Cub Cadet XT1 Review 2022 | Should You Go For It?

Living in a large and beautiful residential property located on a hilltop is the stuff of dreams. But mowing the lawns that comes with them? Certainly not. Now you might have been looking into the lawnmower market trying to find a solution and might have come across many walk-behind models. Although perfect for many homeowners with small to medium-sized yards and a plethora of models available on the market, you know it will still not work for you. You may have also come across zero-turn mowers, which may seem like something you would want to consider keeping the challenge of your garden work in mind. 

But you know there is no way on Earth you could fit that beast into your garage. If yes, do not lose hope, as there is nothing better than a traditional lawn tractor when you need to turn work days into hours. Way more suitable for more significant properties or sloping landscapes with few obstacles to navigate. These machines can reach incredible speeds and deliver the power and performance you need, and you can do all of that while seated comfortably. 

Powered by either gas for people who enjoy performance or battery for the environmentally conscious folks. Another notable thing about lawn tractors is that you can incorporate several attachments and make them versatile machines for year-round applications. If we have managed to get you interested, stay put as we unveil today’s product for you that fits this description down to a tee. This is the Cub Cadet XT1 Review so let us jump straight in.

Cub Cadet XT1 Review

From the first ever Cub Cadet model being made in a shed in Gloria Drive, Kentucky, in 1960, the brand has crossed several milestones and made a great name. With the Cub Cadet Original’s production between 1961 and 1963 to a sturdier and improved streamlined design produced between 1963 to 1971, the quiteline series in 1974 to the 82 series toward the end of the 70s, Cub Cadet has taken customer needs and design improvement into significant consideration.

The XT1 Enduro Series is one of the many products that are extremely popular amongst customers. With a 16-inch turning radius and cruise control in all the models, let us look at all the models in great detail so you can learn everything about the series and more. 

Cub Cadet XT1 LT Review

Starting with talking about the LT series for the sole reason of being in a similar price bracket and looking quite alike. But you will be pleasantly surprised with all the features these models offer and what makes them different from each other.

XT1 LT42 Review

The XT1 range begins with the LT42 model with a deck size of inches to keep in mind the needs of a customer with large but crammed lawns so that they can maneuver around obstacles easily. Powered by a single-cylinder Kohler 5400 series engine with a 3-year warranty and 5-year chassis and front axle unlimited hours warranty, this model is worth looking into.

Build: The 13 gauge stamped steel deck, robotically welded frame, and aluminum transmission housing on this lawn tractor are built to last. The 15-inch front and 20-inch rear tires are large and ensure smooth drive and two gauge anti-scalping wheels so that the deck doesn’t come in contact with the ground. The tractor is also corrosion protected and has a rear tow hitch for versatile jobs.

Dual LED headlamps are also integrated for uninterrupted mowing, even in low light conditions, and a 16-inch turning radius for enhanced maneuverability. You only need that to have 16 inches of available space to turn. The 15-inch high back adjustable seats and rubber floor mats are integrated for the operator’s comfort. 

Engine: Reliability of performance can be credited to the fact that the LT42 has a single cylinder, fully pressurized 19.5 HP, 541 cc Kohler 5400 engine. The fuel tank capacity of 3 gallons renders it ideal for small to medium size lawns and an electric starter type for the operator’s comfort. A dual-element air and oil filter are also integrated with 230 CCA Absorbent Glass Mat batteries. 

Transmission: Forget manual work with the Tuff Torq TL-200 hydrostatic transmission system. The transmission control is done through foot pedals so you can focus on operating the machine better. This ensures longevity and minimal maintenance. A maximum forward speed of 5.5 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 3 mph is achieved. 

Cutting deck: Synonymous to the model name, the cutting deck on this lawn tractor is 42 inches, so your mowing time is cut down efficiently. The deck can be lifted and Engaged manually and houses two blades for a clean cut. The cutting height can be adjusted between 1 to 4 inches for flexibility. And mowing the lawn is not the only thing that will be easy, as the deck wash-out port makes cleaning a piece of cake. 

See Also: Milwaukee Leaf Blower Review

Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 Review

With a slightly larger deck size of 46 inches and a more powerful twin-cylinder Kohler 7000 series engine, the LT46 is also an excellent option for potential buyers with small to medium size lawns. Features optimized steering to further aid in maneuverability and the 3-year and 5-year chassis and front axle unlimited hours warranty ensures the operator’s peace of mind.

Build: This lawn tractor is tough and sturdy courtesy of its robotically welded frame, 12 gauge stamped steel deck and aluminum gearbox housing. Large tires 15 inches up front and 20 inches back provide a smooth ride, and the deck won’t touch the ground thanks to four gauge anti-scalping wheels. The tractor also has a rear tow hitch for diverse applications and is corrosion-resistant.

Additionally featured are dual LED headlamps for continued mowing even in dimly lit areas and a 16-inch turning radius for improved maneuverability, as you just need that much space to turn. The rubber floor mats and 15-inch high back adjustable seats are fitted for the operator’s comfort. 

Engine: Given the LT46’s dual cylinder, fully pressurized, 23 HP, 725 cc Kohler 7000 engine, performance is dependable. Its 3-gallon fuel tank makes it perfect for small to medium-sized lawns, and the electric starter type is comfortable for the user. Along with 210 CCA Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, additional integrated filters include a dual-element air filter and an oil filter.

Transmission: With the Tuff Torq TL-200 hydrostatic transmission system, menial work is a thing of the past. Foot pedals are used for transmission control so you can concentrate on operating the machine more effectively. This guarantees longevity and requires little upkeep. It is possible to reach a top forward speed of 5.5 mph and a top reverse speed of 3 mph.

Cutting Deck: This lawn tractor’s cutting deck is 46 inches long, matching the model name, significantly reducing the time you need to mow the lawn. The deck has two blades for a precise cut and may be manually raised and engaged. For versatility, the cutting height can be changed from 1 to 4 inches. Other tasks, such as washing the deck after use, will also be simple, thanks to the deck wash-out port.

XT1 LT50 FAB

With every model, the LT50 FAB features a 50-inch fabricated cutting deck with a trademarked AeroForce deck design to create a suction beneath the deck for the grass blades to be entirely vertical during mowing for maximum cut efficiency. Powered also by a Kohler 7000 series engine and with a similar warranty as other LT models, let us look into it in detail.

Build: This lawn tractor’s chassis, gearbox housing, and 11 gauge manufactured steel deck is all long-lasting construction materials. The front provides large tires with a smooth drive and rear tires, which measure 15 inches and 20 inches, respectively. The rollers and wheels are 4 gauge anti-scalping wheels to prevent the deck from touching the ground.

The tractor also has a rear tow hitch for adaptable applications and is corrosion-resistant. Low light must not stop you from mowing to your heart’s desire, thanks to the dual LED headlamps, and enhanced maneuverability is ensured with a 16-inch turning radius. The operator’s fatigue is also kept at bay with a 15-inch high back adjustable seat and rubber mats to dampen vibrations.

Engine: The LT50 FAB’s two-cylinder, fully pressurized 24 HP, 725 cc Kohler 7000 engine is to thank for the LT50 FAB’s dependability of performance. With a 3-gallon fuel tank capacity and an electric starter type for the operator’s convenience, it is perfect for medium- to large-sized lawns. Alongside 230 CCA Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, an oil filter and a dual-element air filter are also built-in. 

Transmission: The Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission system uses hydraulic pressure to drive the machine; hence, no work is required from the operator’s end. The transmission control via foot pedals makes the job a breeze. Longevity and little maintenance are thus assured. This combination results in a maximum forward speed of 5.5 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 3 mph.

Cutting Deck: As the model name suggests, a wider deck of 50 inches reduces mowing time significantly. The deck has three blades for a crisp cut and can be physically lifted and engaged. For flexibility’s sake, you can change the cutting height from 1 to 4 inches. And it won’t just be simple to mow the lawn—cleaning will also be simple thanks to the deck wash-out port. 

Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Review

The largest deck size of 54 inches within the XT1 Enduro series is featured in the XT1 ST54. This model is perfect for medium to large yards thanks to its twin-cylinder Kohler 7000 series engine, triple blades, and huge deck space. It also features the AeroForce deck design for a crisp cut quality due to the suction beneath the deck and warranty similar to the previous models.

Build: Like all the lawn tractors we have discussed up till now, the ST54 also showcases a remarkable build quality with a robotically welded frame, an 11-gauge steel fabricated deck, steel tube bumper, and a cast iron front pivot bar. Four gauge wheels and rollers are provided to avoid scalping, and oversized tires, namely 16-inch front and 22-inch rear tires, ensure a smooth ride.

This model is also protected against corrosion and has a rear tow hitch installed, so you can accommodate your tractor for much more than just mowing. Dual LED lights, a cup holder, and 15-inch high back adjustable seats are included to ease the operator.

Engine: ST54 features a twin cylinder, fully pressurized, 24 HP, 725 cc Kohler 7000 engine for exceptional power and performance. Its 3-gallon fuel tank makes it ideal for 2 to 4 acres of land, and the electric starter type is inhabitable for the user. Like its predecessors, it also comes with 230 CCA Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, and further integrated filters include a dual-element air filter and an oil filter.

Transmission: The transmission is not much different from the LT50 FAB with the Tuff Torq K46 hydrostatic transmission system. It has a foot pedal transmission control and top forward and reverse speeds of 5.5 and 3 mph, respectively. 

Cutting Deck: The largest deck size in the XT1 range is the specialty of the model ST54. A 54-inch wide deck can easily tackle 2-4 acres of terrain. Triple blades for an efficient quality of cut and a manual deck engagement system so you can choose the height of cut according to your needs. Talking about the cutting height range, this lawn tractor can offer 12 distinct cutting positions for a cutting height range of 1 to 4 inches—easy cleaning with a deck washout port. 

Cub Cadet XT1 GT54 FAB

The GT54 FAB not only constitutes the most prominent deck size but also the most powerful engine within the series. The rest is not much different with a fabricated deck with AeroForce deck design and standard warranty available in this range.

Build: The GT54 FAB shares the same build quality as the ST54, with a robotically welded frame, an 11-gauge steel manufactured deck, a steel tube bumper, and a cast iron front pivot bar. Large tires, including 16-inch front and 22-inch rear tires, are given together with five gauge wheels to prevent scalping and guarantee a smooth ride.

This model has a rear tow hitch and is corrosion-resistant, allowing you to use your tractor for much more than just mowing. To make things easier for the operator, dual LED lighting, a cup holder, and 15-inch high back adjustable seats are incorporated.

Engine: A Kohler 7000 series engine features yet again on the GT54 FAB with an even more powerful fully pressurized 25 HP and 725 cc configuration. Twin cylinders with a fuel tank capacity of 3 gallons for quickly covering a medium to large yard. And like the other models, they have a dual-element air filter and an oil filter.

Transmission: The hydraulic pressure also drives this machine, but a more incredible forward speed of 6.2 mph and a reverse speed of 3 mph can be observed by the Tuff Torq K58 hydrostatic transmission system. The transmission is controlled via a foot pedal for ease of operation. 

Cutting Deck: The XT1 GT54 FAB is another model with the widest cutting deck within the range. 54-inch wide cutting deck housing three blades reduce mowing time and increase the cut’s quality. The cutting height range is 1 to 4 inches, with 12 deck positions available for you to select. Wash out port for easy cleaning. 

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42E

Gas-powered mowers are demanding in application and maintenance and can produce a lot of noise and emissions that many do not appreciate. If you are an environmentally conscious individual looking for an alternative but do not want to compromise on power and performance, then the XT1 LT42E is just the product for you.

With the excellent build quality and a substantial 42-inch deck, this lawn tractor can cover about 1.5 to 2 acres of ground on a single charge. And for your peace of mind, the brand has a 3-year limited residential and 4-year limited battery warranty.

Build: The build quality is the same as the LT range’s, with a 13 gauge stamped steel deck and a robotically welded chassis. 15-inch front and 20-inch rear tires for a comfortable ride and four gauge anti-scalping wheels to prevent the deck from digging in the ground. Protected against corrosion and with a rear tow hitch for year-round applications. Dual LED headlamps for uninterrupted mowing even in low light conditions.

Adjustable 15-inch high back seats, rubber mats to mask vibrations, and a cup holder for an overall comfortable experience. 

Battery: The LT42 features a 56 V, 60 Ah lithium-ion battery for a quieter ride with significantly less maintenance. With the included fast charger, the charging time of this battery is about four hours and can deliver a run time of up to 1.5 hours which is significant enough to cover 2 acres of land. Starting mechanism is also very easy with a push button start. 

Drive System: No shifting gears are required with the automatic electric transmission. A brushless electric motor is integrated to extend the service life by minimizing frictional losses. Transmission control happens with a foot pedal like the rest of the models. The top forward speed is observed to be 5.5 mph, and the top reverse speed of 3 mph. 

Cutting Deck: A 42-inch cutting deck with twin blades for satisfactory cut quality and ground coverage. An electric deck engagement and manual deck lift allow for a cutting height range of 1 to 4 inches with 12 deck positions. But unlike its gas-powered alternatives, this model does not include the washout port. 

Advantages 

Cub Cadet is a trendy brand, and it is for all good reasons. But the reasons that make the Cub Cadet XT1 a worthy product is what we shall discuss below.

• The 16-inch turning radius for maneuverability as only a distance of 16 inches is required to make a turn.
• Optimized steering further enhances maneuverability for a seamless experience. 
• Reliable and powerful Kohler engines.
• Stamped or fabricated steel deck for durability and longevity.
• Not needing to shift gears is a pleasant delight for many customers.
• Capable of reverse mowing.
• Excellent cut quality and the gas-powered models can also be used for wet grass.

Disadvantages 

Every product has flaws that may or may not affect your chances of buying those, but it is always good to know upfront what to expect. Here are the instances where the Cub Cadet XT1 misses.

• The battery-powered model cannot be used on wet grass and does not feature a washout port for safety purposes.
• The discharge of grass clipping happens further outwards and may pose problems for crammed lawns.
• Not ideal for sloping terrains.
• It was mentioned by some customers and lawn care enthusiasts that scalping is unavoidable for any cutting height below 2.5 inches, regardless of the anti-scalping wheels and rollers.

Customer Insights | Cub Cadet XT1 Review

This customer who newly switched to the Cub Cadet XT1 had a brilliant experience. They have articulated it as such, “I just recently bought the XT1 Enduro. After 36 years and three Craftsman 46-inch tractors, I decided to try something different. I’m glad I made this move since it was terrific for me. I used it on my 1.5-acre lawn for the first time, and I was thrilled.

After reading the clear instructions, adjusting to new controls wasn’t a problem. Despite the rough lawn, the ride was comfortable. This one had a better turning radius and outstanding speed than my prior mowers. The tractor is well made and simple to operate. Highly advised.”

Another buyer shared their experience with having the machine for a while and the measures they took to maintain and extend the service life. With an overall delightful response, they say, “Got this a couple of years ago. Tire pressure was dropped in accordance with instructions after changing the oil after the required break. Further installed a gas shutoff. I maintain my oil, filters, and grease jobs. I also made an effortless adjustment to the wheel alignment.

I had damaged them while turning on concrete, so I added two new tires. I remove the deck each year, give it a power wash, and rubber-undercoat it. She has been a delight and runs like a champ. I trim a third of an acre twice a week or as necessary.”

While another buyer provided some valid criticism and design flaws within the range, he mentioned, “I get coated in grass clippings, which is the major problem I have with this mower. The grass clippings blast out of the front right corner of the mower deck and back into my face when I cut between 3.5″ and 4″. To prevent the grass from blowing back, it needs some skirting. I also purchased a mulching kit, but it has its own problems. The mower appears to have plenty of power overall and is good. The main disadvantage is getting covered in clippings.”

FAQs | Cub Cadet XT1 

How long will a Cub Cadet XT1 last?

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series lasts around 500 to 1000 hours.

What is the difference between a Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2?

The significant differences between the two are the standard bumper on the XT2 for increased protection, turf master tires for enhanced traction for uneven surfaces, more significant engines for improved performance, easy maintenance with a color-coded oil drain valve and color-coded probe to check oil levels, and, included armrests along with a high back adjustable seat. You can get to know more about the models in the XT2 range on the official Cub Cadet website.

If you are someone who is looking for more certain options & for a large mass of land then have a look at some of the best riding lawn mowers for 1 acre. 

Closure | Cub Cadet XT1 Review

With a durable design and several nifty features and models varying in price and specifications, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series covers all your lawn maintenance requirements. And we believe in having provided you with the information you need to make a valuable purchase. As this is one of the more expensive lawn care products, we hope you make an intelligent decision and check whether the pros outweigh the cons.

We also encourage you to do critical research before making any purchases. If you have any further queries, please contact us and have a delightful day.