Compare/Cub Cadet 3186 vs Cub Cadet XT1 LT42

Cub Cadet 3186 vs Cub Cadet XT1 LT42

Verdict: Cub Cadet 3186 vs Cub Cadet XT1 LT42

The Cub Cadet 3186 and the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 18 hp. Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is the lighter machine (185 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 3186 holds more fuel (17.0 L vs 11.4 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is the newer design (2015 vs 1999). 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

18 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

Cub Cadet (a part of MTD)Reference

air-cooled horizontal-shaft V-TwinReference

air-cooled vertical-shaftReference

Steering

—

manualReference

Engine

Fuel tank

17.0 LReference

11.4 LReference

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

36.4 ciReference

Bore/Stroke

67 x 77 mmReference

94 x 86 mmReference

Power (gross)

13.4 kWReference

Compression

8.5:1Reference

—

Rated RPM

3350Reference

—

Idle RPM

1400-3600Reference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Sparkplug

Champion RC12YCReference

—

Oil capacity

4.3 LReference

1.2 LReference

Transmission

Hydro-Gear BDU-21LReference

Tuff Torq K46Reference

Type

shaft-driven hydrostaticReference

belt-driven hydrostaticReference

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Rear Type

0Reference

—

Front PTO

independentReference

Clutch

electro-pneumatic idlerReference

manualReference

Front PTO Type

shaft (SAE BB)Reference

—

Dimensions

Wheelbase

125 cmReference

119 cmReference

Weight

326 kgReference

185 kgReference

Front tire

16x7.5-8Reference

15x6Reference

Rear tire

24x10.5-12Reference

20x8Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x7.5-8Reference

15x6Reference

Lawn/turf rear

24x10.5-12Reference

20x8Reference

Length

183 cmReference

172 cmReference

Width

106 cmReference

—

Height

110 cmReference

107 cmReference

Ground clearance

15 cmReference

—

Front axle

—

Cast-ironReference

Cub Cadet 3186 attachments

3186 Serial Numbers

Location:

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

—

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

flywheel alternatorReference

Charging amps

16Reference

12Reference

Battery CCA

435Reference

230Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 attachments

42" Mower deck

Cutting width

—

106 cmReference

Overall width

—

127 cmReference

Cut height

—

2 to 10 cmReference

Cut positions

—

12Reference

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.