Most Common Cub Cadet 5252 Problems and Their Solutions

The Cub Cadet 5252 is a sub-compact utility tractor that has a 25hp engine. It has a hydrostatic Kohler gasoline 2-cylinder air-cooled engine. 

However, the tractor encounters some engine issues along with the problems like blade issues, transmission gear issues, etc. 

But why do the cub cadet 5252 problems happen? How long does the tractor last without these problems? Can you solve these problems? In this article, I will collectively answer all these questions. Stay tuned till the end! 

Problems and Solutions at a Glance

Common Cub Cadet 5252 Problems and the Solutions:

You may experience Cub Cadet 5252 problems due to many reasons. Here are some of the reasons and how to solve them.

1. Blades issues

According to some customers, Cub cadet model 5252 blades don’t engage sometimes.

The PTO (Power Take-Off) clutch engages the drive belt to drive the rotation of the lawn mower blades. The blades will not engage when the PTO clutch is not getting power, the clutch solenoid is defective, or if the clutch is worn out. The PTO clutch is not repairable—if the clutch is defective, you must replace it.

When the PTO switch is defective, it may not supply power to the PTO clutch. As a result, the clutch won’t engage, and the blades won’t rotate.

To determine if the switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.

The Fix:

To resolve the issue, you need to follow the steps –

Step 1

Park your Cub Cadet tractor and cut the engine.

Step 2

Open the engine cover and remove the ignition wire from the spark plug on the side of the engine assembly.

Step 3

Find the small bell housing on the underside of the Cub Cadet’s Briggs & Stratton engine.

This housing is for the PTO clutch. Clean the PTO clutch with a wire brush in order to get rid of any debris, then wipe the clutch with a cloth.

Step 4

Find the three long, rectangular slots on the PTO. These adjustment slots must be measured by a filler gauge. Insert the filler gauge into the first slot and feel for the rotor and armature face.

These should be tight up against the inserted filler gauge. There should not be room to wiggle the gauge or measure any gap in the adjustment slot.

Step 5

Take a socket wrench and tighten the bolt on the first adjustment slot if the filler gauge detected there was too much room within the slot.

Continue tightening the slot until the rotor and armature can be felt pressing against the gauge.

Step 6

Measure each of the other two adjustment slots and tighten their bolts as necessary with your socket wrench.

Step 7

Insert the ignition wire back into the spark plug and set the engine’s hood back into place.

2. Transmission Gear issues

Many customers reported hydrostatic transmission problems on a Cub Cadet 5252 tractor. It can happen due to a transmission control rod misalignment. 

We know that the transmission control rod causes the tractor to rock slightly forward or backward when the engine is powered at high idle speed while it is in neutral.

If your 5252 tractor has been in use for a few years, this form of ‘creeping’ may occur. 

The Fix:

You should troubleshoot the hydrostatic transmission control rod first so that you can avoid unnecessary and costly transmission repairs. 

• Set the front of the tractor against a stable post or wall that is in a fixed position. 
• Jack up the tractor’s rear. Both rear wheels must be one inch off the ground.
• Put the drive control levers in neutral, disengage the parking brake, start the tractor and idle it high.
• Inspect the rear wheels and verify that both are rotating. If one or both wheels do not move, turn off the tractor, take the flange lock nut off of its designated transmission control rod and then use the hex screwdriver to remove the hex screw.
• Start the tractor and then inspect the rear wheels and verify that the affected wheel is not rotating. If it continues to rotate, stop here and contact Cub Cadet for further support; otherwise, continue to the next step.
• Turn off the tractor and then move the control rod either up or down to the free hole in the control arm.
• Reattach the hex screw and flange lock nut.
• Use the jack to lower the tractor to the ground and then move it out from under the tractor.

3. Starting Issue

Some of the customers complained about the starting issue of this sub-compact tractor. After replacing the PTO and muffler, they didn’t get rid of the issue. 

However, if the engine is hard to start, starts but stalls soon after, or will not even start at all, there are several potential causes to investigate.

There can be electrical causes, battery causes, fuel issues, and many more.

The Fix:

First of all, you need to check if the battery is fully charged, and the posts and terminals should be clean.

If the problem persists and no other areas are the problem, replace the battery.

For the electric circuitry issue, check for a blown fuse and replace it if needed. For further issues, follow the recommendations and process per the operator’s manual.

The fuel system can also cause the problem.

First, ensure if the fuel shut-off valve is open/on and adjust if needed. Next, check to see if the fuel filter looks dirty.

Change the fuel filter if needed. The third area to check is the fuel lines to ensure there are no loose connections or leaks.

If the problem persists, the fuel may be stale or contaminated. Drain the fuel and replace it with a fresh fill.

Clean the foam pre-cleaner with warm, soapy water. If the paper air filter element is dirty, replace it. A paper air filter element should never be cleaned, only replaced, as it can rip or become damaged from wiping or blowing air.

4. Engine Overheating

Excessive heat is one of the leading causes of engine failure of cub cadet 5252 problems. Then the tractor is not being operated at overload.

The Fix:

There are many possible reasons for overheating. The Oil level can be an issue.Check the engine oil level and fill it to the proper amount if needed.

Also, check the coolant level and add engine coolant if needed. 

The fan belt also can be an issue. If it appears damaged, replace it. If it looks okay, it may be that the tension is off. Check the fan belt to ensure it is to the specified tension.

Examine the airflow and clean the foam pre-cleaner and/or replace the paper air filter element. Check whether the radiator and radiator screen are clean and free of debris or not.

What Majority of the Users Feel?

The cub cadet 5252 runs well and it is suitable for daily use. It is cheap as well. But the PTO needs to get better. 

The throttle has to be fixed multiple times, the hydraulic lift keeps going down and the deck does not cut properly.

The deck always leaves a strip of clipped grass on the opposite side of the discharge.

But according to the owners, the 5252 tractor is a bit light in the loafers for a garden tractor, has a problematic engine and transmission.

People have seen low hour units on the third engine. The hydrostats fail because owners do not run them at full throttle all the time. They also really like their gasoline.

Final Words

If you have gone through the article, you should get a gross idea of the frequent cub cadet 5252 problems and their solutions. Knowing these troubleshooting ideas will help you in crucial moments. 

You may also face some other problems apart from the mentioned ones. You are likely to find their solutions in the tractor forums on the internet. 

But I suggest you see a mechanic in case you don’t know what to do. And you should always focus on regular maintenance.

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