Cub Cadet Vs John Deere – Who Makes The Better Mowers?
Everyone loves a well-manicured lawn; but when you have a large property, maintaining your lawn in pristine condition can be a full-time job.
That’s why many people turn to Cub Cadet and John Deere.
John Deere and Cub Cadet are both renowned manufacturers of riding mowers and lawn tractors.
The right riding mower will help you preserve the good looks of your lawn without having to dedicate the majority of your week to the chore.
However a riding mower is a sizable investment. Making things more complex is that John Deere and Cub Cadet make riding mowers that are very similar in terms of capability and features.
It’s understandable that some consumers (especially those who have never purchased a riding mower before) may have trouble deciding between the two brands.
So in the following article, we will be comparing some popular mower models from each company. We will also be comparing the merits of the brands themselves. Let’s get started!
Cub Cadet Vs John Deere Overview
Today, John Deere and Cub Cadet are household names among tradesmen, farmers and anyone in the agricultural industry.
However, John Deere has a much longer history than Cub Cadet.
John Deere began all the way back in 1837 when John Deere himself began making steel tools and plows in Illinois. Cub Cadet on the other hand began much more recently in 1960.
John Deere also makes a wider variety of heavy-duty outdoor equipment as well as drivetrains and forestry machinery. Cub Cadet is more known for making Outdoor equipment, snow blowers and other handheld tools.
What is Each Company Known for?
Cub Cadet excels at making affordable lawn mowers that are also easy to operate.
One of the most distinctive features of Cub Cadet mowers is the anti-corrosive continuous steel frame that acts as a first line of defense for the components of the mower including the engine.
Cub Cadet also tends to stick to the private sector. Most of their mowers are built with small residences in mind; although they do make models that are also suitable for commercial use.
John Deere is known for making high-quality residential and commercial mowers. One thing that John Deere customers love is that the company makes durable blades for their mowers.
In fact, most John Deere mower blades never have to be replaced.
John Deere is also known for making high-powered commercial forestry equipment. So when it comes to power and capability, John Deere is usually the company that people turn to.
Best Riding Mower for Small to Medium Lawns
Cub Cadet XT1 LT42
Quick Facts:
- 541cc engine
- 42” deck
- Gas-powered
- Hydrostatic drive
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 features a 42” cutting deck and 12 different cutting heights.
This is considered an entry-level riding mower but it is more than capable of mowing lawns up to about 1.5 acres.
What we really liked about the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 at first was that it was easy to use. The controls are intuitive – in fact it’s a lot like driving a car.
So the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 would be a great choice for anyone buying a riding mower for the first time.
The cutting deck housing is made of stamped steel so it should last for a long time and stand up to a few bumps here and there. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 has a max forward speed of 5.5 MPH and a max reverse speed of 3 MPH.
The deck features 2 blades. The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 also has a 16” turning radius.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Fuel-efficient
- Affordable
Cons
- No fuel gauge
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere S130
Quick Facts:
- 724cc engine
- Gas-powered
- Two-wheel drive
- 42” deck
It’s important to note that the John Deere S130 is actually a lawn tractor. As such, the John Deere S130 can be outfitted with a front-mounted snow blade and converted into a snow blower (with the purchase of attachments and accessories).
So if you would like more versatility in your mower, the John Deere S130 would be a good choice. It too is considered an entry level riding mower but what we really like about it is that it is super easy to change the oil.
The hydrostatic transmission system also gives you near-limitless choices in terms of forward and reverse speeds. This is a powerful mower that can cut through pretty much any kind of weeds or turf.
Pros
- Snow blowing options
- Powerful motor
- Spring return choke
Cons
- Poor turning radius
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Best Zero-Turn Mower for Small to Medium Lawns
Cub Cadet ZT1 42 FAB
Quick Facts:
- 726cc engine
- Hydrostatic transmission
- 42” deck
- Gas-powered
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42 FAB features the anti-corrosive frame construction and of course, zero-turn radius.
The front wheels swivel independently so you can maneuver around corners and obstacles at will.
The cutting deck height can be adjusted from 1” to 45”. We really liked how the air lift system stands grass blades up.
This makes for very consistent and clean cutting even for slightly moist grass.
When the grass was fully wet is when the Cub Cadet ZT1 42 FAB struggled. So we would recommend this mower for anyone who doesn’t live in a particularly rainy or precipitous region of the country.
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Durable deck
- Strong frame
Cons
- Struggles with wet grass
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere Z335E
Quick Facts:
- 656cc engine
- 42” deck
- Stamped steel deck construction
The John Deere Z335E is a very easy-to-master zero-turn mower so if you have never operated a zero-turn mower before, this would be a good one for you.
It features a 42” cutting deck so it would be best for properties about 1.5 acres and smaller.
In terms of comfort, the Cub Cadet ZT1 42 FAB was offered a smoother ride; but the John Deere Z335E makes up for it in durability.
The deck is made of stamped steel which will stand up better debris buildup.
The John Deere Z335E also features an electric start that is very reliable – even in cold conditions. The engine features full-pressure lubrication which will extend its life and optimize its performance.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Intuitive controls
- Rear engine guard
Cons
- Expensive
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Best Lawn Tractor For Big Gardens
Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54
Quick Facts:
- Hydrostatic transmission
- 54” deck
- 725cc engine
- Gas-powered
The Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 features a large 54” cutting deck which would make it suitable for properties of about 2+ acres.
There are 12 deck height positions that range from 1 inch to 4 inches.
The Cub Cadet XT2 SLX54 is capable of forward speeds of up to 5.5 MPH and reverse speeds of up to 3 MPH.
Overall, we were impressed with the power and speed of this mower. The transmission shifts very smoothly and the seat is very comfortable.
We liked that the back support of the operator seat is nice and high so even if you have to mow for a couple of hours at a time, it won’t be too hard on your body. The only thing we really didn’t like was that the side chute was made of a heavy plastic.
Pros
- Very comfortable ride
- Cuts very evenly
- Good speed
Cons
- Flimsy deck chute
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere X590
Quick Facts:
- 54” deck
- 726cc engine
- Gas-powered
- Power steering
The John Deere X590 is decked out with premium features like a power steering and a hydraulic deck lift.
The hydraulic deck lift makes it much easier to adjust the height of the deck and the power steering not only makes maneuvering a breeze; it actually makes this mower kind of fun to drive.
The John Deere X590 also features an easy-to-read fuel gauge that is clearly visible from the tractor seat. Speaking of fuel, the John Deere X590 is also surprisingly fuel-efficient for a mower with a 726cc engine.
The electronic throttle helps with fuel efficiency as it helps optimize the power usage actively as you mow. The John Deere X590 also bears the hallmark of most John Deere riding mowers; tool-less oil changes.
Pros
- Very easy to change the oil
- Fuel gauge
- Fuel-efficient
Cons
- Costs about as much as a used car
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Best Zero Turn For Large Gardens
Cub Cadet ZT3 60
Quick Facts:
- 725cc engine
- Hydrostatic drive
- 60” deck
- Gas-powered
We quickly realized that most of the Cub Cadet mowers we tested were supremely comfortable. The Cub Cadet ZT3 60 was no exception.
It features padded armrests and a 24” high back support on the seat.
This mower can easily handle properties of 3+ acres too. It has a 60” cutting deck and a max forward speed of 7 MPH with a hydrostatic drive.
That means no shifting. All you have to do is press down on the gas pedal and go.
You can also adjust the position of the seat with a handy seat slide. The Cub Cadet ZT3 60 also features a reliable electric start function.
Pros
- Starts up easily
- Very comfortable
- 5” max deck height
Cons
- No deck wash
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
John Deere Z530M
Quick Facts:
- 726cc engine
- 48” deck
- Gas-powered
As a zero turn radius mower, the John Deere Z530M would be a great choice for anyone whose property has a lot of obstacles and features.
It maneuvers like a dream and allows you to cut crisp, straight lines with ease.
It features a fully-pressurized lubrication system for longevity and performance. The John Deere Z530M is capable of max forward speeds of 8.5 MPH so it can cover a lot of ground in short order.
Pros
- Hourmeter
- Parking brake
- Motor memory
Cons
- Expensive
Check Out More Reviews Here:
What Does John Deere Do Better?
John Deere is better at making mowers that are suitable for large lawns and properties. They also make mowers that are built to last longer and more durable overall – as opposed to Cub Cadet models.
Lastly, John Deere is better at making low-maintenance mowers that allow for very simple, tool-less oil changes.
What Does Cub Cadet Do Better?
Cub Cadet makes comfortable mowers better than John Deere. Almost all of the Cub Cadet mowers we tested were more comfortable than comparable John Deere models. Cub Cadet mowers are also more affordable.
Which Brand is Better-Priced?
Cub Cadet makes more affordable mowers. With John Deere, you certainly pay more upfront; but you may get more use out of them thanks to their durable construction.
Which Brand Cuts Better?
From our testing, we observed that the John Deere blades were sharper and the cutting decks were better at standing grass blades up. However, the difference in cutting performance between these two brands was negligible.
Which Controls & Handles Better?
This was a wash. The zero-turn mowers from Cub Cadet and John Deere handled equally well.
Which Brand is More Reliable?
We would have to say John Deere simply because it seems like their mowers would last a longer time than Cub Cadet’s.
Which Brand Lasts Longer?
John Deere is better-known for making mowers that last longer – partly because they are easier to maintain.
Who Should Buy John Deere?
John Deere mowers would be a good choice for anyone who anticipates that they will need a riding mower pretty much for the rest of their lives.
Who Should Buy Cub Cadet?
A Cub Cadet mower would be a good option if you are on a budget. Cub Cadet mowers would also be a good fit for anyone who prioritizes comfort.
Final Assessment
In terms of performance, we can’t say that one brand did better than the other.
Both brands have models that perform well for large and small properties. What it really comes down to is longevity and comfort.
If you are looking for a mower that will last you for at least 10 years, go with John Deere.
If however you prefer maximum comfort from a riding mower, we would recommend Cub Cadet.
