The Cub Cadet® Ultima Series ZT2 54 54-in. 23 HP* Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with AeroForce™ Fabricated Deck is designed to deliver a premium cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness. Dual hydrostatic transmissions engineered for quick ground speeds that leaves your yard with a professional-quality finish. A continuous tubular steel frame with fully e-coated corrosion defense system designed to help protect against wear and tear.
- A premium 23 HP*/726cc Kawasaki FR691V twin-cylinder OHV engine, commercial-grade power that meets your yard’s toughest demands
- Dual hydrostatic transmissions allow for quick and effortless 7.5 MPH forward (3.5 MPH reverse) ground speeds that leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish
- 54-in. AeroForce fabricated deck with heavy-duty reinforced leading edges and cutting system that delivers a signature cut with fewer clumps and stragglers, finer clippings and increased evenness.
- Zero-Turn Mower
I bought this mower to replace a 54” shredder/tractor. I am cutting over 4 acres with multiple hills and this mower has performed exceptionally well. Some of the property is good level grass while other parts of the property are more pasture like and it does well in both settings. This is my first zero radius turn mower and it was very easy to get used to it’s handling. Extremely happy with this mower.
Have used other zero turn mowers in the past, but never owned one and was looking to replace my well used regular steer riding mower of another brand with a zero turn. I did a lot of research.. A.. Lot. From the engines, frame build, reviews from owners, video after video down to warranty etc etc. In the end the Cub Cadets frame build, proven mechanics and warranty, coupled with zero % financing at the time of my purchase it was a no brainer.
My dealer brought me a brand new demo (ZT1 "50") I figured if I liked it I could upgrade if need be. Used the ZT1 and loved it. It would be a awesome mower for me. But I for a bit more I chose the ZT2 54 for the upgraded in transmissions, extra cutting width and the Kawasaki engine, which is much quieter than the Kohler. Don't get me wrong, Kohlers are great engines in their own right, just louder when comparing the two together. The ZT2 54 seemed a tad faster and quicker response in in turning. great job at cutting while running full forward. I have about 4 acres with pecan trees and other obstacles to navigate. It made it an easy chore and so much quicker than my previous regular steer mower.
1. Quality build with heavy frame.
2. Fast, quick response to controls.
3. Easy access to all areas if a problem arises.
4. Great cut quality.
5. Love the comfortable seat.
In closing..
A great mower. Period! Now the rest is up to you..
I have had my ZT2 54" for over a year now and am thoroughly impressed with the power it has. I cut about 2.5 acres of land, of which almost half is an old farm field that was never re-graded. It is very rough. I go slow in those areas, but I have never gotten stuck to the point where I had to get off the machine. To those who comment your land must be "as flat as a football field", this is not an accurate statement. I have a mound system and ditches that I cut regularly with no issue. You will be very happy with this machine. The speed, handling, and construction makes this a purchase well worth the money. I have recommended it multiple times. My neighbor across the street bought the ZT1, I needed the bigger tires of the ZT2.
This ZT2 was purchased spring 2019. So far it's been all that I expected, it has good ground speed (7.5 mph) and accurate steering. The 54" deck fits through the five foot gate at the rear of my home. The short wheelbase and responsive drive pumps make for quick steering that is something to acclimate yourself with before you ride along the edge of a steep slope, until you get used to it. It will go through a large lawn quickly because of it's maneuverability and mower deck width. The 60" would cut even faster if you have mostly wide open spaces.
The handlebars are adjustable and the molded grips were comfortable to hold on to. As for maintenance - the open rear end reduces time and aggravation when doing oil and air filter maintenance. There's a drain hose with a metal plug that's easy to get to; no laying on my back or raising the machine to do an oil change. The Kawasaki FR691V 726cc V-twin engine has an easy access oil filter.
The mowing deck is simple to adjust by lifting it with a foot pedal then turning a knob on the left side of the seat. Mowing height goes to 4.5". The ZT2 has larger tires front and wider track rear tires than a ZT1, also better drive pumps. Those two upgrades were worth the price difference to me but an owner with less than two relatively flat and smooth acres may be served just as well with the ZT1. Both models have LED headlamps but I can't testify to their brightness because I haven't used it to mow after dark yet.
love it rides great cut great like deck foot lever makes it easier to adjust deck once again love it .why wouldnt i its cub cadet
We puchased our new Cub Cadet zero-turn at Canal Tool & Equipment in Corpus Christi, TX. The staff were super helpful, speedy delivery and just plain friendly folks. The mower is super too! Our Cub Cadet is mowing some tough weeds until we can get some real pretty grass established. It hasn't missed a lick!
The mower was purchased as a crate mower (meant the dealer had to put a few things on to finish the Assembly).
The mower delivered and sat for a week due to temps and grass not needing mowed.
Went to mow and a large hydraulic leak was discovered. Dealer picked it up immediately and noted the clamp for the left side hydraulic reservoir was defective. Otherwise, no issues to date. Solid running, plenty of horsepower for my one acre yard. Comfortable seat.
After lots of shopping I decided on the ZT2 54 and I'm glad I did. I cut just over 2 acres and had been doing so on a 50" cub that is 15 years old and getting tired. I've trimmed my mowing time down from 2.5 hours to less than 1 hour and the cut is perfect. I really love this mower. The heavy duty deck is great and the seat is very comfortable. I would recommend this mower to anyone looking for a great investment.
This mower is the first zero-turn I have bought. I cut a few properties for some extra money. The biggest yard I take care of is 1 1/2 acres with many obstacles. And I cut and bag it within 1 hr. Emptying the bagger only 3 times. I did buy the dual bagging system. The bagging system is alright. But when it is super wet conditions, it does suck up the greatest. If you prefer to bag. Definitely get the triple bag. The mower always starts right up! It is very fast. Definitely worth paying the extra 200 bucks compared to the zt1. The arm rest, tires, and the 2" tubular frame, and the offset deck, makes it a tough machine.
I have 5hrs on unit.I like it a lot so far.Three complaints I would have are No fuel gauge,Small fuel tank and the blades are expensive and only source I found is the manufacturer.Over all very pleased with it.I did put a seat suspension on it for a smoother ride.
Got my new ZT2 54" to replace myold Wheel Horse. Nothing wrong with it, just wanted to upgrade and cut my mowing time down. I've only used it 3 times now but wow! What use to take me about 2 hours now I do now in under an hour, very surprised in the time saving. Little bit of a learning curve in operating it being my first zero-turn but I'll never go back.
I have used my Cub Cadet ZT2-54 , 3 times and It is nice knowing that I will not have any problems. I like how Cub Cadet has changed things like mower lift , brake , dash panel and open frame.
This mower is a beast, the power is great. The grass shoots out with such force!!
The ZT2 54 zero turn mower is meeting my expectations, my lawn is has multiple levels of hills and flats and handles all with ease. This mower is easy to operate for me. I have owned Cub Cadets for 18+ years and they haven't failed me yet. Looking forward to using the new bagger attachment this fall to help me with all then leaves my yard accumulates. My first mower is a GT 1544 and is still running and mowing good, but thought it was time for an upgrade.
Very pleased with my ZT2 54. Cut my mowing time down by half an hour even double cutting it. Comfortable ride and unlike a riding mower the visibility is a plus when you have a yard full of branches & lacrosse balls
I have owned the ZT2 54 for 7 months now and have 51 hours on it. I can mow my 3.5 acres in about 2 hours with quite a few trees. I do have a pretty good hill coming up from the lake and it does a good job treking it. I do have to sharpen the blade about every 10 hours or so but i have a second set and just swap them out and sharpen them later. Overall its a good design. I would make a few minor changes such as much brighter lights as you can faintly see about a foot or so in front of the machine with the stock lights. Needs an adjustable grass chute, over time the plastic chute sags down and clumps grass instead of spreading it a few feet. Rear tire size does not have many options for tread pattern, i could use a little more aggressive tread such as the reaper tire but i have only been able to find the stock tire or a full on super aggressive mud tire. Armrests need to be height adjustable, my arms never touch them. Gas gauge. Gas gauge. Gas gauge. It would be nice if Cub Cadet would have a string trimmer mount for this machine.
I poured over other mowers in this general price range. Nothing else had the features and performance for the money. I have just begun my second season of mowing here in Michigan. After some routine maintenance like oil and air filter changes, oil change and new blades, I picked up where I left off last year...no hassle mowing! I mow 2 acres and the Kawasaki engine hasn't missed a beat ever. The cut is beautiful. I have no stray grass blades leftover and the cut is perfectly level. You will be hard pressed to find more value for your money than the ZT2 series from Cub Cadet.
Always knew I wanted a zero turn, and when the old, reliable riding mower died it was time. Looked at lots of different makes and models and was just about to buy another brand when I saw the ultima and took a look. I knew I wanted 'servicable' hydros, a kawasaki engine, decent forward speed and a mower that was designed for easy service. Check, check, check and check. The ultima zt2/54 gave me everything I was looking for in my first zero turn.
I couldn't be more pleased. After getting it home I started mowing the property. Of course it handled the areas that had been regularly mowed like a champ. What surprised me is that I had been told that a zero turn wouldn't handle 'rough' areas very well. I have a section of yard that has lots of small bumps and dips - the zt2 took it all in stride. I had another area that I hadn't mowed in a couple of years - about an acre and a half of waist high grass. It took two passes to get it cleaned up - but again I was impressed that the mower never bogged, never clogged and cut through the entire area.
Count me as a very happy customer.
Machine is amazing. Runs smooth and easy to operate. Definitely reccomend. Only thing I didn't like is that it didn't come with the deck wash
This is a great mower. I have no regrets about buying it. Definitely a good mower for the price. Just keep in mind it is a residential mower not a commercial mower.
I bought the ZT2 54 last fall when my John Deere GT 235 no longer could handle our mowing. Our property is 1.65 acres with lots of trees, shrubs and rolling hills. What used to take approximately 3 hours to mow the entire property now takes approximately half the time and is fun to boot. This machine is extremely well-made and I have no doubt it will last for many years to come. Also the fact that I was able to obtain zero percent financing made this one of the easier and wisest decisions I have ever made. I am extremely pleased.
Just recently purchased this mower, and am very pleased with the performance, and everything about this machine! I've used several zero turn mowers in the past, but this one is hands down, the best of the residential models. Cuts great, handles great, even on slopes, and I have several. Best mower I've ever owned.
Blasts through my acre lot in 25mins!
Able to pull a 48in aerator loaded up with 150lbs.
I went to my local implement store and looked at a few brands they had. Talked to a salesman and he actually talked me out of the more expensive mowers, and into a ZT2 54 (they were sold out of the ZT1 mowers. They sold them like hot cakes!) Rode it around the parking lot a little and decided to bring it home. I liked the kawasaki this thing had plus the transmission. Larger casters over the ZT1 was also a nice bonus.
Nowadays it takes me a half hour tops with cleanup. It's awesome. My wife and I want to move out into some land.. And this was a tool I knew we'd need before then. I actually really enjoy mowing now. This thing cuts great, has loads of power, and is super easy to use. Once you get used to the way zero turns operate, this mower is fun to use. Only thing I do wish it had was a more aggressive tire. The turf tire is a little slippery in my yard (fairly hilly in some areas). But with some moderate control, they work fine.
If you're looking for a solid first zero turn... This is an awesome option!