Pros and Cons of Cub Cadet zero-turn Riding Mower
When it comes to taking care of your lawn, having the right tools for the job is essential. Sure, you could use a standard push mower or even an electric one, but for efficiency and convenience nothing beats using a zero-turn riding mower.
Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mowers are some of the most popular in today’s market due to their quality design and a perfect balance between speed and power.
But as with any tool, there are also pros and cons that need to be considered before making such a large purchase.
In this post, we will explore both sides of the equation so you can decide whether investing in a Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mower is right for you.
What makes Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers stand out from other brands available on the market?
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers stand out among other brands on the market due to their commitment to excellent craftsmanship, ease of use, and various features. The mowers provide superior power, convenience, and quality construction that can meet the needs of both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
In addition, Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are built with a patented steering wheel control technology that makes steering effortless, even when cutting on slopes or corners. As well as ensuring maximum efficiency when mowing large areas, Cub Cadet also offers an extended warranty for extra assurance.
With such an extensive range of features, it is no wonder why Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are highly sought after by experienced gardeners in search of high-quality performance.
What are the pros of using a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower?
Firstly, they provide superior cutting performance and time savings when compared to traditional mowers. This is due to the precise maneuverability provided by the dual hydrostatic rear-drive system, which allows you to make tight turns at high speeds without affecting the cut quality.
Secondly, zero-turn mowers like Cub Cadet’s improve safety compared to standard ride-on mowers since their low center of gravity keeps them from tipping, and their rollover protection systems guard against falls.
Additionally, these types of mowers typically have faster average mowing speed due to their ability to make sharp turns quickly and easily, saving time spent on larger lawns or jobs that require many turns around obstacles such as trees or bushes.
Additionally, with a narrower width than most traditional riding tractors (averaging between 38 and 54 inches), zero-turns are better suited for navigating tight spaces where traditional products may struggle or becoming blocked altogether.
Finally, many modern models come complete with useful features such as whisper-quiet operation and headlights for late-night fall cleanups or dusk operations on long summer evenings.
What are the cons of using a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower?
The most notable of these is the cost, which can be relatively high compared to some other types of mowers. Zero-turn mowers also require significantly more maintenance than traditional lawn tractors. Additionally, they may require additional space for storage due to their size and weight.
Another downside of this type of mower is that it can be difficult to maneuver on sloped surfaces or uneven terrain since the front wheels move independently from the rear wheels. This means that care must be taken when navigating hilly and rough areas in order to avoid tipping over or damaging the machine itself.
Finally, depending on your particular model, zero-turn mowers may not offer as large cutting decks as standard riding lawn tractors (the largest stand-alone Cub Cadet zero-turn model is limited to 60”).
How to decide if Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is the best option for your needs?
Deciding on whether a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is the right option for your needs involves considering a few different factors. It’s important to look at your budget, land size, and the type of terrain you will be mowing.
If you want to maximize your efficiency in mowing large areas, then these mowers can be especially helpful as they can offer great speed and agility over traditional models.
Additionally, it’s important to think about the type of engine power you desire, as there are several options available that can fit any need.
Considering all of these elements can help narrow down whether or not a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is the best choice for your needs.
What are the most popular models of Cub Cadet zero-turn mower at the moment?
Currently, the two most popular models of Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are the XT1LT50 and the XT2LX46EFI.
The XT1LT50 is powered by a 22 HP Kohler engine and features a 50 inch triple blade mowing deck designed for tight fits around landscaping features. In addition, it also has an ergonomic steering wheel for comfortable maneuvering.
On the other hand, the XT2LX46EFI is equipped with a 24 HP Kawasaki engine allowing it to cut through overgrown turf with ease as well as having an improved fuel efficiency than its counterparts.
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42" Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower
Step up to the ultimate all-around mowing experience with the Ultima Series from Cub Cadet The ZT1 42 FAB zero-turn mower features a 18HP/726cc Kawasaki FR691 twin-cylinder engine that delivers high-performance power for a consistent cut. The 42 in. AeroForce fabricated deck features a cutting system that delivers a signature cut, with fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings and increased evenness of cut. A muscular, 2 in. x 2 in. tubular steel frame holds up against the toughest obstacles.
You’ll ride in elite comfort with a 20-in. high back seat with a durable advanced polymer seat suspension, adjustable lap bars with ergonomic hand grips, a rubber floor mat and ample leg room. A durable and compact AGM battery provides reliable starting season after season with a longer lifespan and less maintenance. By adding our optimized bagging system, specifically designed to prevent clumping and blockage, you get even more from your mowing experience. Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 2 acres. Backed by a strong 3-year/unlimited-hour warranty, limited lifetime warranty on frame and deck.
Specifications
- Engine Brand: Kawasaki /li>
- Engine Model: FR Series
- Engine Model Number: 600V
- Engine Displacement: 726cc
- Engine Output: 18HP
- Starter Type: Electric
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5 gal. US (13.25 L)
- Cylinders: Twin
- Engine Start: Ignition Key
- Engine Oil Capacity: 1.8 qts. US (1.7 L)
- Lubrication: Fully pressurized
- Charging System: 12 amp regulated
- Fuel Gauge: No
- Governor: Mechanical
- Choke: Separate Choke
- Air Filter: Dual element
- Oil Filter: Yes
- Fuel Delivery: Carburetor
- Battery: 210 CCA
- Battery Type: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
- Battery Voltage: 12V
- Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT 2200
- Forward Speed: 7 MPH / 11.3 km/h
- Reverse Speed: 3.5 MPH / 5.6 km/h
- Drive System: Hydrostatic
- Deck Cutting Width: 42 in
- Deck Wash: No
- Deck Material: 11-gauge steel
- Deck Engagement (PTO): Electric
- Deck Construction: Fabricated
- Blade(s): Two
- Deck Lift: Foot pedal with Dial Adjust
- Cutting Height Range: 1''. 4.5''
- Anti-Scalping: Two gauge wheels
- Deck Positions: 15
- Frame: 2'' x 2'' tubular steel
- Turning Radius: 0°
- ROPS: No
- Rear Tow Hitch: Yes
- Corrosion Protection: Yes
- Cruise Control: No
- Brakes: Disc
- Steering Control: Lap Bars
- Seat Type: 20" high back
- Armrests: No
- Seat Adjustment: Knob
- Rear Tires: 20”x 8”-8"
- Front Tires: 11"x 6"-5"
- Tire Tread: Turf Master / Multi Trac
- Mulch Kit: Available separately
- Headlight(s): Dual-LED
- Cup Holder: Yes
- Operator Presence System: Yes
- Parking Brake: Lap Bar Integrated
- Warranty: 3-year unlimited hours
- Frame Warranty: Lifetime Limited
- Deck Shell Warranty: Lifetime Limited
- Commercial Warranty: No
Cub Cadet
"The Best Landscape Sprayer You Will Ever Use!"
The ultimate solution for your zero turn Cub Cadet mower! Mounts on your mower in minutes and features controls that are easy to use, with robust design to resist the elements. The compact boom fold design allows the operator the option to leave the sprayer on the mower during grass cutting operation. Zero Spray utilizes Ultra Low Drift (Air Induction) spray tips to greatly reduce any drift and allows you to spray closer to trees and flower gardens. Simple to use. saving you TIME and MONEY!
- 25 Gallon Tank
- 100" Spray Boom
- High End Spray Wand
- Air Induction Ultra Low Drift Spray Nozzles
- 2.2 GPM 12V Demand Pump
- Pressure Gauge
- Assembled and Pressure Tested at Factory
- Footswitch to Activate Pump
- Easy to Use Boom/Wand/Agitate Controls
Fits Cub Cadet Zero Radius Mower:
Part #CRZT01. L-Series: RZT L42 | RZT L46 | RZT L54R
Part #CRZT01. Z-Force Series: LX48 | L48 | LX54 | L54 | L60 | LX60
Part #RZTS01. Steering Wheel Models: RZTS 42 C | RZTS 42 KH | RZTS 46 KH | RZTS 50 KW | RZTS 54 KH
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers by model
In the early 1960s, International Harvester entered the small tractor market with the Cub Cadet. The IH Cub Cadets were heavy-duty garden tractors many components borrowed from the larger Cub tractor, and built at the same factory in Louisville. In 1981, International's Lawn Products Group was sold to MTD in 1981 as the subsidiary Cub Cadet Corporation (CCC) and production moved to a new factory in Brownsville, Tennessee. While initially independent, Cub Cadets began to gain more common components with the other MTD brands and are now a fully integrated part of the MTD line. The Brownsville factory was closed in 2009.
| Model | Power | Mower Deck | Years |
| 364 | 18 HP | 44" deck | 2001 |
| 365 | 20 HP | 54" deck | 2001 |
| 365L | 18 HP | 54" deck | 2001 |
| 3648 | 17 HP | 48" deck | 1999. 2000 |
| 3654 | 25 HP | 54" deck | 1999. 2000 |
| 3660 | 25 HP | 60" deck | 1999. 2000 |
| Enforcer 44 | 19 HP | 44" deck | 2007. 2009 |
| Enforcer 48 | 21 HP | 48" deck | 2007. 2009 |
| Enforcer 54 | 23 HP | 54" deck | 2007. 2009 |
| RZT 17 | 17 HP | 42" deck | 2004 |
| RZT 22 | 22 HP | 50" deck | 2004 |
| RZT 42 | 17 HP | 42" deck | 2005. 2012 |
| RZT 46 | 22 HP | 46" deck | 2011. 2012 |
| RZT 50 | 22 HP | 50" deck | 2005. 2010 |
| RZT 50 | 22 HP | 50" deck | 2006. 2012 |
| RZT 50 | 23 HP | 50" deck | 2011. 2012 |
| RZT 54 | 25 HP | 54" deck | 2007. 2012 |
| RZT L42 | 22 HP | 42" deck | 2013. |
| RZT L46 | 23 HP | 46" deck | 2013. |
| RZT L50 | 23 HP | 50" deck | 2013. 2014 |
| RZT L54 | 24 HP | 54" deck | 2013. |
| RZT S42 | 22 HP | 42" deck | 2012. |
| RZT S42 Zero | electric | 42" deck | 2013. 2016 |
| RZT S46 | 23 HP | 46" deck | 2012. |
| RZT S50 | 25 HP | 50" deck | 2012. |
| RZT S54 | 25 HP | 54" deck | 2013. |
| RZT S54 | 23 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Recon 48 | 23 HP | 48" deck | 2008. 2009 |
| Recon 60 | 25 HP | 60" deck | 2008. 2009 |
| Tank 48 | 25 HP | 48" deck | 2010 |
| Tank 60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2010 |
| Tank L48 | 25 HP | 48" deck | 2011 |
| Tank L48 | 22 HP | 48" deck | 2014. |
| Tank L54 | 23 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Tank L60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2011 |
| Tank L60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2014. |
| Tank LZ48 | 24 HP | 48" deck | 2012. 2013 |
| Tank LZ54 | 25 HP | 54" deck | 2012. 2013 |
| Tank LZ54 | 27 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Tank LZ60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2012. 2022 |
| Tank M48 | 19 HP | 48" deck | 2002. 2010 |
| Tank M50 | 23 HP | 50" deck | 2005. 2006 |
| Tank M54 | 23 HP | 54" deck | 2002. 2009 |
| Tank M60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2002. 2011 |
| Tank M72 | 28 HP | 72" deck | 2003. 2011 |
| Tank S6031 | 31 HP | 60" deck | 2009. 2012 |
| Tank S6032 | 31 HP | 60" deck | 2010. 2012 |
| Tank S7232 | 31 HP | 72" deck | 2010. 2012 |
| Tank S7237 | 37 HP | 72" deck | 2009. 2012 |
| Tank S 60 | 23 HP | 60" deck | 2015. |
| Tank SZ 48 | 23 HP | 48" deck | 2012. 2013 |
| Tank SZ 54 | 27 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Tank SZ 60 | 27 HP | 60" deck | 2012. 2022 |
| Z-Force 15 | 15 HP | 44" deck | 2003 |
| Z-Force 18 | 18 HP | 44" deck | 2003 |
| Z-Force 42 | 18 HP | 42" deck | 2004 |
| Z-Force 44 | 20 HP | 44" deck | 2004. 2011 |
| Z-Force 48 | 22 HP | 48" deck | 2004. 2013 |
| Z-Force 50 | 23 HP | 50" deck | 2005. 2009 |
| Z-Force 54 | 23 HP | 54" deck | 2010. 2013 |
| Z-Force 60 | 23 HP | 60" deck | 2006. 2007 |
| Z-Force L 48 | 24 HP | 48" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force L 54 | 25 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force L 60 | 25 HP | 60" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force LZ 48 | 24 HP | 48" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force LZ 54 | 24 HP | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force LZ 60 | 24 HP | 60" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force S46 | 20 HP | 46" deck | 2011 |
| Z-Force S48 | 22 HP | 48" deck | 2010. 2013 |
| Z-Force S54 | 22 HP | 54" deck | 2011. 2013 |
| Z-Force S60 | 26 HP | 60" deck | 2010. 2013 |
| Z-Force SZ48 | unknown | 48" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force SZ54 | unknown | 54" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Force SZ60 | unknown | 60" deck | 2014. |
| Z-Wing 48 | 23 HP | 48" deck | 2005. 2006 |
Reporting for Duty: The Cub Cadet Riding Mower Makes Lawn Care Easy
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Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Thinking about purchasing a new riding mower to achieve all your lush lawn dreams? While John Deere is a typical go-to brand for riding mowers, a Cub Cadet Riding Mower should be on your list of selections to consider.
Not only does Cub Cadet offer excellent quality machines at great price points, but they also carry both electric and gas-powered mowers. Cub Cadet’s gas-powered riding mowers are powerful enough for those with large yards and fields. On the other hand, electric Cub Cadet Riding Mowers offer a battery-powered function, which means a quieter ride with zero emissions.
To decide on the best option, consider the area you’ll need to cover and the cost of gas versus electricity. Regardless of the version you choose, Cub Cadet mowers come with a best-in-class three-year, unlimited-hour warranty.
What is a Cub Cadet Riding Mower?
Cub Cadet is an American company that manufactures and sells outdoor power equipment, including riding mowers. Currently, there are three Cub Cadet Riding Mowers types: lawn and garden tractors, zero-turn mowers and electric riding mowers.
Lawn and garden tractors are the highest-powered versions of riding mowers that Cub Cadet offers. They’re best for larger areas and come with various attachments and accessories for year-round versatility and utility.
Zero-turn riding mowers allow users to get mowing jobs done 50% faster and are engineered to handle a range of terrains. They can cover up to five acres, with steering wheel options that make the user experience easier.
Electric riding mowers offer the same powerful performance with zero emissions, thanks to a powerful and convenient lithium-ion battery. The absence of a gas engine makes these machines some of the quietest on the market.
How to Use a Cub Cadet Riding Mower
Cub Cadet Riding Mowers come in gas and electric versions, meaning you will either need to charge the batteries or fill the tank with gas before using it for the first time. Electric model batteries are fully charged in four hours and last up to one and a half hours or up to two acres. On average, gas-powered Cub Cadet Riding Mowers use about three gallons of gas for every 2 hours of use.
As with any new machinery, it’s essential to thoroughly read the user manual before use. To help you learn how to use your Cub Cadet riding mower, we recommend viewing the instructional videos and troubleshooting tips on the Cub Cadet website.
Here are the stats on some of their most popular models that will help you decide which machine is right for your job:
Cub Cadet Electric Mini Riding Mower
VIA MERCHANT
The Cub Cadet Electric Mini Riding Mower has a powerful 56-volt max lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet. The battery lets you mow up to one acre (or for one hour) on a single charge without power fade, and it recharges in about four hours. As with all electric machines, there’s no need for oil, filer or spark plug changes (which can become costly).
Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Riding Mower
VIA MERCHANT
Cub Cadet’s gas-powered Zero-Turn Riding Mower has a premium 23-horsepower twin-cylinder OHV engine, which boasts commercial-grade power to meet the toughest demands. The dual-hydrostatic transmissions allow for a quick 7 mph forward (or 3.5 mph reverse) ground speed that leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish. Its 50-inch AeroForce fabricated deck delivers a signature cut with fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.
Cub Cadet Enduro Lawn and Garden Tractor
VIA MERCHANT
The Cub Cadet Enduro Series Lawn and Garden Tractor has a gas-powered, 23-horsepower Kohler 7000 Series twin-cylinder engine. It features a 46-inch stamped, 12-gauge twin-blade deck with 12 cutting positions. It also has an optimized steering system for responsive handling and a 16-inch turn radius with a zero-turn feel.
The Best Cub Cadet Riding Mower Reviews
“After checking all fluids, pins, etc, some gas and fired right up,” he writes. “What use to take over an hour with the old 30 inch cutter now takes 20 minutes with far less gas consumption.”
J. Blair is on his second Cub Cadet Riding Mower (a CC30E Electric Mini Riding Mower) and says, “Cub Cadet never has disappointed. This is my second cub cadet tractor, and I believe there isn’t a better one out there.”
When it comes to using the electric version, Maeck Dude says, “The Cub [CC30E Electric] mini is amazing. It mows like a champ, even the thick stuff. The mulcher works like a charm, and the electric motor is easy to clean and lasts over an hour. I would highly recommend it for towing stuff as well. It will not mow steep hills and tends to want to slide on a steep slope but it’s really a marvel I’m so impressed with the quality of the machine.”
Where to Buy a Cub Cadet Riding Mower
VIA MERCHANT
You can buy a Cub Cadet Riding Mower directly on the company’s webpage, or from The Home Depot, Farm and Fleet, or Tractor Supply. We recommend purchasing yours online (rather than in-store) unless you want to be tasked with hauling it home. Happy mowing!
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