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Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254F

Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254F compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.

Ultima ZT1 (series) vs Z254F
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 (series) Husqvarna Z254F
Our rating 4.0 4.0
Performance 4.0 4.0
Build quality 4.0 4.0
Reliability 4.0 4.0
Value for money 4.5 4.0
Comfort & ergonomics 4.0 4.0
Features 3.5 4.0
Price $3,429 $3,999
Specifications
Power type Gasoline Gasoline
Horsepower 21.5 HP 24 HP
Engine Kawasaki FR-series V-twin OHV, air-cooled Kawasaki FR Series V-twin, air-cooled
Displacement 726 cc, 2 cylinders 44.3 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 ClearCut fabricated, 10-gauge steel, powder-coated
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 590 lb
Dimensions See model reviews for deck-specific size 75 in L x 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, hinged armrests
Deck lift Foot pedal with dial —
Rear hitch Yes —
Weight — 590 lb
Headlights — LED
Anti-scalp wheels — 6
Hour meter — Digital with service intervals
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 Z254F pairs a 24 hp Kawasaki V-twin with a 54-in. ClearCut deck, armrests and LED lights. It suits open lawns up to about two acres.
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