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
- Cub Cadet Z2 42S — 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.
- Z1 42 lists at $2,999; Z2 42S lists at $4,899, a $1,900 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Z1 42 uses a Cub Cadet® engine; Z2 42S uses a Kawasaki® 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 Stamped deck; Z2 42S has a Fabricated deck.
- Z1 42 has a 13-gauge steel deck; Z2 42S has a 11-gauge steel deck.
- Z1 42 has a 33.4 ci (547 cc) engine; Z2 42S has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine, a 10.9 ci difference. Displacement is the engine's size, not its output. A larger engine is not necessarily a more powerful one.
what isn’t comparable
Not comparable
- Engine Power: not published for Z1 42.
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 |
Z2 42S Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $2,999 | $4,899 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 33.4 ci (547 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | — | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Cub Cadet® | Kawasaki® |
| Engine Model | IntelliPOWER® | FR Series |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 2 | 2 |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | 13-gauge steel | 11-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Stamped | Fabricated |
| Deck Gauge | 13 | 11 |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20”x 8”-8" | — |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3.5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Dimensions | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel | — |
| Seat Type | 18" high back | — |
| Commercial Warranty | No | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z1 42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z2 42S: 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.