LTX 1045 Swap.?

[Tim4717]

Hi,

I'm new to the forums. I have a craftsman lt1500 with a 17.5 HP craftsman Briggs and Straton engine that runs great but the mower itself is junk. I have the opportunity to buy a Cub Cadet LTX1045 for $200, with engine problems. I was wondering if it would be possible to swap engines? New to mowers but very technically inclined.

Thanks.

[CubDieselFan]

What is wrong with the Cub Cadet engine? Something that could be fixed?

[Tim4717]

Not sure. When I asked if it was blown she said.
Koehler Motor. No. It turns over hard. Timing was off after repair and the motor needs fixed. Not sure what is wrong with it.

[guyina4x4]

yes those engines will swap right out.
if the craftsman/briggs has a manual PTO it will have a low output alternator and not put out enough to charge the battery and run the electric PTO.

[Tim4717]

So would there be anything to solve that or just a trickle charger when not in use?

[guyina4x4]

If you mow a lot the battery will not last till your done and the PTO will shut off, engine might die too.

You can change the alternator, briggs has a nice pdf on identifying them.
As far as i know they are all interchangeable. You'd also need a regulator.

Check YouTube?

[ironman]

Originally Posted by guyina4x4

yes those engines will swap right out.
if the craftsman/briggs has a manual PTO it will have a low output alternator and not put out enough to charge the battery and run the electric PTO.

The LTX1045 does not have an electric pto.

It has a double pulley on the motor. My concern would be, will the LTX 1045 pulley matchup to the Briggs crankshaft, and line the belts up properly. I have no clue.

The LtX 1045 has the infamous Kohler Courage engine. Not known for their longevity but they run until they blow. On the other hand, when not abused, they can provide decent service. If it's running, the hard starting should be an easy fix. Check the valves, crankshaft key, clean carb, etc.

[guyina4x4]

Ironman, i thought all the ltx's had electric PTO but if not then no problem.
I've swapped many briggs and kohlers on cubs and deere's and poulon and never had any problem with engine placement, same bolt patterns.
I always use the pulley/ clutch that was with the tractor and never had a problem.
Only thing i ever ran across was a kawasaki engine with a 1 1/8" shaft.
Otherwise i think every briggs or kohler vertical shaft engine has 1" shaft.
I'm sure there's other weird ones out there but in the home owner stuff it's pretty standard across everything except simplicity.

Even the electrical plug USUALLY just plugs right in and works. from the early 00's and newer they are pretty much direct swap from one to the other.

[ironman]

I believe the two cylinder models (1046 & up) are electric, and also have a true hydro versus variable pulley drive.
My concern about the pulley fitting the shaft was more about length than diameter (I should have clarified that).