Page 2
KUBOTA Corporation is ··· Revolutions Per Minute Society of Automotive Engineers Since its inception in 1890, KUBOTA Corporation has grown to rank as one of the major firms in Japan. UNIVERSAL SYMBOLS To achieve this status, the company has through the years...
FOREWORD 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.
7.1 Stop position of the motion control lever .................... 32 7.2 Operating position of the motion control lever..................32 STOPPING THE MACHINE..........................34 PARKING THE MACHINE ..........................34 TRANSPORTING THE MACHINE........................34 1. Hydrostatic transaxle bypass rods......................34 OPERATING THE MOWER .......................36 MOWING TIPS..............................36 Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 5
2. Checking the OPC system ........................52 3. Checking carbon canister air filter ......................52 4. Changing engine oil (Z231BR, Z251BR)....................53 5. Replacing engine oil filter (Z231BR, Z251BR) ..................53 6. Checking the muffler and spark arrester (if equipped)................54 EVERY 100 HOURS ............................54 1.
• Use only implements approved by KUBOTA. Use • Pay special attention to the safety labels on the proper ballast on the front or rear of the machine to machine itself.
Page 9
(See Checking the engine start system on page 51 and Checking the OPC system on page 52.) • KUBOTA recommends the use of a roll-over Do not operate unless they are functioning protective structure (ROPS) and seat belt in almost correctly.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks and tree limbs. machine into a trailer or truck. • Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden • This machine is not allowed to be used on public hazards. Keep away from drop-offs. Uneven terrain roads. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
[LOWER] (lower limit level) down, suddenly drop or be accidently lowered. mark. Otherwise, the battery component parts may • Consult your local recycling center or KUBOTA prematurely deteriorate, which may shorten the Dealer to learn how to recycle or get rid of waste battery's service life or cause an explosion.
Page 12
• 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. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 17
• 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.
However, when in need of parts or major service, be sure to consult your local KUBOTA Dealer. When in need of parts, be prepared to give your dealer the product identification number (PIN)/serial number, and the ROPS, engine and mower serial numbers.
(1) Mower identification plate (2) Mower serial number WARRANTY This machine is warranted under the KUBOTA Limited Express Warranty, a copy of which may be obtained from your selling dealer. No warranty shall, however, apply if the machine has not been handled according to the instructions given in the operator's manual, even if it is within the warranty period.
SPECIFICATION TABLE SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATION TABLE Model Z231BR Z231KH Z251BR Z251KH Model name GH731V-1 GH736V GH733V-1 GH750V Max. engine power *1*2 *1*3 *1*2 *1*3 kW (HP) 16.4 (22) 15.7 (21) 18.6 (25) 18.6 (25) (gross) Type Air-cooled gasoline engine Number of cylinders 2 (V-Twin) 79 ×...
Page 21
(temperature, humidity, and altitude). Kohler reserves the right to change product specifications, design, and standard equipment without notice and without incurring obligation. Oil amount when the oil level is at the upper level. Model RCK48P-124Z RCK54P-127ZA Suitable machine Z231BR, Z231KH Z251BR, Z251KH Mounting method Parallel linkage Adjustment of cutting height Dial gauge Cutting width mm (in.)
IMPLEMENT LIMITATIONS TERMS OF USE The KUBOTA Machine has been thoroughly tested for proper performance with implements sold or approved by KUBOTA. Use with implements below may result in malfunctions or failures of the machine, damage to other property and injury to the operator or others.
9. After mounting the mower, check the mower level. If necessary, adjust the mower level and anti-scalp rollers. ADJUSTING THE MOWER (See OPERATING THE MOWER on page 36 and ADJUSTMENT on page 68.) (1) Lift link (2) Clevis pin, snap pin Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
DISMOUNTING THE MOWER DECK MOWER MOUNTING DISMOUNTING THE MOWER DECK For dismounting the mower deck, reverse the above procedures. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
(1) PTO switch (A) “ENGAGED” (ON) (B) “DISENGAGED” (OFF) STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Sit on the operator's seat. 2. Apply the parking brake. To apply the parking brake: Place the parking brake lever in the “ENGAGED” position. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Do not make further operator is sitting on the seat. attempts to start the engine until the condition is corrected. Do not jump start using another 7. Warm up the engine by running at medium speed. battery. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
OPERATING THE ENGINE STOPPING THE ENGINE CHECK DURING OPERATING Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer. • Do not turn the key switch to the “START” position while the engine is running. IMPORTANT : • When the temperature is below 0 ℃ (32 ℉), run...
Hydraulic oil serves as transmission oil. In cold weather 6. Clamp the other cable to the negative (black, (-) or conditions, the oil may be cold with increased viscosity. neg.) terminal of the helper battery. This can cause delayed oil circulation or abnormally Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 31
• Use only same voltage for jump starting. • Use of a higher voltage source on the machine could result in severe damage to the machine electrical system. Use only a matching voltage source when “jump starting” a low or dead battery. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• Do not operate the mower without the discharge deflector in the down position. STARTING THE MACHINE WARNING WARNING To avoid serious injury or death: To avoid serious injury or death: • The machine relies upon the engine driven transmission for speed, direction, and motion Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• Make sure that the seat is completely secured after each adjustment. Adjust the seat belt for proper fit and connect to the • Do not allow anyone other than the driver to buckle. The seat belt is an auto-locking retractable ride on the machine. type. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Push the pedal to the end of the pedal stroke. To apply the parking brake: To lower the mower deck: Place the parking brake lever in the “ENGAGED” Push the pedal all the way then release the pedal to the position. desired mower deck cutting height. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
For forward travel in a straight line, push both motion Forward and rearward movements of the motion control control levers forward equally and slowly. levers are locked when these levers are in the “NEUTRAL LOCK” position (the engine can only be started with levers in this position). Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 36
For forward travel to the right, push the left motion WARNING control lever further forward than the right motion To avoid serious injury or death: control lever. • The motion control lever adjustment important to ensure the machine operates properly. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
68.) To avoid serious injury or death: We recommend that you contact your local Before leaving the operator's position: KUBOTA Dealer. • Apply the parking brake. • Lower all implements to the ground. STOPPING THE MACHINE • Shut off the engine.
Page 38
(1) Right side HST bypass rod (A) Operating position (B) Bypass position (H) “HOLD” 3. After moving, place both the right side and left side HST bypass rod back into the “OPERATING POSITION” hole. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
For extremely tall grass, set the cutting height at maximum cutting height for the first mowing, then reset to the desired height and mow again. Allow the grass to grow to 80 mm (3 in.), then cut off only the top inch. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
6 mm (0.25 in.) to the ground. WARNING To avoid serious injury or death: • Clear the work area of objects which might be picked up and thrown. • Do not direct the opening of the discharge deflector at bystanders, especially children, or Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• Never operate the engine without heat shields or guards. 1. Sit on the operator's seat. Put on the seat belt. Make sure that the parking brake is engaged. 2. Start the engine. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
1. Park the machine on a firm and level surface. (1) Ground (A) “INSUFFICIENT” 2. Stop the engine and apply parking brake. (B) “NORMAL” (C) “EXCESSIVE” 3. Lift the front of machine with a safe lifting device. 4. Remove the nut and the wheel bolt. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
2. Install the wheel bolt and the nut. (1) Nut (A) Front wheel (2) Wheel bolt (3) Yoke (4) Cap with felt 3. Tighten the nut. 48 to 56 N⋅m Tightening torque (36 to 41 lbf⋅ft 4.9 to 5.7 kgf⋅m) 4. Lower the machine. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
SERVICE INTERVALS MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SERVICE INTERVALS The following servicing tasks should be carried out on the machine at the stated running-time intervals. Z231BR, Z251BR Indication hour meter (hr) Ref. Items page 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 After since...
Page 45
This maintenance should be done every 50 hours or every 1 year if using a standard oil filter. If using a high-efficiency oil filter, it may be extended to every 100 hours or every 1 year. A genuine KUBOTA oil filter is a high-efficiency oil filter.
Page 46
This maintenance should be done daily or more often in dusty condition than in normal conditions. The initial 100 hours should not be a replacement cycle. Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service. After 500 hr, clean it if necessary.
MAINTENANCE LUBRICANTS AND FUEL – To ensure the best quality and reliability, use new KUBOTA genuine parts or their equivalents for repairs and replacement, whenever you have maintenance done. LUBRICANTS AND FUEL Capacities Locations Lubricants Z231BR Z231KH Z251BR Z251KH •...
WARNING Blades and belt wear or damage To avoid serious injury or death: • Do not drop the seat when lowering it. (Continued) • Watch your hands. Do not place your hands under the seat when lowering it. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Engine start system/OPC system. If either of these do not operate properly, contact (1) Engine oil port (A) “UPPER LEVEL” your local KUBOTA Dealer (2) Oil level dipstick (B) “LOWER LEVEL” immediately. Others Check the areas where pre-...
• Do not use a fuel cap other than one approved Daily or after every 5 hours of operation, make sure the by KUBOTA. air intake screen and the air intake area are clean. • Do not permit dirt, trash or water to get into the fuel system.
If any of the movable parts, such as levers and pedals, (1.7 kgf/cm , 25 psi) cannot be smoothly moved because of rust or anything 110 kPa sticky, do not attempt to force it into motion. Rear 22 × 10 - 14, 4PR turf (1.1 kgf/cm , 16 psi) Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Clean precleaner Do not oil the precleaner. 4. Reinstall the precleaner over the paper element Z231BR and reinstall them to air intake. Wash the precleaner every 25 hours of operation. 5. Reinstall the air cleaner cover and secure with the 2 (more often under extremely dusty or dirty conditions.)
7. Reinstall the air cleaner cover and secure it with 2 knobs. 2. Cleaning air cleaner element NOTE : (Z231BR, Z251BR) • Operating the engine with loose or damaged cleaner components could allow...
• Sit on the operator's seat for all tests except for 5. The engine must not crank. test 1. NOTE : • If the engine cranks in tests 1 through 4, IMPORTANT : consult your local KUBOTA Dealer to have the • Test following before operating unit checked before operation.
“NEUTRAL LOCK” position to the • If the engine keeps running in tests 1 through 2, “NEUTRAL” position and then release the levers. consult your local KUBOTA Dealer to have the 5. The engine must shut off. unit checked before operation.
EVERY 50 HOURS PERIODIC SERVICE 4. Changing engine oil (Z231BR, Z251BR Z251BR) WARNING To avoid serious injury or death: • Be sure to stop the engine and remove the key before changing the oil. • Allow engine to cool down sufficiently; oil can be hot and may cause burns.
WARNING Running engines produce heat. Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot. Severe thermal burns can occur on contact. Combustible debris, such as leaves, grass, brush, and so on. can catch fire. To avoid serious injury or death: Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
1. To change the used oil, remove the drain hose from the clamp, direct the hose down and remove the (Z231BR, Z251BR) drain plug. (See Cleaning air cleaner element (Z231BR, Z251BR) NOTE : on page 50.) • The used oil can be drained out more easily if the engine is warm.
2. Check to see if the engine's cooling fins are blocked 2. Use a spark plug wrench to remove the plug. with dust and dirt. Clean them with compressed air if required. NOTE : • This engine is equipped with a resistor-type spark plug. (1) Shroud Z251BR (1) Shroud Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
PERIODIC SERVICE 3. Inspect the spark plug for cracked porcelain, pitted electrodes, or other wear and damage. Replace the spark plug if necessary. Z231BR (A) 0.75 mm (0.03 in.) 7. Checking the fuel filter (1) Spark plug (both sides) WARNING...
Page 61
(2) Fuel tank (B) “OPEN” (3) Fuel line (4) Pipe clamp (1) Fuel line (2) Pipe clamp (1) Fuel line (2) Pipe clamp (3) 2 way valve (assembled in the fuel tank) (1) Fuel line (2) Pipe clamp (3) Fuel pump Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• Keep open sparks and flames away from the charging the battery. battery at all times. Hydrogen gas mixed with oxygen becomes very explosive. WARNING • Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when working around the battery. To avoid serious injury or death: Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Recharge it once every 3 months in hot seasons and once every 6 months in cold seasons. 9. Adjusting the throttle cable Z231BR, Z251BR 1. Move the throttle lever to the “FAST” position. (1) Throttle lever 2. Make sure the throttle arm (A) contacts the choke arm (B).
Pour new oil, of the proper type, in sufficiently; oil can be hot and may cause through the threaded center hole. Stop pouring burns. when the oil reaches the bottom of the threads. 1. Apply the bypass valve. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 65
When the transaxle operates at normal noise levels Torque bolts (4) to 7.35 N⋅m (5.42 lbf⋅ft) securely. and moves smoothly forward and reverse at normal 8. Repeat steps 2-7 on the opposite side transaxle speeds, then the transaxle is considered purged. drive. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
2. Checking engine valve clearance (Z231KH, Z251KH) Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service. EVERY AFTER 500 HOURS 1. Cleaning combustion chamber If you do not have the proper tools and/or are not mechanically proficient, consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service.
1. Replacing carbon canister air filter (See Checking carbon canister air filter on page 52.) EVERY 4 YEARS 1. Replacing hydraulic hose Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service. 2. Replacing fuel lines Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service. SERVICE AS REQUIRED...
(2) Cover • Wedge a block of wood between the blade and (3) Blade mower housing. (4) Cup washer (5) Bolt • Use a box wrench over the pulley nut. Then, loosen the blade bolt as illustrated. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
3. Remove the tension pulley, and remove the belt. 4. To install a new belt, reverse the previous procedure. NOTE : • Tighten the tension pulley bolt securely from 77.6 to 90.2 N⋅m (8.0 to 9.2 kgf⋅m, 57.1 to 66.5 lbf⋅ft). Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• If you feel you are unable to make the following (3) Bolt (front) adjustments correctly and safely, contact your (4) Bolt (rear) local KUBOTA Dealer. Left hand side Details regarding motion control lever alignment can be found in a different section.
23.6 to 27.4 N⋅m Tightening torque (2.4 to 2.8 kgf⋅m 17.4 to 20.2 lbf⋅ft) 2. Maximum speed (forward) Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer for this service. 3. Motion control lever alignment (1) Bolt (A) Low position (2) Flange nut (3) Tab slot...
4. Position the right mower blade in the side-to-side position. 5. Measure from outside the blade tip to the level surface with a short ruler or leveling gauge. Reference Height of the blade at the flat surface 76 mm (3 in.) Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
7. Check that the left side blade has the same dimensions. difference between both measurements should be less than 6 mm (0.25 in.). The front side must be lower than the rear side. 8. If the front-to-rear adjustment is not within the given tolerance, adjustment is necessary. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Page 75
ADJUSTMENT MOWER DECK LEVEL (1) Cutting height fine tuning bolt (2) Jam nut Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
(135.3 ± 11.7) (13.8 ± 1.2) NOTE : • Figure [7] on the top of the bolt indicates that the bolt is made of special material. • Before tightening, check the figure on top of the bolt. (1) Scale Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
8. Store the machine in a dry place sheltered from rain. Cover the machine with a vinyl tarp. 9. Moisture content in most grasses can damage the mower and grass catcher if these components are not properly cleaned after use. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Replace fuel and the fuel filter. • Water or dirt in the fuel system. • Replace fuel and see your KUBOTA Dealer. • Fuel hose or fuel filter clogged or damaged. • Clean or replace fuel lines and see your KU- BOTA Dealer.
Page 80
Spark plug damaged. • Adjust the spark plug gap or replace it. • Faulty spark plug. • Replace the spark plug. • Carburetion problem. • See your KUBOTA Dealer. If you have any questions, contact your local KUBOTA Dealer. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
• Charging system • Contact your local trouble. KUBOTA Dealer. If you have any questions, contact your local KUBOTA Dealer. MACHINE TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom (if) Cause Remedy The machine operation is not • The hydrostatic transaxle fluid is insufficient. • Fill oil.
MOWER TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom (if) Cause Remedy Blades do not rotate. • The PTO system is not normal: • Consult your local KUBOTA Dealer. PTO system malfunctioning. • The PTO system is normal: • Replace. broken mower belt. Mower belt slipping.
Page 83
Slow down. • Debris wrapped around mower spindles. • Clean the mower. • Front of deck too low. • Adjust the mower deck. (See MOWER DECK LEVEL on page 69.) If you have any questions, contact your local KUBOTA Dealer. Z231BR,Z231KH,Z251BR,Z251KH...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Z231BR and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers