This article discusses the latest electric riding mowers for 2019. Two years ago there were only three available – today there are more than a dozen!
First: The state of the industry
Going “green” by homeowners and large corporations is leading to a rapid growth in cordless electric landscaping tools. Homeowners now have string trimmers, blowers and walk-behind mowers that are as powerful as their gas counterparts. (and they start every time!) Many corporations are demanding that landscapers use equipment with environmentally friendly features. Towns and homeowner associations are banning gas-powered blowers because of the noise. Some corporations are going as far as requiring landscapers to use ONLY electric mowers and handheld equipment. The market is rapidly approaching the point where the large manufacturers will have to accept the responsibility to develop eco-friendly, durable residential models that move the nation to a completely cordless electric riding mower fleet.
Cordless electric walk-behind mowers are getting better every year. Two years ago there were around 20 – this year there will be over 50 different cordless electric walk-behind mowers that will mow well and last. Most of them are using 36, 54 and 72-volt interchangeable lithium batteries to give you enough run time to mow up to 1/2 acre on one battery. They have plenty of power to mulch, bag or side discharge and can easily mow your city yard or trim your suburban yard. The batteries all plugin – just like your cordless drill so when you run out of juice just change it out for a freshly charged one. Riding mowers (except one) are not quite as advanced.
Husqvarna Leo
We are still waiting for real changes though in the riding mower area. Tool manufacturers and entrepreneurs are jumping into the market but only one of the major mower manufacturers (MTD) currently has electric riding mowers for sale in the U.S. Others, for example, Husqvarna, showed us what it could do five years ago but never made good on that promise. Remember the Panthera Leo? The Panthera Leo deck was so revolutionary I still think the Leo could change the way we mow our yards. They even developed the Husqvarna Rider Battery but never brought it here to the U.S.
Unfortunately, the large brands like Husqvarna appear to still be focused on cramming robotic mowers down our throats. The Robotic Mower is just not something the U.S. market, in general, is interested in. They just don’t get that we LIKE to mow our lawns.
A few other big brands (Gravely EVZT) are working on commercial products but these mowers will be way out of most homeowners price range.
That said, I’ll jump down off my soapbox…..
Noise: All-electric and hybrid riding mowers are much quieter than your gas-powered lawn tractor but they still make noise when the blades are engaged. The noise is still loud enough that you may want to wear hearing protection.
One big advantage that’s not advertised: Performing yard work with an electric rider. My wife loves to work outside on her landscaping. It’s her therapy. She is constantly moving from one landscape bed to another trimming that branch, pinching off that flower or changing a plant that has flowered for another yet to bloom. A Cub Cadet yard cart stays attached all the time. An electric rider is perfect for her. No noise, no choking the engine and waiting for it to warm up. She just turns the key and goes from bed to bed. She doesn’t mow the yard so the electric rider’s battery easily lasts a week or more before it needs to be plugged in and charged.
Please note! **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. But, please feel free to visit your local authorized dealer and purchase locally. I don’t make a commission when you do that but I don’t mind.
Ryobi
Ryobi currently has two electric zero-turns and two electric riders on the market. The riders have been on the market for over two years and gets a solid 4.75 star average rating from owners. I expect the new 42-inch ZTR to be even better!
Ryobi 42 Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Ryobi RY48ztr100
I’ve been waiting for this mower for a long, long time. No emissions, no starting issues, no fuel or other maintenance besides changing the mowing blades once in a while. Combine this ZTR with the Ryobi 40 volt Tool Collection or the Toro Flex-Force System and you no longer need a gas-powered product to maintain your 2-3 acre yard! It’s time to get rid of the gas can! The RYOBI 48V Zero Turn Electric Riding Mower is powered by 75 Ah or 100 Ah Batteries and 4 High-Powered Brushless Motors. This mower can cut up to 2.25/3.0 acres on a single charge. The durable 42 in. steel deck is equipped with two precision cut steel blades. Combined with aggressive zero turn technology, the 12-Position Manual Deck Adjustment provides a clean cut to your lawn every time. The advanced control panel activates the blades, slow speed function, LED headlights, and displays the battery level and run-time. The rear access charging port makes charging your rider easy when the job is done.
- Battery Operated: fully electric and 0 emissions
- Up to 3 acres of mowing per charge (2.25 acres with 75 AH batteries)
- 4 high powered brushless motors
- 42 in. heavy-duty steel deck
- 2 precision cut steel blades
- 12 position manual deck adjustment
- Side discharge, mulching or bagging capable (bagger accessory available online only)
- 1.5 in. to 4.5 in. adjustable cutting height
- Low maintenance: no belts, spark plugs, or filters
- Battery operated: quiet cutting, no gas, fumes, charge and go
- Control panel: battery level indicator, unit hour meter, USB charging
- Easy access rear charging port
- Charges through a standard 120-Volt outlet
- Includes towing hitch and tow assembly hardware
Read more and buy at The Home Depot: Ryobi RY48ZTR75 – 42-inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower with 75 AH batteries
Read more and buy at The Home Depot: Ryobi RY48ZTR100 – 42-inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower with 100AH batteries
Ryobi RM480E – RM480ex ELECTRIC RIDING MOWER
The Ryobi RM480E has been on the market for two years and features a proven battery and propulsion system that will give you years of use. No gas, no oil changes, no real maintenance besides blades and cleaning for years. This mower uses standard deep discharge batteries for long mowing time and long battery life.
Ryobi RM480E
- Battery Operated: fully electric and 0 emissions
- 3 Brushless motors for superior power and performance
- Up to 2 hours of runtime or 2 acres of mowing
- Environmentally friendly.
- Virtually maintenance free.
- Super quiet. Intuitive operation.
With the RM480E, you get all the benefits of owning a fully electric riding lawn mower without sacrificing power, performance or features.
Read more at The Home Depot 75 AH Batteries: Ryobi RM480e 38 in. Battery Electric Riding Lawn Mower
100 AH Batteries: Ryobi RM480ex 38 in. Battery Electric Riding Lawn Mower Up to 2.5 hours run-time!
While you are there buy the Ryobi Gas-Like Power 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer/Hedge Trimmer and Jet Fan Blower Combo Kit and throw the old gas can away!
To give you a little perspective on the electric mowers available elsewhere. Husqvarna sells in the rest of the world the Husqvarna Rider Battery. It uses a 36 volt 125 AH hour battery, 1500 Watt drive motor and two 800 Watt decks motors. The deck is 33 inches (85 cm). It has a maximum runtime of 90 minutes. Cost in U.S. dollars – $3999.
MTD
Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 E
Cub Cadet XT1-LT42e
An All-Electric Lawn Tractor! The big push has been zero-turn mowers but many of you still prefer a lawn tractor. Lawn tractors mow well and they can pull stuff. Lawn tractors are what most of us are used to. Cub Cadet’s LT42e is a 42-inch tractor that uses a 56-volt lithium-ion (60-amp-hour) battery and three brushless direct-drive motors. No gas, no belts, no oil changes, About the only maintenance required for the life of the mower is change/sharpen the blades and clean it off once in a while.
A big advantage of this lawn tractor over the other electric riders currently on the market is it uses Lithium-ion batteries! Lithium-ion batteries have a few major advantages over lead-acid batteries:
- With Lithium-ion batteries, you don’t have the power fade you get with lead-acid electric riding mowers. You get the same cutting performance no matter if the battery is fully charged or almost depleted.
- With Lithium-ion batteries, you can charge them a lot faster than the lead-acid batteries found in other mowers. Cub Cadet is stating you can fully charge the battery in as little as four hours or partially charge the battery to finish a large lawn.
- the Lithium =-ion batteries in this mower are expected to last the life of the mower! No need to worry about replacing batteries after 4 or 5 years.
I expect the quality and speed of cut to be the same as the highly rated LT42 model. Available soon.
- 3,000 watt-hours, 56V lithium-ion
- Up to 1.5-hours or 2-acre cut time
- 42″ twin blades
- Cost to own. LT42 e 3.47 KW per charge; 3.47 * $0.13 =$0.46 per charge. Current average electricity rate: $0.1319. Mow 25 times a year. $.36X25= $11.15. Replace mower blades once a year. $42. Total cost for a year $53.15!
This mower will be sold at exclusive Cub Cadet Dealers: To see more and find a dealer go here: https://www.cubcadetelectric.com/
Cub Cadet CC 30 E ELECTRIC RIDER
Cub Cadet CC 30 e
This mower will be great for someone with a 1/4 to 1-acre lawn. It’s quiet, very easy to use and there is no maintenance required besides changing/sharpening the blade and cleaning it off once in a while. NO oil changes, air filters, belts, transmissions issues or going to the gas station to buy fuel!
- 1,500 watt-hours, 56V lithium-ion
- Up to 1-hour or 1-acre cut time
- 30″ single blade
- Cost to own. CC 30 e 2.75KW per charge; 2.75 * $0.13 = $0.36 per charge. Current average electricity rate: $0.1319. Mow 25 times a year. $.36X25= $9. Replace blade once a year. $23. Total cost for a year $32!
This mower is sold at exclusive Cub Cadet Dealers: To see more go here: https://www.cubcadetelectric.com/
Cub Cadet RZT S Zero – Residential Electric Zero-Turn
If you like to tinker around the yard and don’t mow more than an hour or so at a time the Cub Cadet RZT S Zero is a wonderful mower. Cub Cadet has taken their steering wheel zero turn and replaced the belts, pulleys, transmissions and gas engine with electric motors and batteries.
The RZTS Zero has been on the market for over 3 years and is proving to be a very reliable mower.
The Cub Cadet RZT S Zero has four features that make it a great choice.
No Gas: On your way home from your Cub Cadet dealer with your new mower stop by your local Sears or Home Depot and buy a cordless Craftsman, Ryobi, or EGO
Garden System and when you get home – throw the gas can away.
State of the Art Drive System: Even though this mower uses a deep discharge battery instead of lithium-ion it uses the latest technology to make the best use of battery’s capacity. The 48-volt floating ground system uses 4 of the latest 3-phase brushless DC motors for propulsion and the deck. Two motors for the deck and two motors for the all steel gear transmissions in the rear. Each motor’s speed is precisely controlled. It incorporates a regenerative circuit for downhill braking that actually charges the battery.
A True Zero-Turn that will handle slopes: You know what I think of residential zero-turns. Most of the models on the market work great on flat land but are scary or impossible to drive on slopes. The RZT S Zero is different. It uses steered wheels in front (instead of caster wheels) so that you have full control over the mower all the time. It will handle 15 degrees or less slopes just as well as your lawn tractor. The weight of the batteries is centered over the rear wheels to give you the best traction possible. The steering wheel and foot controlled speed controller make it as easy to drive as your car.
Cub Cadet’s best 42-inch deck: A big advantage with today’s electric mowers is the blade tip speed is precisely controlled. If one or both blades encounter heavy thick grass the speed sensor in the motor automatically keeps the blade at a constant RPM. This feature in combination with the fact that this is Cub Cadet’s best 42-inch deck assures that you will always get the best cut possible. But, it doesn’t stop there. If you are mowing light grass the electronic controllers reduce the current to the motors saving the battery and extending the mowing time. Note: When you first get your new RZT S it may not give you the full hour of run time. The brand new batteries take about 10 charging cycles to reach their full capacity.
Find out more about the Cub Cadet RZT S Zero here: Cub Cadet RZT S Zero
Electric Riding Mowers are not totally free to use but there are still considerable cost savings over the gas or propane powered equivalent. All electrics like the RZT S Zero that you plug-in and charge are not without cost because you still have to pay for the electricity. Electric car owners are seeing about a 70% savings over a 40 MPG car and I expect these riding mowers to give you about the same cost advantages. Of course, the actual cost savings depends on your local electricity rates and the current price of fuel. In addition to the charging cost, conventional deep discharge batteries like the four in the Cub Cadet Zero have an expected life of around 4 to 6 years or 400-600 cycles and cost around $200 EACH. (industry average) In comparison, the Mean Green lithium batteries below have an expected life of around 1500 cycles or 10-15 years.
Troy-Bilt Riding Mower and Craftsman at Lowes.
Last year Troy-Bilt introduced the TB30 E Lithium-Ion Riding Mower. Unfortunately, all those mowers have been discontinued and it looks like Lowes is going to get Craftsman versions instead. Lowes has the sales pages up but there is no indication of if, when or where they will be available.
CRAFTSMAN E225 42-in Lithium Ion Electric Riding Lawn Mower
CRAFTSMAN E150 30-in Lithium Ion Electric Riding Lawn Mower
Weibang
Weibang Rear Engine Electric Rider
Weibang E-Rider 30 in. W 72-Volt Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Rear Engine Riding Mower. This “little” rider has actually been around for quite a while now and this is the first time it is being offered in the U.S. It’s a great mower for smaller 1/3 to 3/4 acre yards. It mows really well and the Lithium-ion battery will mow up to 2 hrs on a charge. I really like the fact that it is light enough to tip it up on the back so you can store it upright, change blades and clean the deck.
- User-friendly control panel with forward, neutral and reverse
- 2 blade cutting system
- LED lights mounted on the front bumper
- 10 cutting positions 1 in. to 4 in.
- Comfortable adjustable seat
- Easy to clean deck
Buy at the Home Depot: Weibang E-Rider 30 in. W 72-Volt Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Rear Engine Riding Mower
American Power Products
There is a new ZTR on the market from a company called American Power Products. I don’t have enough info at this time to discuss it here.
Number One: Mean Green – Commercial Electric Mowers
Mean Green Mowers has a complete line of lithium-powered commercial riding, stand-on, walk-behind and trimming mowers. They feature interchangeable high-capacity battery packs that can quickly be exchanged to power their mowers all day long. This is the true “Tesla” of riding mowers – state of the art batteries, chargers, and electronics.
Like the Tesla autos, there is no maintenance on these mowers other than occasional inspections for safety and a few grease fittings. No seasonal maintenance like oil, spark plugs, oil filters, air filters, hydraulic fluid, etc to purchase and store. Best of all, there is NO gas to purchase and haul around in your trunk! No storage cans of stale fuel sitting around your garage! Commercial owners are seeing savings of hundreds of dollars per month on parts and fuel alone, not to mention the high labor costs to accomplish the maintenance. The additional cost of the batteries quickly is offset by maintenance and operating savings over gas-powered equipment.
The mowers themselves are true commercial grade mowers and cost about the same as an equivalent commercial gas-powered zero-turn. The battery packs and chargers are additional.
Did I mention how quiet they are?
Find out more about Mean Green Mowers here: Mean Green Mowers
Greenworks
Greenworks is now offering commercial zero-turn and stand-on lithium-ion powered mowers. Check them out here. Greenworks Commerical
Michelle
Which would you go with …… Cub Cadet 30 cce or Ryobi RM480E. Which one is better built and reliable. Thanks.
Paul
HI Michelle, The Cub Cadet is based on the 30-inch rider that MTD has been using for over 10 years now. It has Lithium-ion batteries which will last a lot longer than the lead-acid gel batteries in the Ryobi. It is a very solid unit.
Cub Cadet 30CCE at the Home Depot. You will save about $300 buying it from the Home Depot over a dealer but it comes to your home in a crate. You need hand tools to assemble the seat and steering wheel. If you buy it from a Cub Cadet dealer they assemble it, make sure everything is right and will deliver it to your home ready to mow.
Since this is an electronic device any problems will have to be repaired by an authorized repair center. Cub Cadet also has a lot more service centers nationwide than Ryobi.
I’ve been looking at one myself and right now I would buy the Cub Cadet.
Michelle
Great articles, thanks!
Any idea if EGO will be coming out with an electric rider?
Paul
Hi Michelle, I was just at the GIE-EXPO where everyone shows off next year’s lawn & garden equipment. No mention of a rider from EGO.
ChrisPi
I strongly recommend this:
STIGA E-PARK 220
https://www.stiga.com/int/e-park220
Paul
Hi ChrisPi, I’ve always liked the Stiga brand and it’s a good alternative to the Husqvarna articulated mowers. Unfortunately, no one in the U.S. wants an articulated mower. Even Husqvarna dropped them for 2019 here. There is one distributor if you live in Canada.
Rick Harpenau
Hey Paul. Great article post.
Looking for a 42″ deck, lithium, zero turn for 1.7 acres with a trailer hitch option for small load toting. Didn’t really see one that met these wish list features. Anything coming down the pike soon? Thanks
Paul
Hi Rick, The only lithium-ion zero turns right now are the Mean Green and Greenworks commercial mowers. There are no lithium residential ZTRS at this time – Cub Cadet has a lithium rider and a 42-inch lithium tractor. But check back with me after Nov. 1st. I’m heading to GIE-EXPO in a few weeks and I expect battery-powered L&G to explode at the show this year.
Jeremy
Hello Paul,
I am curious if you have any new information about the Cub Cadet cc30 electric riding mowers braking system, or lack there of. I have a home with a gradual slope down the side (it has a walkout basement). I would prefer the lithium ion the cub uses vs the deep cycle the Ryobi uses. The lack of a way to slow down the hill would be a bummer though. Also I have found very few reviews online, if anyone has had a good or bad experience I’d love to hear.
Paul
Hi Jeremy, None of the current electric riding mowers have a regenerative braking system that will hold it at a constant speed going downhill. The only way is to hold your foot on the parking brake. The cub cadet cc30 does have a disc brake attached directly to the motor output shaft. The brake pad (puck) is only $4.50 if you need to replace it every year. https://www.partstree.com/models/cc30e-electric-mini-rider-33aa27jd710-2019/
That a good topic to bring up when I talk to Cub Cadet the middle of October.
Jeremy
Paul,
If i were to wait until the next model year, for any possible changes made, what time frame would I be looking at? Does Cub-cadet have a specific month they generally release the next years models?
Thank you for your time
Paul
Hi Jeremy, They usually announce new items in March but they make give a sneak peek at the GIE-EXPO coming up October 16th. I’ll check with them there.
Jeremy
Thank you Paul, that would be much appreciated.
I’ll check back with you later in the month.
Have a good one,
Jeremy
Jeremy
Paul,
Any interesting news out of the expo yesterday? Would it be worth waiting for gen 2 next spring? Or do things seem to be status quo for next season?
Paul
Hi Jeremy, GIE-EXPO has turned into a show aimed towards the mowing/landscape contractor so there was very little residential there at all. MTD, Ryobi, etc., didn’t show anything. No rumors from the other brands. That said, the only new electric was the Greenworks Commercial Lithium Z RZ48R. It looks very well built and with a price to match.
Bruce Stedman
Hi Paul, I looked at both the Weibang electric rider and the Ryobi electric rider. I went with the Weibang only because of the small footprint as it needs to share space with many other tools (and a car) in my garage. The Weibang does a fine job on my small yard with enough power and operation time. The only wish I’d have would be a grass collection bag that would be used on occasion as the Bermuda grass gets a close cut in the spring and fall.
David Kennett
Hi
I’m in the market for a riding electric lawn mower. The deck size is not as important as reliability and the ease of removing the blade for sharpening. You advice as to a suitable product would be most welcome.
Paul
Hi David, I suggest waiting until March 1st to look for an electric rider. Right now the brands have not announced all the mowers for 2019. There are rumors of at least two new electric riders coming from well-known brands but there has been no verification.
Joe
Paul, this may be out of the park for you, but I am looking for something for about $1000 or less that will let me tow a 2500 lb load at about walking speed on flat ground or for ten feet up a 3 degree or less slope for about ten feet. Do any of these riding mowers have that capability? (I’ll even disconnect the cutters if that helps..:) )
Paul
Hi Joe, Nothing new. You may be able to find an older John Deere 110, Cub Cadet, etc for that kind of money. One with a 3 or 4 speed gearshift. Those older units have the cast iron rear axles which could handle pulling a load.
Pat Reynolds
Hello Paul, I just purchased the Ryobi Electric rider.It is great but a bit bumpy. I have a slooping yard that goes up 15 degrees for about 500 feet. The rider has no trouble going up but i have to ride the brake going down. My question is will I destroy the brakes quickly or do you think they are made to handle this abuse? Also would the Cub Cadet have a better braking system for my sloop? I still have a couple of weeks to return the Ryobi to Home Depot. Pat
Paul
Hi Pat, That’s the one problem with electric riders. There is no engine/transmission braking so you have to use the brake going down a slope.
The Ryobi is unique in the riding mowers in that it has actual adjustable drum brakes in the rear. I expect them to last and the replacement drums will be easy to replace if they ever do wear out.
I actually don’t know if the Cub Cadet will free wheel down a slope like all the other electric riders. It uses two electric motors and gearboxes, one for each rear wheel but looking at the parts diagram I don’t see a good braking system like the Ryobi – just a parking brake.
Criggie
15 degrees is quite an angle – can you go straight across the slope rather than up and down? Main risk is rollover.
Paul
Hi Criggie, The electrics on the market all have a very narrow wheelbase so I would not recommend going across a slope with them.
Josh McCullough
Would have been cool if Ryobi included regenerative braking in its E-riding-mowers. Then you could charge that battery on the down-hill runs and not have to touch the brake at all in most cases. Maybe the next version!
Paul
Hi Josh, I’m actually more concerned about the safety aspect. I would like to see some form of regenerative braking, gearing or automatic brakes that allowed the mower to stay at a constant speed going down hills. Right now, all of the residential electric mowers will free-wheel down a slope and it can be very surprising when it first happens to someone who is used to a lawn tractor where the transmission or engine holds the mower from running away down the slope.
Josh McCullough
Do they not have cruise control (or does cruise control not brake)?
Paul
Hi Josh, There is no braking with the cruise control. You have to use the brake pedal when going down a steep hill.
chris r
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the review. I just got the RM480E and may return it for the EX – the E is great but more battery life would be better. As for the Cub Cadet – I figured it would be more delicate but I have no data to back up that opinion – do you think the Cub Cadet can handle rougher ground better than the Ryobi? Money is not the issue here – I just want the longest lasting more for “somewhat rough” bumpy ground. The Ryobi is doing fine.
Paul
Hi Chris, The Cub Cadet has larger wheels and weighs a little more so it will be a better ride. It does not have any more battery run time than the Ryobi RM480E though. It’s also a more complicated unit. You will have to take it to a dealer if you have any electrical or steering problems. It is a good unit and since it uses many of the same parts as the other MTD zero-turns you will be able to get aftermarket blades, etc.
chris r
How worried should I be that the dealers I have called on the Cub Cadet have had the units sitting around their showrooms for over a year? The one near me flat out admitted they don’t keep it on a charger topped off (like I’ve read lead acid batteries need to be).
The rep told me they just let it gradually charge down and at some point charge it up again – and then take it off the charger. To some extent this sounds like the same ignorant nonsense electric car buyers experience when they go to buy EV’s at traditional car dealers – and goes back to Elon Musk’s argument that he needed dedicated stores to sell Teslas because otherwise the reps would push gas cars.
Paul
Hi Chris, The charger for the RZT-S Zero actually charges and then turns itself off for 28 days. It has an internal clock so it will wake up and check the battery. So if you are not using the mower you should keep it plugged into the charger. I understand Elon Musk’s dilemma. Unless that dealer also services golf carts they probably don’t have the training and experience to get the most out of deep cycle batteries. There is a professional shop manual for the RZT-S Zero but most sales personnel don’t read it to know how to maintain the batteries. That said, The unit comes with a 3 year/120 hour warranty on the batteries. If properly maintained they should last 4-7 years. The current replacement cost of the battery set (you have to replace all four at once) is about $800. http://www.cubcadetrztszero.com/Content/documents/rzt-s-zero-brochure.pdf and http://cubcadet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10698/~/battery-information—rzts-zero-electric-riding-mower
Please read this article: 5+ Ultimate Electric Riding Mower Battery Care Tips. It discusses batteries and charger in detail.
Doug Akers
Excellent article. Great information. Very informative.
Are you aware of Ryobi, or anyone, planning to make a dual lever controlled electric true ZTR mower? It appears this unit is able to go into reverse and keep the blades cutting, but still not the agility of a true ZTR.
Paul
HI Doug, A half dozen have already tried it and there are currently two available in this article. The Cub Cadet and Mean Green Mowers.
I know of two other machines in prove-design but they will be in the $10,000-$15,000 range if put into production. There is a lot more demand and acceptance of the initial cost with commercial and business owners. In fact more and more businesses and municipalities are required 100% electric.
Josh McCullough
The Ryobi electric ZTRs are dual-lever. Not sure what you mean as far as “true ZTR”.
Paul
Hi Josh, “much to learn you still have, my young padawan.” “Zero-Turn” means that the equipment can pivot 360 degrees at the center point of the driving axle. In the case of our ZTR mowers, they use two transmissions. Each one can drive one wheel in a forward motion and the other in reverse so it rotates or pivots on the axle. The center deck ZTR’s use two transmissions to pivot on the rear axle, front deck ZTRs (like the Walker) use two transmissions to pivot on the front axle.
The operator controls can be dual lap-bar, dual joystick, single joystick, remote control, steering wheel and soon – fly-by-wire.
Most mowers (like lawn tractors) with steerable front wheels use a single transaxle in the rear. The Cub Cadet RZT-S is unique because it has two independent transmissions in the rear so it can Zero-turn like the Ryobi but it also has steerable front wheels so it will hold on side-hills a lot better than conventional ZTR’s. The front wheels are electronically tied to the rear wheels so that when you turn the front wheels the speed of the rear wheels changes in proportion to the amount of steering. In other words, you can turn the front wheels all the way and one of the rear transmissions will actually go in reverse so the mower pivots on the rear axle (zero-turns)
So the Cub Cadet RZT-S is a true ZTR – meaning it has independent rear transmissions yet the front wheel actually steer.
Brad
What’s your opinion about the ryobi vs Cub cadet zero. I have about 1 – 1.5acre with a gradual slope from end to end and a few obstacles. I don’t particularly have a preference zero turn or not, I just want one that will do the job and like the idea of electric. I would like to be able to toe a basic cart/spreader. I like the ryobi’s price and 100ah battery, but not sure if the 38* deck will make it slow compare to the Cub cadet. My local dealer has the cub cadet zero, they were pushing the xt1 or zforce L series over the electric.
Paul
Hi Brad, I like both the Ryobi and the Cub Cadet Zero but the Cub Cadet is a lot heavier built. It’s basically a RZT zero turn with electrics instead of gas. The Z-Force-L the dealer is pushing is a heavier machine yet.
Be aware the dealers push what they are familiar with. Electric mowers are WAY out of their comfort zone. The XT1 and L series gas mowers are something he is used to and both don’t give him any problems.
Total mowing time between 38 and 42 inches on 1.5 acre is only about 15 minutes. They both have plenty of “horsepower” to mow your lawn.
Either one will pull a small cart/spreader without any problems over the years.
Two negatives. I don’t have an issue with either one of these but I need you to be aware of them.
1. The Ryobi is a typical electric mower. It’s a nice solid gear drive unit but it does not have enough regenerative braking to hold the unit back when mowing downhill. So you may have to keep your foot on the brake when mowing down the slope. (It has a good drum brake) I have a slope like yours here and I usually mow it across the slope instead of up and down with the Raven MPV-7100. The Cub Cadet is a zero-turn so it has two independent gear motors for the drive. I’ve never had a chance to test one on a slope so I don’t know if it will hold itself going down your hill. See if the dealer will bring it out and let you drive it down your slope.
2. The Ryobi will have well over two hours of run time with the 100 amp batteries so it can easily mow your 1.5 acres. (Remember to always keep electric mower plugged into the charger between mows. That makes the batteries last longer.) The CUB Cadet advertises only a one hour run time. That’s not enough to mow your 1.5 acres. BUT – When Consumer Reports tested the mower they got closer to 2 hours of runtime out of a charge. That’s plenty to mow your lawn. So what I’m saying is, if you buy the Cub Cadet you may have to mow your front lawn one day and then mow the back the next.
Personally, my wife loves the Raven MPV-7100 for her yard/landscaping work. She doesn’t have to start an engine to move her trailer and it’s quiet. Unfortunately the Raven is obsolete, problem prone, and it will fail sooner than later. When it does I’ll probably just buy the Ryobi for her to use around the yard. (I have an ExMark to actually mow with.) If I was going to replace all my mowers with one unit though I’d go with the Cub Cadet. It’s heavier built and I can get more attachments for it. I’m pretty sure it will mow my lawn in one sitting but I work from home so I don’t have a problem if I have to mow the front one day and the back the next.
Brad
Wow, thanks for the great response.
STeve
Hi Paul! Need your opinion on what is best for a 27% incline – that’s right – 27% incline and it’s about 40 acres worth. What would be the best option here?
Paul
Steve, There are very few choices available for that steep of slope. A classic that I owned was the SuperSlopeMaster but they are over $50,000 nowdays. Everyone is promoting robotic mowers for slopes but they are too slow for 40 acres. You’ll be there all month.
The first and best choice is a Ventrac. What’s nice about Ventracs is they are multi-purpose machines and you can do so much more than just mow with them. They have a lot of info on their site and you can also go to youtube and search Ventrac. Dozens of videos will pop up.
Use this link Ventrac and start with their dealer locator. If they don’t have a dealer in your area call 1 800 393 0893 during the week and they’ll help you out. If you get a chance let them know todaysmower sent you please.
Erin D
Hi Paul! I need some help. We moved into a new house with a substantial yard. Last summer we paid a company who mowed every other week for $50 a visit. We ended up spending over $600. This year I would like to get a riding lawn mower nothing crazy both Lowes and Sears have models that are $999. So here are my questions:
1) If my gate opening is 42 inches what deck widths will fit through it? Can a 42 in deck fit?
2) Is it costly or difficult to maintain a riding lawnmower? (i.e. how often do blades need to be replaced, etc)
Your advice appreciated.
Paul
Hi Erin, A 42 inch deck needs a 45 inch or larger gate. Depending on the size of your yard and my rough guess since they charged $50 I’d guess you yard is about 1/2 acre. That usually requires 1-2 sets of blades a year. An oil change, oil filter and air filter. That cost if you do it yourself would be $75-100 a year.
Here is an article that shows all the inexpensive riders including the 30 inch models. Seven Best Riding Mowers Under $1500 for 2017
Erin D
Thank you so much! I am going to Lowes to buy the Troy Bilt TB30R (It will fit through my gate). Would you recommend getting the Protection Plan or our they a waste of money? The plan Lowes offers is as follows:
3-Year Outdoor Power Equipment Extended Protection Plan ($800 – $999.99)
$149.97
50% Preventative Maintenance Reimbursement from the date of your Protection Plan purchase on select preventive mainenance items such as fuel stabilizer, filters, belts, blades, batteries and more!
Parts and labor are covered 100% on qualified repairs
For products $799 and over, we’ll pick up, repair, and return the product
Repair Quick™, if we can’t repair it within 14 days, then Lowe’s will send you a one-time payment of $50
No Lemon Policy – If your covered product requires a fourth repair, we’ll replace it
Lowe’s Outdoor Power Equipment Protection Plans start the day you purchase them
Lowe’s Protection Plans can be transferred with the product to a new owner
No hassles or deductibles
Paul
Hi Erin, No, I do not recommend the Lowes plan for a Troy-Bilt. The company that does their service has a habt of taking your mower and not bringing it back for months.
Erin D
Thank you! Much appreciated!