Problems In The Mower Deck
The deck in your Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is designed to perform well under any condition. But just like other components, it too can show some issues. Here are some of the common ones.
Uneven Cuts
While the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX cuts pretty evenly across any lawn, sometimes, you might notice uneven cuts when you use it. When that happens, the lawnmower can make your lawn look downright ugly unless you address the problem and fix it.
Uneven cuts usually occur when the deck in your lawn tractor is not adjusted properly. So, make sure you readjust and level the deck. If that fixes your problem, then you can call it a day.
After adjusting the deck, take a look at the condition of the blades. If the blades are dull, you need to sharpen them. However, sometimes blades can get damaged beyond repair. In that case, you need to replace the old, dull blades with new ones.
Excessive Vibration
You might also notice at times that your mower deck vibrates excessively when you use it. And in certain situations, you might also hear a loud rattling noise.
This usually means dirt or small pebbles got stuck between the blades of the lawnmower. So, park your vehicle and completely shut it down first. Then check the interior of the deck and get rid of any loose material you find inside. This should fix your problem right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have gone through the list of issues let me address some of the questions people have about the lawnmower.
If you are on the fence about picking up a new Cub Cadet XT3 GSX, then maybe these answers will help nudge you in the right direction.
1. Is the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX a reliable lawnmower?
Yes, the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is known for its reliability and durability among its users. Sure, you might face a few issues every now and then, but that’s true for any lawn tractors that you don’t maintain regularly.
As long as you give it the attention that it deserves, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about facing problems that you can’t fix.
2. Is the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX discontinued?
No, the Cub Cadet XT3 GSX is not discontinued. This lawn tractor first came out in 2015 and is currently one of the top sellers in the brand’s catalog.
And it makes sense when you look at its amazing balance of price, performance, and longevity. So, if you are planning on picking up a new lawnmower, this is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
As frustrating as it might be to face issues with your new Cub Cadet XT3 GSX lawn tractor, you don’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to fix them.
Besides, even if you have to take the tractor to a repair shop because you don’t want to get your hands dirty, the repair bill shouldn’t be too steep.
Since all the components are still readily available from the manufacturer, finding replacement parts for your mower is really not all that difficult.
Of course, if you regularly maintain and service your vehicle, you don’t need to worry about facing all of these problems in the first place.
I hope my in-depth guide on the common Cub Cadet XT3 GSX problems could help you sort out any problem you were facing with your lawn tractor. Good luck!