RZT 50 Starting problem

[tmc993]

I have a Cub Cadet RZT 50 mower with a 50" mower deck. It has given me good service for about two years but this spring I have started experiencing intermittant problems starting the engine.

When I get on the tractor to start it, I go through the normal procedure of setting the parking brake, pulling the choke, etc. but 4 different times now, when I turn the key, the engine will not turn over and the Parking Brake Warning Light was on.

The first time it happened I simply reset the brake and the engine started. Then that strategy stopped working and I had to get off the mower and rock it back and forth...Which worked a couple of times....Until today...

Today, the mower started normally and I had mowed for about 45 minutes...I had stopped the blades to move to a different section of the lawn and was rolling along when the engine stopped dead...This was a sudden stoppage...Not a fuel related sputtering stoppage.

When I tried to restart the engine I went through the same start procedure and yes, the Parking Brake Light was on again...I diddled with the switch...Removed the deck and diddled some more....Plugged everything back up and it started....

I stopped it to remount the deck and after remounting the deck, it wouldn't start...Again the Parking Brake light...I wiggled the steering levers and it started....And restarted over and over 5-6 times....

Bottom line: I can't depend on the mower to start or run and it is definitely electrical.

Any advice or resources will be appreciated.

 

[JTKub]

My new Z-Force does this from time to time. Except they don't have any lights/indications of any kind to go by. With mine, I think it's something to do with the parking brake switch because if I rock the machine from the seat I can hear a spring type *Sprong* noise and then I get power to the starter and all is well. May have to adjust the parking brake switch if you know what I mean.. *wink... nudge".

Joel

 

[OldMachinist]

I uploaded the RZT service manual here Cub_Cadet_Z-Force_Series_Zero_Turn_Service_Repair_Manual_2.pdf
The last section on the manual covers the electrical system. If I had to take a guess the relay for the brake is either going bad or has a bad connection. Try unpluging it and reconnecting it to see if it helps. They look to be standard automotive relays. If you take it off and go to a autoparts store they should be able to match one up.