Ariens Apex or Gravely HD Review | Breaking down AriensCo and their acreage mowers | Ep: 2

[@mrzero-000-00]

Thank you. Learned a lot about the Ariens Apex 60, which I will be purchasing this spring for my new 2-acre property. I own Ariens now always buy from a servicing dealer. That is so important. Every fall I get it serviced and they are there for me all season. It is so important to deal with a servicing dealer. Thanks again, very informative. Cheers, Mate.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I really appreciate it, and I'm glad I could help! Thank you!

[@tomvancil8213]

I picked up a Gravely HD 60 with the Kawi, back after the start of Covid in 2020. Paid $5100 out the door and zero% financing. Great machine, built like a tank.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I miss those prices lol. I'm glad you're liking it!

[@gravelyman]

Great review of the Gravely and Ariens 🔧👍

[@travisricks3436]

I just purchased a new Gravely ZT HD 60 on Friday, 03-22-2024. I haven’t even seen it yet, it was still in the crate. It’ll be delivered next Tuesday. This is my first Gravely purchase. I’ve owned 5 different Hustler mowers over the years. Hustlers are great mowers, I have nothing against them, but I got a lot more bang for my buck with the Gravely, compared to a comparable Hustler model.

[@ScottFamilyFarmsSD]

Thanks for the shout out brah! Love my mower and it rides great with the seat upgrade!

[@travisricks3436]

I bought a new 2023 Gravely ZT HD 60 in March 2024 during Gravely’s “Mow the Distance” sales event. Got an excellent deal and I absolutely love the machine!!💯

[@blessman316]

You gave the best information on engines, frames, and difference of comfort on residential and commercial. Awesome video. I looked at your cub cadet steering zero also

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@ericalexander6186]

Thanks for this info, I just recently got a home on 3.2 acres… I been searching for a week trying to find a mower.. I leaned toward the Toro Titan MyRide and couldn’t find the size I wanted, then settled on Bad Boy Maverick and couldn’t find the size again. Happened to stop in at a local dealer here and looked at a Gravely ZT HD 52 with the upgraded suspension seat and upgraded suspension forks… I had been on the fence, because I’ve never owned a zero turn and I need something that will hold up to this rough old ranch land we built our home. So I been YouTubing all evening learning about this machine I’ll be picking up tomorrow lol. This economy effect on pricing and stock availability is just unreal though lol. Anyhow, great comparison and info!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Super appreciate it! I think you'll love it. Especially with that seat 👍

[@sheepdogonthehill]

Your buddy has one of those ‘bad boys’. Thanks for the laugh

[@jjdavis4328]

That's an awesome review. I recently put in order for gravely zt hd 52. Can't wait to run it.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I really appreciate it! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I recently sold one to a guy that was replacing an older HD he had nearly 3k hours on. Thanks for the watch👍

[@dutchleussink156]

Thank You Sir 👍

[@kevinsmith3361]

This video cleared-up many of the concerns I had/have. The Ariens line I've initially thought I would purchase is not what I will spend my money on. I like the features on the ZT HD models and think I will suck-up the $300 difference in price in name brand. Resident vs contractor application is where I need the model that will purchase to be and conducive to my home needs to keep me worry free for a few years.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I'm glad I could help!

[@bmurphy1246]

Just bought the Apex 48" model. Thing is built like a tank. Cant wait to start mowing.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

You'll love it. Can I ask how much property you're mowing and what made you go with the 48?

[@tbar1047]

I brought the Ariens Zenith last April I love it. I used to hate mowing my grass it used to take 3 1/2 hours now I can do it in 1and 1/2 hours I probably will cut my time even more once I get more comfortable with driving it. Mowing my grass is now enjoyable.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@tbar1047 I have to explain to people daily that a zero-turn will cut their time in half. It's crazy.

[@bmurphy1246]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 i only have about 3/4 of an acre so its a bit overkill. My propery has some hills and i wanted a high end transmission. My John Deere was struggling with the hills but the Apex handles the hills with ease. This Apex model is the best residential model one could hope for so looking forward to using it this year.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@bmurphy1246 You have plenty of mower then 🤣. I hope it serves you well.

[@andrewmarceau422]

Been watching your videos. Great info in each, but the thing that strikes me most... I think watching someone that loves their job is just fascinating. Would love to do something I was passionate about! Very happy for ya!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thank you so much! I really do enjoy it. That's why I'm nerdy enough to do these in my free time lol

[@andrewmarceau422]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Very welcome, keep it up! Learned so much already!

[@bikerman6907]

I bought an Apex 52 with mulching kit, last year. Very! satisfied with this soild built mower, a 400 kg heavy beast. I had a Husqvarna Z242 before, had it one year, great mower but, this is something else! I live on my small farm and have around 4.5 acres to mowe. Ariens Apex 52 does the jobb in around 2 hours. Highly recommendable machine and zero turn are sooo easy to use👍 Dunno why Husqvarna zero turn machines are so expensive compared to Ariens... A Husqvarna Z448, is around 20 percent more expensive than an Ariens Apex 48, and much lighter🤔🤔cheers from me in Norway 😊

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Great to hear it and I'm glad you're loving it!

[@bikerman6907]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 😊👍

[@herman5eight]

I almost bought the Zenith by Ariens but all the rattles and shaking reported by owners reviewing their z-turns was a deal breaker for me. It's a good looking machine, it had the FX730v and the 3200 hydro's that I was looking for but I wasn't going to put rubber strips all over the chute and the floor pan door and everywhere else to keep it from Rattling. So I moved up to a 2021 Scag Patriot Fx730v , 3400 hydro's, suspension seat, 24x12 tires, 61 inch deck, Kevlar drive & cutting deck belts and best of all,......... No Rattles...... and all for 7k dollars,........... very happy now!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

They honestly don't sound any different than any other mower. Some of those reports do make me laughed though. Im glad you're happy with what you have though and thanks for checking this out.

[@tbar1047]

I own the Ariens Zenith I have no rattling problems.

[@timwilliamson4711]

Used a Gravely for 15 years 34Z was making a killing getting through gates. I am puting it up for sale due to only mow my house now. bought an Ariens with 52. Both have kaw engines. I will miss my Gravely. One bad mower. over 2400 hrs. and only fix a charging issue one time in 15 yrs. Hope my Ariens does this good.

[@mitchmax101]

I really enjoyed your video and review on the Ariens Apex! I was looking at the Gravely ZT HD 60 and am now looking at the Apex 60 which is slightly cheaper.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thank you! The Ariens will be a touch cheaper and probably easier to find this year. We did finally get a few HDs in. I really appreciate the watch!

[@chiefman8316]

Thanks for the great review We need help in purchasing quality equipment for the homeowner it is hard to get the truth about power equipment.

[@nocturnus7151]

Really good video. Any thoughts comparing the Hustler XDX 48 vs ZT HD 48? You think the Hustler line will decline in quality since they are now owned by MTD pretty much?

[@Boostedsn95992]

Great info on manufacturers, who builds what brand, I was looking at a hustler.than I came across a gravely and liked all the options for the money

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Did you end up buying one?

[@Boostedsn95992]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 I'm going with the gravely HD

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@Boostedsn95992 Excellent choice! Hope you love it! Thanks for watching 👍

[@GarPri]

Great video. I’m from the south in North Carolina and I have a gravely dealer five minutes down the road from me. The only thing stopping me from pulling the trigger on Gravely is there are no grease fittings and no one seems to be talking about issues concerning the grease fittings or servicing them because they are unable to be greased. What are your thoughts on the longevity of the machine without grease fittings?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Most brands don't put many grease fittings on anymore. At least not until you get to the larger/commercial mowers. Sealed bearings are used in most applications due to 90% of people not greasing them anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it. When I see a spindle or something being replaced, it's because there's 800 hours on the machine, and it's just time. I understand the hesitation if you're someone who maintains their equipment, though.

[@GarPri]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thank you for the prompt response, that’s exactly what the dealer said lol. As a young buck, I purchased a Yazoo-kie 48 inch deck with Kawasaki engine and Greased the fittings regularly. I’ve had the mower now for almost 20 years and I have not had one single problem with the engine. Kawasaki is hands-down the best engine on a zero turn. The 2024 Gravely seems to be everything you are looking for in a mower outside of the unservable Hydro and the lack of grease fittings. Bottom line it seems to be the closest you will get to a commercial Mower. Again, I appreciate the response and tomorrow I will be putting 6K on a 52 inch because of your video. You should do a side-by-side on the Gravely ZT HD 52 versus a Bad Boy Elite 52. That would be interesting 💯👍🏼

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

You can service the hydros on the HD, too. I really appreciate the words, and I'm really glad I could help. Thank you!

[@jpsmith9452]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a Gravely ZT HD 44 for my landscaping business. IMO the 44 deck is the right size.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

It sounds like the right size for you. Not many buy a mower that big with a deck that small, though. I hope you love it 👍

[@jpsmith9452]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 I’m pretty sure it’ll work for my business. I’m in Pinellas County Florida. Most lots here are regular residential. Half acre lots are very rare. Anything bigger than a 48” deck isn’t useful and the 44” deck gives me easier access to backyards. The ZT HD, in all deck sizes, is an impressive machine. To my dumb self its a commercial mower pretending to be residential and compared to the competitors in its class it’s a screaming bargain. The quote I received on the 44 is $6053 with the mulch kit before taxes. BTW your video is good. Pretty informative. Thanks.

[@BexarTX]

I have an HD44 and it’s the best thing I ever bought for my yard. I have a half acre lot but wanted something that was built rock solid and a beefy transmission to handle my steep slopes. 3 seasons in and zero issues. It also fits perfect through my gate with a mulching kit.

[@273VIPER]

Apex 52 Kawasaki engine and no regrets

[@broncomustangponypower]

Another very informative video. Liked and Subscribed also. Looking forward to more. Have seen a Kawasaki Oil Drain hose extension-is it worth it for that? Maybe a video of changing the oil with the drain hose Ariens supplies vs adding this extension to it. Just an idea.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

They're a little easier and last longer for sure. The actually Kawasaki one is pretty expensive. We use a particular Ariens one that fits in a Kohler. It fits the Kawasaki with one additional fitting.

[@michaelchristian8084]

Is that spring seat frame the way to go? Dealer had the $750’weight adjustable seat but I thought the oem seat had nicer padded arm rests

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The suspension helps a ton when you're flying over rough yards. There's a suspension kit for the old HD seat that you can make work on the Apex. It just installs under the existing seat and adds a little suspension.

[@kennyplay5982]

44" is great for 4 foot gates

[@livingadreamlife1428]

I’ve got 5-foot gates, mow a yard that’s 1.5 acres and store the mower in my garage. All imp factors. I bought a 44” Gravely instead of rebuilding gates and creating storage issues. Getting a larger cutting size deck of 8-10” wider at a much much higher cost simply wasn’t beneficial to me. Wider deck would only save me “maybe” a couple of minutes (at most) cutting time.

[@M70ACARRY]

I was going to buy the APEX, but ended up getting a Bobcat. I still wish I'd had got the Ariens. I'm lifelong friends with local Bobcat dealer. He sold it to me at cost, plus Bobcat had sale event. The savings was to much to pass up. My Bobcat is a good mower. I just like the APEX better.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Bobcat makes really nice mowers, though. Some of the other big equipment brands worry me sometimes. You always wonder how much they care about the little products when they make huge construction equipment.

[@d9t2s52392]

Why does Ariens throw the (while sitting) right front caster way out the way they do on a further arm? Local dealer has no idea and said it’s all in the engineering. But has anybody ever found out why the engineers did it? It almost makes you think that you are not sitting in a centered position to the machine. What are your thoughts? Thanks!!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The left side of the deck sticks out further than the right. They try to make it easier to trim on the left by tucking they LF in. That's really the only reason. You are sitting in the middle of the chassis, but not the deck.

[@jimdandy849]

This is a great review. You mentioned liking Bad Boy, too, and they are easier to get here locally from a dealer. I can get an Ariens through a big box store in my area - I would have to drive a very long way to get one from a dealer. How would you compare the Ariens Apex 52 inch to the Bad Boy ZT Elite 54? They are about the same price.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The ZT Elite is very comparable. They use some of the same engines, exact same hydros, and a very heavily built deck. There's a few things I still like more on the Ariens or Gravely. The front of the frame for one. The casters on the Bad Boy definitely look like their weak point. And I have customers with an Ariens or Gravely that are older than Bad Boy as a company. They just haven't been around long, but the ZT Elite is a very nice mower. Thanks for watching and the question.

[@jimdandy849]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 There are a few things that concern me on the Bad Boy. The deck's gauge is slightly thicker, which likely means more weight, but the deck hanger assembly looks weak - one side bolt attachment design, and the deck adjustment is a simple slot. Although I haven't read any complaints, with all the jolting the deck takes, I see a possibility of failure. The Ariens deck attachments are saddled in design and robust to say the least with no possibility for failure. The scalp wheels on the Bad Boy are the same one side bolt attachment design. It may be strong enough for the task it performs, but the possibility for failure is still higher. I like the rubber foot pad on the Bad Boy, and it may quiet things down a little, but.......... Around here, the Bad Boy comes with a Kohler and the Ariens comes with a Kawasaki. I think I've just talked myself into throwing in the towel and getting the Ariens from Lowes.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@jimdandy849 great assessment. Good to see guys doing their homework 👍

[@jimdandy849]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 The Apex arrived yesterday. It's a good looking and solid unit. Then I started it and engaged the deck - the shaking and vibration is substantial and the tension arm and spring gyrates wildly like a pulley is off center. Under those conditions, something will break soon. Now I have the pleasure of sorting out the problem and fixing a brand new mower. Made in the USA is supposed to be better.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@jimdandy849 Things happen man. That's why you buy from a servicing dealer.

[@jbmortensen]

Is it possible to mow at the transport deck height? I want to clip some taller weeds in a grazed pasture but leave 6-8” of the grass.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

You could, I suppose. It's not much higher than the highest height setting.

[@timjones3353]

Great vid - I love my Apex but REALLY struggling to find a good bagger pairing for 52" - any suggestions ?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Like you can't a dealer that has a bagger for it?

[@timjones3353]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 UK based - baggers here are crap

[@timjones3353]

They're not called baggers here, and those that are available require you to get off the mower. to release and have small volume. I'm looking for large volume, release from mower, bagger (collector in UK!) recommendations

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@timjones3353 OH! I didn't know that lol. I would say look for a pull-behind sweeper. I think AgriFab makes some.

[@timjones3353]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 Thanks - have an AgriFab sweeper - its ok...at best. Annoying there isn't a market for better. I can't believe I'm the only person who'd appreciate better!

[@kennyplay5982]

How much is the suspension front fork kit? And the seat kit? Thx

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The front fork kit is $400, and the suspension seat is $750. I know it's a few hundred more, but the seat is a much more noticeable upgrade if you're really looking for comfort.

[@paulwall1080]

Just found an ariens 46 inch on the side of the road , had a huge rats nest inside took out my multimeter changed out the coil and the ignition cost me under $100, I agree the deck on this is beefy as hell, some dudes trying to get in the store HIDE LOL..

[@PriceBrotherOutdoor]

How about the Apex versus a Hustler raptor XDX?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I think Ariens has it beat. Look at the front end of the frame and the deck. IMO that's where the Ariens is built better.

[@charleshall6676]

2022 came out with the x factor deck ,i noticed those mowers do not have that deck,please explain

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The X-Factor 3 decks will only be offered on Gravely models for right now. I'm not sure if they'll be available on Ariens models in the future.

[@TheCharillz23]

These are identical to the gravely. Aside from the hydros. And the seat

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Depends on the year, and the hydros are the same in both. The new Gravely has a little different deck now.

[@TheCharillz23]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 maybe the proturn is a bit different? My gravely does 12mph forward and 6 reverse

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@TheCharillz23 this video is about the HD and Apex. Those two have the same hydros and do 7-8 mph, and the HD has the X-Factor 3 deck now.

[@jadosa29]

What are your thoughts on the Ikon XD series? I really like the Apex/Gravely HD but I’m not sure it’s necessary for what I’m doing. I’m only cutting about an acre, not the smoothest acre by any stretch and there are some wet spots so it’s a fairly harsh acre to cut, but it’s only an acre nonetheless. Either machine would be a step up from my current unit which is an almost 20 year old Cub Cadet lawn tractor. I have 2 dealers relatively close, one has the Gravely HD, the other has the Ikon only. Good price on the Ikon though and it seems pretty well made from what I can tell.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The Ikon is a great mower for an acre. I'll actually have a video out tomorrow on the Ikon. I also have a ZTX video out already, which is Gravely's equivalent. But the HD or Apex would definitely be a little overkill for you.

[@jadosa29]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 thanks! I really enjoyed this video I’ll be sure to watch the Ikon one

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@jadosa29 Heck yeah! Thanks!

[@joeybydin439]

Isn't the gravely zenith a "commercial" mower?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

The Ariens Zenith is technically. It's the same thing as the Gravely Pro-Turn Z. If you're actually going to mow for a living, buy a Gravely 100 series or better.

[@joeybydin439]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 I just do it on the side currently, but I have a craftsman zero turn. Obviously it's not built to stand up to commercial use so I'm doing all me research BEFORE It dies on me. I really like the price point of the ariens though, and the apex seems pretty close to being commercial. I may just go that route and save a bit of money.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@joeybydin439 I would suggest buying an Apex or an HD. Save a few bucks, and if you get to the point of mowing full-time, buy more then.

[@joeybydin439]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 what exactly is the Hd?

[@joeybydin439]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 nvm I found it. What's closer to the commercial end between the apex 60 and the hd 60?

[@biggiesmalls3083]

Can you adjust the seat?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Absolutely. There's a lever on the side.

[@mattieice2988]

Nice shop, would buy from you hands down all day long! your welcome send check in the mail lol Appreciate your videos and hence why i bought the 52 from you all

[@Repomam2000]

What model seat did you install on the Apex 60?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Ariens makes a suspension seat you can get specifically for the Apex and HD. What's on the the one in the video is a suspension add-on for the factory seat. It's technically only available for the HD seat. You can mount it on the Apex if you get creative. It's a little cheaper than the entire replacement seat.

[@Repomam2000]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 do you sell the add-on?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@Repomam2000 any dealer can get them. I could send you the part number tomorrow if you want. They're about 400 I think.

[@Repomam2000]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 How does that compare to the K&M 6081?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@Repomam2000 It looks like the exact same thing. I just don't know about the bolt pattern 🤷‍♂️

[@tbar1047]

Do you have the Ariens Zenith in stock?

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

We don't carry the Zenith. It's not a great seller. It's the same exact mower as the Apex. You can add the suspension seat kit to the Apex and come out ahead. Nothing wrong with the Zenith though. It's just not a hot seller. Thanks for the watch and comments! 👍

[@tbar1047]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 ZENITH comes with a commercial engine Kawasaki FX730v.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@@tbar1047 Yep, but that would be the only real difference though. Most that are mowing commercially need more mower than that though. And for most acreage owners, they don't need that. It's kind of an in-between mower and I think that's the only reason they don't sell well here.

[@tbar1047]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 You're right I got the ZENITH because of the rops and the 3100 Hydro transmission.

[@herman5eight]

@@tbar1047 Zenith has the 3200 hydro's!

[@hogman2524]

good video,

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

Thank you!

[@Tzed250]

Could have bought the Apex at the box store, but I chose to spend $600 more and get the ZT HD 52 from my local servicing dealer. Also, Gravely offers 0%/48 financing which the box store doesn’t offer. Go Gravely!!!

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I hope you love it and thanks for the watch 👍

[@Azntrutek2012]

nah badboy cutting deck is 30% thicker as 7 gauge.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

And I've never seen anyone break an Ariens deck. They could all make them out of 2g steel, but it's unnecessary.

[@travisricks3436]

That roll bar on the Ariens is absolutely UGLY! lol 😂. I’m sure it’s a great machine though.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

I don't love that part either. The rest of it looks good to me, but that bar is useless.

[@travisricks3436]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971I had a new 2023 Gravely ZT HD 60 delivered yesterday. I love this thing!! I ordered a new trac seat suspension kit, heavy duty Donaldson canister air filter kit, Kawasaki filter minder for the canister air filter, Gravely rubber floor mat, and the Kawasaki oil drain flex tube for the engine. This machine steers smoother than any Hustler I’ve ever owned, and Hustler mowers have smooth steering!

[@kennyplay5982]

1-1/2" deck height lol

[@dperr338]

My John Deere garden tractor is 31 years old and still runs great. If it lasts I’d say it’s a worthy investment. But the new shit is questionable with all of these sealed transaxles. You can no longer buy a basic tractor or mower and service it yourself. At least not everything like you used too. Bunch of over engineered plastic turds.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

These have ZT-3100 hydros. They are completely serviceable.

[@mskiUSMC]

I want a video on KNOWN ISSUES.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

What information are you looking for exactly? There isn't exactly a list of "known issues" or they wouldn't sell any of these.

[@mskiUSMC]

@@rocketsoutdoorpower6971 any issues that are common to the model or make, I’m thinking about getting one for a small local mowing business and I want to make sure I’m getting a proper mower that’s not riddles with mechanical issues. I’ve only heard good things and I want to see the other side of the coin.

[@rocketsoutdoorpower6971]

@mskiUSMC nothing is riddled with issues anymore. The first year of this HD chassis, there was a service update on the spring for the hydro idler. That was a very small serial number range, though. The real issues are usually lack of maintenance. Just make sure you realize that this is not a commercial mower.