Brand siblingCub Cadet 1517
The Cub Cadet 1517 is a compact lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners with larger yards. It features a 2-wheel drive system and a hydrostatic transmission, which allows for smooth, infinite speed changes in both forward and reverse. The tractor is powered by a Kohler CV490 engine, a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine that produces 17 horsepower. This engine power is about average for tractors in its class. The 1517 model is built with convenience in mind. It has an open operator station and electric start for easy operation. The tractor's independent PTO with electric clutch makes it simple to engage and disengage attachments. At 68 inches long, 44.9 inches wide, and 42.9 inches tall, this Cub Cadet is compact enough to maneuver around obstacles in your yard. It weighs 500 pounds, which is on the lighter side for tractors, making it easier to transport if needed. The tractor comes equipped with lawn and turf tires, and has a fuel tank capacity of 11.4 liters, allowing for extended use between refueling.

Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 17hp
- Operating Weight
- 500 lb
- Transmission
- Hydrostatic
At a glance
How the 1517 compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 1517 ranks at the 41st percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Cub Cadet 1517
The Cub Cadet 1517 is a compact lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners with larger yards. It features a 2-wheel drive system and a hydrostatic transmission, which allows for smooth, infinite speed changes in both forward and reverse. The tractor is powered by a Kohler CV490 engine, a single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine that produces 17 horsepower. This engine power is about average for tractors in its class. The 1517 model is built with convenience in mind. It has an open operator station and electric start for easy operation. The tractor's independent PTO with electric clutch makes it simple to engage and disengage attachments. At 68 inches long, 44.9 inches wide, and 42.9 inches tall, this Cub Cadet is compact enough to maneuver around obstacles in your yard. It weighs 500 pounds, which is on the lighter side for tractors, making it easier to transport if needed. The tractor comes equipped with lawn and turf tires, and has a fuel tank capacity of 11.4 liters, allowing for extended use between refueling.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet |
|---|---|
| Model | 1517 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Operating weight | 500lb |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | CV490 |
| Power | 17hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 29.9ci |
| Bore | 3.54in |
| Stroke | 3.03in |
Transmission
| Type | Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Dry Disc |
| Cab | Open Operator Station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with Electric Clutch |
|---|
Dimensions
| Length | 68in |
|---|---|
| Width | 44.9in |
| Height | 42.9in |
| Operating weight | 500lb |
Head to head
1517 vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Cub Cadet 1517 compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 17 hp | 18 hp | -6% | 41st |
| Engine Displacement | 29.9 ci | 41.1 ci | -27% | 27th |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Operating Weight | 500 lb | 738 lb | -32% | 16th |
| Length | 68 in | 71.7 in | -5% | 25th |
| Width | 44.9 in | 43.3 in | +4% | 56th |
| Height | 42.9 in | 42.9 in | at median | 50th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the lawn and garden tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 269–380 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Cub Cadet tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet 1720 | 17 hp | 4,211 lb | 1988–1991 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1782 | 17 hp | 1,131 lb | 1990–1996 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 682 | 17 hp | 661 lb | 1979–1985 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 782 | 17 hp | — | 1979–1985 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1170 | 17.5 hp | 1,080 lb | 2000–2002 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariens GT17 | 17 hp | 926 lb | 1979–1987 | Compare → |
| Bolens G172 | 17 hp | 1,056 lb | — | Compare → |
| Bolens G174 | 17 hp | 1,144 lb | — | Compare → |
| Bolens H1704 | 17 hp | 1,268 lb | — | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers 616 | 16.5 hp | 1,499 lb | 1972–1973 | Compare → |
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Gallery
Cub Cadet 1517 photos






FAQ
Common questions
How powerful is the Cub Cadet 1517?
The Cub Cadet 1517 has an engine power output of 17 hp. It is powered by a 1-cylinder engine displacing 29.9 ci.
What type of transmission does the Cub Cadet 1517 have?
The Cub Cadet 1517 uses a Hydrostatic transmission.
What is the working weight of the Cub Cadet 1517?
The operating weight of the Cub Cadet 1517 is approximately 500 lb.
What routine service does the Cub Cadet 1517 need?
Regular maintenance for the Cub Cadet 1517 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.


