Happy Birthday to me! With my Home Depot gift certificate from Aunt Barbra and Uncle Jim, I purchased a new string trimmer to replace the old one which met its demise earlier this spring. She’s a bute! There are several nice things about this unit; first, it has a 4 cycle engine. No more mixing oil and gas and hoping that I don’t foul a spark plug. Plus, it always seems that each tool, e.g. chain saw, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, used a different fuel to oil ratio, making life difficult. Second, it has several different attachment head accessories that can be bought, so not only is it a string trimmer, it can be a pole chain saw, hedge trimmer, brush cutter, mini rototiller, edger and so on.
There were two units to choose from, the less expensive, less versatile curved shaft unit, or the straight shaft unit. I like the straight shaft units better because it seems to be a better design; less friction, less wear and tear on the power transfer cable, etc. Perhaps I am just imagining it, but it seems to be much more sturdy that the old Pouland string trimmer.
Since it has a 4 cycle engine, it requires crank case oil and there are all sorts of warnings and stickers to that effect. Guessing they may have had problems with that in the past. Anyway, a 3.04 ounce bottle of SAE 30 HD motor oil is provided. I am going to keep the little bottle to measure out oil changes when needed in the future. I also noted that it is about 1 to 2 pounds heavier than the old string trimmer. It seems to have more power than the old unit, and no smoky exhaust to breath while trimming up the yard.
Some assembly required.
I am looking forward to finishing up the trimming over the weekend.
Happy Birthday! That sounds like a nice present!
Wait a second….I was there all day and you didn’t tell me it was your birthday!?!?!
Just for that you’re getting called an old man….
Happy Birthday….
and for relevance, that looks like a fine piece of machinery. Looks a lot sturdier than my old electric one, but I have a small city yard so a cord reaches everywhere.
Thanks guys… Actually my birthday was earlier in the month, but you get the idea.
You had an electric weed wacker?
You had an electric weed wacker?
No sir, not I.
Hi, I just got a CC4175 and would be interested to know if you’ve experienced a problem I’m having. The air filter cover pops off after a few minutes of use. I think it eventually comes into contact with my body during use and pops off way too easily (plastic snap, no screw). Cover and sponge go flying. Used it for the first time today, so have not contacted Cub Cadet about the problem yet. Found your blog (very enjoyable, by the way) while looking for info on the net. Any problem with this part? Thanks!
Hi Chuck,
No, I have not had that problem. I checked my unit and the air filter cover seems pretty secure, I can’t see how bumping it would knock it loose.
It seems to me like you have a defective part, I would call or write Cub Cadet and see if they will send you a replacement. Let me know how it turns out!
Regards,
Paul
First off, I have had the same problem with my CC4125 that Chuck has had with his 4175 with the air filter cover coming off. I’ve also had the following horrible problem since purchase (April 24, 2008) – Maybe 7hrs on the unit: After about 10 pulls, the clutch assembly ‘blows up.’ The symptom is, when you go to pull start the trimmer, the line from the recoil comes out properly, but without turning the engine. There is normal resistance during pull-out, but there is absolutely no turnover. After this originally happened for the first time, I had the warranty work done on it without a problem. Got it back, used it once or twice, and the same thing – no turnover during start attempt. Brought it back to the servicer, and this time the service guy chewed me out and said I was pulling too hard. Long story longer, I got it back a second time, used it maybe twice and boom, no starter again. I’ve taken matters to corporate hoping they will replace the unit. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I’ve got a lot of experience with yard equipment (chain saws, trimmers, lawn mowers, blowers) I’m fairly certain I know how to pull start a device. The service guy said this trimmer had an ‘easy start’ function and I don’t need to pull it fast. On the trimmer itself it states, “Pull Rope Quickly”. I tried his method of pulling slowly, and there was no way this thing was starting with that technique. I hope I have a lemon and MTD will replace it. I will NOT buy yard equipment from The Home Depot anymore; this is a nightmare.
Patrick
Checking back in with an update after seeing Patrick had the same problem as I did (and more) with a Cub Cadet line trimmer. I took my CC4175 back to Home Depot, explained the problem with the air filter cover, and they said go pick you out a new one. They credited my account and sent the line trimmer back to the manufacturer. Couldn’t have been any easier. I went to select a new line trimmer, but they were out-of-stock and weren’t getting anymore in. Discontinued. Interesting. Another CC model I had looked at was also out-of-stock. They did have a smaller, curved shaft model, which I didn’t like or want. So I bought a new chain saw with my credit to get ready for downed trees in the hurricane that wasn’t (Houston area). Back to the line trimmer–I think it’s interesting that Home Depot was so short on Cub Cadet stock and were not going to restock the 4175 and maybe one other. My Home Depot experience was excellent. I’m a bit gun shy about a Cub Cadet line trimmer now and will probably go back to Echo. I have one already and it’s been great. Good luck, Patrick, with Cub Cadet, and hope yours, Paul, is still trouble free.
Patrick & Chuck,
Thanks for the comments. I can say the my Cub Cadet string trimmer is still going strong. They might of had a bad run on air filter covers… They may also be redesigning and updating that model. I have had some gripes about the big box stores, but I will say, it is always very easy to return stuff that is broken or that you don’t want.
I actually thought I had a pretty good chance at exchange or store credit when I went back to Home Depot with my problem. The return person didn’t want anything to do with me, so she called a manager right away. The manager told me Home Depot has a policy not to take back anything that already has had gas in it. How am I supposed to know if this thing works without powering it up? I also told the manager that the trimmer only had 7 hours on it at the most. She replied with, “How am I supposed to know if that’s the truth.” She told me I should have bought the Home Depot service plan. She implored me to go to the Cub Cadet website to contact Cub directly. There is no contact information on that site and the phone numbers on the manual were direct lines to robots. I had to search the web for a while to get a number to actually talk to someone. This Home Depot manager wanted nothing to do with this problem or me which is a total turn off for my future purchases. I love Home Depot, but I need to rethink which products are conducive to purchasing at that store vs. a lawn & garden store that will deal directly with the consumer that has issues (i.e. Stihl dealership) I’m not whining; just giving you my experiences with Home Depot. I’ll keep you posted at to what I hear from MTD Corporate.
Unbelievable attitude you’re getting from your Home Depot. I think somebody higher up the HD food chain needs to hear about all that nonsense. I returned my line trimmer half-filled with gas. Full of oil, too, of course. They didn’t blink. Sounds like you ran into a lazy, incompetent manager. And for someone to insinuate you’re not telling the truth… Not acceptable. Best of luck.
HEY PATRICK – I had the exact same problem with my pullstart! It would pull out but not turnover the engine. It also seemed to only come out about 3/4 of the way. I took all the covers off to try and see what was happening but couldn’t figure anything out. When I got it all back together, it now works. I have no idea why but expect it to stop again at any time. Let me know if you here of any long term fixes. -Dave
Dave,
I’ll let you know what I hear from Cub; I’ve given up having it serviced. The only place that’ll service it under warranty is about 25 miles of congested traffic away. I just need a trimmer to work on a weekly basis with some sort of reliability. What’s really salt in the wounds is I purchased the hedge trimming attachment, so now hedges are going out of control as well. :-/ Dave, do you have the 4125?
Patrick,
I have the 4175. I too have the hedge trimmer. Just bought it and used it only once. Works great…. but unfortunately is nothing more than an awkward doorstop without the engine to run it. My hedges too are in bad shape at this point. : /
My problem with my CC4125 is that it will not turn over. The pull cord works fine, but it just will not get a clean start. Purchased it in 11/07 so it is not even a year old. My friend managed to start it with the choke fully opened, but it was very time consuming. Said that I might have an issue with my Carburetor. Is this a warranty fix? The last time I called, they made it seem that very little is warranty covered. Everything is considered “normal wear and tear”, yet for a 4 cylce engine used for one season, I find that very quick to be experiencing such problems.
Trevor,
I feel your pain man. When I get mine started, and starting is tough going consistently, the unit will flat out kill for no reason after it gets warmed up.
So let me summarize: I bought a 2008 Cub Cadet CC4125 in April from Home Depot, have had it in the shop 3 times because the starter clutch malfunctions, the air filter cap keeps popping off, and it kills repeatedly during a 20 minute trim session. All of this and the place I bought it wants nothing to do with my problems and MTD corporate seems to think I haven’t quite logged enough hours taking it in for service to justify awarding me with a new unit yet.
When this unit is completely no longer usable I will simply move on to the Stihl world where I’ve had nothing but good luck. Sometimes that’s all a guy can do…
Take care…
Hmm, I just bought one of these, and now I’m worried….
But it worked fine for the first hour, at least, as designed. I’m a little unhappy with the single string head. I’m used to the “bump and feed” heads, and find them a lot more convinient and time saving than replacing the single string (maybe I’m a little too reckless with the string?). Anyone have any idea’s on how this can be “retro fitted”?
I took my trimmer apart to see if the pull string was stuck.. which it wasn’t. When I put it back together, it was no longer stuck and pulled fine. The trimmer now starts but when I pull the throttle trigger, no power goes to the trimming head – it doesn’t spin. Any ideas now? …still a clutch issue??
Thanks for any insight!
Bought my cuc cadet 4 cycle trimmer in spring of 2008, Had it in shop once, has no power. Bought from home depot. Any one have an idea on how to fix this problem.
I have the cub cadet 4-cycle. It’s a piece of junk. I’m going back to echo or stihl.
Hey guys, well I gotta stick up for Cub Cadet.. I have the CC 4175 and I love it and it works great tons of use.. This info is for the 4175 only (4 cycle) the unit says prime 10 times… this sticker diagram is a suggestion you can prime it more. Prime it 10 times then look at the gas lines and prime until you see no air bubbles..usually 3 or so more times. Then pull quick once, NOT HOLDING THE THROTTLE, now pull agian just a little tug.. Don’t squeeze the throttle..now it should be running. I have had ZERO issues with mine.. I keep stabil in my gas (master can). Follow the winterizer suggestions your golden. No probs with the air filter cover.. does seem like a cheesy design though.. come’on cub one snap??? WTF.. Anyway love my cub!!! thanks for the blog!
DaveI had similar clutch problems. Its a centrifical clutch and the half circle discs slipped of the cogs because the outside drum screw loosened and lifted off the discs. But that’s probably not what happened to you, but when you put it back together it’s very easy to have the shaft cable not line up with the clutch. At least that’s what happened when I reassembled it for the 5th time. Good Luck!
Hey guys. Just to weigh in, I have the CC-4175 and have had no problems with it in close to 2 years of use. Always starts right up and has plenty of power. As for the experience Patrick described with HD, I once returned a John Deere lawn tractor to HD after having used it for ~2 weeks. I decided it didn’t have the power I needed. After the manager made a feeble attempt to get me to “trade up” she processed my return and I went on my way.
I have a CC-4175, and love the unit up to July 12 when the trimmer head would not release the line, and when dismantled found one of the metal clips had broken. Went online to purchase replacement from cubcadet.com and 18 days later I called to find out where the part was, I found out it had been backordered. Apparently MTD was distributing the part, and they did not inform me of the backorder status. Nothing local, and nothing online…Cub Cadet just does not have that part. Another issue I had was when I first purchased the unit approx. 4 uses I encountered a problem I had with the 2 stroke models. It was loading up on fuel. Found the “winter” selection rubber had come off arm and into the intake. took it out and ran good…until the trimmer head incident.
Yep lost air filter cover somewhere. Trying to find where to get replacement. Home Depot in Independence, MO. does not carry Cub Cadet trimmers and didn’t even see much of lawn mower line either. Still trying to figure out how to get a replacement air filter cover for the cc4175. Haven’t had any problem with pull starter though.
I have had the cc4175 for over two years. I bought it for use with the roto-tiller attachment, and have probably logged close to 100 hours tilling and another 30 or so trimming. I had the same problem with the air filter cover popping off. I just put a tie wrap through the latch.
What concerns me, and what prompted this post, are the fuel lines. I was tilling along quite obliviously when I noticed a strong gasoline smell. I shut everything down and realized the gas was all down my side and leg. The way the fuel lines are routed, the feed line had rubbed on the case and worn through! On further inspection, the feed line is severely damaged in several places, and the return line also shows extensive wear in two spots where it contacts the casing. I replaced both lines and added a sleeve to protect them from a repeat, but this looked like a good place to post a warning to other owners: CHECK YOUR FUEL LINES FOR WEAR!
Thanks for all the great info guys. Great post Brian.
I just picked up my 4175 today. Normally i do research before buying, but when i seen a 4stroke trimmer on the shelf (and my weeds at home are 2ft hight) i said what the heck. Im soooo tired of all the damn crap trimmers out there.
Anyways, this sucker worked perfect. I probably put 45min on it. It did seem to bog more than my other 32cc 2strokes once i stuck it to some tall weeds. But thats to be expected with dual fat trimming line (more drag). Also, the rpm’s could be a tad higher to help out. But i can live with it.
But, one thing i didnt like was, when i was done, i opened the oil plug to look inside, and along with a good amount of vapor coming out, there was a decent amount of metal flake floating in the oil. Looked almost like metallic paint. I stuck a magnet on the oil tank and could really see the metal better.
Is this normal? I know its a new engine, and ofcourse, breakin will result in a bit of metal float. I dumped the oil out, and its not as drastically full of the metal flake as it looked in contrast to inside the black oil tank.
I will be putting full syn in it for the rest of the season with some Lucus additive. I will probably also take the oil tank off and tig up an aluminum one with larger cap.
I guess if i grenade it, i can build it to have some actual balls.
I bought my 4125 last year and it worked great. Now the air filter cover is lost and when I pull the cord to start it, it starts but with no power at all. It just cant maintain the power….any suggestions?
Same deal as Bruce, above. M
y 4125 worked fine for several hours, but now when I squeeze the throttle at all the engine dies. Can’t wack weeks at idle speed. Any ideas?
Hi guys, nice to see find a bunch of like minded power tool enthusiasts (sp). In reading through the various postings, I could identify with so many of you. Let me first declare my circumstance – I too just bought a Club Cadet 4175 (not 4125). I must admit, I bought a bit on impulse and am now wondering if I made the right choice. I was impressed with the design and feel of it. I used it for the first time this weekend and thought it worked great. I am concerned about the engine/power problems I read up above – I am hoping that this is limited to the 4125 models – by the way, can anybody tell me what the difference is between the 4125 and 4175?. is there anyone out there having engine problems with the 4175? I don’t want to start buying other attachments (which was part of its original appeal)if the engine is not up for it.
Eric
Have owned the 4175 for two years and have gone through many trim line heads. Today I went to Home Depot & Lowes and neither carries a replacement head. I have gone to several websites including Amazon & Cub Cadet and have had no luck with this replacement head. I have gone through many trimmers (hate them all) over the years but dejected that a may have to re-invest simply because I can find no replacement head.
i’ve have a 4175 for over two years and it is perfect paperweight. used it for about half a season doing light trimming around the house, then the next year, wouldn’t run. started great, but pull the trigger – dies. took it to a “certified” repair shop who said that it had bad gas (BS – fresh gas) – took it home, started it and nothing. same problem. back to the certified shop and was told that it needed a new carb. waited for several months, checking on the trimmer every few weeks and was told the carb was out of stock. finally called cub cadet and found out it was in stock. that took crae of 2009. picked up trimmer, ordered carb from a different shop, just installed it this morning and nothing. in fact, won’t even start now. primes ok, can see gas moving, tank is full of fresh gas, fuel line full, new plug. taking it to a different repair center to see WTF. after which, i hope to sell this pos and buy something reliable – which would be anything else at this point. but it will never, ever be a cub cadet anything, ever. support is too difficult to find, parts not available in HD/L’s, after markets will not fit.
i’ve have a 4175 for over two years and it is perfect paperweight. used it for about half a season doing light trimming around the house, then the next year, wouldn’t run. started great, but pull the trigger – dies. took it to a “certified” repair shop who said that it had bad gas (BS – fresh gas) – took it home, started it and nothing. same problem. back to the certified shop and was told that it needed a new carb. waited for several months, checking on the trimmer every few weeks and was told the carb was out of stock. finally called cub cadet and found out it was in stock. that took care of 2009. picked up trimmer, ordered carb from a different shop, just installed it this morning and nothing. in fact, won’t even start now. primes ok, can see gas moving, tank is full of fresh gas, fuel line full, new plug. taking it to a different repair center to see WTF. after which, i hope to sell this pos and buy something reliable – which would be anything else at this point. but it will never, ever be a cub cadet anything, ever. support is too difficult to find, parts not available in HD/L’s, after markets will not fit.
I have had a 4175 for a couple of years bought for the options. the air filter cover took about 2.3 seconds to fall off know souddenly the clutch won’t engage. Hasn’t had a lot off use. Not impressedi hope clutch parts can be found.
The difference between the 4175 and the 4125 is 50. HD in my remote area has dropped them in favor of Stihl. Also problems with the 4 cycle lubrication have developed.
4125 / 4175 differences according to http://www.upstateoutdoorpowerequipment.com/pages/newvehicles/viewspecs/1347/228/3020/2008/cub-cadet-cc-4125.aspx
The 4125 is curved, split boom, and the 4175 is a straight, split boom. Rest of it seems to be the same, engine, cut size, etc.
I’ve had mine about 2 years, and found as some noted, that to start it you DON’T want to pull the throttle as you would with many other brands. When I pulled the throttle, I couldn’t get it to start. Re-read the brief start instructions on the side and let go of the throttle, and it fired up.
Failures I’ve had: at start of second year, found it had a hard time returning coil rope. After disassembling, found the heavy coil spring was rusting inside the case. and wouldn’t slide in order to wind / unwind. Too much friction. Cleaned it up, oiled it, reassembled, (had to buy 1 push nut) cranked nicely again. Don’t know if I somehow let it get wet or what happened.
Doesn’t have enough power to use the brushcutter on some of the stuff out back. It keeps dying under throttle.
When I finished, I noticed my air filter cover & filter were missing.
Went to start it last week, and the purge bulb won’t draw any fuel up into the carb. Can’t start without fuel.
No wonder HD doesn’t stock them anymore. Sigh…
Thanks for letting me rant on your blog, for the benefit of any others who may read.
HAS ANYONE HAD A PROBLEM WITH CONVERTING TO A BRUSH CUTTER . WHICH MODEL DO THE BRUSH CUTTER FIT ON FOR THE CUB CADET. THE HOLES ARE NOT THE SAME
also need to know which bushcutter model for cc4175,
would just using an aftermarket steel blade trimmer head instead of the plastic sting work ?
thanks
Hi All, I’m not surprised to see the same problems I’ve experienced. All except the bad starting clutch problem. Hope I didn’t jinx myself. I’m in the process of not taking a sledge hammer to my 4175 due to the lack of power and/or killing when I touch the throttle. I probably left the original oil in twice as long as I should’ve-oops my bad. Got sick and tired of pulling and pulling and pulling. Finally figured out there was bad gas in it. Looked like oil separated on the bottom of the tank. Changed the oil too (I like Syntech). Now I’m pretty sure it’s not getting any gas. Gonna change filters and soak the carb in whatever I can find to break the crap free. As frustrating as it has been I still like this piece of crap- lol.
If anyone out there is still interested. I had the problem of not wanting to accelerate. (Pull on the throttle and it just dies.) I could tell that it was either fuel starvation or bad valves or rings. I checked the valve clearances as described in the owners manual. Nothing wrong there. So I did a compression check and came up with between 50 and 60 psi. I don’t know what it’s supposed to be, but that didn’t seem too bad for a small 4 cycle engine. So I pulled the carbueretor off and disassembled it to find what I thought was a bad diaphragm. I bought a rebuild kit and replaced what I thought was bad. Still died when throttle was pulled. Took carb apart again and blew out every passage way I could see with compressed air. Reassembled. Runs like new. There must have been a tiny piece of dirt I couldn’t see. If you do this, BE Careful not to lose any small parts. The compressed air can dislodge what I think might be the high speed jet. Best of luck to you all.
I have a CC4175 which has been quite a work horse for 4 years.
My son has mowed 4-5 lawns over these years and it has worked very well with the exception, of having to replace a spark plug.
But, currently, I am having the clutch spring issue where the clutch over expands causing the springs to become sprung. I replaced the clutch ($30) for the part, and it did the same thing. When I looked at the new clutch pads, it looks like only 1 of the pads was catching on the clutch. It is hard to conceive how the clutch pads can expand soo far to hop off the top of the holding mechanismn. I am thinking now that the clutch drum might be out of spec from wear over time, or that the clutch drum is able to move vertically allowing too much space for the drum pads to tilt up. Or where the Clutch drum and the clutch assembly shaft come together is worn sufficiently that the drum is able to wiggle horizontally and allow the springs to over extend on one side.
Bottom line, I’m going to replace the Clutch assembley (Ouch because I just need new springs) and the Clutch drum together.
Any advice on whether others have done this to fix this problem would be appreciated.