Cub Cadet ZT1, ZT2, ZT3 Residential Zero-Turn Mowers – Which One Is Best For You
With over 400 different zero-turn mowers available in the U.S. deciding which mower is best for you can be an impossible task.
Many mower brands focus on commercial zero-turns. (That’s where the money is) They just make a residential model or two so you can “buy the brand” for your home. Cub Cadet, on the other hand, built its reputation on building the best homeowner mowers first. They have the experience in residential, so the quality is what you expect. They have over twenty-seven different residential zero-turn mower models available ranging from economical models for your small suburban yard to heavy-duty models for your acreages and farm lawns. In addition, they have steering wheel models that will handle slopes and berms better than any other residential zero-turn on the market.
The Cub Cadet Ultima Series is among the best value residential zero-turn mowers available.
The Cub Cadet Ultima Series has the largest selection of affordably priced, best value residential zero-turn mowers. (One of the models is the most searched for ZTR on Google*) This article will cover the Ultima ZT1, ZT2, ZT3 series mowers most of us will buy.
Let’s discuss which Cub Cadet zero-turn mower is the best choice for you.
I rate products differently than most sites. I not only look at the price, the craftsmanship, and the quality of cut but also the dealer network, ease of warranty service, and parts networks that support the product. That is what sets Cub Cadet apart from the rest.
This article will discuss:
Models starting at $2699 up to $4999. A separate article will cover the mowers priced up to $8199
Features that make Cub Cadet Ultima ZT the best value.
What Does It Mean to Have the Best-in-Class Cut?
Where To Buy
How to pick the best zero-turn mower for you
The Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
Features that make Cub Cadet Residential the best value.
Engines: When it comes to zero-turn mowers Cub Cadet is leading the way in engine tech.
Cub Cadet EFI: Offered on select models EFI provides reliable starting, better fuel economy, and IntelliPower™ Technology* which adds more power when you need it most. Intellipower delivers up to 20% more available power to the engine, resulting in less bogging down, higher blade tip speed and a consistent cut when mowing in heavy, wet grass
Kohler Professional 7000 series: The 7000 series has quickly gained the reputation as one of the best residential lawnmower engines on the market. Reliable, fuel-efficient, and will last you many years.
Kawasaki FR: The Kawasaki FR is arguably the most popular residential zero turn mower engine. It’s smooth, reliable and long-lasting.
Kawasaki FX: The FX series is Kawasaki’s commercial series and Cub Cadet offers it on the high-end residential ZTRs.
Transmissions. Transmissions define what you can pull and how well the mower will last over the years mowing slopes. There are seven hydrostatic transmissions commonly used in residential zero-turns by all the mower brands. Cub Cadet uses five of these transmissions and they are matched correctly to the ZTR and what you expect the mower to do. Cub Cadet sizes the transmissions in the different series for the weight of the mower, the rider, a bagger and how rough your lawn is.
(Not Used by Cub Cadet) Hydro-Gear ZT 1800 up to 100 lb-ft, up to 6 mph, Total Weight 667 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter .75 in (Lighter duty than the TL-200 transmission found in your cheap lawn tractors)
(Not Used by Cub Cadet) Hydro-Gear ZT 2100 up to 210 lb-ft, up to 7 mph, Total Weight 800 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter .75 in (Comparable to the K46 in your lawn tractor)
(Ultima ZT1 Series) Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 (EXT) up to 215 lb-ft, up to 7 mph, Total Weight 900 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.00 in. Residential mowers, flat/gently sloping, 2-bin baggers, 3-5 acres at a time. (Comparable to the K46 in your lawn tractor but with stronger axles)
(Ultima ZT2 Series) Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 up to 300 lb-ft, up to 8 mph, Total Weight 1000 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.00 in. Residential mowers, slopes/hills, 3-bin baggers, 5-7 acres at a time. (Comparable to the K58 in your garden tractor)
(Ultima ZT3, ZTX4 Series) Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 up to 350 lb-ft, up to 9 mph, Total Weight 1200 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Entry-Level Commercial, multiple lawns up to 10 acres a day. (Comparable to the K66 in your garden tractor)
(Ultima ZTX5 Series) Hydro-Gear ZT 3200 up to 470 lb-ft, up to 9 mph, Total Weight 1500 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Standard-Duty commercial, multiple lawns up to 10 hours a day.
(Ultima ZTX6 Series) Hydro-Gear ZT 3400 up to 500 lb-ft, up to 10 mph, Total Weight 1600 LBS, Axle Shaft Diameter 1.125 in. Heavy-Duty commercial, You won’t be able to wear it out mowing residential lawns. Most commercial mowers in the $7000-$12,000 price range use this transmission.
Frame. Cub Cadet redesigned their entire line last year and upgraded the chassis to continuous, welded tubular steel. This gives you a frame that won’t flex or crack and gives you the best strength and durability.
ZT1, ZT2, ZT3: High-strength, continuous square 2” x 2” tubular steel frame with fully E-Coat lower frame and Triple Guard Corrosion Defense System™ protects against wear and tear.
ZTX4, ZTX5, ZTX6: 1.5″ x 3″ tubular steel frame with fully E-Coat lower frame and Triple Guard Corrosion Defense System™ protects against wear and tear.
Decks.
Stamped: Cub Cadet’s stamped decks are among the best cutting decks. They are the best for bagging and mulching. Found on a few 42 and 46-inch models. 13 ga steel.
Fabricated: ZT2, ZT3. 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 AeroForce 11 ga fabricated decks cut well and owners can’t see the difference between these decks and a stamped deck’s cut quality.
Accessories: Cub Cadet has the largest selection of accessories and attachments for your lawn and garden tractor. In addition, they will pull the thousands of attachments from Agri-Fab, Ohio Steel and others.
Ultima ZT or Ultima ZTX?
Ultima Series ZT. Home Owner (Ultima ZT1, Ultima ZT2, Ultima ZT3)
The Ultima ZT series is what most of you will buy. You get great performance and a reasonable price. It’s a great value!
ZT 2200 (ZT1), ZT 2800 (ZT2) and ZT3100 (ZT3) transmissions give you smooth control
The ultimate mowing experience: The Ultima Series ZT gives you enhanced strength and durability, redefined comfort, uncompromised performance and the best cut in its class. Ideal for yard sizes up to 5 acres.
The Ultima Series ZT’s continuous square tubular frame is designed for enhanced strength and durability.
Settle into a fully adjustable command center and experience next-level comfort. High-back cushioned seats with armrests give best-in-class comfort.
The Aeroforce™ deck has been independently tested against top competitors and proven to deliver the best cut in its class.
3-year / unlimited-hour warranty. Plus, limited lifetime warranty on frame
Ultima Series ZTX. High-end Homeowner (Ultima ZTX4, Ultima ZTX5, Ultima ZTX6)
Cub Cadet has expanded the Ultima line this year to include heavy-duty, top of the line residential zero-turns built like commercial machines: great engines, reinforced decks, top-of-the-line bagging capabilities and speeds up to 9 MPH. Ideal for yard sizes up to 12 acres.
Commercial-grade decks for enhanced strength and durability over time while delivering a consistent, quality cut in challenging conditions.
Fully adjustable command center and a smoother ride.
4 year / 500-hour limited warranty backed by a nationwide dealer support network for the ultimate peace-of-mind.
The Ultima Series ZTX mowers are not covered in this article – the Ultima ZTX series is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com and schedule your product 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.
Where to buy
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The Ultima ZT series is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
The Ultima ZTX series is available at your local dealer and online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
How to pick the best zero-turn mower for you
How big is your lawn? How much do you mow each week?
The ZT1 42 was the most popular zero-turn mower on the market last year and that popularity continues this year. (Google Trends*)
$2,699.00 List Price.Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 2.37 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2200
Forward Speed 7 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
22 HP 725cc professional-grade KOHLER 7000 Series V-twin OHV engine for reliable starting and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation
42 inch deck 13 ga stamped steel.
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″
Rear Tires 20”x8”-8″
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 2 acres
Equipped with an open frame design and hinged/removable floor pan, allowing quick and easy access to the deck and engine for ease of maintenance
ZT1 46 Ultima Series ZT
$2,899.00 List Price.Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 2.5 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2200
Forward Speed 7 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
22 HP 725cc professional-grade KOHLER 7000 Series V-twin OHV engine for reliable starting and exceptionally smooth, quiet operation
46 inch deck 13 ga stamped steel.
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 2 acres
Lap bar-controlled dual-hydro transmissions
ZT1 50 Ultima Series ZT
$3,099.00Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 3.54 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2200
Forward Speed 7 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
50-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
23 HP Kawasaki® FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″ smooth tread front wheels pivot 180 degrees without turf damage
Rear Tires 20”x8”-8″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
ZT1 54 Ultima Series ZT
$3,099.00 Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 3.75 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2200
Forward Speed 7 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
54-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
24 HP 725cc Kohler 7000 series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″ smooth tread front wheels pivot 180 degrees without turf damage
Rear Tires 20”x8”-8″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Lap bar-controlled dual-hydro transmissions
ZT2 50 Ultima Series ZT
$3,699.00 Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 3.75 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2800
Forward Speed 7.5 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
50-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
23 HP Kawasaki® FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″ smooth tread front wheels pivot 180 degrees without turf damage
Rear Tires 20”x8”-8″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 5 acres
ZT2 54 Ultima Series ZT
$3,899.00 Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 4 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2800
Forward Speed 7.5 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
54-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
23 HP Kawasaki® FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″ smooth tread front wheels pivot 180 degrees without turf damage
Rear Tires 20”x8”-8″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 5 acres
A heavy-duty 11-gauge 54-in. fabricated triple-blade (high lift) deck
ZT2 60 Ultima Series ZT
$4,199.00Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 4.5 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 2800
Forward Speed 7 mph
Reverse Speed 3.5 mph
60-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
24 HP Kawasaki® FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6.5″-6″ smooth tread front wheels pivot 180 degrees without turf damage
Rear Tires 20”x12”-10″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 5 acres
A heavy-duty 11-gauge 60-in. fabricated triple-blade (high lift) deck
ZT3 60 Ultima Series ZT
$4,999.00Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Up to 4.75 acres an hour – (20% overlap)
Transmission Hydro-Gear EZT 3100
Commercial-grade dual Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100 hydrostatic rear-wheel transmissions for quick and effortless up to 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds.
60-inch deck 11 ga fabricated steel.
23 HP Kawasaki® FR691V series Twin-cylinder engine
Front Tires 11″x 6″-5″
Independent suspension caster wheels that deliver a smooth ride with less vibration.
Rear Tires 20”x12”-10″ Turf Master premium rear tires offer excellent traction, minimize turfing and provide a better ride on uneven ground at higher speeds
An open-frame design and hinged/removable floor pan allows easy access to the deck and engine for quick & ease of maintenance
Ideal for mowing slight rolling hills and several obstacles up to 4 acres
Adjustable lap bars with Industry-exclusive overmold soft-touch ergonomic hand grips optimized for comfort
Commercial-grade dual Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100 hydrostatic rear-wheel transmissions for quick and effortless up to 7.5 MPH forward and 3.5 MPH reverse zero-turn controlled ground speeds.
Cut comfortably at your maximum speed with automotive-inspired, fully adjustable premium 24 in. high back seat with cushioned armrests, ball-bearing seat slide, and advanced polymer seat isolators.
Google Trends* The top-performing products (lawn mowers) in Search from Feb 16 – Feb 22. Toro and Ariens are a close 2nd and 3rd. John Deere continues to be the most searched brand but the data for John Deere includes all searches including farming and construction – not just lawn tractors and ZTRs.
About Paul Sikkema
Paul Sikkema has been writing about snow blowers, riding mowers, and other lawn and garden equipment for over 10 years. Paul does most of his writing out in his workshop where he feeds the wildlife and birds in the yard.
He spends as much time with his granddaughter as he can.
Please Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Please Note: If you click on most of the links in this article and buy any product I will make a small commission from that sale. This is how I make money to keep this website up and running. Read more here: How to Support TodaysMower.com
2 Comments
LaurenceMarch 2, 2020
Hi Paul. Will you be reviewing any of the *new* (either the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020) Husqvarna TS models, particularly the TS 354XD? I am curious as to what has changed on these new models. And I am especially curious as to whether they have changed anything about the frame they use, that is, if they have made it any stronger from the original TS 354XD model.
Anyway, hope you get an opportunity to do an in-depth review on the new Husqvarna garden tractors.
Hi Laurance, There are no changes to the TS 354XD for 2020. Husqvarna has always had an issue with the garden tractor frames, the transmissions on the LGT models and the cut quality of the fabricated decks. They are very focused on automowers and commercial ZTRs so I have a feeling they won’t make any changes/improvements to the tractors in the near future.
$2,699.00 List Price. Check Price and Buy Here: It is available at The Home Depot., Select models will also be available from Tractor Supply, Farm & Fleet, and at your local Cub Cadet dealer. All models are available online through cubcadet.com. Online shopping made easy. Buy online through the stores above or at cubcadet.com and schedule your product to be delivered right to you, ready to work. If you need it sooner, you can pick-up your order from your selected dealer the next day.
Hi Paul. Will you be reviewing any of the *new* (either the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020) Husqvarna TS models, particularly the TS 354XD? I am curious as to what has changed on these new models. And I am especially curious as to whether they have changed anything about the frame they use, that is, if they have made it any stronger from the original TS 354XD model.
Anyway, hope you get an opportunity to do an in-depth review on the new Husqvarna garden tractors.
All the best from Canada. . .
Hi Laurance, There are no changes to the TS 354XD for 2020. Husqvarna has always had an issue with the garden tractor frames, the transmissions on the LGT models and the cut quality of the fabricated decks. They are very focused on automowers and commercial ZTRs so I have a feeling they won’t make any changes/improvements to the tractors in the near future.