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 XL 48 KAWASAKI — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Spartan Spartan Defender — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI has a Fabricated X-Factor® deck; Spartan Defender has a 4.5", 7 gauge deck deck.
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel; Spartan Defender holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel, a 1.5 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.
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI lists at $5,599; Spartan Defender lists at $6,799, a $1,200 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI has a published top speed of 7 mph; Spartan Defender has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 1 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI weighs 689 lbs (312.5 kg); Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg), a 76 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI's weight means for a trailer ›
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI works out to 2.7 acres/hour; Spartan Defender works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.4 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 Defender.
- Warranty: not published for ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI.
- Fuel Type: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Drive System: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Discharge: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Cut height range: not published for ZT XL 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 | ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI Gravely · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $5,599 | $6,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | — |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | FR691V | — |
| Fuel Type | Gas | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | — | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | — | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | 11 ga | — |
| Deck Construction | Fabricated X-Factor® | 4.5", 7 gauge deck |
| Deck Gauge | 11 | — |
| Discharge | Side | — |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Reverse Speed | 3 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear® ZT-2800® Transaxles | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 689 lbs (312.5 kg) | 765 lbs (347 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | — | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | — | 43.5 in (1105 mm) |
| Height | — | 74 in (1880 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame |
| Seat Type | — | Premium |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
ZT XL 48 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the retailer listing on Jun 6, 2026 — tkpowerequipment.com.
Spartan Defender: 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.