Mower Review

- Cub Cadet 1250 wont start?
I was given a Int'l Cub Cadet 1250 Garden Tractor. I will not turn over. I have 12.4V coming from battery, thru selenoid, to the starter. Only "clicks" at starter when I turn the Key. Says PTO switch has to be OFF, but wont do anything in off position. When in On position is when I get the " click" She told me that the alternator was in fact bad. It sat outside all last fall and winter partially covered up. Some rust on deck pullys.When I turn shaft pulley coming from engine, belts on deck turn as well. Mower Engaged? preventing it from turnin over? Clutch press in makes no difference, Not sure how to disengage mower, deck raise and lower handle froze up, will not move. Not sure where to get exploded view or wiring diagrams for this thing.. any advise appreciated.. thanks i cannot find the plate with the model #. I have found 2050 610U 5962 25 on the frame, and seriel # 03200 20U1 48323 on the mower deck. Not sure if the zero's are zero's or the letter "O" cannot tell. Still cannot find model number..

A I have a cub cadet. I didn't have a manual either. You can go to their website and get a manual. The serial # is probably under the seat. You will need the serial # and the model #. It is free and in PDF format. You could try this: Push in the knob that engages the PTO. It won't start otherwise and yes, you will get that click. You have to step on the brake and you have to be in the seat. The cadet has limit switches everywhere. After that, you will have to troubleshoot electrical as you suggested. I'd try charging the battery first. I don't know, but think that it doesn't have an alternator. It most likely charges from a magneto. Here's their website for manuals: http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/public/list.jsp?BrandCode=10051 Here's their website main page. If you can't get there from the previous, click on "owner's manuals" in the left side column. http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/topcategory_10051_14101_-1 Hopefully, the first suggestion works. Good luck

- Cub cadet 1250 International Garden Tractor no start.?
I bypassed the solenoid, the starter cranks and there is spark flickering at the end of the plug. Only turns over, will not start. Solenoid has two large nuts, one small one. First large nut goes to pos. side of battery, this is the one I crossed with the small nut. The second large nut goes to the alternator when crossed with hot lead, spins. Good spark. Cannot find any safety switches anywhere, under seat, deck, nowhere. Engine will not crank at all when turning switch on dash. no spark at the plug unless switch is in "on" position. Also turns over with PTO engaged,, which is should not. also turns over whether clutch is in or out. Not sure if condensor is a factor or not since I do have a real good spark snap at the plug. ( yes, it has gas!!!) Thanks

A There is a seat safety, you just haven't found it...there is also either a shift/neutral safety, or some kind of clutch safety. Again, you just haven't found it... As for not starting with the key, either one of those safeties is "open", or you lost the ground between the switch and frame...got rusty bolts on the frame panels? As for the engine not starting, have you cleaned the air filter recently??? Have you verified that fuel is getting through that little fuel filter in the line to the engine? Or does it just "smell" flooded? Go back to safeties and switch... Also check the ignition fuse, usually in a single fuse holder somewhere...