Cub Cadet Z-FORCE54 3.50 star(s) (2)

Defects
Model Year: 2009

I purchased the enforcer 54-inch to try it out. Sales man was quick to point out it was a solid machine commercial rated. Second day out the full motion deck, belt adjuster hit the hydro-stat transmission and took a chunk out of it, resulting fluid all over clients yard. Took it in for warranty and was refused. Abuse was the reason they patched the white metal with epoxy or something. Didn't last long and a week later, back in for service again not cover and they had to replace the transmission---$1800. A week later the full motion deck took out the transmission again. Got in touch with the local company rep, transmission repaired free this time and the belt adjuster was moved so that it wouldn't hit the transmission. A year into the machine and the transmission again had a pin inside drop out clearly a defect still no warranty. A few months later the engine caught fire after a gasket on the engine failed still not a defect. Now it sits, scrap in my view. Every company has an occasional lemon, better customer service would have kept a customer. Local dealer was the issue not the Cub-Cadet or MTD. Both have said the dealer should have checked with them before refusing warranty.

Pros: When it ran it performed great, started every time and moved along quick.
Cons: Design flaw later corrected after it was found to be an issue.

Cub Cadet Z-Force
Model Year: 2005

I have had very good service with this unit. PTO clutch burned up the upper sealed bearing @ 375 hrs. Clutch was still okay. Very reliable. I made a trailer hitch and pull a sprayer with it, as well. I have several very steep hills and this thing pulls them with no problem. Has Kohler 23 h.p. engine. Found to be very sturdy as I have hit the deck on pasture fence posts more than a few times.

Pros: Very reliable. Low purchase price as compared to the big name units and still gets the job done.
Cons: Have not found one, yet.