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 Shield — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 42-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 Shield uses a Spartan 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 Shield lists at $4,299; Spartan Defender lists at $6,799, a $2,500 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- Spartan Shield has a 42 in (1,067 mm) deck; Spartan Defender has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 6 in difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- Spartan Shield has a published top speed of 7 mph; Spartan Defender has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 1 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- Spartan Shield weighs 682 lbs (309.4 kg); Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg), a 83 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What Spartan Shield's weight means for a trailer ›
1 more difference, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- Spartan Shield has a 22 hp engine; Spartan Defender has a 23 hp engine, a 1 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- Spartan Shield works out to 2.4 acres/hour; Spartan Defender works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.7 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 Shield Spartan · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $4,299 | $6,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Engine Power | 22 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Spartan | Kawasaki |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Min Cut Height | 1 in (25 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Construction | 4" | 4.5", 7 gauge deck |
| Drive | ||
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | 20x7-10 Carlisle Turf Armor | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 682 lbs (309.4 kg) | 765 lbs (347 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | 81 in (2057 mm) | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | 43.5 in (1105 mm) | 43.5 in (1105 mm) |
| Height | 44 in (1118 mm) | 74 in (1880 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame |
| Seat Type | Comfortable, Custom Design | Premium |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Spartan Shield: 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.