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 54S — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet Z2 42 — 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.
- Z3 54S lists at $6,099; Z2 42 lists at $3,599, a $2,500 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Z3 54S has a Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 transmission; Z2 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 54S has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Z2 42 has a 42 in (1,067 mm) deck, a 12 in difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- Z3 54S has a Reinforced Fabricated deck; Z2 42 has a Fabricated deck.
- Z3 54S has 3 blades; Z2 42 has 2 blades.
1 more difference, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Z3 54S has a 23 hp engine; Z2 42 has a 21.5 hp engine, a 1.5 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z3 54S works out to 3.1 acres/hour; Z2 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 0.7 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.
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 54S Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z2 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,099 | $3,599 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Kawasaki® |
| Engine Model | FR Series | FR Series |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 54 in (1372 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 | 11-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Reinforced Fabricated | Fabricated |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | 11 |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| 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) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z3 54S: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z2 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.