Z242F vs Z530M
Z242F vs Z530M compared side by side: specs, ratings, price and owner feedback from our independent reviews.
| Z242F | Z530M | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| Performance | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Build quality | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Reliability | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Comfort & ergonomics | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Features | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Price | $3,799 | $5,899 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Horsepower | 21.5 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine | Kawasaki FR Series V-twin, air-cooled | Kawasaki V-twin OHV, air-cooled |
| Displacement | 44.3 cu in, 2 cylinders | Not published by Deere |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear hydrostatic, twin lever control | Tuff Torq TZT7-U hydrostatic, twin lever control |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic | Zero-turn, dual hydrostatic |
| Deck size | 42 in | 48 in (54 or 60 in optional) |
| Deck construction | ClearCut fabricated, 10-gauge steel, 2 blades, nose roller | Accel Deep, side discharge, four-point lift |
| Cutting height | About 1.5 to 4 in, 6 positions | 1 to 4 in (0.25 in steps) |
| Blades | 2 blades | Side-discharge blades; MulchControl kit optional |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits | Side discharge; mulching and bagging with optional kits |
| Top speed | 6.5 mph forward | 8 mph forward, 4 mph reverse |
| Turning radius | Zero | Zero |
| Front tires | Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table | 13x6.5-6 casters |
| Rear tires | Not listed in Husqvarna's spec table | 22x9.5-10 |
| Weight | 582 lb | 772 lb (no fuel) |
| Dimensions | 75 in L x 40 in H; 56 in W chute down, 48 in W chute up | 48-in. deck standard; see Deere spec sheet for overall size |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.25 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| Recommended property size | Up to about 1.5 acres of open lawn | Up to about 2 acres of flat ground with obstacles |
| Weight | 582 lb | — |
| Seat | 15 in high back, vinyl, hinged armrests | 20 in with armrests and ComfortGlide |
| Nose roller | Yes | — |
| Anti-scalp wheels | 1 | — |
| Deck wash port | Yes | — |
| Width | 56 in chute down, 48 in chute up | — |
| Rollover protection | — | Foldable ROPS and seat belt |
| Battery | — | 12V |
| Towing (with optional hitch) | — | 250 lb; 100 lb tongue weight |
| Deck options | — | 54 in (+$200), 60 in (+$500) |
| Verdict | The Z242F combines a 21.5 hp Kawasaki V-twin, a 42-in. ClearCut deck and 6.5 mph speed in a zero-turn that fits tight gates. Read the full review |
The Z530M offers a 24 hp V-twin, 8 mph speed, roll bar, ComfortGlide seat and a 4-year warranty. It costs much more than the Z300 line but is built tougher. Read the full review |
