Strengths the kohler engine is good, enough power, starts easy., That's about it.

Weaknesses everything else, this is the first and the last Cub Cadet I will buy, used it now for the second season, spend more then CAD 200 on belts, fuses go out, etc. Nothing but trouble

Overall Will never ever suggest to someone to buy a Cub cadet

Strengths As stated in earlier comment, the engine runs really stong. That 19 hp Kohler is tough

Weaknesses Just about everything. Since my last comment (last week), I've had to replace starter and a new deck belt for the 3rd time. Paid $1599.00 @ Lowes and probably spent $800.00 out of pocket trying to keep it running and that's not including the parts that were under warranty. I was cutting one day and one of the pulleys was on fire. Could have been very disastrious had I not stopped to remove a stick from the yard. I think this mower was one of MTD's biggest mistake. I work for a company that supplies a majority for Husqvarna, Sears, Poulan and ect. I wanted to try something different when I purchased the LT1042, never again. Sorry guys.

Overall

Strengths Strong engine. Never had any major problems. Great cut and smooth riding

Weaknesses I've replaced deck belts 3 times. Drive belt has come off twice. Right rear bracket that holds the deck up has broken and had to weld back on. Steering bracket broke and the steering wheel was spinning like a top. Now top cap on starter is gone and it won't start.When everything is right on mower, it will cut thru a forest, but honestly don't know if I would ever buy another one.

Overall

Strengths Have owned this mower for over 4 years. It has been extremely reliable. The only repairs have been to sharpen or replace blades and change oil and filters. I have close to 200 hours on this unit.

Weaknesses If you do not keep the blades sharp. It will leave some uncut grass in the center when the grass is tall.

Overall Good mower

Strengths Always starts on the first time, get's decent fuel mileage for my 1/2 acre lawn. cuts even and tight turning radius. 19hp kohler engine should last a long time, spin off oil filter is nice touch as is the deck wash.

Weaknesses bagging system can get easily clogged if mowing heavy or wet grass.

Overall happy with mower, some of the plastic parts are sub par, have mowed 3 seasons and mow 2 times per week with no problems, fairly level lawn.

Strengths Starts every time.

Weaknesses Have had problems with belt coming off very routinely. It's not hard to put back on, just a nuisance. Finally put it in the shop and was told the spindles and blades the 2nd belt are all shot. Kind of hard to believe since this is beginning of the second season of use and the first season was a drought. Less than 35 hours of total use and I'm putting a for sale sign on it.

Overall I wouldn't recommend this model. If you don't mind having a few problems there are cheaper mowers, so get one of those and save some money. You'll have nagging issues like you will with a Cub Cadet but hae some extra coin. Personally, I'm going to sell mine and pay the extra money to get a John Deere.

Strengths Seats a tall good sized framed guy ( I'm 6-2 230 lbs). Runs well, good reverse cut feature. Decent tow behind ability. Mine mulches very well and I mostly mulch, never bag. Very easy to service yourself.

Weaknesses For a rugged looking tractor, it's not full framed. Course it might cost nearly double to get a framed tractor. I've had hesitant start problems now and then, though it always starts ( slow turn over, the n te battery light indicator will show on the dash. Shut it off restart and everything is ok...

Overall It used to take me 1.5 hours to cut my grass pushing a hand power mower, now I'm looking for more grass to cut. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to cut the same area. I bought from an equipment dealer and it seems they leveled everything fine. I get a nice clean smooth looking cut. I get compliments on the cut I get from this mower. Overall it's doing a fine job. I feel part of a good experience with this kind of machine is derived from where you purchase it !! I spent more by going to a dealer than to the "big orange" store so I can bring it back and say "hey guys it's doing this now ", if I need to. Try that at Big Orange! So far no regrets.

Strengths About all I can say is that it starts every time.

Weaknesses 4 Years of constantly trying to keep the deck level, I have pretty much given up. It has been back to the Dealer several times, new blades twice per mowing season, extremely loud, loose steering, uneven seat(had new springs after they broke the second time I used it and I am 180lbs).

Overall I hate this mower and would never buy another Cub Cadet product.

Strengths No engine problems

Weaknesses PTO bolt, deck cracks, cut quality, keeping deck clean, hood beginning to wear from vibration, have never mulched successfully

Overall On start of 3rd season with 70HRS on mower, the PTO bolt snapped. Luckily the PTO was not damaged and I got the stud drilled out at a machine shop (1HR Labor). I also replaced the drive belt for the first time since I had the engine off. I am currently on my 2nd deck belt. I would recommend replacing the PTO bolt every season or at 50HR intervals. It is a Grade 5 7/16 X 3.25". Also, the starter will not work if you get it wet. Once dry it should be OK.

Strengths Starts easy, cuts well, sits comfortably, and my son can operate it.

Weaknesses none so far

Overall I have read a lot of reviews on this mower, from what I can see Cub needs to cull its stores. I bought mine from a local dealer. The deck was leveled and the blade path was checked before the delivery man left my house. He checked to make sure it would work right for me. I am starting my second season with it, and have no doubt I will make it through many more.