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The Ultimate Lawn Tractor Buying and Maintenance Guide
Want to buy a lawn tractor but need help figuring out where to begin?
We've put together the ultimate lawn tractor buying guide to give you the information you need to make the right decision for your yard.
Table of Contents
- Difference between riding mower, lawn tractor and zero-turn mower
- Why choose a lawn tractor
- Why choose a Cub Cadet® Lawn Tractor?
- What’s the best time of year to buy a lawn tractor?
- Where should I buy a lawn tractor?
- Why should I buy a lawn tractor from an independent dealer?
- What is the ideal lawn tractor for my yard size?
- What should I look for when buying a lawn tractor?
- Lawn tractor engines
- Lawn tractor features
- Lawn tractor accessories
Difference between riding mower, lawn tractor and zero-turn mower:
Want to buy a lawn mower but need help figuring out where to begin? Like any other outdoor equipment purchase, it’s important to consider the task at hand, but the first step is to get to know your options. You want a machine you can ride, but what is the difference between a rear-engine riding mower, lawn tractor and zero-turn, anyway? Let us break it down for you:
Rear-engine riding mower
Rear-engine riders like the Cub Cadet® CC 30H are compact riding mowers that generally cost less than a lawn tractor and have a narrower deck. These riding mowers are ideal if you have limited storage, but a yard too big to tackle with a push mower under the hot summer sun (most suitable for ½ to 1-acre properties).
Lawn tractors
Faster than a push mower and featuring a wider deck than the Cub Cadet® CC 30H rear-engine riding mower, Cub Cadet® lawn tractors ranging from 42–60 inches wide are built to handle larger yards. While they may require more storage space than the rear-engine riding mower, Cub Cadet® lawn tractors are designed to be your go-to machine all year long, from cutting to bagging to mulching and are often compatible with attachments like plows. One option to consider is the premium Cub Cadet® XT1® Enduro Series™ – with its automotive-inspired design, powerful Kohler®* engines, AGM battery, stamped decks and responsive steering, the XT1® Enduro Series™ is engineered to give you a precise cut and reliable power to tackle your yard.
Zero-turn (RZT’s)
Featuring smooth operation, excellent maneuverability and higher top speeds than our rear-engine mowers and lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers are ready to tackle large yards and are a great choice for landscapers. With Cub Cadet®’s steering wheel options like the innovative Ultima Series™ ZTXS, you’ll find a zero-turn that fits your preferences while giving you a tight turning radius and easy maneuverability around trees, gardens and other obstacles.
*Kohler® is a registered trademark of Kohler Co.
Why should I buy a lawn tractor?
From the size of your yard to the obstacles you might encounter to the storage available, there are many great reasons to buy a lawn tractor over a push mower. If any of the following apply to you, buying a lawn tractor might be the right choice:
- You have a yard that is more than ¼ acre and under 2 acres
- You have enough space to be able to store it
- You are looking to get the job done fast
- You want a versatile piece of equipment that can do more than cut your lawn, including towing, or plowing snow in the winter
- You are looking for easier maneuverability around the obstacles in your yard
- You want to save the physical energy required to push - you rather ride!
The Cub Cadet® lineup of XT® Enduro Series™ lawn tractors is built to handle tough yard work. The premium XT1® Enduro Series™ gives owners quality performance, exceptional control and comfort mow after mow with Kohler® engines, responsive steering and adjustable cut-and-sew seats. Not to be outdone, the powerful XT2® Enduro Series™ is built for strength and durability to tackle demanding jobs and loaded with premium features.
Cub Cadet® has lawn tractors for all yard sizes and the right tractor for you.
Why choose a Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor?
Cub Cadet® offers a line of outdoor power equipment engineered to deliver quality performance. Cub Cadet® is for Canadians who want carefully, thoughtfully, and purposefully designed products. When you buy a Cub Cadet® lawn tractor, you're backed by our Canadian Commitment, which includes outdoor power equipment designed for Canadians, bilingual customer service support, and a nationwide network of local service dealers offering warranty and parts service.
The XT® Enduro Series™ is engineered to deliver power and performance that’s hard to top. The XT1® and XT2® lawn tractors are equipped with IntelliPower™ engine technology designed for consistent performance to help cut through thick, heavy grass.
IntelliPower™ technology digitally monitors and maintains engine speed, giving you up to 20% more available power when compared to the same engine without the IntelliPower™ feature.
This power helps Cub Cadet® lawn tractors tackle heavy, wet grass without bogging or slowing down. IntelliPower™ is engineered to provide consistent blade speed and a clump-free Signature Cut™ while still delivering power for mulching, bagging and mowing uphill.
The XT® Enduro Series™ lawn tractors can help take your lawn care experience to another level with the versatility to mow, tow, bag and throw obstacles in its way.
What’s the best time of year to buy a lawn tractor?
The general rule of thumb is to buy a lawn tractor before or after peak season. You’ll be prepared for the first mow of the season and might even find a great pre-season sale. Another way to find savings is to sign up for a mailing list like Cub Cadet®’s so you’ll be the first to know when manufacturers and dealers are offering special prices on mowers.
Where should I buy a lawn tractor?
Independent Dealer
These smaller retailers, often located in rural areas, often partner with manufacturers to reach customers who may not have immediate access to a larger retailer. Independent dealers are often locally owned, sometimes have exclusive deals with manufacturers, and can provide excellent 1-on-1 service. The Cub Cadet® nationwide network of local dealers can find you the ideal machine for your needs and help with new parts, maintenance and your machine’s warranty. Click here to find a Cub Cadet® dealer near you.
Mass Retailer
Big-box stores generally offer a dependable mix of convenience, selection and service which make them a popular option for many lawn tractor buyers. Often the first destination that comes to mind for people buying a riding mower in towns or cities, these established chains generally offer a variety of machines. If buying a lawn tractor at a mass retailer is your preference, consider making the trip to Lowe’s where the Cub Cadet® XT1® Enduro Series™ is now available.
Online
The ultimate convenience, buying a lawn tractor online means you can get your ideal machine without having to leave the comforts of home. Lawn tractors are often available to buy online through the manufacturer, like Cub Cadet®, or the retailer websites so you have options online. If you know exactly what lawn tractor you want to buy, and that machine is in stock, shopping online may be your best option.
Why should I buy a lawn tractor from an independent dealer?
The advantages of buying your Cub Cadet® lawn tractor from an independent dealer centre around personalized service and expertise.
When looking for your best tractor, a local dealer can provide the advice and knowledge (and even the test drive) you need to make the right decision. But that’s just the beginning.
From tune-ups to warranty service to replacement parts, a local dealer will help you get the most from your lawn tractor and ensure it runs strong season after season.
More than 400 local Cub Cadet® service dealers across Canada are ready and willing to help you find your perfect lawn tractor. The Cub Cadet® Dealer Advantage means you can access a wide selection of machines, exclusive offers and that personal touch that is hard to find anywhere else.
Find your neighbourhood Cub Cadet® dealer using our service locator.
What’s the ideal lawn tractor for my yard size?
To find the ideal lawn tractor for your yard size, match your yard’s acreage to the mower’s deck size. This will help determine how much grass you can mow in a single pass.
Below is a helpful chart to help you find the Cub Cadet® lawn tractor deck size that is ideal for your yard:
| Lawn Size | Mower Type |
| Up to ¼ acre | 30″ riding lawn mower, like the CC 30H |
| ¼ - 1 acre | 30″-42″ riding lawn mower, like the XT1® LT42E |
| 1-2 acres | 42″-46″ riding lawn mower, like the XT1® LT42 or XT2 LX42 |
| 2-5 acres | 46″-54″ riding lawn mower, like the XT1® LT46 or XT2 LX46 |
For more help finding the ideal lawn tractor for your yard size and terrain, get in touch with your local Cub Cadet® dealer.
What should I look for when buying a lawn tractor?
There are six key things to look for when buying a lawn tractor to help ensure the job gets done to your standard, mow after mow.
#1 Engine size
Generally, the larger the engine, the better it can handle tough cutting conditions. If you need a lawn tractor that can mow often, through wet or tall grasses, cut down weeds or bag and mulch leaves, a larger engine like the Kohler® engines on the XT® Enduro Series™ helps handle challenging jobs easily. Select Enduro Series™ lawn tractors also feature innovative IntelliPower™ technology.
#2 Deck width
Deck width should increase as yard size increases. A deck size of 40 inches or less is suitable for a smaller yard – around ½ an acre. A deck size of 42 to 46 inches is suitable for a yard up to two acres. A yard that is three acres or more typically requires a deck size of 50 inches or greater.
#3 Cutting performance
Look for a lawn tractor that can give you a cut you can be proud of every single time. Sharp and powerful blades make up the Cub Cadet® Signature Cut™, which means our mowers are designed to cut cleanly and consistently mow after mow, and help to avoid hacking, pulling on or damaging your grass.
#4 Comfort
Not to be overlooked, comfort is important when buying a lawn tractor that you’ll spend hours on during peak mowing season. Is the seat comfortable? Does your back feel supported? What does the steering feel like? Buying an XT1® Enduro Series™ lawn tractor means enjoying its comfort features, including adjustable cut-and-sew seats and responsive handling.
#5 Durability
A durable lawn tractor is built to handle the jobs you’ll be throwing at it. Buy a lawn tractor with a selection of replacement parts and accessories for wear and tear.
#6 Options
So your lawn tractor can cut, but can it bag, mulch and side-discharge? Get to know the options available so you buy a lawn tractor that’s built to do what you need, and maybe even more.
#7 Access to support, warranty, maintenance
Consider how easily you can access help when you need it. When you buy Cub Cadet®, you're backed by our Canadian Commitment, which includes outdoor power equipment designed for Canadians, bilingual customer service support, and a nationwide network of local service dealers who offer warranty and parts service.
What do I need to know about lawn tractor engines?<
If this is your first time buying a lawn tractor, you likely have many questions about engines. Below we’ve answered five of the most frequently asked lawn tractor engine questions.
What is the best engine for my lawn tractor?
Let’s start with the brand of the engine. Ensure your lawn tractor is equipped with a reliable engine brand with a reputation for building durable, long-lasting engines.
The XT® Enduro Series™ is a perfect example. Enduro Series™ tractors feature engines built by Kohler® or Briggs & Stratton®*, both trusted manufacturers with a history of assembling hard-working, dependable products.
Next, consider the size of the engine you need for your lawn. For lawn tractors, engine size (or displacement) is measured in cubic centimetres (cc). Simply put, the higher the cubic centimetres, the larger the engine. Cub Cadet® Enduro Series™ mowers range in size from 550cc to 725cc.
If you’re consistently cutting wet or tall grass or weeds in your lawn, consider buying a Cub Cadet® lawn tractor with IntelliPower™ engine technology, like the XT1® LT42. IntelliPower™ technology is designed to deliver consistent engine performance to help tackle heavy, wet grass without bogging or slowing down.
What is an electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engine?
An electronic fuel injection (EFI) uses an onboard computer, injector nozzle and multiple sensors designed to reliably deliver the right amount of fuel to get optimal performance and efficiency out of your engine.
EFI engines feature a special high-pressure fuel delivery nozzle that injects an ultra-fine mist of fuel into the engine. An electronic control unit uses sensors around the engine to deliver the precise amount of fuel the engine needs.
Cub Cadet® lawn tractors with EFI engines are easy to start and fuel efficient.
EFI engines are only available on select XT® Enduro Series™ lawn tractor models. Contact your local Cub Cadet® dealer to find out more.
How much horsepower does my lawn tractor need?
The horsepower you need depends on the size of your lawn and the amount of work you require the mower to do. The bigger the lawn, the more horsepower you’ll need to get the job done.
Typically, when you’re shopping for a new lawn tractor, you’ll notice that horsepower increases with the mower’s deck width as more power is required to mow larger swaths of grass with each pass.
What is the top speed of a lawn tractor?
Engine size can also factor into the top speeds of a lawn tractor as larger engines produce more power. However, other factors impact top lawn tractor speeds, including weight and attachments.
The top forward speed of most lawn tractors typically falls somewhere in the range of 4–8 miles per hour (mph), depending on the make and model. Cub Cadet® Enduro Series™ lawn tractors are designed to reach top forward speeds of 5.5 mph (or 8.6 km/h).
*Briggs & Stratton® is a registered trademark of Briggs & Stratton, LLC.
What lawn tractor features should I consider?
Lawn tractors are built to make mowing easy and efficient all season long, and having the right features can make all the difference. XT® Enduro Series™ lawn tractors have features designed to give a top-quality cut – fine clippings, evenness and few clumps and stragglers.
Easy deck engagement
Deck engagement refers to the manual engagement of the cutting blades, which don’t start spinning automatically after start-up for safety purposes. Using either a mechanical lever or an electric push button, “easy deck engagement” means smooth transitions from one job to the next.
Bumper
Some lawn tractors come equipped with a bumper in the event of a run-in with a tree, shrub or other debris. For those tractors not equipped with one, bumper kits can be purchased separately and attached to the front of your riding mower to help prevent damage.
Hour meter
An hour meter records engine run time. Maintenance tasks are often associated with run time, so this feature will help you track when your lawn tractor might need a tune-up, help limit downtime and help keep it running all season long.
Gas gauge
Choose from a gas gauge that’s visible while driving, or a transparent tank to know how much fuel you have and when you need a top-up.
Engine size and features
Ideal engine size depends on how you want to utilize your lawn tractor. Larger engines can be an important feature for people looking to use their machine for more than just achieving that Cub Cadet® Signature Cut™. A larger engine will allow you to take advantage of attachments (sold separately) like a cart for hauling or a snow blade to plow through snow.
Select Cub Cadet® lawn tractors are equipped with IntelliPower™ technology, designed to deliver consistent engine performance to help cut through thick, heavy grass.
In addition to engine size and IntelliPower™, consider whether you want a carburetor or electric fuel injection (EFI). Cub Cadet® offers both options, but EFI is designed to provide a smooth start-up and boost fuel efficiency.
Mow-in reverse mechanisms
Like the start-up manual blade engagement safety feature, the blade will also need manual re-engagement when you shift into reverse as the blade will automatically stop spinning. Reverse mechanisms are either a distinct key reposition or a button that needs to be held the entire time you reverse.
Gear-style transmission
Generally available on the least expensive Cub Cadet® lawn tractor models, gear-style transmission refers to the lever system that shifts from forward to backward and faster or slower.
Variable transmissions
If you’re looking for something other than gear-style transmission, there are two styles for continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). The first uses a manual lever for directional adjustment and a foot pedal for speed adjustment. The second variation has pedals for both speed and directional adjustments.
Hydrostatic lawn mower
For smooth maneuverability and operation, the choice is a lawn tractor with hydrostatic transmission, which operates similarly to an automatic car transmission.
What lawn tractor accessories do I need?
Your lawn tractor may be able to do more than mow. Here is a list of the top lawn tractor accessories that will help you maximize the use of your machine through the spring, summer, fall and even winter.
Bagger
Easy to attach to your mower, a bagger collects grass clippings and other debris that your mower runs over, instead of redistributing them onto your lawn to help keep your lawn tidy.
Leaf collection system
Designed to handle more debris than a bagger, a leaf collection system makes for a smooth and efficient collection of leaves, clippings and other debris. No more raking.
Sunshade/snow cab
The interchangeable sunshade/snow cab helps provide you comfort in any season, keeping you out of direct, harsh sunlight in the summer, and helping to protect you from freezing snow and wind in the winter.
Mulching kit
Designed to help you groom and beautify your lawn, mulching kits cut grass clippings, and lawn and leaf debris into finer, smaller pieces, to be easily reused by your lawn as a natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer.
All-season plow for dirt, gravel or snow
Simply align, latch and lock the all-season plow in place and start moving snow, dirt, gravel, mulch and more. Featuring a single handle with a comfortable grip, you can lift, lower and adjust the angle of the blade without leaving the seat.
Snow blower
Optimize the use of your lawn tractor with a three-stage accessory snow blower< and robust steel high-arch chute for optimal snow blowing. The Cub Cadet® three-stage accessory snow blower also includes adjustable replaceable skid shoes and a scraper blade.
Brush guard
Align, latch and lock your brush guard to the front of your lawn tractor to help protect your tractor’s front end.