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Cub Cadet 80 vs Cub Cadet 81
Verdict: Cub Cadet 80 vs Cub Cadet 81
The Cub Cadet 80 and the Cub Cadet 81 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 8 hp. Cub Cadet 81 is the lighter machine (190 kg vs 195 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet 81 is the newer design (1977 vs 1975). 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
8 hp
8 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
—
—
Overview
Manufacturer
Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester)Reference
Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester)Reference
air-cooledReference
air-cooledReference
Steering
—
manualReference
Variants
Cadet 80
hydrostaticReference
hydrostaticReference
Cadet 81
gear driveReference
gear driveReference
Engine
Fuel tank
3.8 LReference
3.8 LReference
Displacement
19.44 ciReference
19.44 ciReference
Bore/Stroke
76 x 70 mmReference
76 x 70 mmReference
Power (gross)
6.0 kWReference
—
Air cleaner
oiled foamReference
oiled foamReference
Starter
electricReference
electricReference
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Power
—
6.0 kWReference
Transmission
Gears
infinite forward and reverseReference
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
Transmission
—
Peerless 1214Reference
PTO & Hydraulics
Mid PTO
independentReference
—
Clutch
manualReference
—
Dimensions
Wheelbase
109 cmReference
109 cmReference
Weight
195 kgReference
190 kgReference
Front tire
13x5.00-6Reference
13x5.00-6Reference
Rear tire
18x9.50-8Reference
18x8.50-8Reference
Lawn/turf front
13x5.00-6Reference
13x5.00-6Reference
Lawn/turf rear
18x9.50-8Reference
18x8.50-8Reference
Length
154 cmReference
154 cmReference
Shipping weight
195 kgReference
190 kgReference
Cub Cadet 80 attachments
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Attachment overview
36" Mower deck
Type
belt-driven hydrostaticReference
belt-driven gearReference
Cutting width
91 cmReference
91 cmReference
Cut height
3 to 11 cmReference
3 to 11 cmReference
Cub Cadet 81 attachments
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.