Tractors, Mowers, Chippers, Trailers, Chainsaws, Generators, Driveway Erosion Control, ETC.

Is there a manual or parking brake adjustment instructions somewhere? The little manual that came with the ZT XL says nothing.

 

Not that I know of, but like I stated before I only use parking break to start mower or when I need to get off the mower while running or during transport, otherwise the parking brake does not get used, you can barely move ZTRs with the brakes off.
I do this with all the other equipment I have. Whether it's a linkage or cable style parking brake, leaving it engaged when not in use, weakens the pivot points, springs or stretches the cable over time.

 

I think it's a Kohler thing. The 22HP unit on my riding mower is the same way. Anything after 20 minutes and you gotta choke it again, and you know damn well the engine is still warm. Maybe Kohler's are kinky and just like the be choked?

 

OK yes, I now agree with this. Zero need to store with brake on in shop or shed.

I did find and download the service manual............plus I contacted Gravely directly. Full story first time posted here:
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My ZTXL 52 Kaw is a few months old.

The parking brake handle sticks and won't budge.

When I received the ZT, the E snap ring for right linkage under the seat was missing. I did NOT know the difference at the time (never drove a ZT before). I thought the stupid thing only braked one wheel and just would throttle off when I got off to move something because bumping the handles would cause a spin..........

So when Carl's Mower in Ferndale WA came to pick it up for the 5 hour service, the driver said WHAT THE HELL THIS IS NOT NORMAL............and popped the seat up and we saw the missing E clip. Trailered it to the shop came back fixed. Cost me over $100.

Now the brake lever starts doing this jamming thing. More or less engaged. If I wiggle and fiddle, it will clear and I can go. But never happens in my shop....

Then yesterday, start the ZT and bam lever stuck. So I shut down and start looking. Nothing weird spotted right away. Wiggle handle and PING DING PING. Find an E clip! Sitting on mower deck. This time from the left adjustable link. Hmmmm.........so I reinstall it to match the right. Seems like handle is smooth now. No catching.........don't know.

I looked at the adjustment.......hmm.......seems per your service manual pages 59-60 things LOOK OK. Not sure.

I spent over $5000 for this mower. Why am I NOT HAPPY? Carl's will just charge me $70 trailer fee even if it's warranty.

Please provide some guidance. Thank you.

Paul
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Requesting opinions from the thread:

Came across this Zmaster that had an engine fire.

I have not looked at it in person, but am intrigued.

I'm not afraid of the wiring at the rear of the motor, there is only 5 wires and #6 positive cable to worry about.

I have an engine on the shelf.

I'm leaning towards tossing an offer.

Run away or go for the challenge?

What say the team?

 

Oops, forgot the pic.

 

If it's cheap enough I say go for it.

 

This is all you! Take a closer look and make an offer… I think you got the green light!

 

Well, shit!

Did I just get "double dog dared"?

 

Based on all the work I've seen you do with these mowers.. I say go for it as long as you pick it up for the right price.

 

What's that smell?

 

Off now to check it out.

 

When I'm done, it'll smell like cabbage...

 

LOL so next project….

 

I mowed the septic mound with the ZT.

It went really, really well. ZT climbed right up! I would go up the end and down a swath, repeat. Took awhile but looks so nice bald. I actually was aiming to scalp it, unlike the grass. Kinda failed at that part mostly because I was getting bored/tired. Mowing each part 3-4 times. I used to be a bit timid just on flats when I started, now really confident and in charge and quick.

One decent sized rodent hit with wheel(?) wasn't chopped........came back to look at him and vulture was picking him up. That quick! All kinds of smaller rodents, snake and bugs high tailing it out and off the mount. I had seen two feral cats hunting there before.

 

When the farmer hays our fields…. Red tail hawks and vultures for about 3days chasing them rodents!

 

I took the plunge and he took my offer.

This is a pretty nice unit. Looking forward to the project.

 

Nice unit!! Now ya got something to do for a couple days

 

I got plenty to keep me busy!

I need to run the scrap metal you saw in the background to the scrap yard.

I need to re-cane 4 kitchen chairs.

I have to diagnose and repair a Craftsman mower that dies out when deck is engaged.

I need to rebuild the carb on an Onan engine.

I need to clean up the crap from our latest nasty storm.

I need to drink a few beers. It was listed last, but I think it might move pretty high up the list.

 

Oh boy…. Save the best for last!! I don’t know… I would drink in between