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 Z421KWNC-54 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z242KH-48 — 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.
- Z421KWNC-54 uses a Kawasaki FS730V engine; Z242KH-48 uses a Kohler KT725 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.
- Z421KWNC-54 has a Hydro-Gear Commercial ZT-3600 transmission; Z242KH-48 has a Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transmission. The transmission grade tracks duty rating and speed. Grade names are each maker's own and are not comparable across brands.
- Z421KWNC-54 holds 6.8 gal (25.7 L) of fuel; Z242KH-48 holds 4.3 gal (16.3 L) of fuel, a 2.5 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.
- Z421KWNC-54 has a published top speed of 10 mph; Z242KH-48 has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 2 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Z421KWNC-54 has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Z242KH-48 has a 48 in (1,219 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 ›
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z421KWNC-54 has a 24 hp engine; Z242KH-48 has a 22 hp engine, a 2 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z421KWNC-54 works out to 4.4 acres/hour; Z242KH-48 works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 1.3 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.
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 | Z421KWNC-54 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z242KH-48 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.2 ci (725 cc) |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | 22 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FS730V | Kohler KT725 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 54 in (1372 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear Commercial ZT-3600 | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Ground Speed | 10 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 24 x 9.5 -14, LP | 22 x 10 - 14 |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 870 lbs (394.6 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.8 gal (25.7 L) | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z421KWNC-54: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z242KH-48: 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.