Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 Electric Riding Mower Review
Electric cars are really starting to take off on both the foreign and domestic marketplace. So, it was only a matter of time until a high-end lawnmower manufacturer like Cub Cadet used this innovative technology to create a riding lawnmower.
Right off the bat, there are some major benefits to this type of platform. For one, you don’t have to deal with all the maintenance of oil and air filters or the cost of fuel like you do with a gasoline-powered riding lawnmower. For two, and electric riding lawnmower is far more cost-effective. Depending on your utility provider, it could cost you less than a dollar to fully charge the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 lithium-ion batteries. You also get the immediate responsiveness of an electric motor, which engages immediately, without the lag of a gasoline mower’s pistons and geared transmission.
The onboard lithium-ion batteries included in the purchase take around 4-hours to reach full charge. At that point, you have enough power to mow for up to an hour and a half, which roughly translates into 2-acres of lawn on a single charge.
The cutting deck measures in at a robust 42-inches, which is great for clearing wide-open stretches of lawn. Though the responsive electronic transmission, linked to an intuitive foot control pedal also makes it easy for you to quickly slow down to navigate around trees and landscaping features. It has a maximum forward speed of 5.5 miles per hour and a reversing speed maximum of 3.1 miles per hour, which is brisk for a reverse speed. The blade engagement system is then linked to an electronic PTO button.
The cutting deck is easily adjustable, with 12 distinct height settings. When rain and sun combine to promote vigorous growth you can set the cutting deck as low as 1 inch. Then when times are particularly dry, you can set the cutting deck up as high as 4-inches to help preserve soil moisture levels in the underlying turf.
The Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 was also engineered with comfort in mind. Right off the bat, you’ll appreciate the stunning quietness of the electric motor. This also translates into far less vibration when you’re mowing. It also has a comfortable 15-inch high back seat with superior spring suspension and a soft grip steering wheel. All this makes the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 one of, if not the most comfortable riding lawn mower on the market today.
It also comes with a nice multi-tier warranty program. The entire lawn mower comes with a comprehensive 3-year warranty. The front axle and the frame have a 5-year warranty. The lithium-ion battery comes with 4-years of warranty coverage.
Key Features
- Electric motor and transmission
- 42-inch cutting deck
- 56 Volt lithium-ion battery
- 5.5 MPH maximum forward speed
- 3.1 MPH maximum reverse speed
- Cutting height from 1 to 4 inches
- Responsive and nimble
- Robust multi-tier warranty coverage
- A strong 18 HP Kawasaki® engine delivers reliable power to tackle your yard.
- 42-in. heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck
- AGM battery delivers reliable starting with slower discharge so you worry less about your battery going dead in the offseason.
- Tuff Torq Hydrostatic transmission, no shifting, just push the pedal and go.
Performance
The electric motor and transmission are incredibly responsive compared to a traditional gas-powered riding lawnmower. It’s also very quiet and comfortable. When you want to run it wide open the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 has a maximum forward speed of 5.5 miles per hour and a maximum reverse speed of 3.1 miles per hour.
Ease of Use
The Cub Cadet XT2 LT42e is very comfortable and easy to use. It has all the standard steering wheel and other controls you would find on a traditional gas riding lawnmower. Though this electric lawnmower has only a fraction of the vibration and noise. The seat has a comfortable spring suspension and the steering wheel is padded.
Cut Quality & Options
The 42-inch cutting deck lets you chew through large spans of wide own lawn. Yet the responsiveness of the electric motor and transmission also translate into surprising nimbleness.
You can also adjust the height of the cutting deck through any one of 12 different settings. On the lowest setting of 1-inch, you can trim your grass down low to stay ahead of its growth. The highest setting for the cutting deck is up to 4-inches high.
This electric riding lawn mower comes setup for side discharge. Though Cub Cadet does sell bagger and mulching blade attachments for a reasonable cost.
If you need to cut more than 2-acres at a time, the 4-hour recharge time can be a little bit of a hassle, as there’s really no way around it.
Maintenance
As an electric riding lawnmower, the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 requires very little maintenance. You simply need to recharge the battery after every use, which takes around 4-hours to reach a full charge.
You will need to do some basic things like periodically sharpening or replacing the cutting blade. You will also need to periodically lubricate the wheel hubs and other contact points on the cutting deck.
If you live someplace where the weather gets cold, you will need to follow Cub Cadet’s winterizing recommendations in the owner’s manual.
Safety Features
The Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 has the basic safety features you expect to find on a riding lawnmower. However, the electric motor, transmission, and blade engagement system are electric, so they stop on a dime, unlike traditional gas riding lawnmowers that take time to fully spin down.
Special Features
The Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 most special feature is the fact that it’s battery-powered, rather than using gasoline. It changes the entire dynamic of the mower by making it silent, more comfortable as well as easy to operate and maintain.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 is much more cost-effective than a traditional gas-powered lawnmower. As an electric riding lawn mower it’s relatively inexpensive to charge. Depending on your utility provider, you could charge the lithium-ion batteries for around 50-cents to a dollar. You also don’t have to shoulder the cost of oil changes and filter replacements.
The initial price tag is a little high compared to traditional gas-powered lawnmowers. Still, this is to be expected with a new innovation, and the cost savings will eventually be more than recouped during the long life of the Cub Cadet XT2 LX42.
