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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) vs Z254
Cub Cadet Ultima ZT3 (series) Husqvarna 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.
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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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