Compare/Cub Cadet 3204 vs Cub Cadet GT 2542

Cub Cadet 3204 vs Cub Cadet GT 2542

Verdict: Cub Cadet 3204 vs Cub Cadet GT 2542

The Cub Cadet 3204 and the Cub Cadet GT 2542 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 GT 2542 is the lighter machine (333 kg vs 360 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet 3204 holds more fuel (17.0 L vs 8.5 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet GT 2542 is the newer design (2006 vs 2002). 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

Engine

Fuel tank

17.0 LReference

8.5 LReference

Displacement

38.1 ciReference

Bore/Stroke

77 x 67 mmReference

Power (gross)

14.9 kWReference

Compression

8.5:1Reference

—

Rated RPM

3350Reference

—

Idle RPM

1400-3600Reference

—

Starter

electricReference

Starter volts

12Reference

Oil capacity

5.7 LReference

5.4 LReference

Sparkplug

Champion RC12YCReference

—

Transmission

Hydro-Gear BDU-21LReference

Hydro-Gear BDU-10Reference

Type

shaft-driven hydrostaticReference

Gears

infinite forward and reverseReference

PTO & Hydraulics

Rear Type

0Reference

—

Front PTO

independentReference

Clutch

electro-pneumatic idlerReference

electricReference

Front PTO Type

shaft (SAE BB)Reference

—

Dimensions

Wheelbase

125 cmReference

119 cmReference

Weight

360 kgReference

333 kgReference

Front tire

16x6.5-8Reference

15x6Reference

Rear tire

23x9.5-12Reference

23x9.5Reference

Lawn/turf front

16x6.5-8Reference

15x6Reference

Lawn/turf rear

23x9.5-12Reference

23x9.5Reference

Length

187 cmReference

182 cmReference

Width

106 cmReference

—

Height

110 cmReference

—

Ground clearance

15 cmReference

—

Cub Cadet 3204 attachments

3204 Serial Number Location

Electrical

Ground

negativeReference

Charging system

flywheel alternatorReference

Charging amps

15Reference

Battery CCA

435Reference

275Reference

Battery volts

12Reference

Attachment overview

Cub Cadet GT 2542 attachments

42" Mower deck

Cutting width

—

106 cmReference

Cut height

—

3 to 10 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.