Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 Review
The LT42 is the cheapest Cub Cadet lawn tractor, with an 18 hp single, 42-in. deck and tight 16-in. turn radius. It suits yards up to about 1.5 acres.
- Deck size
- 42 in
- Horsepower
- 18 HP
- Drive
- 2WD, hydrostatic
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 18 HP |
| Engine | Single-cylinder OHV, air-cooled (Cub Cadet 547 cc) |
| Displacement | 547 cc, 1 cylinder |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Tuff Torq hydrostatic, foot pedal |
| Drive | 2WD, hydrostatic |
| Deck size | 42 in |
| Deck construction | Stamped, 13-gauge steel, twin-blade, side discharge |
| Cutting height | 12 positions |
| Blades | Twin blades |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching with optional kit |
| Top speed | 5.5 mph forward, 2.5 mph reverse |
| Turning radius | 16 in |
| Front tires | 15x6-6 |
| Rear tires | 20x8-8 |
| Weight | About 410 lb (earlier Kohler version) |
| Dimensions | About 67 in L x 52 in W x 43 in H |
| Fuel capacity | 3 US gal (11.4 L) |
| Recommended property size | Up to about 1.5 acres |
| Battery | 12V |
| Deck wheels | Anti-scalp gauge wheels |
| Seat | High-back, adjustable |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Lowest price in the XT1 line
- Tight 16-in. turn radius
- Foot-pedal hydrostatic drive
- 3-year no-hour-limit warranty
- Good fit for small yards
What could be better
- Single-cylinder engine
- Thinner 13-gauge stamped deck
- No locking differential
- Not built for hills or large lots
- Smaller deck than the LT46 and LT50
XT1 LT42 review
Our take on the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is the starting point of the XT1 Enduro line. It has a 42-inch stamped deck, a foot-pedal hydrostatic drive and a tight 16-inch turn radius. It uses a single-cylinder Cub Cadet IntelliPower engine. Cub Cadet says it suits up to 1.5 acres of mostly flat ground.
Engine and drive
The engine is a 547 cc Cub Cadet single. Earlier versions used a Kohler single of about 541 cc. Both are rated at about 18 hp. A single is simpler and costs less than a V-twin. It can feel less smooth in thick, wet grass.
Drive is a Tuff Torq hydrostatic transmission. You push a pedal to go. There is no shifting. Cub Cadet describes the steering as giving a zero-turn feel. The 16-inch turn radius helps around trees and beds.
The 42-inch deck
The deck is stamped from 13-gauge steel. It has twin blades and 12 cutting positions. Side discharge is standard. A wash-out port helps with cleanup. Mulching is possible with an optional kit. Fabricated decks on higher models use thicker 11-gauge steel.
Comfort and extras
The LT42 has a high-back seat and an adjustable seat position. Cub Cadet also lists cruise control. The rear tires are tall for better grip. The fuel tank holds about 3 gallons.
Warranty and limits
The warranty is 3 years with no hour limit, plus 5 years on the chassis and front axle. The LT42 does not have a locking differential. It is not the machine for hills or large lots. It is built for small to medium yards.
Who should buy it
Buy the LT42 if your yard is about an acre and you want the lowest price from Cub Cadet. Step up to the LT46 for a V-twin engine and a wider deck.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 have?
About 18 hp from a single-cylinder 547 cc Cub Cadet IntelliPower engine.
What size yard suits the LT42?
Cub Cadet says up to 1.5 acres of mostly flat ground.
What is the LT42 turning radius?
16 inches.
How long is the LT42 warranty?
3 years with no hour limit, plus 5 years on the chassis and front axle.
Does the LT42 have a locking differential?
No.
Owner reviews
No owner reviews yet. Own one? Be the first to share what it is like to live with.
Related models
Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 Review
The LT46 adds a 22 hp Kohler V-twin and a 46-in. deck to the XT1 formula. It is the value pick for…
22 HP · 46 in · $2,599
Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 Review
The LT50 pairs a 24 hp Kohler V-twin with a 50-in. fabricated AeroForce deck. It is built for yards of 2 to…
24 HP · 50 in · $2,999
Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Review
The ST54 is the widest XT1, with a 54-in. fabricated deck, 24 hp V-twin and cruise control. It is built for large,…
24 HP · 54 in · $3,499
Cub Cadet XT2 SLX50 Review
The SLX50 adds armrests, cruise control and a heavy-duty Kohler V-twin to a 50-in. fabricated deck. It is a comfort upgrade over…
24 HP · 50 in · $3,999
Compare with similar models
Troy-Bilt Pony Review
The Pony 42 is Troy-Bilt's entry rider, with a 547 cc engine, 42-in. deck, 7-speed hand-lever drive and an 18-in. turn radius.…
0 HP · 42 in · $1,996
Troy-Bilt Bronco Review
The Bronco adds an AutoDrive foot-pedal transmission, an adjustable seat and a 42 or 46-in. deck to Troy-Bilt's rider line. It suits…
0 HP · 42 or 46 in · $2,200
Craftsman T110 Review
The T110 is a basic 42-in. riding mower with a 17.5 hp single-cylinder engine and 7-speed gear drive. It suits one to…
17.5 HP · 42 in · $2,199
Craftsman T240 Review
The T240 pairs a 22 hp Kohler V-twin with a 46-in. deck, hydrostatic drive and a high-back seat. It suits one to…
22 HP · 46 in · $2,399
