Cub Cadet Original
Power
7 hp
Production
1960-1963
Engine
Gasoline, 1-cylinder
Transmission
Shaft-driven gear
Drive
2WD
From the same series:
Introduction
Cub Cadet Original Garden Tractor
Produced between 1960 and 1963 in Louisville, Kentucky, the Cub Cadet Original serves as the foundational model for the iconic line of garden tractors by International Harvester. This entry-level machine was designed for residential lawn care and garden maintenance.
Engine and Power
The tractor is powered by a 262 cc (16 ci) single-cylinder, air-cooled gasoline engine. It produces 7 hp (5.2 kW) at a rated speed of 3600 RPM. The fuel system utilizes a Carter side-draft carburetor, and the engine is protected by an oil bath air cleaner. The unit features a manual recoil starter as standard, with an optional 12-volt electric starter available.
Transmission and Drivetrain
The machine employs a shaft-driven gear transmission. The standard configuration provides 3 forward and 1 reverse gear, operated via a 4.5-inch dry disc clutch. An optional creeper transmission is available, which integrates a Danco UD-6 underdrive unit to expand the range to 6 forward and 2 reverse gears, allowing for lower ground speeds during precise tasks.
Mechanical and Chassis
Built with a two-wheel-drive chassis, the tractor features manual steering and mechanical band brakes. The operator station is open and fitted with a steel pan seat. The wheelbase measures 42.7 inches (108 cm) with a ground clearance of 6 inches (15 cm). The tractor is typically configured with 4.80x4.00-8 front tires and 6-12 rear tires designed for turf maintenance.
Conclusion
The Cub Cadet Original is a utility-focused garden tractor designed for light-duty lawn care and property maintenance. Its compact dimensions and simple mechanical layout make it a representative example of early 1960s garden tractor engineering.
Production Information of Cub Cadet, Original
- This tractor was simply named the Cub Cadet. The Original nickname arrived after additional Cub Cadet models were added.
- Garden tractor
- Built in Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| Manufacturer | Cub Cadet (a part of International Harvester) |
|---|
Dimension and Tires Information of Cub Cadet, Original
| Wheelbase | 42.7 inches [108 cm] |
|---|---|
| Height | 38 inches [96 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 6 inches [15 cm] |
| Lawn/turf front | 4.80x4.00-8 |
|---|---|
| Lawn/turf rear | 6-12 |
Engine Specifications of Cub Cadet, Original
- Air-cooled
- Gasoline
- 1-cylinder
| Starter | Manual recoil |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 262 cc [16 ci] |
| Fuel system | Carter side-draft carburetor |
| Bore/Stroke | 2.875x2.5 inches [73 x 64 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Starter volts(optional) | Electric optional |
| Rated RPM | 3600 |
| Air cleaner | Oil bath |
| Power | 7 hp [5.2 kW] |
Transmission Information of Cub Cadet, Original
Transmission variants 1
| Type | Shaft-driven gear |
|---|---|
| Gears | 3 forward and 1 reverse |
| Clutch | 4.5-inch dry disc |
Transmission variants 2
| 3 | Gear shift |
|---|---|
| 1 | Throttle |
| 2 | Clutch/brake |
Transmission variants 3
- The optional creeper transmission adds a Danco UD-6 underdrive to the basic transmission.
| Type | Creeper |
|---|---|
| Gears | 6 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 4
| 4 | Creeper shift |
|---|---|
| 3 | Gear shift |
| 1 | Throttle |
| 2 | Clutch/brake |
- 3-speed gear
- 6-speed creeper
Mechanical Specs of Cub Cadet, Original
- Two-wheel drive
- Open operator station with steel pan seat.
- Manual steering
- Mechanical band brakes
Electrical System of Cub Cadet, Original
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Charging system | Generator |
| Battery volts | 12 |
Where it sits
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 Original have?
The Cub Cadet Original delivers 7 HP.
What years was the Cub Cadet Original produced?
The Cub Cadet Original was produced in 1960-1963.
What engine does the Cub Cadet Original have?
The Cub Cadet Original is powered by a Gasoline, 1-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the Cub Cadet Original use?
The Cub Cadet Original uses a Shaft-driven gear transmission.
Is the Cub Cadet Original 4WD?
The Cub Cadet Original is available in 2WD.