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ZT1 42 vs Z254F

ZT1 42 vs Z254F compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.

ZT1 42 vs Z254F
Cub Cadet ZT1 42 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 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 in 54 in
Deck construction Fabricated AeroForce, 11-gauge steel, two-blade, 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 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 590 lb
Dimensions 42-in. deck; see Cub Cadet spec sheet for full 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 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, hinged armrests
Frame 2 x 2 in. tubular steel, e-coated —
Engine oil capacity 1.8 qt —
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 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.
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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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