Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 vs ZT2 Zero Turn Mower | What’s The Difference? 

Way too long of an intro. I just kept fast forwarding, but many people will just leave...friendly advice, cut your intro down to 15 or 20 seconds.

I have a zt1 54 inch... Into my 3rd season, what a great mower. I cut about 2 acres. Some inclines... No issues... Runs strong. Cuts great. Just sharpen your blades, change your oil and air filter.

I bought the ZT1-42 last year and cut 40 yards per week in a mobile home park, I have had zero problems with it.

Loved the outtakes. I'm probably going to buy the ZT2 in a couple of days. Great comparison. Thanks

We have had our Zt2 52" for about a year and a half. Mow 1.5 acres with ditches. Have never had a belt jump but my husband has a small lawn mower repair business so he would probably just put it back on. We got ours at Farm and Fleet which was a good decision as they also service it, we did have a leak and they fixed it under warranty, no problems. My only issues is occasionally a unmowed strip and not always loving the mulching. But our area has been so wet and hard to keep up with mowing so those are factors. We might try better mulching blades (we have the Cub Cadet mulch kit now)

just got my zt1 50, your reviews helped me a lot

Seen this 4 days too late, bought the ZT1 last Sunday. Either way I did my 3 acres in just over an hour and really enjoyed it except for my Fruit tree area which is pretty bumpy due to gofers....... Very happy with my purchase so far..

Exactly what I was looking for. Very helpful. Thanks champ.

I just bought the ZT1 50" and used it this past weekend for the first time and I have to say i like it so far, I have a little under an acre and it took no time to mow it and this is my first zero turn mower and I looked at the John Deere and the Toro models in the same size deck and to me it seems that the Cub Cadet was better built. For the money it was the better buy as the john deere was a little more in price and the Toro was cheaper, but had to order it online and get it shipped to my house. But over all I’m stoked so far but I guess time will tell just how well it holds up.

Thank you for the video. Been looking at both

Thanks for the advice , much needed

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. ru-vid.comUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

After researching and going to Multiple dealer's, I bought an Altoz Zero Turn mower the XE610SS

Thanks so much for the differences. I've watched multiple videos and even went to a dealer, viewing materials in the store, and I still picked up differences here I've not seen covered anywhere. Really appreciate the in depth (yet quick) comparison.

Great comparison video. The new TZ2 do come with Tuff Torq TZ 350 transmission now, not sure if that's better or worst.

😂😂😂 the cut scenes were hilarious!! I'm sold on Cub Cadet.

Simple answer to your question. The difference is $1000. We'll stick to our ZT1 54 with the 24hp Kohler at only $2900. I do about 4.5 acres every week. Looks like a golf course. Great machine and so much fun to use.

I just bought a zt2 50 today I love it it’s a beast I mow wet grass no problem

Love the outtakes. I think g4 outdoors needs perform at GIE 2019 love that song. 👍

Great review! I actually just purchased some property in the Pacific Northwest just under 15 acres-with about 3 of it mowable (most of it being forest). And while the majority of it is beautifully-landscaped gardens and trees, quite a bit is on multi-terraced hills that average about a 15-degree slope. I like the CC's a lot but can't decide whether to get the ZT2 or the ZT1. Our other property in SoCal was just under 7,100 sq ft with most of it artificial grass (the drought thing) and the rest being mowed by gardeners. So I'm totally new to this ride-along mowers thing. Any advice is much appreciated!

This video helped me decide which one to get when I move into my new house

Good Bloopers at the end.. And a good comparison.

Respect for showing bloopers.

Perfect, exactly the comparison I wanted to see! Will be buying the ZT2 in 2weeks when our local dealer has them on sale.

The outtakes are awesome !

I want one of each. When kids act up I'll put them on these.

Been a great zt1 with the kawi 50in I need a drive pulley bracket which is causing the infamous vibration been 2 weeks now and no Idea when and how much longer do I have to wait and deal with the vibration on a 2020 mower that’s only 2 moths old

Can these be used for more then 2yards . i have a about 10 yards not to big

Great review. I have zt2 60 inch deck

Great video guys! I wonder if you could help? I've been in the landscape business now for just over 5 years and am looking to upgrade my CC RZT 46" S. Could you explain the difference in the Pro series mowers compared to the home owner series?

I have been a Toro guy my whole adult life, but when I moved last October to a lawn that necessitated a riding mower, all Toros in the area where I live were sold out of the models with the Kawasaki motor. The Ariens IKON 52's were all sold out too. I "Settled" on a ZT1 50 (1 acre only) knowing that for whatever reason, these Cubbies hold their value really well and I could sell it for a reasonable price and upgrade later. So far, I actually like the Cub a lot!. I don't seem to have the vibration issues that a lot of people complained about (perhaps they've corrected it by now?) and mine cuts great provided the blades are sharp. When I got it, I was disappointed in the cut quality, but I cleaned the underside, sharpened the blades, and spent a bunch of time leveling the deck, and honestly, it cuts GREAT now. I never expected that kind of improvement from such a simple maintenance item. And obviously my dealer never leveled the deck because it was WAY out. I also don't think the factory blades come with any kind of good edge on them. Only complaint about it is for whatever reason, the right side tire doesn't seem to get the traction that the left side gets. The right wheel will be spinning backward at times and it still might be going straight. Doesn't happen the other direction. As far as I can tell it's pretty evenly weighted from side to side, tire pressures have been checked. Can't figure it out. Weirdest problem ever.

Question I just got 2023 zt2 50” with serviceable hydros Why don’t I have the reservoirs ?

Yes your right on the ZT1 is $3199.99 in Michigan &

Great review! How does the ZT1 50” compare to the Husqvarna Z 248F? I know the Kaw. Engine on the Husky 48” is 21.5 hp as apposed to 23 hp on the Cub. But how do they compare overall? Which one is the better based on features, function and quality? Thx Dave!

Great outtakes

b got the zt1 with the steering wheel 50" works great on my 3 acres with a ot of hills 111 hrs( burnt thru plenry of gas) rather hard to service and a bit overpriced they left things that would have cost a few dollars and would have made this great mower how can you service the transmission on this thing?

When would you want to upgrade to the zt3?

zt1 50 inch cut Kawasaki 23 horse I have 3 and 1/2 acres it does great and I liked it

Hello, I just bought a ZT2 54 but mine has no transmission hydraulic fluid reservoir. Any reason for that

You are wrong, i bought a zt2 50 inch and it comes with a 20x12-8 2ply tire not a 4. trying to find out if i can switch to the 20x12-10 so i can get the 4 ply

My issue of deck vibration is solved, I left comment on cut and clean too. This deck vibrates normally but mine was excessive with idler hammering. After a few weeks of calls and coordinating between Cub and my dealer we are Good. I cut with it last night and now I'm completely happy with the operation👍. Cub saw video footage of mine and said mine was excessive. I believe it's an isolated issue only affecting some.

Our son just bought a ZT2-60 from Home Depot. Mistake! Since most of the stores don't handle the 60", it had to come from Tennesse, the Cub factory I assume. Took one week to get to Springfield, Mo, and another week to get delivered to Pittsburg KS Home Depot, about 100 miles. But alas, still no delivery to the store as the delivery company doesn't have a truck with a large enough drop tailgate for it, so still waiting. In the meantime, he's got 4 acres of grass now about 10-12" tall. It'll be a workout for the new mower when he gets it finally for sure. 2 or 3 cuttings just to get it down to normal height...Sorry, just venting :)

Maintenance is key. My zt2 is perfect for my little .32 acre

Both mowers are slick and nice but is the between prices? I do like the zt1 can I have arm rests? Would love the 50" steel deck.

Can the ZT1 be upgraded using ZT2 parts the frames are identical?

Which should you buy? Kubota. I purchased a ZT1-50 which cost $3400 including tax. The right side hydraulic drive broke after 3 hours. It has been in the shop for 5 weeks with not much hope of getting it back any time soon. Cub Cadet said there is nothing they can do for me as far as getting it back sooner. The sales person at the store suggested I buy another so I would have a backup. They aren't doing anything for me on the first one, why do I want another? What good is a warrantee if you don't get to use your equipment for half a season every time it breaks? The warrantee doesn't mow my lawn.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS ...................... GET THE ZT3

How is the traction on the zt2 tires. I have a couple of hills that my current zero turn with the same tires as the zt1 has works fine unless its wet. Do the zt2 tires have less traction?

Does grass get caught up in the chute? Because of that bar running across the bottom of the opening?

Zt2 comes with 2 ply tires as well.

I saw a couple of your comments discussing the cut quality. If you don’t mind me asking what exactly is it doing with the cut quality. I am interested in getting one of these models but that might be a deal breaker for me. Thnx

I couldn’t believe that the 23hp kaw was pulling myself, the bagger, and counter weights like it was. Full of leaves and grass to the top. It wasn’t playing the radio.

Loving my ZT2 50” powered by Kawasaki. Tons of features, turns and steers like you expect a zero turn to do. Cuts tall grass at full speed and throws it past 2-3 cut paths. It’s crazy that it will go as fast in reverse as it does in forward, it also cuts clean in reverse. Not impressed with the deck wash feature and I have used it since day one, it may work on dust and dry grass but, not on clumped wet grass. Another thing that blows my mind is how well this mower avoids getting stuck, it’s like it has traction control or something? I actually get excited about mowing now!! I replaced 2 Gravely ZTurns and cut my mowing time in half. With due respect, the Gravelys were showing signs of wear after 10 years of use. I have told everyone I know with big yards to come out and try this mower out to see what their missing!

Just because I cut my own grass doesn't mean I enjoy country music.

Just bought a new ZT2 they no longer have the external fluid expansion tanks.

if your going to compare mowers, you should have told us what the price point is for both of them. good video

Considering buying a zero turn soon for my home. Should I get a Toro Timecutter 54” or a Cub Cadet ZT2 54”? Any advice is appreciated!

Are any, of the parts interchangeable? Example, installing adjustable ZT2 seat on ZT1, beefier 4 ply rear tires , taller front wheels, etc.?

LOL Love the outtakes. Must be that camera man messing you up. LOL good job guys.

Where did you get the some from? I can't find it anywhere

Just got a ZT2 50 for many of the reasons you brought up in your video. Only difference is that the rear tires on mine have the same tread pattern you show on the ZT1. The size is correct for the ZT2, but the sidewall states it's only a 2-ply tire. Wish it was the 4-ply, especially since one developed a leak after less than 30 minutes of use.

Every ZT2 I have seen has the 2-ply tire shown in this video on the ZT1. How do you get the 4-ply tire?

I think all these mowers are basically the same. I just bought a Gravely ZT XL 52. Same as the Ariens IkonX XL. just different paint.HydroGear 2800 serviceable transaxles. Same as the Cub. I just paid a little more for the same thing.

Do you have a part # for the ZT1 tow hitch? Mine did not come with one - having trouble finding a flat one to mount on the back.

How long does it take you to mow your three acres with the 50” deck?

Any issues with jumping belts on the deck? Tried one at the dealer and it felt like it would be a potential belt thrower... Seemed like not a smooth engagement.

I didn't hear you mention that the ZT1's deck is 13 gauge and the ZT2's deck is 11 gauge. One thing no one will talk about is what gauge steel the 2X2 box frame is. It looked very thin on the one I saw. It would be nice to know.

👍👍

Whats rhe winner

Ok I’m 13 and about to start a lawn mowing business what should I buy?

Music stops at 1:20

So the hydraulic fluid is not serviceable? Meaning, you can't change it?

Slide down a hill like on ice. If you have hills get different tires.

What is the best zero turn lawnmower for the dollar?

What's the starting price on both?

Are this easy to load into a pick up truck? Is it even doable?? 🤔

Zt2cadet the right gear is not working what must I do

I'm convinced that Cub Cadets are JUNK. The spring of 2020 my son and I both purchased new mowers. I purchased the RZTS42 with the steering wheel and my son purchased the ZT1 42 inch zero turn mower. At 10 hours the drive belt fell off my mower? I mow 1/2 acre flat ground and never allow my grass to get high. At about 20 hours my sons mower blades quit working. Mower runs but no blade movement? Really?? We do not recommend Cub Cadet.

Who’s the genius designing the non-serviceable hydros?

I wish they made a steering wheel version of the ultima. The current steering wheel version looks antiquated (too much plastic). I guess I’ll wait till next year and hope.

The zt 1 is yellow and black. The zt2 is black and yellow.

Between Kohler and Kawasaki motor... Go Kawasaki

Eh hmm, adios railroad! Introducing Cub Cadets newest marketing extraordinaire... G4 Outdoors.

zt2 w/60" fabricated deck here. 2 years in, and the fabricated deck is literally coming apart at the seams. have a cub tractor with a stamped 46", and that thing has held up wayyyyy better.

How much it cost the ZT2??

My shed has a 60 inch opening/doorway, can I fit the ZT2 54 in it?

Here for the difference..1:34

I count 5 G”s

Green grass, girls, guns.? You have a new fan. Just subbed. Wow. Check us out, we are just getting started. Thanks.

You get what you pay for, great mower for the short term.

They both feel every little bump in its path, even the ones that are not there, pass.

I just picked up a zt1 with 4hrs on it for $1575 out the door.. I'll deal with its limitations

So, you're selling the ZT2. NOT a comparison. Got you.

More like MTD zt1 vs zt2

Wasted time with the whining music. Other than that, great review.

Good videos but please get rid of the background music. People like myself come looking for video content on stuff like this. If I wanted to hear country music, I'd be watching CMT instead of RU-vid.

How much did they pay you? The ZT1 is an awesome mower. This is all BS marketing. Enjoy your check.

Just purchased the ZT2 54 today awaiting delivery. I appreciate your video and the explanation of the differences. I did choose the 2 due to the serviceable trannny. The only thing I didn't like about your video is the music about guns.. don't mean to be political but I live in rural upstate NY and I hunt with my son and take our game.. Just sick and tired of kids getting killed in schools.. Drop the gun stuff before you cause us to loose our shotguns.. 9 year army vet, love my shotgun but see no reason someone should own an AR15 or the like..

No price disp0inted

lose the music!