Z-Force 50 Blade spindle greasing

OldMachinist · May 31, 2006

I been using my Z-force for about year and am very happy with it for the most part but greasing the center blade spindle was always a problem. It just didn't seem to take any grease so the last time I took the blades off for sharpening I took the spindle bolt out to investigate. What I found was that the cross hole was drilled in a position that was blocked by the pulley. I tried to talk to Cub Cadet tech support but all they kept saying was to take it in to my servicing dealer that they couldn't even talk to me about this. Well my nearest dealer is 50 miles away so I just drilled the hole in the proper location and it's fine now. So if anyone else has had this same problem let me know and I explain how to fix it.

OldMachinist · May 31, 2006

I been using my Z-force for about year and am very happy with it for the most part but greasing the center blade spindle was always a problem. It just didn't seem to take any grease so the last time I took the blades off for sharpening I took the spindle bolt out to investigate. What I found was that the cross hole was drilled in a position that was blocked by the pulley. I tried to talk to Cub Cadet tech support but all they kept saying was to take it in to my servicing dealer that they couldn't even talk to me about this. Well my nearest dealer is 50 miles away so I just drilled the hole in the proper location and it's fine now. So if anyone else has had this same problem let me know and I explain how to fix it.

aratapuss · May 31, 2006

Thanks for the heads up. Bought my Z-Force 2 months ago, and the greae goes in fine.

Mows the yard very nicely also.

aratapuss · May 31, 2006

Thanks for the heads up. Bought my Z-Force 2 months ago, and the greae goes in fine.

Mows the yard very nicely also.

Sigma · Jun 1, 2006

I've only had my ZF 50 for about 2 months. How often are you greasing your spindles?

Sigma · Jun 1, 2006

I've only had my ZF 50 for about 2 months. How often are you greasing your spindles?

Flip221 · Jun 1, 2006

I don't have one of the Z-Force models, but do have a GT 2544. I've been greasing the spindles after every mowing and subsequent use of the deck wash system (which seems to work very well by the way).

I figure that about two strokes of grease to the spindles is probably a good idea to help displace any moisture left after using the deck wash and is easy enough to do that i don't have any reason not to! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Flip221 · Jun 1, 2006

I don't have one of the Z-Force models, but do have a GT 2544. I've been greasing the spindles after every mowing and subsequent use of the deck wash system (which seems to work very well by the way).

I figure that about two strokes of grease to the spindles is probably a good idea to help displace any moisture left after using the deck wash and is easy enough to do that i don't have any reason not to! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

OldMachinist · Jun 2, 2006

I grease the spindles at least every other mowing. I mow about 7 acres with it so it gets a pretty good workout.

OldMachinist · Jun 2, 2006

I grease the spindles at least every other mowing. I mow about 7 acres with it so it gets a pretty good workout.

cubrider · Jun 2, 2006

I have a 2544 with about 10 hours on it. I just did the first oil and filter change and greased the spindles. You make greasing the spindles sound easy. What's your secret?

cubrider · Jun 2, 2006

I have a 2544 with about 10 hours on it. I just did the first oil and filter change and greased the spindles. You make greasing the spindles sound easy. What's your secret?

OldMachinist · Jun 2, 2006

The Z-force 50 pulley covers didn't have access holes for the grease fittings so I modified them and my grease gun has a flexible hose instead of a rigid pipe. Also on this mower the outer spindles are clear of the frame. Your tractor from what I can tell from pictures on the Cub web site has the spindles under the footrests. But it looks like there are rubber access hole plugs.

OldMachinist · Jun 2, 2006

The Z-force 50 pulley covers didn't have access holes for the grease fittings so I modified them and my grease gun has a flexible hose instead of a rigid pipe. Also on this mower the outer spindles are clear of the frame. Your tractor from what I can tell from pictures on the Cub web site has the spindles under the footrests. But it looks like there are rubber access hole plugs.

Sigma · Jun 2, 2006

Why couldn't they have put holes in the covers to allow access? My Wheel Horse does.

Sigma · Jun 2, 2006

Why couldn't they have put holes in the covers to allow access? My Wheel Horse does.

Flip221 · Jun 2, 2006

( I have a 2544 with about 10 hours on it. I just did the first oil and filter change and greased the spindles. You make greasing the spindles sound easy. What's your secret? )

How do you mean? I just lower the deck as far as it will go and grease away! I have been looking at a 90* adapter for the center spindle though as that one can be a little tricky.

I also found loosening the coupler on the grease gun a turn or so makes things MUCH easier (since you don't have such a hard time getting the damned thing off the zerk)!

Flip221 · Jun 2, 2006

( I have a 2544 with about 10 hours on it. I just did the first oil and filter change and greased the spindles. You make greasing the spindles sound easy. What's your secret? )

How do you mean? I just lower the deck as far as it will go and grease away! I have been looking at a 90* adapter for the center spindle though as that one can be a little tricky.

I also found loosening the coupler on the grease gun a turn or so makes things MUCH easier (since you don't have such a hard time getting the damned thing off the zerk)!

cubrider · Jun 2, 2006

A 90* adapter sounds like a great idea for greasing the center spindle.

By the way, I broke the plastic oil drain plug on my very first oil change. (Didn't turn it far enough or pulled too hard.) Rather than make a trip to the dealer I replaced it with a 3/8 pipe nipple, elbow, and plug. It works well. I probably won't bother to replace the broken plastic plug.

cubrider · Jun 2, 2006

A 90* adapter sounds like a great idea for greasing the center spindle.

By the way, I broke the plastic oil drain plug on my very first oil change. (Didn't turn it far enough or pulled too hard.) Rather than make a trip to the dealer I replaced it with a 3/8 pipe nipple, elbow, and plug. It works well. I probably won't bother to replace the broken plastic plug.