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 54 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet Z2 42S — 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.
- ZTX4 54 uses a Kohler® engine; Z2 42S uses a Kawasaki® 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 54 lists at $7,099; Z2 42S lists at $4,899, a $2,200 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- ZTX4 54 has a Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 transmission; Z2 42S 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.
- ZTX4 54 has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Z2 42S 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 ›
- ZTX4 54 holds 5.5 gal (20.8 L) of fuel; Z2 42S holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel, a 2 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.
8 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- ZTX4 54 has a Reinforced Fabricated deck; Z2 42S has a Fabricated deck.
- ZTX4 54 has a 10-gauge steel with 2-gauge reinforcement deck; Z2 42S has a 11-gauge steel deck.
- ZTX4 54 has a 26 hp engine; Z2 42S has a 21.5 hp engine, a 4.5 hp difference.
- ZTX4 54 carries a 4-year warranty; Z2 42S carries a 3-year warranty, a 1 year difference.
- ZTX4 54 has 3 blades; Z2 42S has 2 blades.
- ZTX4 54 has a published top speed of 8 mph; Z2 42S has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 1 mph difference.
- ZTX4 54 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.8 in (121 mm); Z2 42S cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
- ZTX4 54 has a 45.6 ci (747 cc) engine; Z2 42S has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine, a 1.3 ci difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZTX4 54 works out to 3.5 acres/hour; Z2 42S works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 1.1 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 | ZTX4 54 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z2 42S Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $7,099 | $4,899 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 45.6 ci (747 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 26 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kohler® | Kawasaki® |
| Engine Model | Pro 7000 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 | 4.8 in (121 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10-gauge steel with 2-gauge reinforcement | 11-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Reinforced Fabricated | Fabricated |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | 11 |
| Cut Positions | 17 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT 3100 | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 7 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3.5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Dimensions | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 5.5 gal (20.8 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 4 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZTX4 54: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z2 42S: 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.