1) Just jack up the front end. You don’t need to take the deck off. 2) If you’re using an impact, you don’t need the block of wood. That’s only if you’re using hand tools.
The first step of removing ANY mower deck, is to remove the belt from the main pulley (at rear). THEN, you do the rest. ALSO, when engaging the PTO, engage at 1/2 throttle and raise to full. This will make the belt last longer and will put less stress on the engine.
Suggest you remove the floor plate and blow clippings from pulleys during mowing season. The plate provides easy access and cleaning prevents excess buildup around the pulleys.
Good tip. I've been using little sticks to push/pull clippings out from the pulley covers/shrouds but it's tedious and your approach is better. Seems like a poor design to have such big gaps in the mower deck, allowing all those clippings to build up near the pulleys and belt. My last mower deck had no gaps and I rarely had any clippings in that area. Next time I take the deck off I might see if I can install a plate to cover those gaps. Anyone here try something like that?
@@Postal4x4 Floor plate bolt critical because I mow a Ride 'em Cowboy yard, but a good idea. The bolt is easy to remove if I need to. My solution was to modify a 20v B+D blower to fit the slots of the pulley cover to clean out.
Nice job on this video I just bought a 2021 same cub cadet. I liked you made it simple by just stretching the belt on the main crankshaft and popping it off that way. Great job. I also like that you have the mulching blades but don’t have the cover on the end that stops the side shooting just mulching and still side shoot. Thank you for such a cool video
I just stick that metal part that came with it to hold up the shoot, especially when the grass is a little too long 😅 just make sure not to take out any windows !
I bought the same mower earlier this year in March and am also running those extreme mulching blades the yellow ones. The factory ones it come with do okay but, I am more pleased with those extreme mulching blades.
When l did my mower, l raised the front up with my hydraulic jack and used my impact wrench to take the blades off to sharpener them. That way l didn't have to bother taking the deck off. It took me 30 minutes.
thank you for the video, definetely learned a lot, I have ordered one and I can't hardly wait to get it home, I see there a lot of people that want to tell you what they think you did wrong, I don't get it, I'm just thankfull I could see your video, cheers.
Great video, I think I'll use a piece of old plywood to park on before removing the deck but overall great video, thanks for the demonstration, I now have no fear of sharpening my blades....
I just put the cub cadet mulch kit on my zt1-50 and cut some thick and 8" tall grass. Had a couple of stragglers, (to be expected with the length of the grass), that I had to go over again, but it mulched really well with no grass trails that the stock set up would leave in that tall grass. I have a tip for you with that kit. 2 bolts hold on a metal rod to go into a hole in the frame at the front of the plug. Just remove it, (or you may never get the plug installed with out modification of the rod). After you get it in place properly and tighten the wing nut at the back of the plug, (wing nut is part of the kit), the thing is solid. I am very happy with the mulching so far. I plan to run it this way all the time.
Loved watching you struggle with the deck, you know that has a ride over feature, once it's off you drive over then to put it back on drive front wheels over deck and install. For future viewers I recommend not dragging and fighting the deck in and out like this poor chap
I'd find a way to do it without removing the deck; floor jack, ramps, ... that way you don't have to worry about the deck getting out of level. But if you insist on dropping the deck, put down a thick piece of cardboard or a 4x8 sheet of something ... the deck will slide easier. Cheers ...
Great video Cub cadet , with Kawasaki, you can't go wrong. I didn't know it comes with Kawasaki engine, i bought gravely 42" with Kawasaki, it's doing all good. Tks for showing it to us
I just bought this same mower yesterday, it’s being delivered in a few hrs, we have 2.5 acres, 1 acre we just planted 500 Xmas trees on, and the remaining 1.5 acre is the yard with a 25 Apple tree orchard on the right front section and approximately 10 larger trees on the other sections of the yard, can’t wait to see how mower will do with it, never had a zero turn before, looks like fun:)
Thank you for the video, I easily removed the Deck to clean it really good. Any Ideas on how to use a Lawn Roller for the ZT1 54? Thank you in advance...
Personally I just jacked up my zero turn use an impact at the blades off, and use my belt sander to sharpen them then balance and reinstall, takes me about 30 minutes!
Hi sorry to ask but I just stumbled across your video. I wasn’t given one of those tools to keep the spring from locking up and I’ve been struggling all afternoon trying to get my deck back on. Do you know how to disengage this? Thanks would appreciate any help
I enjoyed watching him drag the deck back underneath , honestly as a do it yourself guy we have all been there lol. You stop and you think to yourself man I know I could have done this better. For real good video though. Not a bad idea to take it off in the grass so you don’t scratch the crap out of the deck just put a heavy tarp underneath of it and drag it out nice and easy.👍
My first thought when you were reattaching the mower deck was if it would be possible for you to pickup the front end of the mower and swing it over the top of the deck?
Didn't grease the spindle zerks while the deck was off?? (PLEASE tell me these spindles have serviceable bearings - I'm 'bout to buy one of these!). And, I feel MUCH better about my GaShop's condition now! btw, how much you take for them-there flamingos?? Thanks!
Honestly I've tried everything and second best to the professional blade grinder I find a 4x36 belt sander with zirconia belt is the best thing. I didn't find using an angle grinder to be either faster or more accurate.
At 11:22 sits there & wonders to self, “why didn’t I take this off on the driveway?” You can just hear the grass blades tearing as he drags it.🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Remove key and spark. Pfff. Lol Allot of work to change the blades. But good to see how deck comes off. I just jack front wayyyy up and pull blades off.
I was wondering how the stability would be using jack stands and a impact wrench, wouldn't want the mower coming down on me, I'm a little paranoid about getting crushed
@@poolcoversdirect5617 yeah my zt1 came with a front bumper on it so I just take a chain and wrap it around that and then wrap it around the hook on my bucket of my tractor and pick up the mower
Hey man thanks for another great video. I have the same mower with only about 5 hours of use on the clock. About how often would you recommend sharpening the blades?
i have the 46" version, works great, very pleased. bought it last summer. also, before i used it i sprayed the underside of deck with diesel fuel. seems to stick less with grass, i will see how it looks after sitting for the winter in barn.
AFTER SEEING ALL THOSE CLIPPINGS THAT CAN BUILD UP ON TOP THE DECK AND ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE. IT WAS OVER FOR ME. WHO WANTS TO REMOVE THE DECK EVERY TIME TO CLEAN THAT JUNK OUT OF THERE ?
You remove the entire foot plate with one bolt, (not a feature on your "better mowers"). I blow my deck off with compressed air before I do the deck rinse. It is easy. Apologize.
If you want to go through the hassle of completely taking off the deck just to swap blades, then undo all of that stuff, disengage the trans and lift the front of the mower up and wheel it backwards instead of wrestling out from underneath. Install it the same way. Place the deck in front of the mower, pick up the front and walk it forward over the deck.
I did not have air impact gun powerful enough, and had to use a breaker bar, so I chose to take the deck off. It is pretty easy, but heavy. It gave me a great chance to clean it too, and told me, "You have to run the rinse longer.".
Don’t remove the deck why would you just lift or drive one side up a ramp or trailer and it will give you access to your blades small impact removes and replaces blade 5 minutes top and you don’t remove nothing but blades👍
Cub Cadets are JUNK. The spring of 2020 my son and I both purchased new mowers. I purchased the RZTS42 with the steering wheel and my son purchased the ZT1 42 inch zero turn mower. At 10 hours the drive belt fell off my mower? I mow 1/2 acre flat ground and never allow my grass to get high. At about 20 hours my sons mower blades quit working. Mower runs but no blade movement? Really?? We do not recommend Cub Cadet.
1) Just jack up the front end. You don’t need to take the deck off.
2) If you’re using an impact, you don’t need the block of wood. That’s only if you’re using hand tools.
🤣🤣🤣 he took the whole deck off 🤦♂️
@@munchkin929 well it was nice to see how that is done regardless.
Ballard mower lift, it’s fast and easy to use
And the guy has a little girl impact lmfao
@@munchkin929 leave the guy alone BOOM
The first step of removing ANY mower deck, is to remove the belt from the main pulley (at rear). THEN, you do the rest. ALSO, when engaging the PTO, engage at 1/2 throttle and raise to full. This will make the belt last longer and will put less stress on the engine.
Thank you for the time and effort to make this video! God bless you, your family, and your grass!
I need some of that city boy grass. Those blades still looked new before sharpening.
Suggest you remove the floor plate and blow clippings from pulleys during mowing season. The plate provides easy access and cleaning prevents excess buildup around the pulleys.
Good tip. I've been using little sticks to push/pull clippings out from the pulley covers/shrouds but it's tedious and your approach is better. Seems like a poor design to have such big gaps in the mower deck, allowing all those clippings to build up near the pulleys and belt. My last mower deck had no gaps and I rarely had any clippings in that area. Next time I take the deck off I might see if I can install a plate to cover those gaps. Anyone here try something like that?
This. I am on season two of no bolts on my floor plate. Makes it so simple to clean the pulleys.
@@Postal4x4 Floor plate bolt critical because I mow a Ride 'em Cowboy yard, but a good idea. The bolt is easy to remove if I need to. My solution was to modify a 20v B+D blower to fit the slots of the pulley cover to clean out.
Thanks for the video brother.
I don’t remove the deck for blade sharpening however, it’s always good to get the ideas of others.
I use blower on mine after every mow, had my current mower for over 16yrs- Craftsman GT6000
You did an awesome job on how to maintain your ZT1 Mower. I’m planning to get mine next week. Super excited looks like a sport car lol 😁
Wonderful info. Got to change my blades today. My husband usually does it, but I want to be able to do it myself.
Nice job on this video I just bought a 2021 same cub cadet. I liked you made it simple by just stretching the belt on the main crankshaft and popping it off that way. Great job. I also like that you have the mulching blades but don’t have the cover on the end that stops the side shooting just mulching and still side shoot. Thank you for such a cool video
I just stick that metal part that came with it to hold up the shoot, especially when the grass is a little too long 😅 just make sure not to take out any windows !
I envy your light use of this machine. I have to mow 4.3 acres and I usually run from 8-10pm for 2 days.
I bought the same mower earlier this year in March and am also running those extreme mulching blades the yellow ones. The factory ones it come with do okay but, I am more pleased with those extreme mulching blades.
Where can I get a set of those? I have the same mower
When l did my mower, l raised the front up with my hydraulic jack and used my impact wrench to take the blades off to sharpener them. That way l didn't have to bother taking the deck off. It took me 30 minutes.
I’m looking forward to purchasing this machine. Thanks for the content.
thank you for the video, definetely learned a lot, I have ordered one and I can't hardly wait to get it home, I see there a lot of people that want to tell you what they think you did wrong, I don't get it, I'm just thankfull I could see your video, cheers.
Great video, I think I'll use a piece of old plywood to park on before removing the deck but overall great video, thanks for the demonstration, I now have no fear of sharpening my blades....
This is a great "DIY Dad video" man... Thanks for making it. Am going to tackle this job in the next couple of weekends. BOOM! :D
FYI you don’t have to take the deck off
I just put the cub cadet mulch kit on my zt1-50 and cut some thick and 8" tall grass. Had a couple of stragglers, (to be expected with the length of the grass), that I had to go over again, but it mulched really well with no grass trails that the stock set up would leave in that tall grass. I have a tip for you with that kit. 2 bolts hold on a metal rod to go into a hole in the frame at the front of the plug. Just remove it, (or you may never get the plug installed with out modification of the rod). After you get it in place properly and tighten the wing nut at the back of the plug, (wing nut is part of the kit), the thing is solid. I am very happy with the mulching so far. I plan to run it this way all the time.
Thank you so much for stepping through the process👍. Can you make one on cleaning the engine bay?
More power to your channel🔋🔋🔋
Any rough ground then change the plastic seat bumpers and replace with 3 inch motorcycle seat springs barrel type .
That's a great idea. It can be like riding a Hardtail.
You have mulching blades and the side discharge open? The blades come with a side discharge cap
Well done video. Good to see your wearing safety glasses.
Nice work. Try rolling the front right wheel 180 degrees. This gives you more clearance pulling out or pushing in the deck. Boom!
Loved watching you struggle with the deck, you know that has a ride over feature, once it's off you drive over then to put it back on drive front wheels over deck and install. For future viewers I recommend not dragging and fighting the deck in and out like this poor chap
hahaha I think I was going by the manual instructions. it also helps if you aren't doing it on grass.
@@GrassDaddy where did you order those kickass blades?
How can you ride over it when the PTO belt is off? Dont you have to have the belt on to use the bars to drive over it?
You can add a right-sized washer on the balancer to help hold the blade 'flat'
Have you tried using a mower jack stand? I got one from Harbor Freight for around $90 and it takes about 5 minutes to switch our blades. Great video.
Ha, good advice. I’m going to look for this jack asap. I’m small so carrying that deck seems too much for me.
BOOM!!! Thank you for sharing. About to try it myself.
Couldn't get my safety deck pinion for some reason never had that trouble before only got to go into one outside hole
I was thinking
There's no way that things goin' into that garage. Nice job
Haha yeah it was VERY cramped
I'd find a way to do it without removing the deck; floor jack, ramps, ... that way you don't have to worry about the deck getting out of level. But if you insist on dropping the deck, put down a thick piece of cardboard or a 4x8 sheet of something ... the deck will slide easier. Cheers ...
Great video
Cub cadet , with Kawasaki, you can't go wrong.
I didn't know it comes with Kawasaki engine, i bought gravely 42" with Kawasaki, it's doing all good.
Tks for showing it to us
Hi, can you advise what angle that you sharpen the blades? Thanks
I just bought this same mower yesterday, it’s being delivered in a few hrs, we have 2.5 acres, 1 acre we just planted 500 Xmas trees on, and the remaining 1.5 acre is the yard with a 25 Apple tree orchard on the right front section and approximately 10 larger trees on the other sections of the yard, can’t wait to see how mower will do with it, never had a zero turn before, looks like fun:)
Notice not many comments about cleaning the garage.... We've all got that shed, but honey do lists to exist....
Thank you for the video, I easily removed the Deck to clean it really good. Any Ideas on how to use a Lawn Roller for the ZT1 54? Thank you in advance...
Personally I just jacked up my zero turn use an impact at the blades off, and use my belt sander to sharpen them then balance and reinstall, takes me about 30 minutes!
What kind of blades you got on the mower?
Hi sorry to ask but I just stumbled across your video. I wasn’t given one of those tools to keep the spring from locking up and I’ve been struggling all afternoon trying to get my deck back on. Do you know how to disengage this? Thanks would appreciate any help
I enjoyed watching him drag the deck back underneath , honestly as a do it yourself guy we have all been there lol. You stop and you think to yourself man I know I could have done this better. For real good video though. Not a bad idea to take it off in the grass so you don’t scratch the crap out of the deck just put a heavy tarp underneath of it and drag it out nice and easy.👍
My first thought when you were reattaching the mower deck was if it would be possible for you to pickup the front end of the mower and swing it over the top of the deck?
Interesting... Without the deck it would be a lot lighter, and the engine over the back would counter balance.. I'll have to try that!
Have you had any trouble with the choke?
Does this deck require any leveling adjustments to ensure a level cut? Considering this mower and would like one that you do not have to do this on.
I think they all have the ability to be leveled but I didn't notice it needing any adjustments
Do you have a link to the mulching blades?
Holy Shit, do you remove the motor in a sand box to change the oil?
no it has an easy to access plug
Thanks for a great video
Cool Daddy Grass! How did you enjoy this mower during the year? Great video😎👊
How often do you sharpen your blades?
First Aussie 😁. Working on the bumblebee. 😎👍👍
Didn't grease the spindle zerks while the deck was off?? (PLEASE tell me these spindles have serviceable bearings - I'm 'bout to buy one of these!). And, I feel MUCH better about my GaShop's condition now! btw, how much you take for them-there flamingos?? Thanks!
They are not serviceable.
im getting seasick looking at this !
Thanks great video
Honestly I've tried everything and second best to the professional blade grinder I find a 4x36 belt sander with zirconia belt is the best thing. I didn't find using an angle grinder to be either faster or more accurate.
At 11:22 sits there & wonders to self, “why didn’t I take this off on the driveway?”
You can just hear the grass blades tearing as he drags it.🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Exactly. This ain't scripted hahhaa
No paint scratches?
Remove key and spark. Pfff. Lol
Allot of work to change the blades. But good to see how deck comes off.
I just jack front wayyyy up and pull blades off.
TurboFlush it’s his first FREE ride on mower, give him about a year. He will be jacking the front end up.
Hello could you please help me with avoiding all the clipping on top of deck...
Blow it off with a blower after each mower nothing you can do about it
Looking to buy zero turn
Spray a little silicone spray on the pins a joints make it lot easier to take off.
Where did you get the bench vise and price
harbor freight, and cheap!
Seems my dial isn’t ready correctly?
Do you own a come along ?
Thanks very helpful
Did you disconnect both spark plugs?
Haha noob no I didn't I forgot it had two 😶
Did you have the vibration problem with your ZT1?
no vibration problem with mine
I think the stamped decks are prone to that problem the forged ones shouldn't do it
Tim why didn't you just drive the mow over the deck? It's a zero turn can't you just swipe it left or right to go over the deck?
When it turns it twists not slides so it would have to run over the deck
Yes it can be done carefully with a couple repositions you can turn the mower and drive it away from the deck resting on the ground
First of all, I would put new pins back in place of these 🤔
Probably easier to take the brakes off and lift the front of the mower and wheel the mower backwards... you think!
Screw taking the deck off! Just jack it up!
Why such a beast of a mower? How can you enjoy the mow if it’s over in 2 mins?
Right now I don't have the time to keep up. But yes it's more fun on large lawns 😀
Thanks for the video and the how2. No more mowing until you clean your room mom says.
Every you did was excellent, except working in the grass. It makes for a difficult time if you drop a part! I’m still enjoying your videos.
Yes the old house I didn't have enough space to do it elsewhere.
I use my tractor to pick up the front end of my zt1 54 mower and I don't even have to take the deck off to change the blades
I was wondering how the stability would be using jack stands and a impact wrench, wouldn't want the mower coming down on me, I'm a little paranoid about getting crushed
@@poolcoversdirect5617 yeah my zt1 came with a front bumper on it so I just take a chain and wrap it around that and then wrap it around the hook on my bucket of my tractor and pick up the mower
@@tpike46w l don't have that kind of equipment yet but I got mower lift from the China store unfortunately, but it's stable and nice
Put down an 8’ 2x4 under the deck first and it will slide out and back under easily.
Great idea!
Hey man thanks for another great video. I have the same mower with only about 5 hours of use on the clock. About how often would you recommend sharpening the blades?
When they need it! Honestly these didn't but it really depends on sticks/rocks/etc. When the blade looks dull or your grass looks shredded not cut
Aren't there 2 spark plugs?
Yes
Crap mower from everything I been reading..the biggest thing is the deck vibrates like crazy!
Doesn't vibrate for me 🤷
i have the 46" version, works great, very pleased. bought it last summer. also, before i used it i sprayed the underside of deck with diesel fuel. seems to stick less with grass, i will see how it looks after sitting for the winter in barn.
I have a ZT2 50 works great.
Crap mower? My ZT2 50” has been awesome in all areas.
I have the ZT1-54 no problems
Your making it hard work corncob.T800Aust
I guess you don't realize how many times you say BOOM !!!
thanks :-)
AFTER SEEING ALL THOSE CLIPPINGS THAT CAN BUILD UP ON TOP THE DECK AND ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT COULD CAUSE. IT WAS OVER FOR ME. WHO WANTS TO REMOVE THE DECK EVERY TIME TO CLEAN THAT JUNK OUT OF THERE ?
You remove the entire foot plate with one bolt, (not a feature on your "better mowers"). I blow my deck off with compressed air before I do the deck rinse. It is easy. Apologize.
Thank you for reminding me to not be a dumbass, and take the key out of the ignition.
Fun to use and quick, but total overkill for a 1/4 acre.
Funny thing is I've noticed other neighbors have riding mowers for similarly sized lawns.
Over kill grass dad. Fyea!
..Or just run to Harbor Freight and pick up a mower lift for 120 bux and never look back.
Start a fire 🔥
If you want to go through the hassle of completely taking off the deck just to swap blades, then undo all of that stuff, disengage the trans and lift the front of the mower up and wheel it backwards instead of wrestling out from underneath. Install it the same way. Place the deck in front of the mower, pick up the front and walk it forward over the deck.
I read that it actually has a ride over feature.
Cute kids.
Thanks!
Get yourself a mower jack you don't even have to take the deck off
I did not have air impact gun powerful enough, and had to use a breaker bar, so I chose to take the deck off. It is pretty easy, but heavy. It gave me a great chance to clean it too, and told me, "You have to run the rinse longer.".
this hurts my back just watching this ill pay agway to do mine for the hour labor they charge f that
Yes to messy garage, you clean mine, I clean yours? Plus you can come see some reel #alphagrass :)
Now I can spot your left elbow anywhere...
@17:43 - 17:54 .....🤦♂️
Why not just jack it up and take the blades off like most people do?? Why go to the hassle of removing the deck?
Yeah, Grass Daddy. You need a MoJack.
I used a jack when putting the mulching kit on but it was at a friend's house. I don't own a jack but it does show you can without one
All you need is the Cub Cadet HTL 550, I caught it on sale for $129. Works great.
You could even grab some plastic car ramps to drive up and have enough room to squeeze under.
There is a easier way to take your blades off try come along lift it up on the front end
Boom!
Clean carberator
If that was the only way to sharpen blades I would never buy it.
Use ramps, much less hassle....
I have a small yard with my 50in. Take some literally 10 mIns to mow. Why waste time
Don’t remove the deck why would you just lift or drive one side up a ramp or trailer and it will give you access to your blades small impact removes and replaces blade 5 minutes top and you don’t remove nothing but blades👍
50" zero turn for that tiny ass lawn? someone has more money then brains lol
Boom
Cub Cadets are JUNK. The spring of 2020 my son and I both purchased new mowers. I purchased the RZTS42 with the steering wheel and my son purchased the ZT1 42 inch zero turn mower. At 10 hours the drive belt fell off my mower? I mow 1/2 acre flat ground and never allow my grass to get high. At about 20 hours my sons mower blades quit working. Mower runs but no blade movement? Really?? We do not recommend Cub Cadet.