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 SLS — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-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.
- SLS uses a Briggs & Stratton® PXi Series™ 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.
- SLS has Hydro-Gear ZT2200 (EZT) drive; Z232KW-42 has Belt drive.
- SLS has a 20 hp engine; Z232KW-42 has a 21.5 hp engine, a 1.5 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.
- SLS has a published top speed of 7 mph; Z232KW-42 has a published top speed of 6.5 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.
- SLS cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); Z232KW-42 cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.3 in (108 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
1 more difference, calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Other verified differences
- SLS holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel; Z232KW-42 holds 3.6 gal (13.6 L) of fuel, a 0.1 gal difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- SLS works out to 2.4 acres/hour; Z232KW-42 works out to 2.2 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 SLS.
- Weight: not published for SLS.
- Transmission: not published for SLS.
- Fuel Type: not published for SLS.
- Deck Material: not published for SLS.
- Deck Construction: not published for Z232KW-42.
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 | SLS Scag · Zero-Turn |
Z232KW-42 Kubota · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | dealer quote | dealer quote |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | — | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 20 hp | 21.5 hp |
| Engine Make | Briggs & Stratton® PXi Series™ | Kawasaki FR651V |
| Fuel Type | — | Gasoline |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4.3 in (108 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | 10Ga steel |
| Deck Construction | Dual-plate cutter deck constructed of 2 steel plates. Reinforcement plate at cutter deck spindles. | — |
| Deck Gauge | — | 10 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | — | Hydro-Gear ZT-2200 |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 6.5 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20″ x 8″-8″ (42”)20″ x 10″-8″ (52”)20″ x 10″-8″ (61”) | 18 x 7.5 - 10 |
| Reverse Speed | 5 mph | — |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear ZT2200 (EZT) | Belt |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | — | 643 lbs (291.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.6 gal (13.6 L) |
Where these models differ, explained
SLS: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — scag.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.