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Cub Cadet 1535 vs Cub Cadet Z42
Verdict: Cub Cadet 1535 vs Cub Cadet Z42
The Cub Cadet 1535 and the Cub Cadet Z42 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 15 hp. Cub Cadet 1535 is the lighter machine (306 kg vs 320 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet Z42 holds more fuel (20.8 L vs 18.9 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet Z42 is the newer design (1997 vs 1990). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.
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Fit & specs
Cub Cadet
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Cub Cadet
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Rated power
15 hp
15 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
—
—
Overview
Manufacturer
Cub Cadet (a part of MTD)Reference
Cub Cadet (a part of MTD)Reference
air-cooled horizontal-shaft opposed-twinReference
air-cooled vertical-shaftReference
Original price
—
$3,800 (1998 )Reference
Variants
1535
gearReference
—
1541
hydroReference
—
Engine
Fuel tank
18.9 LReference
20.8 LReference
Displacement
42.18 ciReference
—
Bore/Stroke
79 x 70 mmReference
—
Power (gross)
11.2 kWReference
11.2 kWReference
Idle RPM
1200-3600Reference
—
Starter
electricReference
electricReference
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Sparkplug
0.25Reference
—
Intake valve clearance
0.102 mmReference
—
Exhaust valve clearance
0.305 mmReference
—
Oil capacity
3.8 LReference
5.7 LReference
Transmission
Type
shaft-driven gearReference
hydrostaticReference
Gears
6 forward and 2 reverseReference
infinite forward and reverseReference
Clutch
dry discReference
electricReference
Transmission
—
Hydro-Gear BDRReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
115 cmReference
—
Weight
306 kgReference
320 kgReference
Front tire
16x6.50-8Reference
9x3.5Reference
Rear tire
23x10.50-12Reference
20x7-8Reference
Lawn/turf front
16x6.50-8Reference
11x4 (late)Reference
Lawn/turf rear
23x10.50-12Reference
20x7-8Reference
Length
182 cmReference
—
Width
95 cmReference
—
Height (steering wheel)
111 cmReference
—
Ground clearance
15 cmReference
—
Front tread
73 cmReference
—
Rear tread
68 cmReference
—
Cub Cadet 1535 attachments
1535 Serial Number Location
1535 Serial Numbers
1990
800000Reference
—
1991
811672Reference
—
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Charging system
alternatorReference
—
Charging amps
15Reference
—
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Battery CCA
—
380Reference
Attachment overview
PTO & Hydraulics
Mid PTO
—
independentReference
Cub Cadet Z42 attachments
42" Mower deck
Cutting width
—
106 cmReference
Cut height
—
3 to 11 cmReference
Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.