Troy-Bilt RZT 50 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
ZERO TURN TRACTOR
Model Number
RZT 50 w/50" Mower Deck
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning:
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-02165D
(1/07)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRACTOR PREPARATION ................................................................................................... 2
IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES .................................................................... 4
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS ........................................................................................... 7
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER INFORMATION ........................................... 9
CUSTOMER SUPPORT ......................................................................................................... 9
SLOPE GAUGE .................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES ........................................................................ 11
SECTION 2: OPERATION ................................................................................................... 15
SECTION 3: ADJUSTMENTS .............................................................................................. 22
SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................. 23
SECTION 5: MOWER DECK ............................................................................................... 28
WARRANTIES....................................................................................................................... 35
TRACTOR PREPARATION
Remove the upper crating material from the shipping
pallet, and cut any bands or tie straps securing the tractor to the pallet.
Use the lift handle to raise the deck to its highest position; engage the transmission bypass rods (Refer to
SECTION 1, CONTROLS AND FEATURES); and carefully roll the tractor off the shipping pallet. Disengage the
bypass rods.
INSTALL THE OPERATOR’S SEAT
The operator’s seat was partially inserted into the seat
pivot bracket for shipping purposes. To install the seat
proceed as follows:
1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the
drive control levers. Remove any packing material.
NOTE: The seat is partially inserted into the slots of the
seat pivot bracket. If the seat does not disengage the
pivot bracket when removing the packaging material,
the seat may be pushed into place as described in steps
2 and 6. If the seat disengages the pivot bracket, install
the seat as instructed in steps 2 through 6.
2. Pivot the seat pivot bracket partially upward. Refer
to Figure 1.
3. Note the grooves in the seat adjust spacers
attached to the bottom of the seat, then lift the seat
and position above and to the rear of the pivot
bracket.
4. Align the grooves in the seat adjust spacers with
the sides of the adjustment slots in the pivot
bracket.
5. Slide the seat adjust spacers into the slots of the
pivot bracket.
6. Continue to push the seat forward in the pivot
bracket until the front/left shoulder bolt of the seat
assembly passes forward of the stop bracket on
the seat pivot bracket. See Figure 1.
Use the seat adjust lever to adjust the seat position. Refer to "Adjusting the Operator’s Seat" in Section 3 for
seat adjustment instructions.
Seat
Seat
Adjust
Spacer
Front/Left
Shoulder Bolt
POSITION DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS
The tractor’s drive control levers are lowered for shipping purposes. The flange lock nut, hex screw, and flat
washer used to secure each control lever to its pivot
bracket are removed and installed in the slotted hole of
each control lever for shipment. The control levers must
be repositioned and secured to the pivot brackets. Reposition the control levers as follows:
• Remove the hex screw, flat washer, and flange lock
nut from the slot of one of the drive control levers.
• Lift and swing that control lever upward until the
slotted hole in the lever bracket aligns with one of
the holes in the pivot bracket. Refer to Figure 2.
Adjustment
Slots
Stop Bracket
Figure 1
Seat
Pivot
Bracket
Seat Adjust
Lever
2
• Slide the flat washer onto the hex screw. From the
outside, insert the hex screw w/washer through the
control lever slot and the hole of the pivot bracket.
Secure with the flange lock nut. See Figure 2.
• Align the holes of the bumper with the holes in the
tractor frame and re-insert the clevis pins through
the holes on both sides of the tractor. Install the
internal cotter pins into the clevis pins to secure.
Flange Lock Nut
Control Lever
Lift control
lever upward
Flat Washer
Hex Screw
Pivot
Bracket
Slotted
Hole
Figure 2
• Note the relative position of the control lever to the
pivot bracket, then repeat the previous steps to
reposition the other control lever in approximately
the same position.
• Refer to "Adjusting the Drive Control Levers" in
Section 3 for instructions on final adjustment of the
levers.
POSITION THE REAR BUMPER
For shipping purposes the rear bumper is rotated upward from its normal position. To reposition the rear
bumper, refer to Figure 3 and proceed as follows:
• From inside the tractor frame, just behind the rear
tires, remove the internal cotter pins from the clevis
pins securing the bumper to each side of the frame.
• While supporting the rear bumper, cut the cable tie
fastening the bumper to the engine lift bracket, and
remove the clevis pins from each side.
• Remove the bumper and reposition to align the
notch at each end of the bumper with the spacer on
each side of the frame. Slide the bumper notches
onto the spacers.
CONNECT THE BATTERY
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after handling.
The tractor is shipped with an activated sealed battery,
with the positive battery cable factory connected. The
negative cable must be connected.
NOTE: Make sure the ignition switch is in the "OFF" po-
sition before attaching the battery cable.
1. Pull the protective cap, if present, off the negative
terminal of the battery, and remove the hex cap
screw and nut from the free end of the negative battery cable.
2. Connect the negative battery cable (heavy black)
to negative terminal (NEG) of the battery using the
hex cap screw and nut. Slide the black terminal
cover over the negative terminal of the battery.
LOWER THE DECK DISCHARGE CHUTE
WARNING: Never operate the mower deck
without the discharge chute installed and
in the down position.
NOTE: The discharge chute on the mower deck may be
held up with a chute stop shipping brace, or it may be
held up by a cable tie. If shipped with the shipping brace,
remove as described below. If held with a cable tie, cut
the cable tie and lower the discharge chute.
Locate the shipping brace between the chute deflector
and the cutting deck. Holding the chute deflector fully
upward, remove the shipping by grasping it and rotating
it clockwise. Lower the chute deflector.
Chute Deflector
Clevis Pin
Internal
Cotter Pin
Notch
Shipping Brace
Spacer
Figure 3
3
WARNING
• The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
• In the State of California, the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other States may have similar laws. Federal laws apply to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.
IMPORTANT
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,
COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND
OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED ITS WARNING.
Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the
DANGER
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep
this manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference.
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with
the instructions to operate the machine. Know the
controls and how to stop the machine quickly.
3. Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or
near rotating parts.
4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
wire, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by
the blades. A small object may have been
overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to
you or a bystander. To help avoid a thrown
objects injury, keep children, animals, bystanders
and helpers at least 75 feet from the mower while
it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses with
side shields or safety goggles during operation or
while performing an adjustment or repair, to
protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blades
when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet or throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Never carry passengers.
7. Disengage the blades before shifting into reverse
and backing up. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not
operate the mower without either the entire grass
catcher or the chute guard in place.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed.
10. Never leave a running machine unattended.
Always turn off the blades, place the transmission
in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine
and remove key before dismounting.
11. Turn off blades when not mowing.
12. Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to
a complete stop before (a) removing the grass
catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any
repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
4
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not
be driven up or down a ramp onto a trailer or truck
under power, because the unit could tip over
causing serious personal injury. The unit must be
pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload
properly.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while the
engine is running if the operator must dismount to
do so.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals
or sneakers.
19. Check overhead clearance carefully before driving
under power lines, wires, bridges or low hanging
tree branches, before entering or leaving
buildings, or in any other situation where the
operator may be struck or pulled from the unit,
which could result in serious injury.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, set the
parking brake in the on position, and put the lap
bars to the neutral or out position before
attempting to start the engine.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not
attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass
(e.g. pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may
build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
22. Use only accessories approved for this machine
by Troy-Bilt. Read, understand and follow all
instructions provided with the approved
accessory.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part
of this manual to measure slopes before operating this
unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than
15° as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
Mow across slopes, not up and down.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed so that
you will not have to stop while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for counterweights with attachments to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Rapid acceleration or deceleration could cause the
front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards, which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; if mowing
slopes, turn slowly and gradually uphill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Do not use the grass catcher on steep slopes.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
the area.
3. Before and when backing up, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
They may fall off and be seriously injured or may
interfere with safe machine operation.
5
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to
operate the machine. Children 14 years and over
should only operate the machine under close
parental supervision and proper instruction.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or other hazard.
7. Remove the key when the machine is left
unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the en-
gine running. Allow the engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oth-
er sources of ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
vapors will accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine
inside where there is an open flame or spark,
such as a gas hot water heater, space heater
or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at
least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also visually
inspect blades for damage (e.g., excessive wear,
bent, cracked). Replace with blades which meet
original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and
operating the mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
your safety protection, frequently check the
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing blades.
11. Check the park brake operation frequently. Adjust
and service as required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can
harm the environment and the ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, contact your local
Environmental Protection Agency to
determine the proper method for disposing of
the waste. Recycling centers are established
to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids.
Do not use food or beverage containers that
may mislead someone into drinking from
them. Properly dispose of the containers immediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the
ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond,
lake, or other body of water. Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations when
disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
15. We do not recommend the use of a pressure
washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They
may cause damage to electrical components;
spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The
use of water will result in shortened life and
reduce serviceability.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
6
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
Keep product safety graphics clean. Replace any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, missing, painted over
or can no longer be read. Replacement safety graphics are available through your authorized Troy-Bilt dealer.
N
BATT.
OIL
HOURS 1/10
PT
O /
PARK
BLADE
BRAKE
STARTING
INSTRUCTI ON
To START, PARK BRAKE must be se
•
P.T.O. s
witch in OFF
(dow
n) pos
•
Lap bars in NEUTRAL and outward pos
•
S
Thro
ttle set properly, CHOKE position if "cold"
•
Turn key to ON, then START, release when engine runs
•
t
ition
ition
s
FOR FIRST-TIME
OPERAT ORS
Start Off In A Flat, Open Area.
•
Keep Bystanders Away
.
•
Set Throttle At A Low Speed.
•
Practice Maneuvering, (Forward, Reverse,
•
Left, Right) Without Deck Engaged
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
– LOCATED ON LEFT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR’S SEAT
START
REVERSE
FORWARD
NEUTRAL
.
FORWARD
START
N
EUTRAL
REVERSE
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
– LOCATED ON RIGHT CONSOLE
ASIDE OPERATOR’S SEAT
OTICE
PTO Automatically
•
Disengages When
Both Lap Bars Are
Moved Into Reverse.
PTO Automatically
•
Reengages When
Levers Are Returned
T
o The Neutral
Or For
ward Positions.
DECK HEIGHT
INDICATOR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJU R Y, DO NOT
OPERATE
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE.
DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATEL Y.
IF
PARK BRAKE
INDICATOR
UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR
ON
• Read The Operator's Manual.
• Go Across Slopes, Not Up And Down.
•
If Machine Stops Going Uphill, Stop Blade And Back Down Slowly.
• Avoid Sudden Turns.
• Do Not Mow When Children Or Others Are Around.
• Never Carry Children Even With Blades Off.
• Look Down And Behind Before And While Backing.
•
Keep Safety Devices (Guards, Shields, Sw itches, Etc.) In Place And Working.
• Remove Objects That Could Be Thrown By The Blade.
•
Do Not Operate Unit Where It Could Slip Or Tip.
BRAKE
PAR
K
P
• Know Location And Function Of All Controls.
•
Be Sure Blades And Engine Are Stopped Before Placing Hands Or Feet Near Blades.
•
Before Leaving Operator Position, Disengage Blades, Place In Neutral,
Engage Parking Brake, Shut Off And Remove Key.
•
When Using The Optional Grass Bagging Attachment, The Fr ont Counter
Weight Included With Bagger Must Be Installed.
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
WARNING
• Do not add fuel while the engine is hot or running.
•
Stop engine, disconnect spark plug before adjusting or servicing.
• Before leaving operator's position:
•
DISENGAGE IMPLEMENT DRIVE.
•
Place speed controls in neutral and set parking brake.
•
Wait for all movement to stop.
• Do not allow operation by untrained personnel.
OFF
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – LOCATED IN CENTER
OF SEAT BOX FRAME
FAST
HANDS AND FEET
SAFETY GRAPHIC
MOWER DECK
SAFETY GRAPHIC
SLOW
THROTTLE CONTROL
INDICATOR – LOCATED ON
LEFT CONSOLE
7
SAFETY DECALS AND LABELS
SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
INFORMATION GRAPHIC – BELT
ROUTING LOCATED ON
LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK
8
RECORDING MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate under the seat of the
tractor and copy the information in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also given below.
This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.troybilt.com
TROY-BILT LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-558-7220
866-840-6483
361131
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting
Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
1. Visit troybilt.com. Click on Customer Service at the bottom of the page.
2. To reach the Customer Support Line, please call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220.
3. The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, powerrating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual for more information.
9
(Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.)
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
A POWER POLE
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
SLOPE GAUGE
E
OP
SL
°
E
P
E
R
T
N
SE
N
I
A
G
5
1
OR A FENCE POST
R
,
E
N
I
L
D
E
T
T
O
D
15°
WARNING
ON
D
L
O
F
USE THIS PAGE AS A GUIDE TO DETERMINE SLOPES WHERE YOU MAY NOT OPERATE SAFELY.
10
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is
extremely difficult to maintain your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RZT zero turn tractors across the face of slopes rather than up and down. Begin with the first pass
across the bottom of the slope and turn uphill at the end of each pass whenever possible.
SECTION 1: CONTROLS AND FEATURES
O
C
N
M
L
F
K
A
J
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
A.
B.
Deck Lift Handle
C.
RH and LH Drive Control Levers
D.
Ignition Switch
E.
PTO Switch
F.
Transmission Bypass Rod (Not Shown)
G. Cup Holder
Figure 4
H.Deck Height Index
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O. Parking Brake Engagement Lever
11
Storage Tray
Seat Adjustment Lever (Not Seen)
Fuel Tank Cap
Hour Meter /Indicator Panel
Throttle Control
Choke Control
Rear Bumper (Not Shown)
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