Ariens IKON Speed Demon!
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- This video shows how well the 2023 Ariens IKON mows a large area (or doesn't)
Be sure to check out the summary at the end of the video
00:00 Intro
01:05 Mowing
03:24 ZTR Safety!
07:29 Mowing
07:25 More Bagging
10:48 Inspecting The Cut
14:49 Summary
#ariens #ariensco #gravely #bagger #zeroturn #ZTR - Jak na to + styl
Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!
Hi Paul - thanks as always for a thorough review of an interesting new product. Two thoughts: 1) when mowing a hill, couldn't you leave the bagger counter-weights on to increase stability - maybe even buy some extra plates to weigh it down more, and 2) What about the Gravely ZT HD version - basically the same mower but upgraded with the ZT-2800 transmission (which is serviceable albeit at a cost increase of ~$1,400. Your thoughts and perspective would be appreciated!
The front to rear weight ratio (balance) on a ZTR is really hard to get right and engineers have been toiling over this since the 90's when they moved the drive wheels to the rear of the mower. Before that (and like the Walker Mower today) the entire weight was over the drive wheels.
With the mid-mount decks like we have today, it's a fine line. Too much weight over the rear and the front wants to pop off the ground. Too much weight on the front and the rear loses traction and the mower won't steer.
The way the IKON and Gravely ZT are designed the weight ratio is perfect. You get good traction and no turf scuffing. That said,
I noticed this today but I didn't bring it up in the video. I still have the bagger weights on the front and I noticed the mower was having a more difficult time turning. The rear tires were scuffing the turf and leaving divots. I also noticed that the mower would go up hills without it feeling "tippy." But watch the video at minute 3:00 - the rear kicks out and that is because of the extra weight on the front.
I knew what the issue was and as soon as I get the mower home the weights will come off.
The Gravely ZT HD is comparable to the Ariens APEX. It will handle slopes better because it is a heavier mower. It's a heavier-duty machine. To talk "apples to apples" we need to use the Gravely ZT XL in this discussion.
The ZT-2800 tranny upgrade on the ZT XL doesn't help with the traction. They offer a longer life than the EZTs and are serviceable for those of you who think you need to change the oil in your hydros. How much longer life? On a normal lawn the EZTs should give you 10 years - the ZT-2800 up to 50% more.
If you have to deal with slopes you really need a stand-on. The 52-inch Gravely Z-Stance is a great choice. www.gravely.com/en-us/power-equipment/stand-on-mowers/z-stance
Nice video Paul. How do you feel this mower compares to the newly designed John Deere Z320R. I like how it has only two spindles vs three on the Ariens for the 42” cut. Thank you
The Z320R is a nice upgrade from the 2020 model. Here are a few differences.
1. The John Deere has side lights for mowing in the dark.
2. The Ariens steering levers are more robust, easier to adjust and a lot stronger. If you have more than one person using the mower they can quickly adjust it for them. Plus, The Ariens lap bars are strong enough that you can use them to pick yourself off the seat.
3. The seats are comparable but you can adjust the Ariens seat while sitting on the mower. The Deere you have to remove a bolt under the seat to change it.
4. Ariens has abandoned the "dial" height control for a stronger pin system. John Deere dropped the transport mode but it's optional on the IKON. Ariens also offers an option lift assist spring if the deck is too hard for you to lift with your foot.
5. Ariens rear tires are wider and larger. The 20 inch tires actually make quite a difference for ride and traction.
6. The operator's deck/foot area and width between the lap bars is bigger on the Ariens.
7. Ariens is using the more modern high density hermetically sealed battery. Deere is still using the ones that only last 2-3 years.
8. The frame on the Ariens is wider so I have more room to change the oil filter. Deere does have a hose permanently attached to the oil drain.
9. The Deere deck has a washout port but they suggest using as little water as possible to clean the deck.
10. The Deere deck has lift up spindle covers. The IKON has bolt on covers with slots to get rid of the grass.
11. Deere is still using a stamped deck. Ariens new deck is fabricated and has a much higher airflow for getting the cut grass out of the mower. The Ariens deck also has a space in front of the blades to allow the grass to lift up when it enters the deck so it cuts better.
12. Deere has grease jerks on the spindles. While that appears "commercial grade" you have to won a grease gun and then remeber to grease them.
13. Deere is still using the 3-point deck lift. Ariens uses a 4-point system that keeps the deck more level mowing rough lawns. The Ariens deck is easily adjustable for pitch and side to side.
Are the transmissions serviceable or are they sealed? Thanks for a great video too.
The IKON use the ZT 2200 trannys but they are turned around for better cooling. If you want serviceable transmissions the Gravely ZT X has them. It's identical to the IKON except the better trannys.
Any thoughts on the Toro Timecutter compared to the IKON? I've been giving a serious look at the 50" Timecutter model 75750. However, with your positive review of the IKON I just may take a serious look the IKON.
I have a few videos of the 75750. The main things that are better on the IKON are:
1. This new deck cuts better.
2. The Ariens uses a 4-point deck suspension (Toro uses three) so it cuts more evenly on rough lawns.
3. The Seat on the IKON sits up higher and the seat is larger.
4. The new control levers are really nice. They feel good and are fully adjustable - even for fat people like me.
Toro walkaround review: czcams.com/video/Cu4-Nbk04Xs/video.html
Problems with Toro: czcams.com/video/MRzF5JqGvgQ/video.html
Ariens IKON walkaround: czcams.com/video/Tv_ge4JGoU8/video.html
Mowing tall grass with the IKON czcams.com/video/J1yVhoTO3aU/video.html
@@PaulSikkema Some very valid points, you just may have sold me on the IKON.
Thanks for your honest response.
Great videos of the Ikon. Ordering my 42” on Monday
A new version of the Ikon just came out, the Ikon Select
Yes, the ONYX was popular enough that it looks like Ariens is placing it permanently into the line.
The sSelect is this mower with more features like a transport lock and floor mat
I go through all the differences in the models in this video here: czcams.com/video/Tv_ge4JGoU8/video.html