Compare Mowers
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 IKON 42 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet ZT1 42 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has a Hydrostatic transmission; ZT1 42 has a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles drive; ZT1 42 has Hydrostatic drive.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI weighs 654 lbs (296.6 kg); ZT1 42 weighs 500 lbs (226.8 kg), a 154 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What IKON 42 KAWASAKI's weight means for a trailer ›
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has 3 blades; ZT1 42 has 2 blades.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI lists at $3,799; ZT1 42 lists at $3,429, a $370 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
1 more difference, what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); ZT1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
Not comparable
- Deck Material: not published for IKON 42 KAWASAKI.
- Deck Construction: not published for IKON 42 KAWASAKI.
- Start Type: not published for IKON 42 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.
| Spec | IKON 42 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
ZT1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,799 | $3,429 |
| 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® |
| Engine Model | — | FR Series |
| Cylinders | — | 2 |
| Start Type | — | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 2 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | — | Stamped |
| Deck Gauge | — | 13 |
| Blade Tip Speed | 17822 ft/min (5432 m/min) | — |
| Cut Positions | 13 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 20”x 8”-8" |
| Reverse Speed | 3 mph | 3.5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles | Hydrostatic |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 654 lbs (296.6 kg) | 500 lbs (226.8 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Length | 74.5 in (1892 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel |
| Seat Type | — | 20" high back |
| Commercial Warranty | — | No |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
IKON 42 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ariens.com.
ZT1 42: 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.