Cub Cadet RZT 50 - Ongoing Reviews

[MAsZ71]

After a fair amount of research I decided on a Cub Cadet RZT 50. My primary deciding factors were cost, engine/deck size, warranty, financing options & a close-by independent dealer that does service work.

I bought my RZT 50 from Charlotte Tractor. They are about 10 miles from my house. My limited funds put me in the $2800 - $3200 range. The RZT 50 was $2999 and I was able to get 0% for 24 months. Cub Cadet is also offering an additional year on their standard 3 yr warranty for free for a limited time.

1st mow (6/12/10) review: The mower was delivered ready to go, but I still went over everything for myself just to make sure. I moved the cut height to the highest setting and moved the deck wheels down. Since I had never driven a zero turn mower before, I went ahead and ran my push mower around everything first. Figured that would keep me from running everything over during my first time out. The mower cranked up right away and ran smooth. At first I was a little erratic manuvering around trees and the fence, but it didn't take too long to get the hang of it! I am very happy with the quality of the cut. My lawn is very healthy, but my old 38" Simplicity Regent tractor just didn't do a good job. The RZT 50 makes the yard look like it was cut professionally.

No issues for the first time out. So far, VERY HAPPY with the mower and the quality of cut! I will continue to update this thread

Feel free to include your experiences with your RZT (42, 50, 50VT, or 54) mower on this thread. This will eventually provide future owners a location to come research these mowers.

Mark

 

[turnerbend]

I have the RZT 42. Bought it used last winter(good deal). Need to replace deck, but overall it do a good job. Only issue is when engaging the PTO it try to cut out until the unit is warm.
Anybody got a used 42" deck?

 

[MAsZ71]

I have the RZT 42. Bought it used last winter(good deal).

Do you kow how old it is?

 

[Steve_Miller]

I'm at somewhere around seventy hours on mine now, third summer, other than the grease fittings pulling out of the front wheels pivots everything is good so far. Paid $3400 canadian with free push mower and a free whipper snipper at Home Depot. There is one bearing that I will replace at the end of this mowing season as I noticed it sounded a little dry when I had it off this spring, my spindle bearings are the sealed type. deck wash is pretty much useless but that seems to be common with a lot of mowers. There is another thread about these mowers on here somewhere.

Steve
Nova Scotia


P.S. Mine is the 50" with the Kawasaki motor (22HP)

 

[MAsZ71]

There is another thread about these mowers on here somewhere.

Steve: Thanks for your post! I've read a few of the other RZT posts and they were helpful. I just thought it might be beneficial to the Forum to have an ongoing update on these zero turn mowers for future member's research efforts. Since I was starting this thread from "Day 1" I figured it would provide a unique perspective!

P.S. Mine is the 50" with the Kawasaki motor (22HP)

This is the same model I bought. The local Tractor Supply Company retail store had the RZT 50VT model with the Briggs & Stratton engine. The price was the same, but they didn't offer the Cub Cadet financing options, and they had to send the mower out if there was ever any warranty work required. This was the primary reasons I went with Charlotte Tractor. :thumbsup:

 

[turnerbend]

Do you kow how old it is?

It is a 2004 year model.

 

[MAsZ71]

2nd Mowing (6/19/10) Review: Once you get use to driving this mower the job gets easier and quicker. Any issues I have are a result of operator error. Again, I am very pleased with the cut quality. Beats the crap out of my old 38" Simplicity Regent lawn tractor!

This mower is MORE THAN ADEQUATE for residential use! Don't listen to the commercial guys. There is nothing wrong with these low end zero turn mowers for us homeowners!! :thumbsup:

I won't bore you with updates for EVERY time I use it. I'll only provide updates for "significant" events throughout my RZT 50's life.

Let's hear from the rest of you RZT owners! Keep the thread going!

 

[JTKub]

I don't have an RZT, but the next click up with a 2010 model Z-Force 44". Like you MAsZ, I'm really learning to enjoy the machine. I'm only at ~10hrs on it so far. I've had the deck off once for a gauge wheel adjustment and greasing (heavy sucker!) and have done an engine oil change. A great ZTR for the money!

Joel

 

[duanegossett]

I just bought a Cub RZT54 about three weeks ago. I have mowed my large, fairly rough yard with it twice. I had never used a zero-turn before, but I got the hang of it quickly, and i love mowing with it. I chose the RZT54 for the bigger deck, more powerful engine, and upgraded transmissions over the RZT50 model. Contrary to what someone else mentioned here, the deck wash really works well on mine. I have lots of "juicy" grass that really sticks to the deck, and it's amazing how much of that stuff the deck wash removes. I hook up the hose to both sides, and let the blades run about 2-3 minutes per side. I love the Kawasaki engine- runs so smooth and relatively quiet. It has cut my mowing time almost in half

 

[JTKub]

Duane, that's basically the reason I went with the Z-Force over the RZT series. I liked the Hydrogear ZT-2800's over the ETZ transaxles. That and I don't have the need for a 54". Kawi engines are pretty sweet. I would have much preferred that over the Courage twin on my Z-Force, but time will tell. With my 1.5 acres, I only do about 30hrs/year. The Courage series continually gets a bad wrap based on the early on issues the Courage SINGLE cyl engines had. I haven't heard anything bad about the V-twins yet. The only major hardware difference between a Courage and Command twin is Courage has flat tappets and manual jamb nut valve lash adjustment like a Honda, Kawi or Vanguard.

Joel

 

[GBHRPS]

I recently purchased a used Z Force 48 and have had the opportunity to cut my lawn twice with it. It is definitely getting easier and faster to do as I learn the ins and outs of how to steer this thing, and how fast to go. There is a learning curve for sure.

This particular unit has had a curious life prior to my purchasing it. While the frame and deck show above average care was taken throughout its life, the original 22 HP Kohler engine has been replaced with a new 26 HP Briggs and Stratton. Apparently the original engine blew up some 30 hours after the warranty period, or so I'm told. The upgrade in power has proven itself on my yard.

I have to mow a hill off the backside of my home that is about 30 foot wide. The hill is also about 40 feet high and has a 22.5 degree incline for the most part. The Z Force manual makes the point that any grade more than 15 degrees should not be mowed with a zero turn mower. Cautiously, the only way to cut this hill is to cut it going straight up, and move over at the top for the next pass cutting while backing down. I was concerned about losing traction while cutting going straight down and I was correct. The weight transfer to the front of the unit allows too much rear wheel traction loss when I tried cutting going head first down the hill. That first time straight down the hill made my eyes get big in a real hurry. Didn't do my heart rate any good either!

Needless to say, I am very pleased with this unit, particularly because the upgraded horsepower climbs this hill with no hesitation, not even a change in the exhaust note.

Once I have had a half dozen mowings with this Z Force I'm quite confident that I'll appreciate it even more, and I'll be able to cut down my time cutting grass by a great deal. So far a love affair in the making!

 

[tsteahr]

I recently purchased a used Z Force 48 and have had the opportunity to cut my lawn twice with it. It is definitely getting easier and faster to do as I learn the ins and outs of how to steer this thing, and how fast to go. There is a learning curve for sure.

This particular unit has had a curious life prior to my purchasing it. While the frame and deck show above average care was taken throughout its life, the original 22 HP Kohler engine has been replaced with a new 26 HP Briggs and Stratton. Apparently the original engine blew up some 30 hours after the warranty period, or so I'm told. The upgrade in power has proven itself on my yard.

I have to mow a hill off the backside of my home that is about 30 foot wide. The hill is also about 40 feet high and has a 22.5 degree incline for the most part. The Z Force manual makes the point that any grade more than 15 degrees should not be mowed with a zero turn mower. Cautiously, the only way to cut this hill is to cut it going straight up, and move over at the top for the next pass cutting while backing down. I was concerned about losing traction while cutting going straight down and I was correct. The weight transfer to the front of the unit allows too much rear wheel traction loss when I tried cutting going head first down the hill. That first time straight down the hill made my eyes get big in a real hurry. Didn't do my heart rate any good either!

Needless to say, I am very pleased with this unit, particularly because the upgraded horsepower climbs this hill with no hesitation, not even a change in the exhaust note.

Once I have had a half dozen mowings with this Z Force I'm quite confident that I'll appreciate it even more, and I'll be able to cut down my time cutting grass by a great deal. So far a love affair in the making!

Neat! Probably worth keeping in mind that the extra power of that B&S motor has the potential to put extra stress on the hydros. like when tearin' up that hill . I'm guessing the're probably not cheep to replace...

 

[MAsZ71]

Neat! Probably worth keeping in mind that the extra power of that B&S motor has the potential to put extra stress on the hydros. like when tearin' up that hill . I'm guessing the're probably not cheep to replace...

Cub Cadet uses that 26hp Briggs & Stratton to power one of its lower series mowers (RZT 50VT), plus the Z Force mowers have serviceable hydros. So if he keeps the hydros in good shape he should be just fine!

GBHRPS: Sounds like you got yourself a great mower. Keep us posted!! :thumbsup:

 

[beuthling]

I baught the rzt 54 - Junk - its hit 200 hours and the right side tranny is starting to fail, along with two other minor issues. I thought the izt2800 would be better. NOOOOOO its not its just as crappy, as the last ezt I owned. I have treated my mower like gold, no funny 360's no speeding just the good stuff. AND Like every other person out their have found out that they have been ripped off. Im sorry I spent about 4000 gs on this 200 hours---grrrrr. The first zturn I owned was the rzt50 the tranny went on the right side twice, the left side never. STAY AWAY keep your wallet happy

 

[CCinCT]

Seriously? Another drive-by? Or is this just one person re-registering?

 

[MAsZ71]

Seriously? Another drive-by? Or is this just one person re-registering?

beuthling MAY have a legitamate issue! With that said though, the fact that he (she?), and margegeneverra, just registered here to bash Cub Cadet makes me a little skeptical. As of right now all of their posts (14 total in just a couple of days! :confused2 have done nothing but seek out Cub Cadet threads where they could provide negative input. Whether either of their stories are real or not, we'll probably never know. To me they don't carry a lot of weight. Maybe one day they will prove me wrong, but for right now I am VERY PLEASED with my CUB CADET RZT 50!!

To beuthling and margegeneverra: If your issues are valid, sorry for your misfortunes. I really hope you find happiness with another brand! But please start posting on their forums. You have succeeded in getting your point across here! Best of luck! :thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

We looked at a Cub Cadet Tank ZTR last summer (or rather my FIL looked at one and I helped "test it out"), but we ended up with a Kubota BX2660. Slightly nicer cut, B section deck drive belt, easier for him to drive.

Personally, I prefer the 2660 to the Tank we drove. It may have just been the way it was setup, but the steering on the Tank was "twitchy" and it was much harder to keep going in a straight line than the Exmark and Huskvarna zero turns that I have run (I used to work for a lawn care company mowing commercial properties and I also repaired our equipment, so I spent way too much time on/under a ZTR)

Aaron Z

 

[margegeneverra]

beuthling MAY have a legitamate issue! With that said though, the fact that he (she?), and margegeneverra, just registered here to bash Cub Cadet makes me a little skeptical. As of right now all of their posts (14 total in just a couple of days! :confused2 have done nothing but seek out Cub Cadet threads where they could provide negative input. Whether either of their stories are real or not, we'll probably never know. To me they don't carry a lot of weight. Maybe one day they will prove me wrong, but for right now I am VERY PLEASED with my CUB CADET RZT 50!!

To beuthling and margegeneverra: If your issues are valid, sorry for your misfortunes. I really hope you find happiness with another brand! But please start posting on their forums. You have succeeded in getting your point across here! Best of luck! :thumbsup:

Just so I understand... "I love my new ZT" is a valid post, but anyone reporting a problem is a "drive-by"?

I did come here specifically to report my dis-satisfaction with the way thet Cub Cadet and their local dealer handled my problem with the mower that they sold me, and to let perspective customers know to be careful. I spent a lot of time working with them in hopes of getting some support. If more people spoke up, besides the "fan-boys", manufacturers would pay more attention to customer service.

People search forums in different ways, so I posted my warning in multiple threads, based on the model and specific transmission topics.

I have no idea who beuthling is. The problem that he/she reports is similar to mine and a common one.

I'm glad that you're happy with your new 2010 model. I hope that you get to 300 hours some day. I was very happy with my ZT for the first 3 years and remained so until the $2000 transmission failure. I was sad to get rid of a machine with a strong engine, and with everything except the transmission in like new condition. I just could not see spending $2000 to repair a $2900 mower.

 

[CCinCT]

Just so I understand... "I love my new ZT" is a valid post, but anyone reporting a problem is a "drive-by"?

Not at all. Problems and complaints are what start probably 95% of the threads here (or on any product-based forum). But when you post the same complaint in multiple threads without once asking for any kind of feedback, that comes off as a drive-by. Now maybe you were just making sure that your posts got picked up by the search bots, but I think that's a little disingenuous. Starting a thread with your model of tractor is the best way to get picked up by the bots, and it's also a better way to communicate with the regulars here, even if you weren't looking for feedback.

 

[MAsZ71]

Not at all. Problems and complaints are what start probably 95% of the threads here (or on any product-based forum). But when you post the same complaint in multiple threads without once asking for any kind of feedback, that comes off as a drive-by.

Exactly! There is plenty of positive and negative feedback posted on all of these forums, but usually from active members that provide a wide variety of other information. To be honest, my "fan-boy" feedback probably carries as much credibility as yours because I have only been here a short time.