Compare/Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet 3205

Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet 3205

Verdict: Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet 3205

The Cub Cadet 2518 and the Cub Cadet 3205 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 20 hp. Cub Cadet 2518 is the lighter machine (236 kg vs 326 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet 3205 holds more fuel (17.0 L vs 7.9 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet 2518 is the newer design (2002 vs 1998). Use the full side-by-side spec tables below to weigh the details against your own operation, and confirm with a dealer demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Cub Cadet

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Cub Cadet

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

20 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Cub Cadet (a part of MTD)Reference

air-cooled horizontal-shaft V-twinReference

Image courtesy of Dan La PointeReference

Original price

—

$6,800 (1999 )Reference

Differential lock

—

mechanical rearReference

Engine

Fuel tank

7.9 LReference

17.0 LReference

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

37.65 ciReference

Bore/Stroke

77 x 67 mmReference

76 x 68 mmReference

Power (gross)

14.9 kWReference

Rated RPM

3350Reference

3450Reference

Idle RPM

1400-3600Reference

1450-3600Reference

Torque

43.7 NmReference

—

Torque RPM

2200Reference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Sparkplug gap

0.762 mmReference

—

Oil capacity

5.7 LReference

4.3 LReference

Oil change

100 hReference

Compression

—

9.0:1Reference

Coolant capacity

—

2.6 LReference

Sparkplug

—

NGK BMR 4AReference

Transmission

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

Oil type

Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid PlusReference

—

Transmission

—

Hydro-Gear BDU-21LReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Type

shaft-driven hydrostaticReference

Front PTO

independentReference

Clutch

electricReference

electro-pneumatic idlerReference

Rear Type

—

0Reference

Front PTO Type

—

shaft (SAE BB)Reference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

119 cmReference

125 cmReference

Weight

236 kgReference

326 kgReference

Front tire

16x6.5-8Reference

16x7.5-8Reference

Rear tire

23x9.5-12Reference

24x10.5-12Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x6.5-8Reference

16x7.5-8Reference

Lawn/turf rear

23x9.5-12Reference

24x10.5-12Reference

Length

182 cmReference

183 cmReference

Width

124 cmReference

106 cmReference

Height (steering wheel)

109 cmReference

—

Ground clearance

15 cmReference

4-bolt flange rear axle

25 mmReference

—

Front tread

80 cmReference

—

Rear tread

76 cmReference

—

Height

—

110 cmReference

Cub Cadet 2518 attachments

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

alternatorReference

flywheel alternatorReference

Charging amps

15Reference

20Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Battery CCA

—

435Reference

Attachment overview

Cub Cadet 3205 attachments

3205 Serial Numbers

Location:

—

Serial number decal on the left side of the frame, above the front axle.Reference

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.