Cub Cadet RZT50 Zero Turn Maintenance/Drive Belt Replacement - Kawasaki FH661V Valve adjustment

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

15 hours later I finally finished my first mower deck restoration job. Never make my time on that one, but I learned a whole lot of what to do and what NOT to do! Knotted wire wheel on angle grinder, prime, topcoat and three light clearcoats. As long as you don’t bend down to look too closely it looks, well, meh to pretty good! 😂

[@hester781]

Awesome! It’s amazing what a little bit of elbow grease, and paint can do to these decks.👍🏻

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

This is the first time I’ve ever seen those hinged Allen wrenches. Seems like a way better tool to use instead of stupid right angle ones or even T-handle ones. Thanks a whole lot for adding yet another expensive item to my Want Tool List! 😉😂🔧👍

[@hester781]

I’ve had these for about 15 years and I absolutely absolutely love them! They were made by gear wrench and they discontinued them for some reason unfortunately

[@Big_Johns]

Nice work Hester, it's going to end up being a good mower. I like those jointed torx wrenches. 👍

[@hester781]

Thank you sir! She’s been used 3 or 4 times since the first video and works great!

[@Big_Johns]

Wow, I’m psychic…. or was it psycho?? 😳

[@hester781]

@@Big_Johns😂😂😂

[@TLMD]

This was an awesome video as usual. I hope you are all well and please keep up the awesome work!

[@hester781]

Thank you Dave! Hope all is well on your end! 👍🏻

[@MrGoosePit]

Lookin' good. Nice work!

[@hester781]

Thank you! 👍🏻

[@fredmetcalf]

Enjoyed......I like your thinking and you do good work.....

[@hester781]

I appreciate that! Thank you! 👍🏻

[@CoachRGT]

Just came across your site Sir and now subscribed. Thank you for the detailed info. I am in the market for a used RZT50 as well. Is there major concern for a light smoke the current owner is indicating ???

[@hester781]

It honestly depends on a couple of factors, how many hours are on the machine, what type of engine it is, and how bad it is smoking and when. I would definitely say to proceed with caution and make sure the purchase price reflects the possibility of major engine issues

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Oh, wow, JD! Just got my first ever ZT job this morning! Snapper S150xt running rough. Am I now playing with the big boys? 😉🔧👍

[@hester781]

Definitely! Lol zero Turn’s are a lot of fun but definitely expensive toys!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Is it possible the trans fluid needs changing to stop it from dragging forward or reverse? Is there any other adjustment that can be made anywhere to restore it to absolute neutral?

[@hester781]

Unfortunately, this is one of those “ nonserviceable” hydros and the only way to change the fluid would be to disassemble the unit. After looking through a few forums, this is actually a common problem and not much can be done unfortunately. The problem is not so much that I can’t get it to neutral. It’s that when I do get it to neutral I’m sacrificing even speed at both wheels on a straightaway. If I had to guess there is probably something worn out inside that Hydro causing fluid to slip by.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

It didn’t look like you tightened up the valve adjustments too hard before finishing. I’m still working on my technique for those pesky critters.

[@hester781]

I spun the motor and double checked both sides once more off camera, they are definitely tight 👍🏻

[@philliphall5198]

Can you buy directly from Oregon? For parts ??????

[@hester781]

I don’t have an account with Oregon if that’s what you’re asking if I buy Oregon or Stens, it’s through my local supplier