Cub Cadet 86
The Cub Cadet 86 is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1971 to 1974. It's perfect for small yards and gardens. This tractor has a 2WD system with manual steering, making it easy to control. It comes with a simple gear transmission that has 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Under the hood, the Cub Cadet 86 has a small Kohler K181 engine. This engine is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has just one cylinder and a very low engine displacement of 18.6 ci. The engine produces 8 hp at 3600 rpm, which is enough power for basic lawn care tasks. The tractor is quite compact, measuring 68.9 inches long, 32.7 inches wide, and 40.9 inches tall. It has lawn/turf tires suitable for grass and soft ground. The Cub Cadet 86 also features an electric starter and mechanical disc brakes for safety.
Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 8hp
- Transmission
- Gear type with dry disc clutch
At a glance
How the 86 compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The 86 ranks at the 4th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Cub Cadet 86
The Cub Cadet 86 is a compact lawn and garden tractor made from 1971 to 1974. It's perfect for small yards and gardens. This tractor has a 2WD system with manual steering, making it easy to control. It comes with a simple gear transmission that has 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. Under the hood, the Cub Cadet 86 has a small Kohler K181 engine. This engine is air-cooled and runs on gasoline. It has just one cylinder and a very low engine displacement of 18.6 ci. The engine produces 8 hp at 3600 rpm, which is enough power for basic lawn care tasks. The tractor is quite compact, measuring 68.9 inches long, 32.7 inches wide, and 40.9 inches tall. It has lawn/turf tires suitable for grass and soft ground. The Cub Cadet 86 also features an electric starter and mechanical disc brakes for safety.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet |
|---|---|
| Model | 86 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 2WD |
| Years built | 1971–1974 |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | K181 |
| Power | 8hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 18.6ci |
| Bore | 2.94in |
| Stroke | 2.75in |
Transmission
| Type | Gear type with dry disc clutch |
|---|---|
| Forward gears | 3 |
| Reverse gears | 1 |
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent (front - mechanical clutch) / Transmission (rear - optional) |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 515rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 68.9in |
|---|---|
| Width | 32.7in |
| Height | 40.9in |
Head to head
86 vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Cub Cadet 86 compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 8 hp | 18 hp | -56% | 4th |
| Engine Displacement | 18.6 ci | 41.1 ci | -55% | 2nd |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Forward Gears | 3 | 6 | -50% | 10th |
| Length | 68.9 in | 71.7 in | -4% | 38th |
| Width | 32.7 in | 43.3 in | -24% | 3rd |
| 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 800 | 8 hp | 584 lb | 1974–1975 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1027 | 9 hp | 425 lb | 2000–2002 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 70 | 7 hp | — | 1963–1965 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 71 | 7 hp | 728 lb | 1965–1967 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 72 | 7 hp | 553 lb | — | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanz HM8 | 8 hp | 2,760 lb | — | Compare → |
| Toro 11902 | 8 hp | — | 1983–1990 | Compare → |
| Toro 8-25 56123 | 8 hp | 304 lb | 1989–1990 | Compare → |
| Toro 8-25 56133 | 8 hp | 304 lb | 1991–1992 | Compare → |
| Toro 8-25 70040 | 8 hp | 304 lb | 1993–1998 | Compare → |
Explore
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FAQ
Common questions
When was the Cub Cadet 86 in production?
Cub Cadet 86 production started in 1971 and ended in 1974.
What transmission is in the Cub Cadet 86?
Transmission on the Cub Cadet 86 is Gear type with dry disc clutch, with 3 forward speeds.
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet 86 have?
The Cub Cadet 86 produces 8 hp from its 1-cylinder engine. Engine displacement is 18.6 ci.
What maintenance does the Cub Cadet 86 require?
Like any tractor, the Cub Cadet 86 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.



