® OPERATOR'S MANUAL ZERO TURN TRACTOR Model Numbers RZT 42 w/42" Mower Deck RZT 50 w/50" Mower Deck IMPORTANT: Warning: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS This unit is equipped with an internal combustion CAREFULLY engine and should not be used oll or near any unimproved forest- covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark attester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
TABLE OF CONTENTS TRACTOR PREPARATION ................................................................................................... 2 IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES .................................................................... 4 SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS ........................................................................................... 7 RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION ........................................... 9 CUSTOMER SUPPORT ......................................
POSITION DRIVECONTROL LEVERS The drive control levers are unfastened from their respective pivot brackets and lowered for shipping purposes. The control levers must be repositioned and secured to the pivot bracket to operate the tractor. Reposition the control levers as follows: • Remove the nut knob, bell washer, and carriage bolt from either of the two control lever pivot brackets. Refer to Figure 2.
WARNING • The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. • This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
13. Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight. 14. Do not operatethe machinewhile under the influenceof alcoholor drugs. 15. Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearor crossing roadways. 16. Use extra carewhen loadingor unloadingthe machineintoa trailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot bedrivenupor downa rampontoa trailerortruck under power,becausethe unit could tip over causingseriouspersonalinjury.Theunitmustbe pushedmanuallyon a rampto load or unload properly. 17.
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operatethemachine.Children14yearsandover shouldonly operatethe machineunder close parentalsupervision andproperinstruction. 6. Useextracarewhenapproaching blindcorners, shrubs,treesor otherobjectsthatmayobscure yourvisionof a childor otherhazard. 7. Removethe key when the machine is left unattended topreventunauthorized operation. ,_ IV. SERVICE 1. 9.
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS Keep product safety graphics clean. Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, missing, painted over or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your authorized Troy-Bilt dealer. GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - LOCATED ON LEFT CONSOLE ASIDE OPERATOR'S SEAT GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - LOCATED ON RIGHT CONSOLE ASIDE OPERATOR'S SEAT AVOID Read Go SERIOUS The INJURY Operator's Across Not If Machine Stops Going Avoid Sudden Turns.
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS RZT50 RZT42 SAFETY GRAPHIC - LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK INFORMATION GRAPHIC - BELT ROUTING LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate under the seat of the tractor and copy the information in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below.
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY. SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE i<1 A POWER POLE I I 15 ° ,_ WARNING Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
SECTION 1" CONTROLS AND FEATURES / \\ \ K \ _ i/ ¸ \ Figure 4 A, Deck Height Index B, Deck Lift Handle C, RH and LH Drive Control Levers H, Storage Tray J. Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Seen) K. Fuel Tank Cap L. Hour Meter/Indicator M. Throttle Control D, Ignition Switch E. PTO Switch F. Transmission G, Cup Holder N.
NOTE: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR indicate that position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator's seat. A. NOTE: To prevent accidental starting and/or battery discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch when the tractor is not in use. Deck Height Index E. The deck height index consists of six index notches located on the front/right of the seat box frame.
K. FuelTankCap The fuel tank cap is locatedat the rearof the LH console.Turnthe cap counterclockwise to unscrew andremovefromthe fuel tank.Alwaysre-installthe fuelcaptightlyontothefueltankafterremoving. Indicator Panel Feature Battery Indicator • WARNING: Never fill the fuel tank when the engine is running. If the engine is hot from recently running, allow to cool for several minutes before refueling. Highly flammable gasoline could splash onto the engine and cause a fire. L.
M. ThrottleControl Thethrottlecontrolis locatedon the LH consoleto the leftof the operator'sseat.Whenset in a given position,a uniformenginespeedwillbemaintained. RZT42 J Model RZT42 ONLY -- When starting the engine, push the control handle fully forward into the "CHOKE" position. See Figure 8. After starting and warming the engine, move the control handle rearward until you feel it move past the choke detent. fastThiSposition.Symb°l indicates the Ik I N.
SECTION 2: OPERATION GENERAL SAFETY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR • • Before you operate the tractor, study this manual and the engine manual carefully. They have been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently. • Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the instruments and controls. • This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline.
• The safetyinterlocksystemwill shut off the engineif the operatorleavesthe seat withthe PTOengaged,regardless of whetherthe parking brakeis engaged. NOTE:The PTO switch must be moved to the Model ZT50 ONLY 1. Pull the choke control knob upward to the full choke position. NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine. "OFF" position to restart the engine. • 2. Move the throttle control lever fully forward to the "fast" position.
COLDWEATHER STARTING Be sure to use the proper oil for the expected temperatures (checkthetablein theenginemanual). Followthe normalenginestartinginstructions above. However,allowthe engineampletime to warmup beforeputtingthetractorunderload. • NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.
• Move the RH and LH drive control levers inward in the neutral position. See Figure 10. DRIVING FORWARD Faster Control Lever Moved Inward and in Neutral Slower Neutral Position o Figure 11 Figure 10 • Move the throttle control lever forward to the full throttle position (3500-3600 RPM). move the _ before making sharp turns.
- Toturntothe right,movetherightdrivecontrol leverrearwardoftheleftlever.SeeFigure13. FORWARD IMPORTANT: Always maintain your grasp on the drive control levers. Do not release the levers to slow the tractor or to return to neutral. RIGHT TURN Turning While Driving Rearward • To turn the tractor while driving rearward, move the control levers as necessary so that one lever is forward of the other. The tractor will turn in the direction of the forward control lever.
STOPPING THE TRACTOR Executing a Zero Turn • ,_ • • the tractor MUST BE STOPPED. WARNING: When executing a zero turn, Executing a zero turn while the tractor is moving can significantly reduce your control of the tractor and will cause severe turf defacement to occur. • • • Stop the forward or reverse motion of the tractor by moving the two drive control levers to neutral. If dismounting the tractor: - Move the drive control handles fully outward in the neutral position. - Engage the parking brake.
USING THE MOWER DECK IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor reason while on a grass surface, always: WARNING: Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades. IMPORTANT: Do when lowered in possible failure of result. Fully raise grassy area before Mow across slopes, not up and down. If mowing a slope, start at bottom and work upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTING THE OPERATORS SEAT • • To adjust the position of the seat, move and hold the seat adjustment lever toward the left. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position; then release the adjustment lever. Make sure seat is locked into position before operating the tractor. See Figure 19. Insert the carriage bolt through the pivot bracket and control lever slot. Slide the bell washer onto the bolt and screw on the nut knob, but do not fully tighten now.
SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE ENGINE MAINTENANCE If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/ water or baking soda/water. Engine maintenance procedures and schedules can be found in the engine manual. Follow those instructions for performing engine maintenance. NEVER connect (or disconnect) battery charger clips to the battery while the charger is turned on, as it can cause sparks.
CHARGING THEBATTERY Testand,if necessary, rechargethe batteryafterthe tractorhasbeenstoredfora periodoftime. • A voltmeteror loadtestershouldread12.6volts (DC)or higheracrossthebatteryterminals. • Chargethe batterywitha 12-voltbatterycharger ata MAXIMUMrateof 10amps. Voltmeter Reading 12.7 12.4 12.2 12.0 State of Charge 100% 75% 50% 25% SERVICING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A fuse is installed to protect the tractor's electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage.
USING THE TRANSMISSION BYPASS RODS TRACTOR CREEPING If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move the tractor, the two hydrostatic transmissions are equipped with bypass rod that will allow you to manually move the tractor short distances. ,_ Creeping is the slight forward or backward of the tractor when the engine is running and the drive control levers are opened neutral position.
TRACTORHIGHSPEEDTRACKING Ifthe tractortrackstoonesidewithbothdrivecontrol levers fully forward,adjust the controllevers as follows: Checkfor properand balancedair pressurein TRANSMISSION DRIVE BELT If the transmission drive belt becomes worn and causes the drive transmissions to slip, the drive belt must be replaced. To replace the drive belt, proceed as follows: both front and rear tires. Refill tires if necessary.
TRACTOR STORAGE Emptying the fuel system: If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is placed in storage.
SECTION 5: MOWER DECK This section contains removal, installation, adjustment, and maintenance information for the 42-inch (RZT42) and 50-inch (RZT50) mower decks. Rolling the belt off the PTO pulley. • DECK REMOVAL Remove the mower deck from the tractor as follows: 1. Move the tractor to a level surface, disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and set the parking brake. 2. Move the deck gauge wheels to their highest setting (lowest deck setting). 3.
7. Slide the deck forwardso that the deck front hangerrodcanbeliftedoutofthetwoslotsofthe frontdeckbracket.After liftingthe fronthanger rod out of the slots,slidethe deckrearwardso thattherodcannolongerengagetheslots. 8. Usingcareto preventthe fronthangerrodfrom fallingbackintothe deckslots,gentlyslidethe cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath thetractor. Route the backside of the belt around the fixed idler pulley of the deck. Refer to Figure 27.
LEVELING THEMOWERDECK Whenleveledcorrectlythe mowerdeck shouldbe levelsideto side,andshouldbe approximately a 1/8 to1/4inchlowerinthefrontofthedeck. Sideto SideLeveling If thecuttingdeckappearsto bemowingunevenly,a sideto sideadjustmentcan be performed. Adjustif necessary asfollows: • Withthe tractorparkedon a firm,levelsurface, placethedecklifthandleinthetopnotch(highest position)androtatebothbladesso thattheyare perpendicular tothetractorframe.
• Fromthe front of the tractor,loosenthe outer nutson thedeckfronthangerrod,andturnthem awayfromtheinnernuts.SeeFigure32. NOTE: The deck gauge wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck. Using the lift handle, set the deck in the desired height setting, then check the gauge wheel and if necessary adjust as follows. Hex Nuts • With the deck set at the desired height, visually check the distance between the gauge wheels and the ground.
DECK MAINTENANCE Use a 15/16 inch wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose the hex nut securing the blade. Refer to Figure 34.
DECK LUBRICATION REPLACING THE DECK DRIVE BELT • • Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 28). • Remove the hex tapping screws securing the belt covers to the deck and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Figure 35. • Depending on which working on, install spindle pulleys as graphic of Figure 35. • Route the belt rearward between the two idler pulleys and reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck Installation on page 29.
SECTION 6: PARTS LIST RZT42 AND RZT50 REF. PART NO. NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 REF. NO. 1 2 3 603-04303B 777122489 703-05829 710-0520 710-3005 712-04065 732-0626 738-04058 738-04162A 756-04129 PART NUMBER 603-04148A 603-04308 634-04237 DESCRIPTION QTY, Frame Assembly ............................. Graphic, Release Lever ............... Idler Arm, Drive ............................... Screw, Hex Cap, 3/8-16 x 1.5 GR5 Screw, Hex Cap, 3/8-16 x 1.
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 % REF. PART NO. NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 710-1268 712-04063 712-04064 720-0309A 726-0201 731-04074 732-0499 732-1184 DESCRIPTION Screw, Hx. Wash. Hd. Tapp ............ #10-16 x .375 Nut, Hx Insert Flange Lck ................ 5/16-18 GrF Nut, Hx Insert Flnge Lck, 1/4-20 GrF Grip, Seat Adjustment ..................... Nut, Speed, .3125 ........................... Spacer, Seat Adjustment ................ Spring, Compression, .41 x 1.5 ....... Spring, Extension, .84 Dia. x 4.6 .....
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 \ \ t tt f Section of Main Wire Harness (Reference Only) 36
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 REF, PART NO. NUMBER 1 710-0227 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 t t DESCRIPTION QTY, Screw, Hex Wash. Hd. Tapp ............ #8-18 x .5 2 710-0599 Screw, Hex Wash. Hd. Tapp ............ 1/4-20 x .5 2 710-3015 712-0271 725-04022A 725-04165 725-04174 725-04228 725-04232 725-1303 725-1426A 725-1439 925-1745 725-1707D 725-3166 726-0278 726-0279 726-0470 747-04425 725-04297 725-04188 Screw, Hex Cap, 1/4-20 x .75 GR5 .. Nut, Hex Sems, 1/4-20 .....................
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 38
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 REF, PART NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY 1 603-04326 777122600 777S32354 777122307 Frame, Seat Box ............................... Graphic, Park Brake ....................... Graphic, Warning ........................... Graphic, Deck Height ..................... 1 1 1 1 2 Bracket, Foot Rest ............................ Graphic, Troy-Bilt ........................... 1 1 3 4 703-05373A 777D09987 703-05467 710-04261 Bracket, Switch Mounting .................. Screw, Hex Wash.
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 4O
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 REF. NO.
MODEL RZT42 42
MODEL RZT42 FIEF. PART NO. NUMBER 1 2 DESCRIPTION QTY. 603-04156 603-04335 777S32599 777S30503 777122281 Bracket, Deck Lift ............................. Housing, Deck .................................. Graphic, Danger ............................ Graphic, Danger ............................ Graphic, Instruction ....................... 1 1 1 1 1 618-0427 756-1188 Spindle Assembly ............................. Pulley .............................................
MODEL RZT50 ½ 44
MODEL RZT50 REF. PART NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY. 1 603-04328 777S32598 777S30503 777122282 Housing, Deck ..................................... Graphic, Danger ............................... Graphic, Danger ............................... Graphic, Instruction .......................... 1 1 1 1 2 618-04126 756-1171 737-3000 Spindle Assembly ................................ Pulley, 5.39 Dia ................................ Fitting, Lube, 3/16 Drive ...................
MODEL RZT42 46
MODEL RZT42 REF. NO. 1 2 PART NUMBER 603-04176 751-10057C 751-3124B 3 5 703-05441A 703-05870 710-0227 6 7 DESCRIPTION QTY. Tube, Exhaust .................................. Tank, Fuel, 3.0 Gal ........................... Cap, Fuel ....................................... Bracket, Muffler Mounting ................. ' Shield, Muffler Tube Heat ................. Screw, Hex Wash. Hd. Tapp ............ #8-18 x .5 1 1 1 1 1 3 710-04248 710-0599 Screw, Hex Cap, 7/16-20 x 4.0 GR5 Screw, Hex Wash. Hd.
MODEL RZT50 \ \ 48
MODEL RZT50 REF. NO. 1 2 3 4 5 PART NUMBER 603-04162 603-04163 751-10057C 703-05441A 710-0227 DESCRIPTION QTY. Tube, Exhaust RH ............................ Tube, Exhaust LH ............................. Tank, Fuel, 3.0 Gal ........................... Bracket, Muffler Mounting ................. Screw, Hex Wash. Hd. Tapp ............. #8-18 x .5 1 1 1 1 3 710-04248 710-0599 Screw, Hex Cap, 7/16-20 x 4.0 GR5 Screw, Hex Wash. Hd. Tapp ............. 1/4-20 x .5 1 4 710-0726 Screw, Hex Wash. Hd.
MODELS RZT42 AND RZT50 REF. PART NO. NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DESCRIPTION QTY. 618-04326 618-04327 634-04127 734-0294 734-0255 Transmission Assembly, RH ........... Transmission Assembly, LH ............ RZT42 Wheel Assembly, 18 x 6.5 x 8 RZT42Tire, 18x6.5x8 .............. Valve Assembly ............................ 1 1 2 2 2 634-04171 734-1729 734-0255 RZT50 Wheel Assembly, 18 x 9.5 x 8 RZT50 Tire, 18x9.5x8 .............. Valve Assembly ............................
NOTES 51
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR" ® The limited warranty set forth below is given by Troy-Bilt LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. "Troy-Bilt" warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and wiII, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
