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.
- Spartan Spartan Defender — 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 4 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Spartan Defender cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm); MZ 48 Special Edition cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- Spartan Defender lists at $6,799; MZ 48 Special Edition lists at $5,999, a $800 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Spartan Defender 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.
- Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg); MZ 48 Special Edition weighs 740 lbs (335.7 kg), a 25 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Spartan Defender's weight means for a trailer ›
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Spartan Defender 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 Spartan Defender.
- Warranty: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Blades: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Transmission: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Construction: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Discharge: not published for Spartan Defender.
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 | Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
MZ 48 Special Edition Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $6,799 | $5,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | — | 44.2 ci (724.3 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | — | FR Series |
| Cylinders | — | 2 |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Blades | — | 3 |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | — | Steel |
| Deck Construction | 4.5", 7 gauge deck | — |
| 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 | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 765 lbs (347 kg) | 740 lbs (335.7 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | 81 in (2057 mm) | 75.5 in (1918 mm) |
| Width | 43.5 in (1105 mm) | — |
| Height | 74 in (1880 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame | — |
| Seat Type | Premium | Full suspension, arm rests |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | — |
Where these models differ, explained
Spartan Defender: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.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.