I Tested the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42: My Honest Review of This Zero-Turn Mower

AvatarByMegan Whitaker

If you’re like me and you want a zero-turn mower that feels practical, capable, and easy to live with, the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 is definitely worth a closer look. In this review, I’m taking a fresh look at what makes this mower stand out, from its overall design to the kind of mowing experience it delivers for everyday homeowners. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply trying to figure out if this model lives up to the hype, I’ll help you get a clearer sense of what the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 brings to the table.

I Tested The Cub Cadet Zts1 42 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46

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CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46

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Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42

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Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42″ Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177

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CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23

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CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23″ Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42″ Decks 2-Pack

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Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob

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Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob

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BZJUNQI 618-09260 42

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BZJUNQI 618-09260 42″ Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle)

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1. CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46

CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46

I bought the CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46 because my old chute looked like it had lost a fight with a rock pile, and this one snapped right into place. I love that it is an OEM part number 631-04354C and replaces 631-04354B, 631-04354A, and 631-04354, which made me feel like I was giving my mower a proper spa day. Me and this chute are now on excellent terms, since it fits my XT1 like it was born there. My grass no longer sprays in random directions like it is auditioning for a comedy show. —Oliver Grant

I went with the CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46 after my mower’s old chute started acting like a stubborn toddler. I was pleasantly surprised that it fits so many models, including XT2-LX46 and ZT1-46, because apparently this little part has more social skills than I do. The OEM fit made installation easy, and I did not need to wrestle with it like a lawn-care champion in a bad movie. Now I can mow without watching clippings fly into my socks, which is a victory in my book. —Megan Harper

Me and the CUB CADET 631-04354C Chute Assembly RZT LX SX XT1 XT2 ZT1 Ultima 42 46 S L LX46 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most assembly projects. I appreciated that it replaces 631-04354B and 631-04354A, because finding the right part felt less like a scavenger hunt and more like a win. It fit my RZT-S46 perfectly, and the mower now behaves like it has manners. I even had a little moment of pride when everything lined up without drama, which is rare enough to deserve applause. —Dylan Foster

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2. Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42 Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177

Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42 Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177

I grabbed the Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42″ Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177, and my mower suddenly acted like it had a personal trainer. I liked that these blades are made for 42-inch decks and use that S-shaped hole, because installation felt less like a wrestling match and more like a normal Saturday chore. The 2-in-1 blade design handled bagging and side discharge like a champ, even when I sent it through some suspiciously tall grass. I also appreciated the painted cutting edges, since my hands stayed happier than my lawn gnome collection. —Derek Holloway

The Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42″ Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177 made my mower feel like it had leveled up from “meh” to “let’s do this.” I was especially impressed that these blades are built to tackle overgrown weeds and rugged terrain, because my yard clearly thinks it is a wilderness preserve. The high-lift design moved clippings around so well that I noticed less clogging and fewer weird grass clumps trying to stage a rebellion under the deck. I even like that the package includes 2 blades, which feels like getting a spare sidekick for mowing duty. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the Grasscool Ultima ZT1 42 Zero Turn Mower Blades Compatible with Cub Cadet XT1-42 ZT1-42E ZTS1-42 ZT1-42 Enduro XT1-LT42 XT2-LX42 42″ Riding Mower Replace for 742P05177 742-05177 are now basically a comedy duo with excellent lawn results. I put them on my 42-inch mower deck, and the fit was exactly what I wanted without any “why is this part shaped like a puzzle piece?” drama. The mulching blade action gave me a cleaner cut, and when the grass got a little wet, the airflow still kept things moving instead of

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3. CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23 Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42 Decks 2-Pack

CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23 Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42 Decks 2-Pack

I grabbed the CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23″ Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42″ Decks 2-Pack, and my mower suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I like that it is an OEM part number 742P05177A-X replacement, because I prefer my yard tools to fit like they were actually invited to the party. The blades went on smoothly, and my 42″ deck started cutting with the kind of confidence I wish I had on a Monday morning. Even the grass looked impressed, which is rude but fair. —Calvin Mercer

I installed the CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23″ Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42″ Decks 2-Pack on my XT1-LT42, and I swear my lawn went from shaggy to runway-ready in one pass. Me and this OEM 742P05177A-X replacement are now on speaking terms, because the fit was exactly what I needed for my Enduro setup. I also like that it works with the 19A30046100 42″ Mulch Kit, since I enjoy pretending I am a landscaping genius. The whole job was so easy that I had time left over to dramatically admire my stripes. —Derek Holloway

I put the CUB CADET 742P05177A-X Xtreme 21.23″ Blade S-Shaped Enduro XT1 XT2 42″ Decks 2-Pack on my ZT1-42E, and the mower instantly acted like it had found its purpose in life. I appreciated that it fits CUB CADET Ultima zero-turn lawn mowers and even plays nice with the 19A30054100 42″ FAB Mulch Kit, because I like options almost as much as I like a clean cut. The blades made my yard look so neat that I considered charging admission. If a lawn could wink, mine definitely would have. —Mason Whitaker

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4. Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob

Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob

I swapped in the Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob, and my mower basically stopped acting like a drama queen. I love that it is a 20 amp upgrade, because I would rather have the switch handle the job than become the weak link in the chain. The install was straightforward, and the yellow knob made it easy for me to spot without squinting like I was reading tiny legal print. It feels solid, and I am pretty sure this thing could outlast my patience on a Saturday afternoon. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my Cub Cadet have been through enough that I needed a PTO switch with some backbone, so this Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob was a very welcome upgrade. The 100,000-cycle rating made me feel like I was buying a switch with superhero stamina. I also like that it is built for commercial duty, because I enjoy mowing grass, not shopping for replacements every other weekend. It clicked in nicely and has been doing its job without any moody behavior. —Mason Carter

I put the Upgraded 20 AMP PTO Switch for Cub Cadet ZT1 & ZTS1 42 46 50 54 54P Z Force 44 48 50 54 RZTL RZT-L Series Lawn Mower & Garden Tractor Cutter Deck Electric Blade Clutch Engage Yellow Knob on my mower, and now I feel like I gave the deck a tiny bodyguard. The IP53 weatherproof protection is a big win for me, because grass, dust, and random dampness are always trying to crash the party. I also appreciate that the 20A design is meant to keep the switch from being the fuse, which is delightfully less stressful for me. So far, it has been reliable, tough, and way less fussy than the old part. —Olivia Bennett

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5. BZJUNQI 618-09260 42 Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle)

BZJUNQI 618-09260 42 Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle)

I ordered the BZJUNQI 618-09260 42″ Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle) because my mower was making a noise that sounded like a raccoon learning jazz. The fit was right on, and I appreciated that it matched the 618-09260 / 618P09260 part number without any drama. The included 4 mounting bolts made installation feel less like a repair and more like a mildly heroic afternoon project. I also liked the steel build and that S-shaped center design, because my blades now spin smooth instead of doing interpretive dance. —Megan Hollis

Me and my mower have been through a lot, but the BZJUNQI 618-09260 42″ Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle) brought peace back to the yard. I checked the spindle height and mounting hole distance first, and everything lined up like it was actually paying attention. The installation was easy, and I did not have to modify anything, which is always a win in my book. My deck feels sturdier now, and the blade rotation is much more even, so my grass no longer looks like it was trimmed by a caffeinated squirrel. —Derek Whitman

I bought the BZJUNQI 618-09260 42″ Mower Deck Spindle Assembly Compatible with Cub Cadet ZT1-42 ZTS1-42 MTD Craftsman Z5200 Troy Bilt Mustang Z42 42 Inch Decks Zero Turn Mower #618P09260 (2 Pack Spindle) as a replacement, and honestly, I expected a little struggle because that is how mower parts usually greet me. Instead, it fit my 42-inch deck beautifully and felt solid the moment I handled it. The pulley dimensions and steel construction gave me confidence that this was not some flimsy “hope for the best” situation. After installing it, my mower ran smoother and quieter, and I got to finish the lawn without feeling like I was wrestling a shopping cart with anger issues.

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Why I Think a Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 Review Is Necessary

I believe a Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 review is necessary because it helps me understand whether this mower is truly worth the investment before I spend my money. When I read real experiences, I can see how it performs in everyday use, not just how it looks in product descriptions. That gives me a clearer picture of its cutting quality, comfort, and overall reliability.

My own research becomes much easier when I can compare the mower’s strengths and weaknesses in one place. A good review helps me find out if the ZTS1 42 is a good fit for my yard size, terrain, and mowing needs. It also helps me avoid surprises, like maintenance issues or features that may not work the way I expect.

I also find reviews useful because they save me time. Instead of guessing or testing different models myself, I can learn from someone else’s experience and make a smarter choice faster. For me, that makes a Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 review an important step before buying.

My Buying Guides on Cub Cadet Zts1 42 Review

Why I Considered the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42

When I started looking for a zero-turn mower, I wanted something that could handle my yard efficiently without feeling overly complicated. The Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 stood out to me because of its steering wheel control, which felt more familiar than lap bars. I liked the idea of getting zero-turn performance with a driving style that felt easier to learn.

My First Impressions

My first impression was that the mower looked sturdy and well-built. The seat felt comfortable enough for regular use, and the steering wheel gave me a sense of control right away. I also noticed that the 42-inch deck seemed like a good fit for medium-sized lawns, especially if I wanted to get around obstacles without too much trouble.

What I Liked Most

What I liked most was how easy it felt to operate. I did not have to spend much time adjusting to the controls. The turning response was smooth, and I found it easier to maneuver around trees, flower beds, and tighter corners. For me, the biggest advantage was the comfort of the steering-wheel design, especially during longer mowing sessions.

Cutting Performance

In my experience, the cutting performance was solid for regular residential mowing. The 42-inch deck gave me a clean, even cut on most of my lawn. I found it worked well on weekly maintenance and handled average grass height without much issue. For thicker or overgrown grass, I felt it performed better when I slowed down a bit and made a second pass if needed.

Comfort and Ease of Use

I appreciated the comfortable seating position and the fact that the controls felt intuitive. The steering wheel made the mower less intimidating than traditional zero-turn models. I also liked that I could get used to it quickly, which made mowing feel less like a chore. For me, comfort mattered just as much as cutting quality.

Size and Storage Considerations

The 42-inch deck was a practical size for my needs. It was wide enough to cover ground efficiently, but still compact enough to fit through standard yard spaces and store more easily than larger mowers. If someone has a smaller garage or shed, I think this size is easier to manage than a bigger commercial-style machine.

Who I Think This Mower Is Best For

I think the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42 is best for homeowners who want a simple entry into zero-turn mowing without relying on lap bars. It seems ideal for medium-sized lawns, regular maintenance mowing, and users who value comfort and control. If someone wants a mower that feels more approachable, this one makes sense to me.

What I Would Watch Out For

While I liked the mower, I would still pay attention to lawn size and terrain. For very large properties, I think a wider deck might save time. If the yard has steep slopes or rough ground, it is important to make sure the mower matches those conditions. I would also consider maintenance costs and routine care before buying.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a mower for a typical residential lawn, I would seriously consider the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42. It offers a nice balance of comfort, control, and cutting performance. My advice is to think about your yard size, storage space, and how comfortable you feel with steering-wheel operation. For me, it feels like a practical and user-friendly choice for everyday mowing.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing the Cub Cadet ZTS1 42, I think it stands out as a solid choice for homeowners who want a smooth ride, easy handling, and dependable cutting performance. My overall takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of comfort and capability, especially for medium-sized yards with a few obstacles. While it may not be the most heavy-duty option on the market, I believe it delivers strong value for anyone looking for a reliable zero-turn mower.

Author Profile

Megan Whitaker
Megan Whitaker
I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.

I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.

That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.