Bad Boy Vs. Cub Cadet – Which To Choose?
A riding mower saves lots of time and muscle work. This is a big ticket item, but the long-term benefits outweigh the cost. Bad Boy and Cub Cadet are two zero-turn riding mowers available on the market. Which should you choose? We have researched for you and have the answer.
When choosing between a Bad Boy or a Cub Cadet zero-turn mower, choose the one that suits your need. A Cub Cadet is for you if you are looking for a good balance of performance and affordability. On the other hand, a bad Boy lawn mower is a sturdier and more powerful mower but costs more.
Understanding the differences between these mowers is crucial to make the right choice. Read on further to also get insights on how to troubleshoot your mower.
What is a Zero-turn Mower
A zero-turn mower runs on a hydrostatic transmission, two transmissions moving separate wheels. This can do a 360-degree turn on the spot with one wheel going forward and the other backward. It is a costly mower but offers a smooth ride and precise cutting.
A Zero turn mower runs almost as twice as other kinds of lawn mowers. It can run on flat and uneven terrain.
The movement though is limited with its wide deck. A wide deck covers more grass area in one go. However, maneuvering around obstacles like trees and rocks is difficult.
Bad Boy Zero-Turn Mower
Bad Boy manufactures mowers for residential and commercial use. A wide range of Bad Boy zero-turn mowers performs well in different terrains. This company has a variety of models to choose from. Each offers features and price points to fit anyone's budget, requirements, and comfort.
Its models, such as MZ Rambler and ZT Avenger, are simple to operate and easy to maintain. The classic and rugged look of a Bad Boy lawn mower packs a punch. Owning one makes mowing efficient and less muscle use.
Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet Zero-turn mower performs excellently even in challenging terrains. It can traverse hills with stability and safety.
Under its Ultima Series, several lawn mower models are available. All of the models offer comfort and ease of use to the operators. Its speed is fast but still delivers good quality cutting.
Efficiency is also a significant factor in this mower. The performance of its deck lessens the work, reduces clumping, and greatly improves bagging.
How to choose between Bad Boy and Cub Cadet
Each brand has features to appeal to the consumer's needs. These are the things to consider in choosing between a Bad Boy or a Cub Cadet:
Speed and Coverage
Ground speed for both Bad Boy and Cub Cadet mowers is up to 9.0 mph. This is quick in riding lawn mower standards. However, speed is not everything for a good lawn mower. The speed is adjusted depending on the grass condition and cutting quality.
The Cub Cadet is equipped with 42-inch to 60-inch decks and can cover up to four acres of land. Its motors are strong enough to go up on a 20-degree slope and withstand obstacles. Decks for Bad Boy lawn mowers range from 48-inch to 60-inch. Also, this can work properly on uneven terrain.
Best dollar-for-dollar value
With its Synchro-Steer technology, the Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are a step up from other household lawn mowers. The steering wheel and dual pedal improve stability, and maneuvering is easy.
Bad Boy's residential lawn mower is built to mimic its commercial line. So you get the power and performance of a professional lawn mower without breaking the pocket.
However, it is still more expensive than Cub Cadet mowers. Bad Boy's most miniature 42-inch MZ Rambler model sells at almost $4000. In comparison, the 42-inch Ultima ZT of Cub Cadet sells at around $3300.
Durable and Long-lasting
The quality and durability of any of the Bad Boy Mowers are top-notch. This is no flimsy mower. Its frame and deck are made with heavy gauge steel. Its deck is welded together, making it sturdy to go through ground obstacles.
Also, a 112-point factory inspection is done before any Bad Boy lawn mower goes out of the factory. This thorough inspection ensures the mower performs even in the toughest conditions.
On the other hand, Cub Cadet mowers are made with continuous tubular steel. The mowers though are stamped steel assembled. This process is not as durable as welded frames as it can easily bend and crack, hitting a rock or a bump.
You can depend on Cub Cadet's process of ensuring that the mowers are protected from wear and tear. The mower's frame undergoes a multi-step anti-corrosion process to make it long-lasting.
The Bad Boy mowers are rust-proof as well. Its signature orange color frame goes through powder coating to protect it from rusting.
Easy Usage and Maintenance
Any newbie zero-turn mower owner will find the Bad Boy easy to use. The keyless and digital functions are not complicated to use.
The components of the mower are also accessible with its swing-away design. Servicing and cleaning the mower then is not difficult and done quickly. Regular wear and tear maintenance should be observed, like checking the oil, filter, and blades.
Maintenance and repair work for the Cub Cadet mower is quick as well. Its removable floor provides easy access to the deck.
In some models, the engine is exposed, giving easy access to the components. It is convenient for repairs while in the middle of the field. However, the parts are prone to damage by exposure to outside elements like rain and wind.
Comfort and Safety
Regardless of the weight and height of the operator, the Bad Boy's seat and footrest are adjustable to provide a good sitting position. The lumbar support also makes the ride more comfortable, even for long hours.
The off-road suspension of the mowers gives a smooth ride as well. The tire contact with the terrain also provides stability and traction. It features an anti-slip and heavy-duty rubber floor mat too. This ensures safety going on and off the mower.
A Cub Cadet offers too a comfortable ride with its adjustable high-back seats. An easy-to-access knob allows the operator to move the seat front to back. Its seat has a polymer seat suspension that absorbs the bumps during the ride.
Just like the Bad boy mower, this brand also has a rubber floor mat. This provides stable footing and comfort as well.
Troubleshooting your Mower
How to avoid a leaking hydraulic fluid?
The function of a transaxle is affected by a leaking hydraulic fluid. The performance is not good, or the engine overheats well when there's a leak.
Do regular preventive maintenance to catch any small leaks. Maintenance checks can also prevent leaks from leading to major engine problems.
A maintenance check will also show if the filter has to be changed. The filter prevents dirt and particles from the oil from getting into the hydraulic system. Clean oil ensures good engine performance, so check and change the filter when it is dirty.
Check this hydraulic oil filter on Amazon
Why is the mower going in a different direction?
The steering wheel of the mower gives it direction. So why does the mower goes to one side or off track?
Check the tires of the mower when this happens. Often, the tire pressure is lacking and the wheels are underinflated. The mower then will have a hard time moving toward the direction you are steering it to.
For safety, use a lawn mower lift when checking the tires. It also gives better access to tires.
Check this lawn mower lift on Amazon
Why does the deck shake?
An unbalanced blade or bent mower blade can cause the deck to shake. When the engine is moving with an unbalanced blade it will move faster and cause the mower to vibrate. Use a blade balancer to check and correct the blade weight on the mower's deck.
Check this blade balancer on Amazon
Why is the grass uneven?
The condition of the deck's blade can make uneven cutting as well. The grass is cut at different heights or has ragged edges because of dull blades. Inspect the blades and replace the blades to make cutting more precise.
Check this 3-blade set for Cub Cadet on Amazon
In Conclusion
We hope you got insights to make the best mower choice. Bad Boy and Cub Cadet both deliver on performance and functionality. The choice boils down to cost. Take into consideration easy maintenance and comfort of the operator too.
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