How reliable are zero-turn mowers from Cub Cadet?
I know how frustrating it is to buy the incorrect zero-turn mower after realizing how crucial it is to maintaining your lawn. The problem is that it’s not a lot of fun since most dealers are just interested in making a sale, some evaluations are very suggestive or prejudiced, and your hard-earned money is at risk. Even with these limitations, you should be able to determine whether the Cub Cadet is the ZTR for you.
Cub Cadets are well-known for their innovative look, cutting-edge technology, low price, large power output, and ease of use. The company is well-known for its propensity to provide commercial freebies to its residential customers and a wide selection of monstrous models to its business clientele. Like other zero-turn brands, however, they are not without their flaws and may have varying effects on various drivers.
Regardless, I have written a thorough evaluation to guide you in making a wise choice and arriving at a positive judgment.
When it comes to efficiency and versatility, Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are unrivaled. They make nice models that will do the mowing job properly, so even if there are certain things I’m not satisfied with, I still recommend them.
Table of Contents
Fast Facts: How Different Cub Cadet ZTR Models Differ in Their Core Functions
| Features | Variants |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Varieties | Kohler, Kawasaki, Briggs & Stratton |
| Horsepower | 17 – 37 |
| Transmission | Gearing for EZT Hydro Systems |
| Speed | 7.5 – 13 mph |
| Sort of Deck | Fabricated or Stamped |
| Amount of Space on the Deck | 42” – 72” |
5 Good Reasons to Buy a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Lawnmower
Cub Cadet’s zero-turn mowers come in a wide range of models, each with its own set of advantages and customization options. If a certain model doesn’t cut it for your mowing needs, you have a few others to choose from.
This is just one of the many reasons why I think a Cub Cadet ZTR would be a great addition to your shed; here are five more:
1. A sturdy, corrosion-resistant tubular steel framework
It is possible to estimate how quickly a riding mower will deteriorate over time based not just on the components utilized but also on how the frame was put together.
The Cub Cadet has a continuous steel frame that provides a solid foundation, dampens vibrations, and shields its individual components. Anti-corrosion metal is used for the shielding bars, which together form a single steel frame that extends behind the vehicle to safeguard the engine from damage while backing up.
If you own a Cub Cadet mower, you may rest easy knowing that the frame won’t rust or break.
2. Added mowing time thanks to the machine’s included pair of LED headlights
This feature may enrage your neighbors, but if you’re the kind to get things done as quickly as possible, you’ll like the bright lighting. If you do your mowing in the wee hours of the morning or the late hours of the evening, your yard will be adequately lit for your convenience.
3. The Amazing AeroForce Decks
For improved mulching and grass clippings dispersion, the Cub Cadet ZTR has an AeroForce deck that channels a strong airflow over the blades. Grass clippings are propelled with great force back onto the lawn because to the deck’s broad exit underneath the rubber chute. In addition, they perform well in the rain. The Cub Cadet can mow in any weather condition.
4. An ergonomic layout and a low-stakes learning curve
A plate-like extension serves as the panel, and on it are arranged all the buttons and dials that make up the control board. Instead of the standard lever or pin approach used by beginners, the knob used to alter the cutting height is conveniently located on the control panel within easy reach of the user, eliminating the need to stoop or extend.
5.Their prices are reasonable to begin with
Even though I don’t recommend cheap residential mowers, you could find one to your liking due to its low price. Residential versions start at $3,500, while the top of the range may cost up to $20,000. Zero-turn mowers improve to a satisfactory level as their price increases, and this improvement is spread across all variants (such as electric, steering-wheel-drive, and diesel-powered mowers) for which the price increases dramatically.
The Cub Cadet Z-Turn Mower Has These 4 Big Issues
A Cub Cadet ZTR for your over 2-acre yard that costs less than $4,500 might be your ticket to being irritated on a beautiful day.
Given that most zero-turn mower buyers are likely to be homeowners in search of home-use models, this is a huge letdown. In fact, the brand’s widespread use of cheap, low-quality components in its entry-level models is the only reason it made our list of the worst zero-turn mowers.
If that is you, there are four important issues you should think about before purchasing a Cub Cadet z-turn:
1. The Annoying Sound
When in use, the low-end residential Cub Cadets make a horrible screeching noise. As quickly as your luck has turned, so will your neighbors’. You know how some landscapers don’t bother to put on earplugs before mounting their z-turns? Certainly not on a Cub Cadet, not if you value your hearing.
2. Reason trumps Practicality
When you move the chairs over to get to the batteries, they fall down and become limp in a way that seems eerie on most residential models. I would propose or anticipate seeing something to keep the chairs from crashing down into the footplate, but there is nothing there. This seemingly little issue might really cause significant stress for the elderly.
The deck’s wash ports suffer from the same problem; they admit water for washing away dry clippings but lack the appropriate suction to match the AeroForce deck varieties. Cleaning the deck thoroughly will need some stooping and deliberation.
To prevent rust from settling in, it’s best to avoid wetting the blade and pulley region as much as possible and instead utilize the tried-and-true dry-scraping technique.
3. Minor Problems with the Seating
Cub Cadet residential mowers don’t have seats that impress me, that’s for sure. I would hope that a machine with lights on top would also give some level of comfort, since I would be sitting in it for long periods of time. Even though I know that riding a zero-turn mower won’t be much pleasure, I still hope for a reasonable degree of suspension and comfort, neither of which I get in the consumer-level models.
4. Issues with a Rocking Boat
The continuous structure provides more endurance, but the decks are often fastened so loosely that you can’t put your foot on them. This issue has occurred on my Ultima ZT1. This does not happen on every single ZTR that the firm manufactures and sells, but it does happen sometimes. This is more prevalent in cheaper versions, albeit it should not occur at all.
Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mowers: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions
- To what extent does Cub Cadet provide zero-turn mowers?
The brand has continually innovated since the late ’90s, and now they offer over 65 different models (some of which are out of production).
- How often do zero-turn mowers from Cub Cadet require service?
The degree of oversight is about par for the course, given that customers may theoretically end up with a broken machine. A zero-turn mower’s simple upkeep aside, Cub Cadets are sturdy, self-sufficient machines that seem like something out of the future.
- What is the average lifespan of a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower?
Depending on the model, this might last anything from 8 years for prototypes designed for the general public to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
- Where are zero-turn mowers by Cub Cadet made?
Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee are home to Cub Cadet’s three U.S. factories where they produce ZTRs.
- Do you know whether there are any substitutes for Cub Cadet ZTRs?
The Toro zero-turn mowers are competitive with the Cub Cadets in terms of pricing and features. If you’d rather have a comfortable, effective, fast, and visually appealing lawn, though, you may go for an Ariens ZTR.
