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List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.

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.

  • Ariens APEX 60 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 60-inch deck; gas powered
  • Cub Cadet Z3 60S — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 60-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
  1. APEX 60 KAWASAKI has a Hydrostatic transmission; Z3 60S has a Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
  2. APEX 60 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles drive; Z3 60S has Hydrostatic drive.
  3. APEX 60 KAWASAKI holds 5.1 gal (19.3 L) of fuel; Z3 60S holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel, a 1.6 gal 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.
  4. APEX 60 KAWASAKI carries a 4-year warranty; Z3 60S carries a 3-year warranty, a 1 year difference. Warranty length is the maker's published term. Conditions and commercial-use limits differ between makers.
  5. APEX 60 KAWASAKI has a published top speed of 8 mph; Z3 60S has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 1 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
2 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable

Other verified differences

  • APEX 60 KAWASAKI lists at $6,099; Z3 60S lists at $6,599, a $500 difference.
  • APEX 60 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); Z3 60S cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).

Calculated by MowerFacts

  • APEX 60 KAWASAKI works out to 3.9 acres/hour; Z3 60S works out to 3.4 acres/hour, a 0.5 acres/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

  • Weight: not published for Z3 60S.
  • Deck Material: not published for APEX 60 KAWASAKI.
  • Deck Construction: not published for APEX 60 KAWASAKI.
  • Start Type: not published for APEX 60 KAWASAKI.

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.

Add another (2 more fit): every zero-turn mower · more Ariens · more Cub Cadet
Side-by-side specifications: Ariens APEX 60 KAWASAKI vs Cub Cadet Z3 60S
Spec APEX 60 KAWASAKI
Ariens · Zero-Turn
Z3 60S
Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn
List price $6,099$6,599
Engine
Power Source gas gas
Displacement 44.3 ci (726 cc) 44.3 ci (726 cc)
Engine Power 24 hp 24 hp
Engine Make Kawasaki® FR730V Kawasaki®
Engine Model — FR Series
Cylinders — 2
Start Type — Ignition Key
Deck
Cutting Width 60 in (1524 mm) 60 in (1524 mm)
Blades 3 3
Min Cut Height 1.5 in (38 mm) 1 in (25 mm)
Max Cut Height 5 in (127 mm) 4.5 in (114 mm)
Deck Material — 11-gauge steel
Deck Construction — Reinforced Fabricated
Deck Gauge — 11
Blade Tip Speed 18000 ft/min (5486.4 m/min) —
Cut Positions 15 15
Drive
Transmission Hydrostatic Hydro-Gear ZT 2800
Ground Speed 8 mph 7 mph
Reverse Speed 4 mph 3.5 mph
Drive System Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles Hydrostatic
Dimensions
Weight 845 lbs (383.3 kg) —
Fuel Capacity 5.1 gal (19.3 L) 3.5 gal (13.2 L)
Length 79 in (2007 mm) —
General
Warranty 4 yr 3 yr

APEX 60 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ariens.com.

Z3 60S: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.

Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.

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