LTX1040 losing forward (belt drive)
 

I purchased an LTX1040 in spring of 2013. As of Fall 2020 is has about 130hours on it. It is a belt drive transmission.

Starting Fall 2019 while mulching/bagging leafs (I have a lot of leafs) I noticed forward was slowing down a little. Reverse is unaffected.

The spring/summer of 2020 seemed to be ok.

Fall of 2020, it is really slowing down, significantly up hill. So bad that I have to left off forward and press down again. Reverse is still completely unaffected.

Is this just the drive belt for the transmission? Maybe a dirty pulley for forward?

I'm guessing reverse uses the back side of the drive belt? And that either the belt is worn/dirty for forward, or maybe engaging reverse tightens the belt more than forward so it doesn't slip?

I plan to replace the drive belt (or at least have a new one to compare it to), but are there any springs or anything else I should have to evaluate replacing too?

Thanks!

My problems sound similar to this thread, but no answer or update was posted:
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...hlight=ltx1040

Welcome to OCC.......... :Welcome2:

I am not familiar with that tractor's drive system. I am sure someone will chime in with some information.

Thanks for the welcome. :)

Most of the youtube videos I've found for replacing the drive belt, they tip the tractor on end. If that really a good idea? I'd have to take the bagger parts off.

Also, any tips on removing the drive belt pulley on the engine side? Most videos said it was hard, bent it up a little and than just bend the surrounding frame out of the way to put the belt on.

With regards to tipping the tractor, think about any fluids that may spill... Gas and oil.

Your transmission is not automatic, it is a single-speed gear transmission with forward and reverse gears, and neutral. Speed is varied by your foot control which causes a change of pulley size thus varying the speed of the input shaft of the transmission. They call it the CVT System (which I think means constant variable transmission). Your belt is stretched because niothing else can slip. Reverse is not so bad because different tension is put on the belt in reverse but it will eventually slip also. There are two drive belts involved, they reccomend replacing both as a pair.
They are not the hardest job to replace but doesn't give great joy to a first timer either. If you want to tackle it, go to this link, page 24, starting paragraph 17, for detailed instruction.

https://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/u...%202008%29.pdf

Also, it will be easier to work on if you have the tractor raised up somehow so you can slide underneath.

Yes you'll want to change both belts at the same time.
Check the variable pulley, it needs to slide up and down absolutely smoothly with no belts on it. Should be able to push it up with 1 finger, if it binds at all replace it.

They're not too bad to change
Tedious though

Ok, both belts. I do have an atv/lawnmore lift.

Your link doesn't work for me. I just get a 404.

Edit: is it the link to "Cub Cadet LTX1000 + SLTX1000 Series (2009 - 2014) Service Manual"?

Edit2: Based on the "2008" part of the link and refering to paragraph 17 I think you're linking to "Cub Cadet LT1000 + GT1500 + SLT1500 Series (2004 - 2008) Service Manual"? (But mine is a 2013?)

Is that just the pulley that could bind, or could the shaft it is on cause the binding too?

The pulley looks to be:
956-04015A Pulley Ass’y, Var Spd, 4.75 OD

Edit: nevermind... I looked at a better picture of the pulley... the variable side on the pulley itself. :)

OK, sorry, I assumed it was older and you got it in 2013.
So in this case you could have the CVT system or full hydro.
Do you have a handle on the fender to select F-N-R (that would be CVT) or do you just use the pedals to go forward and reverse (that would be hydro)?

In either case I think this is the link your service manual....
https://www.cubcadetpartsnmore.com/u...%202014%29.pdf

Sorry, I meant I bought new in spring of 2013. :)

It is the CVT (I have F-N-R on the fender).