Compare/Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 vs Cub Cadet Z48

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 vs Cub Cadet Z48

Verdict: Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 vs Cub Cadet Z48

The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 and the Cub Cadet Z48 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 XT1 LT42 is the lighter machine (185 kg vs 347 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet Z48 holds more fuel (20.8 L vs 11.4 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is the newer design (2015 vs 1997). 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 vertical-shaftReference

air-cooled vertical-shaft V-TwinReference

Steering

manualReference

—

Original price

—

$4,900 (1998 )Reference

Engine

Fuel tank

11.4 LReference

20.8 LReference

Displacement

36.4 ciReference

—

Bore/Stroke

94 x 86 mmReference

—

Power (gross)

13.4 kWReference

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Oil capacity

1.2 LReference

5.7 LReference

Transmission

Tuff Torq K46Reference

Hydro-Gear BDRReference

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Front PTO

independentReference

—

Clutch

manualReference

electricReference

Mid PTO

—

independentReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

119 cmReference

—

Weight

185 kgReference

347 kgReference

Front tire

15x6Reference

9x3.5Reference

Rear tire

20x8Reference

20x9-8Reference

Lawn/turf front

15x6Reference

11x4 (late)Reference

Lawn/turf rear

20x8Reference

20x9-8Reference

Length

172 cmReference

—

Height

107 cmReference

—

Front axle

Cast-ironReference

—

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 attachments

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

flywheel alternatorReference

—

Charging amps

12Reference

—

Battery CCA

230Reference

380Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

42" Mower deck

Type

belt-driven hydrostaticReference

hydrostaticReference

Cutting width

106 cmReference

121 cmReference

Overall width

127 cmReference

—

Cut height

2 to 10 cmReference

3 to 11 cmReference

Cut positions

12Reference

—

Cub Cadet Z48 attachments

48" 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.