Cub tractors are generally great to ride on and even though many may have reservations about the quality of some parts, their overall features and price point makes them an exciting prospect. Cub Cadet LT1045 lawn tractor is a compact tractor with a Kohler courage engine.
Cub Cadet LT1045 was released in 2005 and continued till 2008. Within those three years, the cub cadet was able to sell a whole lot of these tractors which are still in circulation today. This lawn tractor is a 4×2 2WD drive with the ability to produce smooth transition and movements. Helped by its hydro gear 0510 transmissions, the ease of use is immediately one of the first things any user notices.
The LT1045 lawn tractor is a member of the LT 1000 series. It came after the LT 1042 model while preceding the LT 1046 model.
Cub cadet is among the leading tractor brands in the world, and while it is known for its more affordable options, this does not take away its effectiveness. Cub Cadet LT1045 may have been discontinued more than a decade ago, but more people are still looking to buy this tractor for their lawns. The aim here is to provide all the information you may need, including features and style.
Cub Cadet LT1045 Specs
| Physical dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Model | Cub Cadet LT 1045 |
| Production period | 2005 - 2008 |
| Series | LT 1000 series |
| Length | 1720 mm (68 inches) |
| Width | 1240 mm (49 inches) |
| Weight | 231 kg (510 lbs) |
| Wheelbase | 1160 mm (46 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 110 mm (4.5 inches) |
| Height | 1090 mm (43 inches) |
| Front tires | 15×6×6 |
| Rear tires | 20×10×8 |
| Operator station | Open |
| Engine | |
| Model | Kohler Courage SV600 |
| Type | Four-stroke, air-cooled |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 liters (3.5 US gal) |
| Cylinder | 1 |
| Horsepower | 19 HP (14.2 KW) |
| Displacement | 596 cc (36.4 ci) |
| Bore × stroke | 94 × 86 mm (3.70 × 3.38 inches) |
| Torque | 48.8 Nm (36 lb-ft) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Ideal RPM | 1200-3600 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Oil type | 10W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 1.5 liters (1.59 US Qt) |
| Chassis and Transmission | |
| Chassis | Chassis 4×2 2WD |
| Transmission model | Hydro-Gear 0510 |
| Transmission type | Hydrostatic |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Dry disc |
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse gears |
| Speed | Maximum forward speed: 8.4 km/h (5.2 mph) Maximum reverse speed: 3.7 km/h (2.3 mph) |
| Transmission oil capacity | 2.25 liters (2.38 US Qt) |
| Attachments | |
| Mower deck | Mid-mount cub cadet 46 inches mower deck with three blades and manual lift |
| Blade | Front mount 190-674 cub cadet 46 inches blade |
| Snowblower | Front mount 190-673 cub cadet 42 inches two-stage snowblower with manual lift |
Features of Cub Cadet LT 1045 Lawn Tractor
Now to more detailed information about the Cub Cadet LT 1045 lawn tractor.
1. Physical dimensions
Cub Cadet LT 1045 is still a relatively recent tractor considering it was still in production as of 2008. It possesses a touch of modern sleekness while retaining the traditional cub cadet look.
It sports a ground clearance of 4.5 inches which may mean you’ll struggle to cut tall grass with this lawn tractor. It weighs 231 kg while being only 49 inches wide and sporting a 46 inches cutting width which is impressive for its size. This way, you can cut more grass at a time.
Its wheelbase is 46 inches providing enough balance to the tractor. Since it has low ground clearance, this tractor is more steady on the ground. It is 68 inches long and 43 inches high while sporting an open operator area.
The tires are the size of a regular lawn tire, with the front tire having a rating of 15×6×6 and the rear tire having a rating of 20×10×8.
2. Kohler Courage Engine
This riding mower is powered by a Kohler Courage SV600 engine with a four-stroke, air-cooled engine type. The engine of any tractor is so important to its operation as it determines what you can do with it. Luckily, the cub cadet understood this point and put a 19HP engine in the LT 1045. For a lawn tractor, this is good power and should allow for more work over a long time without issues.
It uses gasoline and comes with a large 13.2 liters fuel tank capacity that can hold a large enough amount of fuel to cover your work even when mowing for a long time. The torque generated is 48.8 Nm, and the rated RPM is 3600, while the idle RPM is 1200-3600.
Its electric starter helps get it up and running in no time, no matter the weather condition. This Kohler Courage is a 1-cylinder engine with 529 cc displacement and a bore × stroke of 3.70 × 3.38 inches. The high compression ratio of 8.5:1 allows the engine to get more mechanical energy.
3. Safety
What sort of safety should a tractor have to protect the user and others around? This is what a lot of users want to know. Cub Cadet LT 1045 has a low ground clearance of 4.5 inches. The low ground clearance and wide wheelbase provide a stable platform for the tractor.
The lawn tractor uses a dry disc brake that uses a single drum. This type of brake heats up quickly when a lot of pressure is put on it thereby reducing its effectiveness over time.
Cub Cadet LT 1045 sports an open operator station that does not protect the user in the event of an accidental turnover. There’s a special prong system under the seat that prevents the tractor from starting except the operator is sitting on the seat.
4. Durability
Tractors are huge investments and should be given up after over a decade of use. However, a tractor with poor parts lacking durability will not last that long. You’ll have to keep replacing parts till it completely falters.
Typically, this tractor should give you a solid 10 years of use without any major problems with the right maintenance. This would include frequent oil changes and filter cleaning. Also, it depends on how many hours on average you use it in a year. The nature of your field is also a huge determinant of the kind of durability to expect. A hilly land will work the tractor harder and reduce its durability.
The Kohler Courage Engine is built to last a long time while the parts can be better but are not poor for a tractor in this price range.
5. Comfort
The tractor sports a comfortable seat with a high backrest, so the operator does not develop back pains after using the tractor for a while. The controls are easy to reach on the dashboard, while the levers and brakes can all be accessed without having to stretch or strain.
The open operator station provides more room for air and movement in the cabin but also leaves the operator open to the elements. Working in extreme weather conditions can be exhausting.
6. Transmission
Cut cadet LT 1045 uses a hydro gear 0510 transmission model with a hydrostatic transmission type. The transmission features used in this tractor ensure a smooth transfer of power from the engine to other parts and in the right proportions.
It uses a dry disc brake which may not be the most durable because it heats up fast. The steering is a manual which means more work to turn right corners. It sports infinite forward and reverse gears, just like many other tractors. The maximum attainable forward speed is 8.4 km/h, while the maximum attainable reverse speed is 3.7 km/h.
7. Attachments
There are three major attachments available for the cub cadet LT 1045 lawn tractor. These attachments include a blade, snowblower, and mower deck. All these will make the tractor more useful as you can do more on your lawn. The good news is that this tractor sports a powerful engine and optimized parts that’ll make these easy. Here are the attachments in more detail:
Mower Deck:
It is mounted in the middle of the cub cadet known as the mid-mount. It has a cutting width of 46 inches and consists of 3 blades with a manual lift to raise or lower the mower deck so you can get the desired grass level.
Blade:
The blade with a rating of 190-674 is mounted at the front of the cub cadet. It is 46 inches wide with a manual lift.
Snowblower:
Snowblower with a rating of 190-673 is also mounted at the front of the cub cadet. It is a two-stage snowblower with a manual lift. It has 42 inches clearing width.
Pros and Cons of Cub Cadet LT 1045
To get a clearer picture, here are reasons for and against buying a cub cadet LT 1045 lawn tractor.
Pros:
- Powerful 19HP engine
- Numerous attachments are available that allow you to use the tractor for more
- Large 13.2 liters fuel tank so you don’t have to keep stopping to refuel
- Hydro gear 0510 transmission
- Durable Kohler Courage SV600 engine
- Comfortable seat with high backrest
Cons:
- The dry disc brake is not durable
- Lack of proper protection for the user
Finally
Should you buy it or not? This will be the question on a lot of minds. This lawn tractor is built with impressive power and transmission ability which allows for greater usage including the use of several attachments.
It is at a price point where it is almost a no-brainer as long as you get a tractor in good working condition.
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