Introduction
Cub Cadet 582 Special Garden Tractor
The Cub Cadet 582 Special is a garden tractor produced between 1980 and 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky. Positioned as an economy version of the standard 582 model, it was engineered to provide core functionality for lawn maintenance and light property tasks at a more accessible price point.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by an air-cooled engine with a 655 cc (40 ci) displacement, delivering a gross power output of 16 hp (11.9 kW). It utilizes a downdraft carburetor with an integral fuel pump and requires an oil change every 30 hours of operation. The engine is tuned to reach its rated output at 3600 RPM, with a peak torque of 25.8 lb-ft (35.0 Nm) achieved at 2600 RPM.
Transmission and Drive System
Unlike the standard 582, the 582 Special features a belt-driven Peerless gear-type transaxle. The power is transferred from the engine to a right-angle gearbox and then to the transmission via a belt and pulley clutch system. It offers four forward gears and one reverse gear, providing the necessary flexibility for varying ground speeds.
Mechanical and Operational Features
The machine is configured as a two-wheel-drive unit with manual steering and wet disc brakes for reliable stopping power. It is equipped with an independent front power take-off (PTO) engaged by an electric clutch, facilitating the use of powered attachments. The operator environment consists of an open station design.
Dimensions and Tires
With a wheelbase of 44 inches (111 cm) and an overall length of 72 inches (182 cm), the tractor maintains a compact footprint. It is fitted with turf-specific tires—16x6.50-8 on the front and 23x10.50-12 on the rear—to minimize surface disturbance. The unit has a shipping weight of 640 lbs (290 kg) and a ground clearance of 6 inches (15 cm).
Conclusion
The Cub Cadet 582 Special serves as a functional, cost-effective solution for residential lawn care. By utilizing a belt-driven Peerless transmission, it offered a viable alternative to the more robust drive systems of the period while retaining the performance characteristics required for standard mowing and light-duty garden applications.
Production Information of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
- The Cub Cadet 582 Special was an economy version of the 582. It was the same engine as the 582, but used a belt-driven Peerless transmission found on the 482. This enabled the 582 Special to retail for about $500 less than a regular 582 when new.
- Garden tractor
- Built in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
| Front tread | 29 inches [73 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 44 inches [111 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 640 lbs [290 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 43 inches [109 cm] |
| Length | 72 inches [182 cm] |
| Rear tread | 27 inches [68 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 6 inches [15 cm] |
| Width | 37.75 inches [95 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 16x6.50-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 23x10.50-12 |
Engine Specifications of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
- Air-cooled
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug gap | 0.030 inches [0.762 mm] |
| Fuel system | Downdraft carburetor with integral fuel pump |
| Oil change | 30 h |
| Torque | 25.8 lb-ft [35.0 Nm] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Displacement | 655 cc [40 ci] |
| Oil capacity | 1.75 qts [1.7 L] |
| Power (gross) | 16 hp [11.9 kW] |
| Air cleaner | Dry with pre-cleaner |
| Bore/Stroke | 3.4375x2.156 inches [87 x 55 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion RJ-12 |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Torque RPM | 2600 |
Transmission Information of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
Transmission variants 1
- The Cub Cadet 582 Special used a Peerless transaxle in place of the Cub Cadet transmission found on the regular 582. The engine was connected to a right-angle gearbox which drove the transmission via a belt.
| Manufacturer | Peerless |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Belt and pulley |
| Type | Gear |
| Gears | 4 forward and 1 reverse |
Mechanical Specs of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station.
- Wet disc brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|
Power Information of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
| Front PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Electric |
Electrical System of Cub Cadet, 582 Special
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery AH | 32 |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Charging amps | 13 |
Where it sits
With 16 HP, the Cub Cadet 582 Special sits between Z42 (15 HP) and 682 (17 HP) in Cub Cadet's range. Its power puts it in the 78th percentile of 1980s models in our database (977 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet 582 Special have?
The Cub Cadet 582 Special delivers 16 HP.
What years was the Cub Cadet 582 Special produced?
The Cub Cadet 582 Special was produced in 1980-1985.
What transmission does the Cub Cadet 582 Special use?
The Cub Cadet 582 Special uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Cub Cadet 582 Special weigh?
The Cub Cadet 582 Special weighs 640 lbs [290 kg].
Is the Cub Cadet 582 Special 4WD?
The Cub Cadet 582 Special is available in 2WD.