Compare Mowers
Prices are the recommended retail prices published by each manufacturer’s Australian site, in AUD, as read on the date shown on each model’s page; dealers set the final price.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Kubota Z232KW-42 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z252KH-54 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z232KW-42 uses a Kawasaki FR651V engine; Z252KH-54 uses a Kohler K745 engine. The engine maker builds the engine; the mower maker chooses the model, rating and fit, so the badge alone does not settle output or longevity.
- Z232KW-42 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 transmission; Z252KH-54 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- Z232KW-42 has a 1,067 mm (42 in) deck; Z252KH-54 has a 1,372 mm (54 in) deck, a 305 mm difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- Z232KW-42 has a 10Ga steel deck; Z252KH-54 has a 10-gauge steel deck.
- Z232KW-42 weighs 291.7 kg (643 lbs); Z252KH-54 weighs 375.2 kg (827 lbs), a 83.6 kg difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Z232KW-42's weight means for a trailer ›
5 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Z232KW-42 has a published top speed of 6.5 mph; Z252KH-54 has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 1.5 mph difference.
- Z232KW-42 has a 21.5 hp engine; Z252KH-54 has a 25 hp engine, a 3.5 hp difference.
- Z232KW-42 holds 13.6 L (3.6 gal) of fuel; Z252KH-54 holds 16.3 L (4.3 gal) of fuel, a 2.7 L difference.
- Z232KW-42 cuts from 38 mm (1.5 in) to 108 mm (4.3 in); Z252KH-54 cuts from 38 mm (1.5 in) to 114 mm (4.5 in).
- Z232KW-42 has a 726 cc (44.3 ci) engine; Z252KH-54 has a 747 cc (45.6 ci) engine, a 21 cc difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z232KW-42 works out to 0.89 ha/hour; Z252KH-54 works out to 1.41 ha/hour, a 0.52 ha/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | Z232KW-42 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z252KH-54 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| RRP (AUD) | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 45.6 ci (747 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 25 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FR651V | Kohler K745 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 54 in (1372 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.3 in (108 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10Ga steel | 10-gauge steel |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Ground Speed | 6.5 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 18 x 7.5 - 10 | 22 x 10 - 14 |
| Reverse Speed | — | 4 mph |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 643 lbs (291.7 kg) | 827 lbs (375.2 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.6 gal (13.6 L) | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z232KW-42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z252KH-54: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.