Quick answer:
The Cub Cadet CLT-542 tractor engine horsepower found is 18 hp. PTO horsepower found is also 18 hp.
Engine HP18 hp
PTO HP18 hp
Power / weight36 hp per 1,000 lb
Cub Cadet CLT-542 Horsepower Specs
| Engine horsepower | 18 hp |
|---|---|
| PTO horsepower | 18 hp |
| Rated engine RPM | 3,600 rpm |
| Operating weight | 500 lb (227 kg) |
| Power-to-weight | 36 hp per 1,000 lb |
| Horsepower class | mid-power mower / garden tractor |
Horsepower Benchmarks
Engine horsepower benchmark
PTO horsepower benchmark
Operating weight benchmark
Power-to-weight benchmark
Benchmarks are general reference ranges for lawn and garden tractors and mowers.
Cub Cadet CLT-542 Horsepower FAQ
| Engine horsepower | The Cub Cadet CLT-542 tractor engine horsepower found is 18 hp. Use engine horsepower for comparing engine output, not necessarily implement power at the PTO. |
|---|---|
| PTO horsepower | The PTO horsepower found for the Cub Cadet CLT-542 is 18 hp. Confirm this against the operator manual because PTO output is often lower than engine horsepower. |
| Horsepower class | The Cub Cadet CLT-542 is listed as mid-power mower / garden tractor based on the engine horsepower found. |
| Rated engine RPM | The rated engine speed found for the Cub Cadet CLT-542 is 3,600 rpm. This is the engine speed used for the listed power rating. |
| Operating weight | The operating weight found for the Cub Cadet CLT-542 is 500 lb (227 kg). Weight matters because the same horsepower feels different in a light mower than in a heavy tractor. |
| Power-to-weight | The calculated power-to-weight figure for the Cub Cadet CLT-542 is 36 hp per 1,000 lb based on the engine horsepower and operating weight found. |
| Horsepower planning note | When comparing the Cub Cadet CLT-542, use 18 hp as the headline engine figure and double-check the PTO rating before sizing implements. |
Official information note
Mistakes do happen. Check the operator manual, service manual and official cubcadet.com website for official horsepower, PTO horsepower, engine RPM, torque and operating-weight specifications before buying implements or servicing the machine.


