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 ZTXS5 54 — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet Z1 42 — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZTXS5 54 lists at $9,499; Z1 42 lists at $2,999, a $6,500 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- ZTXS5 54 uses a Kawasaki® engine; Z1 42 uses a Cub Cadet® 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.
- ZTXS5 54 has a Hydro-Gear ZT 3200 transmission; Z1 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.
- ZTXS5 54 has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Z1 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 ›
- ZTXS5 54 holds 5.5 gal (20.8 L) of fuel; Z1 42 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.
7 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- ZTXS5 54 has a Reinforced Fabricated deck; Z1 42 has a Stamped deck.
- ZTXS5 54 has a 10-gauge steel with 2-gauge reinforcement deck; Z1 42 has a 13-gauge steel deck.
- ZTXS5 54 has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine; Z1 42 has a 33.4 ci (547 cc) engine, a 10.9 ci difference.
- ZTXS5 54 has a published top speed of 8.5 mph; Z1 42 has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 1.5 mph difference.
- ZTXS5 54 carries a 4-year warranty; Z1 42 carries a 3-year warranty, a 1 year difference.
- ZTXS5 54 has 3 blades; Z1 42 has 2 blades.
- ZTXS5 54 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.8 in (121 mm); Z1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm).
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZTXS5 54 works out to 3.7 acres/hour; Z1 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 1.3 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
- Engine Power: not published for Z1 42.
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 | ZTXS5 54 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
Z1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $9,499 | $2,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 33.4 ci (547 cc) |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | — |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Cub Cadet® |
| Engine Model | FS Series | IntelliPOWER® |
| Cylinders | 2 | 1 |
| 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 | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Reinforced Fabricated | Stamped |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | 13 |
| Cut Positions | 17 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT 3200 | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 8.5 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 20”x 8”-8" |
| 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) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel |
| Seat Type | — | 18" high back |
| Commercial Warranty | — | No |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 4 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZTXS5 54: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Z1 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.