Skip to content

ZT1 42 vs Z254

ZT1 42 vs Z254 compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.

ZT1 42 vs Z254
Cub Cadet ZT1 42 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 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 in 54 in
Deck construction Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, two-blade, 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 blades 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 Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table
Weight Not published by Cub Cadet 628 lb
Dimensions 42-in. deck; see Cub Cadet spec sheet for full 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 Up to about 2 acres Up to about 2 acres of open lawn
Seat 20 in high-back, knob adjust 15 in high back, vinyl
Frame 2 x 2 in. tubular steel, e-coated —
Engine oil capacity 1.8 qt —
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 ZT1 42 is the compact, lowest-priced Ultima zero-turn, with a fabricated 42-in. deck and Kawasaki V-twin. It suits yards up to about 2 acres.
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