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.
- Scag Freedom Z — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Husqvarna MZ 48 Special Edition — 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.
- Freedom Z uses a Kohler® 7000 Series engine; MZ 48 Special Edition uses a Kawasaki 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.
- Freedom Z holds 6.5 gal (24.6 L) of fuel; MZ 48 Special Edition holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel, a 1.5 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.
- Freedom Z lists at $6,899 to $7,799; MZ 48 Special Edition lists at $5,999, a $900 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Freedom Z has a published top speed of 8 mph; MZ 48 Special Edition has a published top speed of 8.5 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.
- Freedom Z has a 24 hp engine; MZ 48 Special Edition has a 23 hp engine, a 1 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.
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Freedom Z works out to 3.1 acres/hour; MZ 48 Special Edition works out to 3.3 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 Freedom Z.
- Blades: not published for Freedom Z.
- Transmission: not published for Freedom Z.
- Deck Material: not published for Freedom Z.
- Deck Construction: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Drive System: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Discharge: not published for Freedom Z.
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 | Freedom Z Scag · Zero-Turn |
MZ 48 Special Edition Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,899–$7,799 | $5,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | — | 44.2 ci (724.3 cc) |
| Engine Power | 24 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kohler® 7000 Series | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | — | FR Series |
| Cylinders | — | 2 |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Blades | — | 3 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | Steel |
| Deck Construction | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. | — |
| Anti-Scalp Rollers | — | Yes |
| Discharge | — | Collect/Mulch/Side discharge |
| Cut Positions | — | 13 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | — | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20″ x 10″-10″ | — |
| Reverse Speed | 5 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear ZT2800 Transaxle | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 745 lbs (337.9 kg) | 740 lbs (335.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | — | 75.5 in (1918 mm) |
| Height | — | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Seat Type | Padded with arm rests, adjustment forward and back (tools required) | Full suspension, arm rests |
Where these models differ, explained
Freedom Z: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.com.
MZ 48 Special Edition: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — husqvarna.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.