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 ZTX4 48 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens APEX 48 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZTX4 48 uses a Kohler® engine; APEX 48 KAWASAKI uses a Kawasaki® FR691V 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.
- ZTX4 48 has a Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission; APEX 48 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.
- ZTX4 48 has Hydrostatic drive; APEX 48 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles drive.
- ZTX4 48 lists at $6,899; APEX 48 KAWASAKI lists at $5,899, a $1,000 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- ZTX4 48 holds 5.5 gal (20.8 L) of fuel; APEX 48 KAWASAKI holds 5.1 gal (19.3 L) of fuel, a 0.4 gal difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
2 more differences, what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- ZTX4 48 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.8 in (121 mm); APEX 48 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm).
- ZTX4 48 has a 24 hp engine; APEX 48 KAWASAKI has a 23 hp engine, a 1 hp difference.
Not comparable
- Weight: not published for ZTX4 48.
- Deck Material: not published for APEX 48 KAWASAKI.
- Deck Construction: not published for APEX 48 KAWASAKI.
- Start Type: not published for APEX 48 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 | ZTX4 48 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
APEX 48 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,899 | $5,899 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.2 ci (725 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kohler® | Kawasaki® FR691V |
| Engine Model | Pro 7000 series | — |
| Cylinders | 2 | — |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 3 |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.8 in (121 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10-guage steel | — |
| Deck Construction | Reinforced Fabricated | — |
| Blade Tip Speed | — | 18576 ft/min (5662 m/min) |
| Cut Positions | 17 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 4 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 778 lbs (352.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gal (20.8 L) | 5.1 gal (19.3 L) |
| Length | — | 79 in (2007 mm) |
| Width | — | 50.8 in (1290 mm) |
| Height | — | 47 in (1194 mm) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 4 yr | 4 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZTX4 48: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
APEX 48 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.