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 42S — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Husqvarna Z242F — 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 42S has a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission; Z242F 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 42S lists at $4,899; Z242F lists at $3,799, a $1,100 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Z2 42S has a 11-gauge steel deck; Z242F has a Steel deck.
- Z2 42S cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); Z242F cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4 in (102 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Z2 42S has a published top speed of 7 mph; Z242F has a published top speed of 6.5 mph, a 0.5 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z2 42S works out to 2.4 acres/hour; Z242F works out to 2.2 acres/hour, a 0.2 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 Z2 42S.
- Warranty: not published for Z242F.
- Deck Construction: not published for Z242F.
- Drive System: not published for Z242F.
- Discharge: not published for Z2 42S.
- Start Type: not published for Z242F.
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 42S Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z242F Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $4,899 | $3,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (725.9 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | FR Series | FR Series |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| 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 in (102 mm) |
| Deck Material | 11-gauge steel | Steel |
| Deck Construction | Fabricated | — |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | — |
| Anti-Scalp Rollers | — | Yes |
| Discharge | — | Collect/Mulch/Side discharge |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 6 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 6.5 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 582 lbs (264 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Length | — | 75 in (1905 mm) |
| Height | — | 40 in (1016 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | — | 15" high back |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | — |
Where these models differ, explained
Z2 42S: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z242F: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — husqvarna.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.