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 ZT1 42 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Husqvarna Z242F Special Edition — 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.
- ZT1 42 has a Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmission; Z242F Special Edition 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.
- ZT1 42 has a 13-gauge steel deck; Z242F Special Edition has a Steel deck.
- ZT1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); Z242F Special Edition 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.
- ZT1 42 weighs 500 lbs (226.8 kg); Z242F Special Edition weighs 560 lbs (254 kg), a 60 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What ZT1 42's weight means for a trailer ›
- ZT1 42 has a published top speed of 7 mph; Z242F Special Edition 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.
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- ZT1 42 lists at $3,429; Z242F Special Edition lists at $3,499, a $70 difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZT1 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour; Z242F Special Edition 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
- Warranty: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Deck Construction: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Drive System: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Discharge: not published for ZT1 42.
- Start Type: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
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 | ZT1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z242F Special Edition Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,429 | $3,499 |
| 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 | 13-gauge steel | Steel |
| Deck Construction | Stamped | — |
| Deck Gauge | 13 | — |
| Anti-Scalp Rollers | — | Yes |
| Discharge | — | 3-in-1 Mulch/Rear Bag/Side Discharge Capable |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 6 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 6.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20”x 8”-8" | — |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 500 lbs (226.8 kg) | 560 lbs (254 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 | ||
| Frame Construction | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel | — |
| Seat Type | 20" high back | 15" high back |
| Commercial Warranty | No | — |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | — |
Where these models differ, explained
ZT1 42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z242F Special Edition: 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.