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Cub Cadet XT1 Series: Everything You Need To Know

By Brian Boyce
August 14, 2020

When you’re needing grass cut by the acre, you need a horse of a mower for the job – like the Cub Cadet XT1 Series Riding Mowers. Part of the Cub Cadet XT Enduro Series, the XT1 is designed for responsive handling as well as durability, the trademark black and gold Cub Cadet lawn tractors stand apart on the fields of green grass. With easy handling, these lawn tractors are great for beginning operators, whether young or simply new to the lawn-mowing experience, and they come ready to match up with a number of accessories unavailable for zero-turn mowers. Definitely worthy of a look, consider the size and frequency of the mowing jobs involved, as the Cub Cadet XT1 series is available in a full range of sizes.

Cub Cadet XT1-GT54

Built with a 25-horsepower Kohler engine, the Cub Cadet XT1-GT54 features a 12-volt key start, 747cc four-cycle, two-cylinder engine, and runs on a three-gallon fuel tank. The 54-inch cutting deck offers a cutting height between one and four inches with three steel blades. A 3-in-1 deck, the mower offers side-discharge, bag, or mulch options. The 11-gauge, welded steel deck can be set into any of 12 positions and engages by way of PTO lever, driven by belt. Maximum speed on the unit is 6.2 miles per hour with a maximum reverse speed of 3.1. Rear-wheel driven, the unit has a hydrostatic transmission and drive system, and runs on 16- x 6.5-inch front tires, 22- x 9.5-inch rear tires, with pneumatic wheels. The machine itself weighs 575 pounds, at 72 inches long, 63 inches wide, and 47 inches high.

Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 FAB

The Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 FAB features a 12-volt key start for a 725cc four-cycle, two-cylinder engine with 24 horsepower. A three-gallon engine keeps the engine running. The 54-inch deck is constructed of 11-gauge, welded steel and raises and lowers to 12 positions. Sporting three blades, the unit cuts from one to four inches in height. The manual, hand-operated deck lift system is belt-driven, and the machine travels a maximum speed forward of 5.5 miles per hour, with 3.1 miles per hour in reverse. A hydrostatic transmission with a Tuff Torq K46 drive system, the machine is rear-wheel driven, with front tires of 16- x 6.5-inch, and rear tires of 22- x 9.5-inches. The unit weighs 520 pounds, is 68 inches long, 57.5 inches up and 63 down wide, and 42.5 inches high.

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Cub Cadet XT1 GT50

Cutting lawns powered by a 25-horsepower Kohler engine, the Cub Cadet XT1-GT50 has a 12-volt key start to the four-cycle engine with 725cc off two cylinders, all running on a three-gallon fuel tank. The 50-inch cutting deck offers a 3-in-1 mowing feature for side-discharge, bag, or mulch options. The 12-gauge, stamped steel deck offers a cutting height of one to four inches using a manual, hand-operated deck lift system. Engagement is kicked in by way of an electric PTO and belt-driven. Maximum speed is 6.2 miles per hour with maximum reverse at 3.1. Rear-wheel driven, the unit has a hydrostatic transmission and runs on 15- x 6-inch front tires, and 22- x 9.5-inch rear tires. The machine itself weighs 615 pounds with a length of 72.5 inches, width of 53.5 inches up and 60 down, and height of 44.5 inches.

Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 EFI

Clipping grass 46 inches at a roll, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 operates off a 12-volt key start to a four-cycle engine with 547cc, running off a three-gallon tank. The four-cycle engine runs off one cylinder. The 46-inch cutting deck offers a 3-in-1 side-discharge, bag, or mulch option. Built with 11-gauge, welded steel, the two steel blades can cut inside a deck with 12 positions at heights between one and four inches. Engagement runs off a belt-driven PTO lever system and maximum forward speed is 5.5. miles per hour. Maximum reverse speed is 3.1 miles per hour. Rear-wheel driven, transmission is hydrostatic. The unit itself weighs 425 pounds and is 68 inches long, 54 inches wide, and 45 inches high.

Cub Cadet XT1 LT46

A strong, basic package, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 kicks off with a 12-volt key start to a four-cycle engine with 22 horsepower, and 725cc, running off a three-gallon tank. The 46-inch cutting deck offers a 3-in-1 side-discharge, bag, or mulch option. Built with 12-gauge, stamped steel, the two steel blades can cut at 12 different deck positions at heights ranging from one to four inches. Engagement runs off a manual, hand-operated deck lift system with the deck belt-driven. Maximum forward speed is 5.5 miles per hour with reverse maxing out at 3.1. The rear-wheel driven unit features a hydrostatic transmission and Tuff Torq TL200 drive system. Front tires measure 15- x 6-inch with rear tires at 20-inches x 8-inches. The unit weighs 540 pounds and measures 68.0 inches long, 48.5 up and 54 down in width, and 42.5 inches high.

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Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 EFI

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 EFI sports a 12-volt key start to a four-cycle, one-cylinder engine with 547cc, running off a three-gallon tank. The 42-inch deck constructed of 13-gauge, stamped steel, raises and lowers to 12 positions and sports two blades cutting heights between one and four inches. Engagement is belt-driven and manual, with maximum forward speeds of 5.5 miles per hour, and reverse at 3.1. Rear-wheel driven machine features a hydrostatic transmission. Front tire sizes are 15- x 6-inches, and rear 20- x 8-inches. The unit weighs 420 pounds and measures 68 inches long, 50 inches wide, and 45 inches high.

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42e (Electric Riding Mower)

Cut up to two acres, or 1.5 hours at a time, with no more fuel or oil changes. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42e runs off a lithium-ion 56-volt Max-60 Ah-3000 Wh battery with a run time of about 1.5 hours and charge time of four. Fast charger is included and the battery gauge is digital. The machine has a push-button start and electric, foot-controlled transmission. Forward maximum speed is 5.5 miles per hour with reverse of 3.1. With an electric, 56-volt transmission, the unit’s transmission input style is brushless motor. The deck’s cutting width is 42 inches with both side discharge, mulch, and bagging options. With a deck constructed of 13-gauge, stamped, steel with a QuickAttach option, no tools required. Deck engagement is PTO and operated by electric push button. The mowing unit features one blade which cuts between one and four inches in height. Deck lift is lever-operated into one of 12 positions. The unit weighs 410 pounds and is 68 inches long, 50 inches wide, and 42.5 inches high.

Cub Cadet XT1 Accessories

MotoAlliance DENALI 46” Plow Kit-Lawn Tractors

Compatible with the Cub Cadet XT1, XT2, Husqvarna, and John Deere 100 Series units, the plow kit features a heavy-duty 46-inch straight plow blade constructed of 11-gauge steel with two 7-gauge ribs running the full height of the blade. The unit weighs 75 pounds and sports a grading wear bar for spring/summer leveling and landscaping.

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MTD 42-inch and 46-inch Double Bagger for riding lawn mowers

The double bagger unit fits all tractors with 42-inch and 46-inch side discharge decks built 2010 and after. Constructed with flex tubing for visual of grass flow, the unit also features a top-hinged hood so riders don’t have to flip the seat up when empting. A sight window lets users see when the bags are full. Capacity is about 6.5 bushels.

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Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 Review

By Geof Fowler
December 10, 2019

For a landscaper, municipal mower, or homeowner with acreage, the Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 series zero-turn mower is well-worth checking out.

Cub Cadet is a respected name, established in 1960 as part of International Harvester to address the need for a line of small, heavy-duty tractors. The dependability of these early machines are legendary, with Cub Cadet Cub, Lo-Boy, and Original tractors using the time tested belt drive from flywheel to shaft to three-speed transmissions still winning tractor pulls around the globe. Cub Cadet was acquired by MTD in 1981 and hasn’t varied the recipe of manufacturing quality products made-in-America.

Cub Cadet entered the Professional, or Commercial, Zero-Turn market in late 2016 after a development process that involved 28 dealers, 100 landscapers, and thousands of hours of testing. The resultant four-model series from this development process ranges from 23.5 – 35 horsepower, 35 – 56 lb-ft of torque, and carries MSRP sticker pricing from $6,599 to $12,999. Ho-hum, did the marketplace really need another zero-turn? Many Cub Cadet dealers didn’t think so. So, when Tractor.com received an invite from the good folks at the Brentwood Power Equipment Center in Brentwood, NH to test Z 500 models and find out what those dealers were missing, we jumped at the opportunity. But first some technical details.

Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 models in the series hierarchy fit above the Pro Z100 models and just below the Pro Z 700 and Pro Z 900 models. Powered by Kawasaki FX730v (726cc / 23.5hp / 48” deck) or FX850v (852cc / 27hp / 54” or 60” decks) engines, and with 14.9 gallons of onboard fuel (twin 7.45-gallon tanks), you know these machines have the innards to do some serious work. Our test models came with FX850v engines making 27 horsepower and 44.6 lb-ft of torque.

Supporting those heavy-duty innards is a heavy-duty welded 3/8” x 5” full-length all-steel frame with a 2” x 3” pivoting front axle that has 4-1/2” of travel (2-1/4” each side) to maximize ground contact and minimize turf scalping. Further aiding operator comfort is an optional isolation-dampening system (standard on Pro Z 700 and 900 models). Tie-down slots are integrated into the frame. The rear bumper is 5/16” steel, comes standard with a trailer hitch, and is predrilled for an impressive lineup of optional attachments.

One look at the ½” thick front yokes with sealed ball bearings, 5” steel hubs, and smooth 13” x 6.5”-6 or turf 15” x 6”-6 front tires, and any seasoned zero-turn operator will recognize the extent Cub Cadet has gone to ensure long, trouble-free hours in the toughest of conditions. And to protect against the elements, everything gets an automotive-grade e-coating prior to powder coat – yellow of course.

Drive power to the ground comes from a 12cc Parker HTJ transmission with self-contained pump and wheel motor that allows ground speeds of up to 10 mph forward and 5 mph reverse. Every zero-turn operator knows potential ground speed is one thing, but what can actually be accomplished on surfaces more realistically less-smooth than soccer fields is another. This is where the extra-thick bolstered seat that is adjustable for operator weight comes into play. That said, serious operators will probably want the optional Pro Z Air-Ride seat (standard on Pro Z 900 models). With air-ride control (fingertip control to onboard air compressor) EVC cushioning for vibration control, isolation dampening under the seat, angle adjustment, padded armrests, and lumbar support, high-speed mowing is truly possible.

Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 tractors can be outfitted with triple 7-gauge decks in 48”, 54”, and 60” widths. These are some of the thickest, strongest decks in the industry with ¼” rolled leading edge, 5/16” side reinforcements, a ¾” wear guard, maintenance-free spindle assembly, flexible discharge chute, high-lift Marbain blades (up to 18,500 fpm), 3” total blade overlap, and optional rear striping roller (standard on Z 700 and Z 900 models). So heavy-duty are these decks that they come with a five-year warranty (three-year unit unlimited hours/five-year deck up to 1,750 hours).

We were fortunate to be able to test two Z 500 models side-by-side. One was a lap bar Z 500 and the other a steering wheel-controlled Z 500 model. First, the lap bar Z 500 which was outfitted with a 54” deck. Firing up the FX850v, we measured a quiet 82 dBA idle from the operator seat, increasing to 94 dBA at PTO rpm. Modulation over the speed range and directional control was excellent, with one hand fingertip operation possible for those so inclined. Seesawing the lap bars in opposite directions – something seasoned operators avoid due to turf damage – barely left evidence of heavy-handed operation. And the pivoting front axle worked like a dream on uneven terrain and on a drainage ditch we traversed.

Steering wheel control might be something an experienced operator will sneer at, but the system employed on the Cub Cadet Pro Z series is something every zero-turn operator should at least try. It’s that good. Tractor.com first experienced the first generation of this system back in 2014 when we tested an RZT 42 with steering wheel control. That model was homeowner oriented, but worked quite well and efficiently. Fast-forward to the Pro Z series and we can say the system has advanced quite impressively. Bringing true four-wheel steering control, Cub Cadet claims an increase of 10% in acres per hour performance. Our steering wheel test rig was outfitted with a 60” deck with which we got silly, turning the wheel all the way to lock at full throttle and with the hydro pedal depressed all the way, spinning the Z 500 like a wind-driven pinwheel. After a dozen turns or so (who’s counting) we stopped to inspect the damage. Amazingly, it was almost non-existent. Cub Cadet also claims straight mowing capability on hillside slopes up to 20% grade for steering wheel equipped Pro Z machines.

The two test machines we spent time with MSRP for $9,299 and $10,499 (Z 500 lap bar/54” deck and Z 500 steering wheel/60” deck respectively).

For a landscaper, municipal mower, or homeowner with acreage, the Cub Cadet Pro Z series is definitely a welcome addition to a marketplace segment many thought over-saturated and certainly well-worth checking out. And for those in the vicinity of Brentwood, New Hampshire, and considering a zero-turn for the first time all the way to that experienced landscaper ready for an upgrade in equipment, a stop at the Brentwood Power Equipment Center would be the perfect place to start.

Yanmar Modifies Compact Utility Tractor Partnership with MTD

By Lucas Cooney
August 31, 2011

Yanmar America and MTD have announced that the two companies are modifying their business partnership. Since 2006, Yanmar and MTD have been jointly marketing Yanmar’s compact utility tractors under the Cub Cadet Yanmar brand. Effective Sept. 1, Yanmar will begin distributing its compact utility tractors directly to dealers.

Cub Cadet Yanmar branded tractor models currently in the market will continue to be manufactured by Yanmar but will display only the Yanmar brand. Yanmar also will take over product support within the current distribution channel.

“The compact tractor market in North America is beginning to rebound from the economic downturn, and we believe that now is the perfect time for Yanmar to take on full responsibility for sales, marketing and customer service of our compact tractors,” says Katsumi Deguchi, executive vice president of Yanmar America. “By doing this, Yanmar will be able to focus more directly and efficiently on the specific needs of our compact tractor dealers and their customers. The transition to all of our customers will be seamless. We have appreciated the great marketing, sales and service our MTD partners have provided.”

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Cub Cadet XT1 Series: Everything You Need To Know

Cub Cadet XT1-GT54

Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 FAB

Cub Cadet XT1 GT50

Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 EFI

Cub Cadet XT1 LT46

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 EFI

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42e (Electric Riding Mower)

Cub Cadet XT1 Accessories

5 of the Best Sub Compact Tractors

5 of the Best Compact Tractor Choices

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 2

2018 Mahindra 1626 Review

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 1

Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 Review

5 of the Best Sub Compact Tractors

5 of the Best Compact Tractor Choices

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 2

2018 Mahindra 1626 Review

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 1

Yanmar Modifies Compact Utility Tractor Partnership with MTD

5 of the Best Sub Compact Tractors

5 of the Best Compact Tractor Choices

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 2

2018 Mahindra 1626 Review

2017 Subcompact Tractor Comparison – Part 1