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 ZT2 50 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 50-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 52-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZT2 50 has a Tuff Torq TZ 350 transmission; IKON ONYX 52 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.
- ZT2 50 has Hydrostatic drive; IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles drive.
- ZT2 50 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); IKON ONYX 52 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.
- ZT2 50 lists at $4,679; IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI lists at $4,399, a $280 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- ZT2 50 has a 50 in (1,270 mm) deck; IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI has a 52 in (1,321 mm) deck, a 2 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 ›
what isn’t comparable
Not comparable
- Weight: not published for ZT2 50.
- Deck Material: not published for IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI.
- Deck Construction: not published for IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI.
- Start Type: not published for IKON ONYX 52 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 | ZT2 50 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
IKON ONYX 52 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $4,679 | $4,399 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Kawasaki FR691V |
| Engine Model | FR Series | — |
| Cylinders | 2 | — |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 50 in (1270 mm) | 52 in (1321 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 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 | — | 18000 ft/min (5486.4 m/min) |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 13 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Tuff Torq TZ 350 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 682 lbs (309.4 kg) |
| 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
ZT2 50: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
IKON ONYX 52 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.