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.
- Troy-Bilt Z42 Zero-Turn Mower — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Cub Cadet Z1 42 — residential: typical home lawns; 42-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 2 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- Z42 Zero-Turn Mower uses a Troy-Bilt® engine; Z1 42 uses a Cub Cadet® 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.
- Z42 Zero-Turn Mower cuts from 1.3 in (32 mm) to 3.7 in (95 mm); Z1 42 cuts from 1 in (25 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.
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 | Z42 Zero-Turn Mower Troy-Bilt · Zero-Turn |
Z1 42 Cub Cadet · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $2,999 | $2,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 33.4 ci (547 cc) | 33.4 ci (547 cc) |
| Engine Make | Troy-Bilt® | Cub Cadet® |
| Engine Model | — | IntelliPOWER® |
| Cylinders | 1 | 1 |
| Start Type | Ignition Key | Ignition Key |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 42 in (1067 mm) |
| Blades | 2 | 2 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.3 in (32 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 3.7 in (95 mm) | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Deck Material | 13-gauge steel | 13-gauge steel |
| Deck Construction | Stamped | Stamped |
| Deck Gauge | 13 | 13 |
| Cut Positions | 8 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear™ EZT-2200 | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 7 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 20”x 8”-8" |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 mph | 3.5 mph |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Dimensions | ||
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel |
| Seat Type | — | 18" high back |
| Commercial Warranty | — | No |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
Z42 Zero-Turn Mower: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — troybilt.com.
Z1 42: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — cubcadet.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.