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.
- Kubota Z232KW-42 — 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.
- Z232KW-42 uses a Kawasaki FR651V 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.
- Z232KW-42 cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.3 in (108 mm); Spartan Shield cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Z232KW-42 holds 3.6 gal (13.6 L) of fuel; Spartan Shield holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel, a 1.4 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.
- Z232KW-42 has a published top speed of 6.5 mph; Spartan Shield 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.
- Z232KW-42 weighs 643 lbs (291.7 kg); Spartan Shield weighs 682 lbs (309.4 kg), a 39 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Z232KW-42's weight means for a trailer ›
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z232KW-42 has a 21.5 hp engine; Spartan Shield has a 22 hp engine, a 0.5 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z232KW-42 works out to 2.2 acres/hour; Spartan Shield 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
- Displacement: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Warranty: not published for Z232KW-42.
- Transmission: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Fuel Type: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Deck Construction: not published for Z232KW-42.
- Drive System: not published for Spartan Shield.
- Price: Z232KW-42 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 | Z232KW-42 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Shield Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | $4,299 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | — |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 22 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FR651V | Spartan |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | — |
| 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 | 4.3 in (108 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10Ga steel | — |
| Deck Construction | — | 4" |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | — |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 | — |
| Ground Speed | 6.5 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 18 x 7.5 - 10 | 20x7-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Drive System | Belt | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 643 lbs (291.7 kg) | 682 lbs (309.4 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.6 gal (13.6 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | — | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | — | 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
Z232KW-42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.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.