Ariens, launched in 1993, is a company that has consistently produced high quality riding and walk behind lawn mowers. Due to their high quality builds which offer exceptional cut quality across their range Ariens enjoys a huge market share with a growing customer base despite being the relative ‘new kid on the block’.
Their lawn mowers are not just produced to the specifications with high grade quality components but remain very reasonably priced without compromising on both the basic and advanced features you need from modern lawn mower.
Table of Contents
The Ariens Ethos
After digging deep into the ethos of the Ariens company we found that their engineers have the primary goal of manufacturing lawn mowers that beat their competitors in every respect.
When it comes to efficiency and performance Ariens want to be the best but also want their products to be available to a wide market.
That’s a pretty challenging goal especially when it comes to modern riding mowers.
So do they live up to expectations? Let’s find out.
Ariens Quality & Performance
Their goal sure is commendable and it has driven the company to set a true benchmark in powered garden equipment especially when it comes to riding mowers.
Ariens have continuously worked to improve on the designs of their riding mowers and this persistent drive to be the best in their field has lead to the creation of some great products.
Ariens riding mowers are among the best available on the market and were some of the first to allow the operator to mow in reverse – something other companies have replicated in their own designs due to its instant popularity.
Below are five of the best Ariens riding mowers on the market today.
Ariens Zoom Zero Turn Riding Mower
Each of the models reviewed (34″ & 42″) have the following specs:
Product Info:
- Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Residential Use
- 19 HP Kohler 660cc Engine
- Hydrostatic transmission
- Bag, Mulch, Side-Discharge
- Residential Riding Mower
- 1/2 – 2 Acres
-
Terrain Type Flat with Obstacles
- Free White Glove Service
Features:
- 12-Gauge steel stamped xlerator deck for excellent cut quality
- Zero-turn turning radius
- Rear-wheel drive
- Reverse mowing
- Foot operated deck lift with 7 height positions
- 6 MPH forward & 3 MPH reverse
Reviewed Models
Ariens Zoom Riding Mower Review
The Ariens Zoom 42″ and 34″ are riding mowers that beat their rivals by a huge margin in terms of quality performance and low price.
Riding mowers need a good amount of horsepower especially zero turn mowers so that is exactly what these two high-end Ariens riding mowers provide.
With their V-twin 19 horsepower engines, belonging to Kohler’s 6600 series, the power they deliver is second to none.
Matching the mowers’ power is the twin EZT hydrostatic transaxle that boosts both mower’s horsepower to the max and provides you with a smooth riding experience while the even the most unruly grass, on the the toughest terrain, is mowed easily and evenly.
Such extensive horsepower requires a body which is extremely durable or else the machine won’t be able to withstand the force which the engine exerts in order to run. The manufacturers understand this well, and have used high quality steel to build the C-channel shaped body of both mowers.
Despite the tough and durable frame, the body isn’t heavy. Ariens Zoom mowers are reasonably light-weight for their class which allows them to run smoothly without any trouble.
The Ariens Zoom zero turn mower provides a great combination durability and power with easy maneuverability because having a lighter body makes it is easy to operate the mower in sloped areas and hard to reach places too.
Deck Performance
Ariens Zoom 42″
The Ariens Zoom 42’s deck is a juggernaut with a 42 inches wide cutting deck and 12 gauge steel blades that are designed to remain rust free.
The blades in the deck cut the grass smoothly, however, if the grass is taller (more than 12 cm) then you might have to pass over the lawn a second time to cut it efficiently. This is a small price to pay for the quality of cut you end up with.
You may also hear the mower make a bit of a noise while cutting longer grass, but there is no need to panic. It is a common thing with this mower, and many people new to Ariens falsely think the mower has developed a fault. So be aware of this if you are cutting very long grass.
The cutting range has up to 7 heights ranging from 1.5″ to 4.5″. There’s a standard foot pedal given to adjust the lift while mowing.
The riding mower cuts, mulches and discharges flawlessly.
Ariens Zoom 34″
As for the 34″ inch Ariens mower is concerned, it cuts the grass smoothly with its 34 inch wide mowing blades which is perfect fit for a 2 acre lawn. Like the 42” mower, its blades are also made from 12 gauge steel that does all form of cutting in one go.
EZT Transmission
The transmission on riding mowers play an important part while cutting the grass because they regulate how easy it is to handle the lawn mower during operation.
On the Ariens Zoom riding lawn mower the EZT Hydrostatic Transaxle gives it extra strength as well as good mobility.
However, be aware that too much hauling heavy loads with this product may result in damaging the EZT transmission – although this rarely happens it is worth mentioning.
The Zoom can mow the lawn perfectly no matter if your garden’s terrain is flat or slightly uneven.
As normal EZT systems tend to get very hot after continuous use Ariens have included cooling fans along with a huge hydraulic reservoir, which more than adequately keeps the system cool and running for much longer periods of time.
Extremely Comfortable
There are many riding lawn mowers that cut smoothly grass but the person operating the machine may face discomfort while carrying out the job. Such is not the case with Ariens Zoom.
These mowers are designed by keeping the comfort of the rider as a top priority. As well as easy handling there is plenty of room for your legs.
Unlike some other machines the swing bars on the Zoom are positioned well and provide easy accessibility to the user without putting stress on the arms of the person handling the mower.
A common complaint among many owners of other riding mowers involves the seat; they complain that the seat of their riding mower is poor and tears up easily or becomes too hard after frequent use.
However, the users of Ariens Zoom will face no such problems as the seat is extremely well padded.
You can also adjust the armrests with 3 different heights available according, which is a plus point because not many riding mowers provide this small, but greatly appreciated, functionality. This may seem like a small point but if you operate your mower over long periods improper rider positioning leading to muscle fatigue can be discomforting at best or cause sore or sprained muscles at worst.
Handling
Unlike a lawn tractor the Ariens Zoom has zero turn maneuverability.
Zero turn maneuverability gives the operator unprecedented control over the mower. Being able to turn the machine in any direction within its own footprint is a function that has made zero turn mowers indispensable to lawn maintenance companies for many decades and is responsible for the rise in riding mower sales among residential users.
Some riding mowers that are equipped with a steering wheel can be hard to control because they require an immense amount of strength to steer the vehicle. The Ariens Zoom mower will save you from that hassle as there’s no steering involved.
Two handlebars makes it extremely easy to handle the entire mower and its takes less than an hour of use to learn how to get full control of the machine – must people are experts within 15 minutes.
You can take swift turns without having to apply a lot of strength, just a gentle push on the handle on either side and the mower will turn in the specified direction.
The brakes to stop the mower, in case you encounter some unforeseen obstacle or need to stop in a hurry, are given on the control handle bar. It can be a bit odd to apply the brakes from the handle rather than from a paddle but you’ll get used to it.
Since the body of the mower isn’t much heavy, you can experience smooth handling even on inclined areas or an area which has a rough surface with debris and obstacles.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should mow on such areas more frequently and blindly because that could shorten the life of the mower.
Maintenance
The mower doesn’t need a lot of maintenance thanks to its Kohler’s 6600 series engines, extremely durable EZT Hydrostatic Transaxle and high-grade parts.
All engines on the Ariens Zoom range are air cooled so, unlike liquid cooled models, require no regular maintenance.
As far as the durability and life of the engine is concerned, the lubrication system in this mower is the finest of all and makes sure that the life of the mower’s engine runs longer and efficiently.
The Zoom can hold around 2 gallons in the gas tank for the 42″ and 34″ models.
Other Ariens Zoom Features
- The mulching kit which accompanies each mower does the job well and leaves such fine cuttings that they are almost undetectable for a professional manicured lawn look. You will also find baffles in the kit that you can install on the deck to provide a cutting chamber for each cutting blade.
- The poly roller attached to the mower helps keep the garden flat and smooth.
The mower is said to have a hauling capacity of 400 lbs, however, most experts recommend not to try to pull objects heavier than 250 lbs regularly or you risk damaging the transaxle.- There is a 48 inches wide aerator that provides proper air circulation and passage of water and nutrients deep into the roots while you are mowing. The operator’s role is to create plugs which are 3 inches deep and are made up of 8 galvanized small aerating knives that makes the aerator more durable and rust-free.
- It comes with the dethatcher tool which is responsible for allowing air and water to pass deep into the soil and is great for fertilization.
- To clip and bag the clippings, there’s a bagger available which eliminates the need to pick up the cut off clippings. However, it only acts as a capacity bag and to store clippings and does not serve any other purpose.
- A dump cart can be attached to the mower. A standard cat, that is 33 inches in width and 30 inches in height, will fit easily but remember the weight limit when pulling.
- The Zoom can cut at forward speeds up to 6 mph. It can also mow in reverse and can be operated at a speeds up to 3 mph.
- There are 3 spindles in the 42″ mower and 2 spindles in the 34″ mower that provides a smooth rotary motion of the blades and promotes extremely fine cutting.
Customer Reviews Ariens Zoom
Customers seem to be very happy with this mower, and recommend it over other alternatives. Here are a few customer comments:
Ariens Zoom 42″
“I was looking for a 42” inch mower for my 2 acre lawn. I compiled a list of 3 best 42″ lawn mowers where Ariens Zoom 42 sat at the top of the list so I bought it as it was cheaper than the other two.
While I still had my doubts, the very first mowing experience relieved me from the tension as this mower is a beast when it comes to mowing.
Such smooth cutting in less time is something I wished for a long time.
I recommend this mower to everyone who want a hassle free moving experience.”
- 42″ cut
- Triple blades
- 3-in-1
- mow
- mulch
- side discharge
Ariens Zoom 34″
“We bought a new home which had a 2 acre lawn in the back area so we were in search for a good lawn mower.
A good friend suggested to search for Ariens mower and we came across the 34” Ariens Zoom.
After reading the specs and other customer reviews, we thought it must be pricey but to our surprise, it wasn’t.
We have been using it for almost a year now and haven’t had problems with it.
Highly recommended!”
Final Verdict
The Ariens Zoom is a fantastic zero turn mower. We feel that the 42″ and 34″ Zoom mowers are the best of the range. If you wish to mow a lawn up to 2 acres at 6 miles per hour then either mower is a good choice.
The Kohler engines give them the right kind of horsepower that is needed to clip and mulch the deepest and longest grass on even on the most challenging terrain.
With the option to set the cutting deck’s height from 1.5″ to 4.5″ you can get the exact lawn look you want.
Both our Ariens Zoom riding mower choices can be filled with up to 2 gallons of gas which is more than enough fuel to easily mow over 2 acres of lawn.
You can mulch, side-discharge and bag the grass. Both these mowers are really good at bagging with no unwanted cuttings escaping onto the lawn and the mulching is among the best on the market.
While there is not much difference in the price or specs for both obviously there is a larger difference in the deck size and an added blade on the 42″ model.
If you have a reasonably large lawn and/or have some challenging terrain then you may want to opt for the 42″ model but for most users the 32″ model will more than suffice.
This is a great mower at a great price.
Comparison Chart for Ariens Zoom
| 34" | 42" | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Kohler 6000 series | Kohler 6000 series |
| Horse Power | 19 hp | 19 hp |
| Control | Lap Bars | Lap Bars |
| Dimensions LxHxW | 64", 37",42" | 64", 43", 54" |
| Cutting Width | 34 | 42" |
| Front/Rear wheel size (inches) | 11/18 | 11/18 |
| Cutting options | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge |
| Deck material | 12 Gauge Steel | 12 Gauge Steel |
| Deck Type | Stamped Steel | Stamped Steel |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel Drive |
| Engine size | 660cc | 660cc |
| Number of cylinders | V-Twin | V-Twin |
| Fuel tank capacity (gallons) | 2 | 2 |
| Cutting range (inches) | 1.5-4.5 | 1.5-4.5 |
| Forward/Reverse speed (mph) | 6/3 | 6/3 |
| Number of blades | 2 | 3 |
| Product weight | 425 lb | 440 lb |
| Size of yard | 1/2 – 2 Acres | 1/2 – 2 Acres |
| Terrain type | Flat with Obstacles | Flat with Obstacles |
| Warranty | 3 year limited consumer warranty and 5 years limited consumer warranty on deck shell and frame | 3 year limited consumer warranty and 5 years limited consumer warranty on deck shell and frame |
| Free White Glove Service | Yes | Yes |
| Price Home Depot | 34" | 42" |
Ariens Apex Zero Turn Riding Mower
Each of the models reviewed (60″,50″ & 48″) have the following specs:
Product Info:
- Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Commercial Use
- Kohler 6000 series V-twin-cylinder engine
- Hydrostatic transmission
- Bag, Mulch, Side-Discharge
- Commercial Riding Mower
- 5 Gal. fuel capacity
-
Terrain Type Flat with Obstacles
- Free White Glove Service
Features:
- Commercial grade 10-Gauge welded deck
- 5-1/2 ” deep deck construction with a reinforced leading edge provides the airflow needed to tackle tough mowing conditions
- Triple blades
- Zero-turn turning radius
- Rear-wheel drive
- Reverse mowing
- Self-adjusting belt tension technology
- Hydro-gear ZT-3100 commercial grade transaxle
- 8 MPH forward & 4 MPH reverse
Reviewed Models
Ariens Apex 48″
- 48″ cut
- 22 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin
- Product Weight 823 lb
-
Size of Yard 2 – 4 Acres
Ariens Apex 52″
- 52″ cut
- 23 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin
-
Product Weight 832 lb
- Size of Yard 2 – 4 Acres
Ariens Apex 60″
- 60″ cut
-
25 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin
-
Product Weight 853 lb
- Size of Yard 4 or More Acres
Ariens Apex Review
When it comes to accuracy, design, strength, precision and comfort, and superior zero turn maneuverability Ariens Apex riding mowers reign supreme.
These riding mowers are built with commercial frames, so their durability is off the charts and their fabricated deck designs make them attractive as well as efficient.
Ariens Apex riding mowers come with various cutting width sizes, however, we have chosen the 3 which we feel are the best fit for both residential and commercial users.
Main Features Of Ariens Apex Riding Mower
Our top Apex riding mowers are the Ariens Apex 60″, Ariens Apex 52″ and Ariens Apex 48″.
All of these mowers offer exceptional ease of operation and a superior cut.
Engine
The three Apex mowers we have chosen are all powered by a Kohler 7000 engine with the only difference being horsepower.
- The 60″ Apex has offers 25 HP.
- The 52″offers 25 HP.
- The 48″ offers 23 HP.
Obviously the bigger the riding mower the more horsepower it will need. Thus the slight difference in horsepower across the the Apex range.
The Kohler 7000 series engines have a large filtration package systems that give them protection and extra capacity to pull for extra miles.
Moreover, the filtration system makes sure that the engine remains cool during mowing.
All the mowers belonging to Ariens Apex range are composed of high-end deep fabricated bodies made up of 10 gauge steel that provides them extra protection and the ability to withstand some serious usage abuse.
Handling
As many commercial landscapers use Apex riding mowers the manufacturers have given extra thought to the comfort department.
The seats on these riding mowers are plush, comfortable and have very good back-support. This means you can mow the lawn for hours without complaining of pain or fatigue as the overall experience is quite comfortable due to the overall ergonomic design.
There’s no steering in the mowers instead, as with most zero turn mowers, these riding mowers have comfortable operating handles along with supporting arm-rests to give you extra support as well as exception zero turn maneuverability.
You lift the deck to drive the mower to any location.
Tubular Frame To Withstand Stress
When it comes to a commercial-grade lawn mower the machine needs to have a strong body.
Apex riding mowers are made up of a tubular steel frame that can handle the stress that commercial operators tend to heap on it.
The long rails on the body gives it the power to pull fairly heavy loads without any trouble, despite the mower itself being light in weight.
Belt Technology
These mowers operate on a belt technology that is designed to minimize the tension and stress on the engine while the mower is in full operational mode.
Although this technology is state-of-the-art and certainly adds years of life to your belt using the riding mower continuously on sloped areas will lower its life expectancy.
Having said that most zero turn riding mowers are not actually designed to be used in sloped areas though many people use them anyway.
The Deck
Apex mowers have a tough commercial fabricated 10 gauge steel deck.
Each zero turn riding mower comes with an easy and convenient deck lifting system which can be operated with your foot.
The Apex also offers you the choice of 15 different cutting positions.
Hydro Gear ZT System
With the hydro gear ZT system, you will have maximum torque and control on the mower.
The Hydro system ensures that the mower vibrates as little as possible while simultaneously providing the operator with full but easy control of both maneuverability and speed.
Customer Reviews
Customers who have bought these mowers seem to be in love with them (and so are we).
Here are a few reviews:
Ariens Apex 60″
“We bought an Ariens Apex 60″ lawn mower as we have a 4 acre lawn. The product works like a charm and has no maintenance at all. Previously, we had a lawn mower that worked fine too but was quite noisy, thanks to the apex 60, we can mow our lawns quietly.”
- 60″ cut
- Size of Yard 4 or More Acres
Ariens Apex 52″
“Ariens Apex 52 is one of the best Ariens riding mowers among all as they provide the top notch grass cutting ability that our previous two lawn mowers failed to do. It may be a bit pricey but it’s totally worth it for the work it does. Highly recommended!”
Ariens Apex 52″
- 52″ cut
- 23 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin
- Size of Yard 2 – 4 Acres
Ariens Apex 48″
“We were confused between buying the Ariens Apex 48 and 52 as they are quite similar in functionality and do not have much cost difference. However, our lawn is not more than 3 acres so we decided to go for Ariens Apex 48 as it was lighter and would easily cover our 3 acre lawn. We are more than happy to have this lawn mower and haven’t had to spend much on its maintenance.”
Ariens Apex 48″
- 48″ cut
- 22 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin
- Product Weight 823 lb
Final Verdict
The Ariens Apex is a zero turn mower that can feels just at home in a commercial setting as it does on any residential lawn.
We feel that the 60″, 52″ and 48″ riding mowers are the best of the Apex range.
With a whopping 5 gallon tank and 700 Series Kohler engine the Apex is a monster of a machine.
If you wish to mow a lawn up to 4 acres at speeds up 8 miles per hour then either the 42″ or 52″ would be a good choice.
If you have lawns over 4 acres then the 60” is more than a match to task.
With 15 different cutting positions and a cutting range from 1.5″ to 5″ you can get the exact lawn look you want.
You can mulch, side-discharge and bag the grass.
There is not much difference in the specs for our choices of Apex riding mowers but obviously there is a larger difference in the deck size and a corresponding difference in horsepower across the mowers.
If you have a reasonably large lawn up to 2 acres then you may want to opt for either the 52″ or 48″ Apex models.
If you have lawns larger than that or are a commercial user who foresees heavy use then the 60” model will help you complete your mowing in record time.
The Ariens Apex riding mower not only delivers a great quality cut but it also looks stylish and is one of the best looking riding mowers available.
All three Ariens Apex riding lawn mowers have similar specs.
When it comes to features and functionality there are only a few differences:
- Firstly: there’s obviously a dollar difference in the price among the three mowers.
- Secondly: the difference in deck size equates to a difference in acres covered.
- The 60″ mower can cover up to 4 acres in an hour
- The 52″ can cover up to 3.5 acres in an hour
- The 48″ mower can cover around 3.2 acres in an hour.
- Last but not the least:
- The deck cutting width of the three varies with the larger deck obviously finishing the same lawn in quicker time.
- However there is no difference in cut quality between the three.
Ariens Apex Comparison Chart
Comparison Chart for Ariens Apex Zero Turn Riding Mowers 60" 52" 48" Engine Type Kohler 7000 series Kohler 7000 series Kohler 7000 series Engine size 725cc 725cc 725cc Horse Power 25 hp 23 hp 22 hp Control Lap Bars Lap Bars Lap Bars Dimensions LxHxW 74.5", 42", 62.8 " 74.5", 42", 55.5" 74.5", 42", 50" Cutting Width 60" 52" 48" Front/Rear wheel size (inches) 13/22 13/22 13/22 Cutting options 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge Deck material 10 Gauge Steel 10 Gauge Steel 10 Gauge Steel Deck Type Fabricated Fabricated Fabricated Drive Type Rear-wheel Drive Rear-wheel Drive Rear-wheel Drive Number of cylinders V-Twin V-Twin V-Twin Fuel tank capacity (gallons) 5 5 5 Cutting range (inches) 1.5 – 5 1.5 – 5 1.5 – 5 Forward/Reverse speed (mph) 8/4 8/4 8/4 Number of blades 3 3 3 Product weight 853 lb 832 lb 823 lb Size of yard 4 or More Acres 2 – 4 Acres 2 – 4 Acres Terrain type Flat with Obstacles Flat with Obstacles Flat with Obstacles Commercial / Residential Commercial Commercial Commercial Warranty 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer Free White Glove Service Yes Yes Yes Price Home Depot 60" 52" 48"
Ariens Ikon Zero Turn Riding Mower
The 60″ Ariens Ikon zero turn mower has the following specs:
Product Info:
- Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Commercial Use
- 25 HP Kohler 725cc Engine
- Hydrostatic transmission
- Bag, Mulch, Side-Discharge
- Commercial Riding Mower
- 4 Acres or More
-
Terrain Type Flat with Obstacles
- Free White Glove Service
Features:
- 11-Gauge stamped steel
- Zero-turn turning radius
- Rear-wheel drive
- Reverse mowing
- Commercial-style dual arm deck lift with a 4 point hanging system
- 7 MPH forward & 3 MPH reverse
Reviewed Models
Ariens Ikon Riding Mower Review
If you’re looking for an Ariens mower whose durability and strength has no comparison then turning to Ariens Ikon 60″ is your best bet. That’s not all, this one also comes with a few upgraded features which you won’t find in the previous Ariens models.
Most of the Ariens Mowers are designed in a multi-pieced framed body but not the Ikon 60. The manufacturers decided to up their game and enhance the durability of the mower, hence, they welded the entire body from joint to joint and crafted a one-piece body, called the Ariens Ikon 60.
With a cutting width of 60″, this beauty leaves no grass behind and provides a smooth experience to the users.
The cutting deck is 4.5 inch deep and lets the air flow properly to tackle challenging conditions while mowing the lawn and offering the best quality cut.
There’s also a wide opening that discharges the clippings while you mow. It also has the belt technology which is found in Apex and Ikon mowers to make sure that the stress exerted on the engine is minimum.
The features that distinguish it from previous models are storage compartments and cup holders. You can choose from 13 various cutting heights suitable for the type of grass in your lawn.
This mower is especially designed to take care of larger lawns and has proven to be an efficient solution for mowing rough and bigger lawns.
Main Features Of Ikon 60″
Engine
With 25 horsepower, you can rest assured that this mower will easily take care of any lawn that is 4 acres or bigger.
The Kohler 7000 engine enhances its cutting tendency and provides fine cutting.
Handling
The mower is operated via two lap bars, like most zero turn mowers, and handles well.
With forward speeds of up to 7 mph and reverse speeds of up to 3 mph the Ikon XL 60″ can blast through yard work quickly and the cut is excellent even at top speeds.
The triple blades mean one pass is usually all that’s needed to get the exact cut you want every time.
Bagger
The Ikon XL 60″ can run a powered bagger that includes 2 mesh bags. The bagger has an impressive 4.6 cu. ft. (3.7 bushel) capacity.
so that you can gather the grass clippings by attaching the bag at the rear end and avoid messing up your lawn with leftover grass.
Unlike the Apex mowers, the bagger of this mower runs on a grass pump and has improved speed.
The bagger is very easy to attach to the mower as shown in the video below.
Mulcher
The mulch kit helps you return nutrients to your lawn while keeping your yard looking professionally manicured time after time.
48″ Dethatcher
Like the Apex mowers, the Ikon XL 60″ ca be used with a dethatcher to allow fertilizer and water to reach into the ground.
It also has aerator plugs which improves the passing of air, water and nutrients into the grass roots of your lawn through air plugs that reach 3 inches deep.
The poly roller makes sure that the ground is pressed and kept smooth and of course there’s the ability to attach a utility or dump cart which you can choose whether to pull or push.
Customer Reviews
This seems to be one of Ariens’ most successful products with a huge number of satisfied clients. Let’s check out reviews:
“I always wanted to have a big lawn outside my house and when I did, I had no clue that lawns require such maintenance on regular basis. I was fed up with grass growing so tall as I couldn’t cut the grass manually or afford a gardener. A friend then suggested me to get a lawn mower which reduces physical effort such as riding mower. After searching on the internet for several hours, I came across the Ariens Ikon 60” which looked like the perfect fit for the my lawn which is 3.5 acres. It is a bit pricey but has solved all my problems and concerns as all I have to do is turn on the mower, sit on it and cut the grass like a pro. I love it!”
Final Verdict
If you need a commercial zero turn mower for lawns of 4 acres or more and you want a riding mower that requires less maintenance, is less noisy and cuts the grass well, then Ariens Ikon XL 60″ is a great fit for your needs.
The perfectly designed body is ideal for larger lawns and even cuts the grass in unfavorable conditions.
It can mulch and bag exceptionally well.
If you happen to have back problems, then Ikon 60″ will serve you well thanks to its high-end comfortable seat designed to support the back of the operator.
48″,Check On Amazon
Summary
Zero turn lawn mowers are a necessity when you own a commercial landscaping company and are indispensable to residential owners with large lawns or lawns with lost of typical lawn obstacles such as trees, flower beds etc.
There are many kinds of zero turn mowers, as well as push mowers, available on the market today. Ariens have made a place for themselves within this crowded and competitive market by designed and building some really great zero turn mowers for both residential and commercial use.
Ariens is considered to be the pioneer when it comes to riding lawn mowers because their mowers are designed keeping the performance as well as the comfort of the user in mind.
In this review, we discussed 4 of the top rated Ariens zero turn riding mowers.
For lawns up to 2 acres, we recommend you to go for Ariens Zoom Mowers 34″ or 42″ residential riding mowers. These two mowing beauties are much like twins when it comes to features with only minor differences. A difference of 1 horsepower between them (20 hp and 19 hp) and obviously their deck sizes differ. But, both can cut grass as well as any commercial machine.
Keep in mind that these mowers aren’t the best fit for lawns bigger than 2 acres. If budget is your issue and you happen to have a lawn not bigger than 2 acres, then go for either of these mowers as there’s usually only a $100 difference in their price.
The Ariens Apex mowers are specially designed for lawns that are larger than 2 acres but no bigger than 4 acres.
If you have a lawn as big as 4 acres, then the Ariens Apex 60″ is the mower to go for, hands down. It has horsepower of 25 and most importantly, you can store gas up to 5 gallons and blast through a large lawn with the triple bladed 60″ cutting deck.
If your lawn is between 3 to 4 acres then we will suggest you Ariens Apex 48″ or 52″. They are best suited for lawns up to 3.2 acres and 3.5 respectively. With not much difference in the features and price, you can go for the one that is the best fit for your garden.
Last but not least, if you are looking for the type of Ariens riding mower which beats every other product in endurance, then the Ariens Ikon 60″ XL is a good choice (though we much prefer the Apex 60″).
It can mow at a good speed in both forward and reverse directions, 7 mph and 3 mph respectively, and can cover a 4 acre lawn easily. However, gas capacity is only 2.8 gallons but it is usually $500 less than Apex mowers. So choose wisely after keeping the lawn size and budget in mind.
Ariens Comparison Chart
| Apex 60" | Apex 52" | Apex 48" | Ikon 60″ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Kohler 7000 series | Kohler 7000 series | Kohler 7000 series | Kohler 7000 series |
| Engine size | 725cc | 725cc | 725cc | 725cc |
| Horse Power | 25 hp | 23 hp | 22 hp | 25 hp |
| Control | Lap Bars | Lap Bars | Lap Bars | Lap Bars |
| Dimensions LxHxW | 74.5", 42", 62.8 " | 74.5", 42", 55.5" | 74.5", 42", 50" | 77.5", 40.9", 73.75", |
| Cutting Width | 60" | 52" | 48" | 60" |
| Front/Rear wheel size (inches) | 13/22 | 13/22 | 13/22 | 11/20 |
| Cutting options | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge | 3-in-1 mow, mulch, side discharge |
| Deck material | 10 Gauge Steel | 10 Gauge Steel | 10 Gauge Steel | 11 Gauge Steel |
| Deck Type | Fabricated | Fabricated | Fabricated | Fabricated |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel Drive |
| Number of cylinders | V-Twin | V-Twin | V-Twin | V-Twin |
| Fuel tank capacity (gallons) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2.8 |
| Cutting range (inches) | 1.5 – 5 | 1.5 – 5 | 1.5 – 5 | 1.5 – 4.5 |
| Forward/Reverse speed (mph) | 8/4 | 8/4 | 8/4 | 7/3 |
| Number of blades | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Product weight | 853 lb | 832 lb | 823 lb | 694 lb |
| Size of yard | 4 or More Acres | 2 – 4 Acres | 2 – 4 Acres | 4 or More Acres |
| Terrain type | Flat with Obstacles | Flat with Obstacles | Flat with Obstacles | Flat with Obstacles |
| Commercial / Residential | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Warranty | 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer | 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer | 3 year limited consumer warranty, 1 year limited commercial warranty, and 5 years limited consumer | 3 year limited consumer warranty and 5 years limited consumer warranty on deck shell and frame |
| Free White Glove Service | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Home Depot | 60" | 52" | 48" | 60" |
