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 RZ-HD — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 54-inch deck; gas powered
- Spartan Spartan Defender — 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.
- Spartan RZ-HD uses a Briggs engine; Spartan Defender 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.
- Spartan RZ-HD holds 9.5 gal (36 L) of fuel; Spartan Defender holds 5 gal (18.9 L) of fuel, a 4.5 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.
- Spartan RZ-HD weighs 1,095 lbs (496.7 kg); Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg), a 330 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Spartan RZ-HD's weight means for a trailer ›
- Spartan RZ-HD has a 5" Deep, Reinforced 7 Gauge Full-Floating Deck deck; Spartan Defender has a 4.5", 7 gauge deck deck.
- Spartan RZ-HD has a 27 hp engine; Spartan Defender has a 23 hp engine, a 4 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.
4 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Spartan RZ-HD has a 54 in (1,372 mm) deck; Spartan Defender has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 6 in difference.
- Spartan RZ-HD lists at $7,699; Spartan Defender lists at $6,799, a $900 difference.
- Spartan RZ-HD cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.8 in (121 mm); Spartan Defender cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm).
- Spartan RZ-HD has a published top speed of 9 mph; Spartan Defender has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 1 mph difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Spartan RZ-HD works out to 3.9 acres/hour; Spartan Defender works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.8 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.
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 RZ-HD Spartan · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $7,699 | $6,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 27 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Briggs | Kawasaki |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 54 in (1372 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.8 in (121 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Construction | 5" Deep, Reinforced 7 Gauge Full-Floating Deck | 4.5", 7 gauge deck |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 9 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 24x12-12 Reapers | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 1095 lbs (496.7 kg) | 765 lbs (347 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 9.5 gal (36 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | 84 in (2134 mm) | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | — | 43.5 in (1105 mm) |
| Height | 75 in (1905 mm) | 74 in (1880 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Fusion-Bonded Solid Steel Bridge Frame | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame |
| Seat Type | Deluxe Seat | Premium |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Spartan RZ-HD: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.com.
Spartan Defender: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.