Selecting the Right Machine

Select The Right Product: A Homeowner's Guide

There are many choices when considering purchasing a new Cub Cadet®. Lawn tractor or walk-behind? Which size is right for my needs? What other features are important to my needs? This section will give you some points to consider as you prepare to make your purchase.

The first choice you will probably consider is between a walk-behind mower and a lawn tractor. Typically walk-behinds are best if you have less than one-half acre. If your yard is an acre or larger, you should consider a riding lawn tractor or zero-turn mower.

Walk-Behind Mowers

Terrain

The size and type of the property you mow should factor into your choice. Generally, walk-behind mowers are used for property that is less than an acre. If your lot is small and fairly flat a standard walk behind might do. If your yard is larger and you have slopes or hills to mow, a self-propelled walk-behind will make the job a little easier.

Engine

Make sure you have enough power for the size property you are cutting. Larger engines generally give you better cutting results whether you bag or mulch. Choose a larger torque for tougher mowing conditions.

Discharge

A 2-in-1 rear discharge is best for those who like to bag. A 3-in-1 gives you the versatility to mulch or bag and has a side discharge. Mulching puts your grass clippings back into the soil and is generally easier and faster than bagging.

Other Features To Consider:

• A wheel adjuster that can easily adjust both front and back wheels to your cutting height preference.
• When considering a self-propelled walk-behind, choosing one that can aid in adapting to your walking speed is a nice feature,
• If noise or air pollution is a major consideration for you, look at electric mowers.
• Safety features are an important part of any product purchased. Please review all safety features associated with any product you might consider

Riding Lawn Mowers

When choosing a residential riding lawn mower you can consider four basic platforms: lawn tractors, garden tractors, zero-turn riders and zero-turn tractors. This section will help you to choose which Cub Cadet is right for you.

Models

Lawn tractors are designed for grass cutting and light-duty chores. First time buyers usually choose lawn tractors. Garden tractors are a step up from lawn tractors because they are more of a workhorse and offer more versatility when it comes to other lawn chores.

Zero-turn riders are ideal for home owners looking to cut a large yard in less time. They easily maneuver around obstacles and are ideal for large, mostly-flat yards. They usually feature rear-mounted engines and lap bars for steering.

Zero-turn tractors combine the ease of traditional tractor steering and control with zero-turn maneuverability. A zero-turn tractor allows you to maneuver on hills and allows for more optional attachments.

Terrain

Do you have a flat lawn that has little landscaping? A garden tractor could fit your needs. But if you have many obstacles and a lot of landscaping that requires maneuverability, you should consider a zero-turn mower. A zero-turn is best for flat lawns (or lawns with only small hills) with lots of obstacles. A zero-turn can cut mowing time significantly

Versatility

Do you want to do more than just cut your lawn? If so, you have several options. While a lawn tractor is designed for grass cutting and light chores, a garden tractor is designed to do more. Garden tractors are workhorses. They accept ground engaging attachments such as tillers and small plows. They are ideal for homeowners with larger yards and multiple needs.

Zero-turn mowers generally do not use attachments, but zero-turn tractors can accept attachments such as a cart or snow blade.

Yard Size

Riding lawn mowers are available in multiple deck sizes. The larger the deck size, the wider the cut or swath will be, which will cut down on mowing time. In addition, a larger fuel tank will limit refueling which will also reduce mowing time. Deck sizes typically range from 38" to 50" and fuel tank sizes range from 2 to 5 gallons.

You should also consider obstacles and landscaping when determining deck size. Smaller decks may be easier to maneuver around trees, shrubs and planting beds.

Attachments

Not all riding mowers accept attachments. For mowers that do, the attachments vary depending on the model. Generally garden tractors and zero-turn tractors accept more attachments than lawn tractors.

Attachments range from snow blades, snow throwers and dozer blades to rototillers, dump carts, rollers and more. Determining your property needs will help you to choose which attachments and which model is right for you.

Engine

Make sure you have enough power for the size of your property. Larger engines generally give you better cutting results whether you bag or mulch. Engine power varies widely, running anywhere from 17 HP or greater.

You will want to look for a more powerful engine if you have a yard that presents heavy-duty challenges, such as slopes and hills or if you have tougher mowing conditions.