Cub Cadet finally offering an electric line of mowers
Cub Cadet, most people will be familiar with the name as it’s one of the iconic names in lawn care. The company has been making mowers and lawn equipment for years. Now, they have finally expanded their lineup to include lithium-ion devices.
We have reviewed electric lawn care and power tools here before; check out our EGO mower and EGO snow blower reviews. I personally love these battery-powered tools. Since our reviews, EGO has also come out with a riding mower, the Z6, which is pricey at US4,999!
Cub Cadet has come out swinging with its own Zero Turn mower, the ZT1 42E, which is US500 cheaper than the EGO. But that’s not all; the company is also offering two other models. The XT1 LT42E for US3,999, and the CC30E is US6500,799. Both look really amazing and come in way lower than EGO.
Cub Cadet Electrifies Its Residential Lawn Care Line
CLEVELAND, OHIO — March 10, 2021 — Backed by 60 years of innovation and experience in developing industry-leading outdoor power equipment, Cub Cadet is launching a full line of electric outdoor power equipment that provides hassle-free power for any lawn.
Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery line features the same uncompromising commitment to design, comfort and performance found in all of its products. The electric lineup is proven to deliver the same results as Cub Cadet’s industry-leading gas models. From the Ultima ZT1 42E zero turn mower to the 60 Volt MAX String Trimmer, the electric line provides all the tools needed to fine-tune every part of your lawn.
“Cub Cadet is deeply committed to innovating to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers,” said Jason Koleki, director of Product Marketing Ride-On Equipment, Cub Cadet. “The momentum behind electric-powered outdoor power equipment is undeniable, so we’re excited to expand on the legacy and reputation of our gas-powered products to deliver electric options that pack more than enough power to get the job done.”
Ultima ZT1 42E The Ultima Series zero-turn mower, the top-selling model in the residential zero-turn category, has been redesigned as a fully electric lithiuim-ion unit. Continuous 2- x 2-inch square tubular frame enhances strength and durability. User-centric design includes a high-back seat, ergonomic hand grips, rubber floor mat and USB charging port. Fifteen quarter-inch deck height adjustments and a 42-inch stamped deck powered by two independent brushless motors provide the perfect cut every time.
XT1 Enduro LT42E As the next generation of lawn tractors, the XT Enduro Series is loaded with modern comforts like automotive-inspired design and steering, automatic transmission, USB charging port, adjustable seating and cruise control.
Both the Ultima ZT1 42E and the XT1 Enduro LT42E feature:
Best Splurge
EGO Power 52” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
This electric zero-turn mower from Ego can cut up to four acres on a single charge. What’s even more impressive, the battery system can be expanded to mow as many acres as needed. The batteries can be fully charged in less than four hours, which is up to four times faster than competitors, according to the manufacturer. Delivering the equivalent of 25 horsepower, the Z6 is just as powerful as a mid-range, gas-powered zero-turn mower. It can reach speeds up to 8 MPH, allowing you to cover more ground in less time.
The Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower offers three driving modes—control, standard, and sport—for various terrains. To ensure a quality cut, the height of the 52-inch cutting deck is adjustable. Other noteworthy features include LED lights, USB charging port, a phone holder, and Bluetooth. Another major advantage of this electric mower is that it runs very quietly and is easier to maintain than a gas model. With all of these bells and whistles, it’s no surprise that the Z6 comes with a steep price tag. However, the mower, batteries, and charger are backed by a five-year warranty to protect your investment.
Price at time of publish: 7,000
Power Type: Lithium batteries | Horsepower: Equivalent to 25 HP | Cutting Width: 52 inches | Weight: 655 pounds | Terrain: Uneven
Best Gas
Cub Cadet Ultima Series ZT2 60 in. Fab Deck 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin Zero Turn Mower
- Large capacity fuel tank
- Adjustable speed and reverse mowing option
- LED headlights for low-light conditions
- Ergonomic seat and hand grips
With a three-gallon fuel tank capacity and a twin-cylinder engine, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 V-Twin Gas Zero Turn Mower can run for hours without needing a refill. Thanks to a wide triple-blade deck, this mower delivers a more precise, even cut with fewer clumps and finer clippings. It also has a dial control knob that allows you to adjust the deck height from 1 inch to 4.5 inches. This zero-turn mower can go up to 7.5 MPH forward and up to 3.5 MPH in reverse, so you tackle yards to up to five acres in no time. It can also be adjusted to navigate slight rolling hills, rough terrain, and other obstacles with ease.
This mower is designed with comfort in mind: It has a fully adjustable ergonomic seat with armrests, as well as ergonomic hand grips that reduce operator fatigue. Other noteworthy features include LED headlights for mowing in low-light conditions, a cup holder, and a tow hitch. Like all models in this category, the Cub Cadet Ultima requires frequent gas refills. At 752 pounds, it’s also one of the heaviest options on the market.
Price at time of publish: 5,600
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 24 HP | Cutting Width: 60 inches | Weight: 752 pounds | Terrain: Slight rolling hills and several obstacles
Best for Hills
John Deere Z330R ZTrak Mower
This commercial lawn mower from John Deere has air-filled pneumatic tires with deep treads, which provide excellent traction on rough and hilly terrain. It’s available with a 48- or 54-inch cutting deck, with the latter being ideal for yards larger than four acres in size. The triple-blade, flat-top design delivers a clean cut even on uneven ground. Despite its hefty weight of over 600 pounds, the John Deere Z330R is easy to control and maneuver. It has a forward speed of up to 7 MPH and a maximum reverse speed of 3.5 MPH.
Both the seat and armrests are padded for a comfortable riding experience. There are also shock absorbers under the seat to provide a smoother ride on rougher terrain. The fuel tank has a generous three-gallon capacity, and it’s translucent, so you can easily monitor fuel levels. Other convenient features, including LED lights, front bumper, and rear hitch, come standard on this model. As with all gas-powered mowers, the ongoing fuel costs, emissions, and maintenance can be a potential drawback.
Price at time of publish: 4,000
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 23 HP | Cutting Width: 48 or 54 inches | Weight: 611 or 623 pounds | Terrain: Hills and slopes
Best Mid-Size
Husqvarna Z254F 23-HP V-twin Dual Hydrostatic 54-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower
The Husqvarna Z254F 54-in Zero-turn Lawn Mower features a 23 HP twin-cylinder engine, which makes it a great mid-range residential option for yards between two and three acres in size. The mower can go up to 6.5 MPH when moving forward or 3.5 MPH in reverse. This zero-turn mower has a deep, 54-inch cutting deck, which allows for easier bagging and mulching. However, both the bagging and mulching kits are sold separately. To achieve a precise cut, you can use the deck lift to get in a perfect position. The hydrostatic transmission requires no maintenance, which is another plus.
Thanks to a high-backed seat, ergonomic control panel, and anti-slip foot area, this zero turn mower is safe and comfortable to operate. For added safety, it’s also equipped with an automatic parking brake system. Note that the Husqvarna Z254F is intended for flat terrain with a few obstacles; it should not be used on slopes that exceed 15 degrees. Like all gas-powered models, it will require refilling on a regular basis. We read some reports of broken parts, however, this product is backed by a bumper-to-bumper three-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: 4,200
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 23 HP | Cutting Width: 54 inches | Weight: 610 pounds | Terrain: Flat with obstacles
Best for Big Yards
Toro TimeCutter 50 inch 24.5 HP Zero Turn Riding Mower
This gas-powered zero-turn mower from Toro is a great choice for larger yards ranging from two to four acres in size. It has a large three-gallon fuel tank, so you can get the job done without having to worry about running out of gas. Thanks to Toro’s Smart Speed technology, you have full control of your mowing speed to achieve a more precise cut. This mower has a maximum forward speed of 7 MPH and 3 MPH in reverse, plus it can go up to 4 MPH in trim mode.
The 50-inch wide cutting deck houses three cutting blades, and you can adjust the length to achieve a more precise cut. Shock-absorbing dampeners allow for smoother steering and riding. The Toro TimeCutter has a high-backed seat, padded armrests, and a built-in cup holder for comfortable operation. Note that this mower isn’t suitable for hills or slopes higher than 15 degrees. It works best on relatively flat terrain, but it can handle some minor obstacles.
Price at time of publish: 5,200
Power Type: Gas | Horsepower: 24.5 HP | Cutting Width: 50 inches | Weight: 694 pounds | Terrain: Mainly flat
Our best overall pick is the Ryobi Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower, which offers an array of convenient features and a low-maintenance, emissions-free design. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Toro TimeCutter V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower is both lightweight and fuel-efficient.
What to Look for in a Zero-Turn Mower
Size
Residential zero-turn mowers often have smaller, 42-inch cutting decks, making them an ideal choice for yards less than 3 acres in size. While the smaller width is great for maneuvering around obstacles in your yard, it will take longer to get the job done. Something else to keep in mind: Lightweight zero-turn mowers are not recommended for daily use and will wear out faster than commercial zero-turn mowers if they are used daily.
Commercial zero-turn mowers have wider cutting decks (54 inches or higher), allowing you to get the job done in less time. They also offer superior power and durability, and unlike residential models, they can be used daily without wearing out. Our top choice for navigating hills, the John Deere Z330R ZTrak Mower, offers cutting decks in several sizes to suit your specific needs.
Weight
Lightweight zero-turn mowers have the advantage of being more fuel-efficient than heavyweight models. However, they don’t have as much traction as heavier zero-turn mowers, which makes them difficult to maneuver in wet conditions or on rough terrain. For that reason, they’re not suitable for mowing slopes that exceed 15 degrees. Our best budget pick, the Toro TimeCutter V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower, is one of the lightest, most fuel-efficient options on the market.
Heavyweight zero-turn mowers are intended for yards larger than 4 acres or mowing multiple large yards regularly. This type of mower is easier to control and better suited for rough terrain and steeper slopes. Not surprisingly, heavier zero-turn mowers are more expensive due to their sheer amount of power. They’re also less gas- and battery-efficient. If you have a gas-powered model, you will face higher fuel costs.
Fuel Source and Horsepower
Gas vs. Electric: Gas-powered zero-turn mowers are more popular, which means you can find a wider selection at various price points. When it comes to power, gas-powered mowers almost always surpass electric-powered mowers. However, you should consider the following: Gas-powered zero-turn mowers weigh more, require regular gas refills, and release emissions into the air.
Horsepower: The power output of a zero-turn mower engine is measured in horsepower. If you have a small yard (one acre or less), a zero-turn mower with 10 to 20 HP is a solid bet. For larger yards up to three acres in size, a 20 to 25 HP zero-turn mower is a great mid-range option. Our top choice for bigger yards, the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower, offers 24.5 HP and handles yards ranging from two to four acres with ease. Just keep in mind that residential mowers (25 HP or lower) aren’t equipped to negotiate rough terrain and inclines over 15 degrees.
Zero-turn mowers with 25 HP or higher almost exclusively fall under the commercial category. These mowers are extremely powerful and intended for use on large properties, such as golf courses or multiple large yards. A commercial zero-turn mower is also more adept at handling rough terrain and steep inclines.
Cutting Deck Options: The cutting deck is the covered portion of a zero-turn mower where the blades are located. When the mower is powered up, the blades rotate to cut the lawn. Smaller cutting decks range from 32 inches to 48 inches, and they’re an ideal choice for yards less than three acres in size. For larger yards, look for a model with a bigger cutting deck–54 inches or wider. Our top pick for a gas-powered mower, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 V-Twin Gas Zero Turn Mower, has an impressive 60-inch cutting deck and can quickly tackle yards up to five acres in size.
Some routine maintenance is required to keep your zero-turn mower in tip-top shape. Sharpening the blades is relatively inexpensive, but a full engine tune-up could cost a few hundred dollars. Because zero-turn mowers are incredibly heavy machines, you may not want to perform the maintenance yourself. DIY will cut down on costs, of course, but you may need a hydraulic jack to get under the mower safely.
While most standard lawn tractors travel at 3-4 miles per hour (MPH), most zero-turn lawnmowers can go between 5-8 MPH. The appropriate speed will vary depending on the task you’re performing. If you’re mowing a flat yard, you should be able to cruise along at top speed. Terrain with slopes and obstacles will require more precise maneuvering at lower speeds and in reverse.
The exact amount of time will depend on your speed and the width of the cutting deck. Zero-turn mowers with a higher speed capacity and a larger cutting deck are more efficient. To save time while mowing, Kris Kiser, President and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), suggests clearing your lawn beforehand. “Be sure there are no obstacles in the way of the mower, such as rocks, branches, and other debris,” he says.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best zero-turn mowers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, weight, fuel source, horsepower, and cutting deck options. McHugh consulted hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For additional insight, she interviewed Kris Kiser, President and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.