A couple of problems with my Cub Cadet Z-Force.

sstumpf · May 3, 2014

I have been having a few problems with my Cub Cadet z Force 44". It has a newer B&S 20hp motor on it with about 20 hr's on the motor. But I have been having a problem with the hydros/drive system and something electrical.

First, Every once in a while while mowing, Problem like once per time mowing. The mower will start going really slow, And it is like the hydros cant push it. but it will go in reverse just fine, And after a few times of going in reverse then forward, it will go back to normal and work great. Also, It is not as smooth as it should be when accelerating. Any idea on what that could be? Where to start?

Second problem, This has been going on for about a month now, I can figure it out. Almost everytime I start the mower for the first time, I cant get the blades to engage. it wont even try. And when this happens, it seems like all the safety switches stop working too. Like the seat switch is suppose to make the engine die if you get up and the parking break is off. Same as if parking break is on and you try to bring the lap bars up it is suppose to kill the engine. But when the blades wont engage none of that works and The engine doesn't die. But then after playing with it for a minute I can get the blades to engage and All the safety switches work again. So I dont think it is anything to do with my PTO Clutch. But something electrical.

I tried to explain these issues as best as I could. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

The kid · May 3, 2014

Check your belt to the hydro pumps. That's the one that's from the engine to the pumps. If it's going bad or slipping you will lose power more so going forward because of more pressure. As it warms up it probably grips better. The PTO not engaging could be a faulty safety switch. Look at all of the safety interlock switchs. Also check your voltage to make sure it isn't dropping which could keep the PTO from engaging. Chances are it's a safety switch. One switch may be open for the other to be closed to engage the PTO. So you will need to check them all with a volt/ohm meterto make sure they are doing what they're suppose to do. You can give each switch a shot of WD40 or dielectric spray to clean the contact points should help.

sstumpf · May 3, 2014

Ok, That was my first thought, the belt. I have a spare in the garage, But I am not sure how to replace that belt. It is so far in there and you can barely see it. It looks like you may have to drop the PTO Clutch to do it, Does that sound right?

Ok, So if it was a safety switch could the faulty one work sometimes and not other times? Or would it just always not work. I do have a spare switch that is good as well, If I can find the bad one. I did test the seat switch with a DMM and it seems to be good. But that might have been while it was working.

rcbe · May 4, 2014

belt change - would think your owner's manual would shed some light on that problem..? safety switch - they can be easy to difficult. Try going to "K&T Parts House Lawn Mower Parts and Chain Saw & Trimmer Parts" and downloading the service manual for your machine to help troubleshoot.

BTW, if you are washing that machine with a garden hose or power washer, cease and desist - use compressed air or a leaf blower instead. OTW, you'll have a plethora of those electrical gremlins plaguing you forever. On the drive belt, don't forget there is a spring loaded idler somewhere... if that idler is not lubed and stuck, the belt won't be kept correctly tight and can slip...

sstumpf · May 4, 2014

The service manual that I have for the mower says nothing about changing that belt. The one I just downloaded is different, But still doesn't have anything for the belt. Ok, I will have to find the spring loaded idler and get that lubed, that could be the problem, Where is that usually at? What does it look like?

I do not clean it with water, I just use compressed air, Then some simple green when it gets bad but never on anything electrical or the engine. I will try to troubleshoot that some more, I am thinking it could be the parking break switch, since the motor doesn't die when the parking break is off and you get out of seat, and it doesn't die when the break is on and you move the lap bars up.

OldMachinist · May 5, 2014

I just looked at the service manual at http://www.mymowerparts.com/pdf/Cub-Cadet-Service-and-Repair-Manuals/Cub-Cadet-RZT-Series-Zero-Turn-Service-Repair-Manual.pdf and on page 7 it shows how to change the drive belt.

The electrical problem is likely in the PTO switch.

sstumpf · May 5, 2014

Ok, That manual is for a differnent model than mine. But it looks about the same.

As for the pto switch, Im not sure that it is that, Since i have tried starting the mower with the switch engaged and it will never turn over, Which it is not supposed to. So that to me, would mean it is working, Right?

OldMachinist · May 5, 2014

Some of wiring for the safety switches run thru the PTO switch. I'd start by checking the connector on the switch for dirty or corroded connections. The RZT also has a relay for the PTO so you check the connector there also. The relays are standard Bosch style automotive relays so you might want to get a new one and swap it out.

sstumpf · May 5, 2014

ok, if I get time tonight, I will start taking it apart and see what I find. I will let you know. Thanks for your help

sstumpf · May 7, 2014

Well, I ended up fixing both problems.

First problem was Just the hydro drive belt. Found one locally and put it on, it is good to go.

and the pto electrical problem was just a bad/dirty connection. I cleaned all the connections and it works great.

Thanks for the help guys.