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 Z781KWi-54 — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Kubota Z242KW-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.
- Z781KWi-54 holds 11.6 gal (43.9 L) of fuel; Z242KW-48 holds 4.3 gal (16.3 L) of fuel, a 7.3 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.
- Z781KWi-54 uses a Kawasaki FX850-EFI engine; Z242KW-48 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.
- Z781KWi-54 has a Parker HTG14 transmission; Z242KW-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.
- Z781KWi-54 weighs 1,254 lbs (568.8 kg); Z242KW-48 weighs 844 lbs (382.8 kg), a 410 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Z781KWi-54's weight means for a trailer ›
- Z781KWi-54 has a 29.5 hp engine; Z242KW-48 has a 21.5 hp engine, a 8 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.
3 more differences, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- Z781KWi-54 has a published top speed of 11.2 mph; Z242KW-48 has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 3.2 mph difference.
- Z781KWi-54 has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Z242KW-48 has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 6 in difference.
- Z781KWi-54 has a 52 ci (852 cc) engine; Z242KW-48 has a 44.3 ci (726 cc) engine, a 7.7 ci difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Z781KWi-54 works out to 4.9 acres/hour; Z242KW-48 works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 1.8 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
- Deck Material: not published for Z781KWi-54.
- 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 | Z781KWi-54 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
Z242KW-48 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 52 ci (852 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 29.5 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki FX850-EFI | Kawasaki FR651V |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 54 in (1372 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | — |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | — |
| Deck Material | — | 10Ga |
| Deck Gauge | — | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Parker HTG14 | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 |
| Ground Speed | 11.2 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 22 x 10 - 14 |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 1254 lbs (568.8 kg) | 844 lbs (382.8 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.6 gal (43.9 L) | 4.3 gal (16.3 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
Z781KWi-54: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — kubotausa.com.
Z242KW-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.