If you’re looking for a capable and straightforward lawn mower, you’ve likely come across the Cub Cadet CC600. This review aims to give you a comprehensive and unbiased look at this popular walk-behind mower to see if it’s the right fit for your yard.
Cub Cadet CC600 Review
Let’s get straight to the point. The CC600 is a 21-inch push mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns. It’s built with home users in mind, offering a balance of power and simplicity. We’ll break down everything from its engine performance to its bagging system so you can make an informed decision.
Key Features and Specifications
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what the CC600 offers. Knowing these specs helps you compare it to other models easily.
- Engine: 159cc Cub Cadet OHV engine
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Cutting Heights: 6 positions, from 1.5 to 3.75 inches
- Deck Material: 20-gauge steel
- Drive System: Front-wheel drive
- Grass Collection: 2.1 bushel rear bag
- Mulching & Side-Discharge: Included as standard
Assembly and First Impressions
Out of the box, the CC600 requires some assembly. It’s not overly complicated, but you’ll need about 30 minutes and basic tools. The instructions are generally clear, though a few steps could be better illustrated.
Here’s the basic process:
- Attach the handlebar to the deck using the provided bolts.
- Connect the control cable to the engine throttle lever.
- Install the rear bagger assembly.
- Add engine oil and gasoline (neither are included).
Once put together, the mower feels sturdy for its price point. The paint job is clean, and all the controls are within easy reach on the handle. The overall build quality seems good, though the rear bag feels a bit thin.
Performance on Your Lawn
This is where the rubber meets the road—or rather, the blade meets the grass. I tested the CC600 on a typical suburban lawn with a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and some weeds.
Power and Cutting Ability
The 159cc engine provides ample power for most tasks. It started reliably on the first or second pull, even when cold. It handled normal grass heights without bogging down. When I let a patch grow a little too long, it struggled slightly unless I slowed my pace or raised the deck.
The cut quality is clean and even when the blade is kept sharp. It leaves a nice striped pattern on the lawn, which is a satisfying touch.
Maneuverability and Ease of Use
The front-wheel drive is a significant feature. It provides helpful pulling power, especially on slight inclines or damp grass. This makes it less tiring to use than a pure push mower. Turning is reasonably tight, but the mower is not self-propelled, so you do have to muscle it around corners.
The single-lever height adjustment is a standout feature. You can change the cutting height for all four wheels at once without bending down. This is incredibly convenient if you like to adjust your cut seasonally or for different areas.
Bagging, Mulching, and Side-Discharge
The CC600 offers all three options. The 2.1 bushel bag fills up quickly if your grass is thick or wet, requiring frequent stops to empty it. The mulching plug works effectively for returning fine clippings to the lawn, provided you mow regularly. Side-discharge is straightforward and usefull for tackling overgrown areas quickly.
A minor annoyance is that switching between modes requires you to stop and install or remove the bag or plug. It’s a standard process, but not something you’d want to do multiple times in one mowing session.
Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability
Any good mower needs to last. The CC600 is designed with some user maintenance in mind, which is a plus for long-term ownership.
- Air Filter: Easy to access and clean foam element.
- Oil Change: Standard drain plug and fill tube make changes simple.
- Blade Sharpening/Replacement: The deck is relatively easy to tip on its side (always disconnect the spark plug first!). The blade bolt is standard.
- Storage: The handle folds down nicely to save space in your shed or garage.
While it’s to early to speak to decade-long durability, the engine has a good reputation and the deck seems robust. Regular maintenance will be key to its lifespan.
Pros and Cons Summary
To help you weigh your decision, here’s a straightforward list of the advantages and drawbacks I observed.
Pros:
- Strong engine with reliable starting
- Excellent single-lever height adjustment
- Helpful front-wheel drive assist
- Good value for the feature set
- Includes all three cutting modes
Cons:
- Grass bag capacity is somewhat small
- Not self-propelled (may be tiring on larger lawns)
- Some plastic components feel less durable
- Assembly instructions could be clearer in spots
Who Is The CC600 Best For?
The Cub Cadet CC600 is an ideal choice for someone with a flat to moderately sloped, small to medium-sized lawn (up to about 1/3 acre). It’s perfect if you want a mower with more assist than a basic push model but don’t need a full self-propelled machine. It’s also a great fit for gardeners who value the convenience of easy height adjustments.
It might not be the best choice if you have a very large or hilly yard, where a self-propelled model would be less physically demanding. Also, if you frequently let your grass get very tall between cuts, a mower with more torque would be a better match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Cub Cadet CC600 self-propelled?
No, the CC600 is not self-propelled. It features front-wheel drive, which provides pulling assistance, but you still need to push it to maneuver and turn.
What type of oil does the CC600 mower use?
It uses standard SAE 30 motor oil for warmer temperatures (check your manual for multi-weight recommendations). You’ll need about 20 oz. for a full change. Always use fresh oil for the best performance.
Can you mulch with the Cub Cadet CC600?
Yes, absolutely. A mulching plug is included with the mower. You simply remove the grass bag and insert the plug into the rear discharge chute to convert it for mulching duties.
How wide is the cut on the CC600?
The Cub Cadet CC600 has a 21-inch cutting width. This is a common and efficient size for residential lawns, allowing you to pass between obstacles and cover ground quickly.
Is this mower good for hills?
The front-wheel drive helps on gentle slopes, but it’s not designed for steep hills. For significant inclines, a dedicated self-propelled model with rear-wheel drive would offer more stability and control.
Final Verdict
After putting the Cub Cadet CC600 through its paces, it’s clear this mower offers solid value. It performs well on typical lawns, and the front-wheel drive is a genuine help. The standout feature is undoubtably the single-lever height adjustment, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
While it has minor flaws like a small bag and some less-premium materials, these are reasonable trade-offs for its price point. If your lawn fits the profile and you don’t mind a bit of pushing, the CC600 is a reliable and capable machine that should serve you well for many mowing seasons. It’s a practical choice that gets the job done without unnecessary complexity.