Cub Cadet’s reputation in the power equipment industry is one of great power and durability, and its riding mowers are no exception. The company manufactures several distinct series of consumer-targeted mowers, but its most popular models are in the LT series and the LTX series. The LT and LTX have several things in common, with both offering unparalleled power and support to buyers that can’t be found elsewhere. There are some big differences, though, from the amount of raw power available for the job to the size of the mower deck and more. Before deciding between either model, it’s a good idea to understand what makes the LT or LTX perfect for a given home.
Similarities Between the Cub Cadet LT Series and LTX Series
The LTX and LT are both designed to have a similar outward appearance. Both models feature Cub Cadet’s signature yellow throughout their designs, and both models feature a yellow-and-beige color mix that will stand out while mowing and draw the attention of the neighbors.
Both the LTX and LT series come standard with headlights at the front of the mower, enabling evening mowing that helps to reduce the effects of the hot summer sun. This is easily one of the selling points of both models as many competing options simply don’t include headlights at all. With Cub Cadet’s various home mowers, though, this is a standard feature.
Powerful engines are common in both models, with the LTX and LT usually employing a Kohler engine. Some models do differ, with some LTX models featuring a Briggs & Stratton or Kawasaki engine instead. Even so, the commitment to raw power is universal, and both mowers can travel at more than 5 miles per hour forward, with a maximum reverse speed of about 2.5 miles per hour.
Differences Between the LTX and LT Series of Mowers
One of the key selling points of any riding mower is its turning radius. This is a bigger concern with riding models than with walk behind mowers, largely because there is no room for adjustment after a riding mower has been purchased and put into regular use. This is a key area where the LTX and LT diverge quite significantly. The typical LTX riding mower from Cub Cadet features an extremely tight turning radius of just 12 inches. That’s as good as many walk behind mowers, and it’s a feature that will have many buyers gravitating to the LTX. By comparison, the LT model typically features a turning radius of 18 inches. While not bad, it’s just not as tight as the LTX.
While the LT series typically packs a single-cylinder engine to get the job done, the LTX line of mowers comes with a two-cylinder engine, or a v-twin OHV model, that can simply produce a great deal more power than the LT. This is why the LTX features a tighter turning radius than its lower-powered counterpart, and why it’s more recommended for larger lawns than the LT.
The transmission in the LTX is also a great deal more powerful than the one packed into the compact LT model. All LTX models feature a hydrostatic transmission that makes driving far smoother than other types of transmissions. Furthermore, this transmission is backed by a power steering system that is almost single-handedly responsible for the tighter turning radius. In combination with the more powerful v-twin engine found in the LTX, this is an unbeatable combination.
Buyers will notice that there is a significant difference in overall size and weight between these models. Because the LTX features a larger engine, it comes with a slightly larger footprint and a bigger front end. It also weighs a bit more than the LT as it must support the larger engine, the power steering system and the more advanced transmission, which the LT simply does not have to manage. This can lead to slightly lesser fuel economy for the LTX, but the difference between the two is negligible in this area.
CubParts.com is a Great Resource for Cub Cadet Owners
One of the key things to look for when buying any Cub Cadet mower, whether it’s an LTX or LT model, is a company that can stand by its products long after it has completed the initial sale. Though Cub Cadet mowers are highly durable and among the best on the market, customers will inevitably need to conduct seasonal maintenance or occasional repairs that will require access to OEM parts, knowledgeable service staff and online resources.
CubParts.com is just such a resource for buyers, offering them quick access to online support tools, a parts lookup option and one of the most extensive selections of OEM parts for Cub Cadet mowers available anywhere.