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.
- Exmark Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 52-inch deck; gas powered
- Wright ZXL 52 FX850E — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 52-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) uses a Kohler ECV740 engine; ZXL 52 FX850E 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.
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) holds 8 gal (30.3 L) of fuel; ZXL 52 FX850E holds 15.5 gal (58.7 L) of fuel, a 7.5 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.
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) has a published top speed of 8.5 mph; ZXL 52 FX850E has a published top speed of 12.5 mph, a 4 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) weighs 987 lbs (447.7 kg); ZXL 52 FX850E weighs 1,250 lbs (567 kg), a 263 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI)'s weight means for a trailer ›
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); ZXL 52 FX850E cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 6 in (152 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
2 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) has a 45.6 ci (747 cc) engine; ZXL 52 FX850E has a 52 ci (852 cc) engine, a 6.4 ci difference.
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) has a 25 hp engine; ZXL 52 FX850E has a 27 hp engine, a 2 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) works out to 3.6 acres/hour; ZXL 52 FX850E works out to 5.3 acres/hour, a 1.7 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
- Blades: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Transmission: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Fuel Type: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Deck Material: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Deck Construction: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Start Type: not published for Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI).
- Price: ZXL 52 FX850E is dealer quote only.
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 | Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI) Exmark · Commercial |
ZXL 52 FX850E Wright · Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $13,999 | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Make | Kohler ECV740 | Kawasaki |
| Displacement | 45.6 ci (747 cc) | 52 ci (852 cc) |
| Engine Power | 25 hp | 27 hp |
| Engine Model | — | FX850E |
| Fuel Type | — | Gasoline |
| Start Type | — | Electric |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 52 in (1321 mm) | 52 in (1321 mm) |
| Blades | — | 3 |
| Deck Material | — | 7 Gauge |
| Deck Construction | — | Floating-side discharge |
| Deck Gauge | — | 7 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | — | Hydro |
| Ground Speed | 8.5 mph | 12.5 mph |
| Reverse Speed | — | 8 mph |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 987 lbs (447.7 kg) | 1250 lbs (567 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 8 gal (30.3 L) | 15.5 gal (58.7 L) |
| Length | — | 82.5 in (2096 mm) |
Where these models differ, explained
Vertex S-Series (52 in EFI): Specs verified against the retailer listing on Jun 6, 2026 — howardbrothers.com.
ZXL 52 FX850E: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — wrightmfg.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.