Husqvarna and Cub Cadet are two of the top riding mower manufacturers. These American riding mowers are ideal for trimming yards larger than a half-acre and excel at maneuvering over steep terrain. Cub Cadet vs. Husqvarna is a compelling head-to-head matchup between two famous brands. So, which should you choose?

The Cub Cadet has been known for its speed and maneuverability while the Husqvarna is famed for its powerful engine and cutting efficiently. However, there are a whole lot of other factors to consider before a final verdict, which will be up to you to decide the riding mower you are going to purchase upon the factors addressed.

Stick around as we take a closer look at Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna, look at their top models, compare the pros and cons of each brand, and then ultimately decide which brand is better for you.

Cub Cadet riding mower

Cub Cadet is an American producer of machines and outdoor power equipment. It began in 1961 as one of International Harvester’s lines. Today, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTD Products. Cub Cadet produces garden and lawn tractors, snowblowers, lithium-ion, and gasoline-powered portable and chore items, as well as other related equipment.

Cub Cadet Riding Mowers, headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, is marketed worldwide and epitomizes American Ingenuity at its finest. These riding mowers have been completely reimagined from the ground up to offer excellent mowing performance, exceptional comfort, and the ability to accept a broad range of attachments for all-season flexibility.

A powerful cutting mechanism with stamped and forged cutting deck choices and a sophisticated belt design ensures longevity and dependability while providing the immaculate Cub Cadet Signature Cut and unmatched bagging performance.

Only Cub Cadet provides the Corrosion Defense System with E-Coat protection. The electronically applied corrosion resistance of automotive-grade is applied with careful care to safeguard against wear and tear. The steering mechanism provides optimal control at all times. Cub Cadet is unquestionably one of the finest riding mowers available.

Pros	Cons
Due to its beneficial mulching properties, it is best suited for gardening applications.	Several of the models are very costly.
Extensive certification testing guarantees the product’s long-term viability.	The hydrostatic drive needs some getting used to
Has a choice of three strong engines	Light does not come with a turn off the switch
Good acceleration and turning radius
Transmission is responsive and strong
Cleaner, cooler and faster Kohler V-Twin 4-Cycle Engine
Good acceleration and turning radius

Cub Cadet riding mower Top Models

1. Cub Cadet SC 100 HW Push Mower

Right out of the box, this mower provides excellent stability and control. This mower has greater power than comparable self-propelled mowers because of its 159cc OHV engine. This mower is ideal for small yards and lawns. The cutting width of the lawnmower is 21 inches, and six-deck height options are ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches.

The mower is powered by gasoline and has a 1.3-quart fuel tank. The first technique is a cable pull, which some customers claim works with only one pull. Otherwise, the mower was faultless and moved with ease. Furthermore, this is a three-in-one mower that may mulch, bag, or side discharge depending on the operator’s preference.

Pros	Cons
Powerful engine	Some people complain about its starting problem, which comes after a couple of seasons of mowing.
Lightweight model.
1.9-bushel grass collector bag.
Cub cadet signature cut feature.

2. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT2

When mowing big lawns, time is of the essence, and the Cub Cadet’s forward and reverse speeds play a major part in our decision as to the category’s top option.

With the hydrostatic rear-wheel system, you may reach speeds of up to 7.5 mph in forwarding gear and 3.5 mph in reverse gear. Furthermore, this mower’s large rear tires protect your grass from divots and provide enough traction to keep you going – even on rough terrain. It also features 15 quarter-inch deck adjustments that are adjusted with a spring-assisted foot pedal, making deck height changes easy and quick while mowing.

The heavy-duty structure, which is constructed of square tubular steel, especially appeals to me. This construction not only makes it strong enough to resist the wear and tear associated with huge jobs and heavy use, but it also provides the firm foundation that a large mower of this size needs. The deck, which is made of 11-gauge steel and coated with a corrosion-resistant finish, reflects this focus on endurance.

Pros	Cons
Dual LED headlights	Expensive
Three-year warranty + unlimited hours
Comfortable seat

3. Cub Cadet RZT-L Riding Lawn Mower

This riding lawn mower is small in size but packs a punch in terms of power, speed, and flexibility. You will, however, pay a premium: it is one of the most costly riding lawn mowers we tested.

This machine is made of high-quality materials. Its 12-gauge steel body provides additional protection from accidental collisions with rocks, trees, and other yard debris. The driving deck employs a Kevlar belt, which improves efficiency, performance, and longevity. The deck also has a float mechanism to keep your mower level as you go through difficult terrain or uphill.

This lawnmower has zero-turn technology, which is one of the features we seek in this category. It can maneuver past trees, bushes, and other obstructions while leaving the surrounding grass uncut. This lawn mower’s engine is remarkable for a vehicle of its size. You get a 725-cc Koehler engine with 23 horsepower and a top speed of 7 mph. Some full-size lawnmowers just cannot match such specifications. It also includes a 2.8-gallon petrol tank, which is very big for such a little mower.

Pros	Cons
Its small form factor makes it easy to store	Expensive
It employs zero-turn technology
It has a powerful engine that delivers good speeds

4. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

With its design, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 aims to maximize durability. This comprises the manufactured deck and high-strength tubular frame. Additionally, it strives to exceed expectations in terms of comfort, featuring an ergonomic, completely adjustable chair, as well as lap bars and hand-grips. All of these factors should contribute to less operator fatigue and a more pleasurable riding lawn mower experience.

With zero-turn technology and a 50-inch cutting path, it’s fair to assume that user reviews are confident in this mower’s potential to shave hours off your mowing time. Additionally, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 seeks to eliminate refueling visits, having a 3.5-gallon gasoline tank ready for usage. It can also achieve speeds of up to 7.5 miles per hour and is powered by a 23 horsepower twin-cylinder engine.

Pros	Cons
50-inch cutting path	Expensive
23 horsepower engine	Requires some assembly on purchase
Wide cutting path
Twin-cylinder OHV Engine

Husqvarna Riding Mower

Husqvarna is a well-known manufacturer of high-end outdoor power equipment, with chainsaws being its most well-known product. While the company sells walk-behind mowers and lawn tractors, they are most known for their riding mowers, which include tractors and zero-turn mowers.

Husqvarna is one of the best brands in the United States, with one of the most durable and reliable product lines available. Additionally, they have high-end amenities like pedal-operated speed and direction control, ergonomic chairs, and comfortable controls. Durability and cutting-edge features, on the other hand, are prohibitively costly. Lawnmowers from Husqvarna, like the rest of the company’s outdoor equipment, are pricey.

Husqvarna offers walk-behind and riding lawn mowers, depending on the size of your property. Certain models include the ground-breaking Clear Cut cutting deck, which enables accurate lawn mowing even on uneven terrain.

Pros	Cons
Has a diverse line of lawnmowers with optional accessories.	Certain lawn tractors are capable of scalping the grass.
Clear Cut cutting decks make mowing difficult terrains easy.	Very expensive
Cutting decks made of high-strength steel that are powder-coated to prevent corrosion
Utilize automatic mowers that cut the grass without human intervention.

Top Models of Husqvarna riding mower 

1. Husqvarna Hydrostatic 46-in. Riding Lawn Mower

Riding lawn mowers are an investment, and we think the Husqvarna 46-inch riding lawn mower offers exceptional value. It is powered by a 22-horsepower, 724cc Briggs & Stratton engine, which provides adequate power for long grass and hills while being compact for easy storage. Its hydrostatic transmission provides a smooth ride and is equipped with cruise control for easy speed management.

Speed and direction are controlled by foot pedals, enabling you to keep both hands on the wheel for steering. You can instantly change into reverse with the push of a button, and the small 16-inch turning radius allows you to effortlessly maneuver around obstacles and mow in tight spaces. As implied by the name, it has a 46-inch cutting deck that guarantees an even cut over your lawn.

Pros	Cons
Powerful operation and smooth ride	Bagger and mulching kit sold separately
Can mow in reverse	Expensive
Robust and compact designs
Easy to move Husqvarna self-propelled mowers
Maintains high efficiency

2. Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower

Robot lawnmowers are a relatively new market entrance. They operate through a wired border, enabling the mower to cut the grass without the need for human intervention, even on slopes. Husqvarna created this category, and its robotic mower is suitable for medium to large lawns of up to 0.8 acres.

With built-in Bluetooth and cellular connection, as well as voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, I was impressed by how easy it was to use the software to remotely start, stop, and park the machine, as well as put up a mowing plan and track its progress.

You may also quickly and simply change the cutting height using the app. To prevent theft, GPS monitors the mower’s position and sends warnings and messages to your connected devices.

Three razor-sharp spinning blades cut cleanly in all directions, even when wet, and function similarly to a mulching mower – clippings are never gathered. The weather timer ensures that the mower cuts more often when the grass is growing quickly and less frequently when it is growing slowly.

When it becomes tired, I appreciate that it knows how to go back to the charging station. Because of its LED illumination and ultra-quiet operation, it can operate in the dark.

Pros	Cons
Hands-off mowing	Very expensive
Low maintenance cost
It does not leave very noticeable tire marks on your grass.
It is very safe to use as the blades stop when lifting or tilting the mower.

3. Husqvarna YTH1852

Compact lawnmowers that provide high-quality outcomes are difficult to find. In my opinion, the Husqvarna YTH1852 is one of the smallest but powerful bikes I’ve tested.

Although it is smaller than most riding lawn mowers, it boasts many features that put it on the level with the finest models we examined. It has a 42-inch cutting width, which is about twice that of a standard push lawnmower. It also has a one-of-a-kind air induction system that improves airflow through the deck, resulting in a cleaner, more consistent cut.

The Husqvarna YTH1852 is made of flat-stock steel, which is resistant to weather. Finally, it features an excellent cruise control function that maintains a constant pace during your mowing.

Pros	Cons
It’s compact, powerful and employs a unique air induction system	Its fuel tank is a relatively small 2.5 gallons
Cruise control
Powerful for such a small model

4. Husqvarna Yth24V48

The machine comes equipped with everything you’d expect from a machine costing that much money. This model features a 24 horsepower Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine, a foot pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission, cruise controls that allow the tractor to maintain a constant speed, an electric cutting deck engagement, and a 48-inch triple-blade reinforced cutting deck with air induction mowing.

The Husqvarna YTH24V48 offers better, consistent cutting performance that other mowers in this price range cannot match. It has a quick hydro-cutting deck that mows using air-induction technology.

This yard tractor is a 48-inch commercial lawn mower that combines comfort, flexibility, and quality in a single machine. It outperforms the majority of riding lawn mowers for large grass areas.

Pros	Cons
Good quality cuts	Not suitable for tough or thick grass
Forward and rearward moving gears tough terrain or hills
Three-blade system
Hydrostatic transmission with pedal operation

Cub Cadet vs Husqvarna riding mower: which one is better for you

When purchasing a riding mower, there are many things to consider. And, although there are many distinctions between these two mowing machines, I will concentrate on the most significant ones to assist you in making your choice.

1. Power

Cub Cadet models included on this list are not as powerful as those from other manufacturers. However, they are little versions designed for lawns with limited area. Thus, if you want larger, more powerful equipment, you should go for a Husqvarna riding mower. This is particularly true if your immediate surroundings are hilly.

2. Size

The primary difference between Cub Cadet and Husqvarna is the size of the machines, with the majority of Husqvarna riding mowers being bigger and therefore superior in size.

Cut width is critical and should be determined by the size of your grass. This is ideal for these yards since it does the task more quickly and comfortably than a conventional push mower without sacrificing maneuverability or simplicity of operation.

In this instance, the Husqvarna is the ideal mower since it strikes the ideal combination of power and size. While this mower is still simple to use, the added size helps get the work done a bit more swiftly and simply.

3. Cost

Cost is a critical element of every product. Regardless of how good a product is, we are always interested in the cost. From a financial standpoint, I believe the Cub Cadet models are the most cost-effective.

However, if money is not an issue, Husqvarna will fall into a comparable price range.

4. Ease of Use

Naturally, the Cub Cadet models with their tiny, compact machinery dominate this category. Husqvarna’s larger and heavier machines are much more difficult to manage. As a result, if you’re searching for a lightweight vehicle, any Cub Cadet model is simple to use.

However, if you’re searching for a bigger machine, you’ll want to consider the Husqvarna models for their simplicity of use.

5. Efficiency

After poring through the performance data for the models of these three manufacturers, I determined that the Husqvarna riding mower was the obvious overall winner. When you want efficiency, you want to maximize your production with the least amount of work. And that is precisely what this approach provides.

When you want a machine that easily completes your job, regardless of the volume, you don’t consider price or size. You must do the task quickly and effectively.

6. Safety

When operating any piece of heavy equipment, safety is paramount, and both Husqvarna and Cub Cadet have taken steps to guarantee operator safety when driving their tractor mowers.

Both are equipped with powerful headlights and brakes, and neither has a particularly hazardous top speed.

However, Husqvarna is known for its dedication to safety, and it has included several additional features into the YTA24V48 that elevate it beyond the competition in this category.

One of them is the safety switch located under the seat, which detects the operator’s weight automatically. If the driver abruptly exits the seat, whether to stand or fall, the engine and cutting deck are switched off immediately.

The second is their innovative method of reverse driving. When the machine is reversed, the cutting blade disengages automatically. This significantly lowers the chance of anything occurring when you’re driving the tractor backward and having to pay attention to what’s going on in front of and behind you.