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Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254

Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.

Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 (series) Husqvarna Z254
Our rating 4.0 3.6
Performance 4.0 3.5
Build quality 4.0 3.5
Reliability 4.0 3.5
Value for money 4.5 4.0
Comfort & ergonomics 4.0 3.5
Features 3.5 3.5
Price $3,429 $3,599
Specifications
Power type Gasoline Gasoline
Horsepower 21.5 HP 24 HP
Engine Kawasaki FR-series V-twin OHV, air-cooled Briggs & Stratton PXi2400 V-twin, air-cooled
Displacement 726 cc, 2 cylinders 44.18 cu in, 2 cylinders
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline
Transmission Dual hydrostatic, lap bar control Hydro-Gear hydrostatic, twin lever control
Drive Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic
Deck size 42, 50 or 54 in (46 in in some markets) 54 in
Deck construction Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, side discharge Stamped, reinforced, 12-gauge steel, 4 anti-scalp wheels
Cutting height 1 to 4.5 in, 15 positions About 1.5 to 4 in, 6 positions
Blades Two or three blades by deck size 3 blades
Discharge Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits
Top speed 7 mph forward, 3.5 mph reverse 6.5 mph forward
Turning radius Zero Zero
Front tires 11x6-5 casters Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table
Rear tires 20x8-8 (42 in) to 20x10-8 (50 in) Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table
Weight Varies by deck size 628 lb
Dimensions See model reviews for deck-specific size 40 in H; 67 in W chute down, 56 in W chute up
Fuel capacity 3.5 US gal (13.25 L) 3.5 US gal (13.25 L)
Recommended property size About 1 to 3 acres, depending on deck size Up to about 2 acres of open lawn
Frame 2 x 2 in. tubular steel, e-coated —
Seat 20 in high-back 15 in high back, vinyl
Deck lift Foot pedal with dial —
Rear hitch Yes —
Armrests — Optional
Deck wash port — Yes
Hour meter — Digital with service intervals
Air filter — Dual-element canister
Width — 67 in chute down, 56 in chute up
Verdict The Ultima ZT1 series is the budget way into Cub Cadet's Ultima zero-turns, with Kawasaki V-twins, fabricated AeroForce decks and 7 mph speed.
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The Z254 is an affordable 54-in. zero-turn in the Z200 Series, with a Briggs PXi2400 V-twin, 6.5 mph speed and a wash port.
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