Cub Cadet RZT 50 - Ongoing Reviews

[Rosseroffroad]

Got 36 hours on mine and its going back to Home Depot for oil coming from the exhaust. This happened when I cranked it up the first time of the season after Winter. Its got a Kawasaki 24hp. Ohh well...We'll see what happens..

 

[kethone]

Any of you with the 22hp Cub Cadet EZT 50" Forward Problems?

 

[MAsZ71]

Well, working on my 3rd year and and just ran into my first problem...

After mowing my lawn Thursday evening, I typically pull into a natural area in my backyard and blow down my mower. Upon re-start all I got was a click with a brief buzz/hum. First thought is battery. Get tester and determine battery isn't terrible, but under load I can tell it is probably time for a new battery. This morning went to LOWE's and bought a battery. After installing battery, I got a LOUDER click and a MORE DEFINED buzz/hum!! Next step I decided to investigate the starter....

My RZT50 has the Kawasaki motor (22HP). I removed the top cover. Once the top cover is removed, you actually expose the flywheel and the top of the starter. My problem became obvious! The nut at the top/end of the starter shaft had come off. The nut, washer, spring retainer, spring, and starter gear were sitting on the frame. All the parts were there, just not attached. I removed the starter from the engine and re-installed all the parts. Luckily nothing appeared to be damaged and the starter shaft still spun freely. So I re-installed the starter assembly and hooked all the electrical connections back up. Turned the key and the starter engaged the flywheel, but I didn't let it start. Went ahead and put the cover back on. Jumped in the seat and she fired up and ran like a champ! It was time to breath again!

I don't know if this is a typical issue with this type of starter, but I would recommend removing the main cover and checking that the nut at the top of your starter shaft is tight! I was lucky....all the parts were still there, and nothing was damaged!

I am still very pleased with my Cub Cadet RZT50! If it is 3 more years until my next "issue" then I will happy!

 

[kethone]

I have this mower in the 22hp EZT 50". I posted this issue recently, but this pass week replaced the belt and made some adjustments, now it moving forward very good. My V-belt/drive belt was bad as it was not getting the proper tension from the pulley-tensioner. I freed up the pulley and oiled it's movement, re-set the spring and the new belt is tight now. Give this a try, I could be your forward problem too.

kethone (Willie)

 

[Quickster2]

I recommend staying away from water and a pressure washer to clean this type of equipment. Use your leaf blower best way to clean IMO. Keep everything greased for sure.

 

[DoubleClutch]

Just surfing the net and found this thread. I have a RZT 50 and have used it last summer and the last few weeks mowing lawns. I have 18 clients and the largest is about 1 3/4 acre. I put gator Blades on it last July and wont go back to the plane blades. Smaller clippings and better balance. As for the deck spring I have replaced mine twice and it broke again today. I am just going to order 3 more cause it seems that this is a issue they have. As for the PTO cutoff when you go back up. I just unbolted the 2 switches that are behind the lever's under the side covers and zip tied them up out of the way. I did this cause I don't want the PTO to where out cause of the shutting off and on all the time.

 

[ddawg712]

I have the deck lever torsion spring issue that you mention and can not figure out how to remove the spring without taking most of the mower apart. I can't seem to slip the spring off the lever because of other pieces in the way. Is there an easy way to remove and replace the torsion spring for the deck lever that I am missing?

 

[DoubleClutch]

I had it dune buy the dealer so I can't help on that one. But once I get the springs in I will give a shot at it. If you do yours before I get mine done post up how you did it. Good info for others also.

 

[gladiater]

cub cadet has a service advisory spring change on this issue (contact your dealer) it is a warrenty

I have the deck lever torsion spring issue that you mention and can not figure out how to remove the spring without taking most of the mower apart. I can't seem to slip the spring off the lever because of other pieces in the way. Is there an easy way to remove and replace the torsion spring for the deck lever that I am missing?

 

[ikeeickholdt]

Cub Cadet Mowing Deck Problem - YouTube

 

[Steve_Miller]

I'm at over 140 hours over five years and (knock on wood) no major problems other than a broken return spring on one of the drive levers and I have replaced all the spindle bearings (no grease fittings) twice now (stupid deck wash feature no longer exists on mine, i plugged the holes with carriage bolts). Only changed oil once so far and it still looks very good (Kawi 22HP)

Thanks
Steve

 

[Solid Hit]

I just bought a Cub RZT 50 from my neighbor (original owner) with 235 hours and looking like brand new. The only thing he has ever done to it in the 5 years he has owned it was to change the oil once per year using synthetic oil. I've used it once and loved the way it handles and cuts. It has the Kawasaki, 22hp motor, really nice motor. He sharpened the blades twice per year and it due to a blade change for next season. Can't find fault with it in any way.

Anything I should be on the lookout for?

 

[rcbe]

read the manual several times if you already haven't - something new every time you go thru it

 

[Solid Hit]

Cub Cadet Mowing Deck Problem - YouTube

The old owner fixed it by removing the original piece and flattening the part that would hold the clippings under the deck. Virtually, it is now a flat piece instead of an angled piece.

 

[The kid]

The old owner fixed it by removing the original piece and flattening the part that would hold the clippings under the deck. Virtually, it is now a flat piece instead of an angled piece.

Good find. I have that same problem. i'll probably eliminate it this weekend. -kid

 

[brecklehman]

I have a 2012 rtz42s. 8 hours so far belt problems, and now the steering doesn't work. any ideas

 

[rcbe]

I have a 2012 rtz42s. 8 hours so far belt problems, and now the steering doesn't work. any ideas

8 hrs? Time to talk to your dealer about getting that machine fixed under warranty.

 

[CharlieKtractor]

good time to stock blades and oil filters

we need a RZT thread

 

[mikholmes]

Just thought I would jump in. I have one a RZT 50 with 3,500 hours on it now. Only issues are normal flat tires. A couple of belts and that was due to leaves backed into the deck ,2 batteries and one blade spindle. I change the blades each season. I am not very maintenance oriented either. I change the oil once a year and that's it. I did change the fuel filter once. Bought it in 2005 and just power washed it for the first time yesterday. Looked like a new mower now.

 

[rcbe]

Just thought I would jump in. I have one a RZT 50 with 3,500 hours on it now. Only issues are normal flat tires. A couple of belts and that was due to leaves backed into the deck ,2 batteries and one blade spindle. I change the blades each season. I am not very maintenance oriented either. I change the oil once a year and that's it. I did change the fuel filter once. Bought it in 2005 and just power washed it for the first time yesterday. Looked like a new mower now.

you've gotten good service from your machine. But hitting it with that power washer was a bad move, imho. those products are not designed/built to withstand corrosion from water particularly in the elect systems and will most likely give you functional problems in the not too distant future. A leaf blower, compressed air source or such is much better for routine cleaning along with a judicious use of rag, soap and bucket followed by waxing to beat the grunge.. nix on the garden hose or power washers.