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 4 acres at a price below the XT2 line.
- Deck size
- 50 in
- Horsepower
- 24 HP
- Drive
- 2WD, hydrostatic
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 24 HP |
| Engine | Kohler 7000 Series V-twin OHV, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 725 cc, 2 cylinders |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Foot-pedal hydrostatic |
| Drive | 2WD, hydrostatic |
| Deck size | 50 in |
| Deck construction | Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, triple-blade, side discharge |
| Cutting height | 12 positions |
| Blades | Triple blades |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits |
| Top speed | Not published by Cub Cadet |
| Turning radius | 16 in |
| Front tires | 15x6 |
| Rear tires | 20x8 |
| Weight | About 500 lb |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase 47 in; 50-in. deck |
| Fuel capacity | 3 US gal (11.4 L) |
| Recommended property size | 2 to 4 acres |
| Battery | AGM, 12V |
| Wheelbase | 47 in |
| Deck lift | Manual |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Fabricated 11-gauge AeroForce deck
- 24 hp Kohler V-twin
- Triple blades for finer clippings
- Lifetime limited deck-shell warranty
- 16-in. turn radius
What could be better
- No fuel gauge listed
- No locking differential
- Wide 50-in. deck
- Manual deck lift
- Best on flat ground
XT1 LT50 review
Our take on the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 is where the XT1 line gets serious. It has a 24 hp Kohler V-twin and a 50-inch fabricated AeroForce deck. The deck uses thicker 11-gauge steel and three blades. Cub Cadet says it suits 2 to 4 acres of mostly flat ground.
Engine and drive
The engine is a Kohler 7000 Series V-twin rated at 24 hp. It displaces about 725 cc. Drive is a foot-pedal hydrostatic transmission. There is no shifting. The turn radius is 16 inches.
The AeroForce deck
The deck is fabricated rather than stamped. It is welded from 11-gauge steel. The AeroForce design moves air to reduce clumping and improve bagging. It has three blades. Cub Cadet calls the result its Signature Cut.
A fabricated deck also carries a limited lifetime deck-shell warranty. That is a real long-term advantage over the stamped decks on the LT42 and LT46.
Comfort and upkeep
The seat is a cut-and-sew high-back design with incline and slide adjustment. An AGM battery gives longer life and stronger starts than a standard wet battery. The tractor weighs about 500 lb, which is more than the smaller XT1 tractors.
How it differs from the SLX50
The SLX50 is a 50-inch XT2 model. It adds armrests and a heavy-duty engine. See our XT2 SLX50 review for that comparison.
Limits to know about
There is no fuel gauge listed on XT1 models. The LT50 does not have a locking differential. A 50-inch deck is wide, so measure your gates first.
Who should buy it
Buy the LT50 if you mow two acres or more and want a fabricated deck at a fair price. Choose the LT46 if your yard is smaller.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 have?
24 hp from a Kohler 7000 Series V-twin.
What deck does the LT50 have?
A 50-inch fabricated AeroForce deck made from 11-gauge steel with three blades.
What size yard suits the LT50?
Cub Cadet says 2 to 4 acres of mostly flat ground.
How is the LT50 different from the LT46?
It has more power, a wider fabricated deck, three blades and a lifetime deck-shell warranty.
How long is the LT50 warranty?
3 years with no hour limit, 5 years on the chassis and front axle, and a limited lifetime deck shell.
Owner reviews
No owner reviews yet. Own one? Be the first to share what it is like to live with.
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