#137

[@rik4369]

Great video! I am considering buying a zero turn an Cub Cadet ZT1 or ZT2 are at the top of my list. I have a year old CC 54 inch Tractor that has been great. I am a disabled Vet an really need to reduce my grass cutting time down. This is why I am leaning towards a Zero Turn. Your video was one of the best on this topic. Thanks a million. Semper Fi

[@rufustb8314]

Z71 is the best mower I have ever had. 2 years old, runs like a champion.

[@shannonjones8112]

The oil filter did not have oil in the filter when you installed the new one, that is why the oil fill stick reads slightly over full once you start the engine and it fills the oil filter it may show slightly low or just right. 👍

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

yeah, I had realized that while I was doing it, but never verbalized it in the recording. Thats why I made sure to run it and recheck the level. Thanks for watching!

[@JeffBlaine]

Thanks for this video. I found it very helpful. You surely know it, and I'm not trying to be "that guy", but it's easy as a third-party watching this to see that you were looking straight down on the tape measure for the first deck measurement and then directly at eye-level with the tape measure on the other side. That can easily account for being off 1/8" or 1/4".

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Fair enough. What you don't see is I measured numerous times that didn't make it in the edited video and the deck is still level here 4 years later.

[@douglasadams4540]

Great info especially on this mower. Everyone else has a ZT1 50. Mine is the same size you have. So thanks again

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

You bet!

[@chrish6659]

Great no nonsense walk through. Great job!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great day!

[@donaldschrade1679]

For leveling the deck, side to side, there's an easier way. Set the dial for 3 1/2" cut. Adjust until a piece of 2 x 4 wood just fits under both sides. Easy Peasy and added benefit is the height settings will actually be the actual height.

[@dbpropertymaintenance8660]

I just bought the same model. This video is priceless. Thank you. Wish someone told me about the factory oil just hit 30 hrs and doing an oil change tomorrow!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@MH-wo4be]

read your owners manual. Don't rely on others.

[@Combat_Pyro]

It’s in the manual lol

[@philliphall5198]

Some of the replacements short filters can block oil flow and burn up engine Make sure you use the longer filters just to be safe

[@chrish6659]

Appreidate this video, just did my first oil change. Mine took exactly 2 quarts, ZT 2 60”.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Excellent! Glad you liked the video. Take care!

[@johnleon2594]

Just got a zr2 50, nice video 😎😎

[@JAllyFarms]

Little John is almost at its 100hr birthday. So I'll have to give him a makeover next week. Ohh ya JD warranty had to rebuild the deck due to failing bearings (ya! new mower deck!). I had them replace the fuel filter while it was at the dr's office and send me the maint kit when they returned the tractor. for me its change oil/air (check-clean)/grease every 50 hrs and replace everything every (Fuel/Oil/Gas/Air) and change the spark plugs and grease at 100hrs. About the fuel I dont really mess with additives for the gas unless there is a problem like water in the gas etc... the mower we have is the JD E170 so changing he oil is as easy as changing the filter no mess oil change

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

There's always something to keep up with when you got equipment

[@erice3933]

I have a ZTX5, per the dealer recommendation, I did a "break in" oil change at 8 hours. Then I replace the oil and filter at 25 hours. Now I just change the oil and filter at the beginning of each season. I run Royal Purple 10-40w Max Cycle for 4 stroke engines. I had questioned the break in change because it wasn't in the book but I'm glad I did it. I could see metal flakes, shining in the sunlight, when it was draining. I also bought a cheap 8 gallon California Compressor for my shed. I use it to blow out the air filter and blow grass off the deck after each use. The RP 10-40w is probably overkill but the whole oil change comes to $38 a year mowing 4 acres weekly during season and I don't have to worry about going over 25 hours in a season. I just occasionally check the level and I've never had it show low at the end of a season.

[@87silah]

I'm kind of like you with the fuel filter. Just as needed but I think I will replace it at 100 hrs or so. My biggest issue with mine is not having a Fuel Gauge. I just ordered an aftermarket cap with a gauge attached. I'm curious how you deal with that issue?

[@natesv04]

Lift up the seat and you can see the fuel level

[@dr.michaelrathjens4559]

very helpful video. any suggestions for addressing how it is that one of the front tires does not touch the ground? thanks

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

That's doesn't seem right at all. I'd check with a dealer

[@gemmabutterfly7828]

Thanks for the tutorial. I found it very helpful since I have never done anything like this :)

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@jbreezy3146]

Q. So I have the ZT1 -50 I am guessing its the same process, however couldn't I set the deck heigh to max and do the adjustment to make sure it's 4in+ ? Also the front and back adjustment on the deck is there a specific factory heigh that it' supposed to be at?

[@jesshudnall9064]

So are the 7007 and 7010 oil filters interchangeable? I can't fund the 7007 anywhere locally tractor supply did have the 7010 tho... Thanks... Also do we really not need to change the transmission fluid/filter until 200 hours? My neighbor has a different brand and she had to change hers at 75 hours... Just really font wasn't too mess up my machine!! Thanks

[@jondoe5290]

I just got the ZT2 50 and the dealer told me the same thing about using the skinnier oil filter. You will be fine using it.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yep! I've run mine for a few hours since filming this and no issues. The filter size is so different than the OEM filter that I thought at first it had to be a mistake. Thanks for watching!

[@jondoe5290]

@@WoodsTreeFarm Good to hear, I can't wait for this rain to stop so I can give mine a try. BTW, Virginia here also.

[@jondoe5290]

@@brentcampbell8179 a??? Good input, I guess???

[@toddh6234]

Nice mower! Set your deck to the height that you normally cut your grass at. Then adjust/level your deck. Its easier to make measurements if you take a wooden ruler and cut it down to 6-7 inches. If you don't have a wooden ruler mark of some measurement marks on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard. Those fuel filters last a long time. You are not running a commercial business. I change them once they start to turn yellowish looking or if the mower starts to sputter a little.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Great tips. Thanks! Have a great day

[@scottrobello]

Or could cut a wood block the height of the discharge side and use that to touch off the other side while adjusting bolt.

[@stevepatterson1291]

I just changed my oil in identical machine and made a mistake I would like to share. About 1/2 liter of old oil was left in the machine because the drain hose is not secured flat and forms a slight bend upward (hose rises about 1” above bottom of oil pan) before it passes through the sheet metal to exit. You have the same bend in your oil drain hose as seen about 3 min into your video. Water (and oil) does not flow up hill. So press the hose down or tilt the machine. Or maybe pull it out, drain oil, and store hose back in original location. The level on the dipstick was about 2 inches ABOVE the full mark. Had to take excess oil out. And I have 25% old oil. Will have to redo correctly soon.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thanks for bringing that up. It might help someone else. I've never experience an issue draining, and subsequent overfilling. I'm at 300hrs now w/ oil changes every 50.

[@dbpropertymaintenance8660]

Update: my dealer only carried the 7007 filter not the 7010. And he wanted $225 to do the oil change. It's no wonder dealer service is dying and everyone is fighting for right to repair.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yeah, that's absolutely insane.

[@netflooder263]

$225-wow, it's a mower, not a semi

[@rauelb09]

Are you sure they didnt say $225 for a complete tune up?? Because if that's for an oil change id report that

[@jimmydodat7957]

Are the zerk fittings larger than normal. I can’t seem to fit the grease gun coupler on the zerk?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Pretty sure its the same size as all my tractor fittings. Though there's not alot of room to fit the grease gun head in there.

[@cavyboy99]

Can you do a video on how to change the gear oil please

[@robtankbuster5215]

Yea, the only reason I watched!

[@jayneup4776]

20:36 what happened to the back of the engine looks like it got red spray paint all over it 🤔 it wasn’t like that when u cleaned the air filter

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Good eye. I never noticed that. Its just the reflection off my red truck. Thanks for watching!

[@jayneup4776]

Woods Tree Farm thanks for clearing that up just looks so wild, that truck must be shining like a diamond 😂

[@jimmydodat7957]

Thanks for the video it was helpful. My problem is the accumulation of cuttings on the top of the mower deck, it is excessive and the other riding mowers I had never had this problem as much as the ZT2 54" Any suggestions on preventing this or am I the only one having this thick accumulation after each time I use the mower???

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yes! happens to me too! The leaf blower does an OK job at removing them, but its still a hassle. clippings really get caught up under the left and right pulley shields and no way to clean that out other than remove the shields in my experience.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yes! happens to me too! The leaf blower does an OK job at removing them, but its still a hassle. clippings really get caught up under the left and right pulley shields and no way to clean that out other than remove the shields in my experience.

[@jimmydodat7957]

After I get finished I open up the floor pan each time and the leaf blower gets rid of everything that has built up. I am the blower at the air vents on the outside of the pulley covers.

[@Combat_Pyro]

+1 leaf blower

[@jeffrentsch4318]

I run Exmark, and Toro professionally they both accumulate debris. Leaf blower works on all. My cubcadet sits in my garage instead of an open trailer. It gets full clean every week so I don't have to smell grass 8n garage.

[@davidcarroll3710]

Have you had any deck vibration issues like some folks were talking about on ZT1 Models? Looking to buy the same model you have. Thanks in advance and for the review videos.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

None

[@b376010]

None either on my ZT2 54" purchased 6/20. It's a fantastic machine, buy one!

[@jimmydodat7957]

Yes I have a deck vibration that sounds like something is loose. The motor is really loud but you can hear it well.

[@trumerjay]

Only thing I dont like about mine. Is the vibration. Other than that, solid mower.

[@Combat_Pyro]

Mine came from deal with 30psi also. I dropped mine down to 6. Rides like a dream now!

[@RBKinKC]

Maybe a protractor or small speed square for measuring blade height? Would be consistent both in the chute and on the opp side I'd think.

[@jimmydodat7957]

After leveling your deck does it still have a sharp tilt at the back? I really don’t have any solid level ground out here and never adjusted the deck. Upon delivery the kid said he did everything but now I’m not sure.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

yeah, it seems the deck doesn't appear level even though the blades are the same distance from the ground front and back.

[@mikesigncarver3803]

Am considering buying this mower but have seen a few videos about the vibration and shaking of the deck, what is your opinion on it? Do you think it vibrates excessively? Thanks

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I haven't experienced that at all.

[@mikesigncarver3803]

@@WoodsTreeFarm so all in all you really like the mower?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Yeah, no real complaints. I use it harder than it was designed for on my farm and it hasn't let me down. I've damaged the spindles, but that's my fault. Replacements online aren't too expensive and it's easy to do.

[@Combat_Pyro]

I think that was on the ZT1 and only on some models.

[@mikesigncarver3803]

@@Combat_Pyro thanks for the reply but I bought an Ariens and love it. The deck is very sturdy.

[@gaminggod3326]

The oil plug is stuck -- I cannot get it to move -- any Ideas ???

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Did you try putting a wrench or set of pliers on the end of the hose while trying to loosen the plug? Spray it with wd-40? Longer wrenches = more leverage

[@Combat_Pyro]

It had sealant on the threads. You need to grasp the metal fitting body with vice grips and turn the plug loose with a wrench. It won’t be as hard the next time.

[@garypolinsky4888]

Super video! I applauded for $2.00 👏

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Wow, thanks! Have a great day

[@cavyboy99]

You skipped the part of the fluid for the transmission. That's the main reason I watched this video. The Manuel isn't very clear. How do you fill it? Pour straight in the reservoirs? And what do you put in it?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I don't think I was due for that yet, but yes, you just add it to each reservoir. Cub sells a sythetic blend drive system fluid. I don't know if there's an aftermarket equivalent that would work. www.gccpd.com/cubcadet-490-000-c051

[@cavyboy99]

@@WoodsTreeFarm thank you. Good video

[@Combat_Pyro]

Your manual will tell you what weight oil to replace it with and how often. Change it at 50hrs usually, then just adjust it if it drops down. Maybe change it every 500hrs after that.

[@jimmydodat7957]

The deck of my ZT4 54 had a very aggressive angle when delivered. I know the front of the deck is always lower than the rear but I wasn’t pleased with the amount of cuttings that accumulated on top of the deck. I took the front adjustment for the deck and loosened it. Then I leveled the deck with the adjustment rod. Then I measured the distance of the blade tips when set parallel according to the manual. After that it seems like I’m getting less cuttings on top of the deck. I usually dial the deck height at 3” for cutting and the manual does state to correctly adjust the deck first set it at your cutting height. Anyone else out there doing the same? After each cut I take the foot plate off and use the leaf blower to clean the deck pulleys and engine cooling fins. It’s a great design for cleaning the deck. I would love to try and stop the deck rattling when the PTO is engaged. The rattling pulses and I’m not sure what exactly is producing the noise. Has anyone figured that out? Also at the grass shoot there is a threaded stud with a black plastic cap on the deck. What is this for?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

great info. Thanks for sharing!

[@Rogerdiddy]

The threaded stud is for a bagger system.

[@davidfifer9565]

My zt2 50 doesn’t have the two hydraulic tanks visible. Did they change the design?

[@Combat_Pyro]

I think the 50” comes without them. Mine doesn’t have them either.

[@loveracing1988]

Yes they went to internal tanks

[@xcesarxramosx]

Thanks for the info

[@jamesfeussner3606]

how come oil filter is black factory ones are yellow

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Don't know,but that's not uncommon with equipment. My tractor factory filters were gray and replacements were yellow for hydro or white for oil

[@Combat_Pyro]

Manual says 5hrs. I did mine at 5hrs and I’m going to do it again at 20hrs bc the dealer recommended 15hrs. Also, remove the air housing from the outside of the engine to clean the cooling fins. It’s not that big a deal. I look at my fuel filter, and if there’s anything inside it, I change it, which there usually is, lol. It’s not the fuel you’re putting in, it’s the grass and leaves blowing around while you’re putting it in there that get inside the system.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Good info. Thanks 👍

[@HomesteadJay]

Ugh I need to do maintenance on my ride on. This video just reminded me lol ugh.... I work on so much stuff sometimes I’m just like ehhhh next time we’ll I’ve said that for two seasons haha nice work! I guess I’ll get to mine haha one thing I do like about that is the extension hose to from the oil what a nice feature. My dads old toro literally drained oil EVERYWHERE since there was no extension it just poured all over the back of the machine haha. Sorry I missed a few videos trying to catch up now!

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I know the feeling, Jay. This was stuff I wanted to get done over the winter and never got around to it.

[@georgemedley9245]

What grade oil did you use ?

[@jimmydodat7957]

My ZT2 came with a short filter on it

[@MrCHEVYBOI706]

Great vid! Have you ever checked the fluid for each axle?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

no - I haven't done that yet. The reservoirs are clear, so I can see the fluid level is appropriate, but I haven't looked to see the condition of the fluid and am not considering changing the fluid yet.

[@AllenReinecke]

Is there a replaceable oil filter for each transaxle?

[@russelltrupia4479]

My gosh Phil this seems like such a long time ago that I had commented on your mower. The older you get the faster time goes.I still enjoy all your videos By the way how is the goop doing in those tires.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

no issues since the tires were slimed last year

[@bobepema355]

What type oil did you use, full synthetic?

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

10w-40 synthetic blend

[@greygoose117]

On my zt2 to lower it is clockwise not counterclockwise

[@forrest1518]

Great video 👍🏽

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Thank you! 👍 Have a good day!

[@stevedawson4781]

I was looking for the grease gun.

[@sociopathmercenary]

I'm not sure whether to thank Kawasaki or Cub Cadet for that red loctite on my oil filter drain hose plug. I almost had to invite over the 800 lb gorilla for a collaboration.

[@brutebetter9188]

CC ships their mowers with overinflated tires on purpose.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Good to know. Thanks

[@b376010]

Adjusting the pressures is part of the assembly sequence in the owners manual, that apparently you didn't read (-;

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

@@b376010 Nope. I purchased the product from a dealer fully assembled. When I pay for a premium product from a reputable independent dealer, I expect it to be assembled properly and ready to run immediately. I don't think that expectation is too high.

[@Combat_Pyro]

@@WoodsTreeFarm I agree, I did the same. I still checked mine after them, lol. Mine was bouncing like crazy. 30psi. Ridiculous!!! I dropped them to 6psi. I may put slime in mine too

[@kodalogan2550]

Although not as precise,,, Save yourself some time with deck adjustments by using a carpenters level. Just remember to be nose down in the front like he said... Just my humble opinion.

[@jayrichardson5811]

Nicely build I wont buy any lawn or garden tractor that is 13 14 gauge Steel or higher numbers...12 Gauge steel and lower numbers are the only ones I'll buy

[@trentknabb5563]

You didn’t even say what kind of oil it takes.

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

Haha. Like most small equipment they recommend different oil weights based on your climate. Read the manual and use the one that's most appropriate for where youll be operating the mower.

[@philliphall5198]

No filter numbers or anything useful

[@scraplifetrashtocash4551]

The decks on these r garbage, Vibrate and u can't level them. Don't waste your money on the mower. Get yourself a John Deere 60 inch. More money but it will last u. These Cadets fall apart. Junk mowers

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

I haven't experienced the vibration issue I've seen others have complain about, and I had no trouble leveling mine either.

[@Combat_Pyro]

Ah, the words of a man trying to justify being raped for an inferior product. JD sucks in the residential market. I have a JD L120 and it has the same problems every other mower gets. It’s all about maintenance.

[@cassels2010]

I have to wonder why you are watching this video, if you think they are junk . why dont you watch the john deer vids instead.

[@jamesdiemert4874]

You don’t much grass apparently as I have 200 hrs and serviced everything myself cuts great keep blades balanced and 300 lbs lighter and not as expensive cut is awesome and I cut bi weekly try that with yours and you will see for yourself my deck vibrated with ultra high lifts junk blades put extreme mulching blades and cuts better and smooth as silk I recommend you try the mower out with blades changed and than tell the true story keep cutting grass