Cub Cadet ZT2: Impressions and Review

[@Truth2240]

Have had same machine for a couple seasons now. Its a good machine. The fabricated deck needs improvement, it has so many top holes you get more grass on top of deck than in the bags. Have to clean the deck everytime because of it. I put a wingnut on deck cover to make it quicker. The deck also wont vacuum unless really low. ( leaves, etc) I put a flat piece metal strip on bottom rear of deck to help it " seal" to the lawn better, improving pickup. The serviceable hydrostats on the ZT 2 will keep this machine going a long time. Overall im happy with mine.

[@theroyboys2]

Agree with the holes on the top of the deck. I blow it off after every mow and clean under the deck about once a month. Overall still happy with it.

[@thicckok45]

I got this recommended for my 5 acre yard. Seems like its a good choice, going to pick it up next week. This would be my first zero turn since i've moved to a rural area, but seems like it'll do a good job.

[@theroyboys2]

I think you'd be happy with it...I still am!

[@BobsOutdoorActivities]

Nice Zero. I like the aggressive look of it.

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks! So far, so good...

[@rslegato]

Best upgrade to do is the seat springs, Amazon Harley Davison seat springs....best thing ive done.

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@west270]

do you have a link you could share?

[@jrock019770]

Awesome! Now those are they replaces the plastic ones right

[@Nozinbonsai]

3 inch motorcycle seat springs, barrel type, don't forget send your nasties back to Mr cadet, with rocks, old bones, gators, and lots of beans receiver to pay. He,he,he.

[@livingwaters7841]

Is the Cub Cadets springs that bad? Are the Amazon Harley Davison seat springs easy to install?

[@moonlightblade1080]

I just bought this mower today. I got the 60 inch deck for my future 2 acre yard. Never had a zero turn lol it's going be fun can't wait 🙂👍

[@theroyboys2]

Enjoy, you'll make quick work of that lawn!

[@jasonday6796]

How's it been?

[@chuckmaxon3727]

I have the same model and also the ZT1 42, great mowers! I put the triple bagger on the ZT2 50 yesterday and it sucks up the leaves.

[@burnbarrelnetwork4013]

Ordered the zt1 50 Kawasaki and starting to think I might want to swap to the zt2. Just under 2 acres with a bball court size 20 degree hill and a field that can be a little rough in spots. Would appreciate an opinion from someone who has used both and if my experience will be that much better with the zt2. Thanks

[@gileswarrick1378]

I just purchased the 50 inch. I hope I made a good decision. I’m cutting 5 acres

[@theroyboys2]

@gileswarrick1378 that's quite an area to be cutting. It may take you a bit of time, but should do it.

[@chaboi7]

Mine just arrived at home depot, gotta pick it up Saturday, woohoo!

[@theroyboys2]

Congrats! Have around 35 hours on my...still happy with the choice! Make sure you check your deck (level) and tire pressure...my tires were wayyy over-inflated from the dealer.

[@chaboi7]

@@theroyboys2 thanks, now I know what to look for first.

[@mike.briney]

Ahhhh!! What I thought was an aftermarket front black bumper guard, is actually the weight system for the bagger system! haha Looks sharp! Might have to invest into that. Thanks again for sharing man

[@theroyboys2]

You got it! Thanks for watching!

[@Philmay1234]

I am looking to buy one of these and was curious, does the blades shut off if you go in reverse?

[@theroyboys2]

No, the blades do not shut off when in reverse

[@IXMANMOXI]

Why did CC change the hydrostatics on Ultima ZT2’s from Hydro Gear ZT2800 to Tuff Torq TZ350? Isn’t that a downgrade? , and if so, why hasn’t the price reflected the downgrade?

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for the comment. I'm not too sure the about the details of the mechanicals on me the new ones. But I believe someone mentioned something similar in a prior comment.

[@fioore123]

Any good on hills?

[@theroyboys2]

The area I mow is pretty flat. There is one section that has a decent grade to it. The mower holds its speed well traversing. But if I decide to change direction in the middle of the grade, have to come in a little slower to decrease momentum so the wheels don't slide. I don't think that's a mower problem though, more of a tire/traction problem that can be easily mitigated by the operator.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Just got one, coming from a Toro time cutter 60”, the club cadet ZT2 drives so smooth/precise compared to our other Toro time cutter that drives like a tractor bobcat..rough on everything😂 next I’m gonna put my snow plow blinking lights at the back and upgrade the battery so i can use a much brighter led headlights

[@theroyboys2]

Enjoy!

[@averagejoe9249]

I have less than a half acre, but also own the zt2. Freaking awesome. Beats push mowing

[@theroyboys2]

That's for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@jjung2005]

Good video! Do you still have the ZT2? If yes, any issues with the engine and Tuff Torq TZ 350 transmissions?

[@theroyboys2]

Thank you! Still have it... so far, so good! No issues.

[@anthonyphillips6557]

Nice mower. I got a bradley mower for half cost of a gravely and very similar specs. Do more reviews like this

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks! I found in researching most of the companies use the same components for the residential mowers (motors, hydros, etc) so it came down to features and price for me.

[@chinov9445]

Good pick got mine last year ZT2 54 Ultima was about to buy the Xmark ended up with the Cadet no complaints at all sweet mower just reached the 100 hours on it keeps my 1 acre lawn 👀 beautiful 🤙🏽

[@theroyboys2]

Great to hear! The only thing I find myself doing frequently is cleaning under the deck...seems to be a couple areas under there that like to collect the clippings.

[@chinov9445]

@@theroyboys2 yea bro that’s wit any zero turn lol put the deck to lowest setting 1inch connect it to the hose run the mower on high rpms for about 5 minutes it cleans the bottom pretty good not 💯percent but does a decent job I go under it every 3 months wit a spatula n clean the bottom really good hope this helps 🤙🏽

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks! I've heard that from someone else as well...didn't want to introduce more moisture to under the deck then needed, but it will beat getting under there every other mowing.

[@chinov9445]

@@theroyboys2 Cool it’s a fab reinforce deck not stamp a lot more thicker metal when the cutting season is over a good bottom clean n spray down really good with my rifle Remington oil spray 😂n put it away for the winter ❄️ it will save your deck for many years learn that from my Dad well he used WD 40 I I like more oil he just retired he owned a landscaping company n a lawn repair shop for over 30 year’s 🤙🏽

[@theroyboys2]

Great info! I'll try that after this week's mowing.

[@west270]

Nice review! I am waiting for a ZT2 50 to arrive at my local dealer. I ordered the bagger. I am curious how you like having the counterweight when you're not using the bagger? does it make the front heavy?

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for watching! A friend and I both mow with the front counterweight on our mowers without a problem, or negative impact when the bagger is not in use. Make sure you check your rear tire pressure and level the cutting deck if needed. Both of the aforementioned were out of spec (at the time of the video). I noticed a big improvement in cut quality and ride once I corrected.

[@west270]

@@theroyboys2 Thanks! as in, you lowered the rear tire pressure to counteract the additional weight in the front?

[@west270]

My apologies as I am new to the Zero turn world.

[@theroyboys2]

No worries. No need to counteract the front weight. My rear tires just came over-inflated and I heard that has happened to a few others. Max is 10 PSI...mine came with 20 PSI. My mower deck was also pitches forward 1inch from front to rear, side to side was level.

[@Ornelas11B]

Just bought one of these yesterday. Got it home this morning. It’s raining:(

[@theroyboys2]

I'm sure when you get a chance to use it, it will not disappoint! I know a handful of people personally that bought Cubs this year and love them!

[@bucket0rocks]

zt2 w/60" fabricated deck here. 2 years in, and the fabricated deck is literally coming apart at the seams. have a cub tractor with a stamped 46", and that thing has held up wayyyyy better.

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for the comment and feedback! I'll have to keep an eye on it.

[@bucket0rocks]

@@theroyboys2 thanks. funny part- even though the 60" is almost in 4 separate pieces now, it still mowed nice and even til i removed it to try to repair it. almost a life threatening catastrophic failure tho.

[@ralphthomas5798]

How do you turn the lights off ?

[@theroyboys2]

They are running lights...there's not a switch that I'm aware of.

[@mxr248]

They come on when you turn the key on then go off when you turn it off.

[@Nozinbonsai]

Why? For secret ninja mowing? Neighbours complain about the lights? Most people just bash into stuff until they stop. The neighbours I mean , my lights still work, the neighbours are very quiet lately.

[@timhafley5177]

If you could find where the wires run in to the junction you could cut them and put a cheap switch somewhere to your liking .

[@motorosso3349]

Thanks for the review, I am getting ready to buy one.

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for the comment! You won't be disappointed!

[@davidkarl5192]

i have a yard less than an acre and after 2 years of owning the cub cadet , I have spent more in repairs then I expected. even with the joke warranty. I Called the dealership and they said YES this is a cheap mower that's why its only 4000, it would have been thousands cheaper to hire a lawn service...and if you call cub cadet they care less than anyone about the crap they sold you

[@theroyboys2]

Thanks for the info! So far that has not been my experience...Kawasaki motor has treated me well...I mow about 2 acres per week total. No issues in two years...all I have done so far is routine maintenance and blade sharpening. So far I have went through one set of blades, but last year one of the lawns was newly established and had a bit of sand to contend with early on

[@jamesbowman7963]

Well after a year of ownership... It looks great runs good and cuts like garbage.... The mower deck just does a bad job always leaving uncut strips I have to make two or three passes. One other thing if I had to get another zeroturn it would have the deck out front...

[@theroyboys2]

Sorry to hear. I do get a strip sometimes if the deck needs to be cleaned from grass accumulating under it. Also if I try to mow too fast with tall grass.

[@Truth2240]

Mine does the same thing when the deck clogs in the middle. Not a fan of the fab deck, but supposedly they are for being tougher when banging things. I'd prefer the stamped steel.