
Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 42 Zero-Turn Mower - 42 in. Deck, 21.5 HP Kawasaki V-Twin
A nimble 42 in. zero-turn for 1 to 3 acres that clears most backyard gates: 21.5 HP Kawasaki twin, fabricated deck and dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 drives.
- 21.5 HP Kawasaki FR Series twin
- 42 in. 11-gauge fabricated deck
- Dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 - 7 MPH
- 2 x 2 in. tubular steel frame
- LED light bar 4x brighter
- Step assist + ergonomic grips
The numbers that matter
Zero-turn speed for the average yard.
Six reasons the Z2 42 cuts mowing time roughly in half versus a 42 in. tractor.
Kawasaki power
A 726cc, 21.5 HP Kawasaki FR Series V-twin with fully pressurized lubrication and an oil filter.
Fabricated deck
Welded 11-gauge AeroForce deck: fewer clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and an even finish.
Fits through the gate
The 42 in. deck clears most standard backyard fence openings - the most gate-friendly size in the line.
Smooth dual hydro
Maintenance-free Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 drives: 7 MPH forward, 3.5 MPH reverse, true 0 in. turning.
Turf Armor traction
Aggressive tread for wet, uneven ground with less turf damage.
Comfort
20 in. cut-and-sew seat with head bolster, overmolded soft-touch grips and step assist.
See it up close.

Tight around every bed
0 in. turning lets you pivot around trees without trimming after.

Front-yard ready
LED light bar for early mornings and late evenings.

Compact footprint
42 in. deck - fits where bigger zero-turns can't.
How it compares to the XT2 LX46 tractor
| Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 42 Zero-Turn Mower | XT2 LX46 tractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Turning radius | 0 in. zero-turn | 16 in. |
| Top speed | 7 MPH | 5.5 MPH |
| Engine | 21.5 HP Kawasaki | 22 HP Kohler |
| Steering | Lap bars | Steering wheel |
| Best for | 1 - 3 acres, many obstacles | 1 - 4 acres, open lawn |
Specifications and features
A nimble Ultima Series zero-turn with a 21.5HP Kawasaki FR Series twin, 42-in fabricated deck and dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 drives.
Highlights
- 21.5HP Kawasaki FR Series twin
- 42-in AeroForce fabricated deck
- Dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 - 7 MPH
- 2" x 2" tubular frame - cast iron axle
Features
Kawasaki Power
The Ultimate Mowing Experience from Cub Cadet is powered by a reliable 21.5 HP 726cc Kawasaki FR Series V-twin engine.
AeroForce Fabricated Deck
An AeroForce welded, heavy-duty fabricated deck delivers a signature cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
2x2 Tubular Steel Frame
Protect against wear and tear with a continuous, 2x2 tubular steel frame designed to withstand heavy loads and provide stability on rough, uneven terrain.
Smooth Dual-Hydro Drive
Dual hydrostatic transmissions are designed to eliminate shifting and allow for quick and easy 7 MPH forward (3.5 MPH reverse) ground speeds for a smooth drive.
20-in. High-Back Luxury Seat
Mow comfortably with a luxury-styled 20-in. high-back seat bolstered using a custom foam designed to minimize vibration.
LED Light Bar
Illuminate your path with a front LED bar built to be 4x as bright. Engineered for ultimate vision to help see hidden obstacles like tree roots, branches and rocks in low light.
Offset Front Axle
Trim with precision thanks to an offset front axle designed to deliver a quality cut.
Turf Armor Tires
Tackle wet, uneven terrain in style with an aggressive tire tread designed to deliver reliable traction and minimize turfing.
Ergonomic Hand Grips
Comfortably control your zero-turn with overmolded rubber hand grips designed to minimize vibration.
Step-Assist
Climb aboard your zero-turn with a step assist that provides a stable and secure foothold.
Specifications
| Engine Brand | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | FR Series |
| Engine Model Number | 651V |
| Engine Displacement | 726cc |
| Engine Output | 21.5HP |
| Starter Type | Electric |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.5 gal. US (13.25 L) |
| Cylinders | Twin |
| Engine Start | Ignition Key |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 1.8 qts. US (1.7 L) |
| Lubrication | Fully pressurized |
| Charging System | 12 amp regulated |
| Fuel Gauge | No |
| Governor | Mechanical |
| Choke | Separate Choke |
| Air Filter | Dual element |
| Oil Filter | Yes |
| Fuel Delivery | Carburetor |
| Battery | 230 CCA |
| Battery Type | Lead Acid |
| Battery Voltage | 12V |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 |
| Forward Speed | 7 MPH / 11.3 km/h |
| Reverse Speed | 3.5 MPH / 5.6 km/h |
| Drive System | Hydrostatic |
| Serviceable Transmission | No (Maintenance-Free) |
| Deck Cutting Width | 42 in |
| Deck Wash | No |
| Deck Material | 11-gauge steel |
| Deck Engagement (PTO) | Electric |
| Deck Construction | Fabricated |
| Blade(s) | Two |
| Deck Lift | Foot pedal with Dial Adjust |
| Cutting Height Range | 1'' - 4.5'' |
| Anti-Scalping | Two gauge wheels |
| Deck Positions | 15 |
| Frame | 2'' x 2'' tubular steel |
| Turning Radius | 0 deg |
| ROPS | No |
| Rear Tow Hitch | Yes |
| Corrosion Protection | Yes |
| Front Caster Yokes | 5/16" Steel |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Handle Grip(s) | Ergonomic Overmolded Soft Touch |
| Brakes | Disc |
| Steering Control | Lap Bars |
| Seat Type | 20" Cut-and-Sew with Head Bolster |
| Armrests | No |
| Seat Adjustment | Knob |
| Front Caster Suspension | No |
| Rear Tires | 20"x 8"-8" |
| Front Tires | 11"x 6.0"-5" |
| Tire Tread | Turf Armor |
| Series | Ultima Series Z |
| Hour Meter | Yes |
| Mulch Kit | Available separately |
| Headlight(s) | LED Lightbar |
| Cup Holder | Yes |
| Operator Presence System | Yes |
| Parking Brake | Lap Bar Integrated |
| Model Number | 17BIEAEE010 |
FAQ
What size yards is the Z2 42 built for?
The 42-inch AeroForce fabricated deck and 21.5HP Kawasaki twin are ideal for lawns from 1 to 3 acres. At 7 MPH it cuts mowing time roughly in half compared with a 42-in lawn tractor.
Will it fit through my backyard gate?
Yes - the 42-inch deck is the most gate-friendly size in the Ultima Series Z lineup and clears most standard backyard fence openings.
How tight does it turn?
0-degree turning radius. Dual Hydro-Gear EZT 2200 transmissions with lap-bar steering let you pivot around trees and beds without trimming afterward.
Can I bag or mulch?
Yes. A bagger and an Xtreme mulching kit are available as accessories (sold separately).
Delivery and returns
- Free freight shipping to the contiguous 48 US states, curbside delivery, liftgate on request.
- Order cut-off time: 2:00 PM (Central Time). Handling 1 - 2 days, transit 5 - 8 days (Monday to Friday).
- 30-day returns on unused items in original packaging, free return shipping.
- Warranty: covered by the manufacturer's limited warranty where eligible. Contact us before purchase for the exact terms on this model.
What you get, and how it gets to you
In the box
- 1 x Cub Cadet Ultima Z2 42 zero-turn mower (model 17BIEAEE010)
- 1 x 42 in. fabricated mowing deck
- Manufacturer operator's manual
- Free freight delivery, curbside by appointment
Shipping
Your machine ships by freight. The carrier calls ahead to book a curbside delivery appointment. Freight is on us.
Before you buy
What size lawn is the Z2 42 for?
Will it fit through my backyard gate?
How tight does it turn?
Can I bag or mulch?
How much is shipping and when will it arrive?
Can I return it?
What about the warranty?
Which payment methods do you accept?
How do I reach you?
Zero-turn for every yard. $1,249.00
21.5 HP Kawasaki, a fabricated 42 in. deck and 7 MPH - delivered free to your curb.
