Cub Cadet 1250
Power
12 hp
Production
1974-1980
Transmission
Shaft-driven hydrostatic
Weight
670 lbs [303 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Cub Cadet 1250 Garden Tractor
The Cub Cadet 1250 is a garden tractor produced by International Harvester in Louisville, Kentucky, between 1974 and 1980. Designed for residential and light-duty landscaping applications, this two-wheel-drive unit is recognized for its hydrostatic transmission and robust power delivery.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled engine with a displacement of 476 cc (29.07 ci). It produces a gross power output of 12 hp (8.9 kW) at a rated speed of 3400 RPM. The fuel system utilizes a Kohler side-draft carburetor, and the engine relies on a dry-type air cleaner. Engine maintenance requires an oil capacity of 1.4 liters, with recommended oil changes every 30 hours of operation.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Power is transferred via a shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission, which provides infinite forward and reverse speeds, allowing for precise speed control without shifting gears. Steering is manual, and the tractor is equipped with dry disc brakes (upgraded to wet disc brakes after 1977) to ensure reliable stopping performance.
Hydraulics and PTO
The machine features an independent front PTO (Power Take-Off) system engaged by an electric clutch, operating at 3400 RPM. This configuration allows for the efficient operation of front-mounted implements. A sleeve hitch is available as an optional feature to facilitate the attachment of rear-mounted tools.
Dimensions and Operator Station
The 1250 is built with an open operator station and has a wheelbase of 111 cm (44 inches). The overall length is 175 cm (69 inches) with a width of 93 cm (37 inches). It provides a ground clearance of 15 cm (6 inches) and has a shipping weight of approximately 303 kg (670 lbs). It is compatible with 38-inch, 44-inch, or 50-inch mower decks.
Conclusion
The Cub Cadet 1250 is a versatile garden tractor suited for lawn maintenance and light groundskeeping tasks. Its hydrostatic drive system and variety of compatible mower decks make it a practical choice for users requiring maneuverability and consistent performance in a compact frame.
Production Information of Cub Cadet, 1250
- Garden tractor
- Built in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Cub Cadet, 1250
| Front tread | 27 inches [68 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 44 inches [111 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 670 lbs [303 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 41 inches [104 cm] |
| Length | 69 inches [175 cm] |
| Rear tread | 27 inches [68 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 6 inches [15 cm] |
| Width | 37 inches [93 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 4.80/4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x8.50-12 |
Engine Specifications of Cub Cadet, 1250
- Air-cooled
| Intake valve clearance | 0.010 inches [0.254 mm] |
|---|---|
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Fuel system | Kohler side-draft carburetor |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 3400 |
| Idle RPM | 1800-3600 |
| Air cleaner | Dry |
| Displacement | 476 cc [29.07 ci] |
| Power (gross) | 12 hp [8.9 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 1.5 qts [1.4 L] |
| Oil change | 30 h |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.375x3.25 inches [86 x 83 mm] |
| Sparkplug gap | 0.035 inches [0.889 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion H-10 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
Cold
Cold
Transmission Information of Cub Cadet, 1250
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Shaft-driven hydrostatic |
|---|---|
| Gears | Infinite forward and reverse |
| Oil capacity | 7 qts [6.6 L] |
Transmission variants 2
| 3 | Forward/reverse |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brake |
| 2 | Throttle |
Mechanical Specs of Cub Cadet, 1250
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
| Steering | Manual |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Dry disc |
Power Information of Cub Cadet, 1250
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
| Front PTO Type | 3400 |
Three-Point Hitch of Cub Cadet, 1250
| Type(optional) | Sleeve hitch |
|---|
Electrical System of Cub Cadet, 1250
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Flywheel alternator |
| Charging amps | 15 |
Where it sits
With 12 HP, the Cub Cadet 1250 sits just below 1450 (14 HP) in Cub Cadet's range. Its power puts it in the 76th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1008 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet 1250 have?
The Cub Cadet 1250 delivers 12 HP.
What years was the Cub Cadet 1250 produced?
The Cub Cadet 1250 was produced in 1974-1980.
What transmission does the Cub Cadet 1250 use?
The Cub Cadet 1250 uses a Shaft-driven hydrostatic transmission.
How much does the Cub Cadet 1250 weigh?
The Cub Cadet 1250 weighs 670 lbs [303 kg].
Is the Cub Cadet 1250 4WD?
The Cub Cadet 1250 is available in 2WD.