Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor
- Powered by a 23 hp KOHLER 7000 Series twin cylinder engine
- 46 in. stamped deck built with heavy-duty materials
- Hydrostatic transmission for smooth operation
- Adjustable cut and sew high back 15 in. seat with a 10 incline
- Durable and compact
- Responsive steering system
- 12 easily-selectable cutting height positions
Cub Cadet is a renowned name in the gardening industry, with its manufacturing base in Valley City, Ohio. They have made major upgrades to their previous line of lawnmowers and have recently launched a new XT1 series of tractors.
This new array of tractors is built for the entry-level gardener though it is loaded with features to satisfy a professional landscaper as well. The XT1 series of ride-on mowers are designed with a sturdy, welded chassis that houses a powerful Kohler engine making this tractor a suitable choice for lawns up to 2 acres.
To top it off, the XT1 gives users the choice to add a plethora of attachments to this machine. These attachments can potentially transform the tractor into a versatile tool that can be used all year round. And further illustrating, a snow throwing attachment will enable yard owners to operate the XT1 during the winter season.
Similarly, with a bagging attachment, gardeners can now save their grass clippings and use them in various ways to boost the health of the lawn.
Continue reading to determine whether the XT1 has what it takes to become a part of your gardening equipment.
Specifications of Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor
Let’s take a detailed look at the tabular specifications of the Cub Cadet XT1.
| Engine | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Engine Model | 5400 Series |
| Engine model number | KS595 |
| Displacement | 541cc |
| Horsepower | 19.5 HP-25 HP |
| Starter | Electric |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3 gallons (11.36 L) |
| Cylinders | Single cylinder and twin cylinder variants |
| Engine Start | Ignition key |
| Engine oil capacity | 2 quarts (1.9 L) |
| Lubrication | Fully Pressurized |
| Charging system | Regulated 12 amps |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Governor | Mechanical |
| Choke | Choke-a-Matic |
| Air filter | Dual Element |
| Oil filter | Yes |
| Fuel Delivery | Carburetor |
| Battery Specifications: | |
| Battery | 230CCA |
| Battery | Type AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Drive System Specifications: | |
| Transmission | Tuff-Torq Tl-200 |
| Forward speed | 5.5MPH (8.6 km) |
| Reverse speed | 3 MPH (4.8 km) |
| Rear-axle | ¾' |
| Drive system | Hydrostatic |
| Transmission | Control foot pedal |
| Transmission housing | Aluminum |
| Rear differential lock | No |
| Cutting Deck Specifications: | |
| Deck cutting width | 42, 48, and 52-inch variants |
| Deck-wash | Yes |
| Deck material | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck engagement | Power Take-off (manual) |
| Deck construction | Stamped |
| Number of blades | Two |
| Deck-lift | Manual |
| Cutting height range | 1 inch to 4 inches |
| Anti-scalping | Two gauge wheels |
| Deck positions | 12 |
| Warranty Specifications: | |
| Frame Warranty | 3 years unlimited hours |
| Frame Warranty | 5-years unlimited hours |
| Front axle Warranty | 5-year unlimited hours |
| Deck shell Warranty | Lifetime limited |
| Commercial Warranty | No |
| Chassis Specifications: | |
| Frame | Robotically welded |
| Turning radius | 16 inches |
| Bumper | No |
| Rear tow hitch | Yes |
| Corrosion protection | Yes |
| Front pivot bar | Cast iron |
| Controls Specifications: | |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Brakes | Disc brakes |
| Comfort Specifications: | |
| Seat type | 15 inches high back |
| Armrests | No |
| Seat adjustment | Lever |
| Floor mats | Rubber |
| Wheels Specifications: | |
| Bearing type | Poly bushing |
| Rear tires | 20x 8-8 inches |
| Front tires | 15x- 6-6 inches |
| Tire tread | Turf saver technology |
| Additional Specifications: | |
| Mulch kit | Available but sold separately |
| Headlights | Dual Led white lights |
| Cup holder | Yes |
| Operator presence system | Yes |
Features Of Cub Cadet XT1
The XT1 series of lawn tractors have made a dominant impact in the gardening market. These powerful machines are equipped with some of the broadest cutting decks in the lawn mowing industry. At the heart of this beast is a powerful Kohler engine that adds to this lawnmower’s reliability.
Though this tractor is on the affordable side of the pricing spectrum, Cub Cadet hasn’t backed out on loading the XT1 series with state-of-the-art features. However, a few necessary cuts to superficial enhancements enable the company to quote an affordable price.
#1. Design
Lawn owners can be spotted from a mile away when riding their beloved Cub Cadet XT1 tractor. The gleaming yellow body with black outlines and sharp angles gives the XT1 a defining profile.
Though the mower looks intimidating, riding it is anything but that. The XT1 is fitted with a cozy 15-inch high seat. This ergonomic seat is designed with a slight upward incline, ensuring the rider is in the most upright and comfortable position at all times.
Steering this heavy beast is like slicing butter with a hot knife. Surprisingly, this heavy mower turns gracefully due to an optimized steering wheel system that enables the operator to glide through the numerous obstacles on the lawn.
To increase the durability of the tractor, Cub Cadet has implemented a robotically welded frame with a cast-iron front bar. What’s more, the XT1 is designed while keeping the driver’s safety as the primary priority. A well-balanced design ensures the machine will remain steady even when mowing on inclines.
#2. Performance
The Cub Cadet XT1 showers its users with countless benefits, and one of them happens to be the 42-inch wide cutting deck with an option to go for a 52-inch model. Usually, the cutting deck maxes out at 42 inches in this price bracket, rendering these smaller tractors useless on a large lawn.
With the XT1, landscapers can cut this time in half due to a wide cutting deck and a powerful Kohler engine with a hydrostatic transmission. This powerhouse propels this beast forward at a maximum speed of 9 MPH and reverses at a speed of 3 MPH.
Owners of the XT1 can vouch for the cut quality of the XT1 lawn tractor. With its short turning radius, this gas-powered tractor delivers a finish akin to a zero turn mower making it a superb choice for any yard. What’s more, a 16-inch turning radius permits operators to navigate through those hard-to-reach places on your lawn carefully.
Yard owners don’t have to worry about power when it comes to the Cub Cadet XT1. This robust machine can cut through the thickest grass and tackles slopes with up to a 20-degree incline with ease.
However, there is a minor drawback to the XT1 gas-powered mower. Necessary attachments like the mulching kit, twin bagging system, and rear spreader aren’t provided with the tractor and must be acquired separately. And if the sole purpose of your tractor is mowing the grass, these attachments are necessary to maximize the efficiency of the XT1 tractor.
The mulching kit produces high-quality mulch allowing gardeners to create an ideal manure mix to boost the health of their plants. Similarly, the bagging system collects all the grass clippings to be discarded easily or repurposed in various ways.
#3. Price
The Cub Cadet XT1 is one of the best value for money lawnmowers with a starting price of $1800 for the 42-inch version and can go up to $2100 for the same. This price tag puts the XT1 on the affordable side of the spectrum for anyone stepping into the lawn mowing arena.
The XT1 boasts an exemplary build quality, with its cast-iron bar and welded frame. Thus, ensuring durability for years to come, making this machine a worthwhile investment.
Unfortunately, there is one slight drawback to the price of the XT1. And there are other variants with larger cutting deck sizes in the XT1 series that are priced slightly higher compared to the 42-inch model.
Notable Features of Cub Cadet XT1
Let’s glance through some additional details of the Cub Cadet XT1:
- Advanced Steering Wheel: An optimized steering wheel mechanism provides the driver with maximum maneuverability. It works efficiently when navigating around different sections of the lawn, such as a garden shed or a plumeria flower bed.
- Adjustable Cutting Deck: The XT1 provides users with 12 settings to change the height of their cutting deck.
- Seat Rest: Gardeners can relax comfortably when using the XT1 owing to its ergonomic seat with a high seat rest. This design takes the load off the back by providing lumbar support when clipping your grass.
- Cruise Control: This feature allows drivers to enjoy a hands-free mowing experience when working in a large open yard. All that’s needed is setting the speed, and the XT1 will do the rest in a breeze.
- Fuel Tank: Though the XT1 does not have a fuel gauge, two stickers are located on either side of the seat. This enables operators to keep a constant eye on the fuel levels when working on their garden. And to make refueling easier, the fuel tank cap is conveniently placed on the sides of the XT1 and not under the hood.
Pros and Cons of Cub Cadet XT1
When it comes to the XT1, the pros outweigh the cons. As it is loaded with a ton of features, this ride-on mower fails to disappoint professionals and entry-level gardeners alike.
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of the Cub Cadet XT1 lawn tractor.
Pros:
- Powerful Overhead Valve Engine
- Mows in forward and reverse
- Affordable pricing
- Multiple sizes for cutting deck
- 12 adjustable seat height settings
- Compatible with multiple attachments
Cons:
- Plastic hood
- Wide turning radius
Verdict
The Cub Cadet XT1 checks all the boxes when it comes to a high-performance lawn mower. This machine is designed to last for years to come. Even more so, it has all the potential to become your trusted companion when carrying out any gardening-related tasks.
Although, if the Cub Cadet XT1 is not your cup of tea, this review on the best lawn tractors will point you in the right direction.
