Strengths Engine is powerful, cuts the high stuff going up steep hills without skipping a beat. Great on uneven yards with a lot of dips and you can control machine by leaning easily. The deck is easy to get on and off which makes changing the blades and mounting up plow a walk in the park. This machine is comfortable to operate..(glad they got something right).

Weaknesses WILL NOT start if 45 degrees or colder outside. The only way I can get it to start is with starting fluid. Pretty much makes the plow I bought for it useless unless you have a climate controlled garage for storage. Cranks for 7+ seconds even when its above 75 degrees outside before it starts. Repair shop cannot figure out the starting issue. Deck is cheap like a lowes or home depot grade quality deck. Pedal controls are seriously junk, constantly bending and breaking. Pedals need attention often including welding repairs occasionally.

Overall For the money...A COMPLETE disapointment. It seems it needs attention every week or so, its always something with this Cub Cadet tractor. Its a shame too because it seems the drivetrain is strong but they skimped out on some of the less important things, causing this tractor to be a HEADACHE! Cub Cadet has now burned their bridge with me I will NEVER buy a Cub again!

Strengths Low vibration, turning radius

Weaknesses overheats, uneven cut, average discharge, bad air intake design, dirty filter

Overall Waste of money. It overheats after 1 hour of operation. We have 9 hours on it and it overheats after 1 hour. Been in shop twice and the dealer won't take it back and Cub Cadet won't return our calls.

Strengths power, speed, tight turning radius

Weaknesses poor assembly quality service network poor

Overall Better than my previous Yard King 20hp, but 2x the money, too. It has more power, better speed, cuts more even, turns sharper, and negotiates my hilly yard much better. But I can't rate assembly quality very good and the MTD & dealer service system in this area is pretty sad. Engine has a nasty backfire if not allowed to cool at idle for about a minute before turning off. Hope these early problems are not an indication of longevity. Can order parts on line for other MTD models but not the Cub Cadet. PTO drive (deck drive) belt not in stock at any of the 6 St Paul, MN area dealers I contacted. The North St Paul dealer listed on the Cub Cadet website isn't even a Cub Cadet dealer. Dealer I