Compare/Cub Cadet LT 2042 vs Cub Cadet Z-Force 18

Cub Cadet LT 2042 vs Cub Cadet Z-Force 18

Verdict: Cub Cadet LT 2042 vs Cub Cadet Z-Force 18

The Cub Cadet LT 2042 and the Cub Cadet Z-Force 18 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 18 hp. Cub Cadet LT 2042 is the newer design (2005 vs 2003). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Cub Cadet

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Cub Cadet

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

18 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Cub Cadet (a part of MTD)Reference

air-cooled horizontal-shaft V-twinReference

air-cooled vertical-shaft V-TwinReference

Engine

Fuel tank

8.5 LReference

—

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

—

Bore/Stroke

77 x 67 mmReference

—

Power (gross)

13.4 kWReference

Rated RPM

3350Reference

—

Idle RPM

1400-3600Reference

—

Torque

43.7 NmReference

—

Torque RPM

2200Reference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Sparkplug gap

0.762 mmReference

—

Oil capacity

5.4 LReference

—

Oil change

100 hReference

—

Transmission

Hydro-Gear BDU-10Reference

—

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

Oil type

Drive System Fluid PlusReference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

Front PTO

independentReference

—

Clutch

electricReference

Mid PTO

—

independentReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

119 cmReference

—

Weight

305 kgReference

—

Front tire

15x6-6Reference

—

Rear tire

20x9-8Reference

—

Lawn/turf front

15x6-6Reference

—

Lawn/turf rear

20x9-8Reference

—

Length

182 cmReference

—

Width

99 cmReference

—

Height (steering wheel)

106 cmReference

—

Ground clearance

15 cmReference

—

4-bolt flange rear axle

25 mmReference

—

Front tread

76 cmReference

—

Rear tread

69 cmReference

—

Cub Cadet LT 2042 attachments

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

flywheel alternatorReference

—

Charging amps

15Reference

—

Battery CCA

275Reference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

42" Mower deck

Type

shaft-driven hydrostaticReference

hydrostaticReference

Cutting width

106 cmReference

111 cmReference

Cut height

5 to 10 cmReference

—

Cut positions

6Reference

—

Cub Cadet Z-Force 18 attachments

44" Mower deck

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.