Cub Cadet ZT1 42 Review
The ZT1 42 is the compact, lowest-priced Ultima zero-turn, with a fabricated 42-in. deck and Kawasaki V-twin. It suits yards up to about 2 acres.
- Deck size
- 42 in
- Horsepower
- 21.5 HP
- Drive
- Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 21.5 HP |
| Engine | Kawasaki V-twin OHV, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 726 cc, 2 cylinders |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Dual hydrostatic, lap bar control |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic |
| Deck size | 42 in |
| Deck construction | Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, two-blade, side discharge |
| Cutting height | 1 to 4.5 in, 15 positions |
| Blades | Two blades |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits |
| Top speed | 7 mph forward, 3.5 mph reverse |
| Turning radius | Zero |
| Front tires | 11x6-5 casters |
| Rear tires | 20x8-8 |
| Weight | Not published by Cub Cadet |
| Dimensions | 42-in. deck; see Cub Cadet spec sheet for full size |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.25 L) |
| Recommended property size | Up to about 2 acres |
| Seat | 20 in high-back, knob adjust |
| Frame | 2 x 2 in. tubular steel, e-coated |
| Engine oil capacity | 1.8 qt |
| Rear hitch | Yes |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Lowest-priced Ultima zero-turn
- Fabricated 11-gauge deck
- Kawasaki V-twin
- 7 mph top speed
- Fits narrow gates
What could be better
- Narrower deck means more passes
- Smaller 20x8-8 rear tires
- Lap bars only
- Engine rating differs by model year
- Fewer comfort extras than higher Ultimas
ZT1 42 review
Our take on the Cub Cadet ZT1 42
The Cub Cadet ZT1 42 is the smallest and cheapest Ultima zero-turn. It has a 42-inch fabricated AeroForce deck and a Kawasaki V-twin. It is built for small to medium yards with tight gates. If you are comparing sizes in the line, see our Ultima ZT1 review. Our ZT1 50 review covers the wider model.
Engine and drive
Cub Cadet lists a 21.5 hp, 726 cc Kawasaki twin for the current ZT1 42. Older units used an 18 hp FR600V. Check the engine tag on the machine you are buying. Dual hydrostatic transmissions give 7 mph forward and 3.5 mph reverse. The tank holds 3.5 gallons.
Deck and cut
The deck is 42 inches wide and fabricated from 11-gauge steel. It has two blades and 15 cutting positions. Height runs from 1 to 4.5 inches. A foot pedal with a dial sets it. A hitch is included for towing small carts.
Seat and tires
The seat is a 20-inch high-back with knob adjustment. Front tires are 11×6-5 casters. Rear tires are 20×8-8. The rear tires are smaller than on the ZT1 50, so grip is lighter on slopes.
Warranty and build
The frame is 2 by 2 inch tubular steel with an e-coated lower frame. The warranty is 3 years with no hour limit. The frame and deck shell have limited lifetime coverage.
Limits to know about
The ZT1 42 has fewer comfort extras than higher models. It uses lap bars. The narrower deck means more passes on big lawns.
Who should buy it
Buy the ZT1 42 if you have up to two acres and narrow gates. Choose the ZT1 50 if you want a wider cut and a bit more power.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet ZT1 42 have?
Cub Cadet lists 21.5 hp from a 726 cc Kawasaki V-twin. Older units had 18 hp.
What deck does the ZT1 42 have?
A 42-inch fabricated AeroForce deck made from 11-gauge steel.
How fast is the ZT1 42?
Up to 7 mph forward and 3.5 mph in reverse.
Does the ZT1 42 have a hitch?
Yes. A rear tow hitch is included.
How is the ZT1 42 different from the ZT1 50?
The ZT1 50 has a wider deck, a 23 hp engine and larger rear tires.
Owner reviews
No owner reviews yet. Own one? Be the first to share what it is like to live with.
Related models
Cub Cadet ZT1 50 Review
The ZT1 50 offers a 23 hp Kawasaki, a 50-in. three-blade fabricated deck and 20x10-8 tires at a mid-range price. It suits…
23 HP · 50 in · $3,749
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 Review
The Ultima ZT1 series is the budget way into Cub Cadet's Ultima zero-turns, with Kawasaki V-twins, fabricated AeroForce decks and 7 mph…
21.5 HP · 42, 50 or 54 in (46 in in some markets) · $3,429
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 Review
The Ultima ZT3 offers a 24 hp Kawasaki, ZT-3100 transmissions and a 24-in. armrest seat. It is the premium Ultima ZT for…
24 HP · 50, 54 or 60 in · $5,599
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2 Review
The Ultima ZT2 line adds wider fabricated decks and a Kawasaki V-twin at a mid-range price. It suits two to four acres.
23 HP · 50, 54 or 60 in · $4,679
Compare with similar models
Husqvarna Z248F Review
The Z248F offers a 23.1 hp Kawasaki V-twin, a 48-in. three-blade ClearCut deck and 6.5 mph speed. It is a strong middle…
23.1 HP · 48 in · $3,899
Husqvarna Z460 Review
The Z460 offers a 23 hp Kawasaki V-twin, a 60-in. deck, 10 mph speed, folding ROPS and a 4-year warranty. It suits…
23 HP · 60 in · $9,799
Husqvarna Z254 Review
The Z254 is an affordable 54-in. zero-turn in the Z200 Series, with a Briggs PXi2400 V-twin, 6.5 mph speed and a wash…
24 HP · 54 in · $3,599
Husqvarna Z254F Review
The Z254F pairs a 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin with a 54-in. ClearCut deck, armrests and LED lights. It suits open lawns up…
24 HP · 54 in · $3,999
