Compare/Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet Z54

Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet Z54

Verdict: Cub Cadet 2518 vs Cub Cadet Z54

The Cub Cadet 2518 and the Cub Cadet Z54 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 348 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet Z54 holds more fuel (20.8 L vs 7.9 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet 2518 is the newer design (2002 vs 1997). 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

air-cooled vertical-shaft V-TwinReference

Original price

—

$5,100 (1998 )Reference

Engine

Fuel tank

7.9 LReference

20.8 LReference

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

—

Bore/Stroke

77 x 67 mmReference

—

Power (gross)

14.9 kWReference

Rated RPM

3350Reference

—

Idle RPM

1400-3600Reference

—

Torque

43.7 NmReference

—

Torque RPM

2200Reference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Sparkplug gap

0.762 mmReference

—

Oil capacity

5.7 LReference

Oil change

100 hReference

—

Transmission

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

Oil type

Cub Cadet Drive System Fluid PlusReference

—

Transmission

—

Hydro-Gear BDRReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Type

shaft-driven hydrostaticReference

hydrostaticReference

Front PTO

independentReference

—

Clutch

electricReference

Mid PTO

—

independentReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

119 cmReference

—

Weight

236 kgReference

348 kgReference

Front tire

16x6.5-8Reference

9x3.5Reference

Rear tire

23x9.5-12Reference

20x9-8Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x6.5-8Reference

11x4 (late)Reference

Lawn/turf rear

23x9.5-12Reference

20x9-8Reference

Length

182 cmReference

—

Width

124 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

—

Cub Cadet 2518 attachments

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

alternatorReference

—

Charging amps

15Reference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

Battery CCA

—

380Reference

Attachment overview

Cub Cadet Z54 attachments

54" Mower deck

Cutting width

—

137 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.