Cub Cadet 30 Inch Riding Mower Review: Compact Size, Big Performance. Are cub cadet mowers good

Cub Cadet Vs Husqvarna.Which One Should You Choose?

Cub Cadet and Husqvarna are two of the most popular zero-turn mower manufacturers of America. They have mowers that are appropriate for all kinds of use. But which is one better between the two brands?

In fact, it’s hard to just announce one to be the winner as both of them had good features. But we know that Cub cadet mowers have more speed and maneuverability while Husqvarna offers better power and efficiency.

In this article, we ‘ll be providing an in-depth comparison between these two brands. Let’s get into the comparison and decide the better one for you.

Husqvarna and Cub Cadet Mower: At A Glance

Are you in a hurry need to make a verdict right now? Then let’s just look at the comparison chart and make your decision.

The cub cadet will win in terms of speed and the Husqvarna will win in terms of efficiency.

Comparing Factor Cub Cadet Husqvarna
Cutting Deck Size 54 inches 54 inches
Engine 24 HP 26 HP
Maximum Speed 7 mph 6.5 mph
Cutting Heights 15 6
Fuel Tank 3.5 gallons 3.5 gallons

Who Makes Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower?

After purchasing the Cub Cadet brand in 1981, MTD is the manufacturer of Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mower.

Initially, the brand had a premium line of small tractors. Due to a financial crisis, the company sold its Cub Cadet brand to MTD corporation.

The location of their manufacturing plant is in Gloria Drive, Kentucky. The acquisition of Cub Cadet resulted in some minor changes in product manufacturing.

How Good Are Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mowers?

Cub Cadet is one of the most renowned American machines and outdoor power equipment producers. They make different high-quality zero-turn mowers that provide excellent cutting performance and ease of use.

The mowers come with adjustable cutting height options so that you can set them to the height you want the grass to cut. They have more speed and offer good power.

These mowers are small and compact in design and easy to use. Most of the models come with a powerful engine to mow your lawn perfectly.

My Recommended Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mowers:

Ultima ZT1 and Z-Force S 60 are two highly-rated Cub Cadet Zero Turn Mowers available right now. Check them out from the official Cub Cadet website by clicking on the link.

Who Makes Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower?

The mowers are a part of the huge Husqvarna Group.

But they stepped into the lawnmower industry in 1919 after acquiring Norrahammars Bruk in 1918.

Since the beginning, the group has become the industry leader in outdoor power products.

Though it is not an American company, you can rely on its products. With more than a hundred years of experience in making mowers, Husqvarna has perfected manufacturing.

How Good Are Husqvarna Zero Turn Mowers?

Husqvarna started their business in this field long before Cub cadet did. That’s why they are quite known mowers with excellent quality. The zero-turn mower they come with is really durable and reliable.

They also offer mowers of different deck sizes. The cutting decks are made of high-strength steel which has power coats on them to prevent corrosion.

One of the great factors about Husqvarna is its safety features. They have great safety features in their zero-turn mowers.

If we talk about limitations, these mowers aren’t that good for thick grass. But they are great for hilly terrains.

My Recommended Husqvarna Zero Turn Mowers:

Some of the best models from Husqvarna include Hydrostatic 46-in. Riding Lawn Mower, and Husqvarna YTH1852.

Detailed Comparison: Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower

The article won’t be complete without giving you a feature-wise comparison of Cub Cadet and Husqvarna.

Read my explanation and analysis below, and decide which brand meets your requirements and expectations.

Engine and Performance

After comparing the engine power of both brands, I have realized that Cub Cadet is more suitable for medium or smaller lawns.

It is because their engine is less powerful than Husqvarna. Therefore, Husqvarna ZTRs are capable of landscaping large lawns.

And, both mower brands offer almost the same fuel tank size. So, there is no difference in running time.

Maximum Speed

Although the Husqvarna has a more powerful engine, the Cub cadet outweighs it in terms of maximum speed.

For example, The Cub cadet Ultima ZT2 mower can go on a maximum forward speed of 7 mph and 3.5 mph in reverse.

The Husqvarna, being slightly slower features a maximum speed of 6.5 mph in forward and 2.5 mph in reverse.

Overall, both of them are ideal for medium-sized lawns.

Deck Size

Size is one of the main differences between these two mowers. In most cases, the Husqvarna riding mowers are bigger than the Cub Cadet ones.

So, if you want a bigger mower, you should opt for Husqvarna.

The size of the cutting deck you need depends on your lawn size. The larger the lawn is, the bigger the cutting deck size you will need.

If you have a small lawn of ½ acre, you can go with a 40-inch cutting deck. Otherwise, you’ll need a bigger one.

Ease of Use

In general, the cube cadet mowers are tiny and compact in design. Hence, they are easy to manage in contrast with the heavy Husqvarna machines.

But the additional features of Husqvarna make the maintenance process a lot easier.

Safety and Additional Features

Both of these two mowers have good features for safety.

Husqvarna surely wins the deal here. They don’t have that much top speed but both of them are equipped with powerful headlights and brakes.

But the additional features that make Husqvarna win include a digital hour meter to keep proper track of your use, a cooling fan, and a LED light which come in handy when there is a shortage of light on the lawn.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a very important factor. We always want to finish our work in less time. Efficiency determines the time you’ll need to mow your lawn.

After going through the performance data and seeing all the reviews out there, we can clearly say that Husqvarna is the winner here. It will maximize your productivity with its great features and you’ll get your job done with the least amount of work.

Is Cub Cadet or Husqvarna Better?

From the discussion above, you have already seen that Husqvarna mowers have larger cutting decks and more forward speed.

As a result, they are more suitable for handling heavy-duty tasks and larger yards compared to Cub Cadet riding mowers.

Nonetheless, having a tighter budget and a small yard to maintain, there is no point in choosing Husqvarna.

In terms of durability and reliability, both brands have years of good reputation in the industry. So, you can confidently choose any brand according to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is Cub Cadet a good brand?

Yes, definitely Cub Cadet is a good brand and you can buy one of their riding mowers without any hesitation. Lots of homeowners like them because of the high-quality products being available at reasonable prices.

How long do Husqvarna mowers last?

You know that mowers need good and regular maintenance. Assuming you take good care of your garden equipment, your Husqvarna zero turn mower can last up to 10 years.

How long do Cub Cadet mowers last?

According to the user feedback, Cub Cadet mowers last slightly less than Husqvarna. They tend to perform 6 or 7 years with some repairs. However, yours can last longer as this type of data is not 100% accurate.

MTD Products is the owner and manufacturer of Cub Cadet riding mowers.

Does Husqvarna own Cub Cadet?

Cub Cadet 30 Inch Riding Mower Review: Compact Size, Big Performance

cadet, inch, riding, mower

The Cub Cadet 30-inch Riding Mower is small, compact and powerful. But is it enough to be labeled as one of the best riding mowers in the market? Let’s find out….

I hope you love the products that I recommend here! Just so you know, I work with Amazon and other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below.

cadet, inch, riding, mower

It has a 30-inch cutting width and an 18 inch turning radius. You can set the cut height from 1.5 inches to 4 inches.

This has a forward speed of 1.5mph to 4.25mph and 13 inch front wheels and 16 inch rear wheels.

The CC30H comes with a manual on how to set it up but you can view it here for reference (you’re welcome). Worth noting also are the accessories it comes with: a deck wash, mulch kit, and bagger attachment.

The Good

Initially, I thought the size of the CC30H would be an issue. I was wrong — it’s small but still a fully capable mower! What it lacks in power (compared to its big brothers like the XT1 GT54) it makes up in ease of use and maneuverability.

A great example is its 18 inch turning radius — it makes mowing around trees and single bushes a breeze!

Also, moving it around and finding space for it was no problem because of its weight and size: a modest 360 lbs and assembled width of 34 inches.

cadet, inch, riding, mower

Comfort, design, and safety:

The ergonomic design of the CC30H is most clearly reflected on the driver’s seat. I was snug and comfy while mowing and was able to adjust the seat to my liking.

I’m not the biggest guy so I had no issues getting snug and comfy but even larger people will find the CC30H’s driver’s seat to be a pleasure to be on. Oh, and I almost forget to mention — it has a cup holder for a cold one

Safety is another plus for the CC30H! If you’re operating it and you get off your seat, the engine automatically turns off — a big plus for me since I’m a safety freak. I mean, who wants accidents right?

Now that we’ve covered the specs, design, and comfort of the CC30H, it’s time to get down to business…

CC30H Performance: Handling

As I said, the CC30H is small compared to its bigger Cub Cadets brothers but that’s exactly why its handling is excellent. Its compact size and 18 inch turning radius makes it so darn easy moving around tight areas like trees and single bushes!

Truly, the ease of use and smooth handling of the CC30H is one of its greatest strengths.

cadet, inch, riding, mower

CC30H Performance: Mowing

The 30 inch single blade isn’t the best especially if you’re mowing more than three acres but my property is less than that so personally, the result was great!

The CC30H worked like a dream and gave me an excellent cut. For my purposes, I mowed at a cutting height of 3 inches but you can set it at 4 inches if the situation calls for it.

CC30H Performance: Fuel Tank

Some people have had complaints regarding the fuel tank although I’ve had no problems with it.

It holds 1.3 gallons of gas, which may not seem like a lot, but I cut my half acre property three times over and still had ⅓ of gas left. That’s pretty good in my opinion!

Last but not least, a fan-favorite feature of the CC30H is its mow-in-reverse feature! While it’s not the best way to mow, it can be a handy feature at times. But to be honest, I just find it really cool.

The Not So Good

Despite all the praise I’ve given the CC30H, it still has its own share of shortcomings which I’ll be listing below.

Not ideal for hilly terrain:

If the ground you’re mowing is not flat, you will most probably run into minor issues. It’s important to note that the user manual states you shouldn’t mow on a slope over 15 degrees so stay clear of hills and large mounds.

Some people have put this to the test and while it took a bit of more time to mow hilly terrain, the CC30H still got the job done — just be careful you don’t tip over!

cadet, inch, riding, mower

Not great for large acres:

The CC30H is great for mowing ½ acres to 3 acres (max) but anything more than that, you’re better off with a bigger and more powerful mower (I recommend the XT1 GT54).

The CC30H excels at smaller gardens or yards but it can still do the job for bigger properties — it just won’t be as efficient as bigger riding mowers.

Reported issues of oil spillage:

Other people who’ve used the CC30H have reported issues performing oil changes. If you’re not careful, you could spill it all over the mower.

I personally haven’t experienced this but it’s a common reported issue so it’s worth mentioning.

Cub Cadet CC30e Lawn Mower Review

The team at Cub Cadet sent me their NEW all electric CC30e lawn mower to put to the test I’ve never used an all electric mower before, so I was pretty skeptical on what it could do. I’m happy to say that overall, I’m very impressed by the mower’s capabilities.

Disclosure: This video and article contains a paid product integration by Cub Cadet. All views and opinions expressed herein are my own.

The Battery System

The yard is just over an acre in size and we were able to tackle the whole thing on a single full charge. This mower is powered by a single brush-less motor and the blade itself is directly powered by the motor so there’s no changing of belts or anything like that. The mower plugs in using the included cable via a standard 110v outlet. It takes about 4 hours to fully charge.

What’s nice is that you can still operate the mower at a partial charge without needing to fully charge the unit before operating it. The remaining charge is indicated next to the mower start button.

Usability

One of the most noticeable differences between the CC30e and a standard gas mower is the sound. When you get on the unit and start it, it doesn’t make a sound beyond a beep. The mower operates virtually silent without the blade engaged. Even when the blade is engaged, it’s substantially less noisy. So now you can operate early in the morning or later in the evening without bothering your neighbors.

For ease of use, this mower is about as user friendly as it gets. It’s one of the most straightforward mowers I’ve ever used. You control the throttle via a single pedal on the driver’s right foot, a brake with the left foot, and reverse with a single button. There’s a parking brake switch, and even cruise control for those longer straight runs. It even includes operator presence safety, meaning it shuts off if you get off.

Final Thoughts

Overall I really like this mower. I think it’s pretty obvious that the future of power tools and yard equipment is headed towards all electric. This mower proves that you can have the performance of a gas machine with much less maintenance. This mower doesn’t need any oil changes, filter changes, or spark plug changes. As long as you keep the blades sharp and the battery charged, you’re good to go.

I think this mower is a great tool for the average homeowner with a small to medium sized lot that is relatively flat. I do think if you had a larger or bumpy lawn, having a suspension system would be helpful. Additionally if you have a yard that’s relatively wide open, you may want a wider deck. My brother’s lawn is pretty large, but it was a more than capable machine to handle it.

If you have any further questions about this mower, feel free to leave them in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев down below and I will do my best to answer them. Or you can visit their website at cubcadet.com.

I want to say a quick thank you to Cub Cadet for sending this lawnmower for me to test out. If you’re in the market for something similar I’d highly recommend you check it out before you make your purchase. You can’t beat the no maintenance aspect of an electric mower and it’s really cool to finally see a riding mower that is capable of actually replacing the need for a gas mower.

If you liked this post, check out these outdoor projects as well!

Thank you so much for watching and I’ll see you next time!

Cub Cadet Ultima Review (6 months later)

Prior to working with Cub Cadet, I had researched which turn mower I was looking for. I checked out book reviews, website reviews and I knew that I wanted the Ultima for the ease of maintenance that it would give us, along with an awesome class cut. I was right. The AeroForce cutting system of this machine makes it top-notch.

Today, I wanted to give an updated review and share my three favorite features.

cadet, inch, riding, mower

COMFORT

There is extra padding on the seat for added comfort. There are also armrests on the seat. This larger operator station with the high-back Cub Comfort seat, make for the most comfortable riders out there.

It also has a rubber floor mat which gives you anti-shock for your feet.

You have easy access to the deck with deck height adjustment and deck lift. The adjustable lap bars are awesome with this residential zero turn. My wife can use it or I can use it and we just adjust it to our comfort.

According to Cub Cadet: “The RZT L/LX Series combines the precision of responsive lap-bar controlled zero-turn handling with outstanding comfort. Thoughtful ergonomics come complete with convenient maintenance features – all designed to ensure that you’re satisfied with your rider (and your lawn) for the long run.”

TIMING

It has cut my mowing time back by over 30-45 minutes. It also has a 50 inch cutting deck. The turn radius and aero force cutting system really help to get the job done quickly.

The AeroForce decks provide a flawless cut through advanced aerodynamics. By optimizing airflow it is able to eliminate clumping during discharge while increasing suction. This allows you to cut with a better bagging performance.

DURABILITY

With the large engine and tubular design, it is a durable machine. The rubber front wheels and advanced-traction rear tires help it to feel stable, as well. I like that they aim to keep the driver safe, as well. For example: because mowing in reverse is inherently unsafe, Cub Cadet tractors are designed to discourage the practice.

Combine all of that with the Sure-Start High-Output battery and you’ve got a durable machine.

It’s proven to deliver in every area.

Cub Cadet XR2 Enduro Series 1000 robotic mower review

cadet, inch, riding, mower

A good value robotic mower that is great at edges and has lots of features but the noise and height of cut adjustment are disappointing.

What we tested

Installation is not included in the cost of the mower and although you can do it yourself laying the boundary around a large lawn can be a difficult and time consuming job so it’s worth asking a local Cub Cadet dealer the cost of installing the mower for you. The extra cost will depend on the complexity of the lawn, but the dealer will assess the shape of the lawn, any obstacles such as flower beds within it and then use a cable layer to bury the boundary wire around the perimeter of the garden and back to the docking station.

The time this takes obviously depends on the size of the lawn but the cable layer does makes it incredibly quick.If you do install it yourself you will need to purchase an installation cost separately. Plenty of advice including clear how-to videos are available on line.

Is the Cub Cadet XR2 Enduro Series 1000 easy to programme?

The keypad control is not straightforward to follow and far less intuitive than other mowers tested. Fortunately, there is connectivity via the Roboconnect app and voice control via Alexa to make things easier. The height of cut is also awkward to change and is adjusted from beneath the mower with a wing tool rather than the simple switch most have on the top of the mower.

With a single steel blade that extends beyond the wheel base the XR2 cuts smoothly and efficiently including over edges, so there is no need to trim edges and awkward corners by hand. A turbo mode helps it tackle longer grass and the floating mowing deck helps it cope with slopes up to 36%.

It does sometimes fail to park, overrunning the charging station and getting stuck on top and it’s by far the noisiest mower tested – unlike other mowers the cutting noise is intrusive if you’re in the garden at the same time.

What Features does the Cub Cadet XR2 Enduro Series 1000 have?

The XR2 1000 has Robozone, a signal transmitter that allows the mower to cut not just a main and secondary sub area but also a separate zone without the need to buy another docking station. Unlike a lot of other mowers, the docking station also doesn’t need to be installed on the lawn but can be parked next to it in a more convenient place.

A rain sensor lets the mower know if the conditions are too wet for mowing and the mower will return to the docking station until the weather improves and security features include PIN code operation and GPS

A docking station cover, spiked wheels to help it cope with wet ground and Bluetooth remote control, which allows it to mow without the use of a boundary wire can also be bought separately.

Robotic mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

For more reviews, visit our guide to the best robotic mowers.

Product

Features

Cub Cadet Cub Cadet 28 in. 195 cc 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Gas Push Button Electric Start Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower

cadet, inch, riding, mower

Cub Cadet’s machine isn’t commercial duty, but it packs plenty of mower for homeowner purposes. The 195-CC engine provides more than enough oomph for normal cutting conditions. The mower can be equipped with dedicated mulching blades or blades for bagging. Both provide a good cut quality. The bagging blades provide the necessary air flow to move grass clippings into the 2.25-bushel rear bag. We found the mower to be extremely effective at picking up leaves and clippings. (Note: the mower will fill the bag and pack it tight—and then fill the blower tube. It takes some experience to find the sweet spot when you need to empty the bag before the tube is plugged.)

The mower’s many clever attributes include a push-button start that was reliable in our tests, even in cold weather. The Cub Cadet’s battery is self charging, like your car’s, which means you don’t need to plug the battery into a wall charger. Control the ground speed by pushing forward on the pivoting drive bar (it’s similar to the mechanism pioneered by Toro on its Personal Pace mowers). With the bar full forward, you’re moving at a brisk walk.

Related Stories

Controlling deck height is reasonably easy. Cub Cadet figured out the geometry of the single rear deck lever so that it’s easy to raise and lower the deck (from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches); that’s particularly important since the mower weighs nearly 100 pounds. Both front caster wheels need to be independently height adjusted, and that takes a bit of experience to do quickly, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy. It’s also very easy to engage the spring-loaded locks for the caster wheels, which is helpful when you need to cut long, straight rows.

The mower is a blade-brake-clutch type, which is particularly useful in fall and spring yard cleanup. Stop the mower and release the drive and operator control bars. The drive system and blades stop, but the engine remains running. You can move a fallen branch out of the way or reposition some yard furniture and resume mowing without having to restart the engine. And to reduce the mower’s storage foot print, it has a spring-loaded bar that you can unlock to tip the handle to the 90-degree position.

The mower’s price tag of approximately 900 is about twice that of the average residential walk mower, yes. On the other hand, the Cub is a lot of machine that should speed your mowing to faster completion.

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.