Cub Cadet 1200
The Cub Cadet 1200 is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1974 to 1980. It's perfect for small yards and gardens. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to use for simple tasks. Under the hood, the Cub Cadet 1200 has a Kohler K301AQS engine. This engine is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has one cylinder and produces 12 horsepower, which is below average for tractors. The engine size is also below average, but it's enough for basic lawn care. The tractor has six forward gears and two reverse gears, giving you good control over your speed. It also has a PTO (power take-off) system that can run at two different speeds, making it versatile for various attachments. This tractor is compact, measuring about 69 inches long, 37 inches wide, and 41 inches tall. It weighs 648 pounds, which is about average for its size. The Cub Cadet 1200 has lawn tires, an open operator station, and an electric starter for easy use. It's a simple, reliable tractor that's great for homeowners who need help maintaining their lawns and gardens.

Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 12hp
- Operating Weight
- 648 lb
- Transmission
- Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch
At a glance
How the 1200 compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 1200 ranks at the 16th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Cub Cadet 1200
The Cub Cadet 1200 is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1974 to 1980. It's perfect for small yards and gardens. This tractor has a 2-wheel drive system and manual steering, making it easy to use for simple tasks. Under the hood, the Cub Cadet 1200 has a Kohler K301AQS engine. This engine is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has one cylinder and produces 12 horsepower, which is below average for tractors. The engine size is also below average, but it's enough for basic lawn care. The tractor has six forward gears and two reverse gears, giving you good control over your speed. It also has a PTO (power take-off) system that can run at two different speeds, making it versatile for various attachments. This tractor is compact, measuring about 69 inches long, 37 inches wide, and 41 inches tall. It weighs 648 pounds, which is about average for its size. The Cub Cadet 1200 has lawn tires, an open operator station, and an electric starter for easy use. It's a simple, reliable tractor that's great for homeowners who need help maintaining their lawns and gardens.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet |
|---|---|
| Model | 1200 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1974–1980 |
| Operating weight | 648lb |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | K301AQS |
| Power | 12hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 29ci |
| Bore | 3.39in |
| Stroke | 3.27in |
Transmission
| Type | Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 6 |
| Reverse gears | 2 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with electric clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 3,400rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 68.9in |
|---|---|
| Width | 36.6in |
| Height | 40.9in |
| Operating weight | 648lb |
Head to head
1200 vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Cub Cadet 1200 compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 12 hp | 18 hp | -33% | 16th |
| Engine Displacement | 29 ci | 41.1 ci | -29% | 23rd |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Forward Gears | 6 | 6 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 648 lb | 738 lb | -12% | 42nd |
| Length | 68.9 in | 71.7 in | -4% | 38th |
| Width | 36.6 in | 43.3 in | -15% | 21st |
| Height | 40.9 in | 42.9 in | -5% | 21st |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the lawn and garden tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 152–380 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Cub Cadet tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet 1210 | 12 hp | 586 lb | 1985–1989 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 122 | 12 hp | 798 lb | 1965–1967 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 123 | 12 hp | 824.5 lb | 1966–1967 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 124 | 12 hp | 628.3 lb | 1967–1969 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1250 | 12 hp | — | 1974–1980 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolens 3212G | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1987–1992 | Compare → |
| Bolens 3212H ST120 | 12 hp | 463 lb | 1988–1992 | Compare → |
| Fendt Dieselross F12 | 12 hp | 2,535 lb | — | Compare → |
| Gibson Super D2 | 12 hp | 1,375 lb | — | Compare → |
| Gravely 812 | 12 hp | 900 lb | 1973–1978 | Compare → |
Explore
Cub Cadet siblings
Explore
Similar-spec models
Gallery
Cub Cadet 1200 photos




FAQ
Common questions
When was the Cub Cadet 1200 in production?
Cub Cadet 1200 production started in 1974 and ended in 1980.
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet 1200 have?
The Cub Cadet 1200 produces 12 hp from its 1-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 29 ci.
How much does the Cub Cadet 1200 weigh?
The Cub Cadet 1200 weighs about 648 lb in operating condition.
What transmission is in the Cub Cadet 1200?
Transmission on the Cub Cadet 1200 is Unsynchronized gear with dry disc clutch, with 6 forward speeds.
What maintenance does the Cub Cadet 1200 require?
Like any tractor, the Cub Cadet 1200 needs periodic engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and regular greasing and inspection. The owner's manual lists the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.

