Cub Cadet RZT 50" Good or bad?

Suburban Cowboy · Feb 18, 2008

Hey Guys!

I am looking to buy a new mower. My current one is a 1984-85 scag. I have been looking to replace it. Since, I do not have a lot of accounts I am somewhat limited in what I should get.

I have been lookng at the Cbu Cadet RZT 50" - 2999.00 - approx.

I do not do a ton of cutting that I can justify a Scag rider or something similar.

Therefore, what do you think of the RZT 50? I know it is a residential mower, but I am only a 10 house cutter / week.

If you do not like the cub-what can I get for similar $? Thanks!

metro36 · Feb 19, 2008

If your yards are not big why not a used walkbehind. you could get a used hydro with a sulky for about the same price as the rzt. At least the walkbehind would be commercial. I wouldnt recommend useing a non-commercial mower commercially.

lawnkingforever · Feb 19, 2008

If it was used for just 10 accounts, it may work if you take care of it. If you are planning on growing your business I would not consider it.

tb8100 · Feb 19, 2008

Get a Scag 48" belt drive walk with the Velocity deck. It will cut infinitely better than the RZT (which is really a crappy mower and does not hold up well at all).

Etsugator · Feb 19, 2008

I bought the cub as my second mower. The first one I had was just a regular mower. For the price I don't think you can beat this mower. The cut was just as good as my scaggs and the comfort of it is great also. The biggest problem with it was on hills. It could do some but nothing to big. If you do get it put some sealer in the frount tires.

newz7151 · Feb 19, 2008

Warranty 3-year/120-hour limited

And that's for HOMEOWNER use. How long might a lawnmower only protected for 120 hours of HOMEOWNER USE really last you commercially?

You say you have 10 houses a week. I'll figure maybe 30 minutes a house for the mower. So, 5 hours of cutting a week. So you'll get through maybe 6 months (or 24 weeks) worth of cutting before you reach the point that MTD expects it to last for a homeowner cutting their grass an hour a week (at the most).

But hey, if you can't afford a new commercial mower now and have to buy that RZT... well, just make sure you hold on to your old Scag so you'll have something to use while the Cub is "up on blocks".

And since you asked, for "similar money" , an Ariens Zoom 2450 is on promo in 2008 for $2999. Or the Gravely ZT2450 which may be on 2008 Promo at the same price.

tb8100 · Feb 19, 2008

here's an idea. If you're looking at expanding your business at some point, get the Scag WB and then buy a Z when you have more accounts.

RGM · Feb 19, 2008

Get the velky your scag will cut faster if its a 48 maybe just about the same if its a 36. The cub only goes about 6 mph.

ATVracer · Feb 19, 2008

I have this mower. 300+ hours and the only problem I had was the deck cables broke twice after I hit tree stumps. It has a good cut and is well worth having for the amount of lawns you mow.

I also retrofitted a spraying system with boom on the mower. For 3K I have a nice mower and sprayer. Can't beat that.

equip4u · Feb 19, 2008

The RZT series has no warranty for commercial use. You are kind of on your own with it. I would at least reccomend the z force 50. It is a $1000 more but it is money worth spending. It has a much heavier frame and you can add oil to the hydros and change the filters. The control arms have dampners so your arms won't get as fatigued. It also has foot control deck lift. This is nicer than having to reach down to raise the deck any time you want to raise the deck. I think you also get 1 year commercial warranty on it also?

waltslawn · Feb 19, 2008

i have been using the 1534 mini zoom for five years now.i use it no small yards with a 3 ft gate.and i have a 2 acre church too.the church i get done in 1 hour.i use it maybe 17 hours a week.the only thing that broke was the deck belt and that was from a limb got jamed in the belt spindle.and that all that has happen to me.i am getting the zoom 2350 this week.they have a sale
on them out in greenfleild in.at superior mowers for 2699.00 while supplyies last.that is a steal.the 1534 cost me 2299.00 five years ago.so i hope this helps you.good luck

Turf Commando · Feb 19, 2008

I'd take a USED Commercial mower vs a NEW residential any day....
10 years from now, I'll be mowing grass around the deceased residential unit ...

RGM · Feb 19, 2008

ATVracer said:
I have this mower. 300+ hours and the only problem I had was the deck cables broke twice after I hit tree stumps. It has a good cut and is well worth having for the amount of lawns you mow.

I also retrofitted a spraying system with boom on the mower. For 3K I have a nice mower and sprayer. Can't beat that.

Wait till you get to 500 hrs and have to change the trans fluid

Landrus2 · Feb 19, 2008

If you in for the long run get your self commercial equipment.:waving:

Heatman · Feb 19, 2008

equip4u said:
The RZT series has no warranty for commercial use. You are kind of on your own with it. I would at least reccomend the z force 50. It is a $1000 more but it is money worth spending. It has a much heavier frame and you can add oil to the hydros and change the filters. The control arms have dampners so your arms won't get as fatigued. It also has foot control deck lift. This is nicer than having to reach down to raise the deck any time you want to raise the deck. I think you also get 1 year commercial warranty on it also?

Very good advice. My neighbor bought the RZT for his lawn and took it back after using it twice and upgraded to the z force. I saw him mowing on the RTZ and it looked like it was going to buck him off... very rough ride on an average lawn.

Dynamic · Feb 20, 2008

I personally have one of these RZT and here are some FACTS:

1) No they do not carry commercial warranty(fixing) but if you can change out parts the parts are free based on purchase date and warranty
2) You can change the trans fluid, doesn't matter if its 5 hours or 500
3)This is a good machine that does hold up well (kawaski motor - 1148 hrs) and the only part I replaced was the front axle which was covered
4) There are dampners on the control arms on the RZT as well

The true bad aspects of this machine is it doesn't give a real comfortable ride compared to my cub tank 60. It doesnt like hills at all. The quick wash system for the deck is a joke. The throte on the deck is really small and with a bagger system it plugs easily. And finally the coffee holders always seem to spill my coffee.
Ofcourse it would be nice to have a commercial machine but to start it will last you along time if you change the oil(we change every 25 hours with synthetic 5w-30) blow out the air filter every day, and grease fittings every 2 days. Hope fully this helps.

Suburban Cowboy · Feb 20, 2008

Great responses. I was really hoping to get some from actual RZT owners - and I did. THis helps a lot.

Evans Lawn Service · Feb 20, 2008

i had one the second year is was cutting it only had 40 hours on it and this is what went out.....2 spindles....the left hand hydro...the engine(had to rebuild it twice

) now like some said it did not hold hills at all. mater of fact it was down right scary. do your self a favor and buy a used walk behind you can find one right now before the season starts

snowjeep · Feb 20, 2008

I had a rzt 50 and a z force 50. The z force was definatly a better mower. Cut faster, and nicer. I don't know if the rzt would make it throught the whole summer with 10 lawns a week. You won't kill it but might have some repairs your first year.

Matts lawn care · Feb 20, 2008

I am an actual RZT owner. I have had it for 2 seasons and used it for 20 accounts. It has given me 180 hours of almost trouble free time.
1) the cables that hold up the back of the deck broke. ez fix I replaced with chains for about 2$ 100 hrs (I would sugest you do this from the start.)
2) Flat tire. Could happen to any mower. 220 hrs
3)the pulley system broke off the deck in 5 places. I have to bring it to a welder to fix. 180 hrs
I will keep this mower as a backup for my toro.

As far a cut quality as long as you have your deck pitch right its great!
Speed: slow but what do you expect.
ride: bumpy (you get what you pay for)
Overall it worked for me and made me money and that's all that matters. If you are set on a low end homeowner ZRT i would suggest the RZT cub cadet or the John deer one.

newz7151 · Feb 20, 2008

Dynamic said:
I personally have one of these RZT and here are some FACTS:

1) No they do not carry commercial warranty(fixing) but if you can change out parts the parts are free based on purchase date and warranty.

MTD Canada must have different warranty statements for up there, as in the US there are no "free parts". You have the work done at a warranty authorized dealer, or you pay for your parts out of pocket.

RGM · Feb 20, 2008

They never had a drain plug or filter on the trans in the past have they changed.

Suburban Cowboy · Feb 21, 2008

So, some of you actually who own these RZT's are representing them well. Others are speaking opinions and that is cool. I appreciate that. I am concerned about the one post about blowing the motor 2X etc?!!

Anyway, I am still undecided. I could get another cheap WB - but riding is much nicer. So, I guess I will have to think about it. I like the Z, but it is 1000.00 more!!!!

More input is welcome!!!!!

Cub Cadet RZT 50" Good or bad?

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