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Kubota Z242KW-48

Zero-Turn mower · Model Z242KW-48 · Commercial-duty · Gas

Kubota Australia doesn’t publish a recommended retail price for this model online — it’s dealer quote only. The Kubota Australia product page is the place to start.

Sold in Australia — listed on kubota.com.au, checked 20 Oct 2026. Listed there as Z242KW-48 (Z242KW-48). Also sold in the United States: US specs and list price.

The Kubota Z242KW-48 is a commercial-grade gas zero-turn mower, built for daily commercial mowing, with a 48-inch deck and a 726cc engine making 21.5 hp. It weighs 844 lb (382.8 kg).

At a glance

Power Source
gas
Cutting Width
48 in (1219 mm)
Displacement
44.3 ci (726 cc)
Engine Power
21.5 hp
Transmission
Hydro-Gear ZT-3100
Ground Speed
8 mph
Compare this mower: Pick another Kubota zero-turn or pick from every zero-turn mower sold in Australia   or quick compare: vs Z232KW-42 · vs Z242KH-48 · vs Z252KH-54
Compare similar mowers See how this mower compares with machines of a similar size and purpose.
  • Deck 1,219 mm (48 in) · Kawasaki® FR691V, 23 hp, 726 cc · RRP A$14,199
    Fuel capacity 19.3 L (5.1 gal) (this model: 16.3 L (4.3 gal))Engine power 23 hp (this model: 21.5 hp)
    Why: Same class: zero-turn · Same 48 in deck · Gas engine, like this model · Commercial-duty, like this model · 23 hp (this model: 21.5 hp) · By Gravely, a different maker
    Compare with the Z242KW-48 ›
  • Deck 1,219 mm (48 in) · Kawasaki® FR651V, 21.5 hp, 726 cc · RRP A$9,899
    Weight 308 kg (679 lbs) (this model: 382.8 kg (844 lbs))Fuel capacity 13.2 L (3.5 gal) (this model: 16.3 L (4.3 gal))
    Why: Same class: zero-turn · Same 48 in deck · Gas engine, like this model · Commercial-duty, like this model · 21.5 hp (this model: 21.5 hp) · By Gravely, a different maker
    Compare with the Z242KW-48 ›
  • Deck 1,219 mm (48 in) · Kawasaki, 22 hp, 726 cc
    Ground speed 6 mph (this model: 8 mph)Weight 299 kg (659 lbs) (this model: 382.8 kg (844 lbs))
    Why: Same class: zero-turn · Same 48 in deck · Gas engine, like this model · Commercial-duty, like this model · 22 hp (this model: 21.5 hp) · By Bad Boy Mowers, a different maker
    Compare with the Z242KW-48 ›
  • Deck 1,219 mm (48 in) · Kohler, 26 hp, 747 cc
    Fuel capacity 24.6 L (6.5 gal) (this model: 16.3 L (4.3 gal))Engine power 26 hp (this model: 21.5 hp)
    Why: Same class: zero-turn · Same 48 in deck · Gas engine, like this model · Commercial-duty, like this model · 26 hp (this model: 21.5 hp) · By Bad Boy Mowers, a different maker
    Compare with the Z242KW-48 ›
  • Deck 1,219 mm (48 in) · Kawasaki GH7302V, 22 hp, 726 cc
    Fuel capacity 25.7 L (6.8 gal) (this model: 16.3 L (4.3 gal))Ground speed 9.9 mph (this model: 8 mph)
    Why: Same class: zero-turn · Same 48 in deck · Gas engine, like this model · Prosumer-duty (this model is commercial) · 22 hp (this model: 21.5 hp) · By Kubota, a different maker
    Compare with the Z242KW-48 ›

Chosen by stated rules, not opinion: same class, a deck within 6 in of this one, the same kind of power and a compatible duty class, then the closest power, weight and price, with other makers preferred. Figures are the manufacturers’ published ones; nothing is estimated.

Engine

Kubota Z242KW-48 engine specifications
Power Sourcegas
Displacement44.3 ci (726 cc)
Engine Power21.5 hp
Engine MakeKawasaki FR651V
Fuel TypeGasoline

Deck

Kubota Z242KW-48 deck specifications
Cutting Width48 in (1219 mm)
Deck Material10Ga
Deck Gauge10

Drive

Kubota Z242KW-48 drive specifications
TransmissionHydro-Gear ZT-3100
Ground Speed8 mph
Drive Tire Size22 x 10 - 14
Drive SystemBelt

Dimensions

Kubota Z242KW-48 dimensions specifications
Weight844 lbs (382.8 kg)
Fuel Capacity4.3 gal (16.3 L)

Similar models

Other zero-turn mowers with comparable specs — including other brands — that buyers cross-shop with the Z242KW-48.

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.

What the specs work out to

Figures MowerFacts computes from Kubota’s own numbers — not published by the manufacturer.

Mowing time

  • ¼ acre7 min 5 min
  • ½ acre14 min 10 min
  • 1 acre28 min 19 min
  • 2 acres55 min 39 min
  • 5 acres2 h 18 min 1 h 37 min
  • 10 acres4 h 36 min 3 h 13 min

About 28 min per acre at 2.17 acres/hour, mowing at 5.6 mph. The second figure is at the published 8.0 mph top speed (3.1 acres/hour) — faster than anyone really mows. About 9.3 acres per tank.

Weight & hauling

  • Machine weight844 lb
  • + 6×12 trailer900 lb
  • Towed weight1,744 lb
  • single-axle 3,500 lbCarries it, 1,756 lb spare
  • tandem-axle 7,000 lbCarries it, 5,256 lb spare

Needs a single-axle 3,500 lb trailer and a vehicle rated to tow at least 1,744 lb.

Gate & trailer fit

  • 32 in gateToo wide
  • 36 in gateToo wide
  • 48 in gateToo wide

Needs at least 54 in of clearance (estimated).

Power & run time

  • Power per deck inch0.448 hp/in
  • Run time per tank~4.3 h

Mowing times assume 2.17 acres/hour: deck width x 5.6 mph at 80% efficiency, which allows for overlap, turns and trimming. 5.6 mph is 70% of the 8.0 mph top speed Kubota publishes - almost nobody mows flat out. The "at top speed" figure is the same sum at 8.0 mph, shown so you can see it.

Fit uses the deck width plus 6 in for the discharge chute, because Kubota doesn't publish an overall width — measure before buying if a gate is tight.

Towed weight adds a 900 lb allowance for a 6x12 open utility trailer to Kubota's published machine weight. Your trailer's own weight is on its VIN plate. Tongue weight, axle placement and your vehicle's tow rating are still yours to check — this is the load, not a loading plan.

Run time assumes a typical 1 gal/hour burn at working load; real consumption varies with engine, load and cut.

Source: Kubota (manufacturer) · archived copy

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