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 Z2 42 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens IKON 42 KAWASAKI — 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.
- Z2 42 has a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission; IKON 42 KAWASAKI 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.
- Z2 42 has Hydrostatic drive; IKON 42 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles drive.
- Z2 42 has 2 blades; IKON 42 KAWASAKI has 3 blades.
- Z2 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); IKON 42 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Z2 42 lists at $3,599; IKON 42 KAWASAKI lists at $3,799, a $200 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
what isn’t comparable
Not comparable
- Weight: not published for Z2 42.
- 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 | Z2 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
IKON 42 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,599 | $3,799 |
| 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® | Kawasaki® FR651V |
| Engine Model | FR Series | — |
| Cylinders | 2 | — |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 2 | 3 |
| 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 | 11-gauge steel | — |
| Deck Construction | Fabricated | — |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | — |
| Blade Tip Speed | — | 17822 ft/min (5432 m/min) |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 13 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 654 lbs (296.6 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Length | — | 74.5 in (1892 mm) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z2 42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
IKON 42 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ariens.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.