Cub Cadet RZTS42 4.20 star(s) (5)

Steering Problems
Model Year: 2014

The mower worked well for two years, but I have had a second episode this summer of steering malfunction. The front steering wheel gets way out of alignment to where it won't go. I got it fixed at an authorized repair dealer. The front steering gear plates got out of sync. I got it back and it did it again. Both times were while mowing on a flat smooth lawn. I'm afraid this might be a chronic recurring problem. Don't buy a mower with the steering wheel.

Pros: Runs well, mows smoothly, nice ride, does tight turns, starts easily
Cons: Steering with a steering wheel must have a design flaw

Great for Slopes
Model Year: 2012

I mow a couple of acres, some of which is quite steep (26 degree slope). For years I used a 42" Snapper rider which usually did pretty well going uphill, but often skidded going down (with the associated turf destruction). It was often difficult to steer going uphill because of the reduced weight on the front wheels. And if you were ever forced to stop while going uphill, you had better not push the clutch, but instead, just turn off the key and then gradually ease it back downhill a few inches at a time. I had tried a Dixon ZTR mower years ago before I bought the Snapper, but it would not work because there was too much hydraulic leakage through the motors and it would essentially freewheel downhill. So I was apprehensive about buying a zero turn. But the Cub Cadet works great. With the RZT S, mowing became MUCH safer. Not only can you steer with the front wheels, but if you release the accelerator it will essentially stop on the slope. It will creep downhill but nothing scary. I can now start and stop while on a slope without feeling in danger of turning over.

Pros: Great for slopes.
Cons: Even though it is a zero turn, you cannot mow around posts or trees because with the 42" mower, the rear wheel will hit the tree if you try to cut too close to it. This might not be an issue with a larger mower deck that sticks farther out past the rear wheels.

Cub Cadet RZTS42
Model Year: 2012

I've owned my 42" Cub Cadet mower for a little over two years. I have 160 hours on it now. I must say upfront that the R stands for residential I believe and unless your yard is truly a reasonably smooth piece of real estate this mower will give you trouble. The mower would burn the lawn on tight right turns the dealer could never fix it. The problem comes and goes. It is now a hit or miss problem I live with it. The mower starter will not work if you hose the mower down. Why? Dealer cannot figure it out IMO it has to be the starter I've tried jumping the starter directly from the battery when it occurs the starter spins it won't engage. The cut is uneven. I have over a 1/2 acre of well maintained Bermuda and I enjoy a park like cut which I've failed to receive since the mower was new. The deck support system is very poor it is supported at two points in the rear and hangs precariously on a rod on the front. The dealer, even with the help of the factory up was unable to properly level the deck. The left side sits about a 1/4 to 1/2 lower in the front than the back which I have properly level. Needless to say my cut is less than perfect. I use my neighbors Toro, the yard looks sweet. I've had the belt idler pulls separate at the hub it's been replaced. I recently replaced the spindles and blades. I checked the deck mounting heights at each bolt hole and they are consistent between both spindles yet the blades are not aligned in the forward position. That to me is unacceptable I shimmed them with washers now both blades turn on the same plane my cut is acceptable. If you have a rough surface with each bounce the deck will scarf the turf. It's a fact of life I am told with these mowers I cannot see why they cannot make the deck float properly. I will admit in all honestly that this mower does get abused somewhat my back 1 1/2 acre is not smooth I have hit a small stump or two and found a rock or two as well. Still this mower has a poorly designed deck support assembly it is impossible to level the deck properly. Would I buy another Cub Cadet mower? No I would not. I've paid this one off. Will drive it till it dies then move on to maybe a Deere or Toro.

Pros: Steering wheel is wonderful. Mower works well on slight hills.
Cons: Poor deck support hangar. Uneven cut. Burns lawn. Poor dealer support.

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Totally Impressed
Model Year: 2013

Yes, I have only used my new RZT S42 for 2.2 hours, but so far I am totally (did I say totally?) impressed. My property is mostly hills with some at 30 deg. Incline and some soft and wet spots near the river. With my previous cub cadet lawn tractor it used to be a scary balancing act to mow those hills and I used to tear the lawn so bad near the river, I sometime had to pull me out of the mud with the quad. With my new toy I was able to tread lightly in the worst wet spots (with all the rain we had lately) it has to do with the control you get applying power without having one wheel spinning madly. My other 'like' on this machine is the steering, precise and very direct, with its capability to do a 360 on itself---WOW! Very useful to get out of tight places. As any good reviewer you have to find something to improve upon, mine would to add a guard to the throttle lever as I was making good use of my new found zero-turn capability, hugging a tree, twice a branch hit my throttle lever pushing it back to idle. The first time I thought HOHO did I break my new toy, the second time I said to myself I got to make a guard for it but I am not eager to drill holes in my new machine. Oh, did I tell you I was impressed with my new RZT S 42? Cheers!

Pros: Steering. Stability. Traction. Quiet. Cut quality.
Cons: Needs a throttle guard.

Great Product - Fun to Use/Saves Time
Model Year: 2012

Cub got it right with the RZT-S. Zero-turn with a steering wheel is perfect for my yard. Handles hills without a problem and cut my cutting time in half so I can get to other yard and garden projects each weekend. Deck-washing system makes a difference as well.

Pros: Maneuverability & Time-Savings.
Cons: Rubber connector on my mulch kit plug broke after one season, but it was replaceable.