Cub Cadet RZT 42 w/42" Mower Deck User manual

®
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
IES
TRACTOR
Model Number
RZT 42
w/42" Mower Deck
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: 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), If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), Other states may have
similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 [www.cubcadet.com]
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-02748A
(04/07)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRACTOR PREPARATION .................................................................................................... 2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES .................................................................... 4
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS ........................................................................................... 7
SLOPE GAUGE ...................................................................................................................... 8
TO THE OWNER .................................................................................................................... 9
CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 9
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION ........................................... 9
SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES ......................................................................... 10
SECTION 2: OPERATION .................................................................................................... 13
SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS .............................................................................................. 20
SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................... 21
SECTION 5: MOWER DECK ................................................................................................ 28
WARRANTIES ...................................................................................................................... 34
TRACTOR PREPARATION
Remove the upper crating material from the shipping
pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the trac-
tor to the pallet.
Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest posi-
tion; engage the transmission bypass rods (Refer to
SECTION 1, CONTROLS AND FEATURES); and care-
fully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet. Disengage the
bypass rods.
Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter and oil
drain tube from the manual bag and store for future use.
INSTALL OPERATOR'S SEAT
The operator's seat was partially inserted into the seat
pivot bracket for shipping purposes. To install the seat
proceed as follows:
1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the
drive control levers to the tractor. Remove any
packing material.
NOTE: The seat is partially inserted into the slots of the
seat pivot bracket. If the seat does not become disen-
gaged from the pivot bracket when removing the pack-
aging material, the pivot bracket may be pivoted upward
and the seat pushed into place as described in step 6. If
the seat does disengage the pivot bracket, install the
seat as instructed in steps 2 through 6.
2. Pivot the seat pivot bracket partially upward. Refer
to Figure 1.
3. Note the grooves in the seat adjust spacers
attached to the bottom of the seat, then lift the seat
and position above and to the rear of the pivot
bracket.
4. Align the grooves in the seat adjust spacers with
the sides of the adjustment slots in the pivot
bracket.
5. Slide the seat adjust spacers into the slots of the
pivot bracket.
6. Continue to push the seat forward in the pivot
bracket until the front/left shoulder bolt of the seat
assembly passes forward of the stop bracket on
the seat pivot bracket. See Figure 1.
Use the seat adjust lever to adjust the seat position. Re-
fer to "Adjusting the Operator's Seat" in Section 3 for
seat adjustment instructions.
Seat
Seat
Ad
Spacer
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
Front/Left Seat Adjust
Shoulder Bolt Stop Bracket Lever
Figure 1

POSITION DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS
The drive control levers of the tractor are lowered for
shipping purposes. To accomplish this, the flange lock
nut, hex screw, and flat washer normally used to secure
each control lever to its pivot bracket are removed. The
hardware is then installed in the slotted hole of each
control lever for shipment. The control levers must be
moved to their operating position. To reposition the con-
trol levers for operation, proceed as follows:
• Remove the hex screw, flat washer, and flange lock
nut from the slot of one of the drive control levers.
• Lift and swing that control lever upward until the
slotted hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of
the holes in the pivot bracket. Refer to Figure 2.
• Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the
outside, insert the hex screw w/washer through the
control lever slot and the hole of the pivot bracket.
Secure with the flange lock nut. See Figure 2.
Flange Lock Nut \, _ Lever
Pivot J
Bracket
Slotted
Hole
Figure 2
• Note the relative position of the control lever to the
pivot bracket, then repeat the previous steps to
reposition the other control lever in approximately
the same position.
• Refer to "Adjusting the Drive Control Levers" in
Section 3 for instructions on final adjustment of the
levers.
CONNECT THE BATTERY
,_ WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery,
with the positive battery cable factory connected. The
negative cable must be connected.
NOTE: Make sure the ignition switch is in the "OFF" po-
sition before attaching the battery cable.
1. Pull the protective cap, if present, off the negative
terminal of the battery, and remove the hex cap
screw and nut from the free end of the negative bat-
tery cable.
2. Connect the negative battery cable (heavy black)
to negative terminal (NEG) of the battery using the
hex cap screw and nut. Slide the black terminal
cover, if present, over the negative terminal of the
battery.
REMOVE THE CHUTE STOP
• Locate the chute stop on the right side of the
mower, between discharge chute and cutting deck.
• While holding the discharge chute up, rotate the
chute stop clockwise and remove.
• Discard the chute stop.
Figure 3

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). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
• In the State of California, the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other States may have similar laws. Federal laws apply to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,
COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND
OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-- _ HEED ITS WARNING.
DANGER
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the
part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet or throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
_I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference.
,
,
,
Only allow responsible individuals familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine. Know the
controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or
near rotating parts.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by
the blades. A small object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to
you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown
objects injury, keep children, animals, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while
it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses with
side shields or safety goggles during operation or
while performing an adjustment or repair, to
protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
,
,
7.
,
,
10.
11.
12.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Disengage the blades before shifting into reverse
and backing up. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off the blades, place the transmission
in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove key before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before (a) removing the grass
catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any
repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.

13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Do not operatethe machinewhileunderthe
influenceofalcoholordrugs.
Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossing
roadways.
Useextracarewhenloadingor unloadingthe
machineintoatrailerortruck.Thisunitshouldnot
bedrivenupordownarampontoatrailerortruck
underpower,becausethe unit couldtip over
causingseriouspersonalinjury.Theunitmustbe
pushedmanuallyon a rampto loador unload
properly.
Nevermakeacuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe
engineisrunningiftheoperatormustdismountto
doso.
18.Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-
fittingslacksandshirts.Donotwearloosefitting
clothesorjewelry.Theycanbecaughtinmoving
parts.Neveroperatea unitinbarefeet,sandals
or sneakers.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Checkoverheadclearancecarefullybeforedriving
underpowerlines,wires,bridgesorlowhanging
tree branches,before entering or leaving
buildings,or in any othersituationwherethe
operatormaybestruckor pulledfromtheunit,
whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
Disengageall attachmentclutches,set the
parkingbrakeintheonposition,andputthelap
bars to the neutralor out position before
attemptingtostarttheengine.
Yourmowerisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassof a heightno morethan 10". Do not
attemptto mowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass
(e.g.pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Debrismay
builduponthemowerdeckorcontacttheengine
exhaustpresentingapotentialfirehazard.
Useonlyaccessoriesapprovedforthismachine
by Cub Cadet. Read, understand and follow all
instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
,_k, II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater
than 15° as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate
this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid acceleration or deceleration could cause the
front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over back-
wards, which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires are
unable to maintain traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slowly and carefully straight down the slope.
Do not mow the slope until able to maintain traction.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that
you will not have to stop while on the slope.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for coun-
terweights with attachments to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attach-
ments. These can change the stability of the machine.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then turn
slowly and use extra care while turning.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes.
,_ III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
,
,
Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
3. Before and when backing up, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or may
interfere with safe machine operation.

5. Neverallow childrenunder 14 years old to
operatethemachine.Children14yearsandover
shouldonlyoperatethe machineunderclose
parentalsupervisionandproperinstruction.
6. Useextracarewhenapproachingblindcorners,
shrubs,treesorotherobjectsthatmayobscure
yourvisionofachildorotherhazard.
7. Removethe key when the machineis left
unattendedtopreventunauthorizedoperation.
,_ IV. SERVICE
,
,
3.
Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the en-
gine running. Allow the engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oth-
er sources of ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine
inside where there is an open flame or spark,
such as a gas hot water heater, space heater
or furnace.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at
least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at fre-
quent intervals for proper tightness. Also visually
inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blades which meet
original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check the
components and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing blades.
11. Check the park brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can
harm the environment and the ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, contact your local
Environmental Protection Agency to
determine the proper method for disposing of
the waste. Recycling centers are established
to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids.
Do not use food or beverage containers that
may mislead someone into drinking from
them. Properly dispose of the containers im-
mediately following the draining of fluids.
C, DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the
ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond,
lake, or other body of water. Observe Environ-
mental Protection Agency regulations when
disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, fil-
ters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
15. With the exception of utilizing the deck wash
feature, we do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your
tractor. Water may cause damage to electrical
components; pulleys; bearings; or the engine.
The use of water will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
_ WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
Keep product safety graphics (decals) clean• Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, missing, paint-
ed over or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your dealer•
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- LOCATED ON LEFT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR'S SEAT
GENERAL OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
-LOCATED ON RIGHT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR'S SEAT
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - LOCATED IN CENTER
OF SEAT BOX FRAME
DECK HEIGHT
INDICATOR
THROTTLE CONTROL
INDICATOR PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
HANDS AND FEET
SAFETY GRAPHIC
MOWER DECK
SAFETY GRAPHIC
ASSEMBLE CHUTE DEFLECTOR TO THIS UNIT BEFORE OPERATING,
MOWER DECK
SAFETY GRAPHIC
t
MOWER DECK
INFORMATION GRAPHIC

USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
co
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
I_ I A POWER POLE
mR i .91 A CORNER OF A BUILDING
.... I "9
" " " " .. IOR A FENCE POST
" ".. OLD ON ,-
,....,,..uOT_,_
I. ,._,v.IlAir,
== "v L_ A
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!t
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.
Operate RZT zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass
across the bottom of the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible.

TO THE OWNER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new tractor. The information contained in this manual has been
prepared in detail to help you better understand the features, correct operation, adjustments, and maintenance of
your tractor. The performance and dependability of this tractor rely greatly on the manner in which it is operated and
maintained. Therefore, it is recommended that all operators of the tractor carefully read this manual and fully under-
stand its operation. Also keep the manual available for reference to ensure proper operation, and that maintenance
procedures are performed as scheduled to assure the tractor's optimal mechanical condition.
NOTE: All references to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR, unless specifically stated otherwise, indicate that rela-
tive position on the tractor when facing forward while seated in the operator's seat.
CAUTION: DO NOT tow your Model RZT42 tractor. Towing may damage the transmissions. Place the tractor on a
LEVEL SURFACE before pulling the transmission bypass rods to the engaged position (transmission disengaged).
Your local authorized Cub Cadet dealer is interested in the performance you receive from your tractor, and with the
maintenance needed to ensure the satisfactory operation of your tractor. The dealer has trained service personnel
familiar with the latest servicing information, is equipped with the latest tools, and has a complete line of genuine
Cub Cadet service parts which assure proper fit and high quality.
CALLING SERVICE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, and
specifications.
If you have difficulties with the tractor and/or equipment; have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance
of this equipment; or desire additional information not found in this manual, contact your nearest authorized Cub
Cadet dealer. If you need assistance in locating a dealer in your area, contact the Customer Dealer Referral Line by
calling: 1-877-282-8684
Or you may contact Cub Cadet via the internet by logging on to our Web Site at:
www.cubcadet.com
To obtain top performance and assure economical operation, the tractor should be inspected by your authorized
dealer periodically or at least once a year, depending on its hours of use. Before calling your dealer, make sure that
you have your model number(s) and manufacturing date available for the dealer.
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION
Product identification plates are provided for major components of your tractor. The numbers on these plates are
important if your tractor should require dealer service, or if you need additional information on your tractor. Prior to
using your tractor for the first time, record the numbers from the identification plates in the appropriate spaces pro-
vided below.
The chassis model plate, showing the factory model number and Mfg. Date (See Figure 4) can be found either on
the underside of the seat mounting base or on the right frame rail near the right front tire.
The engine information appear on a decal affixed to the engine shrouding (See Figure 5).
Model Factory Model No. Mfg. Date
Delivery Date Engine Model/Spec No. Engine Serial No.
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX
Model Number Mfg. Date
_._b _o c..........
P. O. BOX 3611 31
www.cubcadet.com CLEVELAND, OH 44136
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER: 877-282-8684
I
Figure 4
KOI'ILER,
MPeRTANTENClNEiNFORMATiON
THiSE_GINEMEETSUS EPAANOCA2OO5
ANDL_TERANOECS_GEIJ(SN:4_EMISSION
REOSFORSJSMALLO_r_OADENGINES
FAMILY
TYpE App
DISPL. (CC)
MODEL NO. _N11236
sPec, NO.
SERIAL NO.
BUILD DATE
OEM PROD. NO.
EMISSIONCOMPLIANCEPERtO0:
EPA: CARe:
CERTIFIEOON:
REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR HP _TIN_
SAFET_MAI_ENANCEANDADJUSTME_S
KOHLER CO KOHLER WISCONSIN USA
Figure 5

SECTION 1" CONTROLS AND FEATURES
K
/
Figure 6
A. Deck Height Index
B. Deck Lift Handle
C. RH and LH Drive Control Levers
D. Ignition Switch
E. PTO Switch
F. Transmission Bypass Rod (Not Shown)
G. Cup Holder
H. Storage Tray
J. Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Seen)
K. Fuel Tank Cap
L. Hour Meter/Indicator Panel
M. Throttle Control
N. Parking Brake Engagement Lever
10