Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor review - XT1 LT 42 EFI

Cub Cadet XT1 LT 42 EFI Lawn tractor full review. TractorTread covers every control on the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series lawn tractor. Watch as we field test this mower and describe in full detail the starting and mowing procedure. Let us know what tractor you would like to see in our next review in the comments below.
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Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor review - XT1 LT 42 EFI
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[@bryangrefsheim5554]

Thanks for the great review. I had questions that I wasn't seeing answers to on the CC site and stumbled across your review. I appreciated you getting to the point and providing pertinent information. Questions answered and I'm leaving right now with my checkbook. Thank you!

[@MadMetalShop]

just bought a xt1 46. picking it up today can't wait! this will be the nicest memorial weekend in 20 years. gonna mow like crazy!

[@joep2379]

MadMetalManiac74 i

[@GehtShrekt]

Really simple, comprehensive, and informative, great video

[@mboiko]

Great review and after 3+ years a very good lawn tractor.

[@ryanlewis194]

Just got the xt1 22hp vtwin 46 inch cut. My first brand new anything. I love it! Gonna baby it.

[@propdoctor21564]

Nice review... A month ago I bought the XT2 LX-42 with the 22hp Kohler V-Twin and am impressed with it so far.

[@darrylmacleod9231]

I am going into my third season with this same model Cub Cadet. So far, so good - I like it a lot. Excellent video, thanks. I learned a few things about my mower that I hadn't already known about.

[@msimms82]

Darryl MacLeod Does yours have the efi ??? Have you had any issues

[@TractorTread]

KZbin friends, I NEED YOUR HELP!! Thanks for watching my video. If you enjoyed watching this video please subscribe to my channel. KZbin has made it tougher for new channels like my self and I need your support more than ever.. Please subscribe and thank you!

[@Mack-bc4qo]

Very well done overview. Thanks for posting!

[@veldapatten9298]

This was an excellent review! Thank you very much!

[@davidelias8569]

Had mine two seasons now. Runs great! Just keep the battery charged during cold months, change the oil, and perform the other recommended maintenance you can do yourself. Lawn looks great after cutting. Nice even cut.

[@just82much51]

Good to hear. Looking to buy one myself.

[@MVortex2]

I'm like - is that new Berlinville? Yep, it is. We want that lawn looking good for the picnic in August!

[@GorillaBikeRider]

I wouldn’t call this just a review I would call it a review accompanied by an excellent tutorial! I’m new to lawn tractors, I just ditched my lawn service company and I’ve been looking at this model. I feel even better about buying it now and I’m sure I will reference your video when I get it. Thanks!

[@thekingsilverado9004]

Buy a Deere you'll be sorry. Most of the Cubs made since 2009 have rear axle issues and the electronic ignitions burn out in no time. They're not a good unit since they started making em in China that goes for the Huskavarna tractors as well the same problems plague em. The one I just had here I told the guy it's shot and although it ran and ran well without running issues, where the seat hinge was welded to the rest of the body the sheet steel tore out on the right side at the hinge and then the left did the same thing... Too much to weld it back together not to mention it'll look uglier than shit even I paint it up... Shouldn't happen to a tractor less than 2 years old...

[@ianmeyer3443]

he's like the doug demuro of lawn mowers

[@-RudeSeagull-]

Just bought a XT1 46 EFI with the fabricated deck. This review is awesome. Good job.

[@kraigthirty4991]

how is your tractor?

[@jonneet2126]

Awesome video!! We are thinking of buying one of these from Home Depot, as our ancient Craftsman has given up the ghost. I saved this video and will refer back to it after our new mower is delivered to us.

[@carlwood184]

I just watched this fell in love with this mower I found same mower only 19 hrs for 700 bucks just like new I'm calling him soon as I hit the floor in the morning thanks for the review

[@jp-us9rq]

If it has 19 hrs get it checked before u buy something could be wrong with it even if it has 19 hrs on it dont trust anyone just like a car dealer shit they rip u off just my opinion

[@melonboi186]

Although I don’t have the EFI version this review was very helpful. Thank you

[@tyjones1978]

Great video..getting my cub cadet this spring

[@timgenz2849]

This review is so good I bought the exact same mower today with the EFI thank you

[@jennifermorales7787]

How was assembly?

[@ohnapo]

I can't find the efi one

[@NGU09513]

Thank you!! No one explains the control's in detail

[@davidanderson3944]

Nice to review. Will be purchasing this unit to replace a Craftsman unit that had a defective steering gear.

[@unti419]

On my XT1 LT42 2018 model, non EFI, the small front deck wheels have grease gun fittings. I wanted the Kohler engine so I bought this one. If you buy this at a box store, good luck getting any warrantee service.

[@PlanetRockJesus]

Best review of the XT1 I've seen. I'm buying one tomorrow because my craftsman mower caught on fire today and burned up!

[@MB-hc2xw]

Excellent video. Thanks for this.

[@allencarnes5298]

This seems to be just the mower I'm looking to purchase. Your video are informative thanks

[@trace-elementz1343]

Thanks for the tutorial! I've saved this video for reminders and... wish me luck; ☺️!

[@jw8140]

Absolutely the best video tutorial on any subject that I have seen for a very long time. Thank you for your expertise. Now for that old "However" part. You almost covered everything about the mower... except... I was trying to find (and still am) the purpose and how to use the air valve stem on the mower deck. Most people by now do know all about the water hose attachment on the deck, but WHAT is that air valve chuck used for??? I will continue to seek the answer from the internet. Even my dealer doesn't know what it is for. My LT 42" Cub Cadet, which I bought just 1 year ago off the show floor must be a 2020 or 2021 model because mine does not have Blue Tooth or a start button. Thank you.

[@freightdawg6762]

Excellent review thank you

[@michellema8659]

Great review! It helps me a lot.

[@curtbrendabresette3228]

Great Review !! Thanks !!

[@deanc3362]

thanks for the decent review!

[@ralph24888]

excellent tutorial!

[@brendamahone898]

The video was great showing how it mows and the basic need to know for running the tractor. It's missing something extremely important - removal of the deck! This is extremely important to know if you are actually going to maintain the mower yourself.

[@irismejia4590]

Thank you, very informative 👍

[@SethLikesToEat]

Good review!

[@brandonsciulli774]

This is so good

[@suonsitha]

Very helpful thank you

[@Mr91495osh]

An excellent product review.

[@jp-us9rq]

Nice tractor but I'm a JD fan I got the e130

[@rudyelvis9468]

Great Review!

[@BiscuitsButtered]

You made an amazing video.

[@grizzlydan8]

exceptionally good review

[@TractorTread]

Thank You!

[@jimwhitton5456]

Outstanding video

[@flmoseley8141]

I have the slightly older version that's key start and stop. I'm sure the push button is nice but my preference is key start mainly cause its located up top and easiar to fool with imho.

[@andrewrafko1581]

Good review!!

[@stephh8674]

Thank youl

[@kathyruuska7941]

MY rear axle seals were improperly installed. I had to refill the trans and used Blue Devil to stop the leak.

[@nurse142]

Best review very helpful

[@jameswilliford5478]

Have this exact mower...really liked the cut and power of it, but at 27 hours I'm having some type of electrical or saftey switch problems. Customer service is no help either. My hour meter has eR on the digital readout when I push the key in to try to start it. This is where seat, pto and brake usually show up if your trying a unsafe starting. Cub cadet has no idea what the eR means on the readout. They told me to just take it to a dealer that can scan it for repair. Guess I should have stuck with husqvarna. Never had a problem with my husqvarna....until I lost it in a bad flood.

[@TractorTread]

Sorry i forgot to add this in the video.. you must be sitting in the seat and holding the brake down to start the engine.. If you stand along side the mower and push the brake in and try to start the engine, the hour meter will throw a code to sit in the seat when starting...

[@shanenschuster4946]

TractorTread k

[@townhall05446]

I can press the brake pedal and hit the little latch lever below the steering wheel, and I can start the tractor from standing beside it.

[@georgeterzides9511]

@@townhall05446 no you cant

[@raymiller764]

Just bought one, i Like it, the main reason I got it was the 4 inch cut. I don't like to scalp the lawn and this was about as high a cut as I could find with out venturing into commercial whcih for my yard I just can't justify

[@dongourlay6192]

Thank you for making an excellent video on this riding mower. It certainly helps me make my decision. The Kohler Engine with EFI is a definite plus. On the negative side, I am not keen on the use of bushings on the wheels rather than ball bearings.

[@townhall05446]

Get the LX2 then. It comes with bearings and a couple other upgrades.

[@dorklyasmr6017]

It's not a kohler engine; the kohler engine is used in the non-EFI version. This one uses a "cub cadet" branded engine that they spec from china.

[@RsL6969]

At the 6:30 mark you point out a carburetor. If it is truly EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) then it doesn't have a carburetor.

[@mealswithdad]

I just bought this mower today 06-29 2019 I have 1 acre and will give a review at the end of a hot Oklahoma summer .

[@EpicConspiracy]

how you like the fuel injected start up?

[@masonyoung4397]

How did it hold up over the summer?

[@rickyroman9656]

Good presentation

[@TractorTread]

Thank you

[@billbarrett6285]

I just bought the latest version of this model and am waiting for it to be delivered. I sure hope it works well for me. I'm disabled and really needed a good riding mower to get the yard cleaned up and it's an awful lot of money for me to be spending. I just can't get much done with a push mower due to my health. Have you tried the fertlizer spreader or brush guard attachments? Any advice on taking care of this mower and keeping it in good working order would be appreciated. The one I bought has a Briggs & Stratton motor.

[@onekittyhawk63]

You can back up with the yellow reverse light "off," if you disengage the cutting blades by pulling back the handle that engages/disengages the blades. Otherwise, the engine will shut down.

[@Pepsiaddicto]

I just bought one of these and it's my first riding mower. The engine sounds "crunchy" is the best way to describe it. It sounds like something might be lose and rattling around. It's not loud, but it's there. It seems to mow fine. I'm not familiar with these motors, so it might just be how they sound? Should there be a higher pitch, inconsistent sound on top of the lower notes of the motor?

[@wildbill23c]

I have the same mower same engine without the EFI, it does a great job mowing, and seems to be pretty efficient. This mower replaced a 7 year old Craftsman YT4000 piece of junk with what supposedly was a 24HP Briggs & Stratton twin cylinder engine, I am pretty sure it wasn't 24HP, maybe 12HP, that thing was gutless, the 18HP single cylinder in the Cub Cadet does a far better job and far more efficient at it. This is my first mower with a hydrostatic transaxle so that aspect is new to me, but so far its doing just fine and seems to be built much better than the Craftsman was and if this Cub Cadet gets over 300 hours on it, it'll be far a head of the Craftsman which threw the connecting rods at 267 hours.

[@townhall05446]

My first XT1 Cub Cadet with EFI lasted 2.4 hours and self destructed. The engine had a bad sound to it from the start, I didn't know it was from the engine for sure but I found out pretty quickly when it came to a screeching halt in about 1/4 second while just driving across the yard. Got a new engine under warranty and the new one sounds very good, I expect it will last as long as they're supposed to.

[@haroldshinski7922]

Do you have to adjust the anti scalping wheels every time you adjust the mower cutting height ?

[@FISHNMISFITSJimMattBryanRick]

Could this tow a small pop up camper on flat ground? If not would a bigger motor work? I can move the pop up by hand but I need to move it about 150 ft..thanks

[@markcollins7654]

not trying to be that guy but for efi it's called a throttle body not a carb. great video deffiantly looking to buy this mower. Your video helped me make up my mind 👍

[@TractorTread]

i try not to get to technical.. but you are correct

[@davidfowlerjr6114]

He said you turn on the headlights by pushing the ignition button on? or does the ignition button also rotate left/right or up/down for the headlights operation?

[@davidsays4989]

Had a lot of trouble with vibration with my Cub Cadet

[@AndysRC08]

That is a nice tractor and I got same exact one, but mine is not EFI or Bluetooth and it has a Kohler 7000 series 725cc V-Twin 22 hp andirons has a 46" cutting deck and it can cut real nice

[@TractorTread]

Thanks, i'll be putting up the video on the 46" with the kohler soon.

[@dieselking6812]

Ok this is exactly why I bought the X350 Deere because it’s an actual manufactured engine know to everyone

[@TractorTread]

The X350 engine is a china made engine also

[@dieselking6812]

TractorTread no Japanese actually says it on the cover made in Japan

[@ericmartin3396]

How is it still running being 4yrs later since so many talk bad about bigbox lawnmowers?

[@Korovilas]

BTW, great review. Looking to buy one this week.

[@lostintheclouds8719]

My mom and i were originally looking to purchase the XT1 L42 Intellipower cadet (the one w/o the EFI) but the store is out of them and they won’t be getting anymore in until the end of June. Instead we looked at this one and I’m watching reviews to check it out some more. I appreciate yours being straight to the point. Had some questions. How much HP does it have? Since it has a push button start, is there anything that needs to be charged? (We have a cub cadet triple stage snowblower that has an electric start feature and i know it has to be plugged in to charge whenever we want to start it that way) Awesome to see it has a wash out port. We were wanting to know if it did. Our self propelled Troy-bilt has one too. When i was comparing the EFI model to the xt1 L42 (non efi), the only differences i noticed besides what i already said above was that the efi one listed: Lubrication: fully pressurized (the non efi one doesn’t have lubrication or make mention of it in the specs), the xt1 l42 has electronic governor and the efi one has manual governor (What is governor? What does that mean?). Also what exactly is the feature or meaning of fuel injection? I know w/ the efi cadet, it says on the specs that it will use less gas and have less maintenance. Seems like i guess it would get more mpg then the non-efi one. Awaiting your reply or anyone who can help me.

[@adamhannon4178]

Did the deck washer come with the mower or did it come separate. Also how do you find it?

[@jimmyyearysr2647]

The man that shoots the demo of the xt1 42 thank you i have xt1 54 fab 24 horse you schooled me on a copple features that i didnt know about Thank you Sir

[@richardbrown3968]

I just ordered and am awaiting receipt of an XT2 Gx54" D, Cub Cadet, replacing a 9 year old Husqvarna.

[@TractorTread]

Gotta love riding around the yard with a new mower. hope you have good luck with it. Thanks for the comment.

[@stephen9869]

Dear Sir, How do I change the oil pump on aKawasaki FH661V ? Can an guy with basic skills attempt it? Kind regards Stephen

[@bickedwitch]

Thank you for this video, one thing I've found is that cub cadet user manuals are not exactly user friendly! I'm newly widowed, my husband wouldn't let me do the mowing, so seeing how this thing works helps me immensely!

[@MrBryant240sx]

Ours arrived today, I was expecting so much more opening up the tiny manual, then as it turns out half of it is Spanish. Not very much information there!

[@careyjwelsh]

Was planning to buy this. Thanks for the review and for noting that the engine is made in China. Will be looking for something else...probably orange or green.

[@patrickshirah2273]

John Deere e130 is what I am leaning towards, too.

[@chuckwagner7658]

Does anyone know which Cub series offer the easy change blade system?

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

What happens if u reverse without hitting that button?

[@oakwoods79]

How many hours can I expect out of this machine before the transmission wears out?

[@erwinerwin1245]

I just bought a new Cub Cadet 42 inch XT1 and used it for the first time to cut grass. I find when I engage the deck to cut grass there is a lot of vibration. Is that normal with this model .

[@the-mountainlife]

Great video, thank you. Is this mower compatible with a cub cadet bagging system?

[@TractorTread]

Yes it is

[@wtyrone1]

I am looking at buying either this one or the one with the Koehler engine. Do you know what the difference is??

[@jimward7223]

you did not mention how to change the blade and the mower and drive belts. Is that easy or what?

[@TheCrap989]

do I need to buy the mulcher kit?

[@harleyrider7931]

Great review. I just sold my old J.D. and am considering a new C.C. XT1 42". If I do I plan to show your video to my wife. Despite my best efforts she's afraid to operate my J.D. Normally I don't mind her using that as an excuse to make mowing "My job", but when I was laid up for 2 months after an accident I had to hire out the job. I see you're now heading into your 4th season with your C.C. 1) How is it holding up? 2) Any specific complaints? 3) Have you tried the mulch kit, and if so what are your thoughts? Thank you.

[@RaiseAkitas]

Might as well slap MTD on that mower. That's who owns Cub Cadet now.

[@TractorTread]

MTD bought Cub Cadet in 1981. .. MTD put their logo on Cub Cadets I think in late 80's - early nineties. The MTD name on the machine didn't go over well with consumers so MTD took the name off and left the grass logo on the decal.. they later changed it back to the Cub Cadet logo .

[@truckerray7533]

Nice video as well as a nice riding mower tractor. I don't recall you ever mentioning the horsepower of this tractor.

[@TractorTread]

The manufacture does not list the horsepower.

[@wildbill23c]

Its 18HP single cylinder. Same exact engine in the LT42 except its not fuel injected. I have the LT42 model no need to pay extra money for fuel injection, and I'd rather have a regular turn key ignition all that push button crap is just something that is going to fail and be expensive to replace or have repaired.

[@townhall05446]

CC seems to provide the HP for all their tractors except the EFI models...? Given that the EFI uses 25% less gas I'm betting that the fuel metering is more exact and the engine makes more HP with EFI than it does with a carburetor. And from the first car I ever bought that had EFI, I would never again go back to a stone age carburetor.

[@rhodycars6058]

What do you recommend for a new mower for about 1 acre of grass with a 15-20% grade slopes? The entire yard isn't a slope but one hill mainly.

[@TractorTread]

If slopes are your main concern i would recommend the Cub Cadet RZT S42 zero turn with the steering wheel. Actually the new model is a RZT SX42. I did a review on the RZT S42. My brother owns an RZT S42. He has had good luck with it and owned it for several years. He mows about 1 1/2 - 2 acres all on a slope. JMO .. good luck.

[@byronjames166]

The presentation was impressive and I agree with all you said...however, I purchased a similar machine last year, put 25 hours on the meter by the end of the season and this year I attempted to start it and the fuel pump hums, but the starter did not engage. I did all the recommended checks included new fuel, fully charged the battery etc. but still the machine refuses to start. I am now not even able to contact anyone at Cub Cadet.I called the dealer nearest my home and he stated he had not yet been trained on this new model. Have you any suggestions that may help?

[@bilolleman6398]

Mine lasted a little longer, 72 hours on the meter, and i have the same thing. Drove it (running fine) into the garage about 8 weeks ago, and now it does nothing but run the fuel pump and lights. New battery was no help, solenoid bench tests OK.. Never again on MTD machines.

[@stevee8318]

Really enjoyed the video and like the mower, except for the made in China engine.

[@michaelwittman1935]

Did you have to put it together? Did you add grease to the front suspension prior to first use? Do you also know the make and model of the transmission? Im trying to avoid the Tuff Torque k46.

[@Dastardly84]

Avoid cub cadet at all cost.

[@Dastardly84]

@@tmtmoormr From past experience they don't hold up very well. Especially the ones with the stamped decks, they rust out really fast. Don't know how the new engines are holding up, but the Courage engines were garbage.

[@jifi-0178]

You jumped over the thing that makes the EFI different from the other non-EFI machines ... the EFI. It's an important enough option to make a separate machine, or not. How did it impact your experience? Did you have the machine in the cold? Run through more than 1 hours worth of gas? I think this was more of a cursory review of the XT1 line itself and instead requires more of an in-depth evaluation for the EFI in the equation (and justifying the more $ spent to purchase).

[@dorklyasmr6017]

This is my exact question. It's a 150 extra bucks, but it's a completely different engine. Typically they use Kohler's in this machine, but the EFI unit is something they spec'd from China and put the "cub cadet" label on it... I can't find anyone who is talking about reliability. In theory these EFI units will be more efficient and use less fuel; and of course start up easier. But I haven't really seen anyone do an actual real-world comparison. I think the EFI version also comes with a front bumper, and I think the Bluetooth is not included on the non-efi version, but I might be wrong.

[@hotfingers3186]

there is no carb on a fuel injection system

[@TractorTread]

throttle body fuel injection

[@GordoGrande69]

Haha, that was the first thing I thought when he said under the air filter is your carburetor...

[@standunitedorfall6394]

True efi doesn't have a choke either. The two new xt1's I bought from tractor supply do. I don't know why they say fuel injected. It isn't

[@masonyoung4397]

American Patriot because there are different models. Some XT1s have EFI and some do not

[@standunitedorfall6394]

@@masonyoung4397 mines EFI. Has a carburetor. I like it either way. Ole lady thinks my yellow tractors sexy. 👊

[@Billnn54]

Good informative review. Two things - what are you holding onto with your right hand while mowing and why? And, can you mulch with this mower?

[@robinkuruda5249]

Bill Campbell it’s a selfie stick ,you put your smartphone on it and you become the cameraman.

[@Billnn54]

OK, thanks, but can you mulch with this mower?

[@kraigthirty4991]

@@Billnn54 yes with multch kit 60$

[@HAWI-SO]

what kind of gas does this machine use ?

[@24rgaines]

i bought the same mower and fuel pump went out after 2.5 hours and took 2 weeks to get replaced

[@Korovilas]

I've got a 3/4 acre yard but it's not flat. walk out basement with downward slope from front to back. I like this machine but do you think it will be ok or do you think I need to step up to the LT46 V-Twin? Also, what are the benefits of EFI? 300 more for the EFI model vs std 42".

[@wildbill23c]

3/4 of an acre you'd be fine with a 42" deck. That's about what I mow as well is 3/4 of an acre and I've got the 42" deck. Does a great job mowing, and the larger the deck you get the more scalping issues you would have on an uneven yard...smaller deck less scalping problems.

[@bigwilliearmitage]

The EFI is more fuel efficient (up to 25% claimed), emits lower emissions, is largely immune to ethanol related problems, doesn't require end-of-season fuel system prep (I'd still use stabilizer), and allows on-board diagnostics. I "believe" this system was designed for CC by Walbro. Walbro has made some of the better OPE carburetors for many years. But, you also get a mystery Chinese motor. Lots of positives and one unknown motor.

[@townhall05446]

It WAS designed by Walbro. And look at any of the small-engine-equipment forums. I'll bet that at least 1/3 of the posts involve 'carburetor problem', surging, engine won't start hot, won't start cold, requires choke to keep running with mower deck on, etc. etc. etc. EVERY vehicle I've owned with EFI has been trouble free and starts right up no matter what. I fully expect when I get my tractor back with a GOOD engine that it will be flawless. And I wonder why CC doesn't give the HP rating on this engine? Maybe because it's uncomfortably close to the bigger carbureted engines? Hmm.

[@terrellma]

You said it was EFI and then pointed out the carb. I am confused.

[@S13KON]

🤣

[@SethLikesToEat]

It's throttle body EFI

[@thejafuu5001]

@@SethLikesToEat But it is still just a throttle body. Not a carburetor.

[@timwilliamson9050]

Mine turns over but won’t start

[@Auntieslayer699]

one question can you keep the reverse button on all the time or do you have to turn it off to go forward??

[@TractorTread]

its good to mow in reverse in one area then turn it off till you get to another area.. just in case something is behind you.. but i believe you can leave it on all the time if you want

[@wildbill23c]

You can leave it on, but as soon as you shut the engine off it'll turn the reverse feature off and you'll have to turn it back on again, also I think it shuts the feature off if you disengage the mower as well if I recall. So its fine to mow with the feature turned on, but just remember you'll have to turn it on again if you shut the engine off or disengage the mower. There are of course ways to bypass it but do so at your own risk...and like you should be doing anyhow look behind you before you back up LOL.