15 Common Cub Cadet Rzt 50 Problems and Their Solutions
Cub Cadet is one of the leading manufacturing brands of quality built zero turn mowers such as their RZT 50 model which has earned the praise of homeowners and garden enthusiasts worldwide by providing reliable service at affordable prices. Fitted with a 0.7 L V-twin gasoline engine and Hydro-Gear EZT transmission system, this mower outputs an astonishing 22 HP paired with infinite forward and reverse gears which make it stand out among all of its competitors.
But Cub Cadet Rzt 50 can run into various problems with time and usage such as engine issues, uneven cuts of grass, loss of power, excessive vibration, transmission issues, electrical problems, steering problems, and so on.
All of the above mentioned problems can be easily solved by troubleshooting properly and by repairing or replacing the faulty components that are causing the issues. With proper care and maintenance, users can avoid these problems from occurring and keep their mower in pristine condition.
What Are the Cub Cadet Rzt 50 Problems?
Numerous components function together to operate the Cub Cadet RZT 50 and any problem in one or several of these parts can result in various issues like engine failure, engine stalling, uneven cuts and so on. The most common and frequent problems are discussed in detail below with their probable causes and solutions.
Engine Won’t Start
One of the most common problems of the Cub Cadet RZT 50 is the engine failing to start. This can be caused by numerous issues but can easily be solved by following the proper guidelines. The causes behind the engine failing to start and their solutions are given below.
PTO/Blade engaged: The engine will fail to start if the PTO switch is engaged. Place the knob in the disengaged/OFF position to solve this issue.
Parking brake not engaged: Parking brake being disengaged might also keep the engine from starting. Engage the parking brake before starting the engine.
Drive control lever in wrong position: Engine will fail to start if the drive control lever is not fully outward in neutral position. Move the drive lever fully outward in the neutral position to resolve this problem.
Spark plug issue: Spark plugs provide the necessary flicker to start the ignition process. Check and make sure that the spark plug wire is properly connected and connect it properly if it is loose. Check the spark plug to make sure that the electrodes do not get bent or corroded. Clean dust, dirt, debris from the electrode if it gets dirty. Replace the spark plug entirely if it gets beyond repair. A spare spark plug will cost $5-$25.
Throttle control lever in wrong position: Engine will fail to start if the throttle control lever is in the wrong position. Place the throttle lever to the FAST position and this issue will be resolved.
Choke not activated: Activate the choke if it is not activated.
Fuel issue: Engine will fail to start if the fuel tank is empty or filled with stale fuel. Fill the tank with clean and fresh gasoline which is less than 30 days old.
Blocked fuel line: Blocked fuel lines cause insufficient fuel flow to the engine and cause the engine to fail to start. Clean the fuel lines and replace the fuel filter if the fuel line is blocked.
Engine flooded: Faulty carburetors can flood the engine with mixture too rich in gasoline. Crank the engine with the throttle in FAST position if this is the case.
Engine Stalling
Another common problem of the Cub Cadet Rzt 50 is that the engine runs erratic meaning that the engine stalls during operating the vehicle. The common causes behind this problem is discussed below with proper solutions to them.
Choke activated: Engine performs erratically when the choke remains activated during operation. Push Choke control in and this issue will be resolved.
Spark plug issue: Spark plug wires getting disconnected or the spark plug itself becoming faulty can cause performance issues in the engine and cause it to stall. Connect the spark plug wire properly and make sure that it is getting power properly from the battery. Clean the spark plug if there is carbon build-up on the electrodes. Fix the gap between the electrodes if it gets too wide or bent. Replace the spark plug if it gets beyond repair.
Blocked exhaust: Blocked exhaust or vent cap can cause the engine to stall unintentionally. Clear the vent or replace the cap if it is damaged.
Water or dirt in the fuel system: Contaminated fuel will cause performance issues in the engine and cause it to act erratically. Drain the fuel tank and refill with clean and fresh gasoline.
Dirty air filter: Air filter provides clean air to the carburetor to mix it with gasoline for the correct mixture of fuel and air that the engine will use. Dirty or clogged air filters can also cause performance issues in the engine. Clean or replace the air filter to solve this problem.
Uneven Cutting
Uneven cuts of grass in your lawn can ruin the overall aesthetic of your beloved yard. The causes and solutions to the problems of the Cub Cadet Rzt 50 providing uneven cuts on the grass is discussed below.
Deck not leveled: The blades will not cut the grass properly if the deck level is not set correctly. Uneven cuts of grass can be a result of the wrong adjustment of the deck level where one side is not level to the other side. Perform side-to-side deck adjustment and level the deck to solve this issue.
Dull blade: Dull blades are not capable of providing even cuts on the grass and will leave your lawn with unevenly cut grass. Sharpen your blades with a hand file, angle grinder, or a bench grinder before every time you take out the mower for a spin.
Uneven tire pressure: Tire pressure can drop with time and usage and uneven tire pressure will tilt the deck on one side or the other which will result in uneven cuts. Check the tire pressure on all four tires and match them to make sure that the deck stays leveled.
Loss of Power
The overall mowing experience becomes frustrating if the mower loses power during operation. This problem can arise due to various different factors in the machine. The most common causes behind this problem and the solution to all of them are discussed below.
Faulty spark plug: Faulty spark plug is the most common reason behind the mower losing power during operation. Check and make sure that the spark plug wiring is functioning properly. Change the wire if it is not carrying power sufficiently. Make sure that the gap between the electrodes has not become too wide or narrow and there are no carbon build-up on the spark plug.
Clogged carburetor: Carburetors supply the engine with the proper mixture of gasoline and air for combustion. Clogging in the carburetor can result in it supplying an improper mixture of fuel and air to the engine that results in sudden loss of power. Clean the carburetor with spray cleaner or compressed air. Replace the carburetor if it gets beyond repair.
Stale or dirty fuel: Loss of power can also result from using stale or dirty fuel. Drain all of the fuel from the mower’s tank and fill it with clean and fresh gasoline for the best performance.
Dirty air filter: Clogged air filters hinder the flow of clean air to the carburetor and can cause loss of power in the mower. Clean the air filters regularly and replace them entirely if they get too clogged and dirty.
Excessive strain: Loss of power can also be a result of putting excessive strain on your mower by running it for too long, lack of lubrication, running the mower at excessive speed, and cutting grass that is too thick and tall. Lubricate the moving parts properly and set the deck height to the highest setting if the grass is too thick and tall. Do not run the mower for too long and let it rest in between to avoid putting excessive strain on the machine.
Blade issues: Mowers might suffer from power loss if the blades are clogged, dull, or bent as they will not rotate properly and cause performance issues. Clean the underside of your deck after every usage and keep it free of dust, debris, and clippings. Sharpen your blades regularly with a hand file, angle grinder, or a bench grinder.
Excessive Vibration
Excessive vibration is not only an obstacle for the operator but it can also cause serious damage to the entire machine. The common reasons and solutions to this problem are discussed below.
Blade loose or unbalanced: Cutting blades are connected to the mounting point with nuts and bolts that can get loose over time and excessive vibration can result from this issue. Tighten the blade and the spindle sufficiently to avoid this problem.
Damaged blade: Excessive vibration can also stem from the blade’s forming nooks and cracks on them, getting bent, or unbalanced. Replace the blades entirely if they form nooks and cracks that are too deep. Balance both sides of the blade by shearing off some of the metal of the blade with a file or grinder.
Transmission Issues
Cub Cadet Rzt 50 utilizes Hydro-Gear EZT transmission system to provide a smooth zero turn mowing experience to the users. But this hydraulic transmission system can also run into some problems. The most common issues of the transmission system are discussed below with probable causes and solutions.
Irregular movement or jerking: Irregular or uneven movement and jerking is caused by air in the hydraulic system, worn bearings, imbalanced blades and damaged pulleys. Purge the hydraulic system of any air bubbles and change the hydraulic fuel to get rid of this issue.
Overheating: Overheating issue is a direct result of the cooling system malfunctioning. Repair or replace the cooling fans to solve the overheating issue.
Leaking fluids: Transmission fluid leakage is another problem that users might face while operating the mower. Leakage happens due to wear and tear on the hoses, lines, connections, seals, or gaskets. Replace the valves or gaskets if they are the ones which are causing the leak. Seek professional help if the transmission system is leaking from cracks on the system as it might require welding.
Stuck or unresponsive controls: Control levers getting stuck, unresponsive, or difficult to operate is a result of dirt or debris getting inside the control levers, damaged or worn control cables, misaligned or damaged linkage, or the transmission fluid level being too low. Purge the hydraulic system or replace the transmission fluid as required if the transmission fluid is causing the problem. Repair or replace the control cables and linkage.
Battery Problems
Battery problems include weak or dead battery and faulty connecting wires that carry power from the battery to the other components of the mower. Charge the mower battery with a charger if the battery gets weak. Replace the battery if it becomes dead. Check the connecting wires and connecting points with a multimeter and repair or replace them as necessary to solve the battery issues.
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues stem from faulty electrical wires running through the whole system of the mower. Electrical wires carry power from the battery to important components like the spark plug, the PTO switch, the backlights and so on. Faulty electrical wires can be identified with a multimeter. Check all the wirings, identify the faulty wires, and replace them with new wires to solve the electrical issues in the mower.
Deck Belt Issues
Deck belt powers the blades which cut the grass. Since the deck belt operates under high stress and friction, it is often prone to damages that make it lose traction. Deck belts need to be changed annually or after 300 hours of usage.
Steering Problems
Difficulty in turning wheels, lack of responsiveness, excessive vibration of the steering wheel, drifting and tracking problems, and grinding noises are some of the most common problems of the steering wheels that users might face while operating the mower. These problems are caused by defective wheel assembly, worn steering or suspension components, fluid leaks, damaged rims or tires, faulty suspension, low fluid level, defective stabilizers, defective suspension bushings, defective control arms, and faulty tie rod. Check all of the above mentioned parts for faults and replace them accordingly to solve all of the steering problems.
Engine overheating
Engine overheating occurs when the engine oil level is low or the air flow is restricted. Fill the crankcase with the proper amount and weight of oil and clean grass clippings and debris from around the engine’s cooling fins and blower housing so that air can flow freely.
Fuel Problems
The common fuel problems are faulty fuel pumps, clogged fuel lines, clogged fuel filters and stale or dirty fuel.
Faulty fuel pump: Fuel pump takes power from the battery and creates a vacuum in its chamber to pull fuel from the fuel tank and supplies it to the intake manifold of the carburetor. Fuel pumps become faulty if the valves stop functioning or the connecting wires to battery become faulty. Repair and replace the valves and the wire to solve this issue.
Clogged fuel lines: Fuel lines can get clogged due to carbon build-ups over time. Clean the fuel lines thoroughly to resolve this problem.
Clogged fuel filters: Fuel filters can also get clogged over time. Replace the fuel filter if it gets too clogged.
Stale or dirty fuel: Drain the fuel tank and fill it with clean and fresh gasoline.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks happen due to gaskets, valves, and welding malfunctioning. Check all the gaskets and draining valves and make sure that they are functioning properly. Replace the valves and gaskets if they sprung a leak. Seek professional help if weldings get damaged.
Safety Switch Issues
Safety switches function to make sure that the mower does not start at odd positions like when the rider is not seated. Safety switches can get damaged, bent, or corroded and malfunction. Check the safety switches if they are engaging and disengaging at unwanted times and replace them to solve the issue.
Tire Problems
Tire problems mainly stem from inadequate tire pressure and different tire pressure on different tires. Inflate the tires at the correct pressure and match the pressure on all of the tires.
How Can You Prevent Cub Cadet Rzt 50 Problems?
You can prevent problems on your Cub Cadet RZT 50 with regular cleaning and maintenance. The parts that are constantly getting dirty such as the blades, the underside of the deck, the chute and so on need to be cleaned thoroughly before and after usage. You should also regularly change the air filter and the fuel filter as they get dirty with time and usage.
Sharpening the blade regularly will ensure a premium user experience and will keep the entire machine functioning well. Always use fresh and clean gasoline and avoid using stale fuel. Use a fuel stabilizer if you wish to store the mower for an extended period of time. Change the drive belts annually or when they start losing traction.
Is Cub Cadet a Reliable Brand?
Yes, Cub Cadet is a reliable brand as it has earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners and garden enthusiasts worldwide by providing quality service.
How Long Does Cub Cadet Zero Turn Last?
With proper maintenance and care, Cub Cadet zero turn mowers will last between 5-10 years. Cub Cadet offers up to 4 years of warranty for their mowers.
