Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut™ 60 Volt 21″ Push Walk-Behind Mower Review
Battery-powered electric lawn mowers like the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut™ represent the 21st Century cutting edge of what a residential lawn care machine can be. This is thanks in part to the impressive evolution of lithium-ion batteries like the 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery bank that serves as this push mower’s beating heart.
The lithium-ion batteries do an impressive job of powering the 60 Volt Max brushless electric motor. This gives it an average maximum run time of around 50-minutes or the ability to cut around half an acre on a single charge. All without fading in power as the batteries deplete. The fact that the electric motor is brushless also makes for quieter operation, as well as less heat, for longer overall motor life.
The 21-inch diameter cutting deck is made from high-quality steel that can take some of the punishment doled out to residential lawn mowers. You can adjust the height of the deck through 6 distinct settings, from as low as 1.25 inches to as tall as 3.75-inches.
You might also appreciate the 3-in-1 functionality of the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut. Right out of the box it comes set up to side discharge the harvested grass clippings. Though it only takes a matter of moments to change it up for mulching or bagging. It also comes with a 1.9-bushel grass collection bag.
Key Features
- 60 Volt Max brushless electric motor
- 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery bank
- Half an acre, or 50 minute run time
- 11-inch rear wheels with premium ball bearings
- 21-in all steel cutting deck
- 6 cutting height positions
- Cutting height from 1.25″ – 3.75″
- 3-in-1 side-discharge, bagging and mulching
- 1.9 bushel bagger
- 3-year warranty
- Weighs 65-pounds
Performance
The 60 Volt Max brushless electric motor and the 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery bank of the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut were engineered for superior performance. With a full charge, it can cut around half an acre of grass which translates into roughly a 50-minute run time. This is more than enough to cut the average residential lawn or to help maintain specific grounds on a commercial property.
Ease Of Use
The Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is not self-propelled, which might sound like a little bit of a challenge when you read it on the screen. Though it only weighs in at a tidy 65-pounds, which makes it easy to push without assistance. The 11-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheel with premium ball bearings further help to increase traction as well as improve overall maneuverability.
You might also appreciate the ergonomic engineering that was put into the design of the hand controls. Not only are they easy to use, but they do a great job of reducing hand fatigue, which can be helpful for cutting a larger lawn.
Special Features
The 60 Volt brushless electric motor in the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut represents the cutting edge of what an electric lawn mower motor can be. Right off the bat, you will appreciate the quiet operation, which is very handy for cutting suburban lawns where neighbors and children with sensitive ears are nearby. Brushless electric motors also tend to produce less heat, which further prolongs the life of the components.
The 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery bank is also state-of-the-art in both its capacity to deliver power without fading as well as run for up to 50 minutes on a typical full charge. The fact that you can easily recharge it with a standard 110 Volt electric outlet, without needing a special charging port is also very convenient.
The 3-in-1 versatility of the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is also handy. You can leave it set up to side discharge, or quickly transform it into a mulching or bagging mower as needed.
Cut Quality & Options
The 6 different cutting deck settings on the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut are very handy for customizing the length of your grass for the prevailing weather pattern. When periods of sun mixed with light rain boost the growth potential, you can set the 21-inch diameter cutting deck as low as 1.25-inches. If your area falls into a hot, dry spell, you can start to dial the deck up through the 6 different height settings all the way up to 3.75-inches to help shade the turf and preserve some of the moisture.
The 3-in-1 versatility of the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is also great for thatch management. If you can frequently cut your lawn then the side discharge will keep the harvested blades of grass relatively small.
Though it only takes mere moments to adjust the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut as a mulching mower or a bagging mower to prevent harvested grass clippings from becoming choking thatch. A 1.9-bushel grass collection bag is included in the purchase.
Maintenance
The Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is very easy to maintain. The lithium-ion battery bank can be recharged via a standard outdoor electric outlet. You don’t have to worry about things like fuel filters, air filters, oil changes, and all the other messy things that come with a gasoline lawn mower.
The cutting blades will need to be sharpened or replaced as needed. Though this is relatively easy to do and Cub Cadet did their best to engineer the cutting deck to be easy to work with.
Safety Features
The Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut comes with the standard hand controls you find with most push mowers. The ergonomics of the controls also help to reduce hand fatigue, which is handy for a longer mowing session.
One of the nice things about the Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is that you can stop it at a moment’s notice if you see a surprise obstacle like a stick or rock hidden in the grass. When you are ready, the brushless electric motor can be restarted with the press of a button.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Cub Cadet SCP21E Signature Cut is far more cost-effective than a gasoline push mower of the same size and cost. You don’t have to worry about fuel costs and oil changes. The per-unit cost of electricity is far less than gasoline. Not to mention the cool-running brushless electric motor has a reputation for long life for a robust return on your investment.
