Cub GT reverse speed 1541

slednut3 · #1 08-05-2012, 10:30 PM

I am looking at buying a used 1541 from a close friend that is unbelievably slow in reverse. He took it to a local dealer that said they changed the fluids and filter and it did not help it at all. I have read that Cub made these tractors soooo slooooww for safety reasons, but I think a baby could crawl out of the way of this thing if it was a foot away. The dealer that worked on it is fairly new so I am not sure the mechanics there have much experience with this type of stuff. Is there an adjustment or replacement part that a good dealer can change to help speed this thing up? Currently if I try to back up an incline it will set for second or two before barely crawling backward. On level ground it will go right in reverse, but very slow. Any advice appreciated.

Jason

Methos · #2 08-05-2012, 10:37 PM

Jason

Linkage may need adjustment or hydro valve might need to be replaced. Try swaping them and see if that makes forward slow and reverse fast. If so you'll need a new valve.

clint · #3 08-05-2012, 11:15 PM

Agree with above, also check the plate on side of hydro pump which could be worn where the roller rides in the cut out space. As above check linkages all the way from hand control to hydro pump/transmission. Check dipstick for checking fluid level on rear differential (hydro fluid) under seat the dipstick may be broken so check for that. Make sure it has correct filter on the pump, you can not use an oil filter etc on the newer type hydro pump it will not even move from what I recall, however it could maybe cause the problem you have.. just something to check.

I have two 1541's, and also have talked with others on here who have 1541... it is a very nice garden tractor, in my opinion one of the better Cub Cadets. I don't care for the plastic which comes with the beast other than that I have no complaints. If you find any worn parts you can normally pick up parts at decent prices, and even good deals on ebay.

Keep in mind that there are two different hydro units on the 1541, the early version is like the older sundstrand pump (it may be the exact thing I cant remember) one of my 1541's has this setup, the other has the later hydro pump ( I can't remember name) get the serial number and look it up on parts tree. Note the older type with the older type hydro on my 1541 has a white mule drive, and white deck.

slednut3 · #4 08-07-2012, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the info. That gives me some hope.

cubs-n-bxrs · #5 08-07-2012, 11:58 AM

Another thing to check is the clutch/brake pedal is coming all the way up to the top stopping bracket. Same thing happened to my 1641. Was all ready to tear into it and realized the pedal bushings were a little rusty. Give all the linkages and bushings a good shot of PB Blaster and worked it in. Problem solved. Clutch/Brake pedal return spring is something else to check.