When choosing a zero-turn mower, two of the popular choices are Cub Cadet mowers and Husqvarna models. Although both brands are excellent in their own way, there’s one that’ll surely deliver the best performance for your needs.
If you’re torn between these two trademarks, let our landscape technicians detail the differences between Cub Cadet vs. Husqvarna zero-turn mowers to help you decide.
Husqvarna Reputation and Zero-Turn Mowers Review
Husqvarna is a Swedish company with over 325 years of experience in manufacturing outdoor power equipment. They’re one of the leading producers and the first company to introduce zero-turn mowers to the US market back in 1987.
As of now, there are numerous Husqvarna zero-turn mowers available, and some popular models include:
- Husqvarna MZ61
- Husqvarna Z254
- Husqvarna Z248F
- Husqvarna Z254F
Besides, Husqvarna mowers cater to residential and commercial use– with a total of 26 zero-turn mower units in their product line.
Husqvarna machines are built to last, as they are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques, ensuring they’ll stand up to years of heavy use.
Regarding performance, Husqvarna takes pride in introducing powerful machines with an average engine featuring 26 HP, 3.5 gallons fuel capacity, and 54 inches cutting deck size.
See Also: Husqvarna LC221A Review
Pros
- Can move forward and backward with ease on terrains
- Reliable safety features
- Three-part triangular blades
- Comfortability
- Wide cutting width
- Durability
Cons
- No for cutting wet grasses
- Expensive
- High maintenance
Cub Cadet Reputation and Zero-Turn Mowers Review
Cub Cadet was established in 1961 and is currently headquartered in Ohio. The company produces various outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers, snow blowers, and trimmers.
But Cub Cadet is popular with their zero-turn mowers. Their lawn mowers are designed to produce a powerful yet compact machine for maneuvering around tight spaces or lawn areas. Besides, they’re made to provide comfort while working.
Some of the popular models from Cub Cadet include:
- Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50
- Cub Cadet ZT1 54
- Cub Cadet ZTS2 54
- Cub Cadet ZT3 60
Most Cub Cadet zero-turns feature 15 adjustable cutting heights, which you can set depending on your needs. Although these mowers are a little small compared to Husqvarna’s, they have an average speed of 7 mph with 24-HP engine power.
Pros
- Reasonable prices
- Parts and accessories are durable
- Minimal oil change requirement
- LED night lights
- Stunning blade cuts
- Smooth acceleration
- Ease of operation
Cons
- Challenging to use for beginners
- Front-wheel and bearings are prone to breakage
- Can produce noise
Zero-Turn Mowers Comparison: Cub Cadet and Husqvarna
Engine Power and Performance
Although both of these mower brands use a quality engine, they deliver varying performances. Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are powered by Briggs & Stratton’s Intek V-Twin engine, while Cub Cadet uses Kohler Series Engine.
Husqvarna provides a smooth ride with improved performance and notable features like mechanical compression release, full-pressure lubrication, and advanced debris management.
On the other hand, Cub Cadet mowers feature electronic fuel injection, making them more convenient and fuel-efficient. These machines have 3.5 gallons fuel tank size, which is the same as Husqvarna.
Winner: Husqvarna
Fuel Efficiency
Both Cub Cadet and Husqvarna can hold 3.5 gallons of fuel. But since Cub Cadet has an electronic fuel injection feature, which you’ll find more efficient when performing mowing jobs.
Winner: Cub Cadet
Design and Size
When choosing a zero-turn mower, it’s important to consider the size of your lawn. If you need to work on wide areas, you may need a larger mower.
Although both lawn mower brands provide you with the best power engine and performance, Husqvarna is best suited for large yards, particularly their 48-inch lawn mowers. Therefore, you won’t have any problems mowing in smaller spaces.
But for small yards with less than an acre of space, you can opt for Cub Cadet zero-turns, particularly their 42-inches units.
Winner: Husqvarna
Cutting Capacity
As mentioned above, we recommend Husqvarna models for large areas. So expect it has a wider cutting deck compared to Cub Cadet mowers. Depending on your lawn size, you may need a larger cutting deck than you would need for a smaller one.
Winner: Husqvarna
Maneuverability
If you need to work longer hours with the machine, choose the mower that’s easy to operate and navigate.
Our landscape technicians prefer Cub Cadet when it comes to maneuverability. It is much easier to navigate due to its compact size compared to bulkier Husqvarna mowers.
So, you can easily move around even in tight spaces, which you can’t do with Husqvarna models as they require wide land areas.
Winner: Cub Cadet
User-Friendliness and Comfort
The Cub Cadet and the Husqvarna both have small features that make it an enjoyable ride, such as cup holders, cruise control, and adjustable seats. They don’t require gear shifting, and both use hydrostatic transmissions [1].
However, Husqvarna can be complex for beginners compared to the ease of operation offered by Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers. Husqvarna units require some skills and knowledge to operate the machine without hassle.
Winner: Cub Cadet
Safety
Before you buy a new zero-turn mower, make sure that it has enough security to operate safely. A reliable zero-turn mower should have sturdy, durable construction, safety features, and a robust braking system that allows for quick and responsive stopping.
Must-Read: Dangers of Zero-Turn Mowers (Must-Know Safety Tips)
For instance, Cub Cadet and Husqvarna have taken the necessary steps to ensure that their machines are safe to operate. While the latter is one of the safest mowers on the market, it has a few safety features that are different from the others.
Husqvarna has safety switches under the seat designed to notify you about your weight while mowing. There are also automatic stops that can be triggered if you get tripped up or falls down.
Interesting Read: How to Bypass Safety Switches on a Lawn Mower
Besides, zero-turn from Husqvarna has a smart way of reversing the machine, as the blades are automatically turned around once you stop moving.
Winner: Husqvarna
Price and Warranty
When it comes to the price, Husqvarna is on the pricier side compared to Cub Cadet mowers. Since Husqvarna models are larger and have more features in-store for users, expect them to come at a high price tag, but they’re reasonably priced.
But the catch here is that Cub Cadet offers powerful performance at a price lower than Husqvarna’s. So it comes down to the conclusion that Cub Cadet is a good deal of equipment with a function you can rely on.
(If you’re concerned about your budget, check this list of the cheapest zero-turn mowers in the market!)
Moreover, both brands offer product warranties ranging from 1-3 years, depending on the lawn mower unit.
Winner: Cub Cadet
Conclusion
Based on this careful Cub Cadet vs. Husqvarna zero-turn lawn mowers comparison, we conclude both brands are winners in their respective target markets. They’re excellent brands providing great mowing performance and functions, and you just need to choose according to your needs.
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