Thanks for this review, it really helped. I’m from Sunshine Coast Australia and have just purchased a ZTS1 42. It is awesome. After owning an RZTS 42 for 3 years the improvement is quite remarkable. I mow 1.75 acres on hilly country and this takes just over an hour. Your review helped me make my decision. Here in Australia the cost is AU $8199 including all taxes but consider it a wise purchase. Thanks again for your review.
The current Ultima ZTS1 46" I just bought has liftable arm rests and the hour meter/Volt meter, otherwise identical and I am really happy. Oh and the mulch kit was included free, along with a redemption for a nice yard kit from DeWALT
I bought one last year because of the hills I have. It does great, you have to work around the kill switch as it shut off the blade. When cutting on the hills you adjust your weight to one side of the seat and if you hit a small bump it will shut off the blade. Check you tube for ways around this.
YES I HAVE A QUESTION I LIVE IN MOREHEAD KY AND I WAS WONDERING WHERE IS THE CLOSEST CUB CADET DEALER NEAREST TO ME I REALLY LIKE THIS MODEL THE VERY BEST AND I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THESE MODEL MOWER,S WITH THE 50 INCH DECK MODLE,S AND SEE WHAT THE BEST PRICE I COULD GET ONE FOR I AM JUST SHOPPING NOW BUT IF I GOT THE RIGHT OPERTOONETY I JUST MIGHT BUY ONE FOR THE BEST PRICE I COULD GET ONE FOR
The one thing I haven't seen is how the blades are changed. I desperately need an easy blade change and hopefully an easy way to clean the deck (not the wash.) I'm currently looking at a purchase. I understand that the ZTS1 steering wheel is coupled with a 4 wheel turn system; that seems different (hype?) The steering wheel and tires are supposed to help on grades, as well. I currently have a 15 y.o. i1046 zero turn with steering wheel. I'm certainly not afraid of clutch handles and think they are cool. I have a 15* to 18* slope, though. The ZTS1 line is the only one that accentuates the ability to handle slopes.
The ZTS1 should handle your slopes just fine. There's no "easy" way to get under the deck though. You'll need a MoJack or something similar. The 4 wheel steering, or synchro-steer is just that when you turn the fronts, they control they speed of each rear. That way they aren't skidding. They work great.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yeah, but anything that's "synchronized" seems like it's just a matter of time before something fails. Particularly if there are sensors involved.
I have to say I was looking at these and comparing it to the older Z-Force models and they're kind of a step down from those. I ended up buying an older ZForce that the dealer still had over this one. It just seemed like the decks were nicer and really everything was nicer on it
I want one of these badly but in a 42". The main issue for me is the Kohler engine. That thing is just excessive loud! I heard one the other day and it was a HARD pass for me. I much prefer the quieter Kawasaki. I guess I'll have to get the ZT1 model with the Kaw and forget the steering wheel. That would give me more funds for mods anyway...
That one must have been old or had something wrong. There's really no difference in noise between Kawasaki and Kohler. If you really want a Kawasaki, though, I'd start looking at some other brands, too.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 It was older, but I read from many who say the Kawasaki is Quieter. I'll have to see it for myself I guess. I've also looked at other brands but keep coming back to Cub.
I bought the ZTS1 50 last week. I love it. Have you put a bagger on it yet? I'm actually trying to confirm if the counter weight actually fits. I need additional weight in the front, I have slopes in my yard. Thanks in advance.
Great detailed video. First of yours that I’ve seen. I was trying to decide between an Ikon XD 52, a Gravely ZT XL, Husq MZ 54 and the Cub ZTS2. I want a 2800+ transaxle so that rules out the Ariens. Have you done any side by side comparisons of the three you sell?
Thank you! My feelings haven't changed yet. This wouldn't be my first choice in mower, but it fills a specific need. We saw great performance and feedback on every one of these we sold.
Thanks for the video. Likely going to purchase the 46 or 50” model as i cut about 3 acres of grass once weekly each season with some various hilly and flat terrain. Any thoughts or opinions on the 46 or 50 as a preference? Heard you mention the difference in blades for each. Im now leaning towards the 46 because that may be a little cheaper long term for blade and belt replacement. I have an older (2012) cub RZT 50 inch and I’ve noticed that belts don’t seem to last as long as they are running a 3 blades system, hence extra pulleys. Appreciate any comments
I would personally go with a 50 because of commonality and cut quality. The 3 blade decks cut nicer, and 46 isn't as common. Either would work fine, though. Cubs tend to have more belt issues, it seems. I think it's mostly because they don't split the workload into more than one belt.
The smallest ones from every brand usually don't have one. In this case, there just isn't a direct spot for a mechanical guage to reach the tank. You can see the tank from the side, though.
I suppose that this steering system is better for those who have never driven a zero turn before, but even then it wasn’t like the two clutch handles were that hard to operate in the first place
It's for stability on hills, nothing to do with how hard one is to use. A true lapbar zero turn will not work on most of my property. You have to use a tractor mower or something like this. That being said, for some people the wheel would be easier to use I suppose.
There's a reason most companies don't put blades like those on mowers right out of the crate. Some people still want good baggers, too. At least in my neck of the woods.
Too expensive and much slower than using a TRUE zero turn with lap bars. Go buy a lawn tractor and save thousands if you want one of these. I know of 2 people that have already broke there’s and regret it. Edit: black and decker owns cub cadet… enough said.
As I said, these would only fit certain people's needs. I have also mentioned that Stanley/Black and Decker owns about 50 brand names (including Cub Cadet, Dewalt, Troy-Bilt, etc.) I agree that traditional zero-turns are better, but they don't fit everybody's needs. And I suppose this means nobody should buy any Dewalt products either. 🤣
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 haha, you’re right. I’m glad you have a sense of humor. I guess I need to go set my hustler on fire too but it’s still under warranty 😂
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 when men started arguing about tractors, trucks, and lawn equipment I think that’s when they eventuality came up with the phrase “to each their own.” Happy mowing 🫡.
You'd rather someone just drive it around? It drives like any other tractor, only it turns sharper. I'm trying to help people understand the details that matter. I'm sorry you found this so "useless".
Thanks for this review, it really helped. I’m from Sunshine Coast Australia and have just purchased a ZTS1 42. It is awesome. After owning an RZTS 42 for 3 years the improvement is quite remarkable. I mow 1.75 acres on hilly country and this takes just over an hour. Your review helped me make my decision. Here in Australia the cost is AU $8199 including all taxes but consider it a wise purchase. Thanks again for your review.
Heck yeah! Glad I could help!
The current Ultima ZTS1 46" I just bought has liftable arm rests and the hour meter/Volt meter, otherwise identical and I am really happy. Oh and the mulch kit was included free, along with a redemption for a nice yard kit from DeWALT
We dropped Cub this year, so I hadn't looked into them. They're a nice mower. I'm glad you like it!
I bought one last year because of the hills I have. It does great, you have to work around the kill switch as it shut off the blade. When cutting on the hills you adjust your weight to one side of the seat and if you hit a small bump it will shut off the blade. Check you tube for ways around this.
I have the zts1 50 and wish I could have had it over the last 20 years. I cut mostly on a hill and this cuts nicely and safely.
They're a pretty sweet ride. I'm glad you like it. 👍
YES I HAVE A QUESTION I LIVE IN MOREHEAD KY AND I WAS WONDERING WHERE IS THE CLOSEST CUB CADET DEALER NEAREST TO ME I REALLY LIKE THIS MODEL THE VERY BEST AND I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THESE MODEL MOWER,S WITH THE 50 INCH DECK MODLE,S AND SEE WHAT THE BEST PRICE I COULD GET ONE FOR I AM JUST SHOPPING NOW BUT IF I GOT THE RIGHT OPERTOONETY I JUST MIGHT BUY ONE FOR THE BEST PRICE I COULD GET ONE FOR
The one thing I haven't seen is how the blades are changed. I desperately need an easy blade change and hopefully an easy way to clean the deck (not the wash.) I'm currently looking at a purchase. I understand that the ZTS1 steering wheel is coupled with a 4 wheel turn system; that seems different (hype?) The steering wheel and tires are supposed to help on grades, as well. I currently have a 15 y.o. i1046 zero turn with steering wheel. I'm certainly not afraid of clutch handles and think they are cool. I have a 15* to 18* slope, though. The ZTS1 line is the only one that accentuates the ability to handle slopes.
The ZTS1 should handle your slopes just fine. There's no "easy" way to get under the deck though. You'll need a MoJack or something similar. The 4 wheel steering, or synchro-steer is just that when you turn the fronts, they control they speed of each rear. That way they aren't skidding. They work great.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Yeah, but anything that's "synchronized" seems like it's just a matter of time before something fails. Particularly if there are sensors involved.
@@mattstrelow35 there's no sensors involved
I have to say I was looking at these and comparing it to the older Z-Force models and they're kind of a step down from those. I ended up buying an older ZForce that the dealer still had over this one. It just seemed like the decks were nicer and really everything was nicer on it
The ZForce is definitely the next step above these. I hope you love it!
I want one of these badly but in a 42". The main issue for me is the Kohler engine. That thing is just excessive loud! I heard one the other day and it was a HARD pass for me. I much prefer the quieter Kawasaki. I guess I'll have to get the ZT1 model with the Kaw and forget the steering wheel. That would give me more funds for mods anyway...
That one must have been old or had something wrong. There's really no difference in noise between Kawasaki and Kohler. If you really want a Kawasaki, though, I'd start looking at some other brands, too.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 It was older, but I read from many who say the Kawasaki is Quieter. I'll have to see it for myself I guess. I've also looked at other brands but keep coming back to Cub.
@@jzm6403 I'd say check them out for yourself. Kohler used to have some cheap mufflers. They really aren't any louder than a Kawasaki now.
I think I ordered the wrong bagger for the Zts1. Does anyone have the part number? The weights don't fit in the front 😢
The weight is only used on the ZT. The steering in the ZTS adds enough weight to the front.
I'd love to have one but the 46" one is $4900 here now in August of 2023. It's a thousand dollar jump,just because of the steering wheel option. :/
That's about right. The steering wheels do make a big jump.
I bought the ZTS1 50 last week. I love it. Have you put a bagger on it yet? I'm actually trying to confirm if the counter weight actually fits. I need additional weight in the front, I have slopes in my yard. Thanks in advance.
The counterweight only fits on the lap bar machines. It won't attach to the steering wheel machines.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully this something cub will consider over time.
@@C3EIT no problem
Great detailed video. First of yours that I’ve seen. I was trying to decide between an Ikon XD 52, a Gravely ZT XL, Husq MZ 54 and the Cub ZTS2. I want a 2800+ transaxle so that rules out the Ariens. Have you done any side by side comparisons of the three you sell?
Thank you! I've done videos on the ZTX and Ikon, but we couldn't get the XLs this year. I did cover the Apex/HD though. Those would have the ZT-3100s.
Great info! It’s been a year since your review, do you still feel the same about the reliability? Thanks
Thank you! My feelings haven't changed yet. This wouldn't be my first choice in mower, but it fills a specific need. We saw great performance and feedback on every one of these we sold.
Thanks for the video. Likely going to purchase the 46 or 50” model as i cut about 3 acres of grass once weekly each season with some various hilly and flat terrain. Any thoughts or opinions on the 46 or 50 as a preference? Heard you mention the difference in blades for each. Im now leaning towards the 46 because that may be a little cheaper long term for blade and belt replacement.
I have an older (2012) cub RZT 50 inch and I’ve noticed that belts don’t seem to last as long as they are running a 3 blades system, hence extra pulleys. Appreciate any comments
I would personally go with a 50 because of commonality and cut quality. The 3 blade decks cut nicer, and 46 isn't as common. Either would work fine, though. Cubs tend to have more belt issues, it seems. I think it's mostly because they don't split the workload into more than one belt.
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 thanks for the input! Much appreciated!
Why don't the smallest come with a fuel gauge how do you know when you're running out of fuel
It should have said why don't the smallest come with a fuel gauge
The smallest ones from every brand usually don't have one. In this case, there just isn't a direct spot for a mechanical guage to reach the tank. You can see the tank from the side, though.
What is the width with discharge chute up?
I would have to measure one, but they're about 5" wider than the cut width.
Since there appears to be no Brake. If you are going down a steep hill, how do you slow down?
There's a brake too. You don't use it while driving though. It's hydrostatic so you just let off the pedal to stop.
Mine rolls a bit after I let off accelerator, especially when on any type of slope, is this normal or should the wheels be locked when in neutral?
I suppose that this steering system is better for those who have never driven a zero turn before, but even then it wasn’t like the two clutch handles were that hard to operate in the first place
I agree, but some people don't like them.
It's for stability on hills, nothing to do with how hard one is to use. A true lapbar zero turn will not work on most of my property. You have to use a tractor mower or something like this. That being said, for some people the wheel would be easier to use I suppose.
One-handed driving while lifting or moving branches and confidence on ramp loading are two useful features.
How do you control speed, forward, and reverse? Is this hand or foot control?
Nice work!
Thanks Bruh!
Don't need a powered Bagger with X-Blades and a deck with some Air Flow and an 8" pipe. How about an X-Blade kit? Getting tired of welding the blades.
There's a reason most companies don't put blades like those on mowers right out of the crate. Some people still want good baggers, too. At least in my neck of the woods.
Why not joy sticks on zero turns rather than lap bars
Country Clipper does something like that.
what cost one of these?
Depends on the model, but around 5k.
DO NOT BUY A Series 1!! NO NO NO. TRUST ME!
Get the ZTS2 54” one! Trust me get the series 2! TRUST ME ON THIS
I concur. A lot more for your money.
Too expensive and much slower than using a TRUE zero turn with lap bars. Go buy a lawn tractor and save thousands if you want one of these. I know of 2 people that have already broke there’s and regret it.
Edit: black and decker owns cub cadet… enough said.
As I said, these would only fit certain people's needs. I have also mentioned that Stanley/Black and Decker owns about 50 brand names (including Cub Cadet, Dewalt, Troy-Bilt, etc.) I agree that traditional zero-turns are better, but they don't fit everybody's needs. And I suppose this means nobody should buy any Dewalt products either. 🤣
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 haha, you’re right. I’m glad you have a sense of humor. I guess I need to go set my hustler on fire too but it’s still under warranty 😂
@J_Bwn I forgot they bought Hustler a couple years ago lol
@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 when men started arguing about tractors, trucks, and lawn equipment I think that’s when they eventuality came up with the phrase “to each their own.” Happy mowing 🫡.
Video is useless unless I see you drive it and show how it drives.
You'd rather someone just drive it around? It drives like any other tractor, only it turns sharper. I'm trying to help people understand the details that matter. I'm sorry you found this so "useless".