Cub Cadet 73 lawn tractor

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:

106

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
ManufacturerCub Cadet (a part of International Harvester)

Dimension and Tires Information of Cub Cadet, 73

  • Flange rear axle
Front axleCast-iron
Wheelbase43 inches [109 cm]
Shipping weight570 lbs [258 kg]
Height (steering wheel)39.75 inches [100 cm]
Length64 inches [162 cm]
Ground clearance6 inches [15 cm]
Width33.25 inches [84 cm]
Rear tread27 inches [68 cm]
Front tread27 inches [68 cm]
Lawn/turf front4.80/4.00-8
Lawn/turf rear6-12

Engine Specifications of Cub Cadet, 73

  • Air-cooled
  • 1-cylinder
Point gap0.020 inches [0.508 mm]
Sparkplug gap0.025 inches [0.635 mm]
Compression6.2:1
Intake valve clearance0.006 inches (cold) [0.152 mm]
Idle RPM1000-3800
Torque11.2 lb-ft [15.2 Nm]
Rated RPM3600
Displacement262 cc [16 ci]
Power7 hp [5.2 kW]
Oil capacity1.25 qts [1.2 L]
Bore/Stroke2.875x2.50 inches [73 x 64 mm]
SparkplugChampion J-8
Exhaust valve clearance0.017 inches (cold) [0.432 mm]
Starter volts12
Torque RPM2200

Transmission Information of Cub Cadet, 73

Transmission variants 1

TypeGear
Oil typeIH Hy-Tran
Oil capacity3.5 qts [3.3 L]
Gears3 forward and 1 reverse
Gears(optional)IH Hy-Tran
Clutch4.5-inch dry disc

Transmission variants 2

3Gear shift
1Clutch/brake
2Throttle

Transmission variants 3

  • Optional creeper range is engaged by a lever on the left side of the drive line.
TransmissionCreeper
Transmission(optional)0.5 qts (creeper) [0.5 L]
Oil capacity3.5 qts (trans) [3.3 L]
Gears6 forward and 2 reverse
Oil typeIH Hy-Tran
Clutch4.5-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
SteeringManual

Power Information of Cub Cadet, 73

Rear PTOTransmission
Front PTO Type3600
Rear PTO Type515 (0.937)
ClutchMechanical dry disc

Three-Point Hitch of Cub Cadet, 73

Type(optional)Cub Cadet three-point

Electrical System of Cub Cadet, 73

GroundNegative
Battery volts12
Charging systemGenerator
Charging amps15

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.

Compare the Cub Cadet 73 with another model