Chris, yes and no. The 982 does have a longer frame and uses different blade and mower deck subframes and a different snow thrower/blower than the rest of the wide frames. But there are other x82 models that are different and those would be the lawn tractor x82s. The lawn tractor x82 models are the 182, 282 Hydro, 382 and 382 hydro. These are little guys and you'd notice the difference when you saw them. The gray area comes with the 482, 1282, 582 and 582 special. I believe the 482 and the 582 Special have the 4 speed Peerless gear drive transmission which most people agree is not as durable as the IH 3 speed transmission/ differential. Also they have a combination drive shaft/ belt drive rather then pure drive shaft driveline. The 1282 has the good IH hydro with drive shaft and the 582 has a drive shaft drive line and a good 3 speed tranny. Some x82 series Cub Cadets have the cast iron transmission/differential and some may have an aluminum transmission/differential. Perhaps some others here will add more info and/or correct anything I got wrong. )