Cub Cadet XT2 GX54 Review

Video review on a Cub Cadet XT2 Enduro Series GX54. 2016 Machine, about 2 years old purchased brand new now with approx 50 hours on it. Hopefully you find it useful.

[@gibco25-offical56]

One of the most biggest and strongest cub cadets out their for tractors right now.

[@thomaskirk9341]

I have a 2016 version of this tractor, 54" fabricated deck and I also bought the 3 stage 42" snowblower. The 26HP Kohler 7000 series engine provides plenty of power to mow my nearly 2 acres of lawn, as well as pulling a large 4 wheel dump cart that I routinely fill with 700-800lbs of landscape stone to keep my landscaping looking good. For the winter I use a rear mounted bracket and 4 -48lb suitcase weights and a set of 2 link chains with the 3 stage blower. We routinely get an average of 150+ inches of snow per year and my driveway is 35ft wide and 125ft long, slightly uphill grade and this machine will handle 2-3ft of snow without any issues. My only complaint is that I wish it had the locking rear differential that the 2019 model has, but I'm more than happy with this unit.

[@sethfisher6267]

Totally agree with you Tom. I've been pleased and impressed with mine. Only issue I've had is the electronic PTO switch seems to be a bit touchy - mine is also a 2016 and has about 60 hours on it. Always garaged. Still the PTO doesn't want to kick in all the time. Probably need a new switch.

[@thomaskirk9341]

No issues at all with mine, I got the GX54 for the big HP engine, when you're blowing heavy snow horsepower is king, and this tractor has plenty. The new 3 stage blower works much better than the 2 stage on my previous Cub Cadet, and the blower frame is much more rigid and substantial. I looked at the soft cab, but the way it mounts to the tractor makes it necessary to actually unfasten and partially remove the front of the cab to check the oil or add fuel, so I passed on the cab. I'm thinking of buying a mounted set of Ag tires and maybe I won't need the chains. Never really considered the plow, we get way too much snow for that, the blower is really a beast. I used to do all the service and seasonal switch-over on my previous Cub, but the Dealer here has been great, I drop it off in late fall and he dismounts the mower, services it and sharpens the blades, mounts and services the blower, and does the opposite in the spring for about $100. There's a kit to convert the blower to electric lift, and turn and angle the chute, I'm thinking of doing that next winter. Either way, great machine, very happy with it.

[@Starkster50]

I think the K62 locking differential is why I like xt2 so much, the xt1 is good the xt2 is great.

[@wildbill23c]

@@thomaskirk9341 $100 for the dealer to swap your deck for the blower and back, and to service it, damn that's a great deal man, hope that dealer stays around, not many out there like that anymore for sure. I'm wishing now I would have spent 3x the money and got the XT3 garden tractor with the locking diff, much better machine and far more options and support as its a garden tractor not a riding mower that the XT1 is.

[@jeffmoon6230]

Very thorough review. I bought my XT-2 GX54 in 2015. It’s been a great mower. I also picked it for the upgraded transaxle compared to the other guys. Only issue my mower has had was a small oil leak from the axle that was repaired under warranty. The Koehler engine is strong, and starts well, but it is LOUD! I use hearing protection mowing because of this. I bought the snow plow blade with, from the seat right/left angling and raise/lower. The snow blade is great! I wish I had the locking diff to aid snow traction, but it works fine in most situations without. I bought some tire chains which made a HUGE difference, but leaves some marks on driveway if the tire spins. Overall I am very happy with my purchase.

[@texasrangagolf]

Great review. Thank you for going over the reasons why you purchased the cub over other brands. Very helpful

[@sethfisher6267]

Glad you found it helpful. I did a 100 hour review as well you might want to look at

[@jeffobryant8593]

I know the video is over a year old but I’m just now starting to shop for a machine that can handle cutting a 3.5 acre “lawn” and some medium garden duty. As for the review, finally someone speaking to the working qualities instead of cup holders, parking brakes and iPhone storage! Thanks for the information, you’ve helped me eliminate the green paint machine from my possibilities because of the cost to get similar capabilities. Now, if I can only find an honest side by side comparison of the cub and Husqvarna.

[@sethfisher6267]

Jeff O'Bryant glad you found it helpful. The husq machines you should def look at too. They sell a model with the rear locker for a comparable price

[@bobbyscott8024]

Het Seth, great review! From Sophia, N.C. 2012 LTX1050KW.......50'' deck, 23 hp Kawasaki, 562 hrs. 👍🙂

[@DJ-ANZ]

just bought the xt1 with intellipower runs great , I have a mostly flat but large 1.5 acre property. My only gripe was the steering play as well, glad to see I am not the only one that has play. Besides that it has been really good to me overall great cut, no problems. I did want to pull a cart with it but I think the weight limit on my trans is only 250lbs.

[@G56AG]

Like you I consider the TuffTorq K46 transaxle to be inadequate, its not designed to use with any kind of implements and is recommended for flat yard use, I've got hills so that could be a problem. The best transaxle is the K58 and on a JD you have to go to the X380 currently $4699, which is pretty pricey. The TuffTorq K46 can be serviced, dealers won't do it, but if you are mechanically inclined the info and parts are available on TuffTorq's website. The problem with plastic hoods is they can crack, but its usually as they get older, I had a John Deere that cracked after about 15 years of use, and those hoods are expensive! Good engineering to minimize stress on the hood would make a big difference, but as an owner you won't know for a long time.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I had trouble with mine at first the tractor supply company I bought it from didn't level the fabricated deck and it would clog the bagging system, I checked and releveled it and now baggs beautifully with little material left under the deck to wash out.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

instead of buying another garden tractor to do heavier work around the house I bought a Yanmar SA221 subcompact front loader tractor. I didn't buy the mid mount mower cause the Club Cadet is a fantastic mower.but the Yanmar was only 13500 and at 0 percent interest for 85 months great deal.

[@johnnelson8271]

Finally, a honest review. Great video that answered all my questions, thanks so much.

[@tedschmitt178]

The JD X380 (comparable to this machine) is now $5500 (ouch!) here in 2022. I went with a leftover 2021 Cub XT2 GX50 for $1500 less and to avoid the K46 transmission in the SLX50. The SLX was just too wide for me.

[@GP9railfan]

After looking at the Cub, Jonsared, and Husqvarna garden tractors, I went with a Husqvarna GT54LS from a local dealer. I chose the GT54LS over the others due to the larger 4-1/2 gallon fuel tank, the K66ELD rear, larger back tires, and the Briggs Endurance series commercial grade V-Twin. The Cub XT-2 was just too underwhelming for our needs. I have a cub 3X snowthrower, and a cub 4 stroke weed trimmer so I’m not brand loyal to any one brand, and you have a nice tractor there. Agreed on the Deere tractors being overpriced for what you get.

[@sethfisher6267]

Railroads Across Maine I might do the same if I could do it all again...nice purchase!

[@davidtardiff1231]

I have the cub slx50, fab deck, works great and extra weight with fab deck keeps the deck straight while making turns.I have just installed a 48” bercomax snowblower and works very well. The22” tires and electronic fuel injection started my tractor at -20 two days ago.

[@StayOnIt]

You have convinced me to either get a new XT2 GX50 or even settle for an XT1 GT50. Both have K58, but XT1 has box store front bushings, cheaper treads and cost cuts etc. The GX50 has a fab deck which is just a lot of added weight. I don’t have a big yard but it’s sloped and with grades.

[@Starkster50]

That's excatly what I'm going to do, I've got the money for the XT1 GT 50 and the wife's ok I just need to come up with a good sales line to spend $800 more dollars, you know you have the sleeve hitch and some attachments regardless of which tractor I get, but I've done my research and I'm all about the color yellow !

[@sethfisher6267]

@@Starkster50 What did you guys go with?

[@Starkster50]

@@sethfisher6267 I bought the XT1 GT50 from Tractor Supply Company.

[@sethfisher6267]

Jimmy how do you like it?

[@Starkster50]

@@sethfisher6267 Freakin Awesome, I would buy one again in a second !

[@timwolffis5026]

If you have snow by you please post a plowing video. Show us how the fasattach plow hooks up too!

[@billyadams9985]

Thumbs up on the giggity alone hahaha

[@DGI82]

harvey dent i had to rewind and hear it again 🤣

[@kevinhardin2941]

I have the xt2 26 h.p. kohler diff. Lock 2018 model . I LOVE THIS MOWER ! I will NEVER have another mower without diff. Lock. The only things I wish they had done differently is the start button has a delay, when you push it about the time you think your batt. Is dead it turns over. And the sight window is useless to see how much gas is left.

[@sethfisher6267]

Kevin Hardin nice. Its a great machine. My ignition died about 40 months after purchase, which Cub did fix under warranty because I was experiencing issues with it the last year or so before it died. I would have preferred the standard old turn key system

[@joesullivan3836]

I couldn’t agree with you more !! I mow about 7 acres on my farm in upstate NY. It’s very hilly and there are lots of little dips to deal with . No matter how many times I get stuck or loose traction this beast gets out and gets me going without any problem. If I loose traction on a hill I just back up step on the differential lock as I’m moving and it catches and gets rolling so well I have to be careful I don’t get whiplash as it proceeds forward. Same thing in reverse Having to lift the hood to see how much fuel is left is a drawback but for what this machine does I don’t care. Everything else about it is on the money. I am able to cut every place my farm tractor would end up tipping over on .It also cuts foot long grass with ease.I love it and would recommend purchasing it to anyone who needs a very above average tractor.👍🇺🇸

[@rzl07375]

Nice breakdown. I just bought a GX54d looking forward to seeing how it does.

[@sethfisher6267]

rzl07375 awesome I’m jealous!

[@rzl07375]

@@sethfisher6267 Im not crazy on the non greasable bearings on the spindles.

[@sethfisher6267]

I hear you. Amazon sells a set of three greasables for about $80. I haven’t had any issues with mine yet though. My mechanic says even the non greasables often outlast the tractors though

[@rzl07375]

@@sethfisher6267 Where did you find tgem on Amazon I cant seem to find them. 10 hours on mine now only complaint is gas consumption and you better wear hearing protection while mowing.

[@sethfisher6267]

rzl07375 I had to find a part diagram online to search for it on Amazon. I don’t find my Cub to be too loud while mowing. Does yours have the same Kohler 7000 series?

[@AndrewKellman]

I have a 2016 GX54 Fab. It has over 300 hours and still going strong! Wish I had the diff lock model though

[@sethfisher6267]

Andrew Kellman thats awesome. Glad to hear. I had to have the dealer replace the dumb push to start ignition, which they did under warranty. Otherwise its been great

[@AndrewKellman]

@@sethfisher6267 only problems with mine have been the starter. It's on its 4th starter. We have about 6 acres to mow and this Cub along with another mower mow it just fine

[@sethfisher6267]

Andrew Kellman I had issues with the push button ignition that cub honored under warranty. Just another dumb thing to break on a lawn tractor. I think companies are going back to traditional keys which is great

[@AndrewKellman]

@@sethfisher6267 exactly. Just go back to a traditional key lol. Mine is push button also and I wish it was a key sometimes

[@kjcl90]

Great review! How wide is the tractor at it's widest point with the discharge shoot up? I wanna know if it'd fit in my shed with a 61" door opening. Thanks!

[@moonlit61]

I looked at John Deere and Husqvarna I bought the cub it had best warranty The other ones had two year Cub Had three year

[@tomm2147]

The comments here raised my curiosity. In checking the transaxle on my XT2-GX54, I bought in late 2015 or early 2016, I found it to be a K58G and not the K46. The Tuff Torq's web site lists the K58 as the most powerful of the Residential transaxle line. A replacement can be purchased for $955.01 on their web site. As far as problems with my Club Cadet. I had one within the first year. My starter would not engage the flywheel it would only spin. I removed it from the engine and cleaned as much of the dust out of it as I could, sprayed a blend of silicone and teflon on the shaft area then reinstalled it and its been fine ever since. Yes I know that I could have brought it in for warranty repair but I prefer to fix things myself. The other problem was this year, I replaced one spindle and rebuilt the other 2 with non Chinese bearings. Surface tree roots are murder on the spindles.

[@czellner5894]

Thanks! I am in the market for a new machine. I had kinda decided to go with the JD X350 too. Then I noticed the K46 tranny! THAT shocked me. It's a good tranny but definitely not what I would expect for an "Upgraded" Heavier duty machine. You're right. Its the very same tranny as those big box store units. Great for grass cutting, but NOT premium level.

[@sethfisher6267]

glad you found it useful. What did you go with?

[@flyingturtle3384]

Got a gx54D and i love the posi rear diff lock...I don’t care if it’s really just a crappy MTD underneath...I’m saving $500/mo. for a gardener on my 2 acres so I’ll just buy a new one when it breaks

[@rafaeltorres2886]

it has k62 trans which is really stout I have one to its great.

[@flyingturtle3384]

Rafael Torres Manual says k58 ?

[@rafaeltorres2886]

@@flyingturtle3384 The k58 doesn't have diff lock, the k62 does

[@rafaeltorres2886]

@@flyingturtle3384 Tuff Torque 7A632084830 found this on my transmission axel housing. its the part number of the k62 transmission

[@flyingturtle3384]

Rafael Torres Ok thanks. Good to know, must have read the book wrong

[@azumi-osaki]

I know i may be out of topic but... where may I find this "cup / hand" holder (?) I am looking for a set like this but I do not know the name "(¬ . ¬)"

[@camcamgamer]

Very good video, extremely and simply amazing

[@christianfarrior1054]

Seth, If you do a follow up video please talk about deck leveling (ease/difficulty), removing blades for sharpening, braking on slope & speed of tractor with pto engaged, and how the hood is holding up. I've owned a JD X300 for 10 years and while its been a good machine (over 500 hrs now) I have difficulty keeping the deck level, very time consuming to remove/replace blades, and the hood split right down the center and fell off a couple year back (and too expensive to replace, > $300). Service at the dealer is expensive so I do my own. Thanks

[@sethfisher6267]

Hi Christian, I just ordered mulching blades so I'll let you know how the removal/install process goes (mine only has 50hrs on it, quite a few of those hours for yard work so haven't sharpened yet). Braking on slopes is no issue even with heavy trailer attached. You can barely tell the PTO is engaged as far as engine power is concerned. My hood has held up great so far. No cracks at all just some very light scratches you'd only notice if you're looking for them. I remove my deck every fall and store it because I equip the machine with weights and a plow for the winter. I haven't had issues with the deck being out of level.

[@barryhunt5357]

Great Video !!!!! Do You see a benefit with the diff lock , I'm considering one with the diff lock .

[@sethfisher6267]

barry hunt mine does well without the diff lock on my property. 1.5 acres of hilly terrain. There are a few spots where the diff lock would definitely help. Plus if you plan to use your machine in the winter it would help with traction. So I wish mine had it, but overall not a huge loss. Depending on how you will use your machine I would say it could be a nice feature.

[@RyanMiller3039]

John Deere are Green Bay colors. That's a no no.

[@danielcrown1084]

The x350 only costs 3,200 I have owned an x300 for over 11 years, and it is still running strong. It has over 800 hours and the 42" deck had to be replaced last year to a 48". The Kawasaki truly is a beast, and i have had no transmission problems. My lawn is very hilly and I have had no transmission problems. I've towed many things with it from a small dump trailer to a 6x12 car trailer, and the k46 has plenty of power. These are true John Deere's. Honestly the D-series are an MTD with a John Deere name slapped on. The D-series are a piece of junk. But nice cub cadet. Cub cadets are great machines, And I was thinking of getting one instead of a John Deere, but i got a John Deere because of the Kawasaki engine. Do you tow anything with yours?

[@sethfisher6267]

Daniel Crown Nice I’m glad you’ve had luck with yours. I compared it to the x380 in the video and not the x350 JD because the components on the x380 are more comparable to this Cub (transmission, deck size, tires, etc). I do tow mainly dump carts around the property. I probably use it as much for yard work towing my dump carts as I do mowing, maybe even more for towing and yard work than mowing. Has held up great. I think the x300 JD series and up is a great product. It’s good to know your transmission has held up well...hopefully I’ll have the same experience!

[@jeffreysamples3506]

Can it have ground engaging attachments for example like a garden plow, box blade , also can you get a rear sleeve hitch?

[@kennethlowe6337]

Yes to all I have the xt2 gx50 2019 with k58 transmission

[@JoshAllen17Goated]

It can, I wouldn’t recommend it. I would at least get the XT1 or XT2 model with the K62 and diff lock for ground engagement activities. The best machine to go with is the XT3 which isnt made anymore but has a shaft driven hydro which is very similar to the ones in the X700 series Deeres. I own an older version of the XT3 and they are tiny little tanks!

[@rondail5675]

Did you consider a John Deere or Husqvarna? I am going to buy a 42" mower. Say they are the same price, which one? Cub Cadet XT2 or John Deere LT130 both have the K46 trans ( I agree with your choice for the K62 but I want to spend around $2k

[@rafaeltorres2886]

I believe there is xt1 54 D it comes with diff lock so it must have the k62 trans.

[@wildbill23c]

@@rafaeltorres2886 No diff lock in the XT1 series, the diff lock is available on certain XT2 and XT3 series riding mowers though....sadly they didn't incorporate that option into the entry level machines.

[@rafaeltorres2886]

@@wildbill23c Thats to bad.

[@erichballing7960]

Does this tractor come with bigger front tires or did you special order?

[@sethfisher6267]

They are standard on the model. Think pretty standard size.

[@erichballing6393]

@@sethfisher6267 Comparing to my XT1 46. Looking forward to upgrading to this model. Excellent video, thanks!

[@wildbill23c]

@@erichballing6393 You'll appreciate the XT2 garden tractor...the XT1 isn't bad but its lacking some features that would make it a much better machine especially since they've bumped the price up $200.

[@timwolffis5026]

You Plow with this? I am very interested in you experience using a plow. Do you plow snow?

[@sethfisher6267]

Tim Wolffis yes plow snow I believe it’s a 46” blade. Have 100 pound weight kit and tire chains. Handles 6” of snow or a bit more well. Anything more than that I’ll snowblow

[@timwolffis5026]

@@sethfisher6267 is the monting mechanism of good quality? Does the lever operate the plow easily?

[@sethfisher6267]

Tim Wolffis the mounting kit is good everything works without issue. When I purchased the blade the only kit available required you to dismount to manually adjust the blade angle. There is now a cub cadet kit that allows you to adjust the blade angle from the seat.

[@stephenmartini5890]

What is the idea of those gigantic grab handles on the rear fenders?

[@sethfisher6267]

STEPHEN MARTINI great question. I use them alot actually when mowing on hills. Just something to hold on to. They are useful

[@flyingturtle3384]

Extremely handy on hills to distribute your weight and avoid a rollover

[@abhijitchhaganpatil]

Go Vikings!

[@bridgetrobertson7134]

14:46 $4800 for the D in 2023. The same specs as this 2016 for a new JD in 2023 is the X380 at $5800. $1000 delta. I hate this stupid clown world.

[@arthursmith3092]

a simple part and cant get after 3 yrs old spend 3 to 4 .000 for lawn tractor and junk thro aways as all ways shouldnt be is it just 2018 models ?

[@sethfisher6267]

Hi Arthur. What part are you talking about?

[@arthursmith3092]

throttle govner linkage

[@arthursmith3092]

starts but cant rev up throtle cable is ok linkage on motor wore out so you cant engage pto kills motor only idle speed

[@JohnsonsSmallEngines]

@@arthursmith3092 This may be your issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5PVY52Nbr2ae80

[@jeffwilson8568]

ummmm

[@tedschmitt178]

???

[@rockn711]

for the price you paid you wouldve been better off with a Toro zero turn. once you go zero turn you wont go back to a tractor like this

[@parkerhowell646]

Depends on terrain. I had a husqvarna zero turn and our land is very hilly and it would slide all over the place unless it had tires that would ruin the grass. 3 months in and got a john deere x758 and the difference is unbelievable. If I had flat land, the speed of a zero turn would be a no brainer.

[@MrJeffyb69]

cant drink a beer on the zero turns unless you go with either a beer helmet or an old school Excel Hustler with the hydro levers you can operate with one hand :-)

[@ThePoohlewis]

@@parkerhowell646, that and Husqvarna customer service sucks!

[@rickbrooks997]

I have a time cutter zero turn it is garbage compared to the gx54d I just purchased...I have 7 acres of hills and bumpy terrain, zero turn slides ,had engine and battery issues it's only 4 seasons old .. If I could go back I'd have bought the cub then and saved alot of grief. My 20 year old jd gt 245 outperforms the 4 year old zero turd.

[@rockn711]

@@rickbrooks997 considering you bought a zero turn knowing you had many hills shows you don't know how they work and would also tell me you likely don't know what fuel to use or how to store the battery. I claim it's operator error in this case