Cub Cadet XT1 Review (2023)

When it comes to mowing a lawn with uneven terrain, not all lawn mowers can handle such a challenging task. However, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series has become a popular option for those needing a reliable and durable lawn tractor. Thanks to its heavy-duty chassis and axle panels, this model has gained a reputation for its ability to tackle rough terrain with ease.

But is the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series truly superior to other riding lawn mowers available on the market? While this lawn tractor’s sturdy build certainly makes it stand out, there are other factors to consider, such as its maneuverability, ease of use, and overall performance.

In any case, it’s worth taking a closer look at these features to determine whether this model is the right option for you. Let’s dive right into the subject and find out.

Design

The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series features a 46-inch mowing deck, side discharge, and twin blade deck. These elements make it ideal for mowing large and bumpy yards. 

Upon closer examination, you can also notice that no shortcuts were taken when designing this machine. With a heavy-duty cast iron construction and a front bumper that ensures durability, the Cub Cadet XT1 is built to last.

Additionally, thanks to a corrosion defense system, which is applied to the mower’s robotically welded frame, it can withstand the elements and stay in mint condition for a long time. However, it’s worth noting that the plastic hood covering the engine should be handled with care. Otherwise, you may damage it by accident. 

All the other parts used to build Club Cadet XT1 are of excellent quality, making it a solid and reliable riding lawn mower that can handle even the roughest and most demanding terrains.

Engine

Thanks to a powerful Kohler engine, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series can cut even the toughest grass. With its 22 HP V-Twin technology, this riding lawn mower cuts grass with high precision and accuracy. 

The engine also ensures that the mower runs smoothly, even on narrow hills or particularly rough terrain. You don’t need to worry about coming to sudden stops or having no other choice but to skip certain parts of your yard just to finish mowing them manually. 

Cub Cadet XT1’s engine and advanced features make it perfect for mowing even the most mower-unfriendly lawns.

Performance

In addition to its impressive mowing capabilities, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series is also equipped to handle more challenging yard work, including getting around slopes. This lawn tractor can easily conquer even the steepest inclines with no problem.

Cub Cadet lawn mower’s hydrostatic transmission system makes it incredibly easy to navigate using just a simple foot pedal push. This system ensures smooth and seamless transitions between gears, allowing for precise control and excellent maneuverability.

While this lawn mower doesn’t have an exceptional turning radius like a zero-turn mower, the 46-inch mowing deck allows you to cover a large area quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your lawn looks neat and even, leaving your neighbors green with envy.

Efficiency

One of the most notable features of the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series is its reverse function. It’s a true time-saver since it allows the mower to move backwards even when operating at speeds of up to an impressive 3.1 mph.

If you need to adjust the cutting deck to cut taller grass, you can use a handy lever on the side. By pushing it back or forth, you can adjust it to your particular needs and mow your lawn with precision and accuracy, regardless of the height of the grass.

Cub Cadet XT1 is battery-loaded, which means it has an electric start function and an auto transmission, which can also be helpful if you’re new to riding lawn mowers. 

Additionally, this mower features a high-capacity fuel tank, so you won’t need to refuel it frequently. The fill cap can be found on both sides of the mower, making it much easier to refill the tank when needed. This way, you’ll be able to cover more ground without frequent stops.

Safety Features

Aside from all the elements designed to make mowing with Cub Cadet XT1 easier and more efficient, this mower is also packed with safety features. After all, as with any moving machine, safety should always be a top priority. 

The mower has several safety options, such as a brake pedal lock that ensures the engine stops if the operator leaves the seat without using the manual parking brake. Furthermore, the PTO safety switch won’t allow the engine to start unless the driver disengages the mowing deck. It’s a brilliant feature that helps ensure that the operator is always in the seat when the mower is actually cutting the grass.

Last but not least, this mower features front bumpers that add a layer of extra protection to the rider, preventing flying debris from getting to the rider and keeping you safe while mowing.

Undeniably, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series is a powerful and efficient riding lawn mower designed with safety in mind. With its numerous safety features, including ensuring operator presence and extra front bumpers, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lawn tractor that’s not only reliable but also safe to work with.

Comfort

In addition to its impressive safety measures, the Cub Cadet XT1 is also designed to ensure a great deal of comfort to anyone who operates it. The mower features a high back seat rest that won’t let you strain your back, even if you continue mowing for hours at a time. If you have a  large yard to mow, you’ll remain comfortable and pain-free.

This mower is suitable even for short people, as the ergonomic seat is easily adjusted to different heights. Whether you need to cover a lot of ground in one day or just need a reliable and comfortable lawn tractor, the Cub Cadet lawn mower is an excellent choice.

Accessories

Besides being safe and comfortable, the Cub Cadet XT1 also comes with some thoughtful details that make it stand out among its competitors even more. 

For example, the mower includes a small bin and cup holder near the control wheel, ensuring that you have everything you need within easy reach while mowing. Moreover, the mower come with a reliable headlight that you can use to mow your lawn after dark or in dim weather conditions. 

Additionally, the Club Cadet comes with accessories such as the mulch kit that you can purchase separately. This way, you can customize the mower to your specific needs, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.

Maintenance

Just like any other riding mower, the Cub Cadet XT1 requires regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the air filter and ensuring that you change the oil at least once every spring or summer or every 50 hours of use.

Bear in mind that as you’re using the mower, it’s natural for slight imperfections like grease, oil, or cracks to appear on the surface. Fortunately, the mower has a dedicated Deck Wash System, which allows for connecting its deck to a water hose. This way, you can easily clean it and make sure that it stays in top condition without any hassle. 

By properly maintaining your Cub Cadet lawn mower, you can enjoy using it for years to come and minimize the risk of dealing with common issues and problems that can arise with poorly maintained mowers.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro series is a powerful and reliable lawn tractor capable of handling even the most challenging mowing tasks. From its heavy-duty construction and advanced features to the comfortable seat and numerous safety options, this mower is designed to make mowing your yard easier and more efficient.

While it may not have an exceptional turning radius like a zero-turn mower, its 46-inch mowing deck and hydrostatic transmission system allow for excellent maneuverability and precise control, making it an excellent option for anyone with a larger yard.

Moreover, the Cub Cadet lawn mower is packed with thoughtful details and accessories that make mowing more comfortable and convenient. Its high-capacity fuel tank and battery-loaded engine help ensure that you can cover more ground without frequent stops.

So, if you’re looking for a powerful, efficient, and reliable lawn tractor that can handle even the roughest and most demanding terrains with ease, the Cub Cadet XT1 is an excellent option worth considering.

Jack Grover

Enamored with the world of golf Jack pursued a degree in Golf Course Management at THE Ohio State University. This career path allowed him to work on some of the highest profile golf courses in the country!  Due to the pandemic, Jack began Inside The Yard as a side hustle that quickly became his main hustle. Since starting the company, Jack has relocated to a homestead in Central Arkansas where he and his wife raise cattle and two little girls.