The Cub Cadet i1050 is different than other models. It's a zero-turn radius lawn tracor! Yep, a lawn tractor that can turn on a dime. We give it a Best Buy rating because it is so versatile for the buck.

The big difference is in the front axle and suspension system that allows the 15-inch front wheels to make a full 90-degree rotation. In addition, the 20-inch rear wheels are controlled individually with a dual hydrostatic transmission just like ones on the squatty rear-engine zero-turn mowers. Of course, the dual transmission and lay-over front axle drives up the price. But for many homeowners this is the right machine.

The Cub Cadet i1050 is powered by a 25-hp Kohler Courage V-Twin (two cylinder) overhead valve engine that is relatively quiet (for a four-cycle engine); it's a popular engine among lawn and garden tractor manufacturers. Put simply, it does the job.

The cutting path on the i1050 is 50 inches wide, making it a good selection for lawns up to about three acres (120,000 square feet) -- and especially for lawns that have dips and climbs. Furthermore, the zero-turn radius feature puts this model in a class by itself because a lawn tractor can handle rougher terrain than can most rear-engine zero-turn mowers. It's a promising marriage between a zero-turning radius and a heftier machine. Two wheels in front of the mowing deck and a set of rollers on the back edge help keep it from scalping your lawn.

Cutting height on the i1050 is adjustable from 1-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches using a lever on the driver's right side. There are six positions in all. The i1050 also has a front bumper and an adjustable seat. An optional rear hitch can be added. The blades are engaged and disengaged by an electric power-takeoff (PTO) button on the dash.

Though the design is unique, the craftsmanship is similar to that found in other medium-priced Cub Cadet models. Cub Cadet keeps the cost down on this model by using a little lighter frame (12-gauge steel) and cutting a few other corners, but nothing critical. The 2.8-gallon fuel tank is smaller than most, but adequate. Unfortunately, to read the fuel level you must get off and walk to the rear of the tractor. We think that's a negative. But, for what this model can do, it's a good value overall.

Because the i1050 uses a dual hydrostatic transmission, it can get up to a forward speed of 6 mph and 3.2 mph in reverse. Combined with the nimbleness of a zero-turn radius, this model can cut a big lawn down to size in much less time than other lawn tractors. Though the rear bagger is optional, the mulching kit comes standard on the i1050.

The Cub Cadet i1050 is a good lawn tractor. Add in the unique feature that it can reduce mowing time by offering a zero-turn radius and we think it's a Best Buy.


Pros: Proven engine, unique zero-turn radius, can pull loads
Cons: Fuel tank hard to read, some corners cut to reduce price