For anyone having trouble getting the drain plug loose on your first oil change, here's what I did. I used some vice grips (locking pliers) to hold the hose and an impact driver to remove the drain plug. Came off like a champ.
When taking oil filter off I cut about 1 1/4” off the bottom of a milk or water jug to catch most of the oil. I have the Kawasaki engine though so you might get away with a little more or have to go a little shorter but it helps with oil cleanup
That’s a great idea! I come close to getting the Kawasaki engine, but this one was less expensive at Tractor Supply, so I went with it. So far so good.
Awesome! We love ours. Are your blades the star pattern or s pattern on the inside of the blades? Just curious because the star shape are easier to find, whereas the s shape like mine are harder to get.
No I haven't checked it but I will and let you know. I was reading the manual but still couldn't figure out where the dip stick was thanks again for your video! That's great to hear you are enjoying yours! That sounds good and give me something to look forward to!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Also do you know of ANY grease fittings on the mower? I have been trying to locate grease fittings and can not find any but it seems like there should be a few? Thanks in advance..
Thanks. I was hoping grease zerts locations would be in your "partial servicing" video. Something I'll share beings how you shared and I do appreciate you for sharing your video. If anyone is changing blades and want to know if you have the S or star pattern without removing the blades. Under the seat is a pictogram with the decks belt routing pattern and also the symbol for the blades pattern.
thanks for sharing how to do basic maintenance. i just picked up my cub cadet 54" zero turn. we had a tractor 50" mower & have changed the belts many times for the deck. do you have a video changing the belts for the deck or transmission?
Great video, but how to change the fluid on the non-serviceable hydrostatic transmissions? Apart from engine oil, this is the most important fluid change you can do.
Quick question: I don't have to grease this machine anywhere? I can't find anything that tells me to do that so I guess it isn't required? Helpful video. Thanks.
We just got some low lift blades to try and they seem to be more durable that the high lift. They also don’t seem to throw grass and dust as much. Just passing that info along just in case you get someone to change your blades. They may last longer in between changes.
Old school was you smear a little oil on the oil filter gasket ring to allow it slip as you tighten the filter. I don't get the pouring oil inside part.
It appears you prefilled the oil filter but did not lubricate the filter gasket before installing, it’s a thick gasket so, I don’t see it folding, causing leak, also always check plug Gap before installing. The 7000 series on my old man’s Ultima ran rather rough until I did it first service and set Gaps equally.029…
I agree. I’ve had a hard time getting them. I ended up going online and ordering them. Sometimes TSC has them online but not in store. There’s also MTD that has blades.
Seems like an OK video. I say that because, servicing also includes lubing the grease fittings. Right? I was watching so I would have a clue about where all of them are located. No such luck here, Something else I have always done from my car mechanic days 5o years ago. When installing a new oil filter, I always put a little oil on my finger and lube the rubber seal on the new filter. Or you could pour the oil into it over that seal. They have been known to have issues when dry. Especially on these horizontal mounted filters. It's not so bad with the vertical because you can fill the filter with oil and not have to worry about spilling any so the seal gets lubed. One thing never ceases to amaze me about these companies. Why is there no way to catch the oil from the filter on a $3k mower? A hole in the frame? or something. Instead we have a cleaning issue.
Is it normal for there to be black smoke on startup when the choke is applied? Runs like a champ with no smoke when once I take it out of choke position.
Wonder if that’s your air filter? I’m guessing either it’s dirty or your carburetor needs changed. Not an expert here though, but I’d start with the air filter first because it’s cheap. Lol
It barley has 2hrs on it, just got the 42” zt1 kohler 7000. When it’s in the choke position it’s spitting and sputtering with lots of black smoke. As soon as I drop down into the throttle position it runs strong and clean with no smoke. Maybe just running rich with choke applied?
The trannys are non-serviceable on these units. There's another guy on RUclips that shows how to service them by sucking out as much fluid as possible from the fill-port with an electric transfer pump (marine grade). Measure what you have removed, and refill with that same amount. His tractor was only 20 hours old and the fluid was B L A C K. He said the trannys on these mowers hold 2 quarts each side, but you can only get one quart out with the pump. My plan is to pump out a quart every 5 to 6 hours (3 lawn cuts) and replace it. This should keep it clean. I plan to do mine this month (October) to ready it for winter. Amazon sells the pumps, just search for "Oil Extractor Pump 12V, 60W Oil Removal Pump for Oil Change, Electric Transfer Oil Pump, Easily Scavenge Oil from Cars, Motorcycles, RVs, Boats, and lawn Equipment"
Not sure what part number they are, but I can tell you that it’s aggravating trying to find them. Most are the star pattern. If we’d known when we bought it, we would have jacked it up and looked to make sure we were getting star patterns. Lol
@@TheTrentTribe I have the same problem finding blades and they are too expensive. Maybe we can replace the spindle with a star pattern spindle? I'm thinking about putting the same spindle used the 42" mower. That one uses a Star pattern. Hopefully it will fit!
Ours did that once. For us it was because the blades were not on good enough. We went back and adjusted them and it went away. Hopefully that’s all it is for you.
@@jonathancastillo9395 glad you figured that out. One thing we have seen so far with the blades is that they aren’t super durable. Been looking into other kinds to hopefully find better ones.
Please remove the deck,take off the old blades , clean your deck , install new blades using a torque wrench. It’s ver y important to use a torque wrench so your blades won’t come off while mowing.
mine wont start when i try and start there is no clicking and the screen says low oil pressure, and oil is full. any suggestions or have you ever seen this? any help would be appreciated... thanks
Holy cow! You didn't put anti seize lubricant on the spark plug screws. Or dielectric grease on the boot end of the plugs! Wow! I would NEVER change spark plugs with those steps!
I really don't think I can take anything you said seriously you're calling choirs a wrench there was a bunch of variable questionable things you were doing I think I'll get my advice from somebody that actually knows what they're doing appreciate the video though
Bro said it was his first time, he was quite transparent about that. Personally this video helped me locate things and show the overall process. Best of luck to ya there guy
This is a fantastic video, very well done! It’s so nice to see a father and son working on things! This video is going to help alot of folks!
Thank you! We enjoy working together…usually. 😜😂
Yes! I need to get my son out there and off the computer 😅
Great video. Very helpful in getting my first round of maintenance completed.
First time going to service my ZT71 and found this video. Excellent video, very well done step by step and easy to follow. Thanks for making it.
For anyone having trouble getting the drain plug loose on your first oil change, here's what I did. I used some vice grips (locking pliers) to hold the hose and an impact driver to remove the drain plug. Came off like a champ.
We had an issue this spring when we did our maintenance. Great idea!
I listen to your stuff on Facebook and started watching this video and was like I know that voice. Crazy how it works out!
When taking oil filter off I cut about 1 1/4” off the bottom of a milk or water jug to catch most of the oil. I have the Kawasaki engine though so you might get away with a little more or have to go a little shorter but it helps with oil cleanup
That’s a great idea! I come close to getting the Kawasaki engine, but this one was less expensive at Tractor Supply, so I went with it. So far so good.
It’s pretty similar for most other zero turns also but you can never be too sure to watch a video for your specific model!
This is the first one we’ve owned. Glad it was simple to do, otherwise we’d be hurting. 😂
Great video I just picked up mine yesterday.
I was just curious couldn't figure out where the dipstick was.
Thank you for sharing the video!
Awesome! We love ours. Are your blades the star pattern or s pattern on the inside of the blades? Just curious because the star shape are easier to find, whereas the s shape like mine are harder to get.
No I haven't checked it but I will and let you know.
I was reading the manual but still couldn't figure out where the dip stick was thanks again for your video!
That's great to hear you are enjoying yours!
That sounds good and give me something to look forward to!
I am so sorry it took me a couple of days to get back with you been busy.
It's the star 🌟 pattern thank you again!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Also do you know of ANY grease fittings on the mower? I have been trying to locate grease fittings and can not find any but it seems like there should be a few? Thanks in advance..
front axles
Appreciate this video lots of helpful information provided!!! Thank you
Thank u.. you made it simple and easy and quick video which I like not a 45 min video. Lol
you need to raise that bar above the engine. It should have two screws and makes changing the air filter a lot easier.
Yea I saw that too.
Great video but agree, he needs to raise that bar. I hope he read your comment.
Thanks. I was hoping grease zerts locations would be in your "partial servicing" video. Something I'll share beings how you shared and I do appreciate you for sharing your video. If anyone is changing blades and want to know if you have the S or star pattern without removing the blades. Under the seat is a pictogram with the decks belt routing pattern and also the symbol for the blades pattern.
I put some used newspaper underneath the oil filter before loosening it. It absorbs the oil. Less messy.
thanks for sharing how to do basic maintenance. i just picked up my cub cadet 54" zero turn. we had a tractor 50" mower & have changed the belts many times for the deck. do you have a video changing the belts for the deck or transmission?
We haven’t had to change any yet. I know when we do we will make one for sure. Ours has done so good. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase.
Great video, but how to change the fluid on the non-serviceable hydrostatic transmissions? Apart from engine oil, this is the most important fluid change you can do.
Thank you Sir this was so awesome. Do you know if you need to grease anything as well? Thank you in advance
Do you not grease your fittings ?
Great video. What about lubing the tires or lubing the bands? Maybe can you do a video on it?
Quick question: I don't have to grease this machine anywhere? I can't find anything that tells me to do that so I guess it isn't required? Helpful video. Thanks.
Okay, this is all the stuff Grandma can do for me.What about all the lubrication points
After how long is it necessary to change the spark plugs, oil filter, and fuel filters? I’m coming into my third season with mine now.
Thanks. We'll. I'm a Paraphlegic and I think I could even so everything but changing the blades.
We just got some low lift blades to try and they seem to be more durable that the high lift. They also don’t seem to throw grass and dust as much. Just passing that info along just in case you get someone to change your blades. They may last longer in between changes.
How did you get it on ramps? Drive up then turn them 90 deg?
Great video
Now could you show one of you changing the carburetor?
Old school was you smear a little oil on the oil filter gasket ring to allow it slip as you tighten the filter. I don't get the pouring oil inside part.
It appears you prefilled the oil filter but did not lubricate the filter gasket before installing, it’s a thick gasket so, I don’t see it folding, causing leak, also always check plug Gap before installing. The 7000 series on my old man’s Ultima ran rather rough until I did it first service and set Gaps equally.029…
Is there any fluid needed to add for transmission
That was so helpful! Thank You
You’re very welcome!
what would be awesome is if u added the recommended time frames like hours driven/miles rode before doing each service
suuuuuuper helpful. thank you!
I was surprised TSC didn’t have any of the filters for it and only one hi lift blade in store
That’s kinda crazy if they won’t sale them 😊
I agree. I’ve had a hard time getting them. I ended up going online and ordering them. Sometimes TSC has them online but not in store. There’s also MTD that has blades.
@@TheTrentTribe The MTD blades I bought were the worst. Out of balance and the deck vibrates all over the place.
Thanks! Job well done.
Does anybody know where are the grease fitting are at on the ZT1 Cub Cadet?
The only grease fittings on these are on the front 2 wheels. I couldn’t find any and I called a Cub Cadet service center and that’s what they told me.
Seems like an OK video. I say that because, servicing also includes lubing the grease fittings. Right? I was watching so I would have a clue about where all of them are located. No such luck here,
Something else I have always done from my car mechanic days 5o years ago. When installing a new oil filter, I always put a little oil on my finger and lube the rubber seal on the new filter. Or you could pour the oil into it over that seal. They have been known to have issues when dry. Especially on these horizontal mounted filters. It's not so bad with the vertical because you can fill the filter with oil and not have to worry about spilling any so the seal gets lubed.
One thing never ceases to amaze me about these companies. Why is there no way to catch the oil from the filter on a $3k mower? A hole in the frame? or something. Instead we have a cleaning issue.
My control arms starts whinging after a while. I need to know what to do with that. Hydraulics I'm guessing. No Guage for it.
Wow! No idea. We haven’t had that issue. Keep me posted on what you end up doing.
Where are the grease points?
Great content!!
replacing battery is a bear! metric bolts, nuts, positioning bracket tricky to restall also.
You are awesome! Thanks!
GREAT VIDEO!!!!!!
Is it normal for there to be black smoke on startup when the choke is applied? Runs like a champ with no smoke when once I take it out of choke position.
Wonder if that’s your air filter? I’m guessing either it’s dirty or your carburetor needs changed. Not an expert here though, but I’d start with the air filter first because it’s cheap. Lol
It barley has 2hrs on it, just got the 42” zt1 kohler 7000. When it’s in the choke position it’s spitting and sputtering with lots of black smoke. As soon as I drop down into the throttle position it runs strong and clean with no smoke. Maybe just running rich with choke applied?
@@vadergtcs6893 probably so. Mine has done it a few times. How many times have you run it so far?
@@TheTrentTribe twice lol
@@vadergtcs6893 lol. That’s probably it. We love ours. It mows great. My 15 year old loves mowing now. Lol
Great video. My manual says lube all lube points, but does not tell you where they are. Anyone know?
The only grease points I have ever found are on the front 2 wheels. I even called a cub cadet service guy and confirmed
What are the two bolts in the front for
What about adding hydraulic fluid?
The trannys are non-serviceable on these units. There's another guy on RUclips that shows how to service them by sucking out as much fluid as possible from the fill-port with an electric transfer pump (marine grade). Measure what you have removed, and refill with that same amount. His tractor was only 20 hours old and the fluid was B L A C K. He said the trannys on these mowers hold 2 quarts each side, but you can only get one quart out with the pump. My plan is to pump out a quart every 5 to 6 hours (3 lawn cuts) and replace it. This should keep it clean.
I plan to do mine this month (October) to ready it for winter. Amazon sells the pumps, just search for "Oil Extractor Pump 12V, 60W Oil Removal Pump for Oil Change, Electric Transfer Oil Pump, Easily Scavenge Oil from Cars, Motorcycles, RVs, Boats, and lawn Equipment"
No grease fittings ?
But where do you grease?
Probably best to use a torque wrench to tighten, and use the manufacture’s spec with some anti seize but hey whatever works
I like the video until I saw the RAIDERS shirt……
Haha great video thanks for putting this out
Just going to ignore the grease points?
How can I clean carburetor?
What part number are those S blades?
Not sure what part number they are, but I can tell you that it’s aggravating trying to find them. Most are the star pattern. If we’d known when we bought it, we would have jacked it up and looked to make sure we were getting star patterns. Lol
@@TheTrentTribe I have the same problem finding blades and they are too expensive. Maybe we can replace the spindle with a star pattern spindle? I'm thinking about putting the same spindle used the 42" mower. That one uses a Star pattern. Hopefully it will fit!
My ZT1 54P is make a loud noise when the blades are engaged. Does anyone know what the problem is?
Ours did that once. For us it was because the blades were not on good enough. We went back and adjusted them and it went away. Hopefully that’s all it is for you.
@@TheTrentTribe okay thanks! I just checked my blades are destroyed from all the rocks. I just bought some new ones so hopefully it fixes it.
@@jonathancastillo9395 glad you figured that out. One thing we have seen so far with the blades is that they aren’t super durable. Been looking into other kinds to hopefully find better ones.
I was able to fix it replacing all the blades.
@@jonathancastillo9395 that’s good to hear.
Nice video. Thank you! But what about greasing the wheels, spindles, etc. ? Don't you have to do it? If yes, where are the grease fittings on the ZT1?
The spindles are sealed and non serviceable.
@@codym6330 Thanks. What about the wheels, front and rear?
Has anyone tried the high lift blades TSC has for them ???
When laying under that mower, use safety glasses.
You didn’t reset your change oil light will flash
What about ghries
You need to state the YEAR... They are not all the same!
Please remove the deck,take off the old blades , clean your deck , install new blades using a torque wrench. It’s ver y important to use a torque wrench so your blades won’t come off while mowing.
#trenttribe 💯
mine wont start when i try and start there is no clicking and the screen says low oil pressure, and oil is full. any suggestions or have you ever seen this? any help would be appreciated... thanks
I haven’t seen that at all. Wished I could help. So sorry.
Holy cow! You didn't put anti seize lubricant on the spark plug screws. Or dielectric grease on the boot end of the plugs! Wow! I would NEVER change spark plugs with those steps!
Where the hell are the lube points on this mower? Manual is garbage. Says "Lube at points"... then doesn't list the points.
Grease I like grease
Why do people think they need to put oil in the filter before putting it back on!😂😂😂
It says to in the owners manual. Probably why they think that.
@@larameysturgeon747 yeah there just as dump because soon as you put the oil in guess we’re it gose??
I really don't think I can take anything you said seriously you're calling choirs a wrench there was a bunch of variable questionable things you were doing I think I'll get my advice from somebody that actually knows what they're doing appreciate the video though
Bro said it was his first time, he was quite transparent about that. Personally this video helped me locate things and show the overall process. Best of luck to ya there guy