Lucky for me when I bought my 1st Cub Cadet, I bought the Tractor jack. I thought it was a little expensive, but after using it today for the 1st time in 8 years, it was the best purchase other than the tractor itself. This video made it very simple and it was just that. Took me all of 4.5 minutes from taking off and putting the blade back on. I spent more time prepping the jack.
Well, that was easy! People are telling me how difficult maintenance is going to be on a zero turn mower, and how I'm going to need a special jack because it weighs 600 pounds. They are going to be surprised when I just lift up the front like Superman and change out the blades in about three minutes! Thanks for the video, man!
I needed this just to be certain these nuts were “righty tighty, lefty loosey “. Mine were in so dang tight I second guessed myself. Thank you! As for the “Safety Sams”, if y’all wanna follow OSHA standard when doing YOUR maintenance, then by all means, do so. I come to UA-cam for the information, not to be critical, and this video got RIGHT to the point and in 3 mins solved my concerns. As for lifting my mower, I use my Kubota tractor, run the bucket on the FEL under the front wheels and up she goes, PLENTY high. 😎. Anyway, thanks for the video and confirming I wasn’t wrong, just need to push harder! LOL
I just had to take my ZT1 back to Home Depot and get a new one. The belt for the drive kept falling off both sides and the tension spring would fall off. They said rather than doing a warranty claim, since it only had 12 hours on it, they would simply swap out for a new one. I'm eager to see that belt tension video as well. Enjoy your vacation.
I have a 48 inch deck and a BIG thanks for the impact suggestion. Today is May 31, 2020 and I used my Ridged impact cordless and it worked like a charm. Would not have got those suckers off with a wrench. Now have new blades. Thanks again. Oh and mine takes a 1 1/8 socket.
Good video - I just took the blades off my ZT1 to sharpen them and unlike yours with the "star" center, mower blades have the "S-shape" center. Trying to order/find another set of blades with that "S" type center has been a bit of a challenge. Wish my mower deck had the same star pattern!
My 16" jacks didn't suffice. Tried setting wheels on upside-down 5 gal buckets; resulted in about the same height, added some wood blocks. bare;ly could get my electric impact driver underneath. I think next time I'll try using seats of heavy duty folding chairs under the wheels. Spindles had a raised tilda shape instead of the star; prevents putting blade on upside down. I'm going to try running it this season without the top spindle covers; they just trap and compact grass cuttings. I use a leaf blower to blow it clean. Good video.
I just got a 2023 cub zt1 when I put in full throttle the mower seems to shake . I'm thinking maybe the blades ??? Also what's the best kind to replace the factory ones
When I bought my "new to me" Cub Cadet ZT1 50" one of the blade mounting nuts was already stripped. The nuts should always be torqued to manufacturer specifications IMHO. That would be anywhere between 70-90 ft/lb for this mower or you may end up with the same problem in the future. I bought all new nuts just to be sure. Hope this helps! Ken D aka The Lawn Ninja ;)
Don’t have an impact drill and when I use a wrench it starts to spin the blades. Can’t get nut off. Any tips on how to lock blade so wrench can get it off? Thanks. Rest of video was very helpful
I purchased a lawn mower jack. If you are using jack stands I would suggest two placing at the ends. You are asking for trouble balancing the mower with one jack stand.
Russell Condie So what did you do before you bought the jack? Oh oh! Do you still put stands under it while using the jack as well? Oh oh! Do you chalk the back wheels?! Holy shit! We’re all going to DIEEEEEE!!!! CALM DOWN SALLY!
As you can tell some people don't handle criticism very well,I agree with you that there should be (2) jack stands and blocks behind the wheels,as far as how we did it before was the reason for a ride to the hospital when it failed but ignorant people still practice there craft,it keeps me employed...
Mark Webb If you want to take triple precaution, you’re more than welcome to. This was very stable where the 1 stand was. I do take criticism just fine, but sometimes people are a little overboard with safety in comments, so I just went ahead and dove all the way in. I do have a suggestion for you though. Make a video showing the safest method. UA-cam isn’t just for viewers.
@@justdoc2923..don’t forget to pre-loosen the blade bolts so you don’t have to jam a piece of wood against the blade to show that the bolt was already tight.
Good deal......i recommend a smaller impact such as 20 volt battery driven driver/impact or similer. It way to easy to over tighten with a full size impact.(like I did. Lol) some use a torque wrench to about 30 torqued pounds is plenty.. and i must say...oh my thats a clean deck.🤗
The blades can not hit each other. They get the overlap by offsetting one blade forward under the deck, and the other two a little closer together. It does not matter how you "index" the blade on the spindle either, (as I have seen in other vids of blade changing), because the belt is not toothed, and the belt will slip on the pulley turning it by hand, so I am sure it can slip if it hits a mound of dirt or something fairly solid, or even just turning on the PTO.
Michael Reece I’ll have to get back with you on that. I haven’t used a torque wrench for 30+ years. Lol. I know it’s steel on steel on steel, so tight is tight. If it were softer material, I’d say snug it up. I’m sure there is a pdf file online you could find.
I have the 50" deck and going to add the mulch kit. To let you know though, the blades can't hit each other, (if they are the right blades). My 3 blade deck has the blades/spindles staggered to overlap the ends of the blades across the ground, but the blades are not long enough to hit each other. If they could hit, you would not be able to use the belt system it uses,--they do slip on the pulley's. Thanks for the vid man.
Which way does the blade tighten and loosen to the left or to the right it's usually righty tighty lefty loosey which is it could you tell me I'm having a problem breaking mine free and I have an 18 mm impact wrench probably not strong enough right I can't do it by hand either with the by on the end of the ratchet or pipe please get back with me if you can it's getting dark on me LOL
I just bought a new Scag. One of the bolts were so tight that a 450 ftlb impact couldn’t take off. I had to take it in and it took two men with a cheater bar on nut and a cheater bar on the bolt. Sometimes the factory can over tighten them, or sometimes wile waiting for transport or sell, they can rust up. Either way, take it to a shop for ridiculously tight bolts under warranty.
ItsMePA they dull quickly. I went to buy high lift blades a couple of days ago and was informed they don’t make other blades for these mowers yet, except for the mulching blades. Happy mowing!
@@g4outdoors yeah I'm sure from the factory it's a tight as you can get it. Regular lefty losy right? Tight AF. Even tried a driver drill and it wants to round out
Nice. Just straighten your back and look up when lifting with your legs. Even with lower weights you can still tweak something if that spine is curved.
Tony Newnham If your using an impact and your belts are still on, it’s usually not necessary. So, no I didn’t. If they do spin, I prefer to block it with a chunk of wood.
@@g4outdoors With the variance allowed in the belt drive...I would have to think there is clearance and the star reference points are strictly a function of making sure the blades do not slip on the shaft.
Jeff Simon True. The spindles do all spin independently of each other. So yes, at some point, they will be in unison to where it would require a “no touch” tolerance.
I called customer service. They did NOT recommend their HTL 550 to lift the UltimaZT1. I then asked what lift I could use to change blades and they said they do not suggest using a lift, for it may damage frame. I still don't believe it myself, that they would build a mower that you can't lift.
My cub cadet 50” ultimata zt1 looks just like yours but does not have the same blades take your blades off before ordering the blades may have different center holes they may not be stars
Hercules Hercules!!!. Need osha approved wheel chalks and and stands. Don’t forget fire extinguisher and 2 supervisors to make sure you tighten to German torque specs.
I have a mulch kit on my 42" ZT1. Its just replacing the two blades and a plastic cover which blocks the chute. No tools are necessary to put the plastic cover in place, its held with a wingnut for easy on off. Of course you still need to change your blades, I assume you could do that.
Short and straight to the point nice work. This really helped me a lot
Thanks! Glad to help Kamali!
Easiest path to replacing the blades. I was going to remove the deck! No thanks. I will do what G4 shows in the video. Thanks!
Glad it helped
Lucky for me when I bought my 1st Cub Cadet, I bought the Tractor jack. I thought it was a little expensive, but after using it today for the 1st time in 8 years, it was the best purchase other than the tractor itself. This video made it very simple and it was just that. Took me all of 4.5 minutes from taking off and putting the blade back on. I spent more time prepping the jack.
I would like to have one, but I don't want to waste the floor space for one.
Well, that was easy! People are telling me how difficult maintenance is going to be on a zero turn mower, and how I'm going to need a special jack because it weighs 600 pounds. They are going to be surprised when I just lift up the front like Superman and change out the blades in about three minutes! Thanks for the video, man!
Yea, this one is pretty light in the front, lol.
I needed this just to be certain these nuts were “righty tighty, lefty loosey “. Mine were in so dang tight I second guessed myself. Thank you! As for the “Safety Sams”, if y’all wanna follow OSHA standard when doing YOUR maintenance, then by all means, do so. I come to UA-cam for the information, not to be critical, and this video got RIGHT to the point and in 3 mins solved my concerns. As for lifting my mower, I use my Kubota tractor, run the bucket on the FEL under the front wheels and up she goes, PLENTY high. 😎. Anyway, thanks for the video and confirming I wasn’t wrong, just need to push harder! LOL
Thank you kindly, mister, for this video. It helped out this Southeast Iowa man, greatly. You Are Appreciated... 👍🏻
Thanks. Last time I removed the deck. I was able to change both blades in less than 10 minutes this time around.
Thanks for the great, simple and doable video. Just bought my Cub Cadet and, as usual, You Tube has a video to do pretty much anything! Thanks again!!
UA-cam helps us all become professionals, lol.
I just had to take my ZT1 back to Home Depot and get a new one. The belt for the drive kept falling off both sides and the tension spring would fall off. They said rather than doing a warranty claim, since it only had 12 hours on it, they would simply swap out for a new one. I'm eager to see that belt tension video as well. Enjoy your vacation.
Kevin Netherton I believe you! I just can’t believe belts are falling off of these machines. It’s like they never tested this design at all.
Appreciate the brevity of this video. Very helpful info with a demonstration. Good job!
Direct and to the point for a new Cub Cadet owner, thank you!
I have a 48 inch deck and a BIG thanks for the impact suggestion. Today is May 31, 2020 and I used my Ridged impact cordless and it worked like a charm. Would not have got those suckers off with a wrench. Now have new blades. Thanks again. Oh and mine takes a 1 1/8 socket.
chargerman 65 Good deal! Those impacts come in handy.
thanks! original Cub Cadet video recommends removing deck, but this is way more convenient. just lifting it
Good video - I just took the blades off my ZT1 to sharpen them and unlike yours with the "star" center, mower blades have the "S-shape" center. Trying to order/find another set of blades with that "S" type center has been a bit of a challenge. Wish my mower deck had the same star pattern!
Me too! They'd be alot easier to get on right.
Local mower shop can grind those spindles down to accept the more standard blades.
Your video was very informative and helpful. Thanks
My 16" jacks didn't suffice. Tried setting wheels on upside-down 5 gal buckets; resulted in about the same height, added some wood blocks. bare;ly could get my electric impact driver underneath.
I think next time I'll try using seats of heavy duty folding chairs under the wheels.
Spindles had a raised tilda shape instead of the star; prevents putting blade on upside down.
I'm going to try running it this season without the top spindle covers; they just trap and compact grass cuttings. I use a leaf blower to blow it clean.
Good video.
I just got a 2023 cub zt1 when I put in full throttle the mower seems to shake . I'm thinking maybe the blades ??? Also what's the best kind to replace the factory ones
I pull the deck off, this way it can be cleaned at the same time. Easy peasy.
G4……your demo on removing ZT1 blades is awesome👍🏻👍🏻I CAN DO IT
Thanks for this video, I have to install the mulch kit on my new ZT2, will try this method over removing the deck.
It really is pretty light on the front end. Be careful under there though. The deck doe come off and on super easy if you go that rout too.
Thank you for this video. It was just what I needed.
When I bought my "new to me" Cub Cadet ZT1 50" one of the blade mounting nuts was already stripped. The nuts should always be torqued to manufacturer specifications IMHO. That would be anywhere between 70-90 ft/lb for this mower or you may end up with the same problem in the future. I bought all new nuts just to be sure. Hope this helps! Ken D aka The Lawn Ninja ;)
Definitely have watched a lot of your videos! I'm sold on buying this one thanks to you!
Where did you get 24 inch stands? Thanks
Don’t have an impact drill and when I use a wrench it starts to spin the blades. Can’t get nut off. Any tips on how to lock blade so wrench can get it off? Thanks.
Rest of video was very helpful
Thanks my man. Got one last season and need turn some wrenches on her this spring. This just saved me a Littig time and money. 🙏🏻
i love the video and I like to know how many torque pounds you have to put to tighten the blades
I just get'm tight. I don't think the owners manual says the specs.
I'm getting ready to sharpen mine and appreciate the video, so helpful!
You're welcome!
Thanks man, I have back issues and I was afraid to even try to lift it. Knowing its only that much I'll just have my kid lift it up for me.
I purchased a lawn mower jack. If you are using jack stands I would suggest two placing at the ends. You are asking for trouble balancing the mower with one jack stand.
Russell Condie So what did you do before you bought the jack? Oh oh! Do you still put stands under it while using the jack as well? Oh oh! Do you chalk the back wheels?! Holy shit! We’re all going to DIEEEEEE!!!! CALM DOWN SALLY!
As you can tell some people don't handle criticism very well,I agree with you that there should be (2) jack stands and blocks behind the wheels,as far as how we did it before was the reason for a ride to the hospital when it failed but ignorant people still practice there craft,it keeps me employed...
Mark Webb If you want to take triple precaution, you’re more than welcome to. This was very stable where the 1 stand was. I do take criticism just fine, but sometimes people are a little overboard with safety in comments, so I just went ahead and dove all the way in. I do have a suggestion for you though. Make a video showing the safest method. UA-cam isn’t just for viewers.
@@g4outdoors lol you obviously do not take criticism well. Look who is going overboard here, hint it is you ;-)
@@justdoc2923..don’t forget to pre-loosen the blade bolts so you don’t have to jam a piece of wood against the blade to show that the bolt was already tight.
Had to hook a chain up to a ratchet strap then chain to the ballades to keep it from moving. Then a 4 ft breaker bar. 10/10 recommendation.
Is there a certain way the new blades go on. Or could they be put on upside down
Short and sweet as usual, love it!
Good deal......i recommend a smaller impact such as 20 volt battery driven driver/impact or similer. It way to easy to over tighten with a full size impact.(like I did. Lol) some use a torque wrench to about 30 torqued pounds is plenty.. and i must say...oh my thats a clean deck.🤗
good job, simple and it works .
My old mower was such a pain to swap the blades. This looks like it couldn't be any easier! Thanks for sharing!
Do the blade have to b pointing in same directions
They can be oriented anyway you want. They will never touch.
The blades can not hit each other. They get the overlap by offsetting one blade forward under the deck, and the other two a little closer together. It does not matter how you "index" the blade on the spindle either, (as I have seen in other vids of blade changing), because the belt is not toothed, and the belt will slip on the pulley turning it by hand, so I am sure it can slip if it hits a mound of dirt or something fairly solid, or even just turning on the PTO.
EarthSurferUSA Your right. I don’t know why I even said that. Lol.
Thanks
I was wondering about that.
Great info straight to the point. 1147 am
Thanks for taking the time
Thanks for watching!
The bolt threads normal? Right tight and Left Loose?
That is correct. Standard thread. Righty tighty lefty loosy.
Is there a torque spec for the blade bolts in the manual?
Michael Reece I’ll have to get back with you on that. I haven’t used a torque wrench for 30+ years. Lol. I know it’s steel on steel on steel, so tight is tight. If it were softer material, I’d say snug it up. I’m sure there is a pdf file online you could find.
@@g4outdoors yeah thats a good point, as long as shes snug there shouldnt be a safety issue.
Torque spec: impact wrench full tilt boogy
How do stop the blade from spinning when you’re trying to loosen the nut?
@@TIMNKONA wedge a chunk of wood between the blade and deck to keep it from spinning.
@@g4outdoors thank you, that’s what I’ve done but this nut is just so frozen on there.
I have the 50" deck and going to add the mulch kit. To let you know though, the blades can't hit each other, (if they are the right blades). My 3 blade deck has the blades/spindles staggered to overlap the ends of the blades across the ground, but the blades are not long enough to hit each other. If they could hit, you would not be able to use the belt system it uses,--they do slip on the pulley's. Thanks for the vid man.
Which way does the blade tighten and loosen to the left or to the right it's usually righty tighty lefty loosey which is it could you tell me I'm having a problem breaking mine free and I have an 18 mm impact wrench probably not strong enough right I can't do it by hand either with the by on the end of the ratchet or pipe please get back with me if you can it's getting dark on me LOL
What size is this mower? I am getting a 46 Wednesday.
I would have to look back through my videos to find the size.
Excellent video.
What do you do if the impact will not loosen the bolt?
I just bought a new Scag. One of the bolts were so tight that a 450 ftlb impact couldn’t take off. I had to take it in and it took two men with a cheater bar on nut and a cheater bar on the bolt. Sometimes the factory can over tighten them, or sometimes wile waiting for transport or sell, they can rust up. Either way, take it to a shop for ridiculously tight bolts under warranty.
Shove a block of wood in there and crank it by hand with a breaker bar
Do they make a mulching kit for the zt1 50"?
Yes.
Ok, the 54 inch deck is a lot more weight on the front so I was left with tilting up each side to get to the three blades
Does the blades have to be pointing in same directions?
Thank you I need that help
The only info I needed if the bolts were standard threads.
Yes they are.
Hi brother...great video & info...take care & tks
Thanks you... the right way to do UA-cam video.
So what happened to the Deck Vibration Video? I was wanting to see an update on that video as to the cause of the issue and the fix of course.
birddawgg99 As soon as I get back from vacation. They delivered the new one yesterday.
@@g4outdoors 10-4 enjoy your vacation!
birddawgg99 meanwhile, this is what transpired while I was gone. ua-cam.com/video/3ek8vQVY0zs/v-deo.html
How can you lock the blade without a blade lock if you don't have an impact wrench?
You are turning the bolt the opposite way the blades spin... you don't need a blade lock, they just don't spin that way.
Thanks for the video, i want to sharpen my blades soon
ItsMePA they dull quickly. I went to buy high lift blades a couple of days ago and was informed they don’t make other blades for these mowers yet, except for the mulching blades. Happy mowing!
G4 Outdoors thanks for the info
If you're just using a wrench how do you stop the blade from spinning?
I’m pretty sure I discussed that in the video. You can use your hands, or block it with a piece of wood.
@@g4outdoors yeah I'm sure from the factory it's a tight as you can get it. Regular lefty losy right? Tight AF. Even tried a driver drill and it wants to round out
@@MBeeezzy Gotcha! Should be 15/16 socket or wrench. If it’s the first time taking them off, they can be a buger.
Sorry, proper threading, correct.
@@g4outdoors I've determined I need a pneumatic wrench 🙄
Thank you, great job in explaining
Clock wise or counter clockwise ?!
well done simple video. Thank you.
Thank you!
Too easy!! Thanks!!😊
Nice. Just straighten your back and look up when lifting with your legs. Even with lower weights you can still tweak something if that spine is curved.
Thanks very much, this really helps.
is the nut a left handed thread?
Standard. Lefty loosy, righty tighty.
Did you not have to clamp the blade to stop it turning when undoing/doing-up the nut??
Tony Newnham If your using an impact and your belts are still on, it’s usually not necessary. So, no I didn’t. If they do spin, I prefer to block it with a chunk of wood.
Thanks great video I have that exact mower so 👍🏻.
I tried doing it with a wrench and the blade kept turning. How do you stop the blade from turning
Thanks for the Video
So as long as the star slots line up, the blades can't hit?
Xygoth Correct. I don’t think they will touch anyway though.
@@g4outdoors With the variance allowed in the belt drive...I would have to think there is clearance and the star reference points are strictly a function of making sure the blades do not slip on the shaft.
Jeff Simon True. The spindles do all spin independently of each other. So yes, at some point, they will be in unison to where it would require a “no touch” tolerance.
Oh damn I didn't even try lifting it first before I bought a lawn mower jack...didn't realize it was that easy to lift
Thanks, u made changing blades earlier!👊
Great information.
Excellent Video! But be careful your back. Lift your stuff with your leg.
Cub Cadet HTL550 lift works GREAT!!!!
Jay Hall I’m sure any designated lift would work better. I personally don’t have the need, want, or space for one.
Just so you know, Cub Cadet does NOT recommend their own mower lift for the Ultima ZT1.
lastchecker 🤣 Apparently nothing they have on their website matches reality. New video coming out about “the truth”
@@lastchecker -last, where is this info from? I have the lift and use it on my 600 pound Garden Tractor and it is super. Thanks.
I called customer service. They did NOT recommend their HTL 550 to lift the UltimaZT1. I then asked what lift I could use to change blades and they said they do not suggest using a lift, for it may damage frame. I still don't believe it myself, that they would build a mower that you can't lift.
A couple ugga duggas and it’s back on!!
Someone that actually gets it! Lol.
Great video 👍🏽
Great vids bud....
Nightmare Gaming Thanks man. I appreciate that. I just got my replacement mower from Cub! Stick around for some interesting videos! 🤭
My cub cadet 50” ultimata zt1 looks just like yours but does not have the same blades take your blades off before ordering the blades may have different center holes they may not be stars
Thanks brother! That was super helpful.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video!
No Problem! For some reason your comment was left for review, sorry for the late reply.
Tried this today, and my ZT2 60" was much much heavier lol. Had to struggle a little bit.
Wonderful Purchase
Thank you!
Good job
❤thank you
Good video!
Lift with your knees, not with your back. One day this gentleman will hurt himself lifting that way.
That's my concern too. He used his back to lift a portion of 580 lbs Zero turn mower.
I was thinking just that. Problem is,
I dont have
an impact.
You’re not going to over tighten them by hand. Trust me. Lol.
@@g4outdoors I meant to remove the with. If you don't have something to keep the spindle from turning it'll be a helluva task.
@@rogerlindsey5930 nah. Just block the blades from turning.
Short and sweet
Video starts at 2:25
That was just what I needed thanks!
Be careful handle sharp blades. One slip an it could be bad. Great way to change blades. Be cautious.
Good job made it look si ple
Hercules Hercules!!!. Need osha approved wheel chalks and and stands. Don’t forget fire extinguisher and 2 supervisors to make sure you tighten to German torque specs.
Safety first! LOL
Thanks
Thanks for the info. Now if only I had an impact wrench. Can’t get that damn nut off with a wrench.
Gets some PB blaster and try that. I had same issue. Got some PB, sprayed heavy and waited five minutes. Came right out
Put a cheater pipe on the wrench handle or get an inexpensive 30” or 36” break over bar.
I have tried several different types of blades and blades that are made from harder metal. I still have to change them every three mowings
Tf are you mowing?
5 acres on the gulf coast. Very sandy soil. It eats the blades up quick
How do you install a mulch kit on a cub cadet Ultima ZT1 zero turn 42"?
I do not own a mulch kit. Sorry.
I have a mulch kit on my 42" ZT1. Its just replacing the two blades and a plastic cover which blocks the chute. No tools are necessary to put the plastic cover in place, its held with a wingnut for easy on off. Of course you still need to change your blades, I assume you could do that.
thxs bud!!