
Cub Cadet 73
Power
7 hp
Production
1969-1971
Engine
1-cylinder
Transmission
Gear
Weight
570 lbs [258 kg]
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Cub Cadet 73 Garden Tractor
The Cub Cadet 73 is a compact garden tractor manufactured by International Harvester in Louisville, Kentucky, between 1969 and 1971. Designed for residential property maintenance and light-duty landscaping, this model features a 1-cylinder air-cooled engine and a robust gear-driven transmission.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 262 cc (16 ci) 1-cylinder air-cooled engine, producing a rated power of 7 horsepower (5.2 kW) at 3600 RPM. It features a compression ratio of 6.2:1 and delivers 11.2 lb-ft (15.2 Nm) of torque at 2200 RPM. The engine requires regular maintenance of its spark plug (Champion J-8) and valve clearances to ensure consistent performance during operation.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The standard transmission provides 3 forward and 1 reverse gear through a 4.5-inch mechanical dry disc clutch. An optional creeper range is available, which expands the configuration to 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, allowing for increased control during low-speed tasks. The system utilizes IH Hy-Tran oil for lubrication.
Chassis and Operator Station
Built on a two-wheel drive chassis with a 43-inch wheelbase, the model includes manual steering and mechanical dry disc brakes. The operator station is of an open design, featuring a steel pan seat. With a total length of 64 inches and a width of 33.25 inches, the machine is optimized for maneuverability in confined garden areas.
Power Take-Off and Hydraulics
The tractor is equipped with a rear PTO operating at 515 RPM and a front PTO type rated at 3600 RPM. It supports a variety of attachments, including 38, 42, and 48-inch mower decks. A three-point hitch system is available as an optional feature to accommodate various implements.
Conclusion
The Cub Cadet 73 is a durable, utility-focused garden tractor intended for homeowners and small-scale landscape maintenance. Its simple mechanical design and availability of optional creeper gears make it a versatile choice for tasks requiring precise control at low speeds.
Production Information of Cub Cadet, 73
- Garden tractor
- Built in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Cub Cadet, 73
- Flange rear axle
| Front axle | Cast-iron |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 43 inches [109 cm] |
| Shipping weight | 570 lbs [258 kg] |
| Height (steering wheel) | 39.75 inches [100 cm] |
| Length | 64 inches [162 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 6 inches [15 cm] |
| Width | 33.25 inches [84 cm] |
| Rear tread | 27 inches [68 cm] |
| Front tread | 27 inches [68 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 4.80/4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 6-12 |
Engine Specifications of Cub Cadet, 73
- Air-cooled
- 1-cylinder
| Point gap | 0.020 inches [0.508 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Compression | 6.2:1 |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.006 inches (cold) [0.152 mm] |
| Idle RPM | 1000-3800 |
| Torque | 11.2 lb-ft [15.2 Nm] |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Displacement | 262 cc [16 ci] |
| Power | 7 hp [5.2 kW] |
| Oil capacity | 1.25 qts [1.2 L] |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.875x2.50 inches [73 x 64 mm] |
| Sparkplug | Champion J-8 |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.017 inches (cold) [0.432 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Torque RPM | 2200 |
Transmission Information of Cub Cadet, 73
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Gear |
|---|---|
| Oil type | IH Hy-Tran |
| Oil capacity | 3.5 qts [3.3 L] |
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Gears(optional) | IH Hy-Tran |
| Clutch | 4.5-inch dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| 3 | Gear shift |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clutch/brake |
| 2 | Throttle |
Transmission variants 3
- Optional creeper range is engaged by a lever on the left side of the drive line.
| Transmission | Creeper |
|---|---|
| Transmission(optional) | 0.5 qts (creeper) [0.5 L] |
| Oil capacity | 3.5 qts (trans) [3.3 L] |
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil type | IH Hy-Tran |
| Clutch | 4.5-inch dry disc |
- 3-speed gear
- 6-speed
Mechanical Specs of Cub Cadet, 73
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with steel pan seat.
- Dry disc brakes
| Steering | Manual |
|---|
Power Information of Cub Cadet, 73
| Rear PTO | Transmission |
|---|---|
| Front PTO Type | 3600 |
| Rear PTO Type | 515 (0.937) |
| Clutch | Mechanical dry disc |
Three-Point Hitch of Cub Cadet, 73
| Type(optional) | Cub Cadet three-point |
|---|
Electrical System of Cub Cadet, 73
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Charging system | Generator |
| Charging amps | 15 |
Where it sits
With 7 HP, the Cub Cadet 73 sits just below 86 (8 HP) in Cub Cadet's range. Its power puts it in the 66th percentile of 1960s models in our database (550 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Cub Cadet 73 have?
The Cub Cadet 73 delivers 7 HP.
What years was the Cub Cadet 73 produced?
The Cub Cadet 73 was produced in 1969-1971.
What engine does the Cub Cadet 73 have?
The Cub Cadet 73 is powered by a 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Cub Cadet 73 use?
The Cub Cadet 73 uses a Gear transmission.
How much does the Cub Cadet 73 weigh?
The Cub Cadet 73 weighs 570 lbs [258 kg].
Is the Cub Cadet 73 4WD?
The Cub Cadet 73 is available in 2WD.