Cub Cadet XT1 Review

by Jack Grover
man driving tractor
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Lawn tractors from the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series are widely regarded as reliable machines.

Currently, the lineup includes eight models, with XT1 LT42 and XT1 LT42B being the most popular choices.

Many people claim these tractors are the best in class. So, we’ve decided to test it.

Is the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series truly superior to other riding lawn mowers available on the market?

What We LikeWhat We Don’t Like
+ Hydrostatic transmission makes driving those mowers a pleasure
+ The 15″ high-back seat provides comfort even during long mowing sessions
+ Excellent maneuverability on flat terrain
+ Tight turning radius
+ Gas tanks have good capacity
+ The 56V built-in battery in the electric model delivers up to 90 minutes of runtime
+ Tons of available accessories and attachments
– Mowing in reverse is a bit tricky
– These mowers are not suitable for mowing hills
– Plastic hood and gauge wheels are prone to damage

Design

person riding a cub cadet mower

Image source: https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/electric-mowers-and-tools

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series stands out for its simple yet effective design. This lawn tractor series is crafted to be user-friendly and reliable.

In the XT1 range, each model has easy-to-use controls and a comfortable seating area. The design emphasizes straightforward operation, which allows for a stress-free mowing experience.

No shortcuts were taken when designing these machines. With a heavy-duty cast iron construction and a front bumper that ensures durability, every model from the Cub Cadet XT1 Series is built to last.

However, it’s worth noting that the plastic hood covering the engine should be handled with care. Otherwise, you may damage it by accident. 

All the other parts used to build Cub Cadet XT1 are of excellent quality, making them solid and reliable riding lawn mowers.

Engine

Thanks to a powerful Kohler engine, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series can cut even the toughest grass.

This engine ensures your mower will run smoothly, including on narrow hills or particularly rough terrain.

You don’t need to worry about coming to sudden stops or having no choice but to skip certain parts of your yard to finish mowing them manually.

The only models that have other engines than Kohler are:

  • XT1 LT42B
  • XT1 LT42E
  • XT1 LT42 INTELLIPOWER

These models are powered by:

  • Briggs & Stratton Professional Series single cylinder 540cc engine
  • 56 V, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery
  • 547cc Cub Cadet engine

Still, those other engines don’t fall far behind in the power they deliver. Even the electric mower fares surprisingly well against the competition.

Performance

In addition to its impressive mowing capabilities, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series is equipped to handle more challenging yard work, including getting around slopes.

While mowing hills is out of the question, these mowers perform nicely on small inclines you can find in a typical backyard.

Cub Cadet lawn mower’s hydrostatic transmission system makes it incredibly easy to navigate your lawn using a simple foot pedal push. As a result, it delivers precise control and excellent maneuverability.

Although these lawn mowers don’t have an exceptional turning radius like a zero-turn mower, their turning system is very responsive.

female riding a mower on green grass field

Image source: https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/riding-lawn-mowers/lawn-and-garden-tractors

Efficiency

One of the most notable features of the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series is the reverse function. It’s a true time-saver since it allows the mower to mow backward.

You can use a handy lever on the side if you need to adjust the cutting deck to cut taller grass.

Additionally, these mowers feature a high-capacity fuel tank, so you won’t need to refuel your machine frequently.

Safety Features

Aside from all the elements designed to make mowing with Cub Cadet XT1 easier and more efficient, this line of mowers is also packed with safety features.

These mowers have several safety options, such as a brake pedal lock that ensures the engine stops if the operator leaves the seat without using the manual parking brake.

The PTO safety switch won’t allow the engine to start unless the driver disengages the mowing deck. It’s a brilliant feature that guarantees the operator is always in the seat when the mower is actually cutting the grass.

Last but not least, this mower features front bumpers that add a layer of extra protection, preventing flying debris from getting to the rider and keeping you safe while mowing.

Comfort

female person doing mowing work with mower

Image source: https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/lawn-and-garden-tractors/xt1-lt42-intellipower/13A6A9TSA10.html?fitsOnModel=false

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series delivers a great deal of comfort to anyone who operates it. All mowers from the series feature a high-back seat that won’t let you strain your back, even if you continue mowing for hours at a time.

This mower is also suitable for short people, as the ergonomic seat is easily adjusted to different heights.

Whether you need to cover a lot of ground in one day or just need a reliable and comfortable lawn tractor, the Cub Cadet lawn mower is an excellent choice.

Accessories

Besides being safe and comfortable, the Cub Cadet XT1 mowers also come with some thoughtful details that make them stand out among their competitors even more. 

For example, they include a small bin and cup holder near the control wheel. Thanks to it, you always have everything you need within reach while mowing.

They also come with reliable headlights that you can use to mow your lawn after dark or in dim weather conditions.

The Cub Cadet offers many accessories, such as the mulch kit, that you can purchase separately. This way, you can customize the mower to your specific needs, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.

Conclusion

Overall, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series offers powerful and reliable lawn tractors capable of handling even the most challenging mowing tasks.

From the XT1 LT50 FAB, which is perfect for heavy-duty mowing tasks, to the environmentally friendly XT1 LT42E, this mower lineup is designed to make mowing your yard easier and more efficient.

You can also purchase various accessories to transform your mower into an all-season machine.

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