Cub Cadet has continuously made a name for itself for its quality power equipment, and they produce some of the best walk-behind and lawn tractors in the market today. The company was first established in 1960 and under IH Cub Cadet, it was then sold the Cub Cadet division to the outdoor equipment mega-company MTD corporation. The corporation has continued to make the Cub Cadet name stay relevant. So, if you are looking for the best Cub Cadet XT2 lawn tractor, you will find this review helpful as we have reviewed the different options with their pros and cons.

What is the Cub Cadet XT2 Range?

The Cub Cadet XT2 range is similar to the XT1 range as they are next-level garden tractors that use the same heavy-duty chassis to maximize durability. However, the Cub Cadet XT2 range offers superior control, power, and durability to efficiently handle challenging terrains, big year-round attachments, and hauling.

The XT2 range has another range: the XT2 Enduro series, which delivers even superior control, power, and durability levels than the XT1. In addition, the Cub Cadet XT2 tackles the different challenging terrains easily and is suitable for conditions that demand extra power.

1. Cub Cadet XT2 LX42″ Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 is a model sports lawn tractor that features the famous rust-resistant Cub Cadet yellow coating with an 18HP professional-grade Kohler Courage OHV engine that is quite powerful enough to be used for commercial purposes. It delivers enough power when combined with an automatic drive system, and the Hydrostatic Transmission No shifting can allow you to cut plenty of grass acres with no fatigue. Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 also has a clean-out port to allow convenient washing of the deck, and you need to connect a common hosepipe, turn the water, and let the deck clean itself.

Cub Cadet XT2 LX42 comes with front and rear anti-scalping wheels and a stamped deck with 1-4 inches of cutting heights, a smooth spring assisted lever engagement deck lift, and a PTO clutch to act as snow blowers. The blade brake clutch prevents the blade from spinning while your engine is still running, and leaving the mower's seat allows you to clear debris from your path or leave the grass bag empty. This Cub Cadet lawn tractor is the best lawnmower if you are looking for a high-grade entry-level lawn tractor.

  • Pros
  • 42″ twin-blade cutting deck system and a 16-inch turning radius
  • Patented Smartjet Wash System
  • It has a fully pressurized automotive-style oil pump
  • New E-coating corrosion defense system
  • Automotive-style disc brakes and a soft touch cruise control
  • It is the only garden tractor that benefits from electronic fuel injection and reduced maintenance of up to 25% less fuel consumption and better fuel economy
  • Tuff Torq Hydrostatic transmission
  • Heavy-duty AeroForce deck engineering
  • It comes with a cup holder
  • Heavy-duty front wheel bearings and also a front bumper for additional protection
  • Cons
  • Lacks a commercial warranty

2. Cub Cadet XT2 LX46″ Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 is a lawn tractor that features a Kohler V-twin engine with 24 HP where. The engines usually feature an accessible Smart-Choke technology where you need to push a button or turn the key, step on the peddle then go. The powerful engine means that you can easily mow on the rough terrains and comfortably connect a wide range of attachments to the Electronic Fingertip Engagement PTO. In addition, the garden tractor comes with a 46-inch twin-blade fabricated steel mower deck, and this means you can cut a large area with every trip, and you can use up to 12 different cutting positions between 1 and 4 inches.

Cub Cadet XT2 LX46 electric riding mower usually cuts smooth arc blades, deep dome deck, and cut overlap to provide exceptional results. It also has an easy-to-use electric PTO that increases the capabilities of your lawn tractor. Cub Cadet lawn tractor also includes an automatic locking rear differential on select models, and you can tackle different weather conditions and terrains. The Cub Cadets also have armrests and a high-back seat with ten sitting positions. This means you can work very comfortably for more extended periods, even during the night, thanks to the high illumination headlights found in all Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors.

  • Pros
  • High-back seat with ten sitting positions to allow you to sit for longer
  • Rust-resistant heavy-duty cutting deck with the new E-coating corrosion defense system
  • Reliable power thanks to the V-twin OHV engine
  • High illumination LED headlights meaning you can even work during the night.
  • Hydrostatic transmissions with a fully automatic and foot-pedal controlled
  • Differential lock for a rougher terrain
  • Cons
  • Lacks a rear differential lock

3. Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50

Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50 is a fantastic lawn tractor that features a 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine where. The engine has a compact design with a forced air-cooled V-twin 4 cycle that gives the lawnmower more power to cut grass, even the tall grass. In addition, the riding mower has a comfortable high-back seat and a washable port that is quite comfortable to sit on as you are operating the lawnmower.

Cub cadet SLX50 has exceptional performance with maximum consistency, and it's easy to maintain compared to other mowers, which may need regular maintenance. It also has an ergonomic power steering wheel that controls the lawn mower, and the steering is made of soft foam to ensure you don't sweat as you ride or get blisters.

  • Pros
  • Excellent responsive handling
  • Reliable power engine of 21.5 hp engine
  • The mulching blades are fast and attachable
  • Lengthy lifespan
  • Less gas consumption
  • Ergonomic steering wheel made of a soft foam
  • Mulch kit for returning organic matter to the soil
  • Cons
  • It is pretty expensive hence it's not suitable for domestic use
  • The mower is not easy to use in steep or hilly terrains

4. Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 Lawn Tractor

Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 is a part of the Enduro Series, and it is geared to suit lawn care professionals looking for a commercial-grade riding lawn mower. The Cub Cadet riding mower comes with a powerful 726 CC 21.5 HP Kawasaki engine, and this gives a maximum speed of about 7 miles per hour and a maximum reverse speed of up to 3 miles per hour. In addition, the garden tractor features a 54-inch diameter cutting deck that houses three heavy-duty cutting blades, and the height of the blade is adjustable through 12 settings.

Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 also has a FastAttach cutting system to change components and replace the cutting blades without using particular tools. It includes an AGM battery that delivers enough reliability in its starting as much as a slower discharge, and it means that you don't have to worry a lot about your battery going dead in the offseason. It is one of the best outdoor power equipment used by most professional lawn care companies that will exceed the hourly limit of many riding lawn mowers.

  • Pros
  • Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission
  • It has a professional-grade warranty
  • 54-inch heavy-duty fabricated AeroForce™ deck
  • 726 CC 21.5 HP Kawasaki® engine
  • Cutting Height range of 1 to 4 inches
  • Limited lifetime warranty on the deck shell and an extra 54 years of coverage on the frame and front axle warranty
  • Cons
  • Heavy transport weight
  • The deck might be too large for small lawns

5. Cub Cadet XT2 GX50

Cub Cadet XT2 GX50 is among the best XT2 lawn tractors, and it features a robust 23 HP Kawasaki engine that delivers a reliable power mower to tackle your yard quickly. In addition, it comes with 50-inch heavy-duty fabricated decks with a FastAttach cutting system that is tested and proven to be the best-in-class cut, which means fewer stragglers, clumps, finer clippings, and also increased evenness.

Cub Cadet XT2 GX50 lawn tractor also has a Tuff Torq Hydrostatic transmission no shifting where you need to push the pedal and go. In addition, the garden tractor includes an oil filter and a triple blade deck with an AeroForce deck design that helps optimize airflow while maximizing suction to minimize clumping during discharge and improve the bagging performance.

  • Pros
  • Front Axle unlimited hours and a three-year unlimited hour warranty
  • Includes a cruise control and a mowing deck lift system
  • It comes with an optional mulch kit
  • The optimized steering system for a maximum response handling
  • Suitable for mowing two to four acres of flat terrain with a few obstacles
  • Cons
  • Not suitable for small lawns of less than three acres

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Cub Cadet XT2 Lawn and Garden Tractors

When looking for the best lawn tractor, there are several things to look out for, and they include:

1. Engine Size

The larger the engine size, the better it is at handling the harsh cutting conditions, and therefore, opt to choose the bigger engine if you can. For example, if you are interested in a mower that often mows through tall or wet grasses, you should cut down weeds or bags and mulch the leaves. In addition, having a larger engine means that you can comfortably handle challenging jobs with a lot of ease.

2. Cutting Performance

Opt for a mower that gives you quality cuts that leave you proud every single time. When it comes to the Cub Cadet mowers, the powerful and sharp blades usually make the Cub Cadet Signature Cut, and this means that mowers deliver consistent cuts with every mow and can never hack, pull on or cause damage your grass.

3. Deck width

The deck width should be as big as the size of the yard, where a deck size of 40 inches or less is better for small lawns of around half an acre. On the other hand, a deck size of about 42 to 48 inches is perfect for yards up to two acres. Lastly, a yard of more than three acres requires a deck size of 50 inches or greater to deliver the best performance.

4. Durability

Durability is always a factor to consider when looking for any equipment because you don't want to buy a machine that will not give you service. A durable lawn tractor can handle any jobs you throw at it, which can be different for different lawns. You can limit the downtime by matching the features to the tasks you have at hand and choose a lawn tractor that comes with easy-to-replace parts and accessories to help with the unavoidable wear and tear efficiently.

5. Comfort

Comfort is a crucial factor and should not be overlooked as it's pretty important because you spend a lot of time using the mower, especially in the peak mowing season. Some of the features to check are whether the seat is comfortable, whether your back feels supported, and how the steering wheel feels on your hands.

6. Options

As most lawn mowers can easily cut, it's essential to check what other capabilities it can handle, such as bag, side discharge, or mulch. Before your final purchase, you need to know what the potential lawn tractor can do and whether it fully satisfies your needs.


Frequently Asked Questions on the Cub Cadet XT2 Review

1. What happens if you use the wrong spark plug in a garden tractor?

Misusing a spark plug will cause an engine to miss or even run erratically, significantly when idle. In addition, the incorrect spark plug gaps usually cause uneven firing of individual spark plugs and a delay of engine combustion, which may cause the engine to idle or miss erratically.

2. How long do Cub Cadet XT2 lawn tractors last?

Cub Cadet lawn tractors are similar to Husqvarna when it comes to functionality and life expectancy, and this means it gives around 500 to 1000 hours. With proper care and maintenance, these garden tractors will extend their service and not trouble you.

3. Are Kohler engines better than Briggs and Stratton?

Compared to Briggs, Kohler engines are built to last longer, and when it comes to single-cylinder options, Kohler features a superior design that is balanced than its counterparts. However, the quality of Briggs and Stratton engines has become low with the years with the evolution of user-friendly and cheaper products like the Kawasaki engines.