Cub Cadet Vs Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mowers: Which One is Better?
Want to know the clear winner between the two zero-turn mowers? Then, you might want to read our detailed comparison article.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna zero-turn mowers by paying attention to factors such as engine power, design, fuel capacity, warranty and cutting performance.
Cub Cadet Brand Overview
Cub Cadet is an American company that was founded in 1960 and has its headquarters situated in Cleveland, Ohio.
It offers a wide range of products such as lawn and garden tractors, push mowers, self-propelled mowers, zero-turn mowers, snow throwers and utility vehicles.
The company is committed to moving outdoor power equipment forward. They are well-known for innovative and durable products.
Cub Cadet lawn mowers stand out with well-designed mowing decks and cutting systems.
Husqvarna Brand Overview
The Husqvarna Group is a Swedish manufacturer of outdoor power products such as garden tractors, lawn mowers, brush cutters, cultivators, trimmers and chainsaws. The company was founded in 1689 in Sweden.
Their product line is among the most reliable and durable brands available on the market.
The firm produces different lawn mower models such as riding, zero-turn, push, robotic and self-propelled mowers. Husqvarna also owns Gardena, Flymo Klippo, RedMax and PoulanPro brands.
Key Differences Between Cub Cadet and Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers have higher horsepower ratings (22-35HP) while Husqvarna zero-turn mowers have larger deck sizes (42-72 inches).
Best Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mowers
1. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 54 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZT1 54 is a versatile ideal for mowing slight hills with several obstacles up to four acres.
It runs on a powerful 24 HP Kohler engine for smooth operation. The V-twin cylinders reduce vibration for a smoother ride.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with a high back seat for comfort while mowing. Its dual-LED headlights provide an ultimate vision for mowing in low-light conditions.
The riding mower has 54 in. fabricated deck combines with reinforced leading edges that result in fewer clumps and finer clippings.
It has 15 cutting positions which can be adjusted from 1 to 4.5 inches to ensure precise and even cut.
2. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a durable zero-turn mower suitable for yards that are up to 2-4 acres.
It comes with an 11-inch front wheel that can pivot 180 degrees without turf damage and 20-inch rear wheels to provide better traction on uneven terrain.
The dual-LED headlights provide an ultimate vision for mowing in low-light conditions.
The zero-turn mower features a 42-inch steel cutting deck to ensure efficient owing on lawns. Its cutting options range from 1-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Other features include a high back seat, electronic fingertip blade engagement PTO, ergonomic hand grips and a removable floor pan for excellent mower performance.
3. Cub Cadet ZT2 50 Zero Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZT2 50 mower is powered by a 23HP Kawasaki engine for a top mower performance.
It is equipped with a 50-inch AeroForce deck with reinforced leading edges that results in fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.
The ZT2 50 model has 15 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The 13-inch and 20-inch rear tires provide improved traction and offer a better ride on uneven grounds.
Other features include a high back seat, LED headlights and ergonomic hand grips.
4. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 Zero-Turn Mower
The ZT1 50 model runs on a premium 23 HP/726cc Kawasaki FR691V engine to meet the yard’s toughest demands.
It is equipped with a 50-inch AeroForce fabricated deck that offers a nice cut with fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.
The zero-turn mower has 15 cutting heights that range from 1- 4.5 to suit your mowing requirements.
5. Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4-60 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZTX4-60 model can handle yards that are up to 4-12 acres with slightly rolling hills and several obstacles.
It comes with a 20-inch high back seat with cushioned armrests to enhance comfort.
Its 13-inch front wheels help to prevent turf damage while the 22-inch premium rear tires offer excellent traction on lawns.
The 60-inch AeroForce cutting deck with smooth arc triple-blades ensures superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.
The riding mower runs on a 24HP Kohler V-twin engine for a reliable starting.
Best Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mowers
1. Husqvarna Z254 26 HP V-Twin Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z254 comes with a robust frame and casters to ensure durability and reduced chassis flex.
The air induction mowing technology allows air to be drawn from the top and bottom of the mower deck to improve grass lift and superior cuts on lawns.
Its removable footplate enhances easy access to the top of the deck.
The zero-turn mower runs on a 26 HP Kohler engine for a powerful operation. The gas-powered mower has a 54-inch cutting deck that ensures efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
2. Husqvarna Z248F 48 in. 21.5 HP Kawasaki Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z248F is equipped with a high back seat for comfortable mowing operations.
Its anti-scalping wheels reduce the risk of lawn scalping while the removable foot pan ensures easy access to the top of the mower deck.
The zero-turn mower is powered by a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine for a smooth mowing operation while the LED headlights ensure safer operation in low-light or dark conditions.
Its 48-inch mower deck enhances excellent cutting performance on medium and large-sized yards.
3. Husqvarna Z142 42-inch 17HP Zero-Turn Mower
The Husqvarna Z142 comes with a convenient deck lift system that is spring assisted for easy mowing operation.
The 17hp Kohler engine has commercial-grade construction and quality components for long life and reliable mowing performance.
It has a 42-inch cutting deck which is best suited for homeowners with small to mid acreage.
Its rubber bellows help to prevent moisture and debris from gaining access to the control system.
4. Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z242F runs on an 18 HP Kawasaki engine to provide reliable startups and a maximum speed of 6.5 mph.
Its hydrostatic transmission enables the mowing machine to take on a variety of cutting conditions. The unique tube-style chassis has a removable foot pan for easy access to the top of the mower deck.
The 42-inch deep deck and high-performance mower blades design ensure a best-in-class cut and superb bagging operations.
The anti-slip foot area and ergonomic control panel make mowing intuitive and safe. Other features include rubber bellows, a rear engine guard and an automatic park brake system.
5. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs and Stratton Zero-Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna MZ61 runs on a 27HP Briggs Endurance engine to ensure reliable startups and high ground speeds.
Its high back seat with armrests, vibration dampeners and foam-padded hand grips ensure optimal comfort while mowing.
The riding mower features a 61-inch cutting deck for super grass-cutting performance on lawns.
Its hour meter with service reminder indicates when it’s time to service your mowing machine.
Other features include a removable foot pan, cutting deck lift, air induction mowing technology and rubber isolators.
Cub Cadet Vs Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna zero-turn mowers:
Design
Both zero-turn mower brands come with innovative features to ensure top-notch mower operation.
Most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers come with a high back seat to provide maximum comfort while mowing.
Their front and rear wheels prevent turf damage and ensure better traction on lawns.
The illuminating dual-LED headlights provide ultimate vision in low-light conditions. The Electronic fingertip blade engagement PTO ensures smooth operation of the deck.
Other features include ergonomic lap bar design, parking brake, vibration-dampening soft rubber floor mat and removable floor pan.
On the other hand, the Husqvarna zero-turn mowers have a high back seat with padded armrests, vibration dampeners and foam hand grips for maximum comfort.
The air induction mowing technology draws air from the deck to ensure superior cuts on lawns.
Other features include a removable foot pan, rugged frame and casters, anti-scalping wheels and an hour meter.
Engine Power
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers run on Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs and Stratton engines. The engines have between 22-35 horsepower in different types.
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers run on Kohler, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Briggs and Stratton engines.
The horsepower ratings of their zero-turn mowers range from 17HP to 31 HP.
This means that Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers generate more power than Husqvarna mowers.
Cutting Performance
The deck sizes of Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers range from 42-60 inches while Husqvarna zero-turn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 42-72 inches.
Going by this, some Husqvarna zero-turn mowers such as Z572X and MZ61 models can cut faster than several Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers due to their larger deck size.
In terms of cutting height adjustment, most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers offer more flexibility.
Most of these mowers have 15 cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches.
Some Husqvarna zero-turn mowers such as Z254 and Z248F, Z142 models have six cutting heights while the MZ61 model comes with 12 cutting positions.
They are both ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes (mulching and bag kits are sold separately).
Fuel Capacity
Most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowing machines such as Cub Cadet ZT1 50 and ZT2 50 models have a 3.5-gallon tank, meaning that you can always finish your mowing on a single tank.
Similar to Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers Husqvarna zero-turn mowers such as Husqvarna Z254, Z254F and Z142 have a fuel capacity that ranges from 3.5 gallons.
Husqvarna zero-turn Z572X has twelve gallons of fuel capacity for all-day cutting capability.
Warranty
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers come with a three-year warranty service while Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are backed by 3-5 year warranty.
Ease of Use
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are comfortable to ride. It doesn’t take too long to get used to the controls of their zero-turn mowers.
Both models come with high back seats and a cup holder to ensure maximum comfort while mowing.
Apart from the high back seat with armrests, Husqvarna zero-mowers have several ergonomic and ease-of-use options.
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers also feature a removable floor pan for easy access to the top of the deck while the convenient deck lift system is spring assisted for easy mowing operations.
Other features such as anti-slip foot area, ergonomic control panel, vibration dampeners and foam-padded hand grips for comfort.
Cost
The cost of Cub Cadet mowers ranges from $3,299-$24,999 while Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are between $2,899.99- $14,599.
This means Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are pricier than Husqvarna zero-turn mowers.
Pros and Cons
Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Cub Cadet zero-turn lawn mowers have strong and responsive transmission
- They are easy to control and maneuver.
- Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers can easily cut around objects such as flower beds and bushes
Cons
- They do not handle slopes well
- Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are not fuel-efficient.
Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- Husqvarna zero-turn mowers work well on thick grass and hilly areas.
- They are durable and efficient
- Husqvarna zero-turn mowers have a cooling system that can operate at an optimal temperature during hot days.
Cons
- They are a bit pricey.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both zero-turn mowers could be an ideal choice for you but it depends on what suits your varying needs.
If you are more concerned about cutting power, comfort and efficiency, we recommend Husqvarna zero-turn mowers over Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers because they have larger decks and superb ergonomic design than their counterpart.