Cub Cadet vs. John Deere. $3400 Zero Turn comparison! There is a clear winner

In this video, I compare the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT 42" to the John Deere Ztrack Z315E with a 42" deck.
These mowers are both around $3400 and available at Home Depot.
I compare the tires, decks, engines, seats, transmissions, and more.
Then at the end I compare them based on the facts, not brand loyalty or which one looks the best.
Both are great mowers. I have links to both brands listed on this video and I will receive a commission if you choose to purchase any of the mowers via the links provided. It's a way you can help the channel bring you more videos while you get the mower you want. Thanks!
If you like this video I have many more like this one and many repair videos as well.
Please hit the like button and Subscribe to the channel! Thanks for watching!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

To find tools, shop equipment, mower parts and more, you can find them at my store. Click this link: www.amazon.com/shop/mechanicalmind I'll get a commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to help the channel and get the items you need.

[@donnyadams9052]

Last spring I compared these two zero turns and the Toro. I kept wanting to buy the JD or Toro, but common sense kept bringing me back to the Cub. Ended up purchasing the Cub and couldn’t be happier. Just sitting on them, the Cub build materials is evident. I couldn’t agree more with your review. The Cub was lacking an hour meter, but I called customer service and mentioned I it didn’t understand how maintenance is referred to by hours and no hour meter was included. They kindly sent one out to me at no charge. Your advice about purchasing from a dealer directly is spot on. I had direct dealers for all three within 15 minutes of my house and unfortunately some may not be so lucky. My local Cub dealer took $300 off the Home Depot price as well. If I didn’t have a Cub dealer so close, I may have went another direction though. Service and quick part availability is important.

[@chuckmaxon3727]

I have a 42 and a 50 ultima for my lawn care business. Great machines!

[@colinreid7305]

This was an excellent indepth review and dealt with facts

[@thebeardedheru]

I got my Cub Cadet last month , its been great

[@HangsLopsided]

Perfect. I was looking at the two brands, Great info, Thanks

[@harveystephens6115]

Thanks. Nice comparision

[@mikemcelwain]

I've got the zt1 54 in with kholer engine, third year, very happy with it 😮❤

[@normhood556]

I bought the cub cadet 50 inch with the fabricated deck with the kawasaki 24 horsepower engine and I love this thing, had it for 4 years now with no complaints.

[@chuckrogers7013]

Appreciate your insights. Have been researching a zero turn for a couple of weeks and your videos were a big help. Picked up a ZT1 46” yesterday from my local dealer 👍

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks Chuck! I might be buying the same one myself

[@timr31908]

I would say that if you were going to buy a mower in this day of age you should look at every review that you can and don't get in a big hurry and remember most of these guys are just selling you a good paint job... They may look pretty but trust me you could be buying a big headache

[@ByDesign333]

It's as you suggest: 100% good to shop long, regret not.

[@markjones4358]

You made my decision my man. I have a 42" deck for my existing shed. I like these two. You are a big help my man!

[@NelsonPalencia-mn7zr]

thanks for share the video

[@darwindropmazda]

Good video!

[@bigsonslawncare]

ZT1 42 Owner Kohler 200hrs use it semi commercial no issues 4th season. Dealer purchase. Paid 2800 May 5 2020. Only thing I would change is now the 42 Cub comes with Fab deck.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Hey Big Son! Thanks for commenting. I see you using that Cub Cadet in your videos. What other mowers and equipment are you using?

[@bigsonslawncare]

​@@Mechanical_MindRecently picked up Toro Titan 48 2011 model Kawasaki 22hp 480hrs 2800 Hydros definitely a better built machine than my Cub and extremely comfortable which is important to me 👍🏾

[@gearhead366]

What's important to me: - Engine - Deck thickness - Transmission(s) - Bushings & bearings on wheels & steering system - Deck spindles - Comfort. Which is affected by the seat, wheel sizes, engine noise & vibration. I'd be interested in how well it soaks up bumps. I'm really surprised that the Cub out-spec'ed the Deere on so many components.

[@nate665]

I have a Cub Cadet Z force with the manufactured deck. Live on a farm where I beat the crap out of a mower with stumps, rocks, too tall grass, 6 years in and I have certainly had to do repairs, but overall it’s held up well.

[@Rags722]

The only thing you missed was the Cub seat is mounted to a hunk of exposed plywood. The JD is mounted in a time proven ABS material. Also not mentioned, the 2023 JD front wheels are no longer in plastic bushings but in bearings. Not sure about the Cub

[@jeromebecigneul2911]

The springs on the seat of the Deere will work better than the plastic, not rubber suspension on the Cub seat. I have a Cub Cadet and just put springs off a Harley soft tail seat

[@ctfan1486]

Nice comparison. I have 2 cub riders a push mower and tiller. The tiller either fires right up or tames forever to get it to start. Thats best i can say about cub cadet! The riders suck and the push mower is worce. I went with Kioti for zero turn mower.

[@bobstevens3728]

I have a cub cadet and love it. I'm also thinking about a zero turn,but again it will be a cub cadet with manufacturer deck.

[@garysgarage.2841]

For me the xt1 was the clear winner. 24hp twin engine 50" fabricated deck 20" rear tires and the k46 transmission which isn't the best transmission it is a good transmission if you do oil changes. For a grand less it's hard to justify a zero turn. Plus swapping in a k66 transmission at a later date is a great upgrade which I was lucky to find on Facebook for a cheap price.

[@genebechinski9851]

I bought a 2021 cub cadet ultima zt1 54. I looked around and see which one would fit me. The handles on the cub are very comfortable. I don't have a stamped deck. I think, the stamped decks are cheap made. Won't last long. The cub is easier to work on vs the John deere. That is why , I bought the cub cadet. Plus the deck.

[@jay3251]

I purchased a Ultima ZT1 50 in. Fabricated Deck 23HP V-Twin Kawasaki FR Series thanks to your video. Appreciate the video.

[@user-lx2si8mk3h]

I do love my cub

[@bkehomestead7588]

They look very similar and are very similar. Because they are built by the same company. MTD is the manufacturer.

[@Eli46123]

Just paid $3,299 for the 42 with the 21.5 Kawasaki and the fab deck. I was comparing with the Exmark Quest and it's not even a comparison in my opinion

[@andrewking1414]

So I've been looking at the Cubcadet with Fab deck in the 42" with 18hp kawaski or the 46" with Fabricated deck and 21hp Kawaski . Would you suggest going to the Ferris 300s for $4k?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Ferris is a great brand. I do like how you can get a z2800 for $4k. I don't like the decks are 12 gauge vs an 11 ga on the Cub Cadet. Or a 10 ga on a Toro Timecutter Max for $4k. If you have tons of hills I'd go with the Ferris. Can't go wrong either way really. I think if I didn't have hills I'd go with the Cud Cadet.

[@andrewking1414]

@Mechanical_Mind Thanks! What would you say about getting the 46" Fab Zt1 with the 21hp Kawaski over the 42" Fab with 18hp Kawaski? One last one to throw at ya, the Bad Boy Rambler with I guess Briggs and Straton 19hp engine versus the Cub Cadets

[@rickynicholls7184]

Why is it in Australia we are over double the price for the same cub cadet

[@BTC1981]

Hi thanks so much for these informative videos! I have been doing a lot of research to help me pick a new zero turn this yr. I was leaning towards a John Deere 48 inch. Cause I’ve heard from multiple ppl that they are really reliable lawnmowers. Being a single mother I can’t spend a fortune and I need something that’s going to last me a while. I have 1 acre of land. I heard Cub Cadets are cheaper and break easier? This video looks the opposite of what I thought. So now I’m stuck on what to do. Any help would be appreciated thanks

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Well, many people just repeat what they hear. When taking advice from someone, consider what their experience is on the topic. Many others base their decisions on emotions ("My daddy had a John Deere tractor and it was the best 😢") or brand loyalty. John Deere does make some of the best ag equipment. Equipment that cost over $50k or more, they are a top brand and that's their bread and butter. As far as small residential lawn mowers under 5k, JD doesn't even make many of the parts. Most brands of residential mowers are using the same parts from the same manufacturers. Engines from Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki or Kohler. Transmissions from Tuff Torq or Hydro Gear, pto clutch from Warner the list goes on and on. The difference is what are you getting offered from each brand for the price. For $3400- $4000 I'd go with Cub Cadet with the Fabricated deck. $4k -$5 Look at Toro Timecutter Max and Toro Titans, and Gravely. Consider the warranty offered. Buy from a dealer. If you buy from Lowes or Home Depot make sure YOU register the mower for the warranty. They will not do that for you like the dealerships will.

[@jimjam1719]

mechanical mind-question- out of all the box stores and dealer mowers (riding- tractors&zturns), from 42"-54"decks, which one is the MOST comfortable? that is now my main concern since i have an arthritic spine, 57yrs old, and less energy. i currently have a 38" riding tractor/garden tractor poulan with a turning radius of 5-6", 2007-2010 model, that was given to me. it was great at first in 2020, but since then, my back is worse, tired of spine getting beat up by my mower banging on my lower spine, need a change, 2k-5k price range. thanks.

[@MrZipperhead16]

Either one would be fine for smaller residential lawns. Anything over 2 acres though and you're going to have problems with the lower build quality.

[@JerryDygert]

Cub is a better value; I had an LTX1042KW for lots of years (still in use with a friend, who has a smaller yard than mine)... when I went to a zero turn, looked at all of em, ended up buying a Bad Boy Magnum (around $4000) which seems sturdier than these

[@user-sv9on2wf9i]

Sir I have a question. I have a E120 and my neighbor has a D series. I have had no problems but my neighbor has had numerous problems. Is the E series just better or is it just a coincidence and maybe he just got a bad one ??

[@Mechanical_Mind]

E models are just a little larger and have wider tires than the D of equal number. The most common reason for equipment breakdown is #1 misuse/ abuse. Trying to use the mower beyond its capabilities. #2 Lack of maintenance.

[@user-sv9on2wf9i]

@@Mechanical_Mind thank you for the reply!

[@lindaolausen1067]

As a cub cadet dealer mechanic, the deck and spindles are the biggest problem. They need to upgrade the spindles at least. Deck quality is very poor as are the lift arms . Here in nz we get lots of bent decks and blades also heeps of spindle problems. Look at any deck very closely when buying a ride on. I have worked on many better machines at slightly higher price, but worth it in the long-term.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I had the exact same experience when I was a John Deere dealer mechanic.

[@jay3251]

Can you post some of the better zero turn mowers? Thanks

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@@jay3251 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2fUh5eqoq5jqdk

[@paulsmukalla5220]

I just replaced my spindle bearings with NIN bearings. 150 hours on the machine. Zt2 50” also just changed hydro fluid and filters. The bearings weren’t at catastrophic fail level but they were a little grainy on one spindle. I’ll tell you the bearings were $80 so hopefully they are better than the Chinese ones that come with its have you figured out any conclusive repair for the vibrating decks? I’ve noticed the belt tensioner arm is kind of wobbly where it pivots.

[@325gabe]

I only have a local Hustler and Gravely dealer. Both extra $$. Would you buy from a tractor supply store? There is a Good deal on the Husqvarna z248.

[@mikem4490]

Yeah I don't have a close cub cadet dealer just big box stores. JD has the repair network. I have a hustler dealer about 40 miles and they are to be good. Not sure. I really don't want to buy a brand without somewhere for service preferably within 30 mins but 1hr max.

[@jeffwilson4972]

I have a JD D130 riding mower. During a recent carb cleaning to open jets, I discovered the intake was warped where in attaches to the carb. This quite possibly is allowing unfiltered air directly into the carb. Poor design and/or material choice JD!

[@Thebarrioboy2009gma]

Has anyone ordered a cub cadet through there website delivered instead of going to any stores or dealer ?

[@richardzaring6249]

I believe the John Deere uses nylon bushings in the front forks instead of bearings

[@Rockinthehill]

I prefer the Arien XD with the fabricated deck also a Kawasaki 23hp

[@zog382]

Im surprised you haven't looked at the husqvarna Z248F with the kawasaki

[@stanhensley3082]

Resale or trade in value????

[@vanbilly8387]

Right off the bat, look at the front of the frame. Look where the side frame rails connect to the front cross frame. Cub Cadet is solid contact all the way around. John Deere skimped that area badly'

[@robertbear1037]

The differences between the 2 models that you compared were so minimal that I really can not see your Cub Cadet advantage. You need to crank them up and use them to see how they operate to make a fair comparison. Both are entry level zero turns, both will make fair mowers for the Harry homeowner who thinks he needs a riding mower.

[@Norwisco]

Just paid 3,299 for a zt1 50in with fabricated deck them stamped decks are garbage

[@jp-us9rq]

im a jd fan not saying their any better just the history of jd

[@Mechanical_Mind]

John Deere takes the lead when it comes to higher end higher priced agricultural equipment. Tractors, Combines, Sprayers etc. My father sold high end ag equipment for 30 plus years, and I was always around John Deere other brands. My Grandfather was a farmer also all his life. All his equipment was John Deere. Great stuff. John Deere's bread and butter isn't in the entry level, lower cost residential lawn mowers. They have bigger fish to fry.

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

One inch axlesor 3/4

[@TheBeatenPaths]

The CC frame is a lot more robust.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Do you have proof or is that just your opinion?

[@jstpsgthru]

In your comparison summary, you forgot the easier oil drain tube on the Cub. Oil changes are the most frequent maintenance chore! That alone would push me toward Cub. Disclaimer: I have a CC 2007 i1046.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I mention that @4:49. It's definitely a better design

[@jstpsgthru]

@@Mechanical_Mind Yea, I know. And, that was GOOD. That's why I was surprised that you didn't mention it in the "tally" of points for each. I enjoy your videos. I am subscribed and always hit the like button.😁

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@jstpsgthru oh, gotcha! I should have mentioned the better engine protection also on the Cub Cadet. I can't tell you how many commercial landscapers would back into something and hit the back sheet metal and still break the intake manifold. Many times they wouldn't realize something was wrong before it was too late.

[@tblake1114]

My 530M is easy to to drain the oil. Just let down a tube and open the valve 😊. Easy...but I'm not familiar with this particular model...

[@cva6238]

Check out the Bad Boy. Best prosumer zero turn solution for the money out there. Bad boy, bad boy, watcha gonna do when it comes for you. LOL.

[@lindencamelback2305]

Only buy equipment from authorized, qualified dealer.

[@gsibertjr]

Both engines are gudget entry level engines. Junk stamp decks. Send another 3 grand and get a miwer that will ladt you a lifetime. Lovin my Kubota Kommander. Industrial grade Kawasaki with cast iron cylinders, serviable dual hydro static transmission.

[@kyles_wrld3675]

13 gauge? yikes that’s thin my mower deck is 7 gauge and weights 300 pounds

[@georgestrickland9278]

the cub is still a mtd,nothing runs like a deere

[@timr31908]

Chickanic says the John Deere's are garbage to

[@dans5371]

You really should have used the r spec z300 instead of the e spec

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Those are more than $3400

[@nodaklojack]

Diesel over gas every single time.

[@stevecrossland3681]

Agreed. But Diesel in this price range is a whole different ballgame there's nothing out there.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

What brand offers a diesel at $3,400?

[@nodaklojack]

@@Mechanical_Mind I wish too. Maybe there is self assembly kit like one of those Holtzforma chainsaws.

[@davidwhisnant3230]

We have a cub cadet 1045 you can not keep the deck belts at least once a year it's very poor design. I have a 50 year snapper its made 10 times better

[@saliston]

Adding a point for led lights? You lost me there seriously i have had riders for years and never used lights.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

So you think because YOU have never needed lights that no one else would ever need them either??? If so, you would also have to think companies are just adding lights on units for the fun of it.

[@user-oo2fp2fd1d]

Another video that doesn't cut grass, grass, not weeds, grass.................................

[@peanutsmith1462]

Stay away from any lawnmower sold at any big box store

[@geauxtigers6369]

Both Junk

[@normhood556]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jonathandavis6451]

The Kawasaki engine is 10x better than the piece of junk Briggs & Stratton. Buy a Briggs, buy non-stop repairs.

[@crowdnine878]

I've only had one Briggs and Stratton that ever needed warranty work since the late 70s. All of them lasted for years and years.

[@hornett22]

If it doesn't have a serviceable transmission with a replaceable filter, it's JUNK! Period!