John Deere 42" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild K vs 50" Lawn Mower Deck Rebuild Kit for Cub
Quick Verdict
Both kits offer similar rebuild capabilities for their respective deck sizes, but they serve different mower brands and deck widths. The John Deere kit is the better choice for owners of 42-inch John Deere mowers, given its lower price, strong review count, and proven reliability. The Cub Cadet/MTD kit is the only option if you own a 50-inch deck on those brands, but its higher cost and limited reviews make it a less proven value.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | John Deere 42" Kit | Cub Cadet/MTD 50" Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $126.99 |
| Deck Width | 42 inches | 50 inches |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Number of Reviews | 737 | 55 |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1–2 acres | 2–3 acres |
Where John Wins
The John Deere kit is significantly more affordable at $99.99, a $27 savings over the Cub Cadet kit. It also has a far larger sample of reviews (737 vs. 55), which suggests a more established product with consistent performance. The 42-inch deck size is ideal for smaller to medium lawns, and the high review count indicates that many users have had success with this kit. For John Deere owners with a 42-inch deck, this is a well-tested, budget-friendly rebuild option.
Where Cub Cadet Wins
The Cub Cadet/MTD kit is the only choice for owners of 50-inch decks on these brands. The larger cutting width makes it better suited for bigger properties (2–3 acres), and it is designed specifically for RZT, RZT-50, ZT-5000, and Z models. If you need to rebuild a 50-inch Cub Cadet or MTD deck, this kit is the correct fit. Its 4.4-star rating matches the John Deere kit, though based on far fewer reviews.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the John Deere 42" kit if you own a John Deere mower with a 42-inch deck and want a proven, lower-cost rebuild solution. The high review count and strong rating give confidence in its reliability.
Choose the Cub Cadet/MTD 50" kit only if you own a compatible 50-inch deck mower from Cub Cadet or MTD. It is the necessary option for that deck size, but its higher price and limited reviews mean you are paying for the larger deck coverage rather than superior value. If you have a 42-inch deck on a Cub Cadet or MTD, consider whether a different kit fits your brand, as this kit is designed for 50-inch models.