Cub Cadet Lawn Tractors and Garden Tractors
Good lawn tractors and garden tractors are disappearing from the U.S. because zero-turn mowers are taking over. Because of that, finding a good, dependable lawn tractor or garden tractor is a lot harder today than it was just 5 years ago.
So, what brand still has the largest selection of affordably priced, best value lawn & garden tractors? Cub Cadet.
This article will discuss:
- New features and updates for 2021.
- Features that make Cub Cadet the best value.
- Do You need a Lawn or Garden Tractor?
- XT1 or XT2 or XT3?
- The Tractors – By Price
My goal is to help you find the best product for you and your yard. So, I rate products differently than most sites. I not only look at the price, the craftsmanship, and the quality of cut but also the dealers, ease of warranty service, and parts networks that support the product. I analyze the online reviews and YouTube videos to see if there are reoccurring issues with the products and tell you about them before you buy.
In other words, I’m here to help you decide if a Cub Cadet is the best choice for you.
New features and updates for 2021
- Electric Lawn Tractor! Cub Cadet has taken their most popular 42-inch lawn tractor and made it electric! The new XT1 LT42E features a 56 volt, 60Ah, 3000 Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 115v wall outlet. It will mow up to 2 acres without power fade and recharges in 4 hours. You don’t have to charge it fully so if you didn’t quite get done, put it on the charger for 20 minutes and go back out and finish your lawn. The power of gas but no need for oil, filters, spark plugs, belts, pulleys, fuel storage cans, and no need to buy gas.
- Revised XT2 Series. The XT2 series now features Kawasaki engines and all models use the Cub Cadet AeroForce 11 ga fabricated decks. The new automotive-inspired styling stands out with a bold new look. Better front ball bearing wheels, stitched high back seat, and a new AGM battery that will give you a much longer life than the old-style lead-acid type. Carrying on the XT2 tradition the tractor still comes standard with 4-ply tires, Tuff-Torq hydrostatic transmissions, armrests, adjustable seat for short and tall operators, standard front bumper, and LED lights.
- Electric Riding Mower! The CC30 30 inch rider is now available in electric! The new CC 30E features a 56 volt, 30Ah, 1500 Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 115v wall outlet. It will mow one acre without power fade and recharges in 4 hours. You don’t have to charge it fully so if you didn’t quite get done, put it on the charger for 20 minutes and go back out and finish your lawn. No need for oil, filters, spark plugs, belts, pulleys, and no need to buy gas.
Features that make Cub Cadet the best value.
Engines: When it comes to lawn & garden tractors Cub Cadet is leading the way in engine tech.
- Cub Cadet EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection.) Offered on select XT1 models EFI provides reliable starting, better fuel economy, and IntelliPower™ Technology* which adds more power when you need it most.
- Kohler Professional 7000 series: Offered on the XT1 series. The 7000 series has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best lawn mower engines on the market. Reliable, fuel-efficient and will last you many years.
- Kawasaki FR Series: Offered on the XT2 series. The Kawasaki FR series has a reputation as the best lawn mower engine for homeowners on the market. Reliable, fuel-efficient and will last you many years.
- Kohler Command Pro: Offered in the XT3 series. The Command PRO engines are the benchmark for commercial power. They’re built to last for years.
Transmissions. Transmissions define what you can pull and how long the mower will last mowing slopes. Cub Cadet uses five transmissions and they are matched correctly to the lawn/garden tractor and what you expect the tractor to do. Cub Cadet only offers hydrostatic transmissions. They do not offer cheap CVT or gear drives.
- Hydro-Gear T2HP. Used only in the CC 30 H Mini riding mower. This is a nice over-sized transmission and it will allow you to pull yard carts, etc.
- Tuff Torq® TL-200. Riding Mowers. This economical transmission is used for tractors with 42-46 inch decks. Designed for smaller suburban yards. You can pull a small yard cart, sprayer, dethatcher, etc.
- Tuff Torq®K46. Lawn/Yard Tractors. This is the “standard” transmission for lawn tractors with 42-50 inch decks and 18-20 inch rear tires. This transmission will handle mowing slopes, pulling larger yard carts and lawn rollers. I don’t recommend it in lawn tractors with 54-inch decks and 22-24 inch tires that mow slopes. (Cub Cadet has one I’ll warn you about later)
- Tuff Torq®K58. Garden Tractors. This is an economical heavy-duty transmission designed to handle any size deck and pull ground engaging equipment. This transmission uses one-inch axles so it will handle more weight and is a great choice if you want to add a mounted snowblower. (Other brands use the K57 which has lighter 3/4 inch axles)
- Tuff Torq®K62 w/diff-lock. Heavy-Duty Garden Tractors. This is the heaviest-duty transmission available for garden tractors with a vertical shaft engine. It replaces the older K66 still found in other brands.
- Hydro-Gear BDU-10 with Shaft Drive Cast Iron Hydrostatic. (XT3 series ONLY) automotive style direct shaft drive from the engine to the transmission. The XT3 is the only Garden tractor left on the market with a cast iron transmission and driveshaft. Yes, It’s the best there is and easily will be the last mower you need to buy.
Frame. Cub Cadet uses the strongest frame for all their lawn & garden tractors!
Cub Cadet uses one strong frame for all the XT1 & XT2 lawn and garden tractors so you can be assured that it will last. It is a stiff frame so it will not flex and break over the years. The frames have automotive-grade corrosion resistance to protect against wear and tear.
(My Opinion: Over the last five years other brands have been having issues with their frames cracking, bending, and rusting. Cub Cadet has not had any of these issues.)
Decks. Consistent quality cut. Quick-Attach decks on all models allow you to easily remove the deck for cleaning, blade sharpening, and maintenance. XT2 tractors all have fabricated decks.
- Stamped: Cub Cadet’s stamped decks are among the best cutting decks. They are the best for bagging and mulching.
- Fabricated: Most zero-turn mowers have switched to fabricated decks because most ZTRs mow faster than lawn tractors and fabricated decks are stronger and will take more punishment when hitting trees, posts, and foundations. Cub Cadet fabricated decks cut well and most people can’t see the difference between these decks and a stamped deck’s cut quality, Cub Cadet was the first to add fabricated decks to their lawn and garden tractor lines.
Accessories: Cub Cadet has the largest selection of accessories and attachments for your lawn and garden tractor Cub Cadet Accessories. In addition, they will pull the thousands of attachments from Agri-Fab, Ohio Steel, Polar, and others The Home Depot Riding Mower & Tractor Attachments.
Do You need a Lawn or Garden Tractor?
Lawn Tractors. (LT, LX, SLX, ST) are designed to mow your lawn and pull small yard carts, dethatchers, sprayers, and leaf rakes. They will handle hills well when equipped with 42-50 inch decks. They will last years on your “typical” suburban or city lot up to 3 acres. Most of us will be quite happy with this style and durability.
Garden tractors. (GT, GX, GSX series) are designed to handle mounted snowblowers well, pull large yard carts full of material, and pull grading rakes for gravel driveways and horse arenas. They can push dirt/gravel with a front-mounted blade. The larger front and rear wheels give you a better ride on rough lawns and better traction on slopes. Garden Tractors only come with 50 or 54-inch decks. The largest model has a differential lock for hills and pulling ground engaging equipment.
XT3 Garden Tractors. The XT3 series can handle anything you want to use them for. Mowing, snow blowing, pulling large lawn rollers, arena rakes, and even small manure spreaders. They have decks available from 42 to 60 inches. There is a model with a differential lock and power steering.
XT1 or XT2 or XT3?
The XT1 series is what most of you will buy. You get great performance and a reasonable price. It’s a great value! It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
- Industry-standard 2-ply tires
- Industry-standard front wheel bushings
- Dependable Kohler 7000 Series engines on most models
- Comfort Seat
- 3-year warranty
The XT2 series is the same lawn/garden tractor as the XT1 but adds more comfort features, better tires, ball bearing wheels, and comes with a front bumper or brush guard. It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
- Heavy-Duty Aggressive Multi-Trac 4-ply tires
- Ball-bearing front wheels
- Deluxe High-Back Seat
- Armrests
- Soft Touch steering wheel
- V-twin Kawaski engines on all models
- K46 transmission on 42-inch models.
- K58 and K62 Transmissions on Garden Tractors
- 3-year warranty
The XT3 series is a completely different garden tractor and is the only tractor on the market “built the way they used to be.” It is noticeably built heavier and stronger than just about any lawn/garden tractor on the market and is thousands less than similar quality tractors from the other brands. It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
- 25 HP Kohler® Command twin horizontal engine
- Shaft Driven Cast Iron Transmission with Diff-Lock
- LED Headlights
- Power Steering (GSX)
- Differential Lock (GSX)
- Full wrap-around brush guard
- Ball-bearing front wheels
- Armrests
- Soft Touch steering wheel
- Steel (not cast) drive hubs
- 4-year Warranty, Welded twin C-channel frame assembly (5-year limited warranty)
- 42″, 50″, 54″ Stamped and 48″, 54″, 60″ Fabricated (SOLD SEPARATELY)
My uncle Bob was one of the engineers in the late 50’s who designed the original Cub Cadet mower introduced in 1961. The original driveshaft model was introduced in 1963. The first hydrostatic driveshaft model was introduced in 1994. The XT3 still uses an upgraded version of that drive-shaft, cast-iron hydrostatic transmission.
The Tractors – By Price
CC 30 H
- The Cub Cadet CC30 H is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 344 cc engine with choke-a-matic.
- Hydrostatic Transmission
- 30-inch stamped, 14-gauge, single blade side discharge mowing deck with mulch kit included.
- Ideal for mowing up to 1 acre of mostly flat terrain and a few obstacles.
- LED headlight for extended life and enhanced visibility.
- 3-year/120-hour limited residential warranty.
- Model Number 13AC21JD010
$1599.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
42 Inch Deck Models
XT1 LT42 Lawn Tractor
- 541cc/18 HP 5400 Series single-cylinder Kohler engine
- Stamped QuickAttach™ 42 in. twin-blade cutting deck designed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut with a SmartJet™ high-pressure deck washing system for a quick and easy cleanup
- Hydrostatic transmission; no shifting – just push a pedal and go
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides easy turning and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq TL-200 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Great for up to 1.5 acre lawns
- Can handle most pull behind attachments.
- Warranty 3-year unlimited hours
- Frame Warranty 5-year unlimited hours
- Front Axle Warranty 5-year unlimited hours
- Deck Shell Warranty Lifetime limited
- Model Number 13AOA9CS010
$1,699.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 LT46 Lawn Tractor
- 725cc 22 HP Kohler 7000 series V-Twin
- Stamped QuickAttach™ 46 in. 12 ga. twin-blade cutting deck designed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut with a SmartJet™ high-pressure deck washing system for a quick and easy cleanup
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq TL-200 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Great for up to 2.0 acre lawns
- Can handle most pull behind attachments.
- Model Number 13APA9CT010
$1,899.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 LT50 FAB Lawn Tractor
- The Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 FAB is powered by a 24 hp KOHLER 7000 Series twin-cylinder engine.
- Stamped QuickAttach™ 50 in. twin-blade cutting deck designed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut with a SmartJet™ high-pressure deck washing system for a quick and easy cleanup
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AQA1CL010
$2099.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 LT46 EFI Lawn Tractor
- The Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 EFI is powered by a Cub Cadet single-cylinder 547cc engine equipped with EFI for 25% less fuel consumption, less maintenance, dependable starting, and easy off-season storage.
- 46-inch fabricated, 11-gauge, twin-blade deck with 12 cutting positions.
- Optimized steering system for responsive handling gives a 16-inch turn radius a zero-turn feel.
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13B9A1CN010
$2,199.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 LX42 Lawn Tractor
- A strong 18 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 42-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck cutting system delivers a best-in-class cut with fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Heavy-Duty Aggressive Multi-Trac 4-ply tires
- Ball-bearing front wheels
- Armrests
- Soft Touch steering wheel
- Front Bumper
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AGA1TEA10
$2599.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor
- 24 HP Kohler® twin engine
- 54-inch fabricated, 11-gauge, triple-blade deck with AeroForce(TM) deck design that optimizes airflow and maximizes suction to reduce clumping during discharge and improves bagging performance while delivering the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut™.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AQA2CM010
$2699.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
CC30E Electric Mini Riding Mower
- All electric! No need for oil, filters, spark plugs, belts, pulleys, and no need to buy gas.
- The new cc 30E features a 56 volt, 30Ah, 1500 Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 115v wall outlet. It will mow one acre without power fade and recharges in 4 hours. Being Lithium-ion you don’t have to charge it fully so if you didn’t quite get done, put it on the charger for 20 minutes and then go back out and finish your lawn.
- 30-inch stamped, 14-gauge, single blade side discharge mowing deck with mulch kit included.
- Ideal for mowing up to 1 acre of mostly flat terrain and a few obstacles.
- LED headlight for extended life and enhanced visibility.
- 3-year/120-hour limited residential warranty.
- Model Number 33AA27JDB10
$2799.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 LX46 Lawn Tractor
- A strong 21.5 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 46-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck cutting system that has been tested and proven to deliver a best-in-class cut, meaning fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings, and increased evenness.
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AFA1TNA10
$2,799.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 GT50 Garden tractor
- 25 HP Kohler 7000 series V-Twin
- Stamped QuickAttach™ 50 in. three-blade cutting deck designed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut with a SmartJet™ high-pressure deck washing system for a quick and easy cleanup
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K58 ground engaging foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 14BQA3CQ010
$2,999.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 SLX50 Lawn Tractor
- A strong 21.5 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 50-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck with FastAttach cutting system that has been tested and proven to deliver a best-in-class cut, meaning fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings and increased evenness.
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AFA2TLA10
$3,199.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 GT54 Garden tractor
- 25 HP Kohler® twin-engine auto-choke
- 11 gauge Fabricated QuickAttach™ 54 in. three-blade cutting deck designed to deliver the pristine Cub Cadet Signature Cut with a SmartJet™ high-pressure deck washing system for a quick and easy cleanup
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K58 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 14AQA3CM010
$3,299.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, at your local dealer, and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 SLX54 Lawn Tractor
- A strong 21.5 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard
- 54-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck with FastAttach cutting system that has been tested and proven to deliver a best-in-class cut, meaning fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings and increased evenness.
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K46 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 13AFA2TMA10
$3,399.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 GX50 Garden tractor
- A strong 23 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 50-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck with FastAttach cutting system that has been tested and proven to deliver a best-in-class cut, meaning fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings, and increased evenness.
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Tuff Torq K58 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 14AIA3TLA10
$3,699.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT1 LT42E Electric XT Enduro Series
- 6 Volt MAX, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet.
- Mow up to two acres, or 1.5 hours, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
- The power of gas but no need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
- Model Number 33ABA7ES710
$3,999.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT2 GX54 D Garden tractor
- A strong 24 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 54-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck with FastAttach cutting system that has been tested and proven to deliver a best-in-class cut, meaning fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings, and increased evenness.
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Automotive-style 16 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Garden Tractor Hydrostatic Transmission equipped with differential lock control for increased traction. Heavy-Duty Tuff-Torq K62 foot-controlled hydrostatic transmission, no shifting – just push the pedal and go
- Model Number 14AHA6TMA10
$3,999.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT3 GS Garden tractor
- 22.5 HP Kohler® Professional-grade Command OHV twin horizontal engine
- 42″, 50″, 54″ Stamped and 48″, 54″, 60″ Fabricated (SOLD SEPARATELY) QuickAttach™ (no tools required)
- Automotive-style 18 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Shaft Driven Cast Iron Transmission
- Seat TypeDeluxe high-back seat with armrests and 6″ slide
- Arm Rests
- A heavy-duty steel bumper provides greater protection for tougher tasks.
- Model Number 14R-3JM-010
- Warranty4-year unlimited hours (includes powertrain)
- Front Axle Warranty 5-year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell
$4499.00 (Plus Deck) List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
XT3 GSX Garden tractor
- 25 HP Kohler® Professional-grade Command OHV twin horizontal engine
- 42″, 50″, 54″ Stamped and 48″, 54″, 60″ Fabricated (SOLD SEPARATELY) QuickAttach™ (no tools required)
- Electronic Power Steering (EPS) 18 in. turning radius provides smooth cutting and maneuvering, whether straight away or around obstacles
- Shaft Driven Cast Iron Transmission with Diff Lock. Rear differential locking provides increased traction compared to a standard or open differential, easily engage with a lever when the rear tire is slipping on uneven terrain or hills.
- A heavy-duty steel brush guard provides greater protection for tougher tasks
- Seat TypeDeluxe high-back seat with armrests and 6″ slide
- Arm Rests
- Model Number 14RD3LE-010
- Warranty4-year unlimited hours (includes powertrain)
- Front Axle Warranty 5-year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell
$5,499.00 (Plus Deck) List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Shopping online made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com. During checkout you can schedule your new Cub Cadet to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your dealer the next day. Special financing (usually 0%) available through cubcadet.com.
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Eddie
Hi Paul, very useful article. I am based in NZ and we have limited import models ( https://steelfort.co.nz/brands/cub-cadet ) I am currently looking at a XT2 LX46 as value for money. We have a section to mow of about 3 undulating acres with some slopes up to 25 degrees… Would this be a suitable machine, or would I be better to look at a RZTS46 FAB? Would appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks!
Paul
Hi Eddie, you’ve done your homework and you gave me two good choices. But the best selection is easy to make.
1. The XT2 mows up to 15-degree slopes well but as soon as you get steeper than that it will easily run out of traction, the front end will be too light and want to buck up. If you try to mow on a sidehill only the downhill rear wheel will have traction – there is nothing to hold it on the slope but that wheel. If your grass is wet or slippery dry it won’t hold on any slope greater than 15 degrees.
2. The RZTS on the other hand is a lot better on slopes. First, both rear wheels are tied to the front ones so BOTH rear wheels have traction on sidehills or going uphill. Even on a steeper sidehill, both rear tires are “driven.” Second, the front wheels are steerable so they will also help to hold the mower on the slope (like a lawn tractor)
If you get the chance ask the dealer if they can get the new ZTS 50. It has a lot of new features and upgrades over the RZTS and it is rated for 20-degree slopes.
ric
hey paul,check out the new 2022 xt1 cubs new look black wheels and a new hood,i seen this coming time for a change
Robert Voss
Paul,
I just visited the dealer again, and was able to confirm by measurement that the SLX50 has a 3/4″ axle, so just a typo on the spec sheets. And I also confirmed that the transmission was a K46DS which has the upgraded 5w50 synthetic oil over the 10w30 oil in the base K46. I guess Cub decided the 22″ tires on the SLX50 required the upgrade.
In any case I would hope to go closer to 1000 hours on any model I choose, so may need to plan for some oil changes as you say. I am happy to have to do this if it helps with longevity. And as you know, it is a big help to keep the fan area cleaned out and jus take it easy on very hot days.
I will keep this forum posted on which machine I am able to get and how it performs in the early days at least.
Thanks again for your expertise – Robert
Robert Voss
Paul, thanks for the great advice here.
I feel I need a light garden tractor and the XT2 GX50 ticks all the boxes, but stock is limited everywhere as you know. The dealer has a few LX46’s, and for $900 less it is tempting especially with the Kawasaki. They also just got in some SLX50’s and it seems to be a nice goldielocks compromise. But I am afraid of the K46 with 22″ tires and 50″ deck. Should I be?
Since the trans does not drive the blades, isn’t this just an engine stress issue. I can see some grass cutting drag if mowing up a hill, but for towing, I would not have the deck engaged. I’m I over simplifying this? Would upgrading the K46 oil to 5-50 synthetic help at all?
There also appears to be a mistake on the Cub spec pages for the K46 and SLX50 where they state 1″ rear Axle – I am pretty sure the K46 only comes with 3/4″.
Related, I am starting to be willing to compromise as the 2021 new supply seems to be fast drying up – one dealer said Cub advised no more ne stock until Feb 2022, plus expect 20-25% price increase. What is your take on all this craziness.
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Hi Robert, your dealer is correct. Raw material (steel, aluminum, copper) prices are going through the roof. All manufacturing has a labor shortage both here and abroad. In addition, shipping – especially the Port of Los Angeles – is taking up to 4 months where it used to take 2-3 weeks before Covid.
I think it’s going to be even worse than the dealer told you next year. All the old stock is pretty much bought up so all we will have next year is what they can make starting in November. That said,
The biggest killer (stress) of the K46 is mowing up and down slopes. You should also be careful pulling multiple trailer loads of firewood etc, up hills. The LX46 has smaller rear wheels so there is less stress on the tranny than the 22-inch wheels on the SLX50.
They are both fabricated decks. The 46 is 2-blade, the 50 is three-blade.
Transmissions with the one bolt in the center of the wheel are 3/4 inch axles. Transmissions with the 4-bolt hub can either be 3/4 or 1 inch. I’m not aware of any k46 trannys having 1-inch axles though.
The hydro already has synthetic oil in it.
Robert Voss
Paul, thanks for the quick and informative reply.
I will try and hold out for the GX50 if they can find one. On the SLX50, I am wary that the tuff-torq product page does not show a K46 option for tires larger than 20″, that’s why I was wondering about the 1″ axle reference on the Cub spec. I will take a mic to the dealer to measure for sure.
I would think that Cub should know what they are doing here, especially with the 3 year warranty.
On the oil, the K46 specifies 10-30, and I heard that they allow 5-50 across the board now – just though the extra viscosity might help here in the Texas heat. My yard is relatively flat, so I am trying to justify the SLX50 if I can.
Thanks again – Robert
Paul
Hi Robert, The product page at Cub Cadet and Home Depot is not always correct. Knowing the K46 and also knowing the Cub Cadet page may be wrong I can’t wait to see if they are actually 1 inch.
Yes, I asked a Tuff Torq engineer a few years ago why some manufacturers are putting the 22 and 23-inch tires on the tranny. His response was: “It’s not what we recommend but we can’t tell them what to do.”
Warranty – most homeowners only mow 2 hours a week, 25 times a year. That’s 50 hours a year of normal use. under “normal” conditions a K46 will last at least 200 hours – use it on flat land and 20-inch tires and it will last 500 hours. Using that data Cub Cadet has decided they can offer a 3-year warranty and not get burnt very often.
Oil, your idea is sound but to change the oil you need to remove the tranny from the tractor and turn it upside down. There is no drain or fill plugs on the case. Some dealers will vacuum the oil out but I’m not sure a homeowner could get all the old oil out.
Shawn Timpson
Paul,
Last year you recommend a XT3 GS model as a good option for my property (St Louis Area), ~7 acres, 3/4 pond, 3 acres of grass, slight slope in some areas, the rest rough, and a 110ft driveway to plow. With the new XT2 GX54 out, would your recommendation still stand or would you recommend the newer model? Has the pre-fab deck improved? Thank you.
Paul
Hi Shawn, I still recommend the XT3 GS. It has a much heavier-duty frame, stronger transmission, power steering, and the deck is a lot more rugged than the XT2 series.
Cody
is the electric tractor more like an XT1 or an XT2? i was going to get an XT2, mostly for increased towing capacity, but the electric is appealing. You think the battery-powered can match the XT1?
Paul
Hi Cody, The XT1 and XT2 42 have the same towing capacity. The XT1 GT50 and XT2 GS54 have stronger transaxles.
The battery tractor is trimmed out the same as the XT1 42. Regular seat, small bumper, bushing front axles, and 2 ply tires.
Craig Thompson
Hi Paul,
I had ordered an XT2 SLX50 but it doesn’t look like it’s coming any time soon. The local dealer has an SLX54 in stock but I was worried that with the Hp of the motor staying the same if it wouldn’t cut as well. I am moving 3/4 of an acre…all grass and just sold my 2005 LT1042. I want a bigger deck and the 50 would be ideal, but the grass is growing and I need to do something. The 46 is nice but just not growing enough from a 42 in my opinion and now here I am sizing up a 54.
Paul
Hi Craig, The SKX50 and SLX54 are the same mowers with different decks. The Kawasaki 21.5 hp engine will have enough power for either deck. Kawasaki uses a different HP rating than Briggs and Kohler so that 21.5 HP engine has about the same power as a 24-25 HP kohler. I like the new XT2’s It will last you a long time.
Wayne Cierkowski
Hi, I’m considering the purchase of a CC XT1 LT46 EFI. I have around 3/4 of an acre to mow and I want to put on the Snow Blower attachment on it for the winter to do our driveway. The driveway is 18 feet wide and 85 feet long. Will the XT1 LT46 EFI be good for these chores?
Paul
Hi Wayne, yes, that is a very good choice.
Keith
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the update on the 2021 models. I’m looking for a replacement for a 1996 Sabre. It has a K55 transmission that has performed flawlessly over the years pulling a cart with 400+ pound of logs. How does the K55 transmission compare to today’s K46 transmission in the cub cadets? Thank you. Keith
Paul
Hi Keith, the K46 is not as strong. The K58 in the XT1 GT50 Garden Tractor, XT1 GT54, and XT2 GX50 is stronger. The strongest, K62, is in the XT2 GX54 D. It has a differential lock.
The XT3 tractors have the cast iron transmission and one has differential lock – but they are quite a bit more money.
Keith
Thanks Paul. The sabre was a “home depot special” back in the day, don’t think I paid a dime over $1000 for it. Was hoping the lower tier CC’s would be comparable, but having to spend $3,000+ for a comparable transmission is a going to take a
little getting used to. Goes to show how times have changed I guess.
Paul
Hi Keith, Yes, the Sabre was made by John Deere and it has proven to be a very tough mower over the years. Today a John Deere with the heavier transmission will cost over $4500!
That said, If you are willing to only put 250-300 lbs in your trailer the K46 will work on fairly level ground.
Bill McAloney
Hello, Paul
I found your discussion of the various Cub Cadet tractor models to be interesting and informative.
I would like to confirm a particular specification which you listed.
Regarding the XT1 LT50 tractor, you state that it has front wheel bearings, instead of the bushings used on some other tractors in that series.
Is this true for current model units, or is it a typo?
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Paul
Hi Bill, yes that’s a typo. The XT1 has bushing front wheels.