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 Z242KH-48 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z232KW-42 — 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.
- Z242KH-48 uses a Kohler KT725 engine; Z232KW-42 uses a Kawasaki FR651V 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.
- Z242KH-48 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission; Z232KW-42 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- Z242KH-48 has a published top speed of 8 mph; Z232KW-42 has a published top speed of 6.5 mph, a 1.5 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Z242KH-48 has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck; Z232KW-42 has a 42 in (1,067 mm) deck, a 6 in difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- Z242KH-48 holds 4.3 gal (16.3 L) of fuel; Z232KW-42 holds 3.6 gal (13.6 L) of fuel, a 0.7 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.
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z242KH-48 has a 22 hp engine; Z232KW-42 has a 21.5 hp engine, a 0.5 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z242KH-48 works out to 3.1 acres/hour; Z232KW-42 works out to 2.2 acres/hour, a 0.9 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
- Weight: not published for Z242KH-48.
- Deck Material: not published for Z242KH-48.
- Cut height range: not published for Z242KH-48.
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 | Z242KH-48 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z232KW-42 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.2 ci (725 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 22 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kohler KT725 | Kawasaki FR651V |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | — | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | — | 4.3 in (108 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | 10Ga steel |
| Deck Gauge | — | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 | Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 6.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22 x 10 - 14 | 18 x 7.5 - 10 |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 643 lbs (291.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) | 3.6 gal (13.6 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z242KH-48: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z232KW-42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.