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Cub Cadet 800 vs Cub Cadet 81
Verdict: Cub Cadet 800 vs Cub Cadet 81
The Cub Cadet 800 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 265 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Cub Cadet 800 holds more fuel (7.6 L vs 3.8 L) for longer stints between fills. Cub Cadet 81 is the newer design (1977 vs 1974). 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
Adds a creeper range to the basic transmission. Creeper engaged by separate control lever.Reference
air-cooledReference
Brakes
wet discReference
—
Steering
—
manualReference
Engine
Fuel tank
7.6 LReference
3.8 LReference
Displacement
18.63 ciReference
19.44 ciReference
Bore/Stroke
75 x 70 mmReference
76 x 70 mmReference
Power (gross)
6.0 kWReference
—
Fuel system
Kohler side-draft carburetorReference
—
Air cleaner
dryReference
oiled foamReference
Rated RPM
3400Reference
—
Idle RPM
1800-3600Reference
—
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Sparkplug
Champion J-8Reference
—
Sparkplug gap
0.635 mmReference
—
Point gap
0.508 mmReference
—
Intake valve clearance
0.152 mmReference
—
Exhaust valve clearance
0.432 mmReference
—
Oil capacity
4.0 LReference
—
Oil change
30 hReference
—
Power
—
6.0 kWReference
Starter
—
electricReference
Transmission
Gears
6 forward and 2 reverseReference
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
Transmission
—
Peerless 1214Reference
PTO & Hydraulics
Type
creeperReference
belt-driven gearReference
Rear PTO
transmissionReference
—
Rear PTO Type
515 (0.937)Reference
—
Front PTO
independentReference
—
Clutch
4.5-inch dry discReference
—
Front PTO Type
3400Reference
—
Dimensions
Wheelbase
111 cmReference
109 cmReference
Weight
265 kgReference
190 kgReference
Front tire
4.80/4.00-8Reference
13x5.00-6Reference
Rear tire
6-12Reference
18x8.50-8Reference
Lawn/turf front
4.80/4.00-8Reference
13x5.00-6Reference
Lawn/turf rear
6-12Reference
18x8.50-8Reference
Length
175 cmReference
154 cmReference
Width
83 cmReference
—
Height (steering wheel)
104 cmReference
—
Shipping weight
265 kgReference
190 kgReference
Ground clearance
15 cmReference
—
Front tread
68 cmReference
—
Rear tread
68 cmReference
—
Cub Cadet 800 attachments
800 Serial Number Location
800 Serial Numbers
1974
530000Reference
—
1975
536073Reference
—
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Charging system
flywheel alternatorReference
—
Charging amps
15Reference
—
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Attachment overview
Variants
Cadet 80
—
hydrostaticReference
Cadet 81
—
gear driveReference
Cub Cadet 81 attachments
36" Mower deck
Cutting width
—
91 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.