Cub Cadet’s CC 30 Rider is the best selling rear engine riding mower on the market, and it’s easy to see why when Consumer Report has praised it for its excellent clipping dispersal, clump-free mulching and general ease of use. What makes this tiny riding mower such a great choice for small lawns?
Operating Simplicity
Whether you’re new to riding mowers or you can operate a lap bar ZTR like a pro, there’s a lot to like about the CC 30’s design. The overall layout is similar to a mid-deck ZTR with the operator sitting directly above the deck, letting them get a clear view of obstacles before they reach the blade.
Although it does have a turning radius like a lawn tractor, the controls are identical to the Synchro-Steer system Cub Cadet uses in their professional mowers. The direction is controlled by a steering wheel, while a pair of pedals let the operator go forward or reverse while offering fine adjustment to get just the right speed. This makes it far easier to control than a standard riding mower.
Other smaller features help make the mower simple and comfortable to use. The steering column telescopes and the fuel level can be checked by looking straight down at a slot in the frame that exposes the translucent gas tank. The CC 30 is about the same size as a walk-behind mower, so it’s easy to store.
Performance
This mower is built for one purpose: cut one acre of suburban lawn. That means an emphasis on maneuverability and cut quality.
This starts with a 14 gauge steel stamped deck that provides Cub Cadet’s characteristic high vacuum for a superior finish. Inside this shell, there’s a single 30-inch blade riding on a spindle supported by ball bearings. This deck can be set to one of 5 cutting heights ranging from 1.5-4 inches, and it has the same Smartjet deck washing system found on other Cub Cadet mowers, making cleaning as simple as hooking up a hose.
The CC 30 is powered by Cub Cadet’s single cylinder 382 cc engine. While it may be small, it still has a full pressure oil system with an automotive-style filter to give it the same wear protection as a commercial motor. Likewise, the company went with a hydrostatic transmission from Hydro-Gear, a company that supplies equipment for a wide range of commercial mowers. The T2HP unit used in the CC 30 is designed to be maintenance free and has a built-in cooling fan. Together, the motor and transmission propel the mower to a top speed of 4.25 mph when going forward and 4.35 mph in reverse.
Warranty
Whether you choose the base CC 30 or go with the LED headlight-equipped CC 30 H, Cub Cadet will guarantee the mower for three years or 120 hours of residential use.
Parts
When you need to service the CC 30, visit www.cubparts.com. We’re a certified Cub Cadet dealer, so we carry everything you need for your mower from blades to belts. Our site has factory diagrams built into its search engine, making it easy to identify the part you need. We have a massive parts stock for fast shipping, and we can have your order delivered anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.