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.
- Husqvarna Z242F Special Edition — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet ZT1 42 — 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.
- Z242F Special Edition has a Hydrostatic transmission; ZT1 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.
- Z242F Special Edition has a Steel deck; ZT1 42 has a 13-gauge steel deck.
- Z242F Special Edition cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4 in (102 mm); ZT1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Z242F Special Edition weighs 560 lbs (254 kg); ZT1 42 weighs 500 lbs (226.8 kg), a 60 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Z242F Special Edition's weight means for a trailer ›
- Z242F Special Edition has a published top speed of 6.5 mph; ZT1 42 has a published top speed of 7 mph, a 0.5 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z242F Special Edition lists at $3,499; ZT1 42 lists at $3,429, a $70 difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z242F Special Edition works out to 2.2 acres/hour; ZT1 42 works out to 2.4 acres/hour, a 0.2 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
- Warranty: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Deck Construction: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Drive System: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
- Discharge: not published for ZT1 42.
- Start Type: not published for Z242F Special Edition.
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 | Z242F Special Edition Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
ZT1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,499 | $3,429 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (725.9 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki | Kawasaki® |
| Engine Model | FR Series | FR Series |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Start Type | — | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 2 | 2 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4 in (102 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | Steel | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | — | Stamped |
| Deck Gauge | — | 13 |
| Anti-Scalp Rollers | Yes | — |
| Discharge | 3-in-1 Mulch/Rear Bag/Side Discharge Capable | — |
| Cut Positions | 6 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 6.5 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 20”x 8”-8" |
| Reverse Speed | — | 3.5 mph |
| Drive System | — | Hydrostatic |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 560 lbs (254 kg) | 500 lbs (226.8 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Length | 75 in (1905 mm) | — |
| Height | 40 in (1016 mm) | — |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel |
| Seat Type | 15" high back | 20" high back |
| Commercial Warranty | — | No |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z242F Special Edition: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — husqvarna.com.
ZT1 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.