Nice video, just watched your review of the mower then this video , very informative, definitely did my research and this video made the final decision for me on what I’m getting. Thanks for the video
I'm interested in getting a new mower, and found this video in my "research". I was surprised to see your Dad, a fellow I knew most of my life. I grew up just 2 miles North of of him, and have lived just a mile North ,for the last 40 years.
Yes, it's a small world. Dad loved driving and mowing the lawn. Us "kids" sold the farm to our nephew Billy so feel free to stop by sometime and see what they are doing to fix it up.
Have seen other demos of the Ariens XD Ikon. Seems like a good value for a homeowner w large spaces to mow. There are so many choices for a zero turn mower, and it is helpful to see a real demonstration. Thank you.
Am I the only one to see the snake cut up between minutes 20:03-20:12? I’m not only buying because of that but thank you sir!!! This is a good looking mower review
Great review Paul. I purchased this mower back in the spring of this year for my 1/2 acre property, and I have no regrets whatsoever. It performs as well as you say if not better. The cut is professional quality and it is really simple to operate and maintain.
I just rewatched your Ariens video walk around. Thank goodness - the seat had NOT been adjusted at the dealer (not Lowes) - you saved me a lot of headaches! Thanks again.
Hi Paul, You Sir are amazing at what you do! I’ve been researching ZTR’s for months and your website and video’s are by far the most thorough, comprehensive and informative that I have seen….by far! I wanted to ask your expert opinion as I narrow down my choices. I just bought a house in Maryland (lots of summer Thunderstorms) on 3 acres of grass with very few trees. To give you the lay of the land…. The grass is closer to lawn quality than it is to pasture but it does have some dips and ruts to navigate. It has a hill in the center of the field that does not exceed a 10% grade at any point, but the hill does extend 300 feet in length and about 100 foot in width. There are two areas that are small, (about 15 feet wide by 40 feet long), that tend to stay wet as they border some wetlands and don’t drain very well. While I’d like to wait till these areas are dry to mow the truth is they never completely dry out and always are a bit squishy. These wet areas are flat and I’ve got a pickup that can pull the mower out if needed but would rather not have to do that. I’ll likely mow the grass around the house (1/3 acre) once a week and would like to mow the remaining acreage every 2 weeks when I can get away with it. So that will mean that I’ll be dealing with some taller grass, maybe 6-10 inches on the bi-weekly mowing. For me the priorities of the ZTR are the following: 1. Speed of Cut - I’d like to be able to cut the 3 acres as quickly as possible (under 1.5 hours), I have 2 young sons and would rather spend the time with them 2. Ride Quality - I have a bad back and shoulder so while I want to cut fast I also want to be able to walk the next day so smoothing out the bumps is important. 3. Reliability - I’ll be running this mower hard with top speed mowing so strength and durability are important and the deck needs to be able to float over the bumps. 4. Ease of Maintenance - I’m an engineer and bad maintenance designs drive me nuts. The quality of the cut is not as important to me, I want it to look maintained but I’m not going for the golf course. I’ll be side discharging 90% of the time, maybe mulch if leaves, never see need to bag. I’ll be towing a yard cart on occasion manly picking up branches and some firewood. I have no gates to navigate so deck width is not a concern. I left the models I’m considering till the end because I wanted you to tell me if you thought there was a better choice. Based on all your great articles and videos it seems the best choices are the Ariens IKON XD 52” with the Kohler engine and the Toro Timecutter 54” Toro engine with MyRide. I like the idea of the MyRide suspension to save my back but saw in one of your video’s the Toro didn’t cut as well at top speed. Also saw that the Ariens cuts well with higher grass heights and the Kohler engine adjusts well which seems to fit my situation. I have both Ariens and Toro Dealers within 20 minutes of me. So a few questions for you on those: 1. Deck Width - Do you think that deck size is big enough to get this mow done in 1.5 hours? 2. Tires - both have 20” rear and 11” front tires, is that big enough for the traction I need? 3. Transmission - both have ZT2200, I usually overbuy on trannys, will that tranny hold up? 4. Would you buy either of these mowers used? And one final curveball for you Paul. I love the idea of going the battery route, I’m heavily invested in EGO Power equipment (chainsaw, edger, blower, polesaw, powerstation) and saw the just announced their 42” ZTR which seems to directly compare with Ryobi’s 42” but it takes Ego’s handheld batteries. I would consider going for longer mowing times with the 42” deck to get rid of the maintenance, gas, oil and noise of an ICE. Do you think that type of mower could hold up to what I’m trying to do? Thank you Paul, your site it amazing and your knowledge is incredible. I know I’m not alone when I say I appreciate what you do! Bill R
Sorry for not answering right away. I'm crazy busy and I wanted to think about the best choices for you for a couple of days. 1. Speed of cut. A 54-inch ZTR mowing at 6 mph can mow around 2 acres an hour. A 60-inch deck at 6 mph can mow 3 acres per hour. Most mowers can go faster than that but 6 mph is about as fast as you can mow with a residential mower on a "rougher" lawn and still get a good cut. If you have to slow down to 5 mph to mow the bi-weekly you can still get your property mowed in under 1.5 hours. 2. 20-inch tires are adequate. 22-inch tires will be a better choice for your softer areas and a better ride. Wider tires on a 60-inch mower will also help mow the soft areas even better. 3. For mowing high speed, rough ground, and soft ground the ZT 2800 or ZT 3200 trannys are the best choice. I know you want a mower that will last 10-15-20 years and the Timecutter or IKON XD while good mowers won't give you that long life on your property. 4. I don't recommend used ZTR's. Why? They have no warranty. Unless you know how to troubleshoot and repair ZTR's it can be very expensive to get a used one repaired. Most ZTR's get sold because people don't like the mower or it's a lemon. A lemon can easily cost you $1500-$2500 just to get it right - especially if you have to use a dealer for repairs. 5. So my choices are: All three of these mowers have the larger wheels, heavy-duty trannys, and are built to handle high-speed mowing. a. Toro Titan 54 inch with MyRide. homedepot.sjv.io/zagGJx. The Titan will give you the best ride and it cuts better than the TimeCutter Series. It would be my first choice. b. Country Clipper XLT. www.countryclipper.com/store/c1/mowers/p10/xlt/ Either the 52 or 60 inch deck. Country Clipper is one of the "hidden gems" of ZTRs. The company has been making ZTRs as long as everyone else but they've chosen to stay a smaller, customer-focused company. (There are Country Clipper dealers in Maryland.) What makes the Country Clipper a perfect choice for you is it uses a single joystick steering lever. The dealer can install the lever on either the right or left hand so you can drive it with your good shoulder. They also have an optional suspension seat for your back. I can spend an hour telling you how a County Clipper is the perfect mower for you but I suggest finding a dealer and go try one out. c. The Ariens APEX is the best choice if you would like an Ariens. It has all the heavy-duty features, large tires, great cutting deck, you need and is built like a tank. 6. EGO. I'm not going to recommend the EGO this year. I wrote an article comparing the EGO, Cub Cadet, and Ryobi electrics over on TodaysMower to explain why. todaysmower.com/42-inch-electric-ztrs-ryobi-ego-or-cub-cadet-which-one-is-best-for-you/. To use the EGO on your lawn you would need six 10 Ah batteries and will have to mow all of your lawn every week. If you mowed the 2.5 acres bi-weekly I don't think the mower could do it on one charge because the taller grass will take more power to cut. I'm also very concerned with all the plastic on that mower. I have a feeling if you mowed your rougher lawn at 6 mph the EGO will shake itself apart after a couple of years. Finally, I'm very concerned with the service. They have no service network for riding mowers so it may be a problem getting it fixed. Until I can see how they handle warranty work and parts I'm going to hold off recommending it. For the money you would spend on the EGO you can get any one of the ones I recommend and they will all last 10-20 years.
Good review. I watched this because I have been researching zero turns to replace my old Cub Cadet lawn tractor that caught on fire and burned up. There are some improvements with the 2023 models, especially getting rid of the dial adjustment, and an added heavy-duty step, so I went and ordered a 52 inch that will be delivered next week. I'll be mounting a small fire extinguisher after that bad experience. 😱
There are so many different ZTM on the market….I think the best mower is the one that will fit your yard…meaning will it mow around your stuff…I purchased the Ariens Ikon XD 42 for my half acre yard….works very well…Thanks for the video…
I received my IKON XD 42 Model 915265 - 22hp Kohler 7000, fabricated deck July 9, and the Mulch Kit for IKON XD 42 inch - Model 715139 July 11. i leveled the deck then installed the mulch kit. I mowed the yard after 2 PM the grass was dry 4 inch tall, I cut at 2.75 inch, the mulch kit works really well, after mowing I lifted the front to see haw much grass stuck to the deck and baffles, not enough to be worth washing off, there was more dry plant stuff on top of the deck from getting close to bushes. This is my first Zero Turn, with the mulch kit it must run with the engine at full speed which makes the steering very quick, I see a slight learning curve, unfortunately we only received 0.65 inch of rain July 12 so I will have to wait 12 days before I get to mow again. This is the most fun to use mower I ever had ! I may just run it around the yard to get used to steering smoothly.
Yes, It's a good idea to practice with the mower until you are very comfortable with it. The Ariens mowers don't need a lot of lever movement to turn. Try moving the levers an inch or less, move one at a time and practice turning without tearing a hole in your lawn. It won't take long and you'll be quite used to how well it maneuvers.
Hello, I'm considering this mower too. How long would it take to install the mulch kit, once you've done it a time or two? I plan to use one just for the Fall leaves. If you have any experience with that please let me know. Thanks!
I just bought a new 2021 IKON XD 52 and I love it!!! Smooth ride, nice cut, and super quite . . . etc. Can't really find anything I don't like about it . . . I think I like about half throttle when cutting because it's so fast. It has kind of a nice mulch, without the mulching blades! I call it my yard Hot Rod!!!
Excellent! Just remember - running the throttle at half speed doesn' t give you the best cut. I suggest running the engine at full throttle and then push the lap bars half-way to adjust your speed. Normal, weekly mowing you can get away with the lower throttle setting but if the grass is thick and/or tall you will want to increase the throttle to full. If you add the mulch kit you will have to run the engine at full speed. Why? because the blades spin fast which cuts the grass into finer particles. Those smaller particles fall down into the grass easier.
@@PaulSikkema Yeppers, I cut once a week. I have 2 -10" titainium rods and 8 screws in my back. That's why this old guy goes half throttle . . . I did do full throttle in some 2.5 - 3' tall grass and I was amazed at how quick the grass shot outta the shoot. And I was amazed how much my back hurt for a week afterwards, LOL!!! I do like the seat but I'm checking at the dealer next week for a lower back seat.That way my middle back don't get knocked around as much. Thanks for your reply Paul man!
Running the throttle at half speed while cutting or driving is not a good idea. The hydrostatic transmissions have fans on them to cool them along with the engine fan on the air cooled engine. The throttle should be at full speed for proper cooling as per the manual. The speed of the mower should be only controlled by the lap bars not the throttle.
Great videos you make! I might buy one of those 42" IKON's from Lowes. So if underneath the seat the knobs aren't moved to the back hole-slots I shouldn't buy it? Or just make sure the housing isn't cracked before I buy it?
Just make sure the engine housing is not cracked. Move the seat up to the front slots. They should have the assembly instructions that you can read if my directions aren't that good.
I couldn't do that in this video - the wind was too strong and I would be covered with grass. Just be very careful. The blades can pick up rocks, sticks, baseballs, and other debris and hurl it hundreds of feet. NEVER have anyone in your yard if you mow that way.
Good job I live by Scott County Park about 25 miles from Clinton. Looking for a zero turn mower think I just found the one I want. Just like the one you used
Excellent choice! I've been very happy with this one. But - if you are mowing more than three acres I suggest moving one step up to the APEX. It's a heavier, stronger mower and can handle the larger Iowa farm lawns better.
Hi Paul. I have a 2019 Ariens Edge 52-inch. I am a short big guy and I was going to ask you if you had any tips on how to drive? Whenever I'm on it I feel like I'm laying back in the seat and it doesn't feel too comfortable. I can't see the controls on the right side of me so I had to memorize where the buttons were and I can only go in reverse slow because the levers stop at my belly.
Yes, the Edge is too small for us "larger" people. It really fits a 100-170 lb, fit person with no "beer belly." In fact, after doing the video review of the EDGE I have I have not used it again. That said, I'm lettering my daughter and son-in-law use it who are much smaller than me - and they love it. I really like the IKON XD and the 2023 IKON is an even better fit. Ariens raised the seat up four inches and made the foot rest area wider and longer. I really don't have a solution to make the EDGE fit you better.
Another nice video Paul and congratulations to your dad who is still mowing Grass at 94 ! This mower appears to "fit" you better than the Ariens "Edge" did (I had the same issue). Was it setup correctly (to manufacturer specs), or did you need to make some adjustments for a better personal fit ? Things like tire pressure, seat setup\ placement, deck pitch and handle position. Is the ROPS bar really necessary and can it be removed ? A very thorough video ! Thank you so much for your review and for sharing it with your viewers.
Yes, the IKON XD fits me a lot better but my daughter and son-in-law who are "normal" sized people love the EDGE. The XD, like most residential zero-turns sets too low for me so I am going to raise the seat up and install a DONBAR. I did that on the Exmark and even my Dad can get on and off it easily. (Link to the DONBAR in the description)
@@PaulSikkemaI admire your dad. He obviously knows the value and the meaning of "A hard days work" ! As do you ! Keep up the good work. If we were neighbors I think we would be good friends.
Very impressive for the dollar value. We can across the Arien brand when searching for a used Zero Turn and I'm going to buy either a 42 or a 52 model. We will have to travel 600k's either way to purchase one but no problems, its the 6 cooler months and who doesn't love a road trip.
Hey Paul, Appreciate all the videos. I can't find the ikon. I'm debating on waiting. Have you had any experience with the Husvarna z242f or anything similar? Wondering what your thoughts are if you have.
Here in the Midwest most of the Lowes have the IKON XD in stock. I'm not a fan of the Z242F. A lot of owners complain about the cut and the dealers complain they can't get parts. I do recommend the Cub Cadet ZT2 (dealer only) zero-turns and the Toro TimeCutter with the fabricated deck although the IKON XD has a few advantages that still make it the better machine for most people.
@@PaulSikkema Thank you, I'm in Michigan. Can't seem to find the 42 inch. I will probably keep waiting for the Ariens as that seems to be the best bang for the buck. Once again, I appreciate all your videos and info. Keep up the great work
Awesome video! That thing is impressive and handles well for a residential mower. Personally I would be more interested in the apex 60 and would love if you could review it sometime in the future. 👍
Hey Paul, what exact tool do you use to scrape clean the grass from under your mower deck? Should I find one that isn't metal and won't scratch off the paint therefore promoting rust? Thank you!
I use a cheap plastic paint scraper. amzn.to/3gCJp4e If the buildup is really thick and I'm afraid I'll break the scraper I'll use a wood paint stick to get most of the thick stuff out. If I want it perfectly clean I will then soak the underside with a garden hose. Then I'll use a heavy duty Scotch Brite pad to clean the rest. amzn.to/3vgVh06
Paul, I am looking buy a ztr and looking at this mower and the toro model 75750 52 inch cut. You have tried them both out and they are near same price. Which one would you buy?
I have no preference It really depends on what you want. They are VERY close for performance and quality. They both side discharge extremely well. They are both built very well and have a good reputation. The Toro has the smart speed so you can pull heavier loads. I also feel it rides a little better with the larger front casters. Toro has a larger dealer network so you may be able to find a good dealer closer to you. If you want to mulch the Toro is slightly better. The Ariens has larger rear tires so it has better traction on slopes and soft/sandy soil. It also has the 4 point lift on the deck so if your lawn is rough and wavy it will follow the mower and cut more evenly. If you want to bag the Ariens has the best bagging system - but it is more expensive. If you want to bag all the time their bagger works in all conditions including wet grass.
Glad to have come across this video, I just purchased an arien ikon xd 52" and I'm trying to figure out if it's normal for it to make a grinding noise when turning either left or right. I noticed your doesn't make that noise at all
Is it a growl or a grinding noise? If it's a growl that is common with this type of transmissions - especially when the engine is running at a low rpm. If it growls though when the engine is running at mowing speed then get it back to the dealer. If it is making a grinding noise - It should not make that noise. I suggest getting it back to the dealer.
@@PaulSikkema Thank you, after the 3rd order it is only a growl.. Last time that I purchase a machine like this at LOWES. on top of that the customer service to help you resolve the issue was terrible, thankfully the store manager was amazing.
Sorry to go off the beaten path. I’m looking into a traditional riding lawn mower. Thoughts on whether to purchase a John Deere S240 48” or Husqvarna TS 348XD 48”. 2 acres flat property. I read your review on Today’s Mower about Husqvarna. Just wondering about John Deere. I took your advice on the Toro 1030 OHAE. It is a beast. Thanks again
For a flat yard I would go with the John Deere. It has the same engine as the Husqvarna (just branded as John Deere) The S240 also has a better service and parts network. If you have anything go wrong with it or you need maintenance parts your local John Deere Dealer is willing to help and can get parts quickly if he doesn't have them in stock. Husqvarna is notorious for not having parts in stock and then having to wait weeks or months to get them.
Would love to see a comparison video between the apex and titan max! I know you recommend both ariens and toro so what would be your pick out of the titan max and ariens apex? Both seem to be great mowers I would just like to get a opinion from someone who has dealt with both. Thanks in advance!
I like the idea - because of all the supply chain issues we'll have to see if Toro or Ariens will have any to demo. That said, The Titan Max is a really cool-looking mower. I know it has a great deck and anyone who buys one will love it. The ONLY negative I have with the Titan Max is the aggressive rear tires. Unless you are very experienced with ZTRs you may tear up your lawn. If you have sandy/light soil they will leave scuff marks all over. The APEX is $2000 cheaper. It also has a great cutting deck but doesn't have the "special edition" styling. Did you know the APEX is such a good mower that Ariens uses it as their top-of-the-line commercial mower in Europe? If you want a cool-looking Ariens/Gravely check out the Gravely Stealth. ua-cam.com/video/dUBTnscbvHI/v-deo.html
Thanks in advance! I have a Cub Cadet and John Deere dealer equal distance from me. I was reading on Todays Mower about the Cub Cadet Garden Tractor. As far as reliability of transaxle and mower; do you prefer the BDU-10 on the Cub or K72 on the Deere. Thanks
The reliability of both the BDU-10 and the K72 are legendary. The BDU-10 is designed for horizontal shaft engines - the K72 is designed for vertical shaft engines. The K72 is designed for vertical shaft engines and is connected to the engine using a horsepower rated v-belt. The K72 is a integrated unit where the hydro, axles and the rear differential are all in one aluminum case. The BDU-10 is designed for horizontal shaft engines. The BDU-10 in the Cub Cadet is tied to the commercial grade engine with a steel driveshaft. The BDU-10 is bolted onto a separate cast iron rear end that houses the differential and axles. The axles on the Cub Cadet are hardened steel. The Cub Cadet with it horizontal shaft engine and drive shaft is a design comparable to the sub-compact tractors like a Kubota. The John Deere with the vertical shaft design and v-belt is comparable to a lawn tractor.
From your reviews and replies to various comments, it appears you feel both the Ariens Ikon XD & Toro Timecutter are quality mowers, but slightly prefer the Ariens (my take is the main advantage the Ariens has over the Toro is the 4 point deck & the bigger rear tires). If you had a local Toro dealer/service center and the closest certified Ariens dealer was an hour away, would that sway you to the Toro, or is the difference enough to still prefer the Ariens.
I'd shop local if you like the Toro dealer. Yes, there are a few things I like better on the Ariens Xd but if you have to travel an hour to get parts or service it's not worth the hassle. (When I owned the lawn service I always wanted to have a few Walker mowers in the fleet but I hated dealing with the distributer/dealer who serviced Northern Illinois. Because of that I ran the slightly-less-equivalent Scag mower that was sold by my favorite Exmark dealer.)
@@PaulSikkema This was a great video and Thank You for it. I have been going crazy looking for a ZT mower. Before I saw this vid I was on the fence with the XD and the Timecutter. I like the concept of the MyRide suspension but not sure it's worth it or would it be more things that could go wrong. I haven't looked to see if you have a vid on the Toro but I will in a moment. With all that said, other than being near a dealer, which would you prefer? Thanks again! Dan (going to look at more of your videos)!!
That's a tough call. Everything else being equal including the cut - I like the larger rear tires and 4-point deck suspension on the Ariens but I also like the larger front casters and ride of the Toro. The MyRide is the best riding mower on the market and unlike the Ferris/Simplicity it doesn't affect the mow quality and has very few extra parts.
My 1 year old sodded lawn is not very even how comfortable is the ride on the Ariens? Is the trick to go at a slower speed? My only experience is a neighbors cub cadet and it felt like I was in a delivery truck the ride was harsh. I was interested in the toro my ride but none of the dealers around me can get a toro.
Yes, you'll have to slow down. Residential mowers are lighter - which makes them uncomfortable on rough lawns. A heavy-duty mower in the $6000 range will ride better, you sit more upright, and many have the option of a suspension seat. There will be a lot of supply issues this year and you may not be able to get the exact mower you want.
Hello, we have +3 rough acres 1/3 with fairly good hill side. I’ve heard that Exmark is good w hills. But I’m sure there are a number of the commercial grade mowers w big tires and HD trans would do ??? Ideas
Here are my suggestions: Pick a local dealer that has been around a while 60 inch deck (a 72 may be to big and the machine won't hang on you hill side) If the model you chose doesn't come with a suspension seat - have one installed. Make sure it has armrests. (Mowing on a slope the armrest help hold you in the seat) Consider a stand-on if the slope is more than 15 degrees especially if you have a pond or drop-off and the bottom of your slope. (With a stand-on if you get in trouble - you just step off of it) 1. Cub Cadet PRO Z 160 S EFI. Best sit down for hills. Click on this link: www.pjatr.com/t/8-12365-5755-199030?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cubcadet.com%2Fen_US%2Fcommercial-zero-turn-mowers%2Fpro-z-160-s-efi%2F53TWEFJU050.html%23start%3D17 2. Exmark Lazer Z or Toro 2000 series 3. Gravely or Toro Standon 4. Gravely ProTurn 100 or larger. 5. Country Clipper Challenger (the Boss XL is one of the best mowers out there) Scag, Hustler, Big Dog, Bad Boy and many others all make great mowers for what you want to do. Stay away from John Deere and Ferris/Simplicity. They are not designed for what you want to do.
I gess I'm losing my mind. I'm beginning to like watching people cut yards. I used to cut with a Sears 5hp riding mower. Now I cut with a Hustler Fas trak 54 inch. 22hp Kawasaki.
The IKON XD and Gravely ZT X are the same mower. Just different color paint. Pick the Ariens or Gravely Dealer you like the best. The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower but with stronger ZT 2800 transmissions. If you have a lot of hills to mow or tow heavier loads this is the one to get.
@@PaulSikkema my buddy has a 52"zt xl he will sell me for 3k with 88.9 hours on it. He actually owns a small engine repair business. But I'm weary of buying used equipment. Thoughts?
Would a John Deere tractor, like the X350 or similar, be better for cutting those slopes? Generally tractor style riders are better on hills and slopes, right?
I mowed this ditch for years with a 110 Deere but my butt was hanging all the way out over the uphill fender. Dad and I also mowed the slope with a cone drive Dixon for years. That said, You idea is sound but with a lawn tractor you will still have to sit way out on the fender - and I don't know if you right leg is long enough to run the foot pedal speed control... The best way to mow this ditch is with a standon ztr or a walk-behind. A 50 inch or wider standon will hang on this slope and you can mow it safely. A Toro TimeMaster or Toro Proline T-Bar will also mow this ditch. (The Toro's can be operated with one hand so you can walk down in the bottom of the ditch instead of trying to walk that slope.)
So after reading the 42 model kawasaki is only 600cc and the 52 and 60 kawasaki have the 725cc. the kohler has the same 725 on all 3 sizes. You think the 600cc kawasaki will be enough power on the 42? After a quick shed door measurement this morning I'll be buying the 42 ikon with the Kawasaki. I'm sure they wouldn't sell it with that engine if it didn't work right, or at least I wouldn't think so.
It really depends on what you want. They are VERY close for performance and quality. They both side discharge extremely well. They are both built very well and have a good reputation. The Toro has the smart speed so you can pull heavier loads. I also feel it rides a little better with the larger front casters. Toro has a larger dealer network so you may be able to find a good dealer closer to you. If you want to mulch the Toro is slightly better. The Ariens has larger rear tires so it has better traction on slopes and soft/sandy soil. It also has the 4 point lift on the deck so if your lawn is rough and wavy it will follow the mower and cut more evenly. If you want to bag the Ariens has the best bagging system - but it is more expensive. If you want to bag all the time their bagger works in all conditions including wet grass.
Yes, the ZT X is the same mower. The ZT XL is also the same mower with the larger ZT-2800 transmissions. It doesn't bother me. Hustler and Big Dog mowers are the same. Troy-Bilt, Craftsman and Columbia mowers are the same.
Is there a difference in the ones bought from Lowe’s and the ones from a dealer, same model number. Some are trying to say the big box ones are cheaper in some way
No. There is ABSOLUTELY no difference between the Lowe's model and the ones sold at a dealer. But, Lowe's usually carries just one engine brand where the dealer's will carry all the engine brands. In this case, the dealer will have IKON XD's with both Kohler and Kawasaki engines where Lowes may only have the Kohler (or Kawasaki) in stock. I noticed with the Ariens EDGE last year Lowes only carried the Briggs engine where the most of the dealers opted for the Kohler. A few larger dealers carried both the Kohler and the Briggs.
Have you used a newer cub such as the zt1 50 or zt2 50? If so how would you compare them to the ikon xd? Those are the two I’m trying to decide on. Thanks
Yes, and I do like the Cub Cadet. Personally, the Ariens XD has the 4-point deck lift so I think it cuts more evenly on rough ground but other than that they are very comparable. If you are looking at price the Ariens is quite a bit less.
Paul Sikkema yes there is a price difference. I liked the zt2 just for the arm rest, bigger wheels and the upgraded trans. I think I would be happy with a zt1 which is the same price but seems like the deck and cut quality is better on ikon xd
Personally, I think the cut of the Ariens is just as good - if not slightly better. I like the 4-point deck on the Ariens. I also like the taller tires and the fact the steering arms don't hit me in the thigh. Other than that - I like them both a LOT!
Actually, ALL mower parts are going to be very hard to get for about the next year. The pandemic disrupted the supply chain and it's going to take a while to get it back.
@@PaulSikkema it seems like any and all things are like that. I am an electrician by trade, material is hard to come by, especially plastic boxes and meter cans... I build gaming pc for friends and family, all that stuff is hard to get, or over priced. I did purchase a mower. Ill list the model number shortly it is an ariens
Yes, It's closer to 30 degrees. Not safe at all! But the XD did stay right on it until the slope got even steeper. The large rear tires and wide stance really make a difference.
@@PaulSikkema That's encouraging, I have one slope on my property that's 60' long x 30' high and I would have to guess it about 15 degrees or a bit more.
I would love to see a side-by-side cut from the Gravely ZT HD and the Ariens ZT HD. To see if there is a cut difference. You can see on the Deck of Gravely It's got dual support on the anti scalping wheels, and the Ariens does not.. Ariens owns the Gravely company
I'm guessing you are trying to compare the Gravely ZT HD to the Ariens IKON XD. They are two different machines. The Gravely ZT HD is directly comparable to the Ariens APEX The Ariens IKON XD is directly comparable to the Gravely ZT X (The ZT XL has stronger ZT2900 trannys but otherwise the same as the ZT X)
If you want a heavy-duty ZTR without getting a commercial version the Gravely ZT HD/Ariens APEX is definitely worth the extra price. The Gravely features commercial grade ZT-3100 trannys and a commercial deck. It has more features like seat isolators and LARGE tires for a smoother ride. I have a rough, old five acre farm lawn that I'd love to have that mower to use on it.
@@PaulSikkema well for me it's only $200 more than the briggs edge, and it comes with kawi engine. Considering that, is it a good buy as first lawnmower?
I need to show you what I did. I made a seat riser out of four pieces for 2 inch PVC pipe 4 inches long. It rides better and I can now get off the mower a lot easier.
Go to Ariens.com. Use the dealer locator to find a dealer near you. If you don't have an Ariens dealer nearby this mower is also sold as the Gravely ZT X. You can go to gravely.com and find a dealer there.
Great job especially on multiple types of grass. I love the idea of the left side sticking out further - I can really use something like that. I'm always wondering about that turning knob that adjusts the deck height, wondering if those will last long.
My thoughts exactly. I'm not ecstatic about the knob for the height adjust long term. Pretty sure I'll be fixing that in ~10 years or less. Just bought mine yesterday. I love it so far. Seems like it will be a great mower.
Did anyone see him chop up the black snake at 20:20 ? First the snake narrowly escapes and hides in another clump of grass, but on his next pass over that clump of grass, you see snake bits come flying out of the chute.
Paul, Did you see the youtube video by big south outdoors on this machine. He ran it for about 143 Hours and had defects all over the machine. Based on his review I would never buy this machine.
I responded to his second video a while back. I'm going to repost that here for you. Let's go through a couple of points from his video. At the end I'll let you know why I know this stuff and that he has a lot yet to learn. 1. Getting grass all over the operator is not a problem with the mower or the design of the mower - it's changes that he made to the mower that caused this to happen. 2. The Ariens deck and the Ariens blades are designed to work together. You will have to watch Big Souths other video to know this but he is not using the Ariens blades. He found aftermarket blades for a Dixie chopper that were cheaper and has them installed. The problem with the the aftermarket blades is the aerodynamics of the blades is completely wrong for this deck. They are too short, too flat, cut at a different level and the sail of the blade is wrong so that they don't give the proper lift and throw to get the grass out of the discharge. The new IKON deck is much taller/deeper than other residential decks. When you are using the Ariens blades this allows the blades to lift the grass up, cut the grass evenly and the keep the clipping above the blades. The sail and the other curves in the Ariens blades then use that deep deck to get the clippings out the discharge as quickly as possible. By putting those after market blades on he screws up that aerodynamics. Because the aftermarkets are flat, they don't lift the grass as well and don't keep the grass up in the top of the deck to get rid of it out the discharge. Instead the grass clipping want to blow out the bottom of the deck - and - up over the operator platform. 3. Discharge chute and notch in the deck Leave the discharge cover down when using this mower. Ariens designed it so that it doesn't sag over time and leave windrows. With the correct blades and the cover down you will never have any problems with grass blowing up in your face. The notch on the top of the deck is there so when you install a bagger the bagger discharge boot doesn't stick out so far. It only sticks out about 4 inches instead of the 8-14 inches other manufactures baggers boot stick out. Even with the discharge cover held up - and using the proper blades that notch will not cause grass to fly up in your face. The deck really does work great with the correct blades and the discharge cover down. Watch this video ua-cam.com/video/J1yVhoTO3aU/v-deo.html. I mowed tall dry grass for over two hours and had almost NO grass on the top of the deck and NONE up on the operator's platform. The correct blades are the key. 4. I learned deck and blade design from one of the industry's leading deck engineers, Gary Kunz. I have spent many hours over the last 30 years listening to him and learning how decks work. This Ariens deck uses all that information, years of Ariens/Gravely testing, and state-of-the art engineering to give you the best cut and get the grass out of the deck as quickly and cleanly as possible. If you use the correct blades and leave the safety discharge chute cover down you will never experience the "blow by" he showed you in the video. 5. The gas tank filler broke because he hit something with it. You can clearly see the scratches in the fender from a heavy branch or other unmovable object. That is an "operator error" not a defect in the machine. 6. Last - and I'm going to be blunt because I made the same mistake as he did many years ago. IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO OUT AND TRY TO MAKE MONEY MOWING LAWNS YOU HAVE TO BUY A COMMERCIAL MACHINE. The Ariens IKON is a residential machine - it will last you many, many years mowing your lawn. It is not designed to mow 10-20 lawns a day, it's not designed to be loaded (read banged around) on a trailer multiple times a day. In reality, he is using and abusing this mower in one season that for most homeowners it will take them 10 years to do the same damage (and that's if you have teenagers running it :) My story, in 1994 I went to my local ZTR dealer and bought two brand new ZTRs. They lasted a week before my crew broke them to the point where I had to wait 2 months for parts. What I didn't know then was the dealer only sold to residential customers. So I went to another dealer and he sold me two Gravely mowers. He told me they were a lot better than the ones we just trashed. Yes, they were, but they lasted ONE day before my crew knocked the decks completely off! I returned them. So, I then went to a third dealer. His parking lot was full of other mowing companies like me and everyone I talked to was very happy with the mowers he was selling. I went in and talked to him, he asked what I was using them for and then spent an hour showing me why the mowers I was buying were not made for what I needed to do. I ended up buying two ExMark Laser Z's that day. Both of them ran flawlessly for years because they were commercial mowers built for mowing many lawns a day and riding on trailers for thousands of miles. Over the next 5 years, I bought over a dozen commercial mowers from him and they all ran 2-3000 hours without problems. Why so many mowers? During that time I had over 325 lawns and was mowing a little over 400 acres a month. The lawns ranged from "postage stamps" to over 40 acres each. So, trust me when I say, "It's not the mower's fault he is having so many problems."
@@PaulSikkema Paul I knew I could count on you for a thorough and honest response. I have 17 - 20 degree sloped hill For my backyard. When I moved into this house in 2019, I looked at all of the residential mowers And none of them were rated for slopes greater than 15 degrees. So I decided to do a detailed investigation for walk behind mowers. I then test drove The machines which I believed were high quality built with excellent operator reviews - an Exmark, Ferris and Gravely. I looked at the reliability of the machines according to owners of them, The design of the machines, and how they actually performed on High slopes. The gravely had the best center of gravity, The largest tire patch area on the ground, A deep rich history of performance excellence, The longest warranty, the best customer satisfaction ratings and lowest price. I purchased my 36" gravely pro walk in 2020. And I will never look back. The machine has performed absolutely flawlessly. And I use it for a residential application. It's most unfortunate that people are very deceptive and then trash A high quality name such is Ariens/ Gravely, Which is why I wanted to hear what you had to say. I completely concur with your Statements regarding aerodynamics and flow that decks and blades are a designed system That work together. And if you want to see my review of the 36" Gravely prowalk, Then you will see it on the Gravely website. Mike in maryland, That's me! The only thing that's plastic on my proWalk is the gas tank! It's one of the reasons why I rejected the Toros. The Ferris walk behinds were not sufficiently balanced and the front end would lift up; The manager who demonstrated the unit said.I would need a weight kit on the front; Absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. The Exmarks had control reliability problems in 2019, which they may have resolved by now. I did not like the build quality of the scaggs. The hustlers were priced too high. And gravely beat them all. It was shocking to me after using the gravely proWalk that when I went to clean under the deck there was nearly no built up grass! I was shocked at how well designed the Deck and the blades worked together to evacuate out all grass clippings. Now I don't even bother cleaning under the deck. Of course, every time I use my machine, I use my blower to completely clean it including the deck and under it. I can't say enough positive about the gravely proWalk. Thanks again Paul, and take care.
Just curious are you using the original blades? What height are you cutting at? What type of grass are you cutting? Do you have a mulch kit installed? I ask because this one cut 5 acres a week all summer at 4 inches. Bluegrass, fescue, orchard grass mix. What little grass I had on the top of the deck cleaned right off with a leaf blower.
Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!
Nice video, just watched your review of the mower then this video , very informative, definitely did my research and this video made the final decision for me on what I’m getting. Thanks for the video
Nothing better on a nice sunny blue sky day than to get out there and mow. It's winter and all I can day dream about is mowing my fields.
I'm interested in getting a new mower, and found this video in my "research". I was surprised to see your Dad, a fellow I knew most of my life. I grew up just 2 miles North of of him, and have lived just a mile North ,for the last 40 years.
Yes, it's a small world. Dad loved driving and mowing the lawn. Us "kids" sold the farm to our nephew Billy so feel free to stop by sometime and see what they are doing to fix it up.
Have seen other demos of the Ariens XD Ikon. Seems like a good value for a homeowner w large spaces to mow. There are so many choices for a zero turn mower, and it is helpful to see a real demonstration. Thank you.
Am I the only one to see the snake cut up between minutes 20:03-20:12? I’m not only buying because of that but thank you sir!!! This is a good looking mower review
I didn't talk about it, but there were 14 plains garter snakes in that patch of grass! I stopped for or missed all but that one.
@@raymondgellenbeck7459 read the comment again. Says that “I’m not only buying because of that”
Great review Paul. I purchased this mower back in the spring of this year for my 1/2 acre property, and I have no regrets whatsoever. It performs as well as you say if not better. The cut is professional quality and it is really simple to operate and maintain.
You're going to mow the whole state, Paul! Seems like a great value mower, I'm liking the bigger tires than the Toros.
I just rewatched your Ariens video walk around. Thank goodness - the seat had NOT been adjusted at the dealer (not Lowes) - you saved me a lot of headaches! Thanks again.
Just bought one, love it so far, only have an hour or two on it. So far so good.
Hi Paul,
You Sir are amazing at what you do! I’ve been researching ZTR’s for months and your website and video’s are by far the most thorough, comprehensive and informative that I have seen….by far! I wanted to ask your expert opinion as I narrow down my choices. I just bought a house in Maryland (lots of summer Thunderstorms) on 3 acres of grass with very few trees. To give you the lay of the land…. The grass is closer to lawn quality than it is to pasture but it does have some dips and ruts to navigate. It has a hill in the center of the field that does not exceed a 10% grade at any point, but the hill does extend 300 feet in length and about 100 foot in width. There are two areas that are small, (about 15 feet wide by 40 feet long), that tend to stay wet as they border some wetlands and don’t drain very well. While I’d like to wait till these areas are dry to mow the truth is they never completely dry out and always are a bit squishy. These wet areas are flat and I’ve got a pickup that can pull the mower out if needed but would rather not have to do that. I’ll likely mow the grass around the house (1/3 acre) once a week and would like to mow the remaining acreage every 2 weeks when I can get away with it. So that will mean that I’ll be dealing with some taller grass, maybe 6-10 inches on the bi-weekly mowing. For me the priorities of the ZTR are the following:
1. Speed of Cut - I’d like to be able to cut the 3 acres as quickly as possible (under 1.5 hours), I have 2 young sons and would rather spend the time with them
2. Ride Quality - I have a bad back and shoulder so while I want to cut fast I also want to be able to walk the next day so smoothing out the bumps is important.
3. Reliability - I’ll be running this mower hard with top speed mowing so strength and durability are important and the deck needs to be able to float over the bumps.
4. Ease of Maintenance - I’m an engineer and bad maintenance designs drive me nuts.
The quality of the cut is not as important to me, I want it to look maintained but I’m not going for the golf course. I’ll be side discharging 90% of the time, maybe mulch if leaves, never see need to bag. I’ll be towing a yard cart on occasion manly picking up branches and some firewood. I have no gates to navigate so deck width is not a concern.
I left the models I’m considering till the end because I wanted you to tell me if you thought there was a better choice. Based on all your great articles and videos it seems the best choices are the Ariens IKON XD 52” with the Kohler engine and the Toro Timecutter 54” Toro engine with MyRide. I like the idea of the MyRide suspension to save my back but saw in one of your video’s the Toro didn’t cut as well at top speed. Also saw that the Ariens cuts well with higher grass heights and the Kohler engine adjusts well which seems to fit my situation. I have both Ariens and Toro Dealers within 20 minutes of me.
So a few questions for you on those:
1. Deck Width - Do you think that deck size is big enough to get this mow done in 1.5 hours?
2. Tires - both have 20” rear and 11” front tires, is that big enough for the traction I need?
3. Transmission - both have ZT2200, I usually overbuy on trannys, will that tranny hold up?
4. Would you buy either of these mowers used?
And one final curveball for you Paul. I love the idea of going the battery route, I’m heavily invested in EGO Power equipment (chainsaw, edger, blower, polesaw, powerstation) and saw the just announced their 42” ZTR which seems to directly compare with Ryobi’s 42” but it takes Ego’s handheld batteries. I would consider going for longer mowing times with the 42” deck to get rid of the maintenance, gas, oil and noise of an ICE. Do you think that type of mower could hold up to what I’m trying to do? Thank you Paul, your site it amazing and your knowledge is incredible. I know I’m not alone when I say I appreciate what you do!
Bill R
Sorry for not answering right away. I'm crazy busy and I wanted to think about the best choices for you for a couple of days.
1. Speed of cut. A 54-inch ZTR mowing at 6 mph can mow around 2 acres an hour. A 60-inch deck at 6 mph can mow 3 acres per hour. Most mowers can go faster than that but 6 mph is about as fast as you can mow with a residential mower on a "rougher" lawn and still get a good cut. If you have to slow down to 5 mph to mow the bi-weekly you can still get your property mowed in under 1.5 hours.
2. 20-inch tires are adequate. 22-inch tires will be a better choice for your softer areas and a better ride. Wider tires on a 60-inch mower will also help mow the soft areas even better.
3. For mowing high speed, rough ground, and soft ground the ZT 2800 or ZT 3200 trannys are the best choice. I know you want a mower that will last 10-15-20 years and the Timecutter or IKON XD while good mowers won't give you that long life on your property.
4. I don't recommend used ZTR's. Why? They have no warranty. Unless you know how to troubleshoot and repair ZTR's it can be very expensive to get a used one repaired. Most ZTR's get sold because people don't like the mower or it's a lemon. A lemon can easily cost you $1500-$2500 just to get it right - especially if you have to use a dealer for repairs.
5. So my choices are: All three of these mowers have the larger wheels, heavy-duty trannys, and are built to handle high-speed mowing.
a. Toro Titan 54 inch with MyRide. homedepot.sjv.io/zagGJx. The Titan will give you the best ride and it cuts better than the TimeCutter Series. It would be my first choice.
b. Country Clipper XLT. www.countryclipper.com/store/c1/mowers/p10/xlt/ Either the 52 or 60 inch deck. Country Clipper is one of the "hidden gems" of ZTRs. The company has been making ZTRs as long as everyone else but they've chosen to stay a smaller, customer-focused company. (There are Country Clipper dealers in Maryland.) What makes the Country Clipper a perfect choice for you is it uses a single joystick steering lever. The dealer can install the lever on either the right or left hand so you can drive it with your good shoulder. They also have an optional suspension seat for your back. I can spend an hour telling you how a County Clipper is the perfect mower for you but I suggest finding a dealer and go try one out.
c. The Ariens APEX is the best choice if you would like an Ariens. It has all the heavy-duty features, large tires, great cutting deck, you need and is built like a tank.
6. EGO. I'm not going to recommend the EGO this year. I wrote an article comparing the EGO, Cub Cadet, and Ryobi electrics over on TodaysMower to explain why. todaysmower.com/42-inch-electric-ztrs-ryobi-ego-or-cub-cadet-which-one-is-best-for-you/. To use the EGO on your lawn you would need six 10 Ah batteries and will have to mow all of your lawn every week. If you mowed the 2.5 acres bi-weekly I don't think the mower could do it on one charge because the taller grass will take more power to cut. I'm also very concerned with all the plastic on that mower. I have a feeling if you mowed your rougher lawn at 6 mph the EGO will shake itself apart after a couple of years. Finally, I'm very concerned with the service. They have no service network for riding mowers so it may be a problem getting it fixed. Until I can see how they handle warranty work and parts I'm going to hold off recommending it. For the money you would spend on the EGO you can get any one of the ones I recommend and they will all last 10-20 years.
I’m a pretty big guy at 260 so I went with the Apex 52 and don’t regret it.
Good review. I watched this because I have been researching zero turns to replace my old Cub Cadet lawn tractor that caught on fire and burned up. There are some improvements with the 2023 models, especially getting rid of the dial adjustment, and an added heavy-duty step, so I went and ordered a 52 inch that will be delivered next week. I'll be mounting a small fire extinguisher after that bad experience. 😱
There are so many different ZTM on the market….I think the best mower is the one that will fit your yard…meaning will it mow around your stuff…I purchased the Ariens Ikon XD 42 for my half acre yard….works very well…Thanks for the video…
God bless you and your dad😁Some really nice country side. The mower did a great job especially in the tall grass.
I received my IKON XD 42 Model 915265 - 22hp Kohler 7000, fabricated deck July 9, and the Mulch Kit for IKON XD 42 inch - Model 715139 July 11. i leveled the deck then installed the mulch kit. I mowed the yard after 2 PM the grass was dry 4 inch tall, I cut at 2.75 inch, the mulch kit works really well, after mowing I lifted the front to see haw much grass stuck to the deck and baffles, not enough to be worth washing off, there was more dry plant stuff on top of the deck from getting close to bushes. This is my first Zero Turn, with the mulch kit it must run with the engine at full speed which makes the steering very quick, I see a slight learning curve, unfortunately we only received 0.65 inch of rain July 12 so I will have to wait 12 days before I get to mow again. This is the most fun to use mower I ever had ! I may just run it around the yard to get used to steering smoothly.
Yes, It's a good idea to practice with the mower until you are very comfortable with it. The Ariens mowers don't need a lot of lever movement to turn. Try moving the levers an inch or less, move one at a time and practice turning without tearing a hole in your lawn. It won't take long and you'll be quite used to how well it maneuvers.
Hello, I'm considering this mower too. How long would it take to install the mulch kit, once you've done it a time or two? I plan to use one just for the Fall leaves. If you have any experience with that please let me know. Thanks!
To pull the deck off the ZTR, put the baffles in or out and reinstall the deck could be done in 1/2 hour with practice.
I just bought a new 2021 IKON XD 52 and I love it!!! Smooth ride, nice cut, and super quite . . . etc. Can't really find anything I don't like about it . . . I think I like about half throttle when cutting because it's so fast. It has kind of a nice mulch, without the mulching blades! I call it my yard Hot Rod!!!
Excellent! Just remember - running the throttle at half speed doesn' t give you the best cut. I suggest running the engine at full throttle and then push the lap bars half-way to adjust your speed.
Normal, weekly mowing you can get away with the lower throttle setting but if the grass is thick and/or tall you will want to increase the throttle to full. If you add the mulch kit you will have to run the engine at full speed. Why? because the blades spin fast which cuts the grass into finer particles. Those smaller particles fall down into the grass easier.
@@PaulSikkema Yeppers, I cut once a week. I have 2 -10" titainium rods and 8 screws in my back. That's why this old guy goes half throttle . . . I did do full throttle in some 2.5 - 3' tall grass and I was amazed at how quick the grass shot outta the shoot. And I was amazed how much my back hurt for a week afterwards, LOL!!! I do like the seat but I'm checking at the dealer next week for a lower back seat.That way my middle back don't get knocked around as much. Thanks for your reply Paul man!
Check this suspension out. Up to seven inches of travel! amzn.to/3nZ9igl
Running the throttle at half speed while cutting or driving is not a good idea. The hydrostatic transmissions have fans on them to cool them along with the engine fan on the air cooled engine. The throttle should be at full speed for proper cooling as per the manual. The speed of the mower should be only controlled by the lap bars not the throttle.
Great video, as always. Love the history that is brought up, in everything. Good stuff.
I’m going to get one next week and I can’t wait.
At 20:05 you're giving that snake the business!!!🤣 Great video.
Great videos you make! I might buy one of those 42" IKON's from Lowes. So if underneath the seat the knobs aren't moved to the back hole-slots I shouldn't buy it? Or just make sure the housing isn't cracked before I buy it?
Just make sure the engine housing is not cracked. Move the seat up to the front slots. They should have the assembly instructions that you can read if my directions aren't that good.
I cut with the shoot tied up as high as it will go, I like the way the grass blows out without clumping ….
I couldn't do that in this video - the wind was too strong and I would be covered with grass. Just be very careful. The blades can pick up rocks, sticks, baseballs, and other debris and hurl it hundreds of feet. NEVER have anyone in your yard if you mow that way.
Good job I live by Scott County Park about 25 miles from Clinton. Looking for a zero turn mower think I just found the one I want. Just like the one you used
Excellent choice! I've been very happy with this one. But - if you are mowing more than three acres I suggest moving one step up to the APEX. It's a heavier, stronger mower and can handle the larger Iowa farm lawns better.
Hi Paul. I have a 2019 Ariens Edge 52-inch. I am a short big guy and I was going to ask you if you had any tips on how to drive? Whenever I'm on it I feel like I'm laying back in the seat and it doesn't feel too comfortable. I can't see the controls on the right side of me so I had to memorize where the buttons were and I can only go in reverse slow because the levers stop at my belly.
Yes, the Edge is too small for us "larger" people. It really fits a 100-170 lb, fit person with no "beer belly."
In fact, after doing the video review of the EDGE I have I have not used it again. That said, I'm lettering my daughter and son-in-law use it who are much smaller than me - and they love it.
I really like the IKON XD and the 2023 IKON is an even better fit. Ariens raised the seat up four inches and made the foot rest area wider and longer.
I really don't have a solution to make the EDGE fit you better.
Thanks for video and info very helpful. I am 1st time rider of zero turn.👍
Another nice video Paul and congratulations to your dad who is still mowing Grass at 94 ! This mower appears to "fit" you better than the Ariens "Edge" did (I had the same issue). Was it setup correctly (to manufacturer specs), or did you need to make some adjustments for a better personal fit ? Things like tire pressure, seat setup\ placement, deck pitch and handle position. Is the ROPS bar really necessary and can it be removed ? A very thorough video ! Thank you so much for your review and for sharing it with your viewers.
Yes, the IKON XD fits me a lot better but my daughter and son-in-law who are "normal" sized people love the EDGE. The XD, like most residential zero-turns sets too low for me so I am going to raise the seat up and install a DONBAR. I did that on the Exmark and even my Dad can get on and off it easily. (Link to the DONBAR in the description)
Like the "roll bar" on the Cub Cadets this one is just decorative. Just 4 bolts and you can take it off.
@@PaulSikkemaI admire your dad. He obviously knows the value and the meaning of "A hard days work" ! As do you ! Keep up the good work. If we were neighbors I think we would be good friends.
Excellent video I thought my ikon rode rough if going to fast . I just slowed down but I have a bumpy yard any way .
I bought this mower yesterday 52 in nice mower
Very impressive for the dollar value. We can across the Arien brand when searching for a used Zero Turn and I'm going to buy either a 42 or a 52 model. We will have to travel 600k's either way to purchase one but no problems, its the 6 cooler months and who doesn't love a road trip.
@20.04 that snake got away just in time 😁
Actually it didn't. If you look closely you can see it shoot out the side when he turns it around.
Excellent video very informative thanks for taking the time
Hey Paul,
Appreciate all the videos. I can't find the ikon. I'm debating on waiting. Have you had any experience with the Husvarna z242f or anything similar? Wondering what your thoughts are if you have.
Here in the Midwest most of the Lowes have the IKON XD in stock.
I'm not a fan of the Z242F. A lot of owners complain about the cut and the dealers complain they can't get parts.
I do recommend the Cub Cadet ZT2 (dealer only) zero-turns and the Toro TimeCutter with the fabricated deck although the IKON XD has a few advantages that still make it the better machine for most people.
@@PaulSikkema Thank you, I'm in Michigan. Can't seem to find the 42 inch. I will probably keep waiting for the Ariens as that seems to be the best bang for the buck. Once again, I appreciate all your videos and info. Keep up the great work
I must not have a damn thing to do.
I'm sitting here watching a old man cut grass.
Great video Paul. I’ve loved my Ikon XD52 so far
I just bought me a terrodactel chopper mower.
Got a 500 inch deck with a 80 hp engine.
Toro, Excel or Howard-Price?
Did anyone else see the large snake Paul almost made into chop suey at 20:00 into the video?
Actually, I think I see the snake fly out of the chute on the second pass. Paul living the thug life .....♪♫ La-da-da-da-dahh ♪♫
I counted 14 snakes in that small patch of grass. I tried to miss all of them.
Awesome video! That thing is impressive and handles well for a residential mower. Personally I would be more interested in the apex 60 and would love if you could review it sometime in the future. 👍
Yes, I like the APEX a lot! I won't get to review it this year.
Hey Paul, what exact tool do you use to scrape clean the grass from under your mower deck? Should I find one that isn't metal and won't scratch off the paint therefore promoting rust? Thank you!
I use a cheap plastic paint scraper. amzn.to/3gCJp4e
If the buildup is really thick and I'm afraid I'll break the scraper I'll use a wood paint stick to get most of the thick stuff out.
If I want it perfectly clean I will then soak the underside with a garden hose. Then I'll use a heavy duty Scotch Brite pad to clean the rest. amzn.to/3vgVh06
thanks Paul , great video
Paul, I am looking buy a ztr and looking at this mower and the toro model 75750 52 inch cut. You have tried them both out and they are near same price. Which one would you buy?
I have no preference
It really depends on what you want. They are VERY close for performance and quality.
They both side discharge extremely well.
They are both built very well and have a good reputation.
The Toro has the smart speed so you can pull heavier loads. I also feel it rides a little better with the larger front casters. Toro has a larger dealer network so you may be able to find a good dealer closer to you. If you want to mulch the Toro is slightly better.
The Ariens has larger rear tires so it has better traction on slopes and soft/sandy soil. It also has the 4 point lift on the deck so if your lawn is rough and wavy it will follow the mower and cut more evenly. If you want to bag the Ariens has the best bagging system - but it is more expensive. If you want to bag all the time their bagger works in all conditions including wet grass.
Glad to have come across this video, I just purchased an arien ikon xd 52" and I'm trying to figure out if it's normal for it to make a grinding noise when turning either left or right. I noticed your doesn't make that noise at all
Is it a growl or a grinding noise? If it's a growl that is common with this type of transmissions - especially when the engine is running at a low rpm. If it growls though when the engine is running at mowing speed then get it back to the dealer. If it is making a grinding noise - It should not make that noise. I suggest getting it back to the dealer.
@@PaulSikkema Thank you, after the 3rd order it is only a growl.. Last time that I purchase a machine like this at LOWES. on top of that the customer service to help you resolve the issue was terrible, thankfully the store manager was amazing.
Sorry to go off the beaten path. I’m looking into a traditional riding lawn mower. Thoughts on whether to purchase a John Deere S240 48” or Husqvarna TS 348XD 48”. 2 acres flat property. I read your review on Today’s Mower about Husqvarna. Just wondering about John Deere. I took your advice on the Toro 1030 OHAE. It is a beast. Thanks again
For a flat yard I would go with the John Deere. It has the same engine as the Husqvarna (just branded as John Deere)
The S240 also has a better service and parts network. If you have anything go wrong with it or you need maintenance parts your local John Deere Dealer is willing to help and can get parts quickly if he doesn't have them in stock.
Husqvarna is notorious for not having parts in stock and then having to wait weeks or months to get them.
Would love to see a comparison video between the apex and titan max! I know you recommend both ariens and toro so what would be your pick out of the titan max and ariens apex? Both seem to be great mowers I would just like to get a opinion from someone who has dealt with both. Thanks in advance!
I like the idea - because of all the supply chain issues we'll have to see if Toro or Ariens will have any to demo. That said,
The Titan Max is a really cool-looking mower. I know it has a great deck and anyone who buys one will love it. The ONLY negative I have with the Titan Max is the aggressive rear tires. Unless you are very experienced with ZTRs you may tear up your lawn. If you have sandy/light soil they will leave scuff marks all over.
The APEX is $2000 cheaper. It also has a great cutting deck but doesn't have the "special edition" styling. Did you know the APEX is such a good mower that Ariens uses it as their top-of-the-line commercial mower in Europe?
If you want a cool-looking Ariens/Gravely check out the Gravely Stealth. ua-cam.com/video/dUBTnscbvHI/v-deo.html
Thanks in advance! I have a Cub Cadet and John Deere dealer equal distance from me. I was reading on Todays Mower about the Cub Cadet Garden Tractor. As far as reliability of transaxle and mower; do you prefer the BDU-10 on the Cub or K72 on the Deere. Thanks
The reliability of both the BDU-10 and the K72 are legendary. The BDU-10 is designed for horizontal shaft engines - the K72 is designed for vertical shaft engines.
The K72 is designed for vertical shaft engines and is connected to the engine using a horsepower rated v-belt. The K72 is a integrated unit where the hydro, axles and the rear differential are all in one aluminum case.
The BDU-10 is designed for horizontal shaft engines. The BDU-10 in the Cub Cadet is tied to the commercial grade engine with a steel driveshaft. The BDU-10 is bolted onto a separate cast iron rear end that houses the differential and axles. The axles on the Cub Cadet are hardened steel.
The Cub Cadet with it horizontal shaft engine and drive shaft is a design comparable to the sub-compact tractors like a Kubota. The John Deere with the vertical shaft design and v-belt is comparable to a lawn tractor.
@@PaulSikkema Thank you
From your reviews and replies to various comments, it appears you feel both the Ariens Ikon XD & Toro Timecutter are quality mowers, but slightly prefer the Ariens (my take is the main advantage the Ariens has over the Toro is the 4 point deck & the bigger rear tires). If you had a local Toro dealer/service center and the closest certified Ariens dealer was an hour away, would that sway you to the Toro, or is the difference enough to still prefer the Ariens.
I'd shop local if you like the Toro dealer. Yes, there are a few things I like better on the Ariens Xd but if you have to travel an hour to get parts or service it's not worth the hassle.
(When I owned the lawn service I always wanted to have a few Walker mowers in the fleet but I hated dealing with the distributer/dealer who serviced Northern Illinois. Because of that I ran the slightly-less-equivalent Scag mower that was sold by my favorite Exmark dealer.)
@@PaulSikkema This was a great video and Thank You for it. I have been going crazy looking for a ZT mower. Before I saw this vid I was on the fence with the XD and the Timecutter. I like the concept of the MyRide suspension but not sure it's worth it or would it be more things that could go wrong. I haven't looked to see if you have a vid on the Toro but I will in a moment. With all that said, other than being near a dealer, which would you prefer? Thanks again! Dan (going to look at more of your videos)!!
That's a tough call. Everything else being equal including the cut - I like the larger rear tires and 4-point deck suspension on the Ariens but I also like the larger front casters and ride of the Toro.
The MyRide is the best riding mower on the market and unlike the Ferris/Simplicity it doesn't affect the mow quality and has very few extra parts.
@@PaulSikkema Thanks Paul.
My 1 year old sodded lawn is not very even how comfortable is the ride on the Ariens? Is the trick to go at a slower speed? My only experience is a neighbors cub cadet and it felt like I was in a delivery truck the ride was harsh. I was interested in the toro my ride but none of the dealers around me can get a toro.
Yes, you'll have to slow down. Residential mowers are lighter - which makes them uncomfortable on rough lawns. A heavy-duty mower in the $6000 range will ride better, you sit more upright, and many have the option of a suspension seat.
There will be a lot of supply issues this year and you may not be able to get the exact mower you want.
Hello, we have +3 rough acres 1/3 with fairly good hill side. I’ve heard that Exmark is good w hills. But I’m sure there are a number of the commercial grade mowers w big tires and HD trans would do ??? Ideas
Here are my suggestions:
Pick a local dealer that has been around a while
60 inch deck (a 72 may be to big and the machine won't hang on you hill side)
If the model you chose doesn't come with a suspension seat - have one installed.
Make sure it has armrests. (Mowing on a slope the armrest help hold you in the seat)
Consider a stand-on if the slope is more than 15 degrees especially if you have a pond or drop-off and the bottom of your slope. (With a stand-on if you get in trouble - you just step off of it)
1. Cub Cadet PRO Z 160 S EFI. Best sit down for hills. Click on this link: www.pjatr.com/t/8-12365-5755-199030?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cubcadet.com%2Fen_US%2Fcommercial-zero-turn-mowers%2Fpro-z-160-s-efi%2F53TWEFJU050.html%23start%3D17
2. Exmark Lazer Z or Toro 2000 series
3. Gravely or Toro Standon
4. Gravely ProTurn 100 or larger.
5. Country Clipper Challenger (the Boss XL is one of the best mowers out there)
Scag, Hustler, Big Dog, Bad Boy and many others all make great mowers for what you want to do.
Stay away from John Deere and Ferris/Simplicity. They are not designed for what you want to do.
I gess I'm losing my mind. I'm beginning to like watching people cut yards.
I used to cut with a Sears 5hp riding mower.
Now I cut with a Hustler Fas trak 54 inch. 22hp Kawasaki.
Hey Paul. What are your thoughts between the iKon XD 42 or the gravely ztx 42 inch any input greatly appreciated.
The IKON XD and Gravely ZT X are the same mower. Just different color paint. Pick the Ariens or Gravely Dealer you like the best.
The Gravely ZT XL is also the same mower but with stronger ZT 2800 transmissions. If you have a lot of hills to mow or tow heavier loads this is the one to get.
@@PaulSikkema my buddy has a 52"zt xl he will sell me for 3k with 88.9 hours on it. He actually owns a small engine repair business. But I'm weary of buying used equipment. Thoughts?
The price is right. I don't recommend buying used often but a one year old machine for that price seems worth it.
Would a John Deere tractor, like the X350 or similar, be better for cutting those slopes? Generally tractor style riders are better on hills and slopes, right?
I mowed this ditch for years with a 110 Deere but my butt was hanging all the way out over the uphill fender. Dad and I also mowed the slope with a cone drive Dixon for years. That said,
You idea is sound but with a lawn tractor you will still have to sit way out on the fender - and I don't know if you right leg is long enough to run the foot pedal speed control...
The best way to mow this ditch is with a standon ztr or a walk-behind. A 50 inch or wider standon will hang on this slope and you can mow it safely. A Toro TimeMaster or Toro Proline T-Bar will also mow this ditch. (The Toro's can be operated with one hand so you can walk down in the bottom of the ditch instead of trying to walk that slope.)
So after reading the 42 model kawasaki is only 600cc and the 52 and 60 kawasaki have the 725cc. the kohler has the same 725 on all 3 sizes.
You think the 600cc kawasaki will be enough power on the 42?
After a quick shed door measurement this morning I'll be buying the 42 ikon with the Kawasaki. I'm sure they wouldn't sell it with that engine if it didn't work right, or at least I wouldn't think so.
Yes, the 600cc Kawasaki has plenty of power for the 42 inch.
I have bermuda grass which is suppose to be cut low, 1.5-2 inches. You think this mower and deck will do well cutting that low?
This deck is a perfect choice. By the way, check out the Lawn Care Nut here on youtube. He is the expert on Bermuda grass.
You mentioned raising the chute up a bit
Is there an adjustment for that or what did you mean?
I stick a 1/4 inch thick piece of wood under the hinge flap.
I'm sold. Thanks!
Paul, Do you prefer the Arian’s over the Toro?
It really depends on what you want. They are VERY close for performance and quality.
They both side discharge extremely well.
They are both built very well and have a good reputation.
The Toro has the smart speed so you can pull heavier loads. I also feel it rides a little better with the larger front casters. Toro has a larger dealer network so you may be able to find a good dealer closer to you. If you want to mulch the Toro is slightly better.
The Ariens has larger rear tires so it has better traction on slopes and soft/sandy soil. It also has the 4 point lift on the deck so if your lawn is rough and wavy it will follow the mower and cut more evenly. If you want to bag the Ariens has the best bagging system - but it is more expensive. If you want to bag all the time their bagger works in all conditions including wet grass.
How do you like that is the Gravely exactly the same I know they're the same company how is the ride and was that a Kawasaki engine or a Kohler
Yes, the ZT X is the same mower. The ZT XL is also the same mower with the larger ZT-2800 transmissions. It doesn't bother me.
Hustler and Big Dog mowers are the same.
Troy-Bilt, Craftsman and Columbia mowers are the same.
Is there a difference in the ones bought from Lowe’s and the ones from a dealer, same model number. Some are trying to say the big box ones are cheaper in some way
No. There is ABSOLUTELY no difference between the Lowe's model and the ones sold at a dealer. But, Lowe's usually carries just one engine brand where the dealer's will carry all the engine brands. In this case, the dealer will have IKON XD's with both Kohler and Kawasaki engines where Lowes may only have the Kohler (or Kawasaki) in stock.
I noticed with the Ariens EDGE last year Lowes only carried the Briggs engine where the most of the dealers opted for the Kohler. A few larger dealers carried both the Kohler and the Briggs.
Great job,very informative!
Great detailed review. Thanks!
Have you used a newer cub such as the zt1 50 or zt2 50? If so how would you compare them to the ikon xd? Those are the two I’m trying to decide on. Thanks
Yes, and I do like the Cub Cadet. Personally, the Ariens XD has the 4-point deck lift so I think it cuts more evenly on rough ground but other than that they are very comparable. If you are looking at price the Ariens is quite a bit less.
Paul Sikkema yes there is a price difference. I liked the zt2 just for the arm rest, bigger wheels and the upgraded trans. I think I would be happy with a zt1 which is the same price but seems like the deck and cut quality is better on ikon xd
I know you said consumer reports rates the Toro better. What are your thoughts between this mower and the Toro timecutter 50" you did a review on?
Personally, I think the cut of the Ariens is just as good - if not slightly better. I like the 4-point deck on the Ariens. I also like the taller tires and the fact the steering arms don't hit me in the thigh. Other than that - I like them both a LOT!
I heard the toro parts are pricy and hard to get
Actually, ALL mower parts are going to be very hard to get for about the next year. The pandemic disrupted the supply chain and it's going to take a while to get it back.
@@PaulSikkema it seems like any and all things are like that. I am an electrician by trade, material is hard to come by, especially plastic boxes and meter cans...
I build gaming pc for friends and family, all that stuff is hard to get, or over priced. I did purchase a mower. Ill list the model number shortly it is an ariens
That 1st slope along the highway looked more than 15 degrees!
Yes, It's closer to 30 degrees. Not safe at all! But the XD did stay right on it until the slope got even steeper. The large rear tires and wide stance really make a difference.
@@PaulSikkema That's encouraging, I have one slope on my property that's 60' long x 30' high and I would have to guess it about 15 degrees or a bit more.
I would love to see a side-by-side cut from the Gravely ZT HD and the Ariens ZT HD. To see if there is a cut difference. You can see on the Deck of Gravely It's got dual support on the anti scalping wheels, and the Ariens does not.. Ariens owns the Gravely company
I'm guessing you are trying to compare the Gravely ZT HD to the Ariens IKON XD. They are two different machines.
The Gravely ZT HD is directly comparable to the Ariens APEX
The Ariens IKON XD is directly comparable to the Gravely ZT X (The ZT XL has stronger ZT2900 trannys but otherwise the same as the ZT X)
@Paul Sikkema yes, I'm trying to see if it is worth spending the extra 500. To 700 dollars difference for the Gravely ZT HD.
If you want a heavy-duty ZTR without getting a commercial version the Gravely ZT HD/Ariens APEX is definitely worth the extra price.
The Gravely features commercial grade ZT-3100 trannys and a commercial deck. It has more features like seat isolators and LARGE tires for a smoother ride. I have a rough, old five acre farm lawn that I'd love to have that mower to use on it.
Do you recommend this or the edge for a first zero turn? I can only find the briggs edge, so looking into this for the kohler engine
I like the IKON XD. It's a lot heavier duty mower than the EDGE.
@@PaulSikkema well for me it's only $200 more than the briggs edge, and it comes with kawi engine.
Considering that, is it a good buy as first lawnmower?
Yes! That's a great buy.
@@PaulSikkema I was shocked to see the bagger costs 1200!!! The edge bagger only costs 750. But it does have blower assist.
Yes, it's expensive but it's built to last. With the powered blower it will bag under all conditions - even green grass in the rain!
You could possibly buy a seat riser cushion or DIY one out of rubber-padding.
I need to show you what I did. I made a seat riser out of four pieces for 2 inch PVC pipe 4 inches long. It rides better and I can now get off the mower a lot easier.
Thanks for the video. I want to buy one, where do I get one?
Go to Ariens.com. Use the dealer locator to find a dealer near you.
If you don't have an Ariens dealer nearby this mower is also sold as the Gravely ZT X. You can go to gravely.com and find a dealer there.
Will the Ikon 52 mow in reverse?
Yes, no switches or buttons to push. Full-on reverse just like the commercial units
Great job especially on multiple types of grass. I love the idea of the left side sticking out further - I can really use something like that. I'm always wondering about that turning knob that adjusts the deck height, wondering if those will last long.
My thoughts exactly. I'm not ecstatic about the knob for the height adjust long term. Pretty sure I'll be fixing that in ~10 years or less. Just bought mine yesterday. I love it so far. Seems like it will be a great mower.
What's the mower top cutting speed?
The mower will go 7 MPH.
Love it!
Did anyone see him chop up the black snake at 20:20 ? First the snake narrowly escapes and hides in another clump of grass, but on his next pass over that clump of grass, you see snake bits come flying out of the chute.
Yes, I hit one but missed 14 others.
@@PaulSikkema You need more practice. 1 out of 14 is not very good.
Does this model have the zt2200 or 2800? Thanks!
It has the ZT2200. The Gravely ZT XL has the 2800 drives
Paul Sikkema thanks!
Are you cutting at full speed?
No, about 4-5 mph. The area I'm mowing is too rough for full speed.
@@PaulSikkema that was still pretty quick 👍
Thanks for video..
Paul, Did you see the youtube video by big south outdoors on this machine. He ran it for about 143 Hours and had defects all over the machine. Based on his review I would never buy this machine.
I responded to his second video a while back. I'm going to repost that here for you.
Let's go through a couple of points from his video. At the end I'll let you know why I know this stuff and that he has a lot yet to learn.
1. Getting grass all over the operator is not a problem with the mower or the design of the mower - it's changes that he made to the mower that caused this to happen.
2. The Ariens deck and the Ariens blades are designed to work together. You will have to watch Big Souths other video to know this but he is not using the Ariens blades. He found aftermarket blades for a Dixie chopper that were cheaper and has them installed. The problem with the the aftermarket blades is the aerodynamics of the blades is completely wrong for this deck. They are too short, too flat, cut at a different level and the sail of the blade is wrong so that they don't give the proper lift and throw to get the grass out of the discharge.
The new IKON deck is much taller/deeper than other residential decks. When you are using the Ariens blades this allows the blades to lift the grass up, cut the grass evenly and the keep the clipping above the blades. The sail and the other curves in the Ariens blades then use that deep deck to get the clippings out the discharge as quickly as possible.
By putting those after market blades on he screws up that aerodynamics. Because the aftermarkets are flat, they don't lift the grass as well and don't keep the grass up in the top of the deck to get rid of it out the discharge. Instead the grass clipping want to blow out the bottom of the deck - and - up over the operator platform.
3. Discharge chute and notch in the deck
Leave the discharge cover down when using this mower. Ariens designed it so that it doesn't sag over time and leave windrows. With the correct blades and the cover down you will never have any problems with grass blowing up in your face.
The notch on the top of the deck is there so when you install a bagger the bagger discharge boot doesn't stick out so far. It only sticks out about 4 inches instead of the 8-14 inches other manufactures baggers boot stick out.
Even with the discharge cover held up - and using the proper blades that notch will not cause grass to fly up in your face.
The deck really does work great with the correct blades and the discharge cover down.
Watch this video ua-cam.com/video/J1yVhoTO3aU/v-deo.html. I mowed tall dry grass for over two hours and had almost NO grass on the top of the deck and NONE up on the operator's platform. The correct blades are the key.
4. I learned deck and blade design from one of the industry's leading deck engineers, Gary Kunz. I have spent many hours over the last 30 years listening to him and learning how decks work. This Ariens deck uses all that information, years of Ariens/Gravely testing, and state-of-the art engineering to give you the best cut and get the grass out of the deck as quickly and cleanly as possible. If you use the correct blades and leave the safety discharge chute cover down you will never experience the "blow by" he showed you in the video.
5. The gas tank filler broke because he hit something with it. You can clearly see the scratches in the fender from a heavy branch or other unmovable object. That is an "operator error" not a defect in the machine.
6. Last - and I'm going to be blunt because I made the same mistake as he did many years ago. IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO OUT AND TRY TO MAKE MONEY MOWING LAWNS YOU HAVE TO BUY A COMMERCIAL MACHINE. The Ariens IKON is a residential machine - it will last you many, many years mowing your lawn. It is not designed to mow 10-20 lawns a day, it's not designed to be loaded (read banged around) on a trailer multiple times a day. In reality, he is using and abusing this mower in one season that for most homeowners it will take them 10 years to do the same damage (and that's if you have teenagers running it :)
My story, in 1994 I went to my local ZTR dealer and bought two brand new ZTRs. They lasted a week before my crew broke them to the point where I had to wait 2 months for parts. What I didn't know then was the dealer only sold to residential customers. So I went to another dealer and he sold me two Gravely mowers. He told me they were a lot better than the ones we just trashed. Yes, they were, but they lasted ONE day before my crew knocked the decks completely off! I returned them. So, I then went to a third dealer. His parking lot was full of other mowing companies like me and everyone I talked to was very happy with the mowers he was selling. I went in and talked to him, he asked what I was using them for and then spent an hour showing me why the mowers I was buying were not made for what I needed to do. I ended up buying two ExMark Laser Z's that day. Both of them ran flawlessly for years because they were commercial mowers built for mowing many lawns a day and riding on trailers for thousands of miles. Over the next 5 years, I bought over a dozen commercial mowers from him and they all ran 2-3000 hours without problems.
Why so many mowers? During that time I had over 325 lawns and was mowing a little over 400 acres a month. The lawns ranged from "postage stamps" to over 40 acres each.
So, trust me when I say, "It's not the mower's fault he is having so many problems."
@@PaulSikkema Paul I knew I could count on you for a thorough and honest response. I have 17 - 20 degree sloped hill For my backyard. When I moved into this house in 2019, I looked at all of the residential mowers And none of them were rated for slopes greater than 15 degrees. So I decided to do a detailed investigation for walk behind mowers. I then test drove The machines which I believed were high quality built with excellent operator reviews - an Exmark, Ferris and Gravely. I looked at the reliability of the machines according to owners of them, The design of the machines, and how they actually performed on
High slopes. The gravely had the best center of gravity, The largest tire patch area on the ground, A deep rich history of performance excellence, The longest warranty, the best customer satisfaction ratings and lowest price. I purchased my 36" gravely pro walk in 2020. And I will never look back. The machine has performed absolutely flawlessly. And I use it for a residential application. It's most unfortunate that people are very deceptive and then trash A high quality name such is Ariens/ Gravely, Which is why I wanted to hear what you had to say. I completely concur with your Statements regarding aerodynamics and flow that decks and blades are a designed system That work together. And if you want to see my review of the 36" Gravely prowalk, Then you will see it on the Gravely website. Mike in maryland, That's me! The only thing that's plastic on my proWalk is the gas tank! It's one of the reasons why I rejected the Toros. The Ferris walk behinds were not sufficiently balanced and the front end would lift up; The manager who demonstrated the unit said.I would need a weight kit on the front; Absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. The Exmarks had control reliability problems in 2019, which they may have resolved by now. I did not like the build quality of the scaggs. The hustlers were priced too high. And gravely beat them all. It was shocking to me after using the gravely proWalk that when I went to clean under the deck there was nearly no built up grass! I was shocked at how well designed the Deck and the blades worked together to evacuate out all grass clippings. Now
I don't even bother cleaning under the deck. Of course, every time I use my machine, I use my blower to completely clean it including the deck and under it. I can't say enough positive about the gravely proWalk. Thanks again Paul, and take care.
SOOOOOOO, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GROSS WEIGHT OF YOUR ZERO-TURN IS ONCE YOU GEY ON-IT???🤔
There's always one comedian - That said, I'm well below the max weight for the EZT drives
Who else noticed the snake in the tall grass
this thing collects so much grass under the deck that i have to clean it out about every mow....so irritating
Just curious are you using the original blades? What height are you cutting at? What type of grass are you cutting? Do you have a mulch kit installed?
I ask because this one cut 5 acres a week all summer at 4 inches. Bluegrass, fescue, orchard grass mix.
What little grass I had on the top of the deck cleaned right off with a leaf blower.
Anyone see the 🐍 20:00?
That yard was FULL of snakes. I counted 14. Most of them got out of the way.
@20:06 poor snake
I missed the other dozen or so that were in that patch of grass...