Zforce 50

hbw912 · Jun 21, 2015

Thanks for the tip. I'll check the site

hbw912 · Jun 21, 2015

Thanks for the info. For some reason one lap lever is out and one is in for it to crank. I'm checking this out, I'm not sure if the wiring was messed with, or I have a bad switch.

BukitCase · Jun 22, 2015

I don't have the Zforce, I have an RZT50 Cub - but from my observations some of the safety switches, if not all, use a SPDT switch - since your machine was diddled with by someone else, it's entirely possible that ONE of your arm switches was re-connected to the NC (Normally Closed) push-on tab instead of the NO (Normally Open - that would explain why one arm needs to be OUT and the other one IN to get it to work.

I don't know your background so I may be explaining things you already know about - if so, just ignore those parts

SPDT stands for Single Pole, Double Throw - this type of switch has 3 connections - C is the Common, NO is NOT connected to C til you actuate the switch, and NC IS connected to C UNTIL you actuate the switch.

I would look at the switch on the WRONG arm - compare it to the other one, I'm betting you will find the wires on different tabs. IF so, change the WRONG one to match the GOOD one, and give it a try... Steve

hbw912 · Jun 22, 2015

Thanks for the reply Steve. I had figured there were NO and NC sides in the same switch on both arms. Following the diagrams at hand I found both circuits working the same and in tandem. I think the connection plugs are one-way, but I have to go back and recheck my findings. I started asking questions on this board, because I wasn't finding what the manual said was there. I wanted to make sure I was looking at the proper manual for my unit. There are many redundant safety circuits, and I'm trying to find the common circuit to ground that ties them all together. Then I can backtrace the branches from there.
I followed the tip from rcbe, and found the proper diagram for the unit I am working on. I can progress from here hopefully with positive results

hbw912 · Jun 22, 2015

rcbe, thank you. I went to the MTD site and got the proper diagram for my ZT50. I now see all the safety circuits without the relays. I can check the whole system now at once.

hbw912 · Jul 1, 2015

rcbe,
I was finally able to get some time to trace the safety circuits today. I am unable to find a repair manual that shows where to access the parking brake switch. That is the only switch I haven't been able to check, because I can't see how to get at it. The manual I have must be for a newer model, because the switch looks easier to access. I went to the MTD site, and all they have is a parts and operators manual. Do you have any idea where I can find a repair manual for that series Z50?
Thanks

rcbe · Jul 1, 2015

perhaps someone else can chime in, but about the only other idea is to try contacting the MTD service dept directly by phone and see if they can dig up something for you... you may hafta crack the purse on that, tho. Look for their phone # /Addy in yer owners manual.

hbw912 · Sep 22, 2015

I apologize for being away for so long. Duties on other machines and our Lion's Club yearly fair have prevented me from staying involved with this one. Can you tell me how to check the mag? I need to find out if it's any good or functioning properly

rcbe · Sep 23, 2015

if yer talking about the kohler engine's ignition system, find the engine's ID plate; get the model/type info, go to kohler's website and d/l both p/l and service manual for free. If you've got some other brand of engine, break out the billfold and do a google search - no freebies.