2x2 Tubular Frame
Protect against wear and tear while being the envy of your neighborhood with a continuous, 2x2 tubular steel frame designed to withstand heavy loads and provide stability on rough, uneven terrain.
Z2 42
Ultima Series™ Z
$1,149.00$2,499.00SAVE $1,350
Free delivery, assembled & ready to go 3-year unlimited hours warranty
Answer the call of large properties and varying terrain with the Ultima Series™. The Cub Cadet® Ultima Series Z2 42 42-in. 21.5 HP*/726cc Zero-Turn Lawn Mower with AeroForce™ Fabricated Deck and premium comfort features is engineered to provide the ultimate mowing experience. Built for uncompromised performance, durable strength, and proven results this mower helps you tackle hills and slopes up to 15-degrees. Save time mowing with an Ultima Series™ zero-turn, 25% faster than a tractor.**
- The Ultimate Mowing Experience from Cub Cadet® is powered by a reliable 21.5 HP*/726cc Kawasaki® Engine.
- An AeroForce™ welded, heavy-duty fabricated deck delivers a signature cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
- Protect against wear and tear while being the envy of your neighborhood with a continuous, 2x2 tubular steel frame designed to withstand heavy loads and provide stability on rough, uneven terrain.
- Tackle hills and slopes up to 15 degrees with confidence.
- Save time mowing with an Ultima Series™ zero-turn, 25% faster than a tractor.**
Features
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.
Front LED Bar Headlight
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.*
20" High Back Seat
Mow comfortably with a luxury-styled high-back seat bolstered using a custom foam designed to minimize vibration.
Ergo Grips™
Comfortably control your zero-turn with overmolded rubber hand grips designed to minimize vibration.
AeroForce™ Fabricated Deck
An AeroForce™ welded, heavy-duty fabricated deck delivers a signature cut with few clumps and stragglers, fine clippings and evenness.
Strong Warranty
Backed by a 3-year no hour limit warranty, and lifetime limited frame and deck warranty.
Step Assist
Climb aboard your zero-turn with a step assist that provides a stable and secure foothold.
Smooth 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.
Kawasaki® Engine
The Ultimate Mowing Experience from Cub Cadet® is powered by a reliable Kawasaki® Engine.
Cub Cadet Mowers on Sale
Specs & Maintenance
Maintenance
How to Change the Air Filter in Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
MAINTENANCE
Changing the air filter in your zero-turn lawn mower is very easy with a little direction. Watch our instructional video that will take you step by step through
Read ArticleHow to Change the Deck Belt on a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Rider
REPAIRS
Change the mower deck belt on your Cub Cadet zero-turn mower with these helpful tips. Cub Cadet has the mower deck parts and advice you need to do a mower deck belt replacement on your own.
Read ArticleHow to Change the Gas on a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Rider
MAINTENANCE
Stale fuel is one of the most common causes of hard starting. Learn how to safely drain and refill the fuel system on your zero-turn rider.
Read ArticleHow to Change the Oil on a Cub Cadet Zero-Turn Rider
MAINTENANCE
Learn how to change the oil in a riding lawn mower with instructions from Cub Cadet. Our video and tips make changing the lawn mower oil on your zero-turn easy.
Read ArticleMaintenance Schedule and Tips
MAINTENANCE
Learn how to keep your mower running smoothly with Cub Cadet's zero-turn mower maintenance schedule and tips.
Read ArticleZero-Turn Operation Tips
TRICKS AND TIPS
Find out how to use a zero-turn riding lawn mower with these tips from Cub Cadet. Zero-turn mowers allow you greater control over your lawn, especially around obstacles.
Read ArticleExcellent
4.2 out of 5 · Based on 33 verified owner reviews
★ Trustpilot
Solid mower and lots of power!
I bought the z2 42 today at Home Depot. After a bit of confusion they determined that they could not locate my mower that they just built tonight before. They think they put it out front and they sold it to someone else earlier in the morning. Very odd. So I went out front and picked. Out the best one in the parking lot there were three and I found one out of three that looked pretty good so I bought that one loaded it up on my trailer took it home and there is not enough gas in it to start it to back it off of my trailer just makes you wonder why? Why would they be that skimpy on gas? I think Home Depot could do a little bit better. It's just a little small things you know anyway so I put gas in. It started it up backed it off my trailer. First thing I knew to do is check the air pressure and the rear tires were way over inflated so if you buy one check the tires, those rear tire tires are only supposed to have 10 psi mine had 25 psi the front tires were pretty close. They're supposed to have 22 psi had to put a little bit of air in both of them so then I proceeded to go mow my lawn and this is the good part. This mower is a beast! grass was fairly wet as it had rained earlier today, but it wasn't too wet. I knew I could cut it and just cut it just a little bit higher than normal 3 inches well, let me tell you this mower is great! if it continues to run and cut grass as good as it did this very first time today I will be very happy with this mower, I will add to my review after about another month. I would expect this mower just to keep going just like it did today. I can't wait to mow on some dry grass, but all I can say is go buy one and go cut some grass. I hope I don't have any problems down the road. This is really good impression with the machine itself, Home Depot bamboozled around a little bit although there's several nice people I dealt with over there, but the main thing is I cut my grass in record time. Unbelievable. My backyard has a lot of obstacles and a pool, a round pool, and I cut my backyard in 10 minutes which usually takes at least 30 on a good day, Also the seat is very comfy ! The LED lights came in clutch because it was starting to get dark and it was very nice to be able to see where I was cutting at dusk this review will be continued. So far so good!!!
Verified · SteveWho · Aug 29, 2026
Update from initial review
I have had this for two months. For the last 3 weeks it is in a shop in orlando for a warranty repair. After 18 hours the left drive motor stopped working after running it for 30 to fortyfive minutes. Took out extended warranty when purchased. The repair shop had to remove the drive system and ship it to Hydro-Gear. So now waiting on them to decide what to do. I am disappointed it is down so soon. Right now my grass is getting taller and I am disappointed with how long this is taking. I hope they get this fixed soon. I bought this to replace an old snapper mower. I was tired of working on it everytime I needed to mow. That is why I purchased a new one. I was happy initially, but I'm not very impressed with the way this is going so far. I purchased this from Tractor Supply. Thank God I purchased extended warranty. They at least have been helpful in getting this resolved .
Verified · Was Happy Camper · Aug 29, 2026
Quality That Speaks for Itself
Although we don’t own a Cub Cadet yet, our neighbors have had theirs for several years and have always spoken highly of its quality, durability, and performance. They’ve generously let us borrow it a few times, and we came away really impressed. It started easily, handled our yard with plenty of power, and delivered a clean, even cut. It was also comfortable to operate and felt very well built. Based on both our experience using it and seeing how well it’s held up over the years, my husband and I are planning to purchase a Cub Cadet of our own during the next Labor Day sale. We can’t wait to have one in our garage!
Verified · Regina89 · Jun 26, 2026
Great mowerso far, poor design on levers
I bought a Z2 42 just over a week ago. I have about 2 hours on it and I love it. Good engine and have no issues other than one. When putting the levers back in "home" position extended out they rub and scratch the paint. Unless you stop every time and ensure the levers are exactly in neutral, they will do this. I stopped at the dealer I bought it from to see if there was an adjustment, but they said no and that it is most likely a design flaw. I know it's not that big a deal, but it is scratched to metal and will eventually rust. Hoping to hear from Cub Cadet.
Verified · MIke247 · May 12, 2026
Really Nice Mower
I bought a Z250S a few weeks ago to replace an older 42" Cub Cadet RZT42S and I really like this new one. The new type seat is great and comfortable and the new style bigger tires are nice too.The adjustable steering column is a nice feature also.This new one has a bigger and different engine and steering seems better too. I mow 2 acres and it takes less time now, and cuts great. I recommend this zero turn with steering wheel and hope for many years of use.
Verified · 1Fisherman · Apr 08, 2026
More than pleased
Cub showroom had on display every model. Terry the salesman gave me hands on demo & all my questions answered. Got the z2 42" delivered today ready to gas up & go. Took a little learning to drive from my old mowers but cut my 1 1/2 acre so quick, even & beautiful. So easy to start, fine strong engine. So many brands to choose from I'm so glad I chose cub meeting all my expectations & more. Thanks again Cb & DT McCall. Wife loves it too.
Verified · Aray47 · Apr 21, 2026
Arm rests part listed will not fit mower
Purchased from cub cadet dealer about a month ago. Ordered arm rest listed on web site. Part will not fit my mower. I have z2 42s w/fab deck, model 17cigbyea10 Optima. Armrest received part # 759-04252, part is installed with 3 bolts for seat back & cushion. Seat cushion has no place to fasten arm rest. My seat back has 1 bolt hole and hole for dowel pin. Can you assist with correct arm rest?
Verified · Sgtjoe · Apr 29, 2026
Well equipped
[Employee of cubcadet] Smooth ride, low vibration and not as loud as I would expect. The steering is smooth and the product has plenty of speed. The step added to the machine, the new color, sest and raised badges look great. From a service perspective everything looks accessible, the only suggestion inbound have would be making the floorboard be removable with out tools.
Verified · Dustin L · Aug 26, 2025
Excellent mower
I purchased a Z2 42S zero turn mower couple weeks ago and its the best mower I ever used. Irt was delivered with a damaged seat so I called customer service and they shipped out a replacement right away. Only complaint was bagging kit did not have right brackets for counter weight. Other wise EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Verified · Herd · Apr 22, 2026
Horrible Customer Service
Mower Broke in 20 minutes got charged $145 for them to come get it was told 6 weeks to get it in service shop called Cub Cadet and spoke with a supervisor politely told me not his problem before disconnecting my call. if I could do it over, I would spend more money to get better service. That’s my suggestion.
Verified · Swirv · Jun 02, 2026