This article discusses the best electric riding lawnmowers and electric zero-turn mowers for 2021. It will be updated as new electric mowers are introduced.
Electric vehicles are starting to replace gas/diesel cars, trucks, and ATV’s. If you are one of the ever-growing numbers of EV owners who commute to work in your efficient electric car all week, only to hop on your gas-guzzling lawnmower to mow your lawn it may make sense to consider going electric for mowing your lawn.
A number of new all-electric ride on mowers entered the market in the last year and I’ll help you find the best one for you.
Looking for a comparison of the Ryobi, EGO, and Cub Cadet ZTR’s? Check out this article: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
In addition to being better for the environment, electric riding mowers, electric lawn tractors, and electric zero-turn mowers have a number of other benefits.
- Less yearly maintenance costs. You can forget about changing the oil, oil filter, spark plugs, belts, and air filters. Just change/sharpen the mower blades and check the tire pressure as needed. Savings – about $250 a year.
- Less expensive to operate. My 42 inch, 24 HP Zero-turn uses about 2 gallons of fuel or $5.50 to mow my lawn. An electric riding mower will use about 75 cents in electricity. (My local fuel prices and electric rates) Plus, I don’t have to buy a gas can, go to the gas station in my vehicle, and have gas sitting around my garage.
- Less expensive to own. An electric riding mower powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and brushless motors will pay for itself and actually save you money over the life of the mower compared to a gas-powered one. A lead-acid powered electric rider will pretty much break even because you have to replace the batteries every few years. But you still get all the benefits of a quieter mower and reduced yearly maintenance.
- Quieter to operate: You can mow without the deafening roar of a lawn tractor engine.
Noise: All-electric 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.
One more thing you need to know before we discuss the actual electric riding mowers.
Lithium-Ion or Lead Acid Deep Cycle AGM/SLA?
Lawn Mower Manufacturers are currently using two types of batteries in electric riding mowers. Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid AGM/FLA. Lithium-Ion is the way to go because they last longer, are lighter, and are better for the environment but they do cost more upfront. Because of that some manufacturers still offer lead-acid batteries in a few of the residential models for cost-conscious buyers.
Lithium-Ion Batteries are Best
Lithium-ion batteries are the same battery as in your phone – just bigger. Lithium-Ion Batteries last longer, maintain the same power throughout their discharge cycle, and can be discharged repeatedly without damage. Because of this, a 48 Volt, 60 Ah Lithium-Ion battery will mow about the same area as a set of 48V, 100 Ah Lead Acid batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries can be stored in freezing temps. They do not need to be charged periodically during storage although a few brands are recommending charging them every six months in storage.
Using the supplied factory charger a 56 Volt, 60 AH battery will charge in 4 hours. In addition, you can partially charge the battery and not damage it.
When used in a residential riding mower a Lithium-Ion battery should last 1000-1200 cycles or 10+ years.
Lead Acid Batteries Are Cheapest Up Front.
Lead Acid AGM batteries are similar to the starting battery in your new car. AGM batteries cost less upfront, have a much shorter life span than Lithium-Ion, loose power/voltage during discharge, and can only be discharged down to 60-80% repeatedly without damage. Because of that, you need a 100 Ah AGM battery to mow the same amount of lawn as a 60 AH Lithium-Ion battery. AGM batteries need to be stored in temperatures between freezing and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and periodically charged when stored for more than a month. They are much larger and heavier than Lithium-Ion batteries.
Using the supplied factory charger a 48 Volt, 100 AH lead-acid battery set will charge in 12-14 hours. You should always leave the battery on the charger the full time to equalize the charge in all the batteries (usually four).
When used in a residential riding mower an AGM battery set should last 150-400 cycles or 3-5 years. (If you never run your battery below 60%, charge it correctly, and store it correctly you may get 400-500 cycles)
Finally! the Mowers!
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.
I am going to cover Lithium-Ion and Lead-Acid powered mowers separately.
Lithium-Ion Battery Mowers
2021 Cub Cadet CC30e
This is a proven rear engine riding mower and the gas version (CC30H) has been around for many years. “No more gas, no spark plugs, no belts, no nothing. I only wish it was heavier on the drive wheels because I have some slight inclines to climb. Owner Review.”
- Class: Riding Mower, Great for small lawns.
- Model: CC30e
- Deck: 30 inch. Comes with a mulching plug. 2 bin bagger available.
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 56 volt, 30 Ah, 1500 Watt-hour Lithium-Ion Will mow up to 1 acre and charge fully in 4 hours.
- Cub Cadet open high-back seat with elevated back support and armrests attached
- 3-year unlimited hours/4-year battery warranty
Read all the details, buy online or order through a select Cub Cadet Dealer here: Buy Cub Cadet CC30e
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Cub Cadet CC30e
2021 Cub Cadet LT42e Electric Lawn Tractor
This is a proven lawn tractor with a great cutting deck converted to electric. Same workmanship and cut quality as the highly-rated Cub Cadet LT42 lawn tractor. “This mower matches its gas-powered stablemates in the quality of cut. Owner Review.”
- Class: Lawn Tractor, Great for typical suburban lawns up to 2 acres.
- Model: LT42e
- Deck: 42-inch QuickAttach™ (no tools required)
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 56 volt, 60 AH, 3000 Watt-hour Lithium-Ion Will mow up to 2 acres and charge fully in 4 hours.
- Cub Cadet open high-back seat with elevated back support and armrests attached
- 3-year unlimited hours/4-year battery warranty
Read all the details, buy online or order through a select Cub Cadet Dealer here: Buy Cub Cadet LT42e
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Cub Cadet LT42e
2021 Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42E Electric Zero-Turn
For the homeowner who wants the best cut first, the best ZTR second, and is excited it comes in a battery version. Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn mower will mow up to two and a half acres on one charge and the lithium-ion battery can be quickly charged to any amount if you have “just a little more” lawn than that. It is straightforward and simple to use. This mower also comes with the best dealer service network and support of the three mowers in this article.
I have an extensive article comparing this mower to the EGO and Ryobi zero-turn mowers. Check it out here: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
EGO Power+ 42” Z6
EGO’s new 56 volt ZTR is the talk of the news media. It looks cool and sports all kinds of hi-tech gadgetry like 360-degree lighting, multiple mowing modes, and a control panel right out of the Space X rocket. It’s the first riding mower that uses the same EGO 56V ARC Lithium™ batteries as all their other residential tools.
The EGO will be available at Lowes and servicing dealers.
I have an extensive article comparing the Cub Cadet, EGO, and Ryobi electric zero-turn mowers. Check it out here: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
Wiebang E-Rider
When I was growing up my grandmother had a Cub Cadet 60 Rider. I loved that little mower. It was quick and a lot more maneuverable than the John Deere 110 my father had. It was fun! The Wiebang E-Rider reminds me a lot of the Cub Cadet 60.
Owners love how small it is and it’s perfect for that lawn that’s just a little too big to mow with a walk-behind. It will mow one acre but really shines on 1/4 to 1/2 acre flat lawns.
- Class: Riding Mower, Good for small, smooth lawns
- Model: Weinag E-Rider
- Deck: 30 inch
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 72 volt, 20 AH, 1500 Watt-Hour.
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 3 Year Residential
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Weibang E-Rider
TURF ONE E-Rider Model #30-EB
Weibang makes a great little mower for people who have just a little more lawn than they can walk. But, not many people want a mower with a name that sounds “foreign.” So, it appears they have renamed it Turf ONE. Owners love how small it is and it’s perfect for that lawn that’s just a little too big to mow with a walk-behind. It will mow one acre but really shines on 1/4 to 1/2 acre flat lawns.
- Class: Riding Mower, Good for small, smooth lawns
- Model: Turf One E-Rider Model #30-EB
- Deck: 30 inch
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 72 volt, 20 AH, 1500 Watt-Hour.
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 3 Year Residential
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Turf One E-Rider
TURF ONE VOLT 32C Model #32c1900
If you use a bagger most of the time on your smaller lawn the TURF ONE VOLT 32C Model #32c1900 may be a great choice for you.
- Class: Riding Mower, Good for small, smooth lawns
- Model: Turf One E-Rider Model #32-C
- Deck: 30 inch
- Type: Rear engine rider
- Battery: 72 volt, 30 AH, 1500 Watt-Hour.
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 3 Year Residential
Read more and buy through the Home Depot here: Buy Turf One 32-C E-Rider
Craftsman
(Owned by Stanley, Black & Decker – Sold through Lowes and other retailers)
Although the Craftsman branded electric riding mowers are most likely the same mower as the Cub Cadet’s above (made by MTD) I am not going to recommend them at this time. Why? 1. Service and parts availability are very poor. Parts are not available online. Any service requires you to ship your mower off to some unknown location. Owners with problems are very frustrated with both Lowes and Craftsman. 2. All reviews on Lowes are “[This review was collected as part of a promotion.]” meaning Lowes or Craftsman paid the reviewer for the review and the results may be skewed because of that.
Plain and simple – You want a mower that works when you want to use it – if it breaks you want to get parts immediately or get it repaired quickly. When/if this improves I will update this article to reflect the changes.
Class: Riding Mower
GreenWorks Commercial Lithium Z RZ48R
The Greenworks Lithium Z is a high-end residential ZTR and will be available through GreenWorks Commercial dealers this spring. This mower features a commercial fabricated deck, heavy-duty frame, and smooth controls. I saw it at GIE-EXPO and I was impressed. The cost will be around $7000.
Greenworks Commercial also offers a full line of commercial electric ZTR, Stand-ons, and walk-behinds.
If you are not familiar with Greenworks it is a global company headquartered in Changzhou, China and has offices in South Carolina, and Sweden. The brands they offer are Greenworks (residential) PowerWorks (residential) and Greenworks Commercial.
- Class: Zero-Turn Mower (ZTR) up to 2 acres.
- Model: Lithium Z RZ48R
- Deck: 48″ Residential Zero Turn Mower
- Type: Zero-Turn
- Battery: 82 volt, Run Time Up to 1 Hours?, Cut Area Up to 2.25 Acres, Charge Time 7 hours
- Very Compact and does not take up a lot of room in your garage.
- Warranty: 2 Year Residential, 3-year battery
Gravely EVZT
The EVZT zero-turn is the first commercially capable battery-powered ZTR developed by a tried and true outdoor power equipment manufacturer. Gravely has had this mower out on lawns now for a year and the owners just rave about how well it cuts and how easy it is to maintain. If you are a commercial mower and need a dependable unit this may be the best choice for you right now.
This mower will mow up to 15 acres (5 hours) on one charge of the 4 kWh batteries. (one battery is equivalent to EIGHT 10 Ah EGO batteries) The FusionCore QuikSwap batteries are swappable out in the field and Gravely has even introduced an offboard portable charger so your crews can work all day long.
Class: Commercial Zero-Turn Mower.
You can read more here: Gravely EVZT
Mean Green
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?
DR Power Equipment, a subsidiary of Generac Holdings Inc., a manufacturer of professional-grade, outdoor power equipment recently acquired Mean Green Products, the established leader in the battery-electric commercial electric lawn mower industry.
Find out more about Mean Green Mowers here: Mean Green Mowers
Lead Acid Deep Cycle AGM Battery Powered Mowers
Ryobi 30 in. Electric Rear Engine Riding Mower Model #RY48130
Ryobi Electric Riding Lawn Mower
The Ryobi Electric Rider and Electric Zero-turn are the most popular residential electric mowers available because they can be easily purchased through The Home Depot and they are gaining a great reputation for cut quality, ease of use, and dependability.
Ryobi 42 Inch Zero-Turn Mower RY48ZTR75 and RY48ZTR100
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 Lead-Acid 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. 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.
- Class: Zero-Turn Mower (ZTR) up to 2 acres
- Lead-Acid 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. 12-14 hour charge time
- Includes towing hitch and tow assembly hardware
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
- Battery Warranty:1-Year Limited
I have an extensive article comparing the Cub Cadet, EGO, and Ryobi electric zero-turn mowers. Check it out here: 42-inch Electric ZTRs – Ryobi, EGO, or Cub Cadet? Which One Is Best For You?
Read more and buy at The Home Depot: Ryobi RY48ZTR75 and RY48ZTR100 – 42-inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower
Ryobi RM480E – RM480ex ELECTRIC RIDING MOWER
Class: 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. If you have a smaller property to mow, and would like to be rid of noise, fumes and maintenance headaches of a gas-fueled riding mower, the cordless electric Ryobi RM480ex deserves serious consideration. It can run up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and is a great performer, too.
- Class: Riding Mower, Great for small lawns
- 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.
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited
- Battery Warranty:1-Year Limited
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: Ryobi RM480e 38 in. Battery Electric Riding Lawn Mower
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Rex
Deja Vu!!! In the early 70’s my Dad was an International Harvester truck dealer and a Cub Cadet dealer. Cub Cadet had an electric series 60 back then. We sold at least one. I remember the little old lady who bought it. In fact I sold it. One of my first sales! It served her well for years. Other than sharpening the blades and greasing it about once a year it needed nothing. May have put a set of batteries in it once.
Mark A.
I just bought the Cub Cadet CC30E at Home Depot. Not all Home Depots are selling it. There is a Cub Cadet dealer in my town but they only sell the gas version.
Gary
I’m torn between the 42″ Toro Timecutter or the new Cub Cadet 42e. The Timecutter is available at a great dealer about 2 miles from my home. We don’t know when the Cub will be available and the nearest dealer is about 20 miles away and I don’t know if they will even carry the electric mowers. Hopefully, with an electric mower I won’t need the dealer as much. I’d prefer the Cub but I feel like its a crap shoot regarding availability and dealer support. I like the idea of moving green to cut my green grass but will it really save greenbacks in the long run? BTW…I wrote to Cub and they said they will be begin building the 42e in April but these days everything seems to be backordered and taking longer to deliver than promised…
Paul
Hi Gary, That’s a tough call. If you are looking at the stamped deck single-cylinder Toro the Cub Cadet actually is a better mower all around. It cuts better and I like the ZT1 a lot. Adding the electrics just makes it better.
But, if you are looking at the Toro 42 inch fabricated deck and V-Twin engine then it is a different story. The 42-inch fab deck is one of the best cutting decks on the market. Combined with the V-Twin it will give you years of use.
Mark Ayers
The photo for the Cub Cadet CC30E is the 2020 model. 2021 model loses the armrests and is painted differently. Don’t know what else is different.
Paul
Hi Mark, done
Gary
Did you actually test the ZT1 42e? I can’t find one anywhere. When will they be available?
Paul
Hi Gary, No, I expect them to be available soon though – BUT. I have driven the gas version and I have driven the lawn tractor. The only difference between the gas version and the 42e is it has electric motors for propulsion and mowing. Last year’s lawn tractor did a very good job and this year they have upgraded the battery to give the unit more power. They’ve worked out all the bugs over the last two years in the Troy-Bilt rider and the Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet lawn tractors.
Jozseph
This is probably a dumb question, but here goes:
Are there any plug-in electric riding mowers? Batteries seem to be most of the cost and I have lots of electric outlets in my yard
Paul
Hi Jozseph, Not a dumb question and one I’ve never thought about. Thinking back over the last 50 years I can’t recall ever seeing or hearing of one.
Jeffrey Raulerson
Just a quick word about the Mean Green zero-turn mowers. I just started an all-electric lawn service this season and I have been doing some research on the electric zero turns (ZTR) available. I just talked to a Mean Green rep last week and he quoted me around $23,000 for their least expensive commercial grade ZTR. A gas model that closely compares in size and HP would run around $9,000 to $12,000 depending on the MFG. Of course the selling point on the electric models is the low cost to maintain so the idea is that within 3 years of commercial operation you would save enough money to recomp the extra money you paid up-front. I personally wanted to start on the low scale so I only went with a push-mower and purchased the Green Works commercial 25″. It has been a beast of a mower and hasn’t missed a step. I am now looking to add their 52″ commercial ZTR to my inventory which at the present is running around $13,900.
Paul
Hi Jeffery, Did you check out the Gravely. I like the Gravely a lot because it’s a tried and true commercial ZTR – it’s just been converted to electric.
Greenworks is an electronics company that has started making mowers. I’ve yet to see that their machines can cut as well and last as long as a commercial mower.
Eno SIIMON
Where in Europa to buy Cub Cadet RZT XS 42 Electric
Paul
Hi Eno, Europa is a very small moon around Jupiter and I wasn’t aware it was able to grow grass 🙂 That said,
If you live in Europe please go to cubcadet.com. The website will recognize your location. Then go to the dealer locator and it will list dealers near you. They will be able to tell you if the mower is available there.
Erin
Hi Paul,
I am researching electric sitting mowers. Are you familiar with Mean Green Mowers or Kubota? I can’t find any real reviews for Mean Green Mowers…Thanks,
Paul
Hi Erin, Kubota has a prototype but no models for sale.
Mean Green is a commercial mower and any reviews you find will be through professional landscaping magazines or youtube. Mean Green mowers are the best on the market right now. Greenworks Pro has models for sale but they don’t have a track record yet to say if they are good machines or not.
Gravely introduced an extremely well-built electric this spring and it’s quickly becoming a serious competitor to the Mean Green.
I suggest contacting Mean Green and Gravely companies directly. They’ll help you get the right mower for you
Mean Green
Gravely Mowers
Larry Crain
I purchased a Ryobi 75AH ZTR, it mows quite nicely as long as your yard is smooth. Otherwise this is the roughest riding thing I have ever had the misfortune to sit on; after an hour on this my back/kidneys would hurt for two days. I looked for help and found a seat suspension device. There is not one made for Ryobi but with the help of several hose clamps I installed it – – this made a huge difference. The installed blades are very thin and weak; hitting anything larger than a pine cone may bend them so I am adapting conventional blades to fit. I really like the idea of electric but new things usually come with problems.
Paul
Hi Larry, Yes, For some reason Ryobi chose to go with a lightweight design. The only residential electric on the market right now that is the same quality as the gas-versions is the Greenworks. But, that retails for $7000.
Tom Brandau
I have a one acre lot with some grade; walk out basement. Could provide picture.
My wife is really interested in the XT1 LT42e.
Will this work OK with one acre and mowing on a rolling landscape?
Paul
Hi Tom, Yes, It is an excellent choice! I highly recommend that you order through a select Cub Cadet Dealer instead of The Home Depot. That way if you have any questions or need help 2-3 years from now the dealer will gladly help you out: Buy Cub Cadet CC30e
Scott
I am looking at the ZTRs for a residental area of 3 acres. I would agree that the LI would be better given the LA downsides. However they dont seem viable yet because the batteries wont last nearly long enough. The commercial machines are in different ball game but just too expensive ($7000)?! And I just can’t see any commercial service opting for those either, needing to buy and carry around extra batteries and then having to swap them out. Maybe EGO will enter the market with some better alternatives..
Mark
Be wary of the Cub Cadet RZT S Zero. I bought mine 4.5 yrs ago and now the 4 batteries (3-yr warranty) that are supposed to last at least 6 years all need to be replaced at $300 ea ($1,200 total). When I bought it in late 2015, the batteries were less than $200 ea. I like the mower, but too expensive to own.
Brandon S.
I am looking for a ground engaging garden tractor. Can any of the electric mowers support ground engaging attachments.
Paul
Hi Brandon, No, the Cub Cadet tractor is a lightweight lawn tractor.
Both Husqvarna and Cu Cadet do make Garden Tractors Check them out here:
Husqvarna GT
Cub Cadet GT
Carol
I am an older woman who would like to do my own Mowing and the electric riding mower seems the best option. So what kind of maintenance is required for the cadet and how would one proceed to get that accomplished without a truck or the ability to relocate the mower? Also is there an electric option that allows the blades to be released and removed for use as a garden tractor?
Paul
Hi Carol, Both the Cub Cadet tractor and the riding mower have an electric switch to turn the deck blades on and off. You normally leave the deck attached for yard work – just raise the deck up and hook up your trailer to the rear hitch.
The only maintenance needed is to change the mower blades when needed. For most owners, that’s once a year. When you want the blades changed just call the Cub Cadet dealer where you purchased it from and they will come get the mower, make any repairs and return it for a fee. (Some dealers will come right to your home and change the blades there)
I highly recommend that you purchase the mower through one of the links below. Cub Cadet will have a dealer near you set up the mower, deliver it, and show you how to use it. If you have any problems just call that dealer and they will take care of it.
Right now through May 3rd Cub Cadet has free delivery on these mowers.
Tractor link: Cub Cadet XT1 LT42e electric riding tractor.
Riding mower link: Cub Cadet CC 30 e Electric Rider
Carol
Thanks for the response. I’m sure this will,work for me.
Dave
Question, since the Ryobi uses motors as a spindle do you have to replace The Who thing if the spindle were to be bent or damaged?
Paul
Hi Dave, I don’t have access to a parts list but I assume the motor will have a blade keeper attached to the end of the motor shaft. This would be similar to the blade holder on a gas push mower. If you hit something hard it would break the blade holder or the “shear key” between the shaft and the blade holder.
The Raven MPV 7100 electric deck’s motors were set up this way.
It would not be like the mandrel on a riding mower deck where the blade connect directly to the spindle.
Kathleen Sullivan
I have the Ryobi RM480E 38′ 100Ah and cut approx. 3/4 acre of lawn. One section has a slope of 15-20º, possibly more, which it handles quite well. I go straight up, across the top and then straight down, occasionally using the brake. I have been using a John Deere tractor for years and am amazed that this mower seems to handle everything that one does. It also mulches very well. Only problem is it’s a bit sensitive about the fact that I don’t weigh enough to sometimes be recognized in the seat. It beeps a warning and won’t run until I press myself down and then it’s fine for the full cutting period. It’s nice not having to fuss with gas, oil, spark plugs, etc.
Gordon
How well would the electric Cub Cadet tractor do at pulling implements or going uphill? The equivalent gas tractors have the entry-level hydrostatic transmissions which I understand are subject to early failure if too much is asked of them. Do the same limitations apply to an electric “transmission”? (I assume there is no transmission, that the motor connects straight through to the differential.)
Paul
Hi Gordon, The Cub Cadet Tractor is listed as a lawn tractor so it’s made to mow your lawn and pull a small yard cart around your property. 3-400 lbs max.
Technically there is still a transmission in it. There is a differential and set of gears to reduce the electric motor’s RPMs. It’s just a gear reducer and doesn’t have a way to change the speed by using different gears or a hydro pump and motor.
Gordon
Thank you Paul. I saw your comments on the Husqvarna lawn tractor that looks like a garden tractor with the big wheels where you discussed the differences in axle size etc between lawn and garden tractors. So I gather the CC frame and axle are lawn tractor spec, but without the weak link of a low-end hydro transmission one might be able to push that tractor a bit harder.
There is a review on Home Depot from someone who seems to be doing so: “I take it off-roading through the woods, I pull giant loads of firewood, I plow snow with it with the fast-attach plow, I’m gonna use it to plow and cultivate a field…I can plow my very steep 1/4 mile gravel driveway 2-3 times on one charge in sub-freezing temps…”
Paul
Gordon, all I have to say to that reviewer is “good luck.” Let’s see if he comes back after a year and complains about the tranny and/or the frame cracking.
Scott M
Paul, you mention here that the Cub Cadet RZT S Zero is “the best buy mower of all the current electrics” yet you said the Ryobi electric zero turn was the best electric mower on the Top Residential Zero Turn Mowers For 2020 page. For those of us evaluating these two, can you give some more insight as to why you recommend the Ryobi at $1K more? Expected durability, cut quality, etc? It almost seems like Cub Cadet might be phasing out the RZT S Zero?
Thanks so much for all of your help!
Paul
Hi Scott, Sorry for the confusion. The Cub Cadet is basically their RZT S mower converted to electric. In other words, it’s a decent mower. In gas form, it has been rated as a really good mower over the years. It’s solid, well built and up until this year – cost a fortune. It is fairly hard to get. You have to find one of Cub Cadet’s Signature Dealers and then order it from them (there’s only one in Wisconsin)
The Ryobi, on the other hand, is lightweight and newly designed from the ground up as an electric mower. It also cuts well and I recommend it to people who mow about one acre weekly. It’s also very easy to get. Just use the links in the article to buy it from Home Depot.
So by dropping the price $1000, the RZT S Zero becomes a “best buy” but in terms of getting the latest tech and an easy to purchase mower, the Ryobi is the better choice.
Yes, I expect Cub Cadet to come out with a new zero-turn that uses lithium batteries – if the demand is there.
Scott M
Awesome, very helpful! With a 10-15% slope in my back yard (ending at a pond), it sounds like the Cub Cadet would be the right option for me if I can’t get my Craftsman running this spring. Based on your comments/recommendations, I’d not be safe with the lightweight Ryobi back there.
I talked to a local-ish Cub Cadet independent dealer yesterday and they said they could order it for me with a 1-2 week delivery timeline. He also mentioned that they did have some of them running out in the wild, so it sounds like it wouldn’t be a “wow, never have seen this model before” thing if I needed service. Maybe. 🙂
Paul
Hi Scott, Yes the Cub Cadet would be the best choice for slopes. The steerable front wheels make a HUGE difference in how a Zero-turn handles slopes. (the Ryobi would most likely just slide right into the pond)
Your local Cub Cadet dealer has a fully detailed shop repair manual available for the RZT S Zero. It goes over every component in the mower and has an exhaustive troubleshooting section.
By the way, for safety always stay at least two mower widths away from the pond’s edge. Animals and reptiles burrow into the edge and it is very easy to find one of those burrows large enough to tip the mower over into the pond. . Use a push mower or string trimmer to mow that edge.
Scott M
Appreciate the support for the Cub Cadet & slopes! My 2014 Craftsman Turn Tight Tractor just might get retired for it. I’d be hoping to see at least a 10% improvement on mowing times on my 0.6 acres with both being 42″ wide.
I’d stayed back from mowing the edge a little bit (half-mower width?) before but certainly not that mower widths … I very much trust your advice, so I will start being more cautious down there. Thanks again!
Scott M
Heads-up, the Cub Cadet RZT S Zero is officially no longer available. I placed an order 1.5 weeks ago with my local dealer and got a call today – they can’t get one from Cub Cadet at all. Refunded my money.
So now for my electric mower, it’s either a Ryobi 38″ tractor or a Ryobi 42″ zero turn. All depends on how fast I want to mow and how scared I am to mow the slope towards the pond, basically. The time savings of the 42″ ZT would be negated if I had to mow the slope with a push mower.
Do you still recommend the 38″ Ryobi? Wondering about the turning radius compared to my previous Craftsman Turn Tight.
Paul
Hi Scott, Stay safe, please. NEVER use a riding mower closer than 2-3 mower widths from the water. Critters burrowing into the banks and water-logged soil will cause you to tip into the pond.
Residential ZTRs don’t work well on slopes over 12-15 degrees. They lose traction, especially when turning and will slide down the hill.
Yes, I still recommend the 38 inch Ryobi (I haven’t seen the new 30 inch yet) The turning radius is the same for most lawn tractors – about 14-16 inches.
JAKE FOX
How do these handle hills and off-camber driving? I can’t find any specs on how these things handle a lawn with a grade. Thx
Paul
Hi Jake, The riding mowers and lawn tractor handle hills just like it’s gas counterpart EXCEPT there is no engine braking going downhill. They do have external disk brakes on the transmission so you can use the foot brake to control it going downhill. You can’t use the cruise control going downhill because as soon as you step on the brake the cruise releases.
The Ryobi ZTR is very light so I don’t expect it to hang on a slope much over 10 degrees. I don’t know if it coasts downhill but since it’s electric I suspect it does.
JAKE FOX
many thanks Paul. i have quite a sloped yard. haven’t measured, but maybe some 10%.
who uses brakes going downhill? 🙂