Go BottomCub Cadet 5234D PTO or Transmission problem
 | funbob
Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Leesburg, VA 
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2008-09-29 156924
Hello I have a 2004 5234D out of warranty that is now in the shop facing a $4k estimated repair for what appears to be a PTO problem. I was mowing (nothing special) and a sudden loud squeal and pop then nice crack in lower casing and leaking trans fluid. Engine runs fine, PTO and tran no. I heard there may be some latent defects on these? please help - I'm out of warranty and will likely part out on eBay vs pay $4k to fix. I've sent a note to Cub Cadet and my local dealer in Frederick MD is trying thru local mtd rep to see if they can help me out. thanks Rob 703 244 0309, rob.seweryniak_at_ge.com
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 | auerbach
Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2168 West of Toronto 
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2008-10-12 157191
A cotter pin is not a "wear item" and if not abused should last forever. So if one snaps after a decade of service, can you demand a free replacement? Damages? Compensation? Of course not.
A tractor frame is not a wear item and if not abused should last forever. So if, sitting in the garage, the frame spontaneously snaps the day after the warranty expires, are you on the hook for the repair? Of course not.
You are somewhere in between, and in my opinion, closer to the second of these extreme examples. That's why I suggest you consult a lawyer who deals with consumer matters. Each state has its own statutes around, for instance, "implied warranties," and there might even be a "class action" lawsuit in this case. An initial interview should be low-cost or even free. Bring your documentation, photos, notes, etc. ....
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 | earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2008-10-13 157217
I did some quick Googling on your machine (I searched for your model and the word "cracked").
You are not alone.
Some reported getting new, free later-model tractors and loving them; others had two replacements with no luck. And they reported your transmission is no longer available, nor is your model; it's better and reportedly no issues.
My advice is talk to a "product liability" or "strict liability" lawyer. I didn't look for a lawyer involved in litigation but I'm sure if you Google it something will come up.
When I had problems with my New Holland skid steer I happened to reach the same lawyer whose client is my same dealer! (I never hired a lawyer)
Long story short I have a feeling this lawyer made a call and put a fire under the dealer or at the very least let him know I was going after them. "Magically" I got a new $47,000 machine at a $13,000 discount and they paid off the remaining $19,000 balance. Prior to that I had a meeting with the New Holland Regional Rep and the National Service Reps. After an hour they thanked me "for working calmly" (not yelling or getting angry) with them. I knew what they were getting at and said to them, "You mean without my lawyer being here?" The look on their faces was a Kodak-moment! ....
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| funbob
Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Leesburg, VA
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2008-10-13 157218
thanks guys - I picked it up from the dealer and did the teardown myself. The dealer reached out to MTD and he relayed MTDs reluctance to try to help me out because I'm not the orig owner of the machine :( Turns out there are six grade 5 bolts holding the differential planetary gears and four had backed out (no loc-tite or torqued correctly?). The hub locking mechanism was banged up pretty good too. Replaced all the parts with Cub Cadet parts and put it all back together (with grade 8, loc-tite, and a torque wrench). Cost about $350 + 2.5days with about half of that for 5gals the $37/gal drive fluid. I appreciate the attorney comments - but in this situation I figured I could have it fixed by the time the attorney gave a recommendation. The trans isn't that complicated once you get it out. ....
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