Ultima ZT3 (series) vs Z254
Ultima ZT3 (series) vs Z254 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.
| Ultima ZT3 (series) | Z254 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.2 | 3.6 |
| Performance | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Build quality | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Reliability | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Value for money | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort & ergonomics | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Features | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Price | $5,599 | $3,599 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 24 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine | Kawasaki FR/FS730V 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 Hydro-Gear ZT-3100, lap bar control | Hydro-Gear hydrostatic, twin lever control |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic |
| Deck size | 50, 54 or 60 in | 54 in |
| Deck construction | Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, reinforced leading edges | 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 | Three blades | 3 blades |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits |
| Top speed | 7.5 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 | 20x12-10 | Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table |
| Weight | Not published by Cub Cadet | 628 lb |
| Dimensions | See Cub Cadet spec sheet 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 3 acres or more | Up to about 2 acres of open lawn |
| Seat | 24 in high-back, armrests, ball-bearing slide | 15 in high back, vinyl |
| Frame | 2 x 2 in. tubular steel, e-coated | — |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.1 qt | — |
| 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 ZT3 offers a 24 hp Kawasaki, ZT-3100 transmissions and a 24-in. armrest seat. It is the premium Ultima ZT for large properties. Read the full review |
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. Read the full review |


