Any homeowner or business owner who has a yard or open grassy space near the residence or building deserves to have a sprawling lawn that is clean-cut, even, and manicured with precision. The HUSQVARNA Z246 model under review is one that has come down this company’s long line of zero turn mowers dedicated to the task of lawn maintenance. It is a zero turn mower and is one of the most reliable models of its type available on the market. It is the recipient of only raving reviews online.
 | Engine selection Durable Materials A wide range of accessories |
The Z246 zero turn mower is engineered by HUSQVARNA for both homeowners and professional gardeners who aspire to make their lawn work smoother and more rewarding.
This lawnmower is designed to supply more than enough speed during use as well as good cutting efficiency to produce the best carpet of manicured grass.
In addition to giving basic information on this zero turn mower and what makes it special, details will also be given on the two engine types it comes in, namely, by KAWASAKI and KOHLER.
Design
The design of a machine is more than what it looks like or whether it adheres to the aesthetics of the overall build. It plays a huge part in making sure that the machine is structured in the right way with all the right materials. Thus, the design of a zero turn mower has to be well-thought-out and put together so as to improve productivity and even the longevity of this high-performance mower.
Just like the standard zero-turn riding lawn mower, this mower comes with two standard levers. These levers transmit to a pair of motors that are connected to each of the rear wheels of the z mower. The steering includes a simple process where pushing down of both the levers makes the mower move forward and pulling them up and towards the user makes the mower to run backwards.
The speed of the z lawn mower depends on how far the user pushes or pulls the two levers. In order to turn towards the right side, the left lever has to be pushed down farther than the right level. To turn towards the left requires the reverse where the right lever has to be pushed down farther than the left lever.
As mentioned before, the HUSQVARNA Z246 zero turn lawn mower promises superior cutting. It comes with the trademark HUSQVARNA saffron and grey colors.
The deck of the mower is fitted with HUSQVARNA’s stamped reinforced 13-gauge steel cutting deck. So, this z turn mower can confidently depend on its heavy flat-stock steel for maximum durability and longevity which is good news for anyone looking to purchase this Z246 model. It makes this z turn lawn mower easily powered with the extra strength that thick lawns and overgrown backyards that need to be expertly cleaned and trimmed down.
The deck lift system is manual and can easily be reached from where the user is sits. It has perfect lift ability and comes with a spring assist system that allows its user to efficiently operate the mower while enjoying balance and comfort when in use.
Unlike other HUSQVARNA models, this Z 246 is a giant in its own right. It is made this way as it has to be allowed to confidently dominate the lawn and also its z turn mower competitions. It runs efficient enough on a 3.5-gallon fuel tank to deliver a cutting service unrivaled in terms of quick output and speedy ground coverage when compared with most lawns.
This prime example of what a zero turn mower should be, weighs five hundred and four pounds in weight, a length of seventy-five inches, and a height of forty inches. The dimensions of this z turn mower’s chute that dispenses the grass clippings after cutting are fifty-six and half-inch chute down and forty-eight inches chute up.
Comfort
HUSQVARNA recognizes the toll that it takes on the user, especially on the back neck and backbone. This is a problem that naturally comes with long durations of sitting and driving, more so while on heavy outdoor tractors such as a zero-turn mower. Hence, the Company has fitted this particular lawn mower model with a fifteen-inch vinyl seat set atop for the main purpose of providing comfort to the user. This also gives the user easy accessibility to the control bars and the control panel, as well as enough mobility to concentrate on controlling the lawnmower with ease.
The control panels mentioned above have also been painstakingly designed with comfort in mind. They are organized in such a way that it brings all of the main mower controls in easy reach of the user’s fingertips. For example, it has the choke, throttle, and ignition buttons all in one location, which ensures a hassle-free mowing experience.
The chassis of this mower is designed in a unique tube styled system. This allows the special foot pan feature easily removable to give the user easy access to the cutting deck’s surface. This foot pan also provides adequate space on the surface to give the user’s feet mobility and comfort.
Even as a riding type of lawnmower, it can be exhausting and uncomfortable with considerably long hours in the harsh sun for the user, this model makes the menial task of mowing the lawn a lot more smooth and manageable.
This riding tractor comes with the option for an easier mower deck clean up after use. The user can simply attach an ordinary garden hose to the corresponding nozzle and switch on the water. This way, the user can simply rinse off the mower every time without any trouble. This is a simple yet desired function among users of not just zero turn mowers but also among all lawn mower types. It helps ease the manual labor involved in cleaning up the mower. In addition, this lawn mower comes with a cup holder and an hour meter that keeps track of the duration of use.
Performance
The HUSQVARNA Z246 comes with the latest air induction technology. What it brings to the open yard is a superior cut that is a direct result of this zero turn mower drawing air being both from the bottom and top of the deck. This improves the mower’s ability to lift the grass and give the blades room to slice off the grass swiftly and with precision.
An example of Husqvarna Z246 cutting tall grass with ease:
All owners who purchase a Z246 model will be proven time and again that this lawn mower’s power is able to effortlessly go through 2.4 acres of lawn in under an hour during every use. Its speedy ability to cover ground comes along with a cutting deck that can cut grass at a width of 46 inches that gets the job done and fast too.
The speed in this z turn mower allows it to go a maximum of 6.5 miles per hour and cut grass with its two-bladed mower deck at a speed of 16600 FPM. The blades of the deck can be easily controlled by an electronic clutch in six adjustable deck height steps that range from a minimum of 1.5 inches to a maximum of 4.5 inches.
Therefore, all users can be assured that they are always sitting under a huge amount of power and the choice to pick what kind of cuts the deck height should make via the easily adjustable deck heights under their hands. This way, this z mower boasts a mean cutting precision; it can only make for a thrilling experience to an old activity that is usually taken as a dull and tedious chore.
Husqvarna Z246 in action:
A customer reviews his zero-turn after several uses:
Available Accessories
The HUSQVARNA Z246 comes with a series of accessories that can be accommodates with the model, all available on Amazon.
This zero turn mower comes with a three-in-one clipping disposal function of dispensing, mulching or bagging. The default setting is only dispensing i.e. when the clippings are swiftly spun out through the lawn mower’s chute once it is cut.
The mulching option is essential for soil fertility and nutrients. It is a process in which the grass is cut not into clippings but into fine pieces that are transferred back to the soil’s surface. For users that want to opt for this option, the Mulching kit accessory can be bought online here.
It is a 46 inch mulching kit with 2 mulching blades. The mulching plate will easily attach to the deck of this zero turn mower and turn it into a mulching deck that either helps or altogether removes the need to rake after a lawn mowing session.
Another option of grass disposal is where the cut grass can be easily stored while the user mows the law. The HUSQVARNA 3-bin directly transfers the clippings into an attachable bagging system accessory where they are transferred in two bagging units that can fit up to six bushels of grass.
This is made possible because of the bagger being designed for superior air flow resulting in fuller bags. The bags can be later removed and the clippings disposed. The bags come with handles that make the process simpler.
Most metal-based machines and tools are easily susceptible to wear and tear under harsh weather conditions such as constant exposure to sunlight or rain. This is when rust comes into the picture and the longevity of the machine is compromised.
Users of the HUSQVARNA Z246 can put all worries of weather-related dangers at bay with the use of the HUSQVARNA cover for its lawn mowers, particularly the HUSQVARNA ZERO-TURN MOWER COVER for storage and stowing away when not in use. It provides assurance to protect your precious zero turn mower from sun, dirt, bird droppings, and tree sap.
This bag is suitable for covering Z246, Z254, and Z254F models.
This zero turn lawn mower can also be fitted with the HUSQVARNA 587495101 low angled LED Bumper Headlights kit that provide adequate visual aid during times when the mowing has to be done in little to no daylight. It can be attached as a replacement mini bumper in the front of the lawn mower. The headlights turn on whenever the engine is running.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Z246 as a riding zero-turn mower model has an immense amount of power and durability in even the toughest of lawn mowing jobs. In addition, it can even cut close to walls, fences, flower beds, and other tough spots without difficulty.
- It comes with an extremely durable built and design, a zero-maintenance engine and an advanced air induction system that provides good air lift to make more precise grass cuts.
Cons
- This z turn mower can be quite hard to handle on wet slopes. It has the tendency to tear up the lawn if the user is not careful due to the amount of power it runs on.
- Maneuvering becomes difficult for this z turn mower in smaller sized lawns or is not on an all-grass terrain with a lot of trees. So if there is a lawn that is densely populated with foliage, this model may not be the right zero turn mower for the job.
- It can be hard to maneuver for beginners and might require some practice before any lawn mowing begins.
Engine Types
The HUSQVARNA comes in-built with different engine types that lead to a series of different power and combinations that can vary from one Z246 type zero turn mower to another. Two engines that come into the purview of this article for comparison are the 21.5HP 726CC KAWASAKI ENGINE 46-inch model and the 23HP 747CC KOHLER CONFIDANT ENGINE 46-inch model.
HUSQVARNA Z246 21.5HP 726cc with KAWASAKI Engine
The HUSQVARNA Z246 model that runs on the 21.5 HP 726CC KAWASAKI Engine produces its own unique performance statistics that are different from the KOHLER CONFIDANT Engine model. With the level of competition in the lawnmower business, HUSQVARNA tries hard to stay ahead of the competition. This company strives to provide products that give grass cutting performance of the highest standards.
HUSQVARNA partnering with KAWASAKI to develop its Z246 zero turn lawn mower’s engine allows it to access KAWASAKI’s vault of high-performance machinery. Already with global recognition as a company that deals with high-class motorbikes, KAWASAKI provides the Z246 with an engine that is powerful yet smooth.
It runs with better speed and silence when compared to the KOHLER model. Even with this additional plus point of less sound production, the blades of the KAWASAKI engine still works furiously to manufacture a perfectly mowed path. It never seems to strain for power, making this model a smooth, powerful, quality machine.
There is no need for worries about maintenance with this zero turn mower when it comes with this KAWASAKI engine with a free performance and an integrated zero-turn transmission system.
The KAWASAKI type is also fitted with an anti-slip area for the feet for added comfort and safety for the user. It also has a rear engine guard that prevents any damage from happening to the engine.
Unlike its predecessors, this zero turn lawn mower comes with a thoughtfully engineered automatic park brake system and has an overall smooth use that is refined.
The KAWASAKI engine is one of many that the company has designed for zero turn mowers, lawn tractors, and even wide-area walk behind mower types. It is well-balanced in terms of power output in a compact form. It is built with cast-iron cylinder liners that provide increased protection and longevity of the engine itself and even comes with overhead V-Valve (OHV) technology.
It is built for maximum power at 3600RPM with a quiet operation as well as the assurance of low exhaust emissions. It has a pressurized lubrication system with spin-on oil filtration, as well as a single-element air filtration system. It has a two-channel forced air-cooling system that helps to reduce overheating from long durations of use, as well as a rotating grass screen for preventing engine clogging.
This engine is designed to boost efficiency on long durations of use even on hot days. It comes fitted with a recoil starter as well as an electronic spark ignition.
It is reliable, consistent with a promise of years of dependable usage, and a three-year warranty.
HUSQVARNA Z246 23HP 747cc KOHLER Confidant Engine 46
HUSQVARNA’s partnership is no surprise as KOHLER is well-known to be one of the first and oldest producers of reliable power products such as engines and generators. Their obsession for better performance and power is noted by everyone. Having been in the engine business since 1920, KOHLER engines have been battle-tested time and again at the harshest terrains known to man.
From the South Pole, Hoover Dam, and during the Second World War, KOHLER engines have long since proven their seriousness in its production of professional and high-function engines. In this era, KOHLER powers the toughest of equipment in the world of commercial machines, from heavy construction to lawn and landscape.
This 23HP 747cc KOHLER Confidant model for HUSQVARNA Z246 is an efficient OHV Engine that is loaded with commercial-quality power and durability.
It is different from the KAWASAKI model as it has the ability to run cooler and cleaner and also has the added advantage of using less fuel to complete while getting the job done. The engine also comes with cylinder bores, screen guard, and valve covers to provide the engine with added protection. It has a full pressure lubrication system and a spin-on oil filter.
It is ideal for users, especially from dusty and dry climate areas. The KOHLER type has more power than the KAWASAKI type of Z246 model yet still maintains a level of smoothness in its use and assures to make less of a mess.
It is a 4-cycle gasoline engine with a V-twin system. The KOHLER engine gives this zero turn mower its PRO performance air, oil and fuel filters and consistent cutting technology which provide even more consistent power to the z mower’s deck. This engine is engineered to be air-cooled constantly. Its torque capacity is 42.1 ft-lb peak with a 9.1:1 compression ratio, two quart oil capacity that helps to produce a result of 3600 RPM.
The chopper grass screen guard helps prevent grass and debris from packing under the deck along with its dual-seal air filter system. The cast iron 3.3 inch bores help to deal with any situation concerning dirt. The pressure lubrication of this KOHLER engine model aids to extend its own engine life with cooler operations. It also comes with a high-impact nylon shroud and valve cover protect against damage to internal components.
Conclusion
The coming of zero turn mowers has successfully cut down the time it used to take to mow lawns by half or by two-thirds. Not only is it faster than a regular lawnmower, but there are also a lot of other factors that have combined to enrich the lawn mowing experience. This includes its ability to cut in straight lines instead of the traditional circle, and the level of comfort that it brings to the user with its front cutting deck, high quality seats and ergonomic controls.
The Z246 HUSQVARNA is a strong competitor in the long list of zero turn lawn mowers on the market. With its power, speed and variability in engine type, it gives potential customers more option, making this model one that offers a chance to potential customers a zero turn mower tailor-made to fit their personal preferences.
The Z 246 is a model that is on the larger side on the spectrum of zero turn lawnmowers. If your yard is smaller than most, it might not be the right choice for yards. This model of z turn mower should not be used in grass areas smaller than half an acre to prevent any possible damage to property. The quality of service this model of z turn mower provides is on par with other more expensive mowers available on the market. Still, the Z 246 manages to get on the top ten lists of almost all zero turn mower reviews.
