Thanks for the video and inspiration. I added the hour meter on my new zt1 50. Instead of cutting the decal square around the opening I made an X from corner to corner of the plate (not quite all the way to each corner) Then I popped one side of the plate up and was able to remove it. Then folded the 4 triangle portions of the decal down and around and re adhered them to the bottom...snapped the hour meter in and I have a nice clean install over the decal with no yellow metal showing.
Inspiring video. I bought the meter and made the cutout 1/4” smaller with 45 degree cuts at the corners. This allowed the blank to come out and enough material to tuck under the meter. I also added the washout.
@@vitreoushumor How many wires were attached to your factory connection? What colors were yours? Mine, DOM 08/24, only had two wires connected. An "orange" and a "white." My meter didn't even power On. Can't trust factory to get everything right, I suppose. Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I have "Lo Oil Pres" issue with my brand new Cub Cadet ZT1 54. I bought a MTD hour meter from Amazon that was supposed to fit a BUNCH of different mowers, and was plug and play. Looks just like the Cub Cadet part too. Install was easy and when I started the mower up it was flashing "Lo Oil Pres." I shut the mower back off, and being a mechanic I went to trying to figure out the issue. First thing I did was remove the oil pressure sensor, this sits right above the oil filter on the Kohler 7000, and I bumped the engine over but didn't allow it to start. When I did this, oil came out of the hole for the sensor. This told me there was nothing mechanically wrong with the engine. I put the sensor back in and got my volt meter. The way the sensors work, is when pressure is applied to a diaphragm, a switch is made up and a circuit is made up to ground. With the engine off I had an open circuit, and with the engine ruining I had continuity to ground. This told me the switch was good. I then tested the same thing at the plug for the hour/service meter. Once again I had an open circuit with the engine off, and ground with the engine running. This told me the wiring harness isn't the issue either. The only thing left in the entire circuit is the hour meter itself. The Cub Cadet part is back ordered, so I'll just run the MTD part until the Cub Cadet one arrives. It's possible it isn't really compatible with my mower and Amazon lied that it was.
You asked for a better way. I bought the meter kit from Cub Cadet. It came boxed with instructions, the meter and new decal. Actually it had 2 decals but the ignition switch hole was much larger on one of them. The kit asks you to remove the two components and the existing decal itself. The new decal has punch outs for the ignition switch, PTO and meter. It wants you to install the meter and THEN the decal over that. The only thing showing is the LED. Once the decal is stuck on there, then you are to install the PTO and ignition switch. To be honest, it looks kind of cheesy but it's what Cub said do.
What you need to do to get a clean look. Take off the cover as you did. Using a heat gun peel the corner and then once it is loose peel back past the knock out plug. Use an old decal backing or silicone paper to protect the decal, place on the back, this will keep it tacky till the end. once the knock out is out put decal back into place but keep the paper on, so it will not stick. Take a pin and push a small hole in the corner of the square knock out hole through the black decal. Once you have your small holes made. Take a paint stick line up the holes as an edge, and use your knife to make a straight cut. do that till you have it cut out. Now peel off the paper, stick down the decal using the paint stick end to remove any bubbles, now press down your hour meter. it will fit in and all the clear plastic will look black perfect fit. Mine using the same meter looks factory. You can buy a new decal on amazon. if you screw it up. Good video just you missed these first few steps.
+Andy Stowe no there isn’t. Not a simple way at least. You could figure out the pins and apply power and leave it to start counting hours until it gets to where you want it I suppose.
@@HelpMeDIY that’s kind of what I figured. I just got the mower. Only have about 2 hrs on it. I know that isn’t anything in the grand scheme of things…but would like it to be exact if possible. I still don’t understand why they didn’t install this from the factory. Such a cheap and easy thing. I guess they just want extra money. Thanks for the video though. Exactly what I was looking for.
@@andystowe4054 you got it! If it’s only two hours you could just leave the ignition on without the engine for 2 hours (hooked up to a battery tender to be safe). Just don’t forget to turn it off after 2 hours 😂
@@HelpMeDIY I ordered a battery tender. It will be here tomorrow. The hour meter is being delivered tomorrow as well. I am going to let it sit for 2 hours like you suggested. Do you have a DIY blade removal/replacing video?
I just had a question for you whenever I plug mine in and turned my key over to the stop position so not running it stated that there was a low oil pressure kept popping up did yours pop-up any thing on it when you first turned yours on because when the engine is running I have no warning lights or anything pop up
@@HelpMeDIY I actually found it in my manual it stated that it’s normal for it come up as low oil pressure in the stop position then once the engine is fully running it turns off because the engine has full pressure now. Also stated that if your model is equipped with it. Witch my model is
@@brandonray191 I just installed the meter today and mine said the same thing....Low Oil Pressure. I checked the dipstick and it is full and then some. Otherwise she runs fine. It makes me a little nervous but nothing I would loose sleep over. I will are some calls tomorrow and see if this is anything to concernyself with then get back to you.
Where is the link to buy the hours meter? I spent half the day looking for one. Had no idea you had to buy that separately, doesn’t make much since to me
I just purchased my ZT1 42in. last week. It started right up when I got it home. Mowed once with no issues. I installed the hour meter yesterday and it is showing LO Oil Pressure. I checked the oil and it seems fine. I only have about 1hr on it. It did take a minute to get it to crank over from a cold start yesterday before the 2nd mowing. After it started it ran fine. Any idea what the problem could be? My husband passed recently and I'm trying to figure things out on my own learning as I go. Thanks :)
+Moho62 I’m sorry to hear that, but glad you’re learning! Hard to diagnose anything online but I would definitely make sure you check the oil level with the dipstick on the engine.
I just added my hour meter and mine too says low oil now while its full of oil and the mower is brand new has less then 1hr of use on it. I’d love to know if this hour meter can be trusted or what.
I have the exact same issue with my brand new Cub Cadet ZT1 54. Bought a MTD hour meter from Amazon that was plug and play. Installed and started the mower up and it was flashing "Lo Oil Pres." I shut the mower back off, and being a mechanic I went to trying to figure out the issue. First thing I did was remove the oil pressure sensor, this sits right above the oil filter on the Kohler 7000, and I bumped the engine over but didn't allow it to start. When I did this, oil came out of the hole for the sensor. This told me there was nothing mechanically wrong with the engine. I put the sensor back in and got my volt meter. The way the meters work, is when pressure is applied to a diaphragm, a switch is made up and a circuit is made up to ground. With the engine off I had an open circuit, and with the engine ruining I had continuity to ground. This told me the switch was good. I then tested the same thing at the plug for the hour/service meter. Once again I had an open circuit with the engine off, and ground with the engine running. This told me the wiring harness isn't the issue either. The only thing left in the entire circuit is the hour meter itself. The Cub Cadet part is back ordered, so I'll just run the MTD part until the Cub Cadet one arrives. It's possible it isn't really compatible with my mower and Amazon lied that it was.
@@sashimiturtle I honestly think they're all going to read the same with the oil. Mine is a Cub Cadet meter that I purchased from Tractor Supply and it seems like everyone is having the same issue regardless of what brand or where they purchased it.
@@HelpMeDIY Probably lol. I just bought a new Cub Cadet XT1 L46 a couple days ago and didn't notice until I got it home that it did not have an hour meter so I ordered one. Hoping the install isn't too painful
@@HelpMeDIY Some videos show a new label that comes with the meter. You take the original label off and put the new one on. It has a window in it for the meter.
Thanks for the video and inspiration. I added the hour meter on my new zt1 50. Instead of cutting the decal square around the opening I made an X from corner to corner of the plate (not quite all the way to each corner) Then I popped one side of the plate up and was able to remove it. Then folded the 4 triangle portions of the decal down and around and re adhered them to the bottom...snapped the hour meter in and I have a nice clean install over the decal with no yellow metal showing.
+Mark Prentice excellent idea, thank you!
Thank you for this. I am going to try the same "cut", sounds good.
Inspiring video. I bought the meter and made the cutout 1/4” smaller with 45 degree cuts at the corners. This allowed the blank to come out and enough material to tuck under the meter. I also added the washout.
+Arthur Nichols nice! 🍻
How in the hell do you get the other things out? I keep squeezing and they don’t budge.
For those wondering this also works on the XT1 - I was able to plug and play install it on my LT46 with the 22hp Kohler and it's so nice to have
+@vitreoushumor thanks for the additional info! 🍻
What did you take apart to get to it I'm trying to figure that part out?
@@ToastedWaffles21 I was able to clip it into the center where the blank was. The blank had everything prewired
@@vitreoushumor How many wires were attached to your factory connection? What colors were yours?
Mine, DOM 08/24, only had two wires connected. An "orange" and a "white." My meter didn't even power On.
Can't trust factory to get everything right, I suppose.
Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I have "Lo Oil Pres" issue with my brand new Cub Cadet ZT1 54. I bought a MTD hour meter from Amazon that was supposed to fit a BUNCH of different mowers, and was plug and play. Looks just like the Cub Cadet part too. Install was easy and when I started the mower up it was flashing "Lo Oil Pres." I shut the mower back off, and being a mechanic I went to trying to figure out the issue. First thing I did was remove the oil pressure sensor, this sits right above the oil filter on the Kohler 7000, and I bumped the engine over but didn't allow it to start. When I did this, oil came out of the hole for the sensor. This told me there was nothing mechanically wrong with the engine. I put the sensor back in and got my volt meter. The way the sensors work, is when pressure is applied to a diaphragm, a switch is made up and a circuit is made up to ground. With the engine off I had an open circuit, and with the engine ruining I had continuity to ground. This told me the switch was good. I then tested the same thing at the plug for the hour/service meter. Once again I had an open circuit with the engine off, and ground with the engine running. This told me the wiring harness isn't the issue either. The only thing left in the entire circuit is the hour meter itself. The Cub Cadet part is back ordered, so I'll just run the MTD part until the Cub Cadet one arrives. It's possible it isn't really compatible with my mower and Amazon lied that it was.
Thanks for the detailed info on how to troubleshoot! 🍻
This is what I appreciate about your channel; a wide variety of helpful videos! Keep it up!
+mwhayes24 thank you! That’s the plan 😉
Good video, ordered from the link. Would’ve been nice if it was already a factory install. At least they made it easy
+Subcool HVAC thank you! 🍻
You asked for a better way. I bought the meter kit from Cub Cadet. It came boxed with instructions, the meter and new decal. Actually it had 2 decals but the ignition switch hole was much larger on one of them. The kit asks you to remove the two components and the existing decal itself. The new decal has punch outs for the ignition switch, PTO and meter. It wants you to install the meter and THEN the decal over that. The only thing showing is the LED. Once the decal is stuck on there, then you are to install the PTO and ignition switch. To be honest, it looks kind of cheesy but it's what Cub said do.
+Randy 😆 thanks!
What you need to do to get a clean look. Take off the cover as you did. Using a heat gun peel the corner and then once it is loose peel back past the knock out plug. Use an old decal backing or silicone paper to protect the decal, place on the back, this will keep it tacky till the end. once the knock out is out put decal back into place but keep the paper on, so it will not stick. Take a pin and push a small hole in the corner of the square knock out hole through the black decal. Once you have your small holes made. Take a paint stick line up the holes as an edge, and use your knife to make a straight cut. do that till you have it cut out. Now peel off the paper, stick down the decal using the paint stick end to remove any bubbles, now press down your hour meter. it will fit in and all the clear plastic will look black perfect fit. Mine using the same meter looks factory. You can buy a new decal on amazon. if you screw it up. Good video just you missed these first few steps.
+@WMS507 it bothered me while installing but since then I have never once noticed or even thought about it again 😂
Try cross cutting, then push in the meter for a clean finish.
+Good Samaritan Peaceful world great suggestion, thanks! 🍻
What are the diamentions of the hour meter? I just need the width and length.
2” x 2”
What about the hours I already put on the mower before installing the hour meter? Anyway to add those to the meter?
+Andy Stowe no there isn’t. Not a simple way at least. You could figure out the pins and apply power and leave it to start counting hours until it gets to where you want it I suppose.
@@HelpMeDIY that’s kind of what I figured. I just got the mower. Only have about 2 hrs on it. I know that isn’t anything in the grand scheme of things…but would like it to be exact if possible. I still don’t understand why they didn’t install this from the factory. Such a cheap and easy thing. I guess they just want extra money. Thanks for the video though. Exactly what I was looking for.
@@andystowe4054 you got it! If it’s only two hours you could just leave the ignition on without the engine for 2 hours (hooked up to a battery tender to be safe). Just don’t forget to turn it off after 2 hours 😂
@@HelpMeDIY I ordered a battery tender. It will be here tomorrow. The hour meter is being delivered tomorrow as well. I am going to let it sit for 2 hours like you suggested. Do you have a DIY blade removal/replacing video?
@@andystowe4054 Not yet, but I will make one when I need to do that
I just had a question for you whenever I plug mine in and turned my key over to the stop position so not running it stated that there was a low oil pressure kept popping up did yours pop-up any thing on it when you first turned yours on because when the engine is running I have no warning lights or anything pop up
+Brandon Ray I don’t remember ever seeing that, nor did I know it even had the capability to measure that 🤷♂️
@@HelpMeDIY I actually found it in my manual it stated that it’s normal for it come up as low oil pressure in the stop position then once the engine is fully running it turns off because the engine has full pressure now. Also stated that if your model is equipped with it. Witch my model is
@@HelpMeDIY page 14-15 in the manual under (Low Oil)
@@brandonray191 awesome! Thanks for the additional info
@@brandonray191 I just installed the meter today and mine said the same thing....Low Oil Pressure. I checked the dipstick and it is full and then some. Otherwise she runs fine. It makes me a little nervous but nothing I would loose sleep over. I will are some calls tomorrow and see if this is anything to concernyself with then get back to you.
Where is the link to buy the hours meter? I spent half the day looking for one. Had no idea you had to buy that separately, doesn’t make much since to me
+Jerry Ransom link is in the description of this video
I just purchased my ZT1 42in. last week. It started right up when I got it home. Mowed once with no issues. I installed the hour meter yesterday and it is showing LO Oil Pressure. I checked the oil and it seems fine. I only have about 1hr on it. It did take a minute to get it to crank over from a cold start yesterday before the 2nd mowing. After it started it ran fine. Any idea what the problem could be? My husband passed recently and I'm trying to figure things out on my own learning as I go. Thanks :)
+Moho62 I’m sorry to hear that, but glad you’re learning! Hard to diagnose anything online but I would definitely make sure you check the oil level with the dipstick on the engine.
I just added my hour meter and mine too says low oil now while its full of oil and the mower is brand new has less then 1hr of use on it.
I’d love to know if this hour meter can be trusted or what.
@@Ryobifanatics I would contact the manufacturer
I have the exact same issue with my brand new Cub Cadet ZT1 54. Bought a MTD hour meter from Amazon that was plug and play. Installed and started the mower up and it was flashing "Lo Oil Pres." I shut the mower back off, and being a mechanic I went to trying to figure out the issue. First thing I did was remove the oil pressure sensor, this sits right above the oil filter on the Kohler 7000, and I bumped the engine over but didn't allow it to start. When I did this, oil came out of the hole for the sensor. This told me there was nothing mechanically wrong with the engine. I put the sensor back in and got my volt meter. The way the meters work, is when pressure is applied to a diaphragm, a switch is made up and a circuit is made up to ground. With the engine off I had an open circuit, and with the engine ruining I had continuity to ground. This told me the switch was good. I then tested the same thing at the plug for the hour/service meter. Once again I had an open circuit with the engine off, and ground with the engine running. This told me the wiring harness isn't the issue either. The only thing left in the entire circuit is the hour meter itself. The Cub Cadet part is back ordered, so I'll just run the MTD part until the Cub Cadet one arrives. It's possible it isn't really compatible with my mower and Amazon lied that it was.
@@sashimiturtle I honestly think they're all going to read the same with the oil. Mine is a Cub Cadet meter that I purchased from Tractor Supply and it seems like everyone is having the same issue regardless of what brand or where they purchased it.
The hour meter kit now comes with a new sticker thats already cut out around just the screen of the hour meter
+@dudester3263 good to know, thanks! 🍻
Where did you find it? Everywhere I have looked says out of stock??
@@dj5287 Direct link right in the description to Amazon
Where did u purchase your hour meter
+Williams there is a direct link to it in the description
I installed a fuel gauge in that space. I change my oil at the start of the season, and I need the machine too much to ever sell it
+Phillip hawkins nice!
I guess it would make too much sense for cub cadet to install the hour meter themselves.
+@charleslake2910 everyone cutting corners to save money
My hour meter came with new decal.
+Edward and Nancy nice!
Mine came with one lol
+@vernwhite568 no fair! 😝🍻
Buy the sticker and it will look factory Installed.
Sorry what sticker? Where can I get one?
@@747marine my hour meter came with the new sticker in the box.
@@michaellicht1260 ha ok got it. Thanks.
My OCD is not loving how you cut that sticker.
+@NateBatts mine either, but I can honestly say I have never once noticed it since 😆
Wondering what bozo at Cub Cadet decided to not build all mowers with this already installed
+@mvol5973 someone in finance 😆
@@HelpMeDIY Probably lol. I just bought a new Cub Cadet XT1 L46 a couple days ago and didn't notice until I got it home that it did not have an hour meter so I ordered one. Hoping the install isn't too painful
My dealer did mine exactly like this. Needless to say, I was pissed..
+txkflier haha yeah I bet. I’ve honestly never noticed after the second time mowing.
@@HelpMeDIY Some videos show a new label that comes with the meter. You take the original label off and put the new one on. It has a window in it for the meter.