Considering rzt50 - what is PTO?

[reds37win]

I'm considering the Cub Cadet RZT50, but as a newbie, I have no idea what PTO provides. Can someone provide some advice?

 

[JTKub]

PTO = power take-off. It's basically the clutch mechanism that sends power to the cutting deck on something like an RZT or a lawn tractor. The same PTO on larger machines also powers up snowthrower attachments, tillers, etc. The RZT50's are nice, but I'm kinda partial to Z-Force because of the better transaxles on them.

Joel

 

[margegeneverra]

Avoid it. Transmission problems are common after 3 or 4 years. The repair costs 2/3 the price of a new mower.

 

[CCinCT]

PTO = What JT said

Re margegeneverra's comment: A common problem with the RZT's is that water can get in the transmission (especially the left one for some reason) through a vent hole or something on the top of each transmission. Once this happens, it's toast in short order. This occurs most frequently with people who wash their machine, or leave it outside in the elements. And because the transmissions are sealed units, they basically have to be replaced once they've failed.

 

[MAsZ71]

PTO = What JT said

Re margegeneverra's comment: A common problem with the RZT's is that water can get in the transmission (especially the left one for some reason) through a vent hole or something on the top of each transmission. Once this happens, it's toast in short order. This occurs most frequently with people who wash their machine, or leave it outside in the elements. And because the transmissions are sealed units, they basically have to be replaced once they've failed.

Additionally, I have read here that there are some preventative steps that can be made to prolong the life of these transmissions. I have also read that Cub Cadet has made some improvements over the years that have helped. I have only had mine a little while, but so far I am pleased.

These are not commercial grade zero turn mowers. But as far as general residential (homeowner) mowers go, the quality of parts and components are equal, and in some areas better than most mowers in this market. I chose to pay a little more than your basic residential lawn tractor, because I wanted the ease/speed benefits the RZT mowers had to offer. :thumbsup:

 

[margegeneverra]

PTO = What JT said

Re margegeneverra's comment: A common problem with the RZT's is that water can get in the transmission (especially the left one for some reason) through a vent hole or something on the top of each transmission. Once this happens, it's toast in short order. This occurs most frequently with people who wash their machine, or leave it outside in the elements. And because the transmissions are sealed units, they basically have to be replaced once they've failed.

Kinda make one wonder why they highlight their "deck wash" feature, where you hook up a garden hose to the thing.... Gotta love smart design!

 

[CCinCT]

Kinda make one wonder why they highlight their "deck wash" feature, where you hook up a garden hose to the thing.... Gotta love smart design!

regardless of the merits of "washing" a mower deck, the deck wash system itself results in water going down into the deck, not on top of the transmissions.