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 Z3 50S — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 50-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet Z1 42 — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z3 50S lists at $5,899; Z1 42 lists at $2,999, a $2,900 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Z3 50S uses a Kawasaki® engine; Z1 42 uses a Cub Cadet® 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.
- Z3 50S has a Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 transmission; Z1 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.
- Z3 50S has a Reinforced Fabricated deck; Z1 42 has a Stamped deck.
- Z3 50S has a 11-gauge steel deck; Z1 42 has a 13-gauge steel deck.
3 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z3 50S has a 50 in (1,270 mm) deck; Z1 42 has a 42 in (1,067 mm) deck, a 8 in difference.
- Z3 50S has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine; Z1 42 has a 33.4 ci (547 cc) engine, a 10.9 ci difference.
- Z3 50S has 3 blades; Z1 42 has 2 blades.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z3 50S works out to 2.8 acres/hour; Z1 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 0.5 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.
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 | Z3 50S Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $5,899 | $2,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 33.4 ci (547 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | — |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Cub Cadet® |
| Engine Model | FR Series | IntelliPOWER® |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 50 in (1270 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 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 | 11-gauge steel | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Reinforced Fabricated | Stamped |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | 13 |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 | 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
Z3 50S: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z1 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.