RZT Series Mower

[turnerbend]

Anybody got the ZTR 42. I brought a used 2004 model last year. It needed some minor repairs nothing major. I would like to replace the deck sometime if I can find a used one.
What problems do you have with this zero turn mower?

 

[JTKub]

I've never owned that particular model, but over the years the only major issue I've heard of is transaxle issues. I believe this model uses Hydrogear EZT series hydrostats. Being a 2004 I'd want to change the oil in them. Google "hydrogear EZT service manual". for info on that. The major thing is to blow the machine off after each use, especially around the transaxles. They need to stay clean/cool.

Joel

 

[jay317]

A buddy of mines mows with his a average of 20hrs a week in the past 3 years and no problems as of yet except for a belt or two

 

[turnerbend]

I've never owned that particular model, but over the years the only major issue I've heard of is transaxle issues. I believe this model uses Hydrogear EZT series hydrostats. Being a 2004 I'd want to change the oil in them. Google "hydrogear EZT service manual". for info on that. The major thing is to blow the machine off after each use, especially around the transaxles. They need to stay clean/cool.

Joel

From what I understand, the hydrostats system is close and don't need any service as far as the oil is concern unless you have a leak. I thank a lot of owner thank that the oil should be changed and that when their problem starts.

 

[JTKub]

From what I've read on these forums over the years it's quite the contrary. Overheating, oil degredation and/or condensation in the oil is the cause of many of the issues. The rest are mechanical failures.

Joel

 

[margegeneverra]

Hydrostat transmissions die early. Mine did after 200 hours. No way to fix or rebuild. Dealer quoted almost $2K to replace both transmissions. One was shot & the other on the way out. The dealer said the it "was very common with the RZT".

Reluctant to spend $2k repairing a $3K machine, and concerned that I'd be doing it again in a couple of years, I scrapped it and bought another (non-cub brand) for a bit more money. I'm hoping that the new machine lasts more than 3 years!

 

[turnerbend]

Hydrostat transmissions die early. Mine did after 200 hours. No way to fix or rebuild. Dealer quoted almost $2K to replace both transmissions. One was shot & the other on the way out. The dealer said the it "was very common with the RZT".

Reluctant to spend $2k repairing a $3K machine, and concerned that I'd be doing it again in a couple of years, I scrapped it and bought another (non-cub brand) for a bit more money. I'm hoping that the new machine lasts more than 3 years!

2004 with 245hrs. still going strong (need to replace deck).

 

[MAsZ71]

I scrapped it and bought another (non-cub brand) for a bit more money. I'm hoping that the new machine lasts more than 3 years!

Since you "scrapped it", if you still have it around, and if you live close enough to me, I may be willing to take it off your hands. So, let me know where you live and if it is still available. I won't even charge you to haul it off!

 

[JTKub]

Hydrostat transmissions die early. Mine did after 200 hours. No way to fix or rebuild. Dealer quoted almost $2K to replace both transmissions.

New replacement RZT transaxles can be had for $500/ea. Word has it Cub has been improving them year after year, but I'm not sure I'd expect them to last 500hrs unless it was exceptionally easy usage/terrain/mowing.

Joel

 

[margegeneverra]

Sorry, but I gave it to my neighbor, who pulled the engine to use on some other piece of equipment that he had. The engine was like new. I think that he took the rest to the dump. The dealer had no interest in offering me anything at all for it as a trade.

 

[MAsZ71]

Sorry, but I gave it to my neighbor, who pulled the engine to use on some other piece of equipment that he had. The engine was like new. I think that he took the rest to the dump. The dealer had no interest in offering me anything at all for it as a trade.

That's too bad! Since you only had problems with the transmission, it seems like you could have parted out the rest of the mower and made a little of your money back. :thumbsup: