Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 22 HP 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Kohler 7000 V-Twin

The Ultima ZT1 42 is the entry point into Cub Cadet’s residential zero-turn lineup — a 42-inch lap-bar zero-turn with a 22-horsepower Kohler 7000 V-twin and twin EZT Hydro-Gear transaxles, designed to replace a steering-wheel tractor for owners ready to cut their mowing time roughly in half. Where the Enduro-Series tractors are about cut quality and operator comfort, the Ultima series is about ground speed and maneuverability.

Power comes from a Kohler 7000 Series V-twin OHV engine displacing 725cc. The Kohler 7000 is one of the most widely-deployed residential V-twins in North America, with a parts and service network present in nearly every small town. Full pressure lubrication, automotive-style spin-on oil filter, and a paper-element air cleaner round out a long-life engine package built for residential service intervals — oil and filter changes once a season is essentially the entire maintenance routine.

Twin Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles power the rear wheels independently, allowing true zero-radius pivoting controlled through a pair of lap bars. Top forward speed is around 7 mph, calibrated for the half-acre to two-acre properties this mower targets. The Ultima series steering geometry includes a tightened lap-bar throw and damped pivot points that smooth out lap-bar inputs — noticeably easier to learn than a commercial-grade zero-turn.

The 42-inch fabricated AeroForce deck is welded from heavier-gauge plate than the stamped steel decks common at this price point, and is engineered around an air-flow geometry designed to maximize discharge velocity without losing cut quality. Three cutting blades work in parallel; cutting heights adjust across 12 positions between 1 and 4.5 inches via a foot-lift pedal and pin-locked indicator. The deck accepts an optional Cub Cadet rear bagger or mulch kit (sold separately).

Operator comfort centers on a high-back seat with armrests, soft-grip lap bars, an open-frame design with a hinged floor pan for easy engine and deck access, and an integrated cup holder. The dashboard layout is honest and minimal: ignition, throttle, choke, PTO knob. The chassis is heavy-gauge welded tubular steel with a corrosion-resistant powder-coat finish.

The standard rear hitch accepts most popular tow-behind attachments — dump carts, broadcast spreaders, plug aerators, and dethatchers all mount without modification. Hour meter is factory standard.

For a half-acre to two-acre property, the Ultima ZT1 42 is among the most agile residential zero-turns at its price point. The Kohler 7000 engine, the AeroForce fabricated deck, and the lifetime frame warranty together justify the small premium over bare-bones 42-inch zero-turn alternatives.