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.
- Gravely ZT 42 KAWASAKI — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Spartan Spartan Shield — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI holds 2 gal (7.6 L) of fuel; Spartan Shield holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel, a 3 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.
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI uses a Kawasaki® engine; Spartan Shield uses a Spartan 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.
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI weighs 498 lbs (225.9 kg); Spartan Shield weighs 682 lbs (309.4 kg), a 184 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What ZT 42 KAWASAKI's weight means for a trailer ›
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI has a Mach One deck; Spartan Shield has a 4" deck.
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI has a 18 hp engine; Spartan Shield has a 22 hp engine, a 4 hp difference. Published horsepower is the maker's rating at a stated engine speed. It is a different measure from displacement, and two engines of equal rating can pull differently.
3 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); Spartan Shield cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm).
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI has a published top speed of 6 mph; Spartan Shield has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 1 mph difference.
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI lists at $3,899; Spartan Shield lists at $4,299, a $400 difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZT 42 KAWASAKI works out to 2.0 acres/hour; Spartan Shield works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 0.3 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
- Displacement: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Warranty: not published for ZT 42 KAWASAKI.
- Fuel Type: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Drive System: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Discharge: not published for Spartan Shield.
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 | ZT 42 KAWASAKI Gravely · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Shield Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,899 | $4,299 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 36.8 ci (603 cc) | — |
| Engine Power | 18 hp | 22 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Spartan |
| Engine Model | FR600V | — |
| Fuel Type | Gas | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | 11 ga | — |
| Deck Construction | Mach One | 4" |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | — |
| Discharge | Side | — |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 6 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 20x7-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Reverse Speed | 3 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear® Serviceable EZT® Transaxles | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 498 lbs (225.9 kg) | 682 lbs (309.4 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 2 gal (7.6 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | 68 in (1727 mm) | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | 46.3 in (1175 mm) | 43.5 in (1105 mm) |
| Height | — | 44 in (1118 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame |
| Seat Type | — | Comfortable, Custom Design |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZT 42 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the retailer listing on Jun 6, 2026 — ellingtonagway.com.
Spartan Shield: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.