Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor. 54 inch lawn tractor

Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor

A riding lawn mower takes the toil out of cutting a lawn, but not all riding mowers are created equal. There are small mowers for low-acreage lawns, electric mowers for easy operation, and big mowers, like the Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor, for cutting acres and acres of grass. With a wide 54-inch mowing deck and an impressive 24-horsepower engine, the XT1 ST54 is one of the faster and larger-sized lawn tractors on the market. It’s also chock full of convenience and safety features. We put this Cub Cadet to the test, using it to cut our two-acre yard and to haul brush.

Design: Lots to like

Very few details were overlooked when Cub Cadet designed the XT1 ST54 riding lawn mower. Let’s start with the core components: The ST54 has a 24-horsepower Kohler V-Twin engine and a rugged fabricated 54-inch deck made with 11-gauge steel, meaning it can handle impacts from rocks, roots, and other hazards with minimal damage. It also has a self-charging electrical system that will charge the battery when the mower is in operation. As long as you are running the mower regularly you will power to electric start the engine

Around the edges of the deck, it boasts three blades and four anti-scuff wheels that adjust the deck to the terrain to keep a level cut. A single lever can raise or lower the deck into 12 different positions between 1 and 4 inches. There is no PTO lever to engage the cutting blades, as the Cub Cadet has an electric PTO that engages with the push/pull of a small yellow knob on the console.

Very few details were overlooked when Cub Cadet designed the XT1 ST54 riding lawn mower.

The Cub Cadet has a push-button electric start with electronic fuel injection, so there is no choke you need to set. Just press the button, and the engine fires right up. Press it again and the engine turns off. There also is a push-button, cruise control setting that maintains your speed over level terrain. Got a large area to mow and want an even cut? Push the button, sit back, and cruise.

Not only can you automatically engage the hydrostatic transmission and drivetrain, but you can also disengage it when needed. If you need to move the mower without engine power, a simple transmission bypass rod can be used to disconnect the transmission so you can push the mower right where you need it.

The Cub Cadet supports a variety of optional mowing attachments for mulching, snow plowing, and more. A quick wash adapter on the deck allows you to connect your garden hose for cleaning. If you are mowing at night, the Cub Cadet has an LED headlight that delivers a steady and bright beam of light. They won’t brighten and dim with engine output like traditional bulbs.

Performance: Fast and effective

Most people purchase a riding lawn mower to cut grass, and the XT1 ST54 excels in this area. We found that its mowing deck cuts a full swatch, allowing us to make fewer passes across the lawn. The 24HP Kohler engine starts and runs without a hitch and provides plenty of mowing power. The Cub Cadet cuts at a blazing 5.5 miles per hour in forward and an impressive 3.2 miles per hour in reverse, meaning we could cut even large areas quickly and efficiently.

If you have a smaller or slower lawn mower, you’ll be amazed at how fast the Cub Cadet mows. It cut our mowing time down by a third. It is also highly maneuverable, with a 16-inch turning radius that made us think we were driving a zero-turn mower. This handling means you can tackle lawns that have obstacles with ease.

If you have a smaller or slower lawn mower, you’ll be amazed at how fast the Cub Cadet mows. It cut our mowing time down by a third.

Our yard has a little bit of everything, from straight flat sections to hills and plenty of obstacles, and we had no problem using it to remove brush cuttings and mowing slightly to moderate inclines. The side discharge discards the cut grass close to the tractor so there is little to no dust. Unfortunately, the mower does not ship with a bagger, but you can purchase one as an optional accessory.

Still, this Cub Cadet is sold as a riding lawn mower and not a garden tractor, so don’t expect it to be able to pull heavy loads or mow on steep hills. When we tried to pull a railroad tie from an old garden bed, the mower struggled, and the wheels spun out more than once. We experienced similar slippage on a steep, grassy hill. But overall, we found the floating-style deck was easy to move from height to height, and it helped the ST54 deliver an even cut on uneven terrain.

The floating-style deck was easy to move from height to height, and it helped the ST54 deliver an even cut on uneven terrain.

Gas Mileage: Roomy tank lasts for hours

With a 24HP engine and three cutting blades, the Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 is a powerful lawn mower. It guzzles fuel faster than a smaller mower, especially at high speeds, but the three-gallon tank helps to offset consumption. We were able to mow several hours without a refill. A side-mounted gas spout and a transparent container made it easy to check the fuel level as we were mowing and refill the gas as needed.

We were able to mow several hours without a refill.

Noise Level: Ear protection advised

The noise level from the ST54 is on par with most gas-powered riding lawn mowers. It is loud enough that you cannot hear your surroundings and have to stop the mower to talk to someone. We recommend using some form of hearing protection while using the Cub Cadet lawn tractor.

Safety: Multiple levels of protection

The Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 has a wide variety of safety features to protect you in case of an accident. The seat has a sensor that detects when someone is sitting on it and will prevent the mower from starting if it is vacant. The mower will also turn off if the rider comes off the seat without engaging the parking brake. Another useful feature is the blade brake clutch, which turns off the blade but keeps the motor running so you can safely empty the bag of grass without having to turn off the engine.

The ST54 can both drive and mow in reverse, but it has safety features to prevent you from going backward by mistake. When driving backward, you have to press the reverse button on the console and depress the reverse pedal on the riding mower. Mowing in reverse requires an extra step. You first have to turn the key to the Reverse Caution Mode before you engage the reverse button and the reverse pedal.

Comfort: Could be better

Mowing takes time, and you will be sitting for hours in the seat, so it better be comfortable. The seat in the Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 has an ergonomically-shaped molded plastic frame with padding and a high back that provides extra support. The seat has springs that do a decent job offsetting the bumpy ride of the riding mower.

There are no armrests on this Cub Cadet model, which is disappointing. You’ll have to upgrade to the XT2 or XT3 models if you want this extra level of comfort. Next to the seat within easy reach is a cup holder and a holder for small tools.

The seat has springs that do a decent job offsetting the bumpy ride of the riding mower.

Maintenance: Quick and easy

Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the Bluetooth-enabled Cub Connect mobile app, which provides reminders and lets us log any work we’ve done on the riding mower. It was easy to do the essential maintenance, like changing the oil, ourselves; the oil dipstick is accessible underneath the hood.

Even the oil drain is right out in the open. Just attach the drain tube, which is included with the mower, twist to unlock the drain plug, and let it drain. Once the oil is completely removed, we were able to turn to close the plug and refill with clean oil. It takes 15 minutes tops.

The brand’s patented SmartJet high-pressure deck washing system helps to mitigate the buildup of grass clippings and other debris. If you happen to damage the blades, they are replaceable. Just makes sure you purchase the 54-inch blades. They are harder to find and a bit more expensive than the common 42-inch size.

Price: Get what you pay for

With a price tag just under 3,000, the Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 is pricey, but you get what you pay for. The lawn tractor has a wide mowing deck, a powerful engine, three blades for cutting, and a slew of convenient features that make mowing enjoyable.

FINAL VERDICT

The Cub Cadet XT1 ST54 Lawn Tractor cuts evenly and mows quickly, making short work of most household lawns. The seat could use some armrests, and the reverse could be easier to engage, but overall, this mower is a worthy investment for people with larger lawns.

Share this entry

Husqvarna RZ54i 54 inch Zero Turn Lawnmower

While the Husqvarna RZ54i is not designed to for the professional landscaper, it offers some of the best performance in it’s class. With a street price under 2700, it’s one of the best values you’ll find among ZTR mowers!

Husqvarna has a long history that is rich in tradition. The first Husqvarna plant was established in 1689 as a weapons foundry. In the course of the centuries, Husqvarna has produced a large range of different products, including sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles, and kitchen equipment. When Electrolux acquired Husqvarna in 1978 the outdoor product range comprised mainly of chainsaws. In the 1980s operation expanded strongly through acquisitions. In subsequent years, consistent organic growth gradually gave Husqvarna leading positions in the global market. We jumped at the chance to review the Husqvarna RZ54i 54-inch zero-turn mower.

Background

Once upon a time, as a kid in the late 70s – early 80s, I dreamed of having a Husqvarna 500 CR motocross bike. The growl that their 2-stroke engines put out was unlike any other 2-strokes of that day. The Japanese 2-strokes of that era were very high-pitched, and you needed to be in the upper RPM range to build any horsepower (in the “power-Band”), with very little to no torque on the low-end. On the contrary, the Husky bikes had a mean-low growl when you rolled on the throttle, with power coming on much earlier in the RPM range. I’m not sure that they won any “titles”, but boy did they sound nasty.

I’m not sure that little excerpt had any meaning for this article, other than pointing out that Husqvarna has been around combustion-engine products for decades, as well as had the attention of this reviewer way back then. I was pretty excited to get to review this mower, even if it is a 4-stroke engine, made by Briggs and Stratton, with not much growl, and no real “power Band” to notice.

Husqvarna RZ54i Testing and Use

The Husqvarna RZ54i mower was delivered to me on a trailer, on a beautiful, rainy Florida Spring afternoon. I lowered the ramp, jumped in the seat, ready to hit the key and back her down….key…key…what the…NO KEY?! Nope, not on this model. Husqvarna has now released a few new models with their new SmartSwitch. Instead of the typical key to turn, you now have a series of buttons to push in a pre-determined sequence before you can use the push button to start the mower.

After a quick read of the SmartSwitch pamphlet supplied, I delivered the correct sequence, and vroooom, it’s alive. The motor fired to life almost immediately after pushing the button. Grab the zero turn sticks, pull them back, and back the mower down the trailer ramps. That beautiful, somewhat-overgrown bahia-grass lawn was begging to be cut down in Rapid succession. Move the throttle up to full-rabbit, engage the blades and off I went, for about a strip and a half…when the mower ran out of gas. Shame on me, for not checking the vitals before I ever started it for the first time. After a fill of the tank, I was off again on the maiden voyage of the new Husqvarna RZ 54i.

Safety First

I quickly gathered that the SmartSwitch technology was not so much a theft deterrent as it was for safety. Some kid (like my kids) can’t just jump on the mower, hit the key, and have very dangerous blades rotating beneath their feet. Let’s face it, where do the majority of us keep our keys for our riding mowers??…in the ignition!! Husqvarna realized this liability and made a pretty good step to circumvent any unintentional mishaps. In addition to the security of “key-less” starting and operator feedback on safety systems, the SmartSwitch also offers one-touch battery charge status and headlight operation.

Along with the SmartSwitch are other safety triggers that must happen in the correct sequence or you no-mow. I know, that was pretty cheesy, but stay with me. The Husqvarna RZ54i only starts (even with the correct button sequence) if the parking brake is set and the blades are disengaged (not engaged). Once the mower is started, you must first release the park-brake, then pull your sticks in (the throttle/steering sticks are spread wide to offer easy ingress and egress of the vehicle), then you can move the sticks fore and aft to move forward or reverse. If you bring the sticks in before releasing the brake, the mower shuts off, etc. It did take a bit to get used to the sequence, but after just a few times on and off the mower, it’s very easy to remember, and it makes good sense.

Grass, Here I come

Gas…check, Oil…check, glass of Iced-Sweet-Tea in the handy-dandy cupholder…check, Smart sequence remembered…check, all engines GO!! Now it’s time for the real fun. A quick release of the parking brake, pull the sticks in; oh yea, need to set the deck height. Husqvarna calls their deck height adjustment “Feather light deck lift”, and they’re right on the money. Grab the handle, press the release button, and you can easily lift or lower the deck; also included is a pin to set your favorite deck height (or so your son doesn’t lower the deck so far that it scalps your beautiful lawn)…drop the deck handle down to the pin and release the lock button. With this pin in place, you don’t even have to look down to see which setting to select.

So the Husqvarna RZ54i motor’s running, your deck is set, your tea is perfect with a good test gulp; now, let’s get those blades spinning. This next step is so simple, yet makes me giddy as a schoolgirl (maybe that’s not the best choice of words, but I’ll go with it). Point is, we need to engage these blades with the awesome power of 24 horses raging to come out of that V-twin powered Briggs Stratton. Sure, Husqvarna could have placed another ordinary lever (like on most lawn tractors) to engage/disengage the blades, but NO, “we’ll take Electric Clutch Engagement for 500 Alex”.

That’s right, that big red button that pulls out and pushes in. You know, the type of button that you look at and think: What is this? Does it apply air brakes like on a big rig or school bus? Will it light the rockets to launch me into outer-space? Is it the purge button for the Nitrous Oxide? Go ahead punk, pull it…all that power in your fingertips has now set the blade tips to the whirr of 18,500 fpm. Is that fast??… I don’t know, but it sure does sound it. Now, for real, just push the sticks forward, and we’re cutting like a champ. At first feel, it seems to pull a little to the left.

A quick few twists of the steering-trim adjustment on the left stick, and it’s running straight and true. To set the picture for you, I have about 2 acres of open pasture in front of my house consisting of good ol’ Florida Bahia grass. Before I knew it, I’d made several laps around the pasture. Time to take a look at the trimmings. The cut is very true, and the undulations in my not-level-at-all-lawn didn’t seem to bother the deck or the cut. Even through thicker patches, the power stayed strong, without a whimper from the 24HP bullet. Each lap around continued to offer level cutting, with no step between the cuts.

Clean Up

So you’re done with the lawn, do you just drive the Husqvarna RZ54i into your workshop, nasty and dirty? Heck no!! You have to hose it down, so that beautiful orange shines through again. It’s easy to blast away the dust, dirt, and grass on the outside, but what a pain it is to remove the caked-on clumps of grass under the deck. Not now, Husqvarna has thought of cleanup as well. On the deck is a quick-connect fitting to clip on the hose and turn on the pressure…under-deck, now cleaned. In addition, the powder-coated paint adds durability to the fit-n-finish and enables the grime to just wash away with little effort.

After a Few Uses

I know you are saying: Sure, it cuts great on its first outing, but what about after it has a few hours on her…what about then?! I’m so glad you asked. Now, there are quite a few hours on the RZ 54i, and many lawn cuts are history (including my brother, neighbors, and other relatives I didn’t know I had). I have to be honest when I say that I (as well as the few others that have borrowed this machine) have not had any issues. The cut has stayed true and level, the motor strong, and the steering stayed true as well.

The blades have yet to be sharpened either, but they’re probably due (bahia is torture to any mower blade). The efficiency of this mower and motor seems to be pretty good. I can get multiple cuts from my 2-acre field on one 3 ½ gallon tank of gasoline.

Conclusion

Let me set the record straight here; Husqvarna RZ54i is not the mower that the landscape company is going to purchase in order to mow eleven-teen (that means a lot) lawns each day. This is not the mower for that, and Husqvarna hasn’t claimed or marketed it this way. At the same time, I CAN see that any Professional (like those of us that visit PTR) would purchase the RZ 54i to cut his or her own lawn, and be very pleased and proud. This is a great mower for the money (good value). It can be purchased at several of your favorite box stores at a “street price” of less than 2,700.

I don’t know of any other zero-turn mower, with the features and functionality only previously seen on the lawn-professional-industry models. The performance of this mower is impressive, from engine power, to ease of use, to the cutting finish, to clean up and even fuel efficiency. There are a couple of changes that I might make if I were the manufacturer, but they should be taken as just my 02 (it’s worth less than that). I would make the floorboard (foot pan as they call it) a little longer; I’m 6’3” and all legs, so the sticks are just before hitting my knees when pushed fully forward (full-rabbit speed).

The second would be to power this thing with that Husqvarna 500 CR motocross motor…sure, there would be ruts and berms in the yard from the rear wheels constantly throwing a good rooster-tail (this is slang for the dirt shower thrown behind a dirt-bike from the knobby-tire going faster than the land beneath…like the shape of a rooster’s tail feathers), but who cares? You will be the talk of the town, with all of the neighbors lined up along your fence watching you drift the corners and wheelie down the straight-away. I have goose-bumps just thinking about it. OK, back to reality. This is a really good mower, with a great manufacturer and warranty behind it. I don’t see how any homeowner can go wrong with this purchase; whether they’re a professional tradesman, doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other acronym.

Husqvarna RZ54i Key Features

• SmartSwitch
• Zero-turn steering system
• Endurance V-Twin Engine
• Rugged frame and casters
• Removable foot pan
• Comfortable steering
• Water hose connection
• Reinforced steel cutting deck
• Feather-light deck lift
• Hour meter with service minder
• Comfortable operation
• Adjustable tracking

Husqvarna RZ54i Specifications

• Engine manufacturer: Briggs Stratton
• Power: 24 HP
• Cylinder displacement: 724 cc
• Cylinders: 2
• Fuel tank volume (with reserve): 3.5 gal. (Gasoline)
• Oil capacity: 64 fl oz
• Transmission type: Hydrostatic
• Pump displacement: 10 cc
• Fan-cooled pumps: Included
• Speed forward: min-max 0-6.5 mph
• Speed reverse: min-max 0-3.5 mph
• Cutting width: 54 inch
• Cutting deck type: Stamped, Reinforced
• Cutting methods: Collect/Mulch/Side ejection
• Cutting deck material: Steel
• Deck thickness: 12 gauge
• Cutting height: min-max (approximate) 1.5 – 4 inch
• Cutting height steps: 6
• Blade engagement: Electric clutch
• Blades: 3
• Blade-tip speed: 18500 fpm
• Anti-scalp wheels: 4
• Powder-coated cutting deck: Included
• Productivity: 2.8 acres/hr
• Homeowner Warranty: 3 Year Limited
• Commercial Warranty: N/A

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: A Mower With Power and Maneuverability

This Husqvarna YTH24V54 review gives you complete details on the specifications, features, benefits, and overall performance of this gas-powered, ride-on Husqvarna 54-inch mower.

We’ll cover the pros and cons of this machine, talk about the type of work it can perform, and who can most benefit from its features. So, on the one hand, we’ll look at buyer’s feedback about their positive and negative experiences using this ride-on lawnmower.

On the other hand, we’ll use expert mechanical knowledge to look at the overall design and of this lawnmower and let you know you can expect it to perform in different situations.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Main Features

Buying a Husqvarna riding mower is a significant investment. This review gives you the specs, features, and capabilities of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 to help you decide if this is the right lawn tractor for you.

Here’s a quick overview of the main features of this Husqvarna model:

Husqvarna yth24v54 Review

Here are the top pros and cons of the Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower:

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: General Characteristics

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 is a rugged and easy-to-use ride on mower powered by a 24 HP, four-stroke Briggs and Stratton gasoline engine. This Husqvarna model has tons of power for climbing hilly terrain and chopping tall grass in large areas up to 2 acres in size.

This mower is designed and built to handle large jobs, but it also has the maneuverability to navigate in tight spaces and make the frequent, sharp turns required when mowing a smaller sized area.

This ride-on lawn tractor is easy to operate and suitable for people without prior experience using a lawn tractor for mowing lawns. The easy-start ignition system and foot-operated transmission control let the operator keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes watching ahead while cutting.

The small turn radius of only 16-inches lets you easily navigate around objects such as trees and plants, lawn furniture, sheds, and walkways to get the clean and tidy cut you want when mowing a lawn area.

Details of the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

Engine

The 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine start up quickly without the hassle of using a choke. The no-choke feature can be an excellent plus for buyers with less experience using a gas-powered lawnmower.

The keyed ignition start is all you need to fire up the engine on this mower. Once the engine is running, the operation is smooth and even. To turn off the machine, you turn the key to the ‘off’ position, and the engine shuts down. A hand-operated parking brake leaver keeps the lawnmower from rolling when parked.

Gas-powered engines like the one used in this Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower need the same type of oil used in cars and trucks to operate.

In summer months and warm weather, HD-30 engine oil allows the lawnmower to start up more easily and run more efficiently. In colder weather, a 5W-30 weight oil can improve performance slightly.

Engine Maintenance: Oil

One thing to keep in mind when buying a gas mower like this Husqvarna lawn tractor is gas and oil storage along with storage of the tractor. Gas and oil must be stored in a weather-proof, outdoor shed, garage, or outbuilding.

Gas-powered mowers need a small amount of regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter, checking and replenishing the engine oil, keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure, and lubricating grease fittings in the steering system and other moving parts.

Oil levels in the engine need to be regularly checked and topped off as needed. The manufacturer recommends changing the engine oil after every 50 hours of use or at least once per year and replacing the oil filter every 100 hours.

To change the oil, you open a small drain plug at the bottom of the engine and use the provided plastic tube to drain the old oil into a catchment container. When the oil finishes draining, you close the valve and add new oil through the oil refill plug under the oil dipstick at the top of the engine.

Engine Maintenance: Air Filter

Another important, regular maintenance required on this engine is cleaning and replacing the air filter. The air filter is located under a cover at the front of the engine. Cleaning and replacing it does not require any tools. However, it should be done after ever few hours of use, especially in dusty operating conditions.

The engine’s gas tank is under the hood in the front of the machine and next to the engine. It uses regular unleaded gasoline for operation. Adding a fuel stabilizer product or draining the gas tank during long-term storage helps protect the engine from corrosion.

Transmission

This Husqvarna riding mower is equipped with a K46, V-Twin hydrostatic transmission, which operates without a clutch. This type of transmission means you don’t need to stop when you change speeds or move from forward to reverse. Plus, you don’t need to operate a hand lever to move from one transmission speed to another.

The foot-operated transmission shift gives you control over forward and reverse operation and speed without needing to take your hands off the steering wheel.

The maximum forward speed on this Husqvarna lawnmower is 5.5 mph, a safe and efficient speed for mowing on flat, even ground, or driving the machine from one area to another. The maximum reverse speed is 2.5 mph, and for most maneuvering in reverse, you need far less speed than that.

The hydrostatic transmission uses a hydraulic pump and motor to control a foot pedal for changing speed and direction. The fluid system is closed and does not need monitoring under most circumstances. However, it’s essential to check the ower’s manual for maintenance schedules, oil recommendations, and system capacities for properly maintaining this or any other ride-on lawnmower.

Cutting Deck

The main difference between this model and the YTH24V54 Husqvarna lawn tractor is the larger deck size on this model. Like other Husqvarna models, both models use the Briggs Stratton 24 HP engine and rugged Tex-style body framework.

The cutting deck is built from rugged, stamped steel. Under the deck, you find a triple-blade cutting system with a total cutting width of 54-inches. The broad cutting area considerably reduces the number of passes you need to make to mow any sized area. The wide cutting deck is a significant advantage if you’re mowing a large field.

The mower blades are easy to engage while the machine is moving or when stationary. The cutting blades are activated with the assistance of an electrical switch. All you do to activate the cutting blades is pull on a large button on the dash panel, and the blades start rotating.

Turning off the cutting blades is equally straightforward and involves pushing the same switch back to the original position. The mandrels have a grease fitting to assist with lubrication and keeping the blades working correctly.

With the washout port equipped on the deck, cleanup with this lawnmower is a breeze. Using the included nozzle adapter, attach a garden hose to the washout port after every use and the running water will clean the cutting deck for you.

Warning: Low-quality Included Blades

Some buyers found the original blades on this lawnmower to be low-quality and sit too high inside the cutting deck, increasing the cut’s height and allowing for the buildup of debris above the blades.

Replacing the blades with higher-quality blades that sit lower solved the problem for one customer. Blade replacement is straightforward and only requires a couple of wrenches and minimal mechanical experience.

The mowing deck on this Husqvarna riding mower uses air induction technology to lift grass into a vertical position just before the blades cut it. This feature keeps the cut more even and uniformly discharges cut material from the machine’s side.

The anti-scalp wheels located at each corner of the cutting deck assure that the blades stay up off the ground so they don’t kick up dust and leave bald spots when cutting on uneven terrain. Lifting and lowering the cutting deck is power-assisted, allowing the operator to FOCUS on control of the machine while changing the height of the cutting blades.

Ergonomic Features

You can adjust the seat height to accommodate larger and smaller operators. The back of the seat is a comfortable 15-inches high, giving you lots of back support.

The operator seating area is accessible from either side of the machine in the step-through design. The generous floor space and adjustable seat make this mower suitable for larger and smaller people to operate.

Optional Attachments

This Husqvarna 54-inch mower can be used with a snow blower attachment, part number 587293701. The mower also has an attachment for a mulch kit that can spread lawn fertilizer and a hitch for towing a trailer.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Buyer Feedback

This Husqvarna lawn mower model has received positive reviews from many customers. A few buyers have reported problems with blades, belts, and bearings failing after limited use.

Some customers noted that this mower has trouble negotiating the steepest terrain and pulling heavy loads in a trailer without overheating the transmission. They suggest it is best suited for lighter-duty service and mowing conditions on more even ground.

A few buyers reported they had to pay an additional fee to have the machine fully assembled before delivery. Other buyers posted they were able to perform all assembly themselves with minimal effort.

Overview of the Husqvarna 54 Inch Riding Mower

The Husqvarna yth24v54 is a lawnmower with plenty of power and maneuverability for mowing large and small lawns in residential settings, but it’s not a lawnmower suitable for commercial mowing applications.

The easy-start ignition, simple transmission control features, and ergonomic seating and access make this machine suitable for buyers with limited experience using a gas-powered, ride-on lawnmower.

So, if you are looking for a gas ride-on mower that is easy to use, compact to store, and requires minimal maintenance, you might want to take this lawnmower for a test drive.

FAQ

Is the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower considered noisy?

No, the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is not considered noisy compared to other mowers.

What is the top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 5-6 mph.

What is the average life of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The average life of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Conclusions About the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

This Husqvarna model is an excellent mower for people with limited experience using a ride-on mower. If you need the power of a gas-driven machine along with easy maneuverability, this is the right choice.

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 model requires a minimal amount of regular maintenance of oil levels, chassis lubrication, tire-pressure checks, and air filter cleaning. However, these routine tasks require few tools and minimal effort for most buyers.

Anyone who needs an easy-to-use, ride-on, gas mower for regular-duty residential mowing could benefit from owning one of these machines.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: A Mower With Power and Maneuverability

This Husqvarna YTH24V54 review gives you complete details on the specifications, features, benefits, and overall performance of this gas-powered, ride-on Husqvarna 54-inch mower.

We’ll cover the pros and cons of this machine, talk about the type of work it can perform, and who can most benefit from its features. So, on the one hand, we’ll look at buyer’s feedback about their positive and negative experiences using this ride-on lawnmower.

On the other hand, we’ll use expert mechanical knowledge to look at the overall design and of this lawnmower and let you know you can expect it to perform in different situations.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Main Features

Buying a Husqvarna riding mower is a significant investment. This review gives you the specs, features, and capabilities of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 to help you decide if this is the right lawn tractor for you.

Here’s a quick overview of the main features of this Husqvarna model:

Husqvarna yth24v54 Review

Here are the top pros and cons of the Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower:

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: General Characteristics

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 is a rugged and easy-to-use ride on mower powered by a 24 HP, four-stroke Briggs and Stratton gasoline engine. This Husqvarna model has tons of power for climbing hilly terrain and chopping tall grass in large areas up to 2 acres in size.

This mower is designed and built to handle large jobs, but it also has the maneuverability to navigate in tight spaces and make the frequent, sharp turns required when mowing a smaller sized area.

This ride-on lawn tractor is easy to operate and suitable for people without prior experience using a lawn tractor for mowing lawns. The easy-start ignition system and foot-operated transmission control let the operator keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes watching ahead while cutting.

The small turn radius of only 16-inches lets you easily navigate around objects such as trees and plants, lawn furniture, sheds, and walkways to get the clean and tidy cut you want when mowing a lawn area.

Details of the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

Engine

The 24 HP Briggs and Stratton Intek V-Twin engine start up quickly without the hassle of using a choke. The no-choke feature can be an excellent plus for buyers with less experience using a gas-powered lawnmower.

The keyed ignition start is all you need to fire up the engine on this mower. Once the engine is running, the operation is smooth and even. To turn off the machine, you turn the key to the ‘off’ position, and the engine shuts down. A hand-operated parking brake leaver keeps the lawnmower from rolling when parked.

Gas-powered engines like the one used in this Husqvarna 54 inch riding mower need the same type of oil used in cars and trucks to operate.

In summer months and warm weather, HD-30 engine oil allows the lawnmower to start up more easily and run more efficiently. In colder weather, a 5W-30 weight oil can improve performance slightly.

Engine Maintenance: Oil

One thing to keep in mind when buying a gas mower like this Husqvarna lawn tractor is gas and oil storage along with storage of the tractor. Gas and oil must be stored in a weather-proof, outdoor shed, garage, or outbuilding.

Gas-powered mowers need a small amount of regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter, checking and replenishing the engine oil, keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure, and lubricating grease fittings in the steering system and other moving parts.

Oil levels in the engine need to be regularly checked and topped off as needed. The manufacturer recommends changing the engine oil after every 50 hours of use or at least once per year and replacing the oil filter every 100 hours.

To change the oil, you open a small drain plug at the bottom of the engine and use the provided plastic tube to drain the old oil into a catchment container. When the oil finishes draining, you close the valve and add new oil through the oil refill plug under the oil dipstick at the top of the engine.

Engine Maintenance: Air Filter

Another important, regular maintenance required on this engine is cleaning and replacing the air filter. The air filter is located under a cover at the front of the engine. Cleaning and replacing it does not require any tools. However, it should be done after ever few hours of use, especially in dusty operating conditions.

The engine’s gas tank is under the hood in the front of the machine and next to the engine. It uses regular unleaded gasoline for operation. Adding a fuel stabilizer product or draining the gas tank during long-term storage helps protect the engine from corrosion.

Transmission

This Husqvarna riding mower is equipped with a K46, V-Twin hydrostatic transmission, which operates without a clutch. This type of transmission means you don’t need to stop when you change speeds or move from forward to reverse. Plus, you don’t need to operate a hand lever to move from one transmission speed to another.

The foot-operated transmission shift gives you control over forward and reverse operation and speed without needing to take your hands off the steering wheel.

The maximum forward speed on this Husqvarna lawnmower is 5.5 mph, a safe and efficient speed for mowing on flat, even ground, or driving the machine from one area to another. The maximum reverse speed is 2.5 mph, and for most maneuvering in reverse, you need far less speed than that.

The hydrostatic transmission uses a hydraulic pump and motor to control a foot pedal for changing speed and direction. The fluid system is closed and does not need monitoring under most circumstances. However, it’s essential to check the ower’s manual for maintenance schedules, oil recommendations, and system capacities for properly maintaining this or any other ride-on lawnmower.

Cutting Deck

The main difference between this model and the YTH24V54 Husqvarna lawn tractor is the larger deck size on this model. Like other Husqvarna models, both models use the Briggs Stratton 24 HP engine and rugged Tex-style body framework.

The cutting deck is built from rugged, stamped steel. Under the deck, you find a triple-blade cutting system with a total cutting width of 54-inches. The broad cutting area considerably reduces the number of passes you need to make to mow any sized area. The wide cutting deck is a significant advantage if you’re mowing a large field.

The mower blades are easy to engage while the machine is moving or when stationary. The cutting blades are activated with the assistance of an electrical switch. All you do to activate the cutting blades is pull on a large button on the dash panel, and the blades start rotating.

Turning off the cutting blades is equally straightforward and involves pushing the same switch back to the original position. The mandrels have a grease fitting to assist with lubrication and keeping the blades working correctly.

With the washout port equipped on the deck, cleanup with this lawnmower is a breeze. Using the included nozzle adapter, attach a garden hose to the washout port after every use and the running water will clean the cutting deck for you.

Warning: Low-quality Included Blades

Some buyers found the original blades on this lawnmower to be low-quality and sit too high inside the cutting deck, increasing the cut’s height and allowing for the buildup of debris above the blades.

Replacing the blades with higher-quality blades that sit lower solved the problem for one customer. Blade replacement is straightforward and only requires a couple of wrenches and minimal mechanical experience.

The mowing deck on this Husqvarna riding mower uses air induction technology to lift grass into a vertical position just before the blades cut it. This feature keeps the cut more even and uniformly discharges cut material from the machine’s side.

The anti-scalp wheels located at each corner of the cutting deck assure that the blades stay up off the ground so they don’t kick up dust and leave bald spots when cutting on uneven terrain. Lifting and lowering the cutting deck is power-assisted, allowing the operator to FOCUS on control of the machine while changing the height of the cutting blades.

Ergonomic Features

You can adjust the seat height to accommodate larger and smaller operators. The back of the seat is a comfortable 15-inches high, giving you lots of back support.

The operator seating area is accessible from either side of the machine in the step-through design. The generous floor space and adjustable seat make this mower suitable for larger and smaller people to operate.

Optional Attachments

This Husqvarna 54-inch mower can be used with a snow blower attachment, part number 587293701. The mower also has an attachment for a mulch kit that can spread lawn fertilizer and a hitch for towing a trailer.

Husqvarna YTH24V54 Review: Buyer Feedback

This Husqvarna lawn mower model has received positive reviews from many customers. A few buyers have reported problems with blades, belts, and bearings failing after limited use.

Some customers noted that this mower has trouble negotiating the steepest terrain and pulling heavy loads in a trailer without overheating the transmission. They suggest it is best suited for lighter-duty service and mowing conditions on more even ground.

A few buyers reported they had to pay an additional fee to have the machine fully assembled before delivery. Other buyers posted they were able to perform all assembly themselves with minimal effort.

Overview of the Husqvarna 54 Inch Riding Mower

The Husqvarna yth24v54 is a lawnmower with plenty of power and maneuverability for mowing large and small lawns in residential settings, but it’s not a lawnmower suitable for commercial mowing applications.

The easy-start ignition, simple transmission control features, and ergonomic seating and access make this machine suitable for buyers with limited experience using a gas-powered, ride-on lawnmower.

So, if you are looking for a gas ride-on mower that is easy to use, compact to store, and requires minimal maintenance, you might want to take this lawnmower for a test drive.

FAQ

Is the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower considered noisy?

No, the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is not considered noisy compared to other mowers.

What is the top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The top speed of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 5-6 mph.

What is the average life of the Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower?

The average life of a Husqvarna YTH24V54 mower is around 10-15 years with proper maintenance.

Conclusions About the Husqvarna 54-inch Yard Tractor

This Husqvarna model is an excellent mower for people with limited experience using a ride-on mower. If you need the power of a gas-driven machine along with easy maneuverability, this is the right choice.

The Husqvarna YTH24V54 model requires a minimal amount of regular maintenance of oil levels, chassis lubrication, tire-pressure checks, and air filter cleaning. However, these routine tasks require few tools and minimal effort for most buyers.

Anyone who needs an easy-to-use, ride-on, gas mower for regular-duty residential mowing could benefit from owning one of these machines.

The Best Zero-Turn Mowers of 2023

These achieve the rare feat of making lawn mowing fun.

By Roy Berendsohn Published: Mar 1, 2023

When it comes to yard work, zero turn mowers do the impossible. They make lawn mowing fun. They accomplish this by putting unprecedented speed, control and maneuverability at the disposal of the person mowing the lawn. The so-called “zero turn” feature of these mowers converts a grass cutting machine into something akin to an amusement park ride. You steer the machine with two levers—the left lever controls the left wheel, the right lever the right wheel. With that steering setup, you can zoom over the landscape cutting straight lines, curves, or pivot the mower into and out of a corner. What’s not to like?

Read on to understand how these agile grass cutters work, how we go about testing them, and see some candidates that we’ve recently tested as well as some that we haven’t but that we think look particularly promising.

How Zero-Turn Mowers Work

A zero-turn riding mower consists of an operator platform, a frame and wheels, an engine (or battery bank), transmissions (or motors), and a pair of control levers commonly known as lap bars. In gas mowers, the engine powers a pulley system. One group of pulleys drives the blades, another group powers a pair of transmissions–one at each rear wheel. When you move the lap bar forward or back, you are directing the transmission to go faster, slower, or even turn the opposite way. When one drive wheel turns clockwise and the other counter clockwise, the mower pivots. When the wheels rotate at different rates, the mower turns in an arc-shaped path. When the lap bars are in the neutral position, the mower stops. Aside from a parking brake, there’s no other braking mechanism. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers work the same way, but have separate motors to drive the rear wheels and one for each blade inside the mower deck.

When it comes to transmission, most mowers have a Hydrogear EZT—a well-known and cost-effective residential-grade transaxle with a reputation for durability.

Some mowers use a deck stamped from one piece of steel, others use a deck fabricated from multiple pieces and welded together. A fabricated deck can be built from thicker steel at a lower cost than it would be able to be built otherwise. Once you’re talking about stamping metal as thick as 10 gauge (about 1⁄8 inch thick), the cost of stamping such a deck would push up the mower’s price beyond what most people are willing to pay. The decks in the mowers below range from 42 to 52 inches, a typical size in this class of product. When powered by these engines and the Hydrogear, these mowers will deliver a decent cut quality at their rated top speed of 7 mph. Note, however, that cut quality declines steeply if you maintain that speed in very thick grass or on uneven terrain.

As to the electric mowers, they represent the leading edge of the technology in this category. These are remarkable and expensive mowers powered by large-voltage lithium-ion batteries. If you’re interested in reducing mowing noise and simplifying your maintenance routine by eliminating gas and oil, they’re worth a look.

Selecting a Zero-Turn Mower

Everyone would like to select the biggest possible zero-turn mower with the hope of whittling a big grass cutting job down to size as quickly as possible. Reality usually intercedes because these machines are expensive and the wide range of options available today quickly drive up the cost. Roughly speaking, you start somewhere in the range of a mower with a 42-inch deck costing in the vicinity of 3200 to 3500 and move up in increments of 1000 to 1500 until you reach entry-level commercial-grade equipment that costs 7000 to 8000.

Again, speaking in terms of approximation, a mower with a 42-inch deck will cut a two-acre lot (that takes into account that the house, driveway, outbuildings and various landscape features are taking up some of that space). Use a mower with a larger deck to cut anything over two acres. But here’s the caveat. That entry-level ZTR mower (3200, say) with a 42-inch deck will wear out faster and need more maintenance than a mower with a 50-inch deck, a heavier frame, larger engine and higher quality transmissions, and thicker deck with more robust blade spindles, costing 4500.

In the simplest possible terms, you can cut a smaller area with a larger mower and expect more longevity out of the machine (not to mention a nicer mowing experience) or you can cut a larger area with a smaller machine and encounter more maintenance and a mowing experience that will be, we might say, a bit more rugged.

But there are still other factors to consider, in selecting a mower other than deck size and your budget. Larger mowers take more space in a garage or outbuilding. And a mower with a 50-inch or even 60-inch deck, as useful as it might be in getting the job done more quickly, may not fit through a fence’s gate, and it might be more difficult to maneuver in tight spots without creating scalp marks on the lawn from a lot of close-quarter pivoting.

Carefully consider all these factors when shopping for a mower: your budget, maintenance and whether you will perform that work yourself, mowing speed and time, maneuverability and trimming in tight areas, the importance that you place on your comfort while mowing, cut quality, longevity, storage, and access to the landscape.

How We Select and Test

There’s only one way to test a mower, and that’s to cut grass with it. But we also do more than mow.

We raise and lower the deck and adjust the seat. We look at service point access (the air filter, the spark plug, and the oil filter) and how easy it is to remove the deck. We mow approximately an acre with each mower, considering cut and mulching quality while running uphill, downhill, across washboard, and along sidehills. (On sidehills, we’ll mow surfaces pitched up to approximately 20 degrees; manufacturers generally recommend not going steeper than 10 degrees, but we like to be thorough.) We evaluate power and speed relative to cut quality—we investigate whether the mower delivers a decent cut mowing at full speed. When mowing in damp conditions, we look at whether the mower’s tires accumulate grass and how effectively it discharges moist clippings. Finally, we test maneuverability (these machines are, generally, very nimble) and how readily they come to a stop when you back off the lap bar control levers.

For more lawn mower reviews, check out our guides to the best riding lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers, and self-propelled mowers we recommend, and learn more about finding the right mower for you.