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Cub Cadet 81 vs Cub Cadet 85
Verdict: Cub Cadet 81 vs Cub Cadet 85
The Cub Cadet 81 and the Cub Cadet 85 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 85 is the lighter machine (167 kg vs 190 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
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—
Overview
Manufacturer
Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester)Reference
Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester)Reference
air-cooledReference
air-cooled vertical-shaftReference
Steering
manualReference
—
Variants
85
—
32" side-dischargeReference
Cadet 80
hydrostaticReference
—
Cadet 81
gear driveReference
—
85 Special
—
28" baggerReference
Engine
Fuel tank
3.8 LReference
—
Displacement
19.44 ciReference
19.44 ciReference
Bore/Stroke
76 x 70 mmReference
76 x 70 mmReference
Power
6.0 kWReference
—
Air cleaner
oiled foamReference
oiled foamReference
Starter
electricReference
electricReference
Starter volts
12Reference
12Reference
Power (gross)
—
6.0 kWReference
Rated RPM
—
3400Reference
Oil capacity
—
2.8 LReference
Transmission
Transmission
Peerless 1214Reference
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Gears
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
109 cmReference
88 cmReference
Weight
190 kgReference
167 kgReference
Front tire
13x5.00-6Reference
11x4.00-5Reference
Rear tire
18x8.50-8Reference
13x6.50-6Reference
Lawn/turf front
13x5.00-6Reference
11x4.00-5Reference
Lawn/turf rear
18x8.50-8Reference
13x6.50-6Reference
Length
154 cmReference
142 cmReference
Shipping weight
190 kgReference
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Cub Cadet 81 attachments
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
negativeReference
Battery volts
12Reference
12Reference
Attachment overview
36" Mower deck
Type
belt-driven gearReference
gearReference
Cutting width
91 cmReference
—
Cut height
3 to 11 cmReference
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Cub Cadet 85 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.