RZT50 mowing problem

Redfred1 · Jun 10, 2016

Been a while since I been on; and I need some help. The left side blade on the mower deck (not chute side) does not cut grass right. Good and tight belt; new blades; no grass buildup under deck; checked mower; frame and deck level side to side; grass is dry; deck has not been abused. Also no vibration noticed. The other two blades work great. I have run out of things to check. Tried swapping blades; no help. Any body have a clue?

GBHRPS · Jun 10, 2016

Redfred,

From what you describe, I'd get the front end in the air and fire up the deck to see that one nblade and compare it to the other two. I suspect that that one spindle is not turning freely.

coolreinfarm · Jun 10, 2016

I have a force 50 that has spacers above the blades, put one on the wrong side one time had same problem you have, felt so stupid after I had checked the deck linkage, corrected the problem mowed perfect, that was 9 years ago and 500 hrs ago but never forgot.

Redfred1 · Jun 10, 2016

Thanks Fellas for the replies! I have just about exhausted everything. GB; the spindle turns free with no noise. I have put the mower on a concrete floor and checked height in four positions (3-6-9-12).. All the blades are the same height. Cool; no spacers; just a BA nut to the spindle. Haven't checked with CC yet. I'll get it up in the air tomorrow and look some more; and post if I find something. Its been a good mower ('12); only blades; bets; and a key switch.

coolreinfarm · Jun 10, 2016

Agree with gb I would suspect either the pulley splines are worn out and the pulley spins when mower is loaded or the star on the blade end is worn out, regardless need to raise it up and check things out (not running of course), hold the center blade and try to move the left, good luck!

Redfred1 · Jun 11, 2016

Can give a update! Took cover off over the pully. Checked the spindle (belt off); bolts tight on the deck. I blocked the blade; got my cheater bar; the nut tightened maybe 1/4". Did check the splines; were OK. Drove it outside; looked at pulley while cutting grass. No vibration; and no noticeable loss in pulley speed. Will look some more. Here is the "l" I left out of belts.

BukitCase · Jun 11, 2016

My RZT 50 likes to eat splines, I'm sure that's partly because I tend to think it's a brush hog

- after the last spindle replacement I FINALLY found the torque spec for the spindles on page 33 of the OPERATOR manual - silly me for thinking it should be in the SERVICE manual...

Spec for spindles is 70-90 foot pounds, DRY - (if you use those values with ANY lube, be prepared to buy new parts and start over) - I figured that BOTH ends should be that tight since they're same thread, etc, so I held one end with a 15/16 end wrench and torqued the other to 85 - so far it's holding up well, but part of that might be ME remembering to use the 6' flail in more places :thumbsup: ...Steve

coolreinfarm · Jun 12, 2016

If the pulley splines are good and the blade star is ok and torqued, I don't know what else it can be, interested to see what you find out !

CharlieKtractor · Jun 13, 2016

am subscribed

Redfred1 · Jun 13, 2016

Good News; Found the problem. Got out the ole Owners Manual and looked up mower deck adjustment.(Did this when I got it) I found the left side blade O/S tip 1/4 in. higher. Checked the adjustment bolt; still tight. Readjusted it down; checked front to back; (still good). Drove it outside; cranked her up; and tried though some higher than normal grass. Cut like it was supposed to do. Happy camper! I was still thinking about what caused the drop for the right side? Then it hit me! Late last year at the end of mowing season the height adjustment spring broke. I just took a pair of vise grips to hold the arm in adjustment. I can say "it cuts good; the vise grips are still there in place; and will be until I decide to fix that spring. Looks like a B@@@h to replace. Thanks for all the help; advice; and suggestions; can mark it of as SCS (Senior Citizen Stupidity)