Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty Operator’s Manual RZT Series Tractor — Model RZT42 WARNING READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 Printed In USA Form No.
1 To The Owner Thank You Thank you for purchasing an RZT series tractor manufactured by Cub Cadet LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment. It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Important Safe Operation Practices 2 WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries. 13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass. 14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway. 15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. 17. Never carry passengers. 18. Back up slowly.
Children 1. Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 2. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!” Do not modify engine 6. Mower blades are sharp.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate. Symbol Description READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate WARNING— ROTATING BLADES Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
Section 2 — Safe Operation Practices d line (repr esent s a 15 ° slop e) Operate RZT zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass across the bottom of the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible. WARNING! Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
3 Assembly & Set-Up Contents of Crate • One Lawn Tractor • One Oil Drain Tube • One RZT Tractor Operator’s Manual • One Kohler Engine Operator’s Manual Tractor Preparation 2. Remove the upper crating material from the shipping pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet. • One Deck Wash Hose Coupler Remove the two shoulder bolts and lock nuts in the seat bracket as shown in Fig. 3-2. Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position.
Position Drive Control levers Connect the Battery The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for shipping purposes. The flange lock nuts, hex screws, and flat washers that normally secure the control levers in their operating position are unfastened and installed in the slotted holes of the control levers for shipment. The control levers must be repositioned to operate the tractor. To reposition the control levers for operation, proceed as follows: 1.
4 Controls and Features Deck Height Index Deck Lift Handle Parking Brake Throttle/Choke Control Hour Meter/ Indicator Panel PTO Switch LH Drive RH Drive Control Lever Control Lever Seat Adjustment Lever Ignition Switch Cup Holder Fuel Tank Cap Storage Tray Figure 4-1 NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that RH and LH Drive Control Levers position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the The RH and LH control levers are located on each side of the operator’s sea
Ignition Switch Fuel Tank Cap The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the right of the operator’s seat. The ignition switch has three positions. The fuel tank cap is located near the middle of the LH console. Turn the fill cap approximately 1⁄4 turn and pull upward to remove. The fuel cap is tethered to the tractor to prevent its loss. Do not attempt to remove the cap from the tractor. OFF — The engine and electrical system is turned off. ON — The tractor electrical system is energized.
Indicator Panel Features Parking Brake Engagement Lever Battery Indicator The parking brake engagement lever is located on the front/left of the seat box frame, and is used to engage the parking brake. Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the ignition switch it turned to the “ON” position. Illuminates to indicate the battery voltage has dropped below 11.5 (+0.5/-1.0) volts, and the voltage is displayed on the hour meter.
5 Operation General Safety Before Operating Your Tractor • RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read this operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor. • Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. 5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the “START” position and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key to “OFF” and wait at least 15 seconds to allow the engine’s starter motor to cool.
Stopping the Engine 1. Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position. 2. Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position. 3. Engage the parking brake. 4. Move the throttle/choke control to midway between the SLOW and FAST positions. 5. Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition switch. 3. Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the neutral position. Refer to Figure 5-2.
1. Driving the Tractor Forward Warning! Keep all movement of the drive control levers slow and smooth. Abrupt movement of the control levers can affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or death to the operator. 1. To turn to the left, move the left drive control lever rearward of the right lever. See Fig. 5-4. Forward Left Turn Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers forward. The tractor will start to move forward.
Driving the Tractor In Reverse Turning While Driving Rearward WARNING! Always look behind and down on both sides of the tractor before backing up. Always look behind while traveling in the reverse direction. To turn the tractor while driving rearward, move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is forward of the other. The tractor will turn in the direction of the forward control lever. 1. 1. Slowly and evenly move both drive control levers rearward.
Executing a Zero Turn Stopping the Tractor Warning! When executing a zero turn, the tractor MUST BE STOPPED. Executing a zero turn while the tractor is moving can significantly reduce your control of the tractor and will cause severe turf defacement to occur. 1. Stop the forward or reverse motion of the tractor by moving the two drive control levers to neutral. 2. To turn clockwise, move the left control lever forward while simultaneously moving the right control lever rearward. See Fig. 5-9. 1.
Using the Mower Deck Warning! Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades. NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass. Premature wear and possible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non grassy area before engaging the mower deck. Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Maintenance Schedule Before Each use Check Engine Intake Screen/Cover Check Engine Oil Level Check Air Filter for Dirty, Loose or Damaged Parts Every 10 Hours Every 25 Hours Every 50 Hours Every 100 Hours Prior to Storing P P P P Clean and Re-oil Air Filter’s Foam Pre-cleaner P Replace Air Filter Element P Change Engine Oil and Replace Oil Filter Clean Battery Terminals Lube Front Pivot Axle and Caster Axles P P P Clean Engine Cooling Fins P Lube Deck Wheels P P
3. Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain valve to expose the drain port. Refer to Figure 6-1. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube. General Battery Information Warning! • Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water. If there is any further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
• Periodically lubricate all other pivot points with a quality lubricating oil. Using the Deck Wash System Warning! When using the deck wash system, never engage the deck from any position other than the operator’s seat of the tractor. Do not use an assistant or engage deck in the presence of any bystanders. 1. Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden hose connected to a water supply. 2.
c. Battery Storage • When storing the tractor for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery. • Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor fuel consumption with the goal of running the fuel tank empty. • All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean, especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly. • Run the engine until it begins to stall.
Adjustments 2. WARNING! Shut the engine off, remove the ignition key and engage the parking brake before making adjustments. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. Control Lever Adjusting the Operators Seat To adjust the position of the seat, pull up and hold the seat adjustment lever. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Fig. 6-4.
Leveling the Mower Deck Front to Back Leveling When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4 inch lower than the rear of deck. The front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4 inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows: NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. See the tire side wall for proper inflation pressures. 1.
Adjusting the Gauge Wheels Warning! Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck. NOTE: The deck gauge wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck. The mower deck cutting height can be set in any of six height settings using the tractor’s deck lift handle. The deck heights range from 1-1⁄2” to 4”.
7 Service Battery Removal Charging the Battery Warning! Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. Test and, if necessary, recharge the battery after the tractor has been stored for a period of time. • The battery is located on the right/rear of the tractor beneath the seat box frame. To remove the battery: 1. Remove the two hex tapping screws from the battery hold-down bracket and remove the bracket.
Relays and Switches Rolling the Belt off the PTO Pulley There are several safety switches in the electrical system. If a function of the safety interlock system described earlier is not functioning properly, have the electrical system checked by your Cub Cadet Service Dealer. 1. Using the deck lift handle, raise the deck to the position that provides the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine. Deck Removal 2.
5. Lower the deck to the ground using the deck lift handle. 6. Locate the LH and RH deck support pins on each side of the deck. Pull the deck support pins outward and lock in the disengaged position to release the deck from the tractor’s LH and RH deck lift arms. Refer to Fig. 7-6. Rear Deck Hanger Bracket Deck Support Pin Deck Installation To install the mower deck, proceed as follows: 1.
Mower Blade Care Rolling the Belt onto the PTO Pulley. 1. Using the deck lift handle, raise the deck to the position that provides the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine. 2. Make certain the belt is in the spindle pulleys of the deck, and that the backside of the belt is against both the fixed and movable idler pulleys. Refer to Fig. 7-4. 3.
3. When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the top of the deck. 4. Tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft. lbs. 5. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 30). Transmission Drive Belt If the transmission drive belt becomes worn and causes the drive transmissions to slip, the drive belt must be replaced. To replace the drive belt, proceed as follows: 1. 2.
Tractor High Speed Tracking If the tractor tracks to one side with both drive control levers fully forward, adjust the control levers as follows: 1. Check for proper and balanced air pressure in both front and rear tires. Refill tires if necessary. 2. Perform the first three steps in the previous sub-section, Tractor Creeping, to verify that the tractor is not creeping. If creeping, adjust following the instructions in that subsection. 3.
8 Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Engine runs erratic 34 Cause Remedy 1. PTO/Blade Engage knob engaged. 1. Place knob in disengaged (OFF) position. 2. Parking brake not engaged. 2. Engage parking brake. 3. Drive control levers not fully outward in neutral position. 3. Move drive control levers fully outward in neutral position. 4. Spark plug wire(s) disconnected. 4. Connect wire(s) to spark plug(s). 5. Throttle/choke control lever not in correct starting position. 5.
Problem Engine overheats Cause Remedy 1. Engine oil level low. 1. Fill crankcase with proper amount and weight of oil. 2. Air flow restricted. 2. Clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing. Engine hesitates at high RPM 1. Spark plug(s) gap too close. 1. Remove spark plug(s) and reset the gap. Engine Idles rough 1. Spark plug(s) fouled, faulty or gap too wide. 1. Replace spark plug(s). Set plug gap. 2. Dirty air cleaner. 2.
9 Replacement Parts Component Part Number and Description OCC-20-083-02 Air Filter KH-52-050-02 Oil Filter KH-25-050-21-S Fuel Filter 759-3336 Spark Plug (RC12YC) 954-04137A Drive Belt (Mowing Deck) 954-04043A Drive Belt (Transmission) 734-04155 Deck Wheel 751-10703 Fuel Tank Cap Phone (800) 965-4CUB to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com.
Component Part Number and Description 925-1707D Battery 746-04161 Throttle Control Cable 925-1745A Ignition Key 942-0616A 3-in-1 Deck Blade 918-0624 Deck Spindle 931-1032B Discharge Chute Assembly 634-04293 Wheel Assembly 634-04212A Caster Wheel Assembly Phone (800) 965-4CUB to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready). Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.cubcadet.com.
10 Attachments & Accessories The following attachments and accessories are compatible with your Cub Cadet RZT tractor. See your Cub Cadet dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability.
Notes 11 39
Section 11— Notes
Section 11 — Notes 41
CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board and MTD Consumer Group Inc are pleased to explain the evaporative emission control system warranty on your 2008 lawn mower. In California, new lawn mowers must be designed, built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti-smog standards.
WARRANTED PARTS: The repair or replacement of any warranted part otherwise eligible for warranty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the lawn mower has been abused, neglected, or improperly maintained, and that such abuse, neglect, or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part.
CUB CADET LLC MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY for residential zero-turn (“rzt”) mowers IMPORTANT: To obtain warranty coverage owner must present an original proof of purchase and applicable maintenance records to the servicing dealer. Please see the operator’s manual for information on required maintenance and service intervals.
