If you are the proud owner of a cub cadet rzt 50, you know that you have one of the best riding mowers on the market.
However, no machine is perfect, and you may experience problems with your rzt 50.
A selection of the most regular Cub Cadet RZT 50 problems are the mower not starting, issues with the PTO clutch or switch, and generally poor performance when the mower gets too hot.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most common cub cadet rzt 50 problems and how to fix them.
7 Common Cub Cadet RZT 50 Problems
Cub Cadet RZT 50 Won’t Start
If your cub cadet rzt 50 won’t start, the first thing you should check is the battery. Ensure the battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean.
If the battery is fine, then you may have a problem with the starter solenoid or starter motor. If you suspect that this is the case, you should take your mower to a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
Another common reason for your Cub Cadet not starting can be the nuts and bolts that hold everything, specifically the springs and gears in the starter in position. These mowers vibrate a lot, and you’d be surprised those vibrations can knock bolts loose.
Make sure nuts, bolts, wires, and connections are all securely in place if you have any trouble starting your mower.
Don’t forget with any zero-turn mower; it’s essential to stay on top of general maintenance. Yes, that means regularly cleaning out air filters, the carburetor, and anywhere that will attract debris. The majority of issues I come across turn out to be down debris getting in places it shouldn’t.
Cutting Out Issues
Another common problem with the Cub Cadet RZT 50 is that it will cut out while you are mowing. This can be a frustrating issue, as it can interrupt your work and make it take longer to finish.
There are several potential causes for this problem. First, check the fuel level and make sure that you have enough fuel. If the gas tank is empty or too low, fill it up and see if that solves the problem.
If the fuel level is acceptable, then you may have a problem with the carburetor or fuel filter. These parts can become clogged with debris, which will restrict the flow of fuel and cause the engine to cut out.
Another potential cause of cutting-out issues is a problem with the ignition system. If the spark plugs are dirty, damaged or have deteroriated, they may not create enough of a spark to keep the engine running.
You should also check the ignition coil and see if it is damaged. If it is, you will need to replace it.
If you are having trouble starting or keeping your Cub Cadet RZT 50 running, then these are some of the most common issues that you may be experiencing.
Uneven Grass Cut
The Cub Cadet RZT 50’s additional problem is that it will leave grass in clumps after cutting rather than a level cut. Not only does this ruin your striping, but it can also be incredibly frustrating.
There are several potential causes for this problem. First, check the blade and make sure that it is sharp. If the blade is dull, it will struggle to get a clean, consistent cut.
Another potential cause of this problem is an issue with the deck height adjustment. If the deck is too high, it will leave behind taller grass clumps, and if the mower deck is too low, it will scalp the grass. Make sure the mower deck is even.
Check the tire pressure, if you’ve got one side running flat and the other at full pressure, you will have an uneven cut.
PTO Problems
Now, problems with your PTO aren’t one of the most common, but they’re worth me mentioning here, as it can be an expensive fic.
One of the main symptoms of faulty PTO is when your mower cranks, runs like normal, and then begins to judder and sound like it’s running out of fuel; eventually, the mower stops working.
You’ll instinctively turn the PTO off, pull the choke out and get it running again, but the same issue happens; this is likely a PTO clutch failure, not a switch.
The PTO clutch is situated on the engine shaft, between the mower deck belt pulley and the hydrostatic drive pulley, the drive pulley being the one closest to the chassis.
Before we think about a replacement PTO, it’s worth testing the switch and wiring. To do this, probe the wires to the PTO clutch with a test light. Connect the ground wire from the test light to the chassis, and probe the hot wire to the PTO clutch; make sure to do this when the engine is running and ensure the PTO switch is on.
Be careful with this, and you’ll need help… it isn’t easy to be in two places at once! If the test light turns on and the PTO clutch doesn’t engage, your PTO clutch is faulty and needs replacing.
Power Loss When Hot
You’re 15 minutes into a mow, flying up and down your lawn and your mower begins to lose power, jerking around and even turning off, the mower has clearly overheated; we’ve all been there!
This can happen with your Cub Cadet RZT 50, and there are a few common reasons for this.
Firstly you’ll need to check the coil; a defective coil can produce a good spark, that is, until it heats up and you’re in a world of trouble. Check the coil to see if you can see any deterioration on it.
Secondly, the valves and seats have been known to break. I’ve seen valve seats that have popped out of the head block once the mower, and therefore the aluminum heats up too much.
Lastly, this will sound simple, but your gas tank could have too much debris in it. It would make sense, debris sinks to the bottom of the tank, you run your mower for 15 minutes, everything heats up, and debris begins to get into the engine.
To fix this, clean the gas tank out and be sure to blow air through the fuel line, from the tank to the fuel filter, anything can get stuck in the fuel line, and it will affect performance.
Safety Interlock Trouble
The safety interlock on your Cub Cadet RZT 50 is designed not to allow the engine to start unless the PTO, or power take-off lever is in the disengaged position.
The lever is located on the right side of the operator’s station, and when engaged, it should be pointing up. If the PTO lever is engaged and you try to start your mower, it won’t happen.
This can be frustrating if you’re used to getting on and off your mower without engaging the PTO, but it’s a safety feature so it’s there for a reason.
The most likely cause of this is simply user error, but it could also be that the PTO switch is defective. To test this, with the help of a friend, try starting the mower with the PTO lever in both the engaged and disengaged position, if the mower starts with the lever in the engaged position, then the switch is defective and needs to be replaced.
Cub Cadet RZT 50 Engine Issues
Last but not least, engine problems are a zero-turn mower owners’ nightmare.
If your engine is having trouble starting or is running rough, it’s time to troubleshoot.
First things first, check the spark plug; a fouled or defective spark plug will cause all sorts of engine problems. If the spark plug looks good, then move on to the air filter; a dirty air filter will also cause engine problems.
If the air filter is clean, then it’s time to check the fuel filter; a clogged fuel filter will also cause engine problems.
Now, let’s get a bit more technical. Move the PTO knob to the “Off” position and press on the parking brake. Move the drive-control lever into the standard setting. Check the spark plugs, and ensure they aren’t defective and everything is connected as they should be, debris free. Now pull the choke all the way out to full position and turn on the engine with the throttle in the “Fast” position.
If the engine is running erratically, push the choke control to the “OFF” position. Make sure that the spark plug wire is fully connected. Also, clean the fuel line and replace both the fuel filter and air cleaner paper element. In addition, pour in fresh gasoline and check that vent in the gas cap is clear.
If your engine is overheating, use an adequate amount and weight of oil. To prevent the grass clippings and debris from causing damage, keep them away from the engine’s cooling fins and blower.
The spark plug gap needs to be set at the proper distance to avoid engine issues like hesitating or idling too roughly. Also, once the air cleaner element gets dirty, replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a Cub Cadet RZT 50 weigh?
The Cub Cadet RZT 50 weighs approximately 680 lbs.
Where are the fuses on a Cub Cadet RZT?
The fuses are located in the fuse box on the right side of the mower.
What transmission does Cub Cadet use?
The Cub Cadet RZT 50 uses a hydrostatic transmission.
Conclusion
In general, cub cadet mowers are known for being durable and easy to operate, and they often come with a few features that set them apart from the competition.
The cub cadet rzt 50 is a great mower for the average homeowner and is great for light commercial use. It is durable and easy to operate, and it has a few features that make it stand out from the competition. However, it does have some common problems that can be frustrating for the user.
Keep up with regular maintenance and you’ll get years of use out of your cub cadet mower. And if you do have problems, troubleshoot them with the tips in this article.
