Strengths 20HP Kawasaki Motor, Turning radius, GOOD CUTTING, Comfortable

Weaknesses quality NOT as it used to be and I Mean WAY DOWN

Overall After receiving the tractor, got it off the crate, filled up with fresh gas, checked the oil, pulled the choke, made sure that the parking brake was on and finally turned the ignition key and the motor started for about 2(Real) seconds and then quited for not restarting ever again. Well, very disappointing . We ordered another one, when we received it did the same routine but this time it started and kept going and going and going, AMAZING!!!. So now the KW motor was puring nicely, I toke it for a ride everything was fine , the full speed is a Little to slow compare to my other rider, but not a deal breaker as it's after all a lawn mower and not a race car. Nice turning radius A+ I mowed a little bit and the electric P.T.O stated smoothly and the deck went down easy ,no problem at all, the cutting was nice and regular, very nice. The deck cleaning system is more a sale speech as it's not very efficient. Now for the quality or would i say the lack of it. Well it's not what Cub Cadet used to be, no more the 4 bolts hub for the rare wheel just one now like all the cheap MTD. The deck gage is like thin can, the quick connect front release system for the deck is now a single pin instead of the much more stable and stronger 2 points sliding lock . The lowering deck handle is cracked at the top as it's a cheap molded foam. I tried to take it off but it's glued on the lever so I don't know how I'm going to change it . The gas thank is under the hood, but you still be able to fill it up with out opening the hood. The battery is now under the seat where the rain water is going to rust the battery housing (What was wrong with having the battery well protected under the hood). The lights are not sealed at all so expect the dust to go inside the lights housing: Oh by the way the lights are always ON , a OFF switch would have be nice The belt protectors on the deck are now plastic instead of strong steel. NO MORE FRONT BUMPER, How cheap are they going to go!!!!. Conclusion. At the end IT still a good riding lawn mower with a good, smooth Kawasaki twin motor and a nice ride and cutting propriety, BUT the overall quality is going down the drain. thanks to MTD Cub cadet (at less the 1000 series) is no better that the competition anymore, to bad!!! Claude

Strengths Excellent cut in all conditions, powerful engine

Weaknesses Leaves wheel marks

Overall Engine starts easy and has loads of power. Makes a good clean cut even in tall grass at high ground speeds. Never bogs down or clogs and leaves a nice distribution of clippings. I like the electric PTO and the way the reverse moving override works. Cub really sells hard on their tight turning radius, but on tight turns the outside front wheel leaves a cut mark esp. if the grass is not super thick or the soil is slightly damp as it tends to be under trees and other shady spots. Never had this problem with my old Yard Man tractor that I replaced. Helps to lower the front tire pressure way down (4-5 psi). Even so, get used to making gentle Y-turns unless you have very robust turf or can live with wheel marks. If not for this issue, I would give it 10 rating.

Strengths Good power,fast,comfortable, easy on fuel

Weaknesses none so far

Overall Good machine,cannot review reliability yet, give me another 6months.

Strengths

Weaknesses Reverse pedal could be better designed. John Deere system with side by side pedals works much better.

Overall I've owned just about every brand of tractor you can name and everything from low-end to commercial mowers. This thing can flat out mow! Every claim about the mowing deck is 100% true. Cuts super even, clean, no clumps even when heavy (8") tall and wet grass, no scalping, distributes cut grass over area about 10' wide and cuttings are so fine they disappear into the lawn. Tractor is plenty heavy duty if you use it for it's intended use. Also, you need to double check the adjustments and make sure everything is greased before you start to use it. Love it so far.

Strengths alooks tough

Weaknesses Bad rattle in steering shaft at the steering wheel, Should have a center shaft brace. Reverse petal a little high.

Overall could use a few improvements for the money it cost. Had only one month, so can,t say to much yet. Any sugestions on what oil to use other than B/S. St 30 or multi grade.