Brand siblingCub Cadet XT1 LT42
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is a compact lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners with medium-sized yards. It features a 2WD drive system and a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, offering smooth operation with infinite forward and reverse speeds. The tractor is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled Kohler SV541 gasoline engine that produces 18 hp at 3600 rpm, providing average power for its class. This tractor measures 67.7 inches long and 42.1 inches high, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It has a light operating weight of 407.9 lb, which is below average for its category. The XT1 LT42 comes equipped with lawn/turf tires, an independent PTO with manual clutch, and an open operator station for comfort during use. Additional features include a 11.4 L fuel tank capacity and an electric starter for convenient operation. With its disc brakes and manual steering, this Cub Cadet model offers reliable performance for everyday lawn care tasks.

Quick specs
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine Power Output
- 18hp
- Operating Weight
- 407.9 lb
- Transmission
- Belt-driven Hydrostatic
At a glance
How the XT1 LT42 compares
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
Across all Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The XT1 LT42 ranks at the 50th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is a compact lawn and garden tractor designed for homeowners with medium-sized yards. It features a 2WD drive system and a belt-driven hydrostatic transmission, offering smooth operation with infinite forward and reverse speeds. The tractor is powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled Kohler SV541 gasoline engine that produces 18 hp at 3600 rpm, providing average power for its class. This tractor measures 67.7 inches long and 42.1 inches high, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It has a light operating weight of 407.9 lb, which is below average for its category. The XT1 LT42 comes equipped with lawn/turf tires, an independent PTO with manual clutch, and an open operator station for comfort during use. Additional features include a 11.4 L fuel tank capacity and an electric starter for convenient operation. With its disc brakes and manual steering, this Cub Cadet model offers reliable performance for everyday lawn care tasks.
Full specifications
Every recorded spec
General
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet |
|---|---|
| Model | XT1 LT42 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 |
| Operating weight | 407.9lb |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | SV541 |
| Power | 18hp |
| Cylinders | 1 |
| Displacement | 36.4ci |
| Bore | 3.7in |
| Stroke | 3.39in |
Transmission
| Type | Belt-driven Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Manual |
| Brakes | Disc |
| Cab | Open operator station |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with manual clutch |
|---|
Dimensions
| Length | 67.7in |
|---|---|
| Height | 42.1in |
| Operating weight | 407.9lb |
Head to head
XT1 LT42 vs. Lawn and Garden median
How the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 compares to other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 18 hp | 18 hp | at median | 50th |
| Engine Displacement | 36.4 ci | 41.1 ci | -11% | 35th |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 | -50% | 17th |
| Operating Weight | 408 lb | 738 lb | -45% | 5th |
| Length | 67.7 in | 71.7 in | -6% | 21st |
| Height | 42.1 in | 42.9 in | -2% | 40th |
Medians and percentiles are computed from the lawn and garden tractors in our database with a recorded value for each spec (sample sizes 283–380 models).
Compare to tractors with similar specs
Commonly compared Cub Cadet tractors
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Cadet 1810 | 18 hp | — | 1986–1989 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1811 | 18 hp | — | 1986–1989 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1861 | 18 hp | 836 lb | 1991–1992 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1862 | 18 hp | 893 lb | 1990–1992 | Compare → |
| Cub Cadet 1863 | 18 hp | 871 lb | 1993–1997 | Compare → |
Commonly compared tractors with similar horsepower from other brands
| Tractor | Engine Power | Operating Weight | Years | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allis Chalmers 5015 | 18 hp | 1,278 lb | 1982–1985 | Compare → |
| Allis Chalmers WC (1938-1948) | 18 hp | 3,792 lb | 1938–1948 | Compare → |
| Bolens 1886 | 18 hp | — | 1971–1972 | Compare → |
| CaseIH 235 | 18 hp | 1,350 lb | — | Compare → |
| CaseIH Farmall DX18E | 18 hp | 1,314 lb | — | Compare → |
Explore
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Gallery
Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 photos




FAQ
Common questions
What is the engine power output of the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42?
Rated engine output for the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is 18 hp, delivered by a 1-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 36.4 ci.
Which transmission does the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 use?
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 is equipped with a Belt-driven Hydrostatic transmission.
What is the operating weight of the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42?
In working trim, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 comes in at roughly 407.9 lb.
How do I maintain a Cub Cadet XT1 LT42?
Routine service for the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 covers engine oil and filter changes, hydraulic and coolant level checks, air filter cleaning, and scheduled inspections. Refer to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for exact intervals.

