Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 54 Zero-Turn Mower (2024)

FAQs

Is the Toro zero-turn better than the Cub Cadet zero-turn? ›

Back in 2023, I would have suggested the Cub Cadet is the superior mower, given the comfort levels and my experience. But the new upgrades to the Toro TimeCutter have made it a supremely comfortable ride and heavier duty than the Cub Cadet ZT1.

We've researched and compared the best zero-turn lawn mowers for homeowners with big properties, including the best for hills and the best electric. With its impressive power and highly-rated performance, the Cub Cadet ZT1 50 Ultima Series ZT Riding Mower tops our list as the best overall choice.

How many years/hours should a zero-turn mower last? Zero-turn mowers generally last 3,500 hours when well maintained. However, they can begin to wear out in as little as 2,500 hours without proper maintenance. Typically, zero-turn mower owners can notice declining performance by around 2,800 miles.

Sure, you could use a standard push mower or even an electric one, but for efficiency and convenience nothing beats using a zero-turn riding mower. Cub Cadet zero-turn riding mowers are some of the most popular in today's market due to their quality design and a perfect balance between speed and power.

Our overall favorite zero-turn lawn mower is the John Deere Z325E ZTrak. It's comfortable, durable, and feature-packed. With a 48-inch cutting deck, it crisply cuts flat lawns up to 2 acres.

For larger yards up to three acres in size, a 20 to 25 HP zero-turn mower is a great mid-range option. Our best gas choice, the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower, offers 24.5 HP and handles yards ranging from two to four acres with ease.

Kubota is the only brand to earn top scores across the board in Consumer Reports' new riding-mower predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings for 2024. The brand receives stellar marks in those key attributes for both its gas lawn tractors and zero-turn-radius mowers in CR's survey-based ratings.

Is it Worth Buying a Zero-Turn Mower? Zero-turn mowers, while clocking in at a higher cost than a riding mower, can mow your lawn faster and more efficiently than a riding mower. While a riding mower has a maximum speed of around 4 MPH, a zero-turn mower can provide you with around 8 MPH.

Zero-turn mowers can flip over when riding over uneven surfaces or slopes exceeding 10 degrees. If you have a rough lawn with bumps, consider exploring the lineup of traditional John Deere riding lawn tractors. Because the rear wheels control steering, zero-turn mowers can be difficult to stop.

Are zero-turn mowers high maintenance? ›

Zero turn lawn mower maintenance is no more involved than maintenance on a lawn tractor. The oil needs to be changed, the deck needs to be cleaned, blades need to be sharpened and certain points need to be lubricated.

Cub Cadet Pro Z 760 S.

Do NOT operate a zero turning radius mower on a slope greater than 15 degrees. Keep the mower's movement slow and steady. Apply even pressure on the steering levers. Maintain a safe distance from drop offs, water and other hazards.

Zero-turn mowers lose a third of their value in the first year of use.

For larger yards up to three acres in size, a 20 to 25 HP zero-turn mower is a great mid-range option. Our best gas choice, the Toro TimeCutter Zero Turn Riding Mower, offers 24.5 HP and handles yards ranging from two to four acres with ease.

For some homeowners, a smooth ride is a top priority and luckily, there are a few brands that have made it one. In particular, we'd recommend either Ferris® or STIHL® for those seeking a smooth ride on their power zero-turn mower because they have built a suspension system into many of their units.

Toro is a publicly traded company that specializes in outdoor equipment products, such as lawnmowers, snow blowers, and irrigation systems. Founded in 1914, the company is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, and has manufacturing facilities across the globe.