QUESTION OF THE DAY: Would it be worth it to you to install the armrests? Have you seen the Cub Cadet ZT1 Mower and do you think of it? Do you have any questions about it?
If you haven’t purchased already…save your money. I just installed them on my brand new ZT1 “42” and they mount so low on the seat they are useless when riding the mower. Even at the mid setting for the drive bars my arms don’t reach the pads. And I’m 6’3 with long arms. The one and only good thing they are useful for is leverage when getting out of the seat. Which is basically useless if you are an able bodied person.
I can confirm as of today July 2024 the ZT1 ‘42’ inch from Tractor Supply does in fact come with the mounting hole plates on the seat. I can also confirm the product listing for the CC arm rests indicated “only for the ZT 50 & 54 model” which is not true. I just installed these exact armrests in my 3 day old brand new ZT1 ‘42’ in 5 minutes. And I can also confirm the armrests are basically useless for anything other than leverage getting up out of the seat. They sit so low they are useless for resting your arms during operation (and I’m tall 6’3 with long arms). Now that I have holes in my seat cover the armrests are staying on. But otherwise I’d be sending them back.
Thanks for confirming they work on yours. I like having them on mine, but agree with you that they should be adjustable somehow. I wouldn't mind them being padded more too. They are nice for getting on and off. Even when reaching down to pick up litter, the help hold you from tipping off the side.
Tractor supply sells a leather punch for $13 with multiple size hole options. I would suggest using that tool with a brass grommet on the leather to prevent any future tears. All could be done under $20
Sure would have found this video a lot more interesting if you WOULD HAVE SHOWN YOUR ARMS ON THE NEWLY INSTALLED ARM REST!! So I still don’t have any idea if they would allow your arms to actually rest on them while you mow.
Thank you so much for your video. I just found out the spot I thought to be mounting bracket is nothing but plywood. In short, I purchased a Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50" with Kawasaki 23Hp on December 2021 don't have a mounting bracket for armrest. There was a void in the cushion area, and I assume they put the back rest frame with no bracket from the factory. Probably it was made/assembled on Monday or Friday since quality is questionable.
I'm wondering if they updated their seat design to not have an armrest accessory option? I know the first couple years you could put armrests on but I recall someone else left a comment saying it didn't work.
Just purchased mine Zt1 54 inch deck for today at tractor supply, love the mower even that I haven’t used yet , I’d like to order arm rests, if u can provide exact part number appreciated
Great info installed on my ZT1 today. The look is awesome will find out how functional soon. I can see that the armrest will be handy when getting up after mowing for a while.
I can confirm as of 4/6/2022 that Cub Cadet has CHANGED the seat in that now there is no mounting plate. Have yet to hear back from Cub Cadet as to whether or not you even CAN install armrests with a accessory plate or some such.
I just bought a brand new ZT1 “42” last week and the mounting plates are absolutely there. I just installed the armrests in all of about 5 minutes. There’s no need to go through this long process of cutting holes. Just use a sharp razor and put an X where the holes go. Install was a breeze. HOWEVER, the armrests are completely useless when riding the mower as they are way too low. Even on the mid setting for the drive bars. And I’m 6’3 with long arms. The armrests are only good for leverage when getting off the seat. Otherwise useless.
Huh, it's been awhile sinde I installed these arm rests. I believe the holes were under the seat fabric. I'll have to look at a new mower then next time I'm at Home Depot.
So, I received both my ZT1 fender kit and arm rest kit in the mail today. Fender Kit installation was a "piece of cake". The Arm Rest kit, not so much. They sent me two left-hand armrests! Going by your video isn't there supposed to be a right -hand armrest that's the mirror image of the left?
markthomasbuilder thanks, Home Depot said to call them & manufacturer tomorrow to straighten it all out & give me a little compensation for the aggravation. The did the same on not-so universal roof kit that they swore would fit a ZT1. It didn’t!
markthomasbuilder I’m dowm here in Florida & brutal summer heat index is a killer. Bimini style removable sunshade would go a ling way to making mowing tolerable. So far AMD & Cub don’t make one yet for a ZT1 or ZT2
It would appear this mod is for Ultima ZT1 Zero Turn Mowers with 50 in and 54 in Cutting Decks 2019 thru 2021 only. Mine is a '22, so it looks like I am SOL :(
The product listing is wrong. I just installed them today on my ZT1 ‘42’. They mount just the same as they do on the 50 & 54. But they are far too low to be useful for anyone while riding the mower. The one and only thing they are good for is leverage getting off the seat. Which is totally unnecessary unless you are someone that needs the assist.
I have a question. If you bought again would you buy the ZT 2 over the ZT1 for the upgrades or buy the same model. Im about to pull the trigger cant decide between ZT1 50 vs ZT2 50 with under a acre mostly flat property.
If you can afford the ZT2, it has a few upgrades that are probably worth it. The larger rear wheels and upgraded serviceable hydraulics are worth noting. If money is an issue, the ZT1 will serve you just fine.
Hello, just purchased the same zt1 50” with the Kawi motor and upgraded deck, and was thinking about adding the armrest and rear fenders, do you think the armrest were a good addition? Were you able to adjust everything so your arms we’re comfortably on the armrest while mowing? Thanks
I'm glad I have them, but they're not quite the same as my Scag and Exmark mower armrests. There's some adjustments to be made on the push bar height and location, so you might get more use out of the armrests. I haven't noticed rear fenders being needed.
I bought a racing style high back computer chair with arm rests. $75. eBay. It's red and black, looks great on my red ZTR. Only thing I did was remove the base with legs and drill 2 holes in the mower seat plate to mount it, the original 2 holes in front lined up.....A idea that worked out well for me.... Still sorry that I did not buy the C-C ZT1
How big of a yard do you mow. I've hear mixed reports on what the ZT1 is rated for. I have about 2.5 acres of grass with some undulating terrain in some locations and wonder if the ZT1 would be adequate, or upgrade to a larger "prosumer" entry level commercial mower like a gravely. Thanks for any feedback
I've had good luck with this one and think 2.5 acres seems like no problem for it. You may want to consider the ZT2, since it has bigger rear tires and a bigger deck.
It’s been on for a year. Not much of a striping kit at all. It’s more like a deck roller and helps a lot with scalping high spots. I guess it would be really dependent on grass type and condition. My Bermuda isn’t really strong enough to really show stripes. I just noticed the lack of scalping on my 54” deck now.
No offense, but a Striping kit is kinda a waste of time and money. Seeing the stripes on your lawn or anyone's lawn for that matter, is really dependent on where the sun is. When the sun is at your back, the stripes will be much more oblivious.
They are too low. I just installed them today on my ZT1 ‘42’ and they sit far too low to be useful for anything other than using for leverage getting out of the seat. I even tried lowering the drive bars to mid setting and they are still too low. And I’m tall, over 6 ft. They are not useful at all when riding the machine.
I just attempted to install these on a ZT1 54" but I opened up the seat cover and did not locate the plate with the two holes to attach the arms. Does anyone know if this particular model does not come with that plate with the holes? I did check both sides by removing the cover. Thanks
It's been a year since I installed the holes, but I recall having to put a small cut in the seat material to get to the holes. If you remove some of the seat cover, you can see if the holes are there.
Newer ZT1 mowers no long have attachment plate on seat so these arm rests cannot be installed. Just bought one Mar2021. Verify your seat has plate before buying these arm rests.
i purchased a shade cover for this mower and the installation instructions are horrible and very difficult to understand, if anyone has some input or know of a how to video, please share...thanks
I was just visiting Cub Cadet last week at the GIE show. I would've asked about that. I'll see if I can reach out to a product manager there and get back to you.
I bought the ZT1 50 three days ago and tried to put the mulching kit on...DISASTER! DO NOT WASTE YOU MONEY AND SHAME ON CC FOR MAKING SUCH CRAP TO PUT ON AN OTHERWISE GREAT MACHINE
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Would it be worth it to you to install the armrests? Have you seen the Cub Cadet ZT1 Mower and do you think of it? Do you have any questions about it?
I did NOT know that Cub Cadet offers optional armrests for the ZT1 Mower, and NOW I do and now I'm gonna get me some! :) Thank you sir!
If you haven’t purchased already…save your money. I just installed them on my brand new ZT1 “42” and they mount so low on the seat they are useless when riding the mower. Even at the mid setting for the drive bars my arms don’t reach the pads. And I’m 6’3 with long arms. The one and only good thing they are useful for is leverage when getting out of the seat. Which is basically useless if you are an able bodied person.
I put them on my ZT1 50 cause they do a great job of holding you in the seat along with the elbow support!
I hear ya. They're nice to have, even for just getting on and off the mower.
I upgraded to one of these from my bottom end tractor mower , what a game changer , less than half the time
This mower really zips along well, especially through tall stuff by not bogging down.
Purchased this exact mower dec. 2019, No deck vibration, quite and excellent cut. Love it!!! Thanks for the vid. I'm purchasing those arm rests.
Awesome, glad to hear! I just taught my son how to mow with it a few days ago. It was our first mowing of the year.
Purchased my ZT1 50 from HD April 2024. The seat brackets were installed!
Nice, thanks for keeping us posted.
I can confirm as of today July 2024 the ZT1 ‘42’ inch from Tractor Supply does in fact come with the mounting hole plates on the seat. I can also confirm the product listing for the CC arm rests indicated “only for the ZT 50 & 54 model” which is not true. I just installed these exact armrests in my 3 day old brand new ZT1 ‘42’ in 5 minutes. And I can also confirm the armrests are basically useless for anything other than leverage getting up out of the seat. They sit so low they are useless for resting your arms during operation (and I’m tall 6’3 with long arms). Now that I have holes in my seat cover the armrests are staying on. But otherwise I’d be sending them back.
Thanks for confirming they work on yours. I like having them on mine, but agree with you that they should be adjustable somehow. I wouldn't mind them being padded more too.
They are nice for getting on and off. Even when reaching down to pick up litter, the help hold you from tipping off the side.
Those Wiss scissors are the best - I have a pair in every tool box/bag
I agree, they're very handy.👍
Tractor supply sells a leather punch for $13 with multiple size hole options. I would suggest using that tool with a brass grommet on the leather to prevent any future tears. All could be done under $20
Thank you for that suggestion. I'm in that store regularly and will look at them next time.
Sure would have found this video a lot more interesting if you WOULD HAVE SHOWN YOUR ARMS ON THE NEWLY INSTALLED ARM REST!!
So I still don’t have any idea if they would allow your arms to actually rest on them while you mow.
Sorry, good point.
Thank you so much for your video. I just found out the spot I thought to be mounting bracket is nothing but plywood. In short, I purchased a Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50" with Kawasaki 23Hp on December 2021 don't have a mounting bracket for armrest. There was a void in the cushion area, and I assume they put the back rest frame with no bracket from the factory. Probably it was made/assembled on Monday or Friday since quality is questionable.
I'm wondering if they updated their seat design to not have an armrest accessory option? I know the first couple years you could put armrests on but I recall someone else left a comment saying it didn't work.
Just purchased mine Zt1 54 inch deck for today at tractor supply, love the mower even that I haven’t used yet , I’d like to order arm rests, if u can provide exact part number appreciated
Thanks for posting this. Ive been thinking about getting the arm rests but I just have a really hard time justifying $100 for armrests
You can definitely get used to not having armrests, but I prefer them.
Awesome video, thanks for sharing.
You bet, thanks for stopping by!
Great info installed on my ZT1 today. The look is awesome will find out how functional soon. I can see that the armrest will be handy when getting up after mowing for a while.
Yes, that's for sure! They're not the same armrests you'll find on a $12,000 mower, but they're definitely nice to have.
@@MarkThomasBuilder Yes they have really come in handy, definitely a must for me. Use them daily.
@@bigsonslawncare Glad to hear it!
I can confirm as of 4/6/2022 that Cub Cadet has CHANGED the seat in that now there is no mounting plate. Have yet to hear back from Cub Cadet as to whether or not you even CAN install armrests with a accessory plate or some such.
I wish they would offer armrests. I’ll see if I can find some more information on it too
I’ve had this same experience after I bought the armrest of course 😢
I just bought a brand new ZT1 “42” last week and the mounting plates are absolutely there. I just installed the armrests in all of about 5 minutes. There’s no need to go through this long process of cutting holes. Just use a sharp razor and put an X where the holes go. Install was a breeze. HOWEVER, the armrests are completely useless when riding the mower as they are way too low. Even on the mid setting for the drive bars. And I’m 6’3 with long arms. The armrests are only good for leverage when getting off the seat. Otherwise useless.
We got a zero turn cub cadet zT1 Ultima and ours doesn't have the holes in the seat frame for the arms.
Huh, it's been awhile sinde I installed these arm rests. I believe the holes were under the seat fabric. I'll have to look at a new mower then next time I'm at Home Depot.
xacto knife works perfect cutting holes.
Yes, I should use mine more often for these types of projects.
So, I received both my ZT1 fender kit and arm rest kit in the mail today. Fender Kit installation was a "piece of cake". The Arm Rest kit, not so much. They sent me two left-hand armrests! Going by your video isn't there supposed to be a right -hand armrest that's the mirror image of the left?
I recall there being two different arm rests when I installed it.
markthomasbuilder thanks, Home Depot said to call them & manufacturer tomorrow to straighten it all out & give me a little compensation for the aggravation. The did the same on not-so universal roof kit that they swore would fit a ZT1. It didn’t!
That's good that they'll work with you like that. I often mow under trees, so the roof kit wouldn't work for me, unfortunately.
markthomasbuilder I’m dowm here in Florida & brutal summer heat index is a killer. Bimini style removable sunshade would go a ling way to making mowing tolerable. So far AMD & Cub don’t make one yet for a ZT1 or ZT2
It would appear this mod is for Ultima ZT1 Zero Turn Mowers with 50 in and 54 in Cutting Decks 2019 thru 2021 only. Mine is a '22, so it looks like I am SOL :(
Oh dang, they should make them available on all units.
The product listing is wrong. I just installed them today on my ZT1 ‘42’. They mount just the same as they do on the 50 & 54. But they are far too low to be useful for anyone while riding the mower. The one and only thing they are good for is leverage getting off the seat. Which is totally unnecessary unless you are someone that needs the assist.
I have a question. If you bought again would you buy the ZT 2 over the ZT1 for the upgrades or buy the same model. Im about to pull the trigger cant decide between ZT1 50 vs ZT2 50 with under a acre mostly flat property.
If you can afford the ZT2, it has a few upgrades that are probably worth it. The larger rear wheels and upgraded serviceable hydraulics are worth noting. If money is an issue, the ZT1 will serve you just fine.
Hello, just purchased the same zt1 50” with the Kawi motor and upgraded deck, and was thinking about adding the armrest and rear fenders, do you think the armrest were a good addition? Were you able to adjust everything so your arms we’re comfortably on the armrest while mowing? Thanks
I'm glad I have them, but they're not quite the same as my Scag and Exmark mower armrests. There's some adjustments to be made on the push bar height and location, so you might get more use out of the armrests. I haven't noticed rear fenders being needed.
I bought a racing style high back computer chair with arm rests. $75. eBay. It's red and black, looks great on my red ZTR. Only thing I did was remove the base with legs and drill 2 holes in the mower seat plate to mount it, the original 2 holes in front lined up.....A idea that worked out well for me.... Still sorry that I did not buy the C-C ZT1
Bextar636 could you send me dm with a pic and exact chair, I’d like to see it/potentially do the same thing:) elis5150@frontier.com
How big of a yard do you mow. I've hear mixed reports on what the ZT1 is rated for. I have about 2.5 acres of grass with some undulating terrain in some locations and wonder if the ZT1 would be adequate, or upgrade to a larger "prosumer" entry level commercial mower like a gravely. Thanks for any feedback
I've had good luck with this one and think 2.5 acres seems like no problem for it. You may want to consider the ZT2, since it has bigger rear tires and a bigger deck.
I’ve had zero problems with mine and I have a gas can holder mounted on mine for 5 gal so I never run out
Just put the striping kit on mine, want the mulching kit and the arm rests. I got the ZT1 54"
Cool, I'd like to see how the striping kit works.
How do you like the striping kit? All the reviews look pretty negative, saying it mounts too high
It’s been on for a year. Not much of a striping kit at all. It’s more like a deck roller and helps a lot with scalping high spots. I guess it would be really dependent on grass type and condition. My Bermuda isn’t really strong enough to really show stripes. I just noticed the lack of scalping on my 54” deck now.
No offense, but a Striping kit is kinda a waste of time and money. Seeing the stripes on your lawn or anyone's lawn for that matter, is really dependent on where the sun is. When the sun is at your back, the stripes will be much more oblivious.
@@augustreil It's a matter of opinion. It's aesthetics, some ppl don't care about stripes, others think it makes it pop.
So were they the right height the armrest that is. seems like once you installed them there was no comment about them and they look low
They are too low. I just installed them today on my ZT1 ‘42’ and they sit far too low to be useful for anything other than using for leverage getting out of the seat. I even tried lowering the drive bars to mid setting and they are still too low. And I’m tall, over 6 ft. They are not useful at all when riding the machine.
do you have a part number or link to order these?
Thanks
I provided a link in my video description.
Appreciate your time. thanks
You bet! I started out thinking this would be a 2 minute video, but somehow I found more to say, lol!
I bought the zt2 recently which comes w armrests and really don’t use them. When u r mowing your hands r on the bars and arm rests aren’t needed.
They're nice for getting on and off. I'd like to see more custom settings available in their arm rests.
Thank You 🙏
You bet!
I just attempted to install these on a ZT1 54" but I opened up the seat cover and did not locate the plate with the two holes to attach the arms. Does anyone know if this particular model does not come with that plate with the holes? I did check both sides by removing the cover. Thanks
There's some models that the armrests don't work on. I forgot which year or model though. Sorry I can't help.
@@MarkThomasBuilder no worries. Thankfully purchased on Amazon and was able to return. DOM says 1/2022
Nice video. Are the armrests useful? A lot of reviews say they are to low and you can't rest your arms on there.
I'm glad to have them on there, but they could be raised up a little, now that you mention it. There's probably a way to shim it up a little.
@@MarkThomasBuilder thanks the reply
Just to clarify, these arm rests will not go on the ZT1 42" mower, correct? I have the 42" and the seat doesn't seem to have those holes.
Thx
It's been a year since I installed the holes, but I recall having to put a small cut in the seat material to get to the holes. If you remove some of the seat cover, you can see if the holes are there.
@@MarkThomasBuilder my seat cover is stapled on. Don't want to cut it. Can't feel the holes with my fingers.
Appreciate the response 👍
Can i put the arm rest on a toro
Not that I know of, this is specifically made for Cub Cadet.
Would those Arm Rests work on ZT1-42 seat?
I was very curious to know, so I looked it up and you need these armrests... homedepot.sjv.io/rngvoD
Have the mower, except I don't have the hour counter.
I've seen someone add one to theirs. It's nice to have and wish Cub Cadet had them on all their mowers.
You can buy the hr meter. Easy to instal. Plugs right into wiring harness. Paid $40 at tractor supply.
@@windseeker2357 Would love to buy one but I'm unable to find one in Canada.
Newer ZT1 mowers no long have attachment plate on seat so these arm rests cannot be installed. Just bought one Mar2021. Verify your seat has plate before buying these arm rests.
Yes, thanks for sharing. At the time of making the video, the arm rest were made as an accessory.
Where can I buy a hour meter
I would check with your dealer.
Just looked on Home Depot and there $ 140 that’s crazy
I think they jumped up in price over the last few years.
i purchased a shade cover for this mower and the installation instructions are horrible and very difficult to understand, if anyone has some input or know of a how to video, please share...thanks
I haven't tried that accessory yet. Hopefully someone here can give advice.
@@MarkThomasBuilder 10-4 thanks
🤔 💭 is it me or he never said if he liked them especially once he adjusted the controls?
I'm glad to have them on the mower. They're not the same adjustable plush ones found on a $12,000 mower, but they're better than not having them.
Those damn things are $140 now!
Oh wow, that was a jump!
Why not just add the from the factory Cub Cadet? All about the money
I agree.
I have that knife!
It's a unique folder, perfect for this project.
After armrests, I’ll need an iPhone holder
Haha, sounds like a great idea!
If you have a 3D printer, you could make a custom one.
Sadly, seats on the 2021 models do not have the mounting holes or brackets under the seat cover. Very disappointing.
At least not on the one I just took delivery on (ZT1 50).
I was just visiting Cub Cadet last week at the GIE show. I would've asked about that. I'll see if I can reach out to a product manager there and get back to you.
I Have Arm Rest On My
I bought the ZT1 50 three days ago and tried to put the mulching kit on...DISASTER! DO NOT WASTE YOU MONEY AND SHAME ON CC FOR MAKING SUCH CRAP TO PUT ON AN OTHERWISE GREAT MACHINE
I don't use mulching mowers, but I'm guessing you need to mow quite a bit more often to not have them clog up.