Husqvarna Z254 Review – 54″ Zero Turn Mower

Husqvarna Z254 Review

If you own a piece of land, you know the troubles of keeping it mowed at all times. Who wants a mini forest flourishing in their yard after all? Surely we don’t, and we provide our readers with the best lawn mower recommendations to make mowing not feel like a tedious chore. While all mowers are designed for the same job, not all make it a pleasant experience, and there’s nothing more annoying than having your mower stall out or break down regularly.

If you have previously owned a lawn tractor before, those machines can really test your patience by their slow operation. This is where zero-turn mowers come into play, with their extremely powerful and user-friendly design they’re able to tear through your yard. And with today’s Husqvarna Z254 review, we have what is one of the best zero-turn mowers for residential applications. Husqvarna is known to make some of the most durable and easy-to-use compact mowers such as the Automower 450x, Z248F, hu700h etc. Let’s see what they got here!

Husqvarna Z254 Kawasaki Review

Husqvarna Z254 Kawasaki Review
ProductHusqvarna Z25 Zero Turn Lawn Mower
EngineKawasaki 23HP / 726CCs
Fuel Tank Size3.5 Gallons
Cutting Width54 Inches
Cutting Height1.5 – 4.0 inches
Deck Positions6 Positions
Cutting Options3-in-1 (Side-Discharge/Bag/Mulch)
Maximum Speed6.5 MPH
Maximum Reverse Speed3.5 MPH
Front Tire Size11 x 6 Inch
Rear Tire Size18 x 9.5 Inch
Weight640 lbs
Product Length75.0 Inches
Product Height40.0 Inches
Warranty3 Years

Pros

  • Extremely durable and sturdy
  • Powerful motor designed for heavy use
  • 54-inch stamped steel cutting deck
  • Effortless control and maneuverability
  • Auto Parking Brake design
  • Automatic choke system
  • 3-in-1 mowing functionality

Cons

  • Cutting deck accumulates grass very fast
  • Some accessories (like headlights) are sold separately
  • Doesn’t produce great results with horizontal cuts on steeper slopes
  • Zero turn driving takes a little to get used to

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1. Design

On first glance, the Husqvarna Z254F and 254 may look the same, but there are a few differences between the two mowers. To read about the Z254F, make sure to read our review on the Husqvarna Z254F.

The Husqvarna Z254 looks like it’s built to handle the toughest mowing conditions with its sturdy and stylish design. The mower features a wide 54-inch cutting deck which can cut at a height up to 4 inches. The deck can be adjusted to 6 positions and has a comfortable spring-assisted hand control lift system.

It really is one of the most powerful zero-turn mowers out there with the 23HP Kawasaki engine providing a smooth and efficient power output. This engine can drive it at a maximum speed of 6.5 mph, so technically you’ll be able to mow around 2.8 acres per hour depending upon the lawn.

Being a zero turn mower, it has an effectively zero turning radius which allows for easy maneuvering around your lawn. You’ll not feel fatigued operating the mower for extended shifts as the rider seat is very comfortable and comes with spring suspension.


Right beside the 15-inch seat, you’ll find controls for the choke, throttle, and ignition on the ergonomic control panel, and a digital hour meter, cup holder, and deck washout port on the other side. The Z254 has a removable footplate which allows for easy access to pulleys, deck belts and spindles.

2. Power and Performance

Husqvarna Z254 - Power and Performance

The 23HP Kawasaki V-Twin Engine is among the most powerful ones you will find on a zero-turn these days. Kawasaki has been distributing their engine to a lot of lawn mowers such as the Ariens apex 52. The engine used in the Husqvarna Z254 has a displacement of 726cc and an EZT Hydro-Gear drive system. A large fan cools each hydrostatic wheel drive. The Z254 has a powerful Air induction mowing technology, which results in a superior cut quality and efficiency by drawing air from the top and bottom of the deck.

With such a robust power setup, this mower works exceptionally well with thick grass and can mulch, bag or discharge through the 3-in-1 options. It is ideal for uneven terrain and can work on steep slopes without compromising on the finish.

Although if you mow on steep hillocks, it is best to mow vertically rather than horizontally, as the zero-turn design doesn’t produce desirable results with horizontal movements. The Husqvarna Z254 also has a 26HP Kohler engine variant, but the Kawasaki is lighter and quieter while maintaining the exceptional performance.

3. Ease of Use

Operating the Z254 is smooth and comfortable, even if you haven’t used a ride-on mower before. Just make sure to try it in an open land to get used to the movement before you tackle complex terrains. Other than that, the controls are simple, and you’ll be able to start mowing even the largest of lawns in no time.

While many mowers have a string-pull system or some other hefty mechanism to start, the Z254 features an automatic choke system making starting it effortless. The hydrostatic transmission enhances maneuverability and makes handling very easy.

Perhaps the most impressive design feature Husqvarna has included in the Z254 is the Automatic Brake Parking system. This feature enables the mower to activate or release the brakes based upon the position of steering levers. It adds an extra layer of safety while operating this mower. There is also an option to install LED headlights as an accessory so that users can operate it in the evenings as well. Not only that, Husqvarna has provided an easy deck washout port for simple cleaning of the mower.

4. Security and Safety

Husqvarna takes safety as a prime factor into consideration when designing their products. The mower comes with a front bumper and a rear engine guard to minimise the impact of collisions. The auto parking brake system, as discussed earlier, is extremely crucial in case the rider encounters any large obstacle while working their yard. The mower will shut down as soon as you release the steering levers inwards, thus preventing a lot of accidents that might happen on other mowers.

5. Durability

Husqvarna Z254 - Durability

Husqvarna Z254 is built like a tank and is going to outlast the 3-year warranty it comes with. To ensure durability, the cutting deck is reinforced with 12-gauge welded steel tubing, which not only reduces the damage that the blades take when exposed to tougher conditions but also improves the mower’s overall efficiency and longevity. The cast iron blades and spring-assisted deck lift systems are designed for heavy use. However, it is advised that basic care like removing rocks from your lawn before mowing be practiced.

The mower also features an engine guard which prevents dirt and dust particles from entering into the engine, thus significantly reducing the degradation caused by particles and other effects. You don’t have to worry about the maintenance as Husqvarna provides easy part replacements and tons of other accessories like a mulching kit, lawn sweeper and mower cover for all of their Z-series mowers.

6. Storage and Convenience

Though the mower is very comfortable working long hours, it can break down if you don’t watch out for lawn debris or if it’s exposed to a lot of grass without cleaning. Keep in mind that the deck accumulates grass very fast, so you have to clean it regularly. Besides that, you need to change the oil, air filter and lubricate all the grease fittings every once in a while. 

After it has served you the entire mowing season, it’s a good idea to pack your Z254 for the winter. The mower is not very large, so you can easily store it in a small shed or garage. We recommend purchasing the mower cover for it, which is made from heavy-duty fabric, which also comes with a storage bag for convenient storage when not in use.

Summing Up

Countless users already recommend the Z254 after using it for many years, as is backed up by their positive reviews. I’ve also included this hefty workhorse of a machine in my list of the best lawn tractors for 2 acres. Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are among the best value for money products in the outdoor equipment market, and the Z254 is an excellent mower for its price. It will make mowing much easier than a lawn tractor for instance and is perfect even if you have several acres of land waiting to be mowed.

We hope you liked our Husqvarna Z254 Kawasaki review as much as we like the product. It’s a powerful mower for newcomers and professionals alike and is a great investment for the maintenance of your lawn. If you have hated mowing for a long time, this machine will surely make cutting grass fun for you.

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One Comment

  1. I purchased the Husqvarna Z254F, about 5 months ago. Now I am in need of some parts for the bagging system. Do you have or can you give me the price and part numbers for the Upper and Lower grass chute, that fits this zero Turn?

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