Cub Cadet RZT 50s are the best lawn mowers for homeowners due to their ease of use and durability.
However, even the best equipment is prone to malfunction sometimes. The most common Cub Cadet RZT 50 problems are transmission issues, clutch complications, hard starts, uneven cuts, overheating, problematic steering, battery issues, and brake difficulties.
Keep reading as we break down common RZT 50 problems and Cub Cadet zero turn troubleshooting.
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Cub Cadet RZT 50 Transmission Problems
If your Cub Cadet RZT mower is jerking, misfiring, or stalling, chances are that its transmission is problematic. Clogged air filters, leaking fuel lines, blocked carburetors, low fluid levels, worn-out pulleys, and faulty belts are the primary causes of transmission issues.
A clogged air filter restricts adequate airflow through the mower’s system, including the transmission. Cleaning the air filter curbs this issue.
Clogged fuel lines reduce the mower’s fuel supply, leading to transmission problems. Fuel lines easily block due to residue build-up. Regularly monitor these components and clean them if blocked.
It would help if you stuck to the recommended high-quality oil. Cheap, low-quality oils have excess residue, increasing the blockage chances.
A faulty or clogged carburetor reduces the mower’s power production, making it difficult to turn the transmission gears. Inspect the carburetor for any build-up and clean it immediately to solve Cub Cadet RZT 50 transmission problems.
Adequate transmission fluid is essential for smooth operations. Constantly monitor the transmission fluid levels. Refill the fluid to the recommended level if depleted.
Transmission pulleys and belts wear out and malfunction fast. Monitor them closely and replace them with new ones at the first signs of wearing out.
PTO Issues
Cub Cadet RZT 50 PTO clutch problems lead to stalling, which makes work difficult. These complications result from a disengaged switch, a loose or damaged belt, or a faulty PTO clutch.
To fix this issue, first, check if the PTO switch is engaged. Reach for the switch located on the control panel and confirm if it’s in the “on” position.
The PTO belt determines if the clutch stays engaged or not. Over time, this mower component gets loose and misbehaves. To fix the issue of the Cub Cadet RZT 50 PTO not engaging, monitor your mower’s belt closely and replace it if damaged. Remove the engine cover to reach the PTO belt easily.
A faulty clutch also leads to PTO issues. Repairing a damaged clutch at your home’s comfort is nearly impossible. Take the mower to a technician to fix these Cub Cadet RZT 50 problems.
Clutch Problems
Your mower’s clutch may misbehave if something restricts its movement. Other primary causes of Cub Cadet RZT 50 clutch problems include a damaged belt, a broken cable, and a faulty pulley.
The first step you should take if your mower has clutch problems is to check if something in the blades is restricting its movement and remove it immediately.
A clutch cable connects the pedal to the transmission system. This cable breaks after prolonged use. Closely monitor your mower’s clutch cable and replace it if broken.
To remove the cable safely, ensure the mower is off first. Then remove the deck and disconnect the cable from the clutch pulley. Belts and pulleys are crucial for proper clutch operations. Replace them if damaged to fix clutch issues.
Problematic Starts
Cub Cadet RZT 50 starting problems result from faulty spark plugs, blocked fuel lines and filters, stale fuel, and clogged air filters.
Spark plugs are responsible for triggering the engine to start. When faulty, your mower will have a difficult time powering up. These mower components are prone to wearing out and misbehaving after prolonged use. They may also get disconnected during operations, thanks to the extreme mower vibrations.
Regularly monitor your mower’s spark plugs and replace them immediately after you notice signs of wearing out. Ensure the spark plugs are connected properly before setting off.
Fuel lines and filters clog over time thanks to residue build-up. Clogging restricts the mower’s fuel flow, leading to starting problems. Regularly clean the fuel lines and filters to prevent these inconveniences.
Ethanol draws water from the surroundings into the fuel over time. High water concentration reduces the fuel’s efficiency, resulting in starting problems. To fix these Cub Cadet RZT 50 problems, flash the fuel tank and refill it with new oil regularly.
Sufficient clean air is crucial for a smooth start. Air filters get clogged due to dirt and debris build-up, restricting airflow. Regularly clean them to curb this issue.
Stop the mower and disconnect the spark plugs before removing the air filters. Clean the foam filter with a garden hose and dish detergent to remove all the dirt.
Ensure you rinse the filter thoroughly and dry all the excess water with paper towels before reattaching it to the mower.
Uneven Cuts
Improperly leveled decks, dull blades, and uneven tire pressure are the primary causes of rough cuts. Always check if the deck is accurately leveled before starting operations. Side-to-side mower deck adjustments are crucial to prevent this issue.
Instead of cutting the grass, dull blades pull on the grass, leading to ugly, uneven cuts. Regularly sharpen the blades for beautiful, even cuts. Some blades get dull from prolonged use. Replace these mower components annually.
Uneven tire pressure leads to steering problems, mower wobbling, and uneven deck sitting. These, in turn, result in uneven cuts. Confirm the tire pressure on all your mower tires before setting off to curb this issue.
Overheating
Cub Cadet RZT 50 mowers overheat due to low engine oil levels and restricted airflow. Oil lubricates the engine parts and reduces power loss. When restricted, the engine power drops substantially, leading to straining and overheating. Monitor the engine oil level and refill the oil pan to the recommended level for comfortable rides.
The engine requires sufficient airflow for complete combustion. Otherwise, the engine runs on a fuel-rich mixture, leading to overheating. Adequate air also helps cool down the system.
Fixing this issue involves cleaning the engine’s blowing house and cooling fins. Ensure you remove all the residue and grass clippings.
Problematic Steering
Wrong centering, faulty linkages, and wrong tire pressure are the leading causes of steering problems in Cub Cadet RZT 50. Always ensure the wheel is centered correctly for easy steering.
Linkages tend to get loose over time, resulting in excessive steering wheel play. Monitor the steering linkages and tighten them accordingly. You should also ensure all the pins are well placed. Replace damaged linkages if irreparable to fix these Cub Cadet RZT 50 problems.
Low tire pressure increases the lateral and forward drag steering effects, resulting in turning difficulties. Check if the tires have the proper pressure and inflate the deflated ones.
Cub Cadet RZT 50 Battery Problems
A low battery charge, poor wiring connections, and prolonged use are the leading causes of Cub Cadet RZT 50 battery problems.
Use a voltmeter to check the battery’s charge before starting work. A Cub Cadet RZT 50 mower battery should have at least 12 volts to run smoothly. It’s advisable also to check the battery’s charging system and fix it immediately if faulty.
Corroded and faulty connections restrict adequate power flow from the battery to other mower components. Regularly clean all the wires and cables to prevent dirt build-up. Replace worn-out and damaged connections.
Cub Cadet batteries start malfunctioning after prolonged use. Replace the battery immediately after you notice wearing-out signs like broken terminals and cracked cases.
Brake Problems
Cub Cadet RZT 50 brake problems result from faulty cables and stuck brake levers. Cables are prone to wearing out and malfunctioning after prolonged use. Regularly monitor these mower components and replace them if worn out.
Your mower’s brake levers get stuck and malfunction when their lubrication dries out. To prevent this issue, regularly lubricate the brake levers.
Are Cub Cadet RZT 50 Problems Deal Breakers?
Cub Cadet RZT50 problems aren’t deal breakers. This mower is a popular choice among homeowners for its high performance and ease of use. It has a strong and reliable 23 horsepower engine and a 50-inch cutting deck which can help to make mowing large lawns quick and efficient.
Although Cub Cadet RZT 50 issues are prevalent, following the troubleshooting tips in this post will help you solve most of them. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping these problems at bay.
Hello! My name is Chris, and I am the founder of Yard Floor. When I was a toddler, my family had a lush green lawn. I was at the center of caring for and maintaining this lawn and even proceeded to take an associate’s Degree in landscaping. I am here to share my years of experience with you – be it repairing your mower/tractor or caring for your lawn.