HOLY CRAP!!! Ariens Mower Update!

HUGE development on the Ariens Ikon zero turn mower. AriendCo saw the video NO ONE TOLD ME BEFOREHAND-I'M PISSED and reached out to me.
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KEYWORDS: update, ariens, ikon, 42 inch, blades, big south outdoors tv, gravely, zero turn, mower, mow, mowing, lawn, lawn care, grass, lawnmower, lawnmowing, pro turn, 452, property, residential, mad

[@tbar1047]

In my personal experience as a zero-turn mower user, the Ariens Zenith has proven to be a reliable and efficient choice. While I may not possess extensive knowledge about zero-turn mowers, I can confidently assert that this particular model has made the task of mowing grass an enjoyable experience 🌻☘️🍁

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

I'm so glad you're having positive results with your choice.

[@baara100]

Thank you for the coment the video scared me as i ordered a zenith this week lol.

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

It's amazing they wanted to talk to you so you definitely got their attention initially. Just have to wait and see if anything comes of it. How long that will be is anybody's guess. Thumbs up on providing this update.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I couldn't cover every detail of the call due to the constraints of time but they definitely listened. One thing I told them that would help them avoid this in the future is to build a FULL COMMERCIAL zero turn mower that is a 42" cut. They seemed to like that idea. If at all, time will tell if they make the changes I told them were most important for the "end user" whether pro or home owner.

[@tonynelson1049]

I am a small landscaper in the Fayetteville Spring Lake area I just run across your vido on the areins,I just bought an Aries apex 52” deck the season is just about to be over but I mowed a little with the Ariens the only problem I have seen with the mower is the suspension for the last 3 years I have been using a toro time cutter with the my ride suspension and it is great but it is a 42” deck and I needed something bigger so I will use the toro for the back yards but I love your videos keep up the good work

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Hey Tony! Thanks for watching and welcome to the Big South family.. You're practically in my back door. I'm 22 miles east of Ft. Bragg. I had a craftsman z6400 and t be honest, I liked it far better than this Ikon. This Ikon has about 130 hours on it and it's beginning to fall apart. The engine, transmissions and deck are all good. The front hub bearings are full of grease and are shot. I've run gravely mowers for 15 years and wouldn't have anything else. I will NEVER buy another mower with the Ariens name on it.

[@charlesbeall2589]

Really informative video. I just bought a new ZT-HD a couple weeks ago. First zero turn. Still getting used to it. Deciding if a Mulch Kit is in my future or not! Liked and subscribed.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching and for subbing. I would look into a chute blocker rather than a mulch kit. I have never had one myself but from the research I've done, I'm SERIOUSLY considering "The Green Guard chute blocker". I've talked with the inventor, Jeremiah. He gave me all the info. When I get ready to move from what I have now, that's the way I'll be going.

[@djbsmb6012]

I bought a Ariens Icon X 52” when they first came out I mow 2 acres have 300 hours on mine haven’t touched anything on it not even a belt just yearly oil change and air filter change. I work on small engines when I bought mine I was impressed how it was made for the price!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! If your mower pre-dates 2022, then we are not talking about the same thing. This TURD is an ENVY and was completely re-engineered and re-designed in 2023 prior to my purchase. It is now made of MUCH cheaper components, softer steel and has more foreign made parts than the pre-2022 models. This exact machine is literally a piece of crap 💩. I'm glad you're having success with the model you have.

[@Robert-j9k5i]

Can't buy a cheap residential mower and expect it to be used commercially and handle it. Lol😂Not built to trailer around. But then again I would buy one of them orange ones, I like my other orange ones

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@Robert-j9k5i REALLY? Not to be a smart Alec buuuut.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoGmkqR5h8ySrKs

[@henryavery8374]

I have a Craftsman Zero with the same S pattern spindles. Only blades from craftsman were high output. Too much blowout for me. But I found cub cadet blades that would fit these same spindles. That's where I buy mine now at TSC

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! I had a Craftsman z6400 zero turn. I never thought I'd say it but I miss that machine.

[@teter129]

My 2020 Ariens IKON52 w/ Kawi motor and it has been absolutely bullet proof for me. I cut about 1.5 acre of lawn with Gator mulching blades. It grunts a little bit upon initial PTO engagement, but the blades are way more heavy duty than the OEM ones that initially came on the ZT.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. As I've told several others, count yourself fortunate you didn't buy an Ikon Envy. They are junk.

[@DarkendSun]

Most the parts on my Ariens, are husqvarna parts.. it even tells me that on my Ariens mower, but if you lift the seat you'll see Husqvarna part numbers for the mower..

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! I looked under the seat of my Ikon. It doesn't say anything about Husqvarna. I wish it had Husqvarna parts. It might have held up better.

[@DarkendSun]

Okay mine is a riding mower yours must be a zero turn

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@DarkendSun It is. It's an Ariens Ikon Envy 42" cut. I call it the "ORANGE TURD".

[@DarkendSun]

Lol...gotcha

[@josephhettiger2711]

I have a Husqvarna 600c commercial Walk behind that was built by Ariens. Also a Gravely pro 21 and both are rock solid.

[@SaltyBbqPiggy]

Thanks for the video. I was looking at them this morning. I think I’m going with toro. Dunno.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@SaltyBbqPiggy thanks for watching. How much do you mow and how often?

[@SaltyBbqPiggy]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV 2.6 acres every week. I was looking at the TC max myride 54”. Thanks for taking your time.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@SaltyDomeRat check into a Gravely pro turn z 52". It's an entry-level commercial machine. They are very good machines. Not trying to sway you, I'm just not familiar with Toro.

[@SaltyBbqPiggy]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV I appreciate the advice. Happy mowing.

[@jRieg]

And I thought my neighbor complained alot. 😂😂😂

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

This is not complaining. This is what is called "calling out a company" for their poor engineering. But, thanks for watching.

[@donaldhess6129]

I have a graverly made by company it had a hydro fan problem were they were always kicking the drive belt off all the time it only had 200 hours on it I cut the plastic blades back about 1/4 inch an the problem is gone now have 560 hours on it

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I'm on my third Gravely, and thankfully, I've never had that issue. I hope cutting the cooling fins doesn't cause your transmissions to overheat. Best of success to you.

[@kennethcastaldo7239]

I have the icon x52 and very dissatisfied on how long the spindles last only about three years and each spindle to replace is right at around $300 a piece. And wish they had put bigger tires on it for a 52. Coming in at only 18 in.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thank you for watching. I'm starting to hear this same story from multiple people. Have you seen the precursor video to this one? If not, check it out. It's called "NO ONE TOLD ME BEFIREHAND-I'M PISSED. That's the video that led to them reaching out to me. After the call, at their request, I created a video for Ariens detailing the areas of concern I have. If you haven't as of yet, please subscribe and join the Big South family. Thanks for your comment.

[@doylemarkham1010]

This is great. I live in Moore County NC. Would like to know where you are in NC

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

I am 22 miles east of Ft. Bragg.

[@buckshots4800]

Which Gravely model would you recommend for residential use. I cut my lawn and two of my neighbor's lawn. I mow a retired couples lawn for free to help them out and another neighbor's lawn who is gone for months at a time overseas. I was considering a smaller Gravely ZT 34" Kawasaki Zero Turn 915288. I have an Ariens riding tractor 46" cut I bought in 2012. It is still running okay but I feel it may be down to its last year or so of dependable use and want to get something a little faster with quick turn around. I use to cut our church 4 acres with a Gravely 60 inch cut. It was a solid machine for sure.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

If you're looking for durability, cut quality and low maintenance, I would look at the Gravely ProTurn zx. It's one level up front entry level commercial and has a better warranty.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

👍👍👍

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching.

[@2gofaster]

If you can find a dealer who demos their equipment, do it. Personally, I'd find a dealer who offers a King Cobra. It's a sweet spot in the commercial series but not where you must trade in your arm, leg, nut or your first child. Gravely is OK and does the job, I do not/will not dispute that argument. I just want you to have peace in your life without the stress. The phone call as you said was productive and if they do take your mower back and you get a newer model with same or different issues..... then what??? Bro, cut your losses and remove the headache. That's my 2 cents in Chinese money. ✌️✌️

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. With all due respect, Gravely is more than "OK". In my 24, almost 25 years in business, I've operated just about every brand zero turn on the market with a couple of exceptions and NONE of them even come close to the overall performance of a Gravely. Ariens, I'm not impressed with but Gravely, speaking from experience is unmatched. I found a new dealer and they are phenomenal.

[@JohnPhillips-kd4vj]

Bought my 52" Ikon 4 years ago.. almost 200 hrs.....Flawless...still same belt. Maintain it and it will last..

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. MAINTAIN IT?? It was BRAND NEW when things started going downhill. There was nothing to "maintain". The first problem reared its ugly head at ONLY 5 hours. I bought this machine to use an hour or so a day and to replace the Craftsman z6400 I had been using for 4 years. Not to use an hour a week. I'm glad you've gotten good service from your machine, but this one has been everything but stellar. WORST part is, I've had to spend more money to FIX a machine that should've lasted far longer than the Craftsman I had. It was 18 years old when I sold it and it was still going strong. This one has been out of service for over 2 months while I repair it, so I can use it.

[@edwardrmayojr872]

Wished I found these videos earlier. Just bought 2023 Ikon 52. My grass is St. Augustine gets grass clippings all over me and the deck. Also mow 83yr old neighbors Bahia grass. Get sandblasted cutting his. Mower has 5hrs. Bought from Lowe’s. Like you not happy with way discharge system works.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Take it back and trade it for a gravely NOW. My Ariens broke today(Friday) beyond use. It's going to take major structural repair to get it going again. Unlike a gravely, this Ariens is a literal piece of junk. I'll be doing a video on it tomorrow. Be looking for it and if you haven't, I'd appreciate it if you would subscribe to the channel.

[@edwardrmayojr872]

Did subscribe. Keep making updates. Curious to see if Ariel’s does anything to address your problems

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@edwardrmayojr872 will do and thanks for the sub.

[@michaeld9343]

What is with this machine and the amount of dust/debris it throws all over the operator? I can barely tolerate it covered in a mask and googles. Has anyone tried different blades without as much lift? When using the bagger, it just pushes the leaves out from the front of the deck? Did Ariens actually test the machine before putting to market?

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@michaeld9343 thanks for watching. To answer your questions...lower lift blades don't help. If fact, they hurt the cut quality. The lower lift blades don't lift the grass blades and leaves stragglers. Did Ariens field test this machine? It's oh so apparent they didn't. If they had, they would've noticed these issues.

[@jamesburgess3628]

The only solution is to use the Aerisn mower as a paper weight.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@jamesburgess3628 Thanks for watching. If it weren't for the engine, transmissions and deck, you'd be right. 🤣

[@doghousedan1]

So what happened, I worked at Ariens for.the last.6 years I've since retired , because the Management was terrible ! Did they satisfy You ?

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. NOOOOO!!! They haven't done a DANG thing. I'm about to start filming an extended Ariens parts replacement and repair video on the orange turd.

[@doghousedan1]

@BigSouthOutdoorsTV doesn't Supprise one bit . The current management is about production numbers, not quality.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@doghousedan1 I was almost as pissed at the dealer as I was with Ariensco. When you've been trading with a dealer for 22 years, you kind of expect them to help you in a desperate situation. I had to make a QUICK decision due to the fact that my craftsman z6400 went down. I THOUGHT they would give me the information I needed in my current situation to help me make the best decision I could for my business. That is NOT what happened. I went in, told them I was looking for and this mower was what they recommended. Hind sight is 20/20. It appears all they cared about was making a $5,000.00 sale. THAT is why I changed dealers.

[@outlet6989]

I recommend that you and Ariens work together to fix the problems and that you replace your helper.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching, but that's not gonna happen. With all due respect, you have no clue what you're talking about. My helper is my son, who I TRAINED. I can ASSURE YOU, he is NOT responsible for the damage done to this machine. Ariens is NEVER going to take any responsibility for it either. It's built out of soft steel, from top to bottom, and has NOTHING to do with the operator. I can say that with ASSURITY because I am the one that uses is primarily. Good day to you sir.

[@josephhettiger2711]

Ariens owns stens

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@josephhettiger2711 Thanks for watching. I didn't know that. That explains a lot. Thanks for letting me know.

[@Soloaddi]

Just bought the ariens apex I hope it’s better than yours 😂 $5,900

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I pray it is. Watch the video below and see if there are any similarities. kzbin.info/www/bejne/paOQgquGermWoMk

[@donaldboley771]

If they give you your money back go buy a bad boy..

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. With all due respect, I've ran Bad Boy mowers in the past and I must say I didn't like them. I am looking at another Gravely. Been running them for 15 years and they are tough as nails, cut beautifully and are very low maintenance.

[@nebf4253]

​@BigSouthOutdoorsTV I thought aliens made gravely...in other words...they are nearly identical.

[@dgkleckner1215]

my dad bought an ariens akɔn 52 inch,was rated the best then,now 3 years later,its the biggest piece of shit lawnmower, every year have to take it in for one reason reason or another, I would never ever buy another another

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Check out my other videos on this machine and tell me if you've had similar problems.

[@blipsmann1985]

I bought an Ikonx 52 not from a box store who put them together wrong at times but from a dealer. It’s the best mower I’ve ever had. I guess when dealing with mechanical there is always a chance for bad things to happen !! Good luck dude. Hope it gets worked out.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@blipsmann1985 thanks for watching. You can get good and bad in anything. You got the good and I got the bad. Mine is now almost undriveable. I'm little by little buying parts to rebuild it so I can use it. The 2023 Ikon Envy is a piece of JUNK. I'll be doing an extensive video on the repairs. I hope you'll subscribe and stick around or that video.

[@nicn2446]

49 bucks on Amazon 🙄

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Have no idea what you mean. Thanks for watching.

[@nicn2446]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV The blades are on Amazon for 49 dollars

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@nicn2446 not the blades for this model, 918. They are for a ZT ZOOM 42" cut. The blades on this machine are slightly shorter in length, and on the amazon blades, the center hole is .63" where the center hole is .59 or 5/8". .63 is larger, which would create a wobble under load. Even though the blades on this machine are different, they are still considered a 42" cut. Here is a link to what I'm thinking you're referring to. Sorry, they won't work. Ariens 3PK Genuine OEM Gravely 04265400 42" Zero Turn ZT42 Zoom Mower Blades a.co/d/1mw04Qm

[@Fundaykidzz]

Great video be careful recording calls per state regs ….

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Obviously you didn't WATCH the video or you would have seen that I did NOT record the call.

[@Fundaykidzz]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV yes I did and forgive me… great video love your videos I meant that as a comment for others .,, I had the same issue with cub cadet … I couldn’t record the phone call

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@Fundaykidzz no worries, my friend. I did record the call, but for privacy reasons, I didn't upload the entire conversation. I did take notes and gave the highlights on the video. If you haven't yet, I hope you won't let a misunderstanding prevent you from hitting the subscribing and joining the big south family.

[@Fundaykidzz]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV I watched the whole thing I like your “ keeping it realness “ in your vids .. especially how to change blades using the trailer ramp

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@Fundaykidzz thanks! With me, what you see is what you get. 😁