I have a Cub Cadet L1018 riding lawn mower that will hardly crank....acts like the battery is nearly dead. I thought that might be the problem so I replaced the battery....same thing. I put it on my charger and it showed the battery was fully charged. I also checked to make sure the PTO wasn't somehow engaged, making the starter try to crank engine and spin the blades too. Do I have a bad starter motor? Any way to test it? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

Has mower been sitting & not running for any amount of time?
What happens with a boost from charger or another battery?
If it has headlights, turn them on, and watch them when you or someone else cranks it over to start it. If they go real dim, my guess is that your starter is drawing too much current, indicating worn stater. That is provided you do have a fully charged compatible battery, and all cables/connections have been clean & checked.

 

Well, They put a single cylinder 18.5 hp or a 22 hp twin on this unit.

Please post the engine model and type numbers so we know which you have.

Have you tried cranking it over with the plug(s) out ?

 

Possible Hydro Lock?

Check for excess fuel in the cylinder from a flooding carburetor. Remove air filter cover and look down into carburetor to see if fuel is puddled in it.

 

The engine info would be helpful. I'm thinking you might benefit from a valve adjustment here.

 

Yes the response is dependant on what engine you have.


Fish