My 1500 series cub cadet 42" mower with hydro transmission runs good but mowes very slow. What could be the problem?

is it hydro static drive?

so you can mow in reverse ???

should be a switch in or around the transmission that could be unplugged. not saying you should, but could
this is if you have a hydro... a manual trans is different

Most Hydro statics are using 20W50 engine oil

http://onlycubcadets.net/forum/index.php

Try here or here
http://www.ihcubcadet.com/cgi-bin/discus/discus.pl?pg=topics

I'm sure it's bypassing some wiring on the PTO switch

Try looking at the directional lever at the Transmission. The PTO for the deck will shut off when shifting into reverse. You may have to simply disconnect or jumper the reverse switch depending on if it is normally closed or normally open. Try it both ways to see what works. Also check the engine oil level, The low oil level switch will shut the engine down if more than a quart low.

Cub Cadet has five models in their new Series 1000 lawn tractors, all powered by Kohler engines. Cub Cadet models -- as several other lawn equipment brands -- are manufactured by MTD Products.

The Cub Cadet LT 1045 has a 20-hp Kohler single-cylinder engine, with an aluminum block and cast-iron sleeve for longer life. It has a full-pressure lubrication system with spin-on oil filter for easier maintenance. This engine is not as powerful or as long lasting as the Kohler V-Twin OHV, which is available in other models in the line, but the LT 1045's engine is still solid enough to provide years of mowing.

The hydrostatic (automatic) transmission is a good match with the engine and provides sufficient grip to cut grass on moderate inclines. Power is transferred from the engine to the transmission by a heavy-duty Kevlar belt rather than a more expensive shaft drive. A Kevlar belt also drives the three cutting blades.

The mowing deck cuts a swath of grass 46 inches wide at one pass, and is removable for service and cleaning. Four anti-scalping wheels help keep the deck from scalping grass on uneven ground. The cutting height is manually adjusted from 1-1/2 to 4 inches. The turning radius is 18 inches, which standard for lawn tractors. This model is intended for use on 1- to 2-acre lawns without many turns or small obstacles.

i had exmark hydros i was told to never wash them, the water does more damage than good. have you checked or changed your hydostatic oil and filter latley? if you have, when doing that you have to be very careful not to get any foriegn objects in the oil resevoir, dirt, grass clipings, anything will ruin the hydro pump.

check the hyro oil level is up to the correct mark. but some hydro units make a noise if you set off on full revs quite rapidly

Check you drive belts first.. If it is Hydro static check fluid also