Kubota Z242KH-AU User manual

BA . L . 1 - 1 . - . AK
PRINTED IN U.S.A. ©2022 Kubota Corporation
English (Australia)
Code No. K3017-7123-1
Z242KH
-
AU·Z242KW
-
AU·Z252KH
-
AU·Z252KW
-
AU
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
READ AND SAVE THIS MANUAL
1WVUV00001A01
MODELS Z242KH-AU
Z242KW-AU
Z252KH-AU
Z252KW-AU

Abbreviations Definitions
API
PTO
RH/LH
ROPS
rpm
SAE
American Petroleum Institute
Power Take Off
Right-hand and left-hand sides are determined by facing in
the direction of forward travel
Roll-Over Protective Structures
Revolutions Per Minute
Society of Automotive Engineers
Safety Alert Symbol
Read Operator's Manual
Gasoline Fuel
Fuel-Level
Parking Brake-Engaged position
Parking Brake-Disengaged position
Engine-Stop
Engine-Run
Starter Control
Power Take-Off Switch Control-Off Position
(Disengaged)
Power Take-Off Switch Control-On Position
(Engaged)
Hours
Cutting Height
Fast
Slow
Engine Speed Control
Choke
Do Not Step
ABBREVIATION LIST
UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS
As a guide to the operation of your machine, various universal symbols have been utilized on the instruments and
controls. The symbols are shown below with an indication of their meaning.

DANGER :
WARNING :
CAUTION :
FOREWORD
SAFETY FIRST
IMPORTANT :
NOTE :
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates that equipment or property damage could result if
instructions are not followed.
Gives helpful information.
You are now the proud owner of a KUBOTA ZERO TURN MOWER. This machine
is a product of Kubota's quality engineering and manufacturing. It is made of
excellent materials and under a rigid quality control system. It will give you long,
satisfactory service. To obtain the best use of your machine, please read this
manual carefully. It will help you become familiar with the operation of the machine
and contains many helpful hints about machine maintenance. It is Kubota's policy
to utilize, as quickly as possible, every advance in our research. The immediate use
of new techniques in the manufacturing of products may cause some small parts of
this manual to become outdated. Kubota distributors and dealers will have the most
up-to-date information. Please do not hesitate to consult them.
This symbol, the industry's ''Safety Alert Symbol'', is used throughout this manual
and on labels on the machine itself to warn of the possibility of personal injury.
Read these instructions carefully. It is essential that you read the instructions and
safety regulations before you attempt to assemble or use this unit.

CONTENTS
SAFE OPERATION......................................................................................................................5
SERVICING OF MACHINE........................................................................................................17
DEALER SERVICE.............................................................................................................................................17
WARRANTY........................................................................................................................................................ 18
SCRAPPING THE MACHINE ............................................................................................................................. 18
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................19
SPECIFICATION TABLE..................................................................................................................................... 19
IMPLEMENT LIMITATIONS.......................................................................................................21
TERMS OF USE ................................................................................................................................................. 21
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS.................................................................................22
INSTRUMENT PANEL, SWITCHES AND HAND CONTROLS .......................................................................... 22
MOWER.............................................................................................................................................................. 23
MOWER MOUNTING.................................................................................................................24
MOUNTING THE MOWER DECK ...................................................................................................................... 24
ADJUSTING THE MOWER ................................................................................................................................ 25
DISMOUNTING THE MOWER DECK ................................................................................................................ 25
OPERATING THE ENGINE .......................................................................................................26
GETTING ON AND OFF THE MACHINE SAFELY............................................................................................. 26
STARTING THE ENGINE ................................................................................................................................... 26
1. Choke knob ............................................................................................................................................... 28
2. Throttle lever.............................................................................................................................................. 28
3. Push start switch ....................................................................................................................................... 28
STOPPING THE ENGINE................................................................................................................................... 28
CHECK DURING OPERATING .......................................................................................................................... 28
1. Fuel gauge................................................................................................................................................. 29
2. Hour meter and maintenance indicator ..................................................................................................... 29
COLD WEATHER STARTING............................................................................................................................. 29
WARMING UP THE ENGINE ............................................................................................................................. 29
1. Warm-up and transmission oil in the low temperature range .................................................................... 30
JUMP STARTING ............................................................................................................................................... 30
OPERATING THE MACHINE ....................................................................................................31
OPERATING A NEW MACHINE......................................................................................................................... 31
1. Changing lubricating oil for new machine.................................................................................................. 31
2. Machine break-in ....................................................................................................................................... 31
3. Burnishing PTO clutch............................................................................................................................... 32
OPERATING THE FOLDABLE ROPS (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU).................................................................. 32
1. Folding the ROPS...................................................................................................................................... 32
2. Raising the ROPS to the upright position .................................................................................................. 33
3. Adjusting the foldable ROPS ..................................................................................................................... 33
STARTING THE MACHINE ................................................................................................................................ 34
1. Operator's seat .......................................................................................................................................... 34
2. Seat belt .................................................................................................................................................... 35
3. Mower lift pedal ......................................................................................................................................... 35
3.1 Adjustment of the mower lift pedal ..................................................................................................... 35
4. Throttle lever.............................................................................................................................................. 35
5. Parking brake lever.................................................................................................................................... 35
6. Motion control lever ................................................................................................................................... 36
6.1 Stop position of the motion control lever ............................................................................................ 36
6.2 Operating position of the motion control lever.................................................................................... 36
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
1

6.3 Adjustment of the motion control lever............................................................................................... 37
STOPPING THE MACHINE................................................................................................................................ 38
PARKING THE MACHINE .................................................................................................................................. 38
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE...................................................................................................................... 38
1. Hydrostatic transaxle bypass rods............................................................................................................. 39
ACCESSORY...................................................................................................................................................... 39
1. Accessory electrical outlet ......................................................................................................................... 39
2. Accessory box ........................................................................................................................................... 39
OPERATING THE MOWER.......................................................................................................41
MOWING TIPS.................................................................................................................................................... 41
ADJUSTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT................................................................................................................ 41
OPERATING THE MOWER................................................................................................................................ 42
1. PTO switch ................................................................................................................................................ 42
2. Starting the machine.................................................................................................................................. 43
TIRES AND WHEELS................................................................................................................44
TIRES.................................................................................................................................................................. 44
1. Inflation pressure ....................................................................................................................................... 44
WHEELS............................................................................................................................................................. 44
1. Installing the rear wheels........................................................................................................................... 44
2. Removing the front caster wheels ............................................................................................................. 45
3. Installing the front caster wheels ............................................................................................................... 45
MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................................................46
SERVICE INTERVALS........................................................................................................................................ 46
1. Maintenance table (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU) ........................................................................................ 46
2. Maintenance table (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU)....................................................................................... 47
LUBRICANTS AND FUEL................................................................................................................................... 48
PERIODIC SERVICE .................................................................................................................50
RAISING AND LOWERING THE OPERATOR'S SEAT...................................................................................... 50
OPENING THE STEP......................................................................................................................................... 50
REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE MOWER BELT COVER ........................................................................... 50
DAILY CHECK .................................................................................................................................................... 51
1. Checking the engine oil level..................................................................................................................... 51
2. Checking the amount of fuel and refueling ................................................................................................ 52
3. Checking and cleaning the air intake screen............................................................................................. 53
4. Checking the tire pressure......................................................................................................................... 53
4.1 Inflation pressure................................................................................................................................ 54
5. Checking the transaxle fluid level .............................................................................................................. 54
6. Checking movable parts ............................................................................................................................ 54
EVERY 50 HOURS............................................................................................................................................. 54
1. Checking the engine start system ............................................................................................................. 54
2. Checking the OPC system ........................................................................................................................ 55
3. Checking the muffler and spark arrester (if equipped)............................................................................... 56
EVERY 75 HOURS............................................................................................................................................. 56
1. Replacing the air cleaner paper element (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU)...................................................... 56
EVERY 100 HOURS........................................................................................................................................... 57
1. Changing the engine oil (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU)................................................................................ 57
2. Changing the engine oil (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) .............................................................................. 57
3. Cleaning the air cleaner paper element (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) ...................................................... 58
4. Cleaning the engine cooling system.......................................................................................................... 59
5. Checking the spark plug ............................................................................................................................ 60
6. Replacing the fuel filter (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU) ................................................................................. 61
7. Checking the battery condition .................................................................................................................. 61
7.1 Non-accessible maintenance-free type batteries ............................................................................... 62
7.2 Checking the battery voltage.............................................................................................................. 62
7.3 Charging the battery........................................................................................................................... 62
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7.4 Storing the battery.............................................................................................................................. 62
8. Adjusting the throttle cable ........................................................................................................................ 63
9. Adjusting the choke cable.......................................................................................................................... 63
10. Replacing the engine oil filter (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU) ..................................................................... 63
EVERY 200 HOURS........................................................................................................................................... 63
1. Replacing the engine oil filter (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) ...................................................................... 63
2. Replacing the air cleaner paper element (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) .................................................... 64
EVERY 300 HOURS........................................................................................................................................... 65
1. Cleaning the combustion chamber (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU).............................................................. 65
2. Checking the engine valve clearance (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) ......................................................... 65
EVERY 400 HOURS AFTER 100 HOURS ......................................................................................................... 65
1. Replacing the transaxle oil filter................................................................................................................. 65
1.1 Purging the transaxle oil..................................................................................................................... 66
2. Changing the transaxle fluid ...................................................................................................................... 66
EVERY 500 HOURS........................................................................................................................................... 66
1. Replacing the spark plug (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU) .............................................................................. 66
2. Checking the engine valve clearance (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU)........................................................... 66
EVERY 1 YEAR .................................................................................................................................................. 66
1. Checking the battery condition .................................................................................................................. 66
2. Checking the fuel lines (Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU) ................................................................................. 66
3. Checking the fuel lines (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) ................................................................................ 67
4. Checking the muffler and spark arrester (if equipped)............................................................................... 68
5. Checking the hydraulic hose ..................................................................................................................... 68
6. Changing the engine oil (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU) .............................................................................. 69
EVERY 4 YEARS................................................................................................................................................ 69
1. Replacing the hydraulic hose .................................................................................................................... 69
2. Replacing the fuel lines ............................................................................................................................. 69
SERVICE AS REQUIRED................................................................................................................................... 69
1. Replacing the fuses ................................................................................................................................... 69
2. Checking and replacing the blades ........................................................................................................... 70
3. Replacing the mower belt .......................................................................................................................... 71
4. Adjusting the electric clutch ....................................................................................................................... 71
5. Replacing the fuel filter (Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU)................................................................................ 71
ADJUSTMENT...........................................................................................................................72
MOTION CONTROL LEVER .............................................................................................................................. 72
1. Adjusting the motion control lever operating strength ............................................................................... 72
2. Adjusting HST neutral position .................................................................................................................. 72
3. Adjusting maximum speed (forward) ......................................................................................................... 72
4. Motion control lever alignment................................................................................................................... 72
4.1 Checking the alignment...................................................................................................................... 73
4.2 Aligning the motion control levers ...................................................................................................... 73
MOWER LIFT PEDAL......................................................................................................................................... 73
MOWER DECK LEVEL....................................................................................................................................... 73
1. Anti-scalp rollers ........................................................................................................................................ 73
2. Leveling the mower deck (side-to-side)..................................................................................................... 74
2.1 Checking the level (side-to-side)........................................................................................................ 74
2.2 Adjusting the level (side-to-side) ........................................................................................................ 74
3. Leveling the mower deck (front-to-rear) .................................................................................................... 75
3.1 Checking level (front-to-rear) ............................................................................................................. 75
3.2 Adjusting the level (front-to-rear)........................................................................................................ 75
GENERAL TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION ....................................................................................... 77
STORAGE..................................................................................................................................78
STORING THE MACHINE.................................................................................................................................. 78
REMOVING THE MACHINE FROM STORAGE................................................................................................. 78
TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................................................................79
ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................................... 79
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BATTERY TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................... 81
MACHINE TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................................... 82
MOWER TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................................... 83
INDEX.........................................................................................................................................85
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Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

SAFE OPERATION
Careful operation is your best insurance against an
accident.
The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property. Read and understand this manual
carefully before operating the machine. All operators,
no matter how much experience they may have had,
must read and understand this and other related
manuals before operating the machine or any
implement attached to it. It is the owner's obligation to
instruct all operators in safe operation.
If the operator(s) or mechanic(s) cannot understand the
contents, it is the owner's responsibility to explain this
material to them. This mowing machine is capable of
amputating hands, feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
BEFORE OPERATING THE
MACHINE
Know your equipment and its limitations. Read all
instructions in this manual and machine safety labels
before attempting to start and operate the machine.
1. General
• The zero turn mowing machine has different
steering characteristics than other machines with a
steering wheel and does not have a service brake
pedal (but, has a parking brake lever. Normal
slowing down and stopping is done with the motion
control levers.). Read and understand the
Operator's Manual before operating the machine.
Practice operating the machine at low engine speed
in an unobstructed area without engaging the
mower.
• Pay special attention to the safety labels on the
machine itself.
• Do not allow any bystanders around or near the
machine during operation.
• Do not allow passengers, children or non-qualified
operators on the machine at any time. The operator
must remain in the machine seat throughout
operation.
• Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while under the influence of alcohol, medication,
controlled substances or when fatigued.
• Do not wear loose, torn, or bulky clothing around
the machine. The clothing may catch on moving
parts or controls, leading to the risk of an accident.
Wear and use any additional safety items such as a
hard hat, safety boots or shoes, eye and hearing
protection, gloves and so on, as appropriate or
required.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones while
operating the machine.
Do not operate the machine or any attachments
while using or texting with a cellphone or any other
electronic device.
Safe operation requires your full attention.
• Carefully check the vicinity before operating
machine or any implement attached to it. Clear the
work area of objects (such as wires and rocks) that
might be picked up and thrown. Check for overhead
clearance which may interfere with the grass
catcher or ROPS.
• Check parking brakes and other mechanical parts
for correct adjustment and wear. Replace worn or
damaged parts promptly. Check the tightness of all
nuts and bolts regularly.
(See PERIODIC SERVICE on page 50 and
ADJUSTMENT on page 72.)
• Keep all shields and guards in place. Replace any
that are damaged or missing.
• Before allowing other people to use your machine,
explain how to operate and have them read this
manual before operation.
• In addition to the design and configuration of
equipment, hazard control and accident prevention
are dependent upon the awareness, concern and
prudence of personnel involved in the operation,
transport and maintenance of the equipment.
• Keep the machine and attachments in good
operating condition and keep safety devices in
place and in proper working condition.
• Do not modify the machine. Unauthorized
modification may affect the function of the machine,
which may result in personal injury.
• Do not make any modifications to the engine or
emission components as they may result in
damage and malfunctions such as:
– Damage to the power train from excessive
engine output.
– Engine overheating caused by exceeding the
engine cooling performance capabilities.
– Malfunctions of the exhaust gas aftertreatment
control devices.
Modifications to the engine and its emission
components may violate emission regulations and
are subject to fines and penalties.
Kubota and its affiliates are not liable for any
damage, malfunction or accidents caused by
SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
5

modifications to the engine or emission
components.
• Use only implements approved by Kubota. Use
proper ballast on the front or rear of the machine to
reduce the risk of upsets. Follow the safe operating
procedures specified in the manuals of the
equipment.
• Keep your machine clean. Accumulations of dirt,
grease, and trash can contribute to fires and lead to
personal injury.
• The exhaust gas from the muffler is very hot. To
prevent fire, do not expose dry grass, mowed
grass, oil and any other combustible materials to
the exhaust gas. Use a spark arrester where
required. Keep the engine and muffler clean all the
times.
2. ROPS
• Kubota recommends the use of a roll-over
protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt in almost
all applications. This combination will reduce the
risk of serious injury or death, should the machine
be upset.
• If the ROPS is loosened or removed for any reason,
make sure that all parts are reinstalled correctly
before operating the machine.
• Never modify or repair a ROPS because welding,
bending, drilling, grinding, or cutting may weaken
the structure.
• If any structural member of the ROPS is damaged,
replace the entire structure at your local Kubota
Dealer.
• Always use the seat belt if the machine has a
ROPS. Check the seat belt regularly and replace if
frayed or damaged.
(1) ROPS
(2) Seat belt
OPERATING THE MACHINE
1. Starting to operate the machine
• Always sit in the operator's seat when starting the
engine or operating levers or controls.
• Before starting the engine make sure that the
motion control levers are in “NEUTRAL LOCK”, the
parking brake is applied, and the power take-off
(PTO) is disengaged (OFF).
• Do not start the engine by shorting across starter
terminals. The machine may start in gear and move
if the normal starting circuitry is bypassed.
• Do not operate or idle the engine in a non-
ventilated area. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless,
odorless, and deadly.
• Do not start the engine while tilting deck.
• Do not start the engine when the front or rear tires
are not on the ground.
• Check before each use that the operator presence
control (OPC) system is functioning correctly.
Test the safety systems.
(See Checking the engine start system on page
54 and Checking the OPC system on page 55.)
Do not operate unless they are functioning
correctly.
• Check all fluids before starting.
2. Working the machine
• Do not turn sharply when driving at high speed.
• To avoid tip-over accidents, slow down when
turning on uneven terrain or before stopping.
• Do not operate near ditches, holes, embankments,
or other terrain, which may collapse under the
machine's weight. The risk of machine tip-overs
increases when the ground is loose or wet.
• Park the machine on a firm and level surface.
• Before you get off, apply the parking brake, place
the motion control levers in their “NEUTRAL LOCK”
positions, disengage the PTO, lower all
attachments to the ground, turn off the engine, and
remove the fob key.
• Watch where you are going at all times. Watch for
and avoid obstacles. Be alert at curbs, near trees,
and other obstructions and hidden hazards.
• Know what is behind you before backing up. Look
to the rear before and when backing. Do not mow
while in reverse unless absolutely necessary and
make sure the area immediately behind you is clear
of obstructions or holes and small children. Use
extra caution when the machine is equipped with a
grass catcher as your view to the rear is restricted.
• When working in groups, always let others know
what you are doing ahead of time.
• Do not drive the machine on streets or highways.
Watch for traffic when you cross roads or operate
near roads.
SAFE OPERATION
6
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do
not point it at anyone. Never operate with the
discharge deflector raised, removed or altered,
unless using a grass catcher.
• When using any attachments, never direct
discharge material toward bystanders. Do not allow
people or pets near the attachments while in
operation.
Do not mow when bystanders are present in the
mowing area.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep the engine exhaust
area free of grass or leaves.
• Be sure that the rotating blades and the engine are
stopped and the fob key is removed before placing
hands or feet near blades and cleaning blockages
or unclogging the discharge deflector.
• Shut the engine off and wait for all movement to
stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the discharge deflector.
• Maintain all screens to avoid overheating
conditions.
• Always inspect the mower for damage after striking
a foreign object. Repair or replace any damaged
parts before restarting.
• Operate during daylight or in bright artificial light.
3. Safety for children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert of
the presence of children. Children are attracted to the
machine and mowing activity.
• Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
• Before and when backing, look behind and down
for small children.
• Never carry children. There is no safe place for
them to ride. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine, even
under adult supervision.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other obstructions that might hide
children from sight.
• Do not mow in reverse. Operate in reverse with the
blades engaged only when it is absolutely
necessary and make sure that the area to the rear
is clear of children before doing so.
4. Operators, age 60 years and older
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and older,
are involved in a large percentage of machine-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the machine safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
5. Operating on slopes
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.
If the engine stops when operating on a slope, apply
the parking brake immediately to prevent machine
runaway.
Do
• To avoid tip-over accidents, operate across slopes,
not up and down. Stay off hills and slopes too steep
for safe operation.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks and tree limbs.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden
hazards. Keep away from drop-offs. Uneven terrain
could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
wheel weight or counterweights to improve stability.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage PTO and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Reduce the speed and exercise extreme caution on
slopes and in sharp turns to prevent tip-over
accidents or loss of control.
• Use special caution when changing direction on
slopes. Slow down, and use extra caution when
changing direction on a slope.
Do not
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary. If
necessary, turn uphill slowly and gradually.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mower could suddenly turn
over if a wheel is over the edge of cliff or ditch, or if
an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your
foot on the ground.
• Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes.
• Do not start or stop suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Avoid sudden start and stops on slopes.
• Never “freewheel”. Do not let the machine travel
downhill with motion control levers at the
“NEUTRAL LOCK” position or in “NEUTRAL”.
• Do not operate the machine without the mower
deck installed.
SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
7

6. Stopping the machine
• Park the machine on level ground.
• Make sure that the machine and all attachments
have come to a complete stop before you get off.
• Before you get off, apply the parking brake, place
the motion control levers in their “NEUTRAL LOCK”
positions, disengage the PTO, lower all
attachments to the ground, turn off the engine, and
remove the fob key.
• Do not park the machine on dry grass or leaves.
TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE
• Disengage power to attachment(s) when
transporting or not in use.
• Do not tow this machine. Use a suitable truck or
trailer when transporting on public roads.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
• This machine is not allowed to be used on public
roads.
SERVICING AND STORAGE
1. Servicing the machine
• Before servicing, park the machine on a firm, level
surface and apply the parking brake. Remove the
fob key to prevent an accidental start-up.
• Allow the machine time to cool before touching the
engine, muffler and so on.
• Always stop the engine before refueling. Avoid
spills and overfilling.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine
and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
(1) Fuel tank cap
• Use extra care when handling gasoline fuels. They
are flammable.
1. Use only an approved container.
2. Do not remove the fuel cap or refuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke while refueling or when
standing near fuel.
3. Do not refuel the machine indoors and always
clean up spilled fuel or oil.
4. Do not store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such as in
a water heater.
• Do not smoke when working around battery or
when refueling. Keep all sparks and flames away
from battery and fuel tank.
A battery, especially when charging, will give off
hydrogen and oxygen gases, which can explode
and cause serious personal injury.
• Before “jump starting” a dead battery, read and
follow all the instructions.
• Disconnect the battery's ground cable before
working on or near electric components.
• Do not use or charge the refillable type battery if the
fluid level is below the [LOWER] (lower limit level)
mark. Otherwise, the battery component parts may
prematurely deteriorate, which may shorten the
battery's service life or cause an explosion. Check
the fluid level regularly and add distilled water as
required so that the fluid level is between the
[UPPER] and [LOWER] levels.
• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy at all
times.
• Do not attempt to mount a tire on a rim unless
qualified to do so and all proper safety precautions
are followed.
• Always maintain the correct tire inflation pressure.
Do not inflate tires above the recommended
pressure shown in the Operator's Manual.
• Provide adequate support when changing wheels.
• Make sure that wheel nuts and bolts have been
tightened to the specified torque.
• Do not make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
• Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
• Do not run the machine inside a closed area.
SAFE OPERATION
8
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut your hands.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
operation for proper function regularly.
• Waste products such as used oil, fuel, coolant,
brake fluid, and batteries can harm the
environment, people, pets and wildlife. Please
dispose of the waste products properly.
• Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids or
other products. Someone, particularly children, may
drink them by mistake.
• Securely support the machine or any machine
elements with stands or suitable blocking before
working underneath. For your safety, do not rely on
hydraulically supported devices as they may leak
down, suddenly drop or be accidently lowered.
• Consult your local recycling center or Kubota
Dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste
products.
– A material safety data sheet (MSDS) provides
specific details on chemical products, physical
and health hazards, safety procedures, and
emergency response techniques. The seller of
the chemical products used with your machine
is responsible for providing the MSDS for that
product upon request.
2. Storage
• Keep the machine and supply of fuel in locked
storage and remove the fob key to prevent children
or others from playing or tampering with them.
• To avoid sparks from an accidental short circuit,
always disconnect the battery's ground cable (-)
first and reconnect it last.
(1) Battery
(2) Ground cable
(+) Positive terminal
(-) Negative terminal
• To avoid the danger of exhaust fume poisoning, do
not operate the engine indoors without adequate
ventilation.
• To reduce fire hazards, clean the machine
thoroughly before storage. Dry grass and leaves
around the engine and muffler may ignite.
SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
9

SAFETY LABELS
SAFE OPERATION
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Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
11

SAFE OPERATION
12
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
13

SAFE OPERATION
14
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

CARE OF SAFETY LABELS
• Keep safety labels clean and free from obstructing material.
• Clean safety labels with soap and water, and dry with a soft cloth.
• Replace damaged or missing safety labels with new labels from your local Kubota Dealer.
• If a component with safety label(s) attached is replaced with a new part, make sure new label(s) is (are) attached
in the same location(s) as the replaced component.
• Attach new safety labels by applying on a clean dry surface and pressing any bubbles to the outside edge.
SAFE OPERATION
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
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16
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU

SERVICING OF MACHINE
DEALER SERVICE
After reading this manual thoroughly, you will find that
you can do some of the regular maintenance yourself.
Your dealer has knowledge of your new machine and
has the desire to help you get the best performance
and the most value from it.
However, when in need of parts or major service,
consult your local Kubota Dealer. When in need of
parts, be prepared to give your dealer the product
identification number (PIN), and the ROPS, engine and
mower serial numbers.
Locate the PIN and serial numbers now, and record
them in the space provided.
Date of purchase
Name of dealer
Machine type
Product identifica-
tion number
Type Serial number
ROPS
Engine
Mower
(1) Machine identification plate
(2) Product identification number
Z242KH-AU, Z252KH-AU
(1) Engine serial number
(2) ROPS serial number
Z242KW-AU, Z252KW-AU
(1) Engine serial number
(2) ROPS serial number
RCK48P
(1) Mower identification plate
(2) Mower serial number
DEALER SERVICE SERVICING OF MACHINE
Z242KH-AU,Z242KW-AU,Z252KH-AU,Z252KW-AU
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