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Sears Compact 8 vs Sears LT/8 502.2581
Verdict: Sears Compact 8 vs Sears LT/8 502.2581
The Sears Compact 8 and the Sears LT/8 502.2581 are both lawn tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Both are rated at the same 8 hp. Sears LT/8 502.2581 is the lighter machine (242 kg vs 436 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Sears LT/8 502.2581 is the newer design (1973 vs 1972). 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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Tell us about your operation
Fit & specs
Sears
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Sears
62
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Rated power
8 hp
8 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
—
—
Overview
Distributor
SearsReference
SearsReference
Manufacturer
RoperReference
MurrayReference
air-cooled horizontal-shaftReference
air-cooled vertical-shaftReference
Variants
3666
—
similar Murray modelReference
917.25030
manual startReference
—
917.25040
electric startReference
—
LT/8
—
recoil startReference
LT/8E
—
electric startReference
Engine
Power
6.0 kWReference
—
Starter
electricReference
—
Starter volts
12Reference
—
Power (gross)
—
6.0 kWReference
Starter type
—
manual recoilReference
Transmission
Gears
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
3 forward and 1 reverseReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
109 cmReference
—
Weight
45 kgReference
242 kgReference
Front tire
16x4.80-8Reference
15x6.00Reference
Rear tire
22.5x7.50-12Reference
18x8.50Reference
Lawn/turf front
16x4.80-8Reference
15x6.00Reference
Lawn/turf rear
22.5x7.50-12Reference
18x8.50Reference
Length
157 cmReference
149 cmReference
Width
84 cmReference
—
Height (steering wheel)
88 cmReference
99 cmReference
Shipping weight
197 kgReference
—
Sears Compact 8 attachments
Electrical
Ground
negativeReference
—
Battery volts
12Reference
—
38" Mower deck
Type
belt-driven gearReference
belt-driven gearReference
Cutting width
96 cmReference
91 cmReference
Overall width
111 cmReference
132 cmReference
Cut height
3 to 8 cmReference
2 to 8 cmReference
Sears LT/8 attachments
LT/8 Serial Numbers
1973
—
917.2570 (model code)Reference
1974
—
917.2576 (model code)Reference
1975
—
502.2581 (model code)Reference
Attachment overview
36" Mower deck
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.