Cub Cadet XT1 vs CT2. Cub Cadet XT1 Review & XT2 Review

Cub Cadet was first established in Kentucky back in 1960 under the direction of International Harvester. The IH Cub Cadet was an entirely new line of heavy-duty small tractors using components from the previous Cub series tractors. These days Cub Cadet have the advanced XT range. Here we review the XT1 and XT2.

Cub Cadet XT1 & XT2 Reviews

Then in 1981, International Harvester sold their Cub Cadet division to the outdoor equipment mega company MTD corporation.

MTD continued innovating and building upon the Cub Cadet name to produce some of the most popular, and arguably the best, lawn tractors and walk-behind mowers on the market today.

You can read our Cub Cadet walk behind mower reviews here and our Cub Cadet zero turn mower reviews here.

Cub Cadet XT1 vs XT2

There are three different sizes of Cub Cadet XT1 and four different sizes of XT 2. They are:

• • XT1 lawn tractors
    1. XT1 LT 46″
    2. XT1 LT 42″
    3. XT1 LT 50″

• • The XT2 lawn tractors
    1. XT2 LX 46″
    2. XT2 LX 42″
    3. XT2 LX 50″
    4. XT2 LX 52″

Cub Cadet lawn tractor reviews: XT1 vs XT2

The Cub Cadet range of lawn tractors offers some of the best entry-level riding mowers for consumers looking to upgrade from walk-behind mowers.

However, choosing between the XT1 and XT2 versions can be daunting owing to the bigger size, higher price, and myriad of different features.

Here is a look at the capabilities of the different Cub Cadet lawn tractors.

The Cub Cadet XT1 Series is the brand’s base line entry level riding mower range.

With a strong, rigid chassis and powered by Kohler engines, the range has been designed for strength and durability.

They are great for mowing up to 4 acres, can turn within a 16-inch radius, and can haul and use a range of attachments connected to the PTO.

Cub Cadet XT1 Reviews

Below are the reviews for the:

1. XT1 LT 42
2. XT1 LT46
3. XT1 LT 50

Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42 review

The Cub Cadet XT1 42″ lawn tractor offers all the same features as it’s 46″ big brother but has the smallest engine in the XT1 range.

The 42″ model sports an 18HP professional-grade Kohler® Courage OHV engine.

Though not as powerful as the 46″ or 52″ models this 18HP engine is still pretty powerful and packs enough of a punch to be used for commercial purposes.

Still, the Kohler OHV single-cylinder engine delivers enough power that, when combined with an automatic drive system

This means there is no shifting. This allows you to cut acres of grass with barely any fatigue.

With front and rear anti-scalping wheels, stamped deck with 1″ – 4″ cutting heights, PTO clutch, smooth spring assisted lever engagement deck lift with 12-Positions.

Productivity of the XT1 LT42

This is a slightly smaller tractor than the other 2 tractors in the range at 50-inches.

But coupled with a 42″ twin-blade cutting deck system the Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42″ lawn tractor is more appropriate for consumers looking for a high-grade entry-level lawn tractor.

It can easily pass through closely spaced barriers such as trees and gates, and as it can also mow in reverse you don’t need a walk-behind mower or trimmer to finish the job.

As with all Cub Cadet machines the XT1 42″ is very easy to use and is an excellent choice for an entry level lawn tractor especially for those unfamiliar with bigger machines.

You can easily mow a 2-acre yard in about 1.5 hours with XT1 42″.

The 16″ turn radius available on all mowers in the XT1 range is incredible for such a large lawn mower.

The machine delivers a satisfying finish that is, in our opinion, equivalent to a zero-turn mower though it obviously doesn’t have the same incredible maneuverability or speed.

Protection and durability of the XT1 LT42

The entire range of Cub Cadet Enduro Series comes with a sturdy frame and a cutting deck with the famous rust-resistant Cub Cadet yellow coating.

The range also has a clean-out port (deck wash port) for convenient washing of the deck.

You just connect a common hosepipe, turn on the water and let the deck clean itself.

For your safety, Cub Cadet lawn mowers feature a Blade Brake Clutch that keeps the blade from spinning, while the engine is still running.

This is a great safety feature especially when you leave the driver seat should you need to clear debris from your path or just to empty the grass bag (on a walk behind model).

Using the wash port on a Cud Cadet XT mower (video)

 

Main features of the XT1 LT42

Here is a quick list of the features offered on the XT1 42″ lawn tractor.

• 18 HP Professional-Grade KOHLER® Courage OHV
• Single Cylinder
• Fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump. Spin-on oil filter
• TUFF TORQ® Hydrostatic Transmission (fully automatic & foot-pedal controlled)
• 42″ Stamped deck
• Deck cutting height 1″ – 4″
• Twin blades
• PTO clutch
• 12-position, spring assisted deck lift
• 15″ X 6″ front wheels
• 20″ X 8″ rear wheels
• 47″ wheelbase
• Automotive-style disc brakes
• 3-gallon, ‘easy fill’, rustproof fuel tank
• 1.3 quart oil capacity
• New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (5 year rust warranty)
• Revtek reverse mowing technology
• Steering wheel with new optimized steering system
• 16″ turning radius
• Blade Brake (safety feature)
• Forward speed 5.5 mph
• Reverse speed 3.1 mph
• Headlights
• System Monitor Package: Digital Hour Meter/Service Minder, Oil, Battery, Brake & PTO Start Sequence
• Cruise Control
• New Cub Comfort™ high-back seat with 10 degree incline & slide
• Patented Smartjet Wash System
• Cup Holder
• Length: 68″
• Width: 54″
• Height: 42.5″
• Estimated weight of 410 lbs
• 3-Year unlimited hours & 5-Year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell

Cub Cadet XT1 LT 46 review

The very popular XT1 LT 46″ lawn tractor features the 7000 Series 22 HP V-Twin OHV Kohler Command PRO commercial engine design.

It packs a real punch.

Engineered and assembled in the USA, this engine offers dependable power for consistent professional cuts and reliable starting.

The Kohler provides substantial power to not just the 46″ twin blades, for an even smooth cutting motion. But it also the drives the mower in even the most challenging terrains without compromising on the cut.

It comes with front and rear anti-scalping wheels, a stamped deck with 1″ – 4 ” cutting heights, PTO clutch, smooth spring assisted lever engagement deck lift with 12-Positions, a NEW CUB COMFORT™ high-back seat with a 10 degree incline & slide.

It even has a digital maintenance reminder it is no wonder this machine is one of the most popular riding mowers in its class.

Paired with Productivity of the XT1 LT 46

The 46″ stamped, twin-blade cutting deck drastically cuts down the time necessary to mow your lawn compared to a regular walk-behind mower.

This Cub Cadet lawn tractor can mow moving forward at 5.5 MPH and can also mow in reverse at 3.1 MPH.

This makes cutting much faster while providing better access to tight areas.

Though obviously not as maneuverable as a zero turn mower the turning radius of 16 inches is still impressive compared to other mowers in its class.

The 3-Gallon fuel tank, optimized steering system, handy cruise control and high-back seat with 10-degree slide make it easier to cut large areas with fewer breaks thus maximizing productivity.

The XT1 range also feature a smooth lever attachment PTO for using your mower with different attachments.

Ease of Use of the XT1 LT 46

The XT1 is a cinch to use. It is extremely easy to move forward, reverse, and change the cutting height.

The large handle strategically located on the side can be used to quickly raise and lower the mowing deck.

This is a great feature that allows the user to raise the deck to avoid taller roots or other lawn obstacles (or just for driving the mower to and from cutting areas)

The deck can be raised within a 25mm and 100mm range.

There are two pedals on the right hand side.

Simply put your foot on one of them to move forward, or your heel on the second one behind it to move backward.

The onboard control system is situated within easy reach and the mower’s various controls are very intuitive and easy to use.

Easy, convenient, and effective.

Protection and Durability of the XT1 LT 46

The frame of the Cub Cadet XT1 range of lawn mowers also feature a robotically welded frame with an innovative e-coating corrosion defense system.

This ensures maximum durability and reduces the risk of chassis flex.

The coating makes the machine very climate-resistant.

This is one of the main reasons why Cub Cadet lawn mowers retain their value even after many years of service.

Main Features of the XT1 LT 46

Here is a quick list of the features offered on the XT1 46″ lawn tractor.

• 22 HP Professional-Grade KOHLER® 7000 Series V-Twin OHV
• Twin Cylinder
• Fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump. Spin-on oil filter
• TUFF TORQ® Hydrostatic Transmission (fully automatic & foot-pedal controlled)
• 46″ Stamped deck
• Deck cutting height 1″ – 4″
• Twin blades
• PTO clutch
• 12-position, spring assisted deck lift
• 15″ X 6″ front wheels
• 20″ X 8″ rear wheels
• 47″ wheelbase
• Automotive-style disc brakes
• 3-gallon, ‘easy fill’, rustproof fuel tank
• 2 quart oil capacity
• New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (5-year rust warranty)
• Revtek reverse mowing technology
• Steering wheel with new optimized steering system
• 16″ turning radius
• Blade Brake (safety feature)
• Headlights
• System Monitor Package: Digital Hour Meter/Service Minder, Oil, Battery, Brake & PTO Start Sequence
• Cruise Control
• New Cub Comfort™ high-back seat with 10 degree incline & slide
• Patented Smartjet Wash System
• Cup Holder
• Length: 68″
• Width: 54″
• Height: 42.5″
• Estimated weight of 420 lbs
• 3-Year unlimited hours & 5-Year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell

Cub Cadet XT1 LT 50 review

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 50″ lawn tractor has the biggest engine among the XT1 models.

The heart of the machine is a whopping 24 HP Kohler engine.

The power offered by the Kohler 7000 V-Twin OHV engine means that you can mow larger areas much faster and the riding lawn mower can also handle much rougher terrain that requires a much tougher mower.

The 50″ deck also adds to the speed of the mower as the bigger cutting cut and bigger blades means the mower is cutting a larger area with each pass than the smaller XT1 models.

Productivity of the XT1 LT 50

Obviously the huge 50″ deck allows you to cut a wider area than the other Cub Cadet garden tractors in the XT1 range, so you complete the job faster.

However, this bigger machine also means that you can finish other jobs quicker.

The XT1 mower can take advantage of Cub Cadet’s innovative and useful lawn mower attachments.

The XT1 features an electric PTO that can be used with a range of attachments for mulching, bagging, and other seasonal activities such as snow clearing.

Protection and durability of the XT1 LT 50

The XT1 50″ lawn tractor, like all Cub Cadet machines, features the new E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (which is just a fancy name for rustproofing) that makes the mower weather resistant.

It also features turf saver tires, and a fully robotically-welded frame for sturdiness.

Moreover, the lawn tractor comes with 3-year overall limited warranty and 5-year chassis and front axle limited warranty.

Main Features of the XT1 LT 50

Here is a quick list of the features offered on the XT1 50″ lawn tractor.

• • 24 HP Professional-Grade KOHLER® 7000 Series V-Twin OHV
  • Twin Cylinder
  • Fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump. Spin-on oil filter
  • TUFF TORQ® Hydrostatic Transmission (fully automatic & foot-pedal controlled)
  • 50″ Stamped deck

• • Deck cutting height 1″ – 4″
  • Twin blades
  • PTO clutch
  • 12-position, spring assisted deck lift
  • 15″ X 6″ front wheels
  • 20″ X 8″ rear wheels
  • 47″ wheelbase
  • Automotive-style disc brakes
  • 3-gallon, ‘easy fill’, rustproof fuel tank
  • 2 quart oil capacity
  • New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (5-year rust warranty)
  • Revtek reverse mowing technology
  • Steering wheel with new optimized steering system
  • 16″ turning radius
  • Blade Brake (safety feature)
  • Headlights

• System Monitor Package: Digital Hour Meter/Service Minder, Oil, Battery, Brake & PTO Start Sequence
• Cruise Control
• New Cub Comfort™ high-back seat with 10 degree incline & slide
• Patented Smartjet Wash System
• Cup Holder
• Length: 68″
• Width: 60″
• Height: 42.5″
• Estimated weight of 500 lbs
• 3-Year unlimited hours & 5-Year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell

Summary of the XT1 Range

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series is built for optimal performance and durability – backed by a 3-year overall warranty and 5-year chassis and front axle warranty.

The 18HP single cylinder Kohler and 22 – 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series twin-cylinder engines are both certified, and paired to a hydrostatic transmission, that requires no shifting between gears, for smooth operation.

The tractors are extremely comfortable, and users get an exclusive mobile app for on-the-go tractor maintenance.

Comparison chart of XT1 series

Cub Cadet XT2 reviews

The XT1 and XT2 next generation garden tractors all use the same heavy-duty chassis for maximize durability.

However, the XT2 offers superior levels of power, control, and durability to handle more challenging terrain, hauling, and bigger year-round attachments.

The XT2 Enduro Series delivers even higher levels of power, control and durability than the XT1.

The XT2 can tackle much more challenging terrain and easily takes on the conditions that demand more power.

The XT2 range also comes with added features, that include:

• Smooth front wheel bearing for superior durability (compared to sleeve in XT1)
• Premium tires with advanced tread for improved traction
• Foldable armrests
• Front bumper for added protection
• Larger battery and alternator

In short, the XT2 range are the next-level to the XT1 mowers and is a step up in strength and comfort.

Cub Cadet XT2 LX 42 review

The Cub Cadet LX42 XT2 Lawn Tractor features a powerful two-cylinder Kohler engine with a whopping 22HP.

The only tractor with benefits of electronic fuel injected engines. The new Cub Cadet 679cc twin EFI engine available on the XT2 LX 42 packs high-performance power.

Not to mention reduced maintenance and up to 25% less fuel consumption.

This next level mower is ideal for mowing more challenging terrain and for heavy hauling (like an ATV).

This makes it a great all-round yard machine with the addition of year-round attachments that fit easily via the manual PTO.

With the cruise control feature, you can set the pace on your garden tractor and enjoy mowing at a consistent speed.

You can expect performance beyond the standard with the XT2 Series.

The LX42 Cub Cadet lawn tractor features a 42″ cutting deck and a 16″ turning radius.

As with the XT1 this is not as versatile as the zero turn range (reviewed below) but is more than generous enough to make most tight turns comfortably.

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX 42 is an excellent all-round yard machine

The compact design of the Cub Cadet XT1 & XT2 mowers makes the entire range among the most versatile garden tractors on the market.

They can easily get past most narrow spaces.

The ability to mow in reverse, and also disengage the blades in forward or reverse, means that with just a few turns even the tightest areas can be covered without worrying about scalping the lawn.

The XT range is very easy and comfortable to drive and maneuver.

The XT2 LX42 also comes with a high-output battery that starts the machine first time in all weather conditions.

It even starts first time in freezing temperatures. So along with the snow thrower attachment, makes it indispensable even winter months.

This is one of the reasons why Cub Cadet lawn tractors are very popular in Northern states and Canada.

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX 42 is super user-friendly

The keyless engine start allows easy and convenient control from the push of a button.

For comfort, the garden tractor comes with armrests, in addition to the standard high-back seat with 10-degree incline and slide options offering 10 different sitting positions.

Protection and durability of the Cub Cadet XT2 LX 42

The 22HP Kholer engine on this XT2 Cub Cadet lawn mower packs more power that its little brother.

The machine comes with heavy-duty front wheel bearings, which are a more durable option compared to the sleeves used in the XT1 Series.

The front bumper is a great addition to the standard fully-robotically welded frame with e-coating for corrosion resistance.

It offers much more protection against collision damage and we have found that any yard machine that has a bumper or some type of crash-bar system gives a machine a longer service life.

Main Features of the Cub Cadet XT2 LX 42

Here is a quick list of the features offered on the XT1 42″ lawn tractor.

• • 22 HP Professional-Grade KOHLER® 7000 Series V-Twin OHV
  • Twin Cylinder
  • Fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump. Spin-on oil filter
  • TUFF TORQ® Hydrostatic Transmission (fully automatic & foot-pedal controlled)
  • 42″ Stamped deck
  • Deck cutting height 1″ – 4″

• • Twin blades
  • PTO clutch
  • 12-position, spring assisted deck lift
  • 15″ X 6″ front wheels
  • 20″ X 8″ rear wheels
  • 47″ wheelbase
  • Automotive-style disc brakes
  • 3-gallon, ‘easy fill’, rustproof fuel tank
  • 2 quart oil capacity
  • New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (5-year rust warranty)
  • Revtek reverse mowing technology
  • Steering wheel with new optimized steering system
  • 16″ turning radius
  • Blade Brake (safety feature)
  • Headlights
  • System Monitor Package: Digital Hour Meter/Service Minder, Oil, Battery, Brake & PTO Start Sequence
  • Cruise Control

• New Cub Comfort™ high-back seat with 10 degree incline & slide
• Patented Smartjet Wash System
• Cup Holder
• Length: 68″
• Width: 50″
• Height: 42.5″
• Estimated weight of 580 lbs
• 3-Year unlimited hours & 5-Year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell

Cub Cadet XT2 LX 46 review

The XT2 LX46 Cub Cadet lawn tractor features a larger Kohler V-Twin OHV engine with 24 HP, just 1HP less than the LX54 54″ XT2.

The Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro Series is the only garden tractor giving consumers the option between a Kohler 7000 Series and EFI – electronic fuel injected engines.

The engines also feature easy Smart-Choke technology, so simply push a button or turn a key, step on the peddle, and go. Start the mower first time, every time!

Performance of the Cub Cadet XT2 LX 46

The stronger engine means that you can mow on much more challenging terrains and connect a wide range of attachments to the Electronic Fingertip Engagement PTO.

The comfort grip steering offers responsive handling with a 16″ turning radius.

The 46″ twin blade fabricated steel mower deck means that you can cut a larger area with each trip.

In addition, you can use up to 12 different cutting positions between 1 and 4 inches depending on the conditions of the terrain.

The Cub Cadet Signature Cut smooth arc blades, cut overlap and deep dome deck provide flawless results on every cut.

The easy to use electric PTO increases the capabilities of your lawn mower by allowing you to use a wide variety of attachments from poly carts, baggers and snowblades and snow throwers to broadcast spreaders, steel carts and lawn sweepers.

In fact there are some great attachments for these machines that can turn any of the XT lawn tractors into a replacement for any other yard power equipment you can think of.

And with automatic locking rear differential on select models, you can brave a wide range of terrains and weather conditions to keep your turf neat year-round.

Moreover, the armrests and high-back seat with 10-sitting positions mean that you can work comfortably for longer – even at night owing to the LED high illumination headlights found in the entire range of Cub Cadet garden tractors.

Protection and durability  of the Cub Cadet XT2 LX 46

The XT2 features the signature rust-resistant heavy-duty cutting deck with Cub Cadet’s ‘New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System’.

As with the LX42 the LX46 comes with heavy-duty front wheel bearings and a front bumper for added protection.

Main Features XT2 46″

Here is a quick list of the features offered on the XT1 46″ lawn tractor.

• • 24 HP Professional-Grade KOHLER® 7000 Series V-Twin OHV
  • Twin Cylinder
  • Fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump. Spin-on oil filter
  • TUFF TORQ® Hydrostatic Transmission (fully automatic & foot-pedal controlled)
  • 46″ Stamped deck
  • Deck cutting height 1″ – 4″

• • Twin blades
  • PTO clutch
  • 12-position, spring assisted deck lift
  • 15″ X 6″ front wheels
  • 20″ X 8″ rear wheels
  • 47″ wheelbase
  • Automotive-style disc brakes
  • 3-gallon, ‘easy fill’, rustproof fuel tank
  • 2 quart oil capacity
  • New E-Coating Corrosion Defense System (5-year rust warranty)
  • Revtek reverse mowing technology
  • Steering wheel with new optimized steering system

• 16″ turning radius
• Blade Brake (safety feature)
• Headlights
• System Monitor Package: Digital Hour Meter/Service Minder, Oil, Battery, Brake & PTO Start Sequence
• Cruise Control
• New Cub Comfort™ high-back seat with 10 degree incline & slide
• Patented Smartjet Wash System
• Cup Holder
• Length: 68″
• Width: 54″
• Height: 42.5″
• Estimated weight of 600 lbs
• 3-Year unlimited hours & 5-Year chassis & front axle unlimited hours/limited lifetime fabricated deck shell

The Cub Cadet XT2 LX50 & LX54 review

Before summarizing the Cub Cadet XT2 range of lawn tractors it is worth noting that bigger XT2 models such as the LX50 & LX54, have bigger cutting decks.

But unlike the smaller XT2 mowers which have a twin blade set-up, the bigger machines have triple blades.

This mower is for people who are in a hurry and/or have large tracts of land that need mowed.

Summary of the XT2 Range

The XT range of garden tractors come with one of the strongest warranties in the industry.

This is a testament to Cub Cadet’s innovation, forward-thinking engineering and superior quality standards along with their customer-focused approach to yard equipment.

Cub Cadets are built for strength, durability and high-performance.

The XT2 range is offered to those who need just a little bit more power and security than the XT1 offers.

The size of deck really depends on your lawn size but you really can’t go wrong with any model.

And for maximum convenience, Cub Cadet lawn tractor owners have access to a Cub Connect Bluetooth app.

This app helps to keep your tractor operating at optimal performance via your smart phone.

 

Comparison Chart of XT2 Series

How to turn your Cub Cadet XT1 or XT 2 riding mower into an all-round utility yard machine

Take advantage of the outstanding versatility of the XT Series and get more done year-round with the exclusive Cub Cadet garden tractor accessories.

Common attachments and accessories include:

• • Variety of different carts – from hybrid utility carts to a solid steel cart with a 1,000lb load capacity.
  • Cub Cadet Hauler – foldable 2-wheeled cat with foot pedal dump and 800lb load capacity.
  • Haulers – different hauler types with side-access for easy loading and unloading, as well as collapsible sides to carry larger loads.

• • Three-stage snow thrower – capable of handling the deepest, most challenging snow-cover up to 18-inch thick.
  • Mulching blades – for added garden functionality.
  • Snow blades – adjustable between straight and 25-degrees for extra versatility to clear snow and ice.
  • Snow Thrower – to blast away heavy snow drift.
  • Bagger systems – superior bagging performance with twin and triple bagger options.
  • Sun shade – heavy-duty, tear-resistant material for extra comfort when mowing in the scorching summer sun.

• Snow cab – features a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and optimum weather resistance to shield you winter after winter.
• Lawn Sweeper – offset hitch allows simultaneous mowing & sweeping.
• And much more.