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Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 vs Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower

Buy the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 for a bigger lawn and a stronger cut: its 23 HP Kawasaki engine, fabricated 11-gauge deck and 15 height positions beat the Troy-Bilt on build and adjustability. Buy the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 if price and mulching or bagging out of the box matter more, since it offers both as optional attachments and rates 24 HP. On price, the Cub Cadet is $2,436.85 at Mower Outlet as of November 7, 2026; no current price was given for the Troy-Bilt, so compare live store prices before deciding.

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Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

4.8(56 ratings)
$2,436.85at Mower OutletObserved at 9:49 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Mower Outlet

Choose the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 if you mow up to 4 acres, want a commercial-grade Kawasaki engine and a fabricated steel deck, and need fine cutting-height control.

Pros
  • Fabricated 11-gauge deck holds up better than stamped steel.
  • 23 HP Kawasaki engine is a proven commercial-grade design.
  • 15 cutting-height positions from 1 to 4.5 inches.
  • 7 MPH top speed and dual hydrostatic transmissions.
  • Rated 4.8 out of 5 by owners.
Cons
  • Mulch kit costs extra; no bagging option listed.
  • Heavier at 570 lb, so plan trailer and storage space.
  • Higher price than the Troy-Bilt at the listed figure.
Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 50 in. Gas Zero-Turn Mower

Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower

Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 50 in. Gas Zero-Turn Mower

4(113 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 if you want a 50-inch zero-turn at a lower price and plan to mulch or bag, which it supports with optional attachments.

Pros
  • 24 HP Kohler engine with slightly more displacement.
  • Mulching and bagging supported with optional attachments.
  • Rated 4 out of 5 across 113 ratings, a larger sample.
  • 50-inch cut matches the Cub Cadet.
Cons
  • Stamped deck is less durable than a fabricated one.
  • Only 8 height positions, topping out at 3.75 inches.
  • No published ground speed or weight to compare.

What separates them

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower
Engine23 HP, 726cc Kawasaki FR691V twin24 HP, 747cc Kohler twin
Deck material11-gauge fabricated steel (AeroForce)Stamped steel deck
Cutting height positions15 positions, 1 in to 4.5 in8 positions, 1.25 in to 3.75 in
Mulching and baggingSide discharge only; mulch kit sold separatelyMulching and bagging available as optional attachments
Ground speed7 MPHNot published in the given specs
Weight570 lbNot published in the given specs
Owner rating4.8 out of 5 from 56 ratings4 out of 5 from 113 ratings
Price$2,436.85 at Mower Outlet as of November 7, 2026No current price given

Price history

$1,130.41$425.10
Oct 31Nov 7
  • Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1: lowest $425.10 on Nov 4 at Crenvu; $731.06 on Nov 7.
  • Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower: lowest $1,130.41 on Oct 31 at Luvians.

Prices at every store

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

  • Mower OutletNew

    In stock

    $2,436.85Free shippingObserved at 9:49 PM
    Visit Mower Outlet
  • Ball Equipment of SanduskyNew

    In stock

    $3,399.00Observed at 9:48 PM
    Visit Ball Equipment of Sandusky
  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $3,534.99Free shippingObserved at 3:02 AM
    Visit The Home Depot
  • Tractor Supply CoNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,499.99Free shippingObserved at 3:02 AM
    Visit Tractor Supply Co

Also available at

  • FurnilorCheck price at Furnilor
  • Cool Gas DepotCheck price at Cool Gas Depot
  • CrenvuCheck price at Crenvu

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Tractor Supply CompanyCheck price at Tractor Supply Company
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecCub Cadet Ultima ZT1Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower
Mower TypeZero TurnZero Turn
Power SourceGasGas
Start TypeIgnition Key, ElectricIgnition Key
Cutting Width50 in50 in
Cutting Height Options15 positions8 positions
Maximum Cutting Height4.5''3.75"
Minimum Cutting Height1''1.25"
MulchingNo (Mulch Kit available separately)Yes (optional attachment)
Side DischargeYesYes
Drive TypeHydrostatic, Zero-turnZero-Turn
Turn Radius0°Zero-Turn, 0°
Variable SpeedAdjustable SpeedYes
Show all 31 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCub Cadet Ultima ZT1Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower
Cruise ControlNoNo
Safety FeaturesOperator Presence System, Parking Brake (Lap Ba…Operator Presence System
Transmission TypeHydrostaticHydrostatic
Battery IncludedYesYes
Battery Voltage12V12V
Engine Horsepower23 HP24 HP
Engine Displacement726cc747cc
Engine TypeGasKOHLER® twin-cylinder engine
CylindersTwin, Twin-cylinderTwin

What reviewers say

Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

  • 4.8 / 556 ratings

Owners rate the ZT1 highly, at 4.8 out of 5 from 56 ratings. Most praise the cut quality, the strong engine and how much faster it mows than a lawn tractor. Common complaints are the extra cost of the mulch kit and the learning curve of lap-bar steering.

Pros
  • Fast, even cut on large lawns
  • Strong 23 HP engine in tall grass
  • Comfortable, stable ride
  • Good value for a 50-inch zero-turn
Cons
  • Mulch kit sold separately
  • Lap-bar steering takes getting used to
  • Large footprint for storage

Troy-Bilt Mustang Z50 Zero-Turn Mower

  • 4 / 5113 ratings

Owner reviews are mixed: many praise the mower's power and speed for large lawns, but others criticize cut quality, build durability, and comfort on rough terrain.

What people mention
  • Cut qualityMixedSome owners report a clean cut, while others see streaks and uneven trimming.
  • Build durabilityCriticisedSeveral reviewers mention premature wear on spindles and belts.
  • Engine powerPraisedThe 24 HP Kohler engine is often noted for handling thick grass without bogging down.
Reviews
  • Best Riding Mowers for Cutting Grass Lawns - CNET
  • The best zero-turn mowers of 2025 - ZDNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for mowing several acres?
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1. It is rated for up to 4 acres, runs 7 MPH and has a fabricated deck built for wide, even cuts over large lawns.
Which has the better engine?
The Troy-Bilt has more power on paper at 24 HP and 747cc versus 23 HP and 726cc. The Cub Cadet's Kawasaki FR691V is a commercial-grade design, so the gap is smaller than the numbers suggest.
Can I mulch or bag with either mower?
The Troy-Bilt supports both mulching and bagging with optional attachments. The Cub Cadet side-discharges and needs a separately sold mulch kit; no bagger is listed.
Which deck will last longer?
The Cub Cadet's 11-gauge fabricated steel deck should outlast the Troy-Bilt's stamped deck, especially on rough ground and rocky lawns.
Is the Cub Cadet worth the extra money?
At $2,436.85 at Mower Outlet as of November 7, 2026, it buys a fabricated deck, a Kawasaki engine and 15 height positions. Check the Troy-Bilt's current price first, since none was given here.
Which is easier to adjust for cut height?
The Cub Cadet, with 15 positions from 1 to 4.5 inches. The Troy-Bilt has 8 positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches.

More comparisons

  • Cub Cadet CC30H Riding Lawn Mower vs Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
  • Cub Cadet Ultima Kawasaki Mower vs Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
  • Greenworks Electric CrossoverZ Zero Turn Mower vs Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Cub Cadet lawn mowers
Overall Dimensions
82 in (depth)
83.5 IN (depth)
Battery Amp Hour210 CCA210 CCA
Weight570 lb—
Coverage AreaUp to 4 acres—
Safety HighlightsLED headlights—
Deck Material11-gauge steel—
With Cruise ControlYes—
Blade SystemRotary—
Horsepower23 hp—
Bagging—Yes (optional attachment)
  • ComfortMixedThe ride is acceptable for short periods, but some find it jarring on rough terrain.