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 Z242KW-48 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z232KW-42 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z242KW-48 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission; Z232KW-42 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- Z242KW-48 weighs 382.8 kg (844 lbs); Z232KW-42 weighs 291.7 kg (643 lbs), a 91.2 kg difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Z242KW-48's weight means for a trailer ›
- Z242KW-48 has a published top speed of 8 mph; Z232KW-42 has a published top speed of 6.5 mph, a 1.5 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Z242KW-48 has a 1,219 mm (48 in) deck; Z232KW-42 has a 1,067 mm (42 in) deck, a 152 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 ›
- Z242KW-48 holds 16.3 L (4.3 gal) of fuel; Z232KW-42 holds 13.6 L (3.6 gal) of fuel, a 2.7 L difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z242KW-48 works out to 1.26 ha/hour; Z232KW-42 works out to 0.89 ha/hour, a 0.36 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.
Not comparable
- Cut height range: not published for Z242KW-48.
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 | Z242KW-48 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z232KW-42 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| RRP (AUD) | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FR651V | Kawasaki FR651V |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | — | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | — | 4.3 in (108 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10Ga | 10Ga steel |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 | Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 6.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22 x 10 - 14 | 18 x 7.5 - 10 |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 844 lbs (382.8 kg) | 643 lbs (291.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) | 3.6 gal (13.6 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z242KW-48: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z232KW-42: 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.