Cub Cadet ZT1 42E Battery Powered Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E stands out in a crowded field of professional-grade riding lawn mowers as it is one of the few battery-powered zero-turning radius riding lawn mowers on the market. Even with a few other competitors in this niche, you still get the sense that Cub Cadet went the extra mile to put the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E right at the cutting edge.
It starts with a robust quartet of 56 Volt brushless electric motors that are powered by a battery bank of 60 Ah, 3000 Wh lithium-ion batteries. The brushless characteristics of the electric motor make for greater energy efficiency, as well as superior run time and much quieter operation than the few shoulder-to-shoulder competitors in this niche. It’s also worth bearing in mind that brushless electric motors produce far less heat, and have a reputation for a longer total lifespan.
The high-quality lithium-ion batteries in the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E also do a great job of providing continuous power. Unlike lead-acid batteries, they will deliver the same performance below 50% of the maximum charge that they do at 99% of the maximum charge. On a practical level, you should be able to mow roughly 2-acres without any appreciable power fade in performance.
Yet with all this power and capacity available to the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E, it can still be recharged via a 110-Volt outlet, which maintains the convenience you need in a truly professional-grade battery-powered zero-turning radius riding lawn mower. The typical recharge time, usually clocks in at well under 4-hours, even if the batteries are discharged below 20%.
Key Features
- 56 Volt Max
- 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion batteries
- Charged via a 110-Volt outlet
- 4 high efficiency brushless motors
- Mows 2 acres on a single charge without power fade
- 4 hour recharge time
- Zero degree turning radius
- Maximum forward speed up to 6 MPH
- Optimum maneuvering speed of 3 MPH
- 2 x 2 Continuous square tubular steel frame for enhanced strength
Performance
The battery bank of 60 Ah, 3000 Wh lithium-ion batteries does an impressive job of powering the drive system as well as the cutting deck of the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E. With up to 2 acres of coverage without noticeable power fade in performance.
When you need to get the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E from Point A to Point B on a property, the battery bank is capable of a sustained 6 miles per hour maximum speed. Though when you are mowing, it’s best to keep this zero turning radius electric riding lawn mower at around 3 miles per hour. This seems to be the Goldilocks zone for nimbleness and mowing efficiency.
Ease Of Use
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E was designed to be just as easy to use for lawn care professionals as it is for the average homeowner who wants an innovative, energy-efficient way to maintain a large lawn. The operator’s position is especially comfortable, which is handy for preventing fatigue during a long mowing session.
Another nice thing about the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other commercial-grade zero turning radius riding lawn mowers. There’s no need for messy oil changes and time lost to in-season maintenance.
Special Features
Looking beyond the fact that the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E’s lithium-ion batteries and brushless electric motors are state-of-the-art, there are still a lot of other special features to like about this professional-grade zero-turning radius riding lawn mower.
The dual electric transmission provides truly immediate power. Not only does this translate into superior responsiveness, but also great maneuverability compared to even gasoline-powered zero-turning radius lawn mowers.
The rapid recharge time of the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E is particularly nice for days when a lawn care professional might have a minimal amount of time between properties.
The four brushless electric motors are also incredibly quiet. This can be a major priority for a lawn care company servicing residential clients or housing editions where the HOA has rules about ambient noise levels. The brushless motors also tend to produce far less heat, which further translates into better overall performance as well as a longer motor lifespan.
Cut Quality & Options
The 42-inch cutting deck on the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E can be set to 15 subtle, yet distinct cutting heights. This gives you the precision to mow every area of a property to exacting standards. You can set the cutting deck down as low as 1 inch, or as high as 4.5 inches. This lets you adjust the cutting height for the prevailing weather conditions and the state of the underlying turf.
Maintenance
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E is that it requires minimal maintenance compared to other professional-grade zero-turning radius riding lawn mowers. You don’t need to worry about things like fuel fill-ups and in-season maintenance with the rechargeable battery bank.
Even during the off-season, the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E requires very little maintenance. Though you should pay close attention to the owner’s manual recommendations on storing the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E and its lithium-ion batteries during the winter.
Safety Features
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E comes with all the standard operator safety features you expect in a professional-grade zero-turning radius riding lawn mower. The anti-scalping wheels are also handy for preventing damage to the mower blades, deck, or the features of the property.
You can also appreciate the comfort of the Cub Cadet ZT1 42E’s operator station. It helps reduce fatigue, which can come into play over the course of a long day of cutting grass.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E is an incredibly cost-effective zero-turning radius riding lawn mower. This starts with the fact that it’s battery-powered, and can cut up to two acres on a single full charge. The fact that you can adjust the cutting deck height and other characteristics to the conditions of the turf or the exact requirements of the property is also a great time-saving method.
