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 Z242KW-48 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z252KH-54 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z242KW-48 uses a Kawasaki FR651V engine; Z252KH-54 uses a Kohler K745 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.
- Z242KW-48 has a 10Ga deck; Z252KH-54 has a 10-gauge steel deck.
- Z242KW-48 has a 21.5 hp engine; Z252KH-54 has a 25 hp engine, a 3.5 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.
- Z242KW-48 has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck; Z252KH-54 has a 54 in (1,372 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 ›
- Z242KW-48 has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine; Z252KH-54 has a 45.6 ci (747 cc) engine, a 1.3 ci difference. Displacement is the engine's size, not its output. A larger engine is not necessarily a more powerful one.
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z242KW-48 works out to 3.1 acres/hour; Z252KH-54 works out to 3.5 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
- Cut height range: not published for Z242KW-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 | Z242KW-48 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z252KH-54 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 45.6 ci (747 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 25 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FR651V | Kohler K745 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 54 in (1372 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | — | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | — | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | 10Ga | 10-gauge steel |
| Deck Gauge | 10 | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 22 x 10 - 14 | 22 x 10 - 14 |
| Reverse Speed | — | 4 mph |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 844 lbs (382.8 kg) | 827 lbs (375.2 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z242KW-48: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z252KH-54: 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.