Toro Timecutter Max VS. Ariens IKON! I can't believe what $100 price difference get you!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

To find tools, shop equipment, mower parts and more, you can find them at my store. Click this link: www.amazon.com/shop/mechanicalmind I'll get a commission on the sale at no extra cost to you. It's a great way to help the channel and get the items you need.

[@MarkLindle]

Being 65 years old and with a bad disk in my back, I wanted to continue my yard mowing service. It was I have got to do something. The toro my ride 54 enabled me to continue. I think I can go another ten years.

[@markmark8174]

Opening the garage and seeing a black toro is an enjoyable experience.

[@nestorsales6996]

Great video, lots of good information for deciding which mower to buy. Please also include videos with attached baggers and using the zero turn to pull a small trailer, as well. Thank you.

[@Bob_Adkins]

In this video, he did a better job of helping prospective customers than Toro, Ariens, and the big box stores put together.

[@georgiafatboymowingandtrac7293]

I have the Toro Timecutter 54” with MyRide. I want to upgrade to the Timecutter Max MyRide. My back will not take riding with anything else. Great video!!!

[@brentsmock1044]

Purchased the 2022 Ikon XD 52” deck new in 2022 and starting my 3rd season. We have a 7 acre horse farm and this Ariens is a great mower. I service it myself and have had no issues. It is a pleasure to ride and cuts beautifully. I change the oil and filter as well as blow out the air filter and lube all areas every October at the end of the mowing season. I have 50 mature trees and it makes quick work mulching all the leaves. It is one tough mower. Thanks for your great reviews!

[@maxsands3861]

That's great to hear, I just bought a new one yesterday.

[@brentsmock1044]

@@maxsands3861 Enjoy Max!👍

[@DarikLayman]

I’m liking those Arians more and more.. I’m looking at an Apex 52… ZT3100 hydros and second or maybe third fastest blade speed in the class and fastest ground apeed..JD Z545 edges it out, but thats quite a price increase…

[@russellderonda1489]

I have a 50" Toro with Myride that is about 5 years old. I bought it mainly for the Myride because of my back pain. My yard is about 3/4 of an acre, and as I live in Florida I have to mow 1 to 2 times a week. Plus, as I have 8 large oak trees so I use it to pull my leaf bagger. Never had any problems with it, just oil and filter changes and new blades, I love it.

[@DannyRomeroMedia]

Just got the Time Cutter MAX, thanks for the video!

[@waltervillanueva2079]

How is it and which max did you get?

[@r-shot8431]

Love my Ariens Ikon... cut 1.5 acre weekly and its been a wonderful experience. The LED lights, and the seat arm rest makes a huge difference. I don't need more than a 4gal tank. Ikon has been great for me.

[@Neil-n7d]

I just purchased a toro with my ride, highly recommend, especially if you have a bumpy yard like I have. Also mine has arm rests.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Love the Ariens, but going with the Toro mainly for 1 reason: Everyone who rides the models with the "MyRide" suspension loves it, and I really need it. The huge tank and 10ga deck helped my decision too.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I'm really liking the new Timecutter Max models

[@dobe1124]

I agree. This guy brushed off the MyRide saying he "didn't care for it"...yet gets excited about control arms and usb ports? Anyone who rides a MyRide loves it....If you have a less than smooth lawn you will love the suspension ride!

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@dobe1124 Totally right! With my old Hustler 60", I had to back off a bit or it would beat me up. I can run my 54" with MyRide flat out with no worries of being launched off the seat. The control sticks are skinny, but I gave them a big pull, and saw no flex. Just don't hoist the mower up by the sticks and they will last forever. BTW, the sticks are attached to large, heavy steel castings. They ain't going nowhere.

[@rockyramirez1714]

I have the same Ariens Ikon you reviewed in 60", serial number under 30000. I absolutely love it for my 2.5 acre property....operates like a dream! My only issue is belt and blade availability in my local area.

[@mhess427]

My local Lowe’s store has the Ariens ikon 52 on sale for $3750. I haven’t been able to find a ZTR that ticks all the boxes better than this one. Cub cadet ZT2 comes close but it’s $1000 more.

[@byronpettaway8704]

I would like a breakdown of the Airens Onyx 52. What is the best residential lawnmower that has headlights?

[@bigsonslawncare]

You will definitely appreciate them armrest when you past a certain AGE!💯🤣

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I'm definitely there!

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@Mechanical_Mind I feel you 😂👍🏾

[@robertgerardi5236]

I have the armrest. Dont like it. If your lawn is smooth as glass maybe. They will chaffe you.

[@Mixwell1983]

Had a toro time cutter max my ride that's basically new that was a return. It was inspected and marked way down to $2300. I work at Lowes so i also got to use my employee discount. Anytime a riding or zero turn gets returned or marked down theu get snatched up quick. Glad I got mine, delivery is in a few days Mine is $4699 brand new at the moment. This will replace my Husqvarna yth2246 riding mower

[@cliffolson6293]

Look into the icon 60 inch. It has a dial that burns out after you turn the motor off. I have one that only has one hour on it and Aaron can’t figure out why the Dio burn out. It’s right below the clutch button for the lawnmower. see if he can check into that.

[@brentyancich]

Great job. Thanks for making this content

[@bignicnrg3856]

Keep up the awesome content!!!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Thanks you. I appreciate it

[@FarmerGuy-1]

Hydro Gear lists the 2800 serviceable, with external filter. Does not seem like a hard decision which one to go with. It’s the little things people overlook when buy on price alone.

[@stephanwolf5075]

Did you notice that it doesn't have an external hydro expansion/fill tank? Not sure how to fill the fluid or check the fluid level without that.

[@garyrhew5901]

I have the Timecutter Max. I heard you talk about the control arms being flimsy, and near the end of the video you said that that issue could be fixed? What would you recommend for that? Thank you for the video. Very well done.

[@ariea.devalois1564]

I've been stepping on a stamped little John Deere LA 165 deck for 15 years. As long as whatever deck is on the ground, it really not going to matter as far as stepping on and off. If you lower the Ikon deck all the way, it's going to be fine.

[@jimjam1719]

mechanical mind- question- have you thought about doing videos with stand on mowers? i know you mentioned in the comments you mostly do the residential type of mowers for us homeowners and for more views, but the stand on's are peaking my interest a lot being with bad back issues, even though they are commercial and pricey, the new bradley and used big name models are fairly priced around 3-7k range,,, pending. they look to be a blast to use. thanks.

[@smackattack6198]

I'm going with the Toro. There's something to be said bout more support in the seat and a larger tank. 5 gallons on that engine and I can clear my entire property on one tank without stopping. All I need to do is add some wiring protection and be careful with the control arms.

[@keltecfan]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I've been doing some comparisons in regards to these non-commercial zero turns available at Lowes & others. I've watched a few other videos here on KZbin. If you go to Lowes website & read the reviews, the overwhelming consensus of the negative reviews of the Ariens Ikon, etc, are regarding it throwing/shredding belts with very low hours. Other reviews are for a no start on brand new mowers. Do you have any personal experience or have you experienced any of these problems with the Ariens mowers?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Yes, but I've seen that happen with every brand mowers. It's not that every mower on every brand has that issue. It's more that there is a defect in assembly on the units that should be able to be resolved under warranty. You're definitely gonna hear about bad situations on the reviews vs. good. But I don't personally know that the IKONs have any unique problem with that.

[@costenc]

Have a Ariens Ikon 52. Drive belt shredded after 100 hours because the idler pulley is 1/2” higher than the rest of the pulleys (stupid design). And I’m changing the deck belt for the 3rd time. It just falls off all the time. Get the Toro.

[@RandyCessna-dh1us]

One question...when you operate a zero turn don't you have to keep both hands on lap bars? So when are you gonna rest those arms?

[@daniellang6112]

Ariens is a great machine,limited dealers. You can remedy Toro shortcomings though. Their wiring in general does need some tidying up for sure. Love my 2022 Timecutter, but buying the new 2024 50 inch Max. It is what it should have been all along!

[@Certain_Chocolate778]

Nice video. What are your thoughts on spending $1000 more on something like a liberty z? I was checking them out the other day and the warranty was 5 years or 750 hrs.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

While doing comparison research and for my next 2024 zero turn shootout video, the Scag Liberty Z is what I plan to purchase for myself this spring. Scag no doubt is one of the highest quality built mowers.

[@Justthemow]

Only get a Scag if you really really like sharpening blades if they are even a little dull you will live mowhawks all the way down the lane. Exmark’s can cut perfect with a blunt edge

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@Justthemow blades are a wear item. Blades come in different brands and styles. Choosing a mower based on what blades is has is like choosing what car to buy based on the tires that come on them from the factory.

[@two_legit1832]

​@@Mechanical_MindThis may be true in most cases. But not with the Ariens and gravely ztx mowers with serial numbers that begin with 918. Those have proprietary blades that you can only get from Ariens bc they have a 10 year patent on that blade design.

[@Relentlesstoad56]

I'm looking to buy Ariens 52 inch deck

[@stevecrossland3681]

Toro TimeCutter Max sounds like a good machine other than the fact that it needs serviceable transmissions. ZT3100 minimum. Oh reading below the ZT2800's are serviceable that's good and in my opinion very important.

[@Justthemow]

I have Exmark’s with over 2k hours on the original oil in the transmission u don’t need a serviceable transmission Toyotas don’t come with a serviceable transmission and they are one of the most popular cars on the road

[@leechburglights]

@@Justthemow Toyota's do have serviceable transmissions. It's just not as easy to do as it was 20 years ago.

[@timraber6575]

I have been using the Areins icon x 42 inch. I swapped my Briggs engine mower for one with the Kaw. Engine. I mow smaller yards so I dont need that larger mowers.

[@Buldgr]

I have a toro z master 4000 that has been absolutely bomb proof.

[@fredhinck9685]

Unless your knuckles drag on the ground when you're walking, you won't be using armrests while mowing. Have had my Toro Titan 60 inch with MyRide for four years. Took all of fifteen seconds on the dealer lot to sell me on the MyRide. Yup ,the control arms are a tad weak. Cuts around four acres in quick time.

[@johnadair6108]

How about towing capacity on these guys?

[@christophe_george]

I bought a 50” Timecutter Max (77501) with the Kawasaki 23HP V-twin and no MyRIDE for $3,900. That’s 20 percent less than the 60” and maybe two more passes on my less than an acre lot, the lot is relatively level so a suspension is unnecessary. I love the removable floor pan for easy access to clean the deck with a blower. I think armrests just get in the way on a ZT. Headlights meh, I never mow after dark. The control arms and handles on the Ariens look better but for $900 I’ll buy a bag of zipties and secure that sloppy cabling on the Toro.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

All good points. But I hate when a zero turn doesnt have arm rest. I drive zero turns with just one hand most of the time. I don't need lights either but I can see where some people would.

[@LS-gv7pn]

2019 Toro Timecutter HD60 w/Myride 140 hrs No problems , has 24.5 hp Toro engine, the Myride is a must.

[@TrentCantrell]

How does that engine handle the 60" cut? I went with something with higher HP because I cut commercially but it adds to weight and fuel consumption.

[@LS-gv7pn]

@@TrentCantrell cuts well , I do 2 acres in an hour and 40 minutes

[@jklbubbublkj7939]

@Ls-gv7pn change your hydro fluid. extremely important to do. 2 filters part 109-3321, and a gallon of hyper oil.

[@LS-gv7pn]

Hydro fluid was changed in May of this year. Thx.

[@bizboomer]

If the insane higher prices are not enough, I just don't understand why anyone would buy this level of equipment from any box store. Your local dealer is so much better positioned to support your investment, short and long term. At least ask your box store for a tour of their parts and service department, after discussing the machine with their in house expert. Right?

[@scottreopelle7791]

Is that EZT200 Hydro-gear tran serviceable? Can you drain the oil of do you have to completely remove it to change fluid?

[@LamontCranston1]

How would you rank the Ariens Ikon vs the Bad Boy Magnum?

[@AnticipatedHedgehog]

Toro doing Toro things... still optional hour meters. I know pricing is competitive, but for long term maintenance and resale value just install an hour meter.

[@TAndrew368]

This is a great video. Good comparison choices. I did not know that Ariens had a comparable mower. But soft ride is important for us. Being older and having some back problems, ride makes a big difference. So is my ride good or not? What mower is better? How much do you have to pay to get a significantly better ride??

[@philliplukas9447]

Even before discount the ariens 52 is the same price as the base 54 Toro and it beats it in every way except that 2 inches of deck width

[@stanwilliams1642]

I have a time cutter 5000 .used hard for the past 10 years. When it dies I will get another one...

[@garysgarage3669]

I'm not a big Ariens fan, even thou they are made just a 100 mile from me. I've seen some really stupid things coming from Ariens. Like the pulleys being out of alignment by several inches, causing belts not to last long. I've seen their snowblower, where snow melts from the engine and drips directly on the belts causing the belts to slip.

[@briantodd2376]

Well if I was willing to give up the armrest the neatness of the wires and better control arms. Then I would go with the 4000 dollar mower with the 54 in cut.

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

I’m looking at getting a Toro TimeCutter with MyRide and a Kohler engine. Why do I hear some people knocking the Kohler engine? I’m sure Kawasaki is great too, but to hear some people talking they act like Kawasaki is gold and Kohler is a tin can.

[@Kratosandoneeye]

I’m getting my toro my ride tomorrow

[@ctn830]

cant decide between Ikon 42" or 52" for my 1 acre property. And that 11g deck is not appealing

[@jp-us9rq]

do u think these are really worth the price

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I do. I think all the mowers I showed are at a fair price. (considering 2024 economy) I personally have my eye on a Scag Liberty Z that will be around $5500

[@jp-us9rq]

scags are nice@@Mechanical_Mind

[@philliplukas9447]

That Toro max has front tire wear already from rubbing on the spindles

[@63GBPackerfan]

Now compare the Ariens to a Husqvarna Z254F. I just purchased one for $3,699.

[@jaycounts4717]

The synchronized wheel steering on the Cab Cadet Ultima makes these two models obsolete.

[@brackmanssteppingstonerock9909]

front tires are not 11 inches wide. They are 11 inches tall. Also Toro uses hardened steel for their deck tops and fronts. Equal thickness as other brands but much stronger and less likely to bend. Toro drive arms are adjustable.

[@nicholasdixon8383]

The zt 2800s are all that should matter.

[@bluearcherx]

2800 trans that is serviceable is worth so much more than $100

[@jasonmackay3453]

Toro is made by Exmark ariens made by Gravley I try to buy from a local shop that will treat you good and answer any questions you have I also thought I heard ariens has a serviceable 2200 hydrogear does Toro have that as well that will probably play the biggest factor into my next purchase zero turn isn't anything if you have a hydro down

[@stephanwolf5075]

I didn't notice a hydro external tank on either of them. If they are serviceable, I'm wondering how you would top off the fluid or measure the level.

[@Mason-RRC]

@jasonmackay34 actually, Exmark is made by Toro.

[@maxncathy44]

Thanks.

[@Luis.AGarriga]

i have both n i can tell u that the toro is better toro max all day

[@DarikLayman]

Why do you say that? What is better? Thanks

[@hksloan1]

Super great but the Arien is on sale

[@SavedByGrace59]

Also the Ariens is made in the USA!

[@Mechanical_Mind]

So is Toro. All the brands use some parts made in other countries. There isn't a brand of anything out there that doesn't.

[@jtraveny]

did you ever look at the cub cadet ultima zts zero turn or even the bigger ztxs mowers with the steering wheel?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Not yet for this year. For my video on the the $3k - $4k price range, Cub Cadet cane out on top for 2023

[@jtraveny]

@@Mechanical_Mind been thinking of getting the ultima ztsx4 either 48 or 54 inch deck but they are like 7499 to 7599 or something. I can only find those at a dealer, i do have a pretty big yard that is uneven and some hills, so its probably worth the price and upgrade from my john deere d140 from 2014/2015

[@Mechanical_Mind]

@@jtraveny I actually recommend buying from a dealer. I make videos showing the models sold at Lowes and Home Depot because those get more views

[@jtraveny]

@@Mechanical_Mind already planned on that. I just am having a hard time deciding on either getting the higher end model or just getting the residential steering wheel zero turn model, im pretty sure im gonna get the ztxs4 for that 7599 price just to have a long lasting mower with a 5 year warrenty.

[@oldkicker8958]

I just finished working on a Simplicity Citation a bought from a customer, it’s 17 years old and it’s fast and built like a tank but it was just a fun project. This things been sitting with all the left side hydraulics in bags but only 114 hours on it. Thing moves along at 10mph with a pump and wheel motor combination and a Vanguard with metal engine cover. Hands down better then the mowers in this video, of course it’s really a Ferris mower. I mow with JDs only btw just take care of them and they take care of me. Enjoy your videos, please keep them coming. Thx!

[@jtraveny]

doesn't ariens look similar to a gravely?

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Ariens bought out Gravley. They are like Chevy & GMC. Just cosmetic differences. Everything else is the same

[@bradhendrickson7067]

The Max has EZT2200

[@jimeckenrode1271]

A 2024 Ariens Ikon list price is $3999. your price is way off.

[@Mechanical_Mind]

Yes for a 52" deck model. I was comparing the 60" deck..... you can clearly see the price label in the video as well as the deck size.

[@jefffranks92]

I don’t know about zero turns but the toro lawn mowers are trash. I’ve had 2 and I will never have another one. I own a ariens ikon XD 52 now and it’s a phenomenal mower for 3300 bucks. The only reason I will ever stray from ariens is if spend a few grand more and get a Ferris with the independent suspension system for the smoother ride and cut.

[@darrellchitwood9167]

My Ariens is a few years old and looks heavier built and has a 5 gal. Tank.

[@andrewtitus9399]

The ariens control arms are junk. I just took mine back to Lowe’s because they broke they stripped out. three hours on the machine.

[@howardrobinson8578]

Larger transmission and good engine on the 77601 Toro is always better.

[@therrienmichael08]

Areins

[@patekMR]

Same

[@rickc303]

I can't get past the cheap and flimsy throttle control on all Toro zero turns

[@Mechanical_Mind]

I agree. There would be several inexpensive ways to greatly improve that

[@michaeltobin905]

They got cheap. I have the 7505 with my ride and it is great but 4 years old and does not look cheap

[@mcaguns]

You will never have issues with the toro control arms and I guess who ever unboxed his max lost a few things cause my toro max has covers for the fuses