I have the same model. A LT42B I bought in April of 2024, built in 2023 with the Briggs & Stratton 19 Hp, but no Intellipower. The other difference on the 42” decks I’ve noticed (on mine and other newer models), is no rear wheels. Thank you for the Video and Review. Gives us a better sense of durability.
I think Cub makes the best Lawn and Garden tractors on the market. Especially considering the price. Me personally I havent owned a Cub lawn tractor but I have owned multiple Cub garden tractors all shaft drive with a Kohler Engine. They are the strongest, most reliable machines in their class. Currently I have a GT2544 and a Original both are over 20 years old. Fantastic machines built to withstand abuse of ground engaging task with ease. Im sad to hear they discontinued the shaft driven GTs as that to me is what Cub is known for and what they do best. But Im glad to see these machines are still good quality for people who dont need the biggest and baddest machine available.
I wanted a Cub Cadet XT3 shaft drive, but yep, they were discontinued unfortunately. So I settled for an XT2 GX54D lawn tractor. Haven't got to use it yet, bought it before the new year before prices went up on them LOL. I previously had a 2018 Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 with the 18HP Kohler engine....120 hours on it and never missed a beat. I mow about an acre. Changed the oil once a year, and changed the oil in the transaxle at 50 hours as recommended by Tuff Torq, and then would have done it at 150 hours, but my uncle has it now as his lawn tractor kept giving him issues so I told him to come get my XT1 because I have a 60" mid mount mower for my sub-compact tractor to get me through last season until I could get the new lawn tractor. Hopefully the XT2 does just as good. The XT2 GX54D has a 26HP 7000 Series Kohler engine, 54" fabricated mower deck, and the K62 transaxle with differential lock. One thing many people that have them complain about the quick attach blade system, so I'm thinking I may order the regular mower deck spindles and not mess with that nonsense, I guess the blades kind of get stuck on those quick attach spindles after things start getting dirty. The XT2 has the AGM battery in it, that's getting thrown away this spring before I start mowing, that battery is garbage, way too small and undersized for a lawn tractor. I'll put the regular lawn tractor battery in it. You can remove the tray insert and order the MTD battery tray that drops in and allows for a standard lawn tractor battery to be used...the AGM battery is physically smaller so they use a plastic tray that makes the battery compartment smaller. The XT2 machines have bearings in the front wheels instead of plastic bushings, so that's a nice upgrade in itself. I had the mulching kit installed by the dealer before I picked up the lawn tractor. We shall see how it does this spring I guess as to whether I keep that mulch kit installed or remove it LOL.
@ GX54D is a very good light duty GT. The Kohler engines are fantastic. Are they the shaft driven cubs of the past with the 782, 3K series, and XT3? No, but thats not what they’re designed for. Do regular maintenance and it should last as long as you!
your right most people use them and then put them away without a little cleaning and without checking anything out. then jump on the mower and wonder why they dont start or won't mow. my last mower lasted 17yrs.
I noticed that the 6 year old Tractor has 4 (FOUR) Anti scalp wheels on the deck . The Newer model only 2. You can go in reverse with the blades engaged but you loose the AntiScalp function in reverse with the newer model. The 6 year old also has a name brand engine and the New Tractor has a NO NAME brand ?
I think the Kohler is a better engine, loud, but very dependable. Haven't heard the new Chinese Cadet like you have here. If it were me, I give the new one to my son and keep the old one.
@@elcomandante9299I have a 2002 Cub Cadet 1515 series with a Kohler Command with 1107 hours . Never been in the shop. Heavy Duty hydrostatic and ball bearing front wheels. Same deck spindles. Replaced belts and idler pulleys. Best mower I ever had. Still going strong. I use a 350 cold cranking amp battery. They last about 9 years. Always use the best battery.
Holy cow! That thing is spotless! Do you just not use it, or do you pay a detailer? I have the '21 XT1 42" and I love it! I'm working up the courage to drop the deck, clean it, and sharpen the blades. I keep mine outside, with the cover they sent me. End of Summer, I change the oil, the oil filter, the fuel filter, the intake filter, and the spark plug(took me a couple of minutes to figure out that the hood slides off at a very particular angle...). I take out the battery and put it on a drip charger, and sprinkle the battery cables liberally with rodent repellent. I only use VP Racing fuel, 94 octane, no complaints.
Thanks ! I’m actually pretty rough on them, I detailed the old 1 up so it was nice looking for my son, I do keep up with regular maintenance. Thanks for commenting!
@@kcoutside7143 I'm pretty rough on mine too, but I do use the deck wash thing after every mow, and I hose the body down after the engine cools. It's a great machine! I'll drop the deck one of these nice weekends and give that a good cleaning too.
6 years is a decent amt of time but 70 hours is not really "long term". my "yard" takes 2 hours. Not sure what your cutting season is but that's 35 cuts for me. one season in North Texs is about 24 cuts. I put some hours on my cub cadet- I like it. Don't think I'd like it more if it were JD Green :)
My season is about 5.5months and & 2 of the years were drought conditions, with only 1 mow a month for 3 months. Normal conditions, I mow 3 times a month. Thanks for watching!
That's kind of the case with any equipment as well as vehicles. People don't maintain stuff and wonder why it breaks down. I would change the oil/filter in my XT1 once a year regardless of hours, as well as changed the oil in the transaxle at 50 hours as recommended by Tuff Torq. I replaced the fuel filter once in the 6 years I had the lawn tractor....my uncle has it now, so no longer my problem to take care of it, but I took really good care of it while I owned it and never had any problems, replaced the battery in it at the beginning of the 6th mowing season. Mine had the Kohler 18HP engine in it, it had plenty of power and I used a 42" 3 stage snow blower on it a few times as well and it had plenty of power to run that. I put suitcase weights on the back and put chains on the tires and it had no problems clearing the driveway.
My original battery lasted 7 years! And it was outside undercover during the winter. I did keep a battery tinder on the battery. Usually 2-3 years is the best I ever got out of a lawnmower battery. And all belts are originals!
The newer machines with the AGM batteries are even worse...those batteries are garbage to begin with, and not enough cranking amps even when new. The first battery in my XT1 lasted 5 years, and I had to replace it at the beginning of the 6th mowing season. Batteries in general don't last very long anymore, yet have ridiculous prices.
@@kcoutside7143 It is controlled by a computer mounted on the left side of the engine by where the throttle controls normally are....might want to see if you can find a replacement computer for it...Wonder how that system holds up I haven't really heard anything about it, but that would most likely be the weak link, especially mounted right to the side of a hot engine block.
I just can't get behind this particular mower because they don't cut very good unless you cut your lawn 1 inch high anything higher than that it totally is worthless it's a brush hog it's not a mower.😊
I have the same model. A LT42B I bought in April of 2024, built in 2023 with the Briggs & Stratton 19 Hp, but no Intellipower. The other difference on the 42” decks I’ve noticed (on mine and other newer models), is no rear wheels. Thank you for the Video and Review. Gives us a better sense of durability.
Thanks for the info info! Appreciate you watching!
I think Cub makes the best Lawn and Garden tractors on the market. Especially considering the price. Me personally I havent owned a Cub lawn tractor but I have owned multiple Cub garden tractors all shaft drive with a Kohler Engine. They are the strongest, most reliable machines in their class. Currently I have a GT2544 and a Original both are over 20 years old. Fantastic machines built to withstand abuse of ground engaging task with ease. Im sad to hear they discontinued the shaft driven GTs as that to me is what Cub is known for and what they do best. But Im glad to see these machines are still good quality for people who dont need the biggest and baddest machine available.
I wanted a Cub Cadet XT3 shaft drive, but yep, they were discontinued unfortunately. So I settled for an XT2 GX54D lawn tractor. Haven't got to use it yet, bought it before the new year before prices went up on them LOL. I previously had a 2018 Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 with the 18HP Kohler engine....120 hours on it and never missed a beat. I mow about an acre. Changed the oil once a year, and changed the oil in the transaxle at 50 hours as recommended by Tuff Torq, and then would have done it at 150 hours, but my uncle has it now as his lawn tractor kept giving him issues so I told him to come get my XT1 because I have a 60" mid mount mower for my sub-compact tractor to get me through last season until I could get the new lawn tractor. Hopefully the XT2 does just as good. The XT2 GX54D has a 26HP 7000 Series Kohler engine, 54" fabricated mower deck, and the K62 transaxle with differential lock. One thing many people that have them complain about the quick attach blade system, so I'm thinking I may order the regular mower deck spindles and not mess with that nonsense, I guess the blades kind of get stuck on those quick attach spindles after things start getting dirty. The XT2 has the AGM battery in it, that's getting thrown away this spring before I start mowing, that battery is garbage, way too small and undersized for a lawn tractor. I'll put the regular lawn tractor battery in it. You can remove the tray insert and order the MTD battery tray that drops in and allows for a standard lawn tractor battery to be used...the AGM battery is physically smaller so they use a plastic tray that makes the battery compartment smaller. The XT2 machines have bearings in the front wheels instead of plastic bushings, so that's a nice upgrade in itself. I had the mulching kit installed by the dealer before I picked up the lawn tractor. We shall see how it does this spring I guess as to whether I keep that mulch kit installed or remove it LOL.
@ GX54D is a very good light duty GT. The Kohler engines are fantastic. Are they the shaft driven cubs of the past with the 782, 3K series, and XT3? No, but thats not what they’re designed for. Do regular maintenance and it should last as long as you!
your right most people use them and then put them away without a little cleaning and without checking anything out. then jump on the mower and wonder why they dont start or won't mow. my last mower lasted 17yrs.
Good review, thanks.
I noticed that the 6 year old Tractor has 4 (FOUR) Anti scalp wheels on the deck . The Newer model only 2. You can go in reverse with the blades engaged but you loose the AntiScalp function in reverse with the newer model. The 6 year old also has a name brand engine and the New Tractor has a NO NAME brand ?
Yes, new one has Chinese motor, the lack of anti scalp wheels has already caused rear deck mount weld to break, I had to weld it back on!
I think the Kohler is a better engine, loud, but very dependable. Haven't heard the new Chinese Cadet like you have here. If it were me, I give the new one to my son and keep the old one.
I thought about that!
I have a 2015 Cadet with the Kohler engine with 100 hours on it. Only thing thats not original is the battery.
@@elcomandante9299I have a 2002 Cub Cadet 1515 series with a Kohler Command with 1107 hours . Never been in the shop. Heavy Duty hydrostatic and ball bearing front wheels. Same deck spindles. Replaced belts and idler pulleys. Best mower I ever had. Still going strong. I use a 350 cold cranking amp battery. They last about 9 years. Always use the best battery.
I opted for the v twin on the xt1 will last just as long as a packer jd taken care of
Holy cow! That thing is spotless! Do you just not use it, or do you pay a detailer? I have the '21 XT1 42" and I love it! I'm working up the courage to drop the deck, clean it, and sharpen the blades. I keep mine outside, with the cover they sent me. End of Summer, I change the oil, the oil filter, the fuel filter, the intake filter, and the spark plug(took me a couple of minutes to figure out that the hood slides off at a very particular angle...). I take out the battery and put it on a drip charger, and sprinkle the battery cables liberally with rodent repellent. I only use VP Racing fuel, 94 octane, no complaints.
Thanks ! I’m actually pretty rough on them, I detailed the old 1 up so it was nice looking for my son, I do keep up with regular maintenance. Thanks for commenting!
@@kcoutside7143 I'm pretty rough on mine too, but I do use the deck wash thing after every mow, and I hose the body down after the engine cools. It's a great machine! I'll drop the deck one of these nice weekends and give that a good cleaning too.
6 years is a decent amt of time but 70 hours is not really "long term". my "yard" takes 2 hours. Not sure what your cutting season is but that's 35 cuts for me. one season in North Texs is about 24 cuts. I put some hours on my cub cadet- I like it. Don't think I'd like it more if it were JD Green :)
My season is about 5.5months and & 2 of the years were drought conditions, with only 1 mow a month for 3 months. Normal conditions, I mow 3 times a month. Thanks for watching!
Looks new!
If you maintain it, it will last.
That's kind of the case with any equipment as well as vehicles. People don't maintain stuff and wonder why it breaks down.
I would change the oil/filter in my XT1 once a year regardless of hours, as well as changed the oil in the transaxle at 50 hours as recommended by Tuff Torq. I replaced the fuel filter once in the 6 years I had the lawn tractor....my uncle has it now, so no longer my problem to take care of it, but I took really good care of it while I owned it and never had any problems, replaced the battery in it at the beginning of the 6th mowing season. Mine had the Kohler 18HP engine in it, it had plenty of power and I used a 42" 3 stage snow blower on it a few times as well and it had plenty of power to run that. I put suitcase weights on the back and put chains on the tires and it had no problems clearing the driveway.
Six years old and 70 hours?
Yes. I mow with pedal to the floor!
Batteries nowadays barely last 3 years. Bummer
I have been using a Battery Tender for five years on the original battery and it is still going strong. I also keep it on during Winter storage.
My original battery lasted 7 years! And it was outside undercover during the winter. I did keep a battery tinder on the battery. Usually 2-3 years is the best I ever got out of a lawnmower battery. And all belts are originals!
The newer machines with the AGM batteries are even worse...those batteries are garbage to begin with, and not enough cranking amps even when new. The first battery in my XT1 lasted 5 years, and I had to replace it at the beginning of the 6th mowing season. Batteries in general don't last very long anymore, yet have ridiculous prices.
cub cadet makes good machines but that intell power engine is from china
That engine definitely is a concern of mine on the new mower, we’ll see how it holds up.?
@@kcoutside7143 I wanted one of these but that Chinese engine made me pass. I'm doing the Zero Turn with the Kawasaki.
@@kcoutside7143 It is controlled by a computer mounted on the left side of the engine by where the throttle controls normally are....might want to see if you can find a replacement computer for it...Wonder how that system holds up I haven't really heard anything about it, but that would most likely be the weak link, especially mounted right to the side of a hot engine block.
cub cadet mowers are made by MTD!!
Most mowers are...lol
What isn't
Not any more
Most of them are, take care of them and they last a long time.
alot of people dont know that
I just can't get behind this particular mower because they don't cut very good unless you cut your lawn 1 inch high anything higher than that it totally is worthless it's a brush hog it's not a mower.😊
Never had an issue with my Cub Cadet XT1's cut quality, even in tall thick grass it did very well...but I also ran Gator G5 blades on it.