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.
- Cub Cadet Z1 42 — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens EDGE 42 BRIGGS — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z1 42 uses a Cub Cadet® engine; EDGE 42 BRIGGS uses a Briggs & Stratton® EXi2000 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.
- Z1 42 has a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission; EDGE 42 BRIGGS has a Hydrostatic transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- Z1 42 holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel; EDGE 42 BRIGGS holds 2 gal (7.6 L) of fuel, a 1.5 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.
- Z1 42 has Hydrostatic drive; EDGE 42 BRIGGS has Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles drive.
- Z1 42 carries a 3-year warranty; EDGE 42 BRIGGS carries a 2-year warranty, a 1 year difference. Warranty length is the maker's published term. Conditions and commercial-use limits differ between makers.
4 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z1 42 lists at $2,999; EDGE 42 BRIGGS lists at $3,499, a $500 difference.
- Z1 42 has a published top speed of 7 mph; EDGE 42 BRIGGS has a published top speed of 6 mph, a 1 mph difference.
- Z1 42 has a 33.4 ci (547 cc) engine; EDGE 42 BRIGGS has a 40 ci (656 cc) engine, a 6.7 ci difference.
- Z1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); EDGE 42 BRIGGS cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z1 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour; EDGE 42 BRIGGS works out to 2.0 acres/hour, a 0.3 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
- Engine Power: not published for Z1 42.
- Weight: not published for Z1 42.
- Deck Material: not published for EDGE 42 BRIGGS.
- Deck Construction: not published for EDGE 42 BRIGGS.
- Start Type: not published for EDGE 42 BRIGGS.
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 | Z1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
EDGE 42 BRIGGS Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $2,999 | $3,499 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 33.4 ci (547 cc) | 40 ci (656 cc) |
| Engine Power | — | 20 hp |
| Engine Make | Cub Cadet® | Briggs & Stratton® EXi2000 |
| Engine Model | IntelliPOWER® | — |
| Cylinders | 1 | — |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 2 | 2 |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1.5 in (38 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 | — | 17126 ft/min (5220 m/min) |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 7 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 6 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20”x 8”-8" | — |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 498 lbs (225.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 2 gal (7.6 L) |
| Length | — | 68 in (1727 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel | — |
| Seat Type | 18" high back | — |
| Commercial Warranty | No | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 2 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z1 42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
EDGE 42 BRIGGS: Specs verified against the retailer listing on Jun 6, 2026 — farmandhomesupply.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.