What ELSE Is Going To HAPPEN?!! This Is Getting Ridiculous.

With ONLY 144 work hours, this Ariens Ikon zero-turn mower is literally FALLING APART! Watch as I explain the problems that have arisen in ONLY 6 MONTHS!
Remember to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and CLICK THE BELL ICON to be notified of new content on our channel! SHARE our videos on your social media too.
E-mail: [e-mail]
▶️ Ariens Ikon Video Series (Part 1):
• No One Told Me BEFOREH...
▶️ Ariens Ikon Video Series (Part 2):
• It Is Getting Worse! I...
📞 Ariens phone call:
• HOLY CRAP!!! Ariens Mo...
@AriensChannel ▶️
☎️ Ariensco Phone Number: 1-920-756-2141
**Live BIG! Live SOUTHERN! Live OUTDOORS!**
-- FOLLOW US ON FB --
/ bigsouthoutdoors
-- FOLLOW US ON IG --
@BigSouthOutdoorsTV
#ariens #mower #ikon
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, ariensco, pissed off

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

When I bought my 12 acres, I knew up front that I wanted a quality, dependable, easily maintainable mower. I did a lot of research and based on my budget at the time and reviews that I could find on different brands, I went with a John Deere Zero-turn 62" deck mower. I've been using it 12 years now and it is still going strong with no problems. Not only do I mow with it but pull a trailer around the property for cleanup and general yard maintenance (tree trimming, mulching, etc.). I am so sorry that you are having so many problems with your Ariens. Bad design and manufacturer defects should not be tolerated. I'm behind you on this.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching and for your support.

[@michaeld9343]

Did you ask Ariens why this machine throws so much grass, dirt and debris at the operator? It pushes leaves away from the deck instead of bringing them in. The bagging system doesn’t work bc it just creates a huge wind vortex sending leaves all of the place instead of into the deck and in the bag. I’ve adjusted the pitch of the deck and checked that the blades were installed properly.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@michaeld9343 thanks for watching. I did. They just said that it was designed for a bagger that wouldn't need a turbo fan. I told them that all riding tractors have bagging capabilities and NONE OF THEM throw debris like this one. I agree that it is poor design that causes it, not the bagging design.

[@hermanmunster714]

I have 58 hours on my JD Z turn, and agpro tech told me, oh your throttle cable is frayed need to replace it $133. Then, said need new blades after only 58 hours cause he couldnt balance them after only one previous sharpening. JD Z turns are junk, just my opinion.

[@vstatealum]

I have an 07 737 JD and I’ve had only two trips to shop in almost twenty years. First trip for the clutch and another for the carb to be cleaned after getting bad gas that caused problems in my Honda ATV and my JD 425. I’m looking at getting a new ZTR to replace my 425 and I really didn’t want to pay for the JD name.

[@John87219]

They should take that machine back and give you a brand new one, but a different model. Crazy how many problems they have!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Although I agree with you, fact is, I'm no one to them. I've got more content featuring this machine coming and you're not going to believe what I'm going to be talking about.

[@tubingpro]

Nate said... 🤣

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Nate says a LOT about this POS. Most of which is laying on the editing room floor.

[@WhoDaBoss-dc4or]

I have an Ariens Ikon 52 with 115 hours on it and I absolutely LOVE it. It's the best money $3400 that I ever spent. I'm shocked that you've had the problems you've had. Your videos are famous in the zero turn community because of the horrible problems you've had and because no one else is having them. Seriously, yours is the ONLY negative review I've ever come across. I'm very hard on my mower but I've never had a mechanical breakdown of any kind. I accidentally stood my Ikon on the heat shield once. I thought it was going to flip over backwards on top of me ! Somehow it pivoted 90 degrees left though and slammed down on a chunk of concrete about eighteen inches in diameter , whit the blades running ! I was despondent. I thought I'd killed it ! The ball of concrete had struck the center spindle perfectly, squarely. The center blade was bent so severely that both ends were against the bottom of the deck. To my amazement though, there was no other damage ! ... not even to the spindle ! The deck was not bent either. I wish you nothing but the best sir and if I might make a recommendation, I think you should take a long look at Bad Boy. They are some of the heaviest built , strongest mowers in the industry. Good luck sir

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I don't know that I'm famous or not, but if you only found my video to be negative, with all due respect, you didn't look hard enough. One VERY IMPORTANT POINT you missed. NOT ALL Ariens mowers are faulty, just these new, mowers with a model number beginning with 918. They came out in February of 2023. They were the redesigned version of the 2022 Envy. Talk to anyone that owns one and they'll tell you, the ONLY good things about them are the transmissions and the engine. Everyone mentions bad boy. NO!! Their parts are proprietary, which means they can charge WHAT EVER THEY WANT. Plus, there is not a dealer in my area and the only places you can get one are at box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot and Tractor Supply. Due to that, there is NO DEALER SUPPORT. I'll stick with Gravely.

[@JamesTibbs-vz3gw]

I have a Ariens Ikon that I purchased last year with the 60 inch deck and have had no issues at all with it. I use it for residential use only. These mowers are not for commercial use.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. There are literally THOUSANDS of Ariens machines in this country being used commercially. I got a LEMON. Click the link and watch the video. It explains why I went this direction. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoGmkqR5h8ySrKssi=LmaWL2GzfBo9zPrM

[@hashtagjustadad5110]

I’m in the market for a deck mower and I’m glad I came across this and the other video. I will definitely look into other machines. Sorry you’re going through these issues but I will definitely learn from your choices.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Are you doing lawn care or is it just for your personal property?

[@hashtagjustadad5110]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV it will be for personal property.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@hashtagjustadad5110 look into the Gravely ZT HD. It would be great for what you're going to be doing.

[@John87219]

I'd definitely keep it as a back up mower, i wouldn't even try to sell it. Just selling someone else a bunch of problems.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I'm not going to but for a different reason. I don't want anyone as PISSED OFF with me as I've been with Ariensco

[@John87219]

I hear you on that.

[@andybecker2693]

You should have stepped up to the Apex or ZT/HD which has basically the same frame and deck as your Pro Turn. The Ikon is a lower level residential unit made for light use. You are right in your concerns as this is a newly redesigned model in ‘23 that has some issues. I would personally not buy any machines in this lower residential category especially as much as you mow. Even so, I would have expected more service life than 143 hours before all of these issues.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! As I stated in the video, I THOUGHT I was stepping up from the Craftsman z6400 I put over 700 hours on. I was told by the dealer that it would give better service than anything made by MTD. Needing the 42 inch deck and having owned gravely for 15 years, I was under the impression I made a good purchase. I respectfully disagree that it's a lower level residential mower. After nearly 25 years in business, that's where I and most in this industry place machines build by Stanley/Black & Decker, formally known as MTD. This machine SHOULD'VE had more than double the longevity as a machine made by that company. It's not the level of the machine. It's the build quality. Ariensco cut MAJOR corners when they designed the 2023 model. The amount of use is not a factor either. I have personally spoke to other not so proud owners who only use it to cut their own property. They're ALL having the same issues. One in particular, a man that I don't even know, he just happened to be at the dealer that I'm trading with now. He told me that his Ikon has less that 25 hours on it and he had to replace the front hub bearings on his. There is no other was to say it. This machine is literally a piece of junk.

[@Bardotp]

Any issues with a Kubota? I love mine.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

I've run Kubota but never owned one. My only issue has been the diesels are water-cooled and most are very heavy. Otherwise, great machines.

[@nathanpuffenbarger5423]

Isn't it still under warranty???

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Nope! I was told AFTER PURCHASE that if I loaded it on my trailer to use it even as a backup it had a 90 day warranty. These things, like everything, started going downhill after the warranty had expired. Even just sitting in a garage, being used once every two weeks, it only had a 6 month warranty. Now you know why the thumbnail says "I'M IN HELL".

[@user-ym5pv5tq4p]

Thank you for the information

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

You're most welcome and thank you for watching.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

my kubota dealer hates when other branded dealers dont look after the customers thats why he been fixing 100% of any brand mowers,generators,forestry,construction equipment and farm equipment and sidewalk machines @@BigSouthOutdoorsTV

[@Garciaboy80]

Now Brian, if you keep holding back like his, we'll never know how you feel! Ill keep running my 48" Scag that I have used for a road grater, leveled 2 drives with it, a bull dozer, pushed out a stump, and tractor, pulling a trailer with 27 concrete blocks with 9 stacked up at my feet, pulling a 17 foot boat with it and still mows like brand new. I hit a deer last year in my truck I and hooked a come along to the front bumper and to the back of my Scag and kept hitting the end of the cable until I bent the bumper back into place. I have a 97 F150 it has a chrome plated steel bumper, not one of those cute little junk plastic things. There was skid marks over a foot long in the driveway where I drug that truck, which weighs 4300 pounds on the scales. I hit a stump with the deck of this thing so hard I bent the deck in a 1/4" on the left front corner. The only issue it caused was the dent. Didn't even scratch the paint. Ill run my Scag until it drops and then go get another one!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Everyone has their "brand" they like. There are no Scag dealers around my area. The nearest one is more than 100 miles away. I've run Gravely for 17 years and other than normal wear and tear, it's been virtually bullet proof. Thanks again for watching.

[@dh4159]

i was looking on buying a zero turn as my yard tractor is on its last leg ..after seeing this i know ariens brand wont be one i will even look at along with any other name of zero turn made by this company..think you for making these videos

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad I could be of some help.

[@bighammer43]

Called Ariens and let them know. I have a 2019 ikon xd52 and it looks like a totally different mower from the new ones. My neighbors are impressed with mine and I know that they are looking to buy zero turns soon. I am going to let them know how cheap these are now and to look elsewhere.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

THANK YOU and thanks for watching. The more they hear from the public the faster they'll make changes that will benefit EVERYONE. If you're not a subscriber, please consider subscribing to the channel. I would appreciate it.

[@cferguson6688]

Well, this is the second vid iI have seen of yours about the Ariens. I purchased an Edge about 3 years ago and as we both know is considered a home owner version, I cut about 1.5 acres of my lawn about once every 5 days. Never really had any major problems with it until a few days ago when the hydro belt tensioner blew out. That is when I found your videos. Well, I now have it fixed and running again but I had a couple of issues with mine as you. I noticed the same about rear tires spinning around tight turns, found that if I work the controls a little different I dont dig trenches around my trees to much anymore. Another issue I noticed in which you will have the same problem is that those front wheel spindles will start binding up making it harder to turn which also contributed to the trenches in tight turns. My cure was to pull the wheels off and installed grease fittings, problem solved but should of been addressed when designed (the company was just cutting corners to save a buck). Then the mower deck, I have roots that come up and I mow at 2.5 inch. I have knocked a piece of steel off the bottom of the deck, what it was for I have no idea but it only had 4 half inch welds holding it on to the entire front of the blade deck. I fixed it once and it came off again. In fact its still in the yard where it fell off 6 months ago. Most of the problems were petty but every time I have to work on it I cuss the designers saying they need to be castrated so they wont breed. I totally believe this society has become a throw away society where quality and craftsmanship is ignored. Anyways, be safe. Oh yeah, if you blow a hydro belts and they say its 1/2 x 53.75, well, that belt is 30 bucks but for 10 bucks you can get a 54 inch belt and it works fine.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

FINALLY, someone that GETS IT! I already had a "residential" mower, a Craftsman Z6400. I bought this machine because the dealer guaranteed me it would be of much better quality and last longer than my MTD built craftsman. I sold it to a man and he's still using it. It now has over 1,000 hours on it. This machine now, as of 3-19-24 has 172 hours on it and it's falling apart. We use ot an average of.....1.768 hours a week. That IS NOT over use to be what is was built for. You're absolutely right. Things today are built to be replaced, not repaired. They are built NOT TO LAST. This machine is a prime example. Thank you for taking the time to watch and understand my frustration. Thank you also for your comment. I hope, if you haven't already, you'll consider subscribing to the channel. I enjoy engaging with those that actually THINK.

[@friviz68]

i just bought a graverly zt hd stealth edition and i love it....

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I've seen them but I don't know that much about them. I'll tell you one thing though, they look cool as heck. I wish you well with your choice. Let me know if you ever have any "gravely" related questions.

[@user-wr3qn1bv5s]

I think that if you say publicly that you are going to buy another Ariens Gravely, it is an incentive for them not to replace your Ikon because you are telling them that they won't lose you as a customer, and on top of that, you are giving them more of your money. Companies fear losing customers to their competition.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

I understand what you mean but I am a little peon in their eyes. They sell literally THOUSANDS of mowers a year. The county I live in runs gravely and buys brand new machines every 2-3 years. They buy $100,000.00 worth when they do. I buy one mower every 5 years or so. I will NEVER buy a mower with orange paint EVER AGAIN. I love gravely. I have run them for 15 years now and have had almost no issues with them. Although Ariens owns the rights to Gravely, they did not design them. They bought the rights to gravely a number of years ago but gravely is built to GRAVELY standards, not Ariens standards.

[@phillipalv8641]

I’m glad I didn’t buy this mower went with a Gravely pro turn Z52. I needed something that is going to last even if I’m just a homeowner or just starting a lawn business!! I love it

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. See, THIS is what I'm talking about. Ariens did not start gravely even though they are built by ariens. Ariens bought the gravely brand but gravely machines are built to Mr. Gravely's specs. They are on a whole different level than ariens. The reason is Mr. Gravely WOULD NOT sacrifice quality for cheap. I've owned 2 gravelys and I can say without a DOUBT they are bullet proof. My first one is owned by someone else now and is 14 years old, has more than 10,000 hours on it and is still mowing. The same man that bought my craftsman bought the gravely and both are still working. To "manufactor" such a great line of miwers(gravely), ariens own products LEAVE A LOT to be desired quality wise.

[@brianboulris4483]

Just bought the pro turn zx 60. Seems to be built quite well

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@@brianboulris4483 thanks for watching. I'm looking at getting one of those soon.

[@phillipalv8641]

I saw a video of this mower with problems of the belts breaking and and coming loose, so I was going to get the husqavarna because the z54f has a better reputation than this . Get the gravely hd or the proturn z52

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Gravely makes an AWESOME machine. My big mower is a ProTurn 452. It has 1,118 hours and other than blades and one idler pully it's all OG. It's 3 years old and still has the original spindles. Husqvarna makes a good product too. I know several people that run them and seem to get good service out of them.

[@thecuttingforce]

Dam i feel your pain my wright 36 b is awfull wont cut good deack was all out from dealer. Min to plywood pad. Cut so bad customers dont want me to use it... wasted 8k. 70 hrs ..

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! WOW! I've always heard and seen videos giving HIGH PRAISES to Wright machines. There's no Wright dealers around here. I guess that's why.

[@PCGonline]

i stopped messing with residential stuff in 2017 before i went full time in 2018. they build these box store zero turns to break because they know most people arent going to wait for the 3rd party repair to fix a machine so they can make extra money on replacement parts for impatient folks since the grass doesnt stop growing

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. To respectfully set the record straight, I did not buy this machine at a "big box store" ie Lowe's, Home Depot etc.... Just an observation, all the "big box store machines have the low profile ROP bar. This one does not. That's because I bought it at an authorized Gravely dealer. Yes, it is a residential mower but, as I stated in this video and many others, I was comparing it to the Craftsman Z6400 I presently had, which is still running and cutting after over 1,000 hours. I THOUGHT that by buying a machine that was built by the same company that builds Gravely, a name and product I have come to trust for 17 years of GREAT service, I was buying UP. Boy was I WRONG. I would give ANYTHING to have that Craftsman Z6400 back.

[@user-wr3qn1bv5s]

I'm sorry you're having so many problems with this mower. This is a great opportunity for Ariens to shine by showing good customer service and replacing your machine so they can prove to future buyers such as myself that they can be trusted. Your video evidence can cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in no-sales, while replacing your machine at their cost could boost their sales. It's a no-brainer and well-run companies that value their customer's opinions do it all the time. Ariens, you better wake up, because online customer reviews are very powerful!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thank you for watching. Your perspective is SPOT ON. What you stated is my whole purpose in making these videos. Do I want them to just give me a hand out? ABSOLUTELY NOT! But, they should stand behind their priduct. As you stated, their UNwillingness to even acknowledge that they have a customer that is deeply unsatisfied with their products build quality, knowing all along it would never hold up is seriously unprofessional and might end up costing them far more than a new mower in the long run.

[@user-ni3tq3mt5o]

Wow, I'm glad to see your podcast cause I was seriously considering the 48". I'm gearing up to start a lawn service here in my small town Blackshear Ga just to mainly help the elderly and those that have complications paying full price for lawn services. I certainly don't need to be broke down while helping others

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@user-ni3tq3mt5o don't walk, RUN away from anything with orange paint that has the name Ariens. Go GRAVELY. If you're just starting out, you'll pay a bit more but the savings in maintaining it will even out. Check into the Gravely pro turn zx. I'm looming at purchasing one myself.

[@user-ni3tq3mt5o]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV I saw that video after asking you for some tips 😂 I hate that you are having those issues. The old Ariens Zoom 42 has the same issues with the starting and welds. The person I bought it from is a welder and he has reinforced the frame Great and in all kinds of ways.

[@Rockstar8953]

This guy is using this mower for what it’s not meant for I own this same type unit and all brothers got exact same mower and we love it . He’s probably abusing the mower

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Really dude? I've been in business for 25 years. I think I know when a machine is being used improperly. You speak of things you DO NOT KNOW. I asked all the right questions before I bought this machine. The manufacturer told me unequivocally that less than 10 hours use/run time a week was considered RESIDENTIAL. We run this machine on average 1.25 hours a day...WELL WITHIN the alloted hours to stay within "residential parameters. I can GUARANTEE you we ARE NOT abusing it. FURTHERMORE, if you had bothered to watch the video to the end, I explained my situation, that I ALREADY had a residential machine, a Craftsman Z6400. I ran that machine for over 5 years. It was 15 YEARS old when I bought it and it had 149 hours on it. When I sold it, it had OVER 700 hours on it, and guess what?? The man that bought it from me is still running it to cut rental properties. It now has over 1,000 hours on it. I bought this Ariens POS under the assumption that it would be BETTER than what I already had. I was told by the dealer...and I quote...it will be FAAAAR superior to my Craftsman Z6400. To put it politely, they lied through their teeth. To be used no more than it is, it's the BIGGEST pile of crap I have ever had to operate. Might I make a suggestion? Before you go making assumptions, watch some actually lawn cutting videos on my channel showing what and where we use it before you make judgements such as this. I ASSURE YOU SIR, this machine IS NOT being abused.

[@markdeslauriers241]

My ariens was crap, terrible welds etc? I knew when I was in trouble when everything you stop the mower it burns a whole in the grass, good engineering

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! I'm hearing this over and over. Being Ariens builds gravely machines, I was convinced Ariens would be a good investment. I...WAS...WRONG.

[@jonahsmusicsirensoutdoors3853]

i have a husqavarna z246 its 46 inch deck and man ive taken that thing through 2 foot tall grass its got a 3.5 gallon tank

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching.

[@steveb855]

Everybody knows that "they don't make them like they used to", especially with lawn equipment. So why do you expect a new "anything" to be as good your old craftsman?

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. The Craftsman z6400 was made by MTD. They are the same company that made troybuilt, bolens, the newer cub cadets, murry mowers etc... Knowing that Ariens and Gravely are two separate companies, and knowing Ariens built gravely to Gravely's original specs, I assumed Ariens would be better than ANYTHING made by MTD. I was misled to believe that although it is considered a "residential" machine, it was built was better than anything MTD. That's is not the case at ll.

[@donaldboley771]

Bad boy makes a good mower.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I'm not asking for different brands. The only place that sells Bad Boy mowers around me is Tractor Supply. No dealer support. That's why the only ones around here that own them are folks that mow less than an acre twice a month. I have been with GRAVELY for 17 years and I can attest to the fact they are BULLET PROOF. As I said in this video, I thought an Ariens would be of the same quality as at least my Craftsman or even better (being the same company makes Gravely). NOT HARDLY. Thanks for the info but for now, I'll stick with Gravely.

[@martyheathers3549]

Chinese bearings are garbage, for quality Japanese made bearings are The best for quality. I’m in Canada and repair lawn and snow equipment, there is brands and models of both that I won’t recommend to customers and also machines I will not even look at to purchase to fix and flip because I know they’ll be coming back wanting it fixed for free. This machine just got added to my list. Thanks for the video.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

You're most welcome and thanks for watching.

[@NewHopeCutzandLawnCare]

Real sorry that you continue to have problems. My IKON XD HAS served me well as you and I talked over the phone. This just may be a lemon off the line.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

It's insane.

[@user-js5tn5sh1g]

It's got those pretty LED headlights. Have they shorted out yet?

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Not as of yet. I hardly ever use them.

[@maestrovso]

I have always been very skeptical of products with label "Made in USA with Globally Sourced Parts". In this case I suspect the chassis and most of the steel parts are made in places like China or Vietnam. The real made in USA content can be as little as putting the wheels, seat, fuel tank, and the engine on.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thank you for watching. Unfortunately, there is little to nothing "made" in the USA anymore, not even car parts. The chassis of Ariens and Gravely mowers are, however engineered and welded together in Ariensco plant in Brillion, WI. Where the steel comes from I have no clue. I used to be a trucker, and I can tell you first hand that a LOT of our steel comes from overseas, i.e., Japan. I used to haul steel from the port in Wilmington, NC all over the south east. They would take it off the ship and load it directly on my flatbed. I would then deliver it to the plant I was contracted to and they would "make" the finished product. When I spoke to Ariensco engineering director, William, he assured me the frames were put together and welded in their plant located in Brillion WI.

[@rayburnett3066]

I have a 42 inchBad oy for all ofmy yard work

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-rq3cy5ct3b]

When you took the gas tank off to replace it when you broke it did you have to take the levers apart? If you did something may still be loose. The deck mount is also broken on the same side you were using to prop the machine up. Thats an entry level residential mower. Sorry your having problems but thats something thats supposed to be 40 hrs or so a year. Not 140. Hope everything works out

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

WRONG on every account. This machine is not "entry level". A machine built by MTD, now Stanley/Black &Decker, those are entry level machines. My craftsman z6400, built in 2005 was made by them and was FAAAAR superior in every way to this POS. As far as the hours, according to Ariens, the company that built the mower, it's built to withstand up to 20 hours of WEEKLY USE. I use both sides of the mower when changing blades so that's got nothing to do with the deck support breaking. And FYI, I didn't break the gas tank. To be honest, I'm not sure how it got broke. I do appreciate your support and with all due respect, I have been doing lawn care/landscaping for going on 25 years. This isn't my first rodeo. I've been doing things the way I do the entire time. No machine has every caused the issues that I've had with this one. The common denominator is not me or my way of doing things, it's the machine.

[@user-rq3cy5ct3b]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV im in no way am i doubting your previous mower. A Gravely Zthd is classified as entry level commericial. Ariens mirrors it in orange. The ztx ? In the opening line of the description it says "the residential mower that most mistake for commercial".

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@user-rq3cy5ct3b I'm not going to debate this subject. The Ikon I have is residential. The Gravely z and zx are commercial. Even though they look identical to the ariens, there are some differences. One of which is a larger capacity fuel tank. ANYTHING Gravely has with HD is commercial. Although not built like the proturn line of mowers, it is the first in the commercial line. Next up is the z, then zx and so on. Anything with a ROP bar is full commercial. I'm looking at investing in a Gravely pro turn z. It is full commercial as well.

[@user-rq3cy5ct3b]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV you compared the ikon to your gravely. Then said the machine wont last long enough for you to make enough money with it to pay it off. Thats a 4k residential 1/2 acre lot a week machine. I have a 2023 gravely ztxl 48. Bought it early spring had no idea it was a new model with no info out on it. Some of the things u point out are fantastic. But even my ztxl is no everyday use machine

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@user-rq3cy5ct3b thanks for watching. I wasn't comparing the Ikon to the gravely. There is no comparing those two machines. Although built and sold by Ariensco, Gravely IS NOT an Ariens product. What I was comparing was the Ikon to the craftsman z6400 I used to own. You know, the apples to apples thing. That's why I put all the pictures in the video. Although built by MTD, the Craftsman was a MUCH BETTER BUILT machine ie better quality. What I stated about the Gravely is true. It is a full commercial machine and the Ikon could never be as good as the Gravely BUT, it should be better than the Craftsman, even being used ONLY 6 hours a week. Unfortunately, it is not. According to Ariens, this machine should be good for up to 20 hours of weekly use. I have a video dropping at 7 pm. It's the first of what is sure to be many repair videos on the Ikon. That video will confirm that what I've said about how the way this machine was built ie...them cutting corners to save money is 100% true. I'd appreciate you checking it out.

[@rayburnett3066]

I bought me a 42 inch Badboy ,and I feel your pain bother. It was a 2019 holdover from Bad Boy made inAmerica,in fact in Arkansas. I bought it in 2020,al.almost 4 years ago

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Yea, I'll NEVER own anything that has Ariens on it.

[@larryallen8523]

Just my opinion but you might check out Ferris products. I own a 1500Z 48 inch with 22hp Kawasaki. I have had it since somewhere around 2005. Thats 19 years. I have no idea how many hours are on this machine. I mow about 3 acres regularly plus some fence rows etc. I would love a new one but I cant wear this dang mower out. It will run forever it seems on 5 gallons of gas. I have rebuilt the deck one time about 3 years ago. Getting the original spindles off took a cutting torch! I have replaced the main engine seal. Did minor carburetor cleaning and other maintenance such as blades, belts and other consumables. Hydraulics have never been touched except new hoses. Oh and I had to replace the starter on the engine which is a PITA. But 19 years and still mow like a champ. I am not a Ferris salesman just thought I would throw this at you.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks you for watching! Although I absolutely detest this Ariens, I will never operate anything but Gravely. I bought my first one in 2008. I ran it til it had 6,000 hours on it. The man I sold it to 3 years ago is still running it. I spoke to him about 3 months ago and he told me then it had 9,800 hours in it. You can't get any better than that. We all have our favorites and mine is Gravely.

[@NewHopeCutzandLawnCare]

How did the fork get bent?

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Buster, I have no clue. They bend more and more over time. I can't believe the lack of quality in this machine. If I didn't know better, I'd swear it was made overseas.

[@JJ-xz5rv]

I have to say Craftsman is underrated. I've put their mowers through, you name it, and they keep going. Also, i've never had any problems getting parts.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Same here. We used that Z6400 WAAAAY more than we ever have this Ariens and, other than like I said in this video, regular breakage i.e what's normal under standard use, we had ZERO issues with it.

[@cancelchannel3394]

My first badboy had the same brake problem 🥴

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Gotcha...

[@deezboy8216]

They must have just cheaped out recently. I have a 3 year old Airens ikon xd 54 inch. I literally run the living piss out of it on a yard that's about as smooth as a supercross whoop section, I have never had a problem with it.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. YES, unfortunately, they have. They redesigned the 2023 and it is a pile of junk. I only run it about an hour a day and I had to park it. The front forks are bent so badly the front tires are starting to drag.

[@rayburnett3066]

I Refuse to own a machine that way

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Unfortunately, you don't know what problems will arise with a purchase until after you work it. I have a plan as to how I'm going to fix it but you'll have to stay tuned in to see what my plans are.

[@rayburnett3066]

I own a Bad boy zero turn,it was a 2019 a holdover in 2020. I refuse to another lawnmower

[@kennethcastaldo7239]

I feel ya brother I have the Ikon x52 pile of junk I call it the orange turd

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching! Orange turd is about right. I "assumed" that being that Gravely was such an AWESOME machine that a smaller machine line from the same company would be maybe slightly less "tough" but would be far better than my Craftsman z6400. BOOOOY was I WRONG. Call Ariens and let them know you've seen this video and that you identify because of the problems you're having. The ONLY way this is going to change is if enough of us complain. I have been using my channel for purposes such as this, but they need to know their product is junk. NOT GRAVELY, but their orange turds.

[@vidoman362]

Thanks for the info. I'm just about to pull the trigger on a Gravely. You make reference to other brands, like Craftsman, and how many years you ran them. Try this out. My Grasshopper 725k, with a 25 hp Kohler, finally gave up. I guess I could replace the engine. I had it rebuilt about 6 yrs ago. I bought the mower in 2002, and it was 10yrs old at the time. I used it commercially for awhile too. My problem is, I can't afford another Grasshopper, or I would be buying one. If you're having all those problems with the Ariens, sell it or trade it in. Why keep on with such a bad mower, that you rely on for your business? Makes no sense to me. I think when you discovered the issue with the blades, you should have got rid of it. You think Ariens gives a crap on what you're going through? They're laughing their asses off. They got your money, and know it's costing you more. Sorry you bought a turd for a mower, and thank you for letting us know...

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching Vidoman. I TRIED to take it back. The dealer, who I no longer trade with, wouldn't allow me to trade. That's why I'm no longer trading with them. I have some other info coming about the "turd" so please stay tuned for that. I have had GREAT SUCCESS with Gravely. Being you can't afford a Grasshopper, check into getting a Gravely. Being you have a lawn business like myself, depending on how much acreage you cut in a weeks time, look into the proturn 300-600. I don't know what the prices are on Grasshoppers, but I would put Gravely up against ANY other brand on the market. They stripe well, the cut quality is fantastic and they are built like a TANK....LITERALLY.

[@Dave-ei7kk]

You could have made your point in 10 minutes. This rant is just over the top. If Ariens knows what’s good for them they’ll buy that mower back from you and promise never to sell you another.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

I don't think so dude! Until you have walked 10 FEET in my shoes with this machine, DON'T YOU DARE tell me what I could've done. If you don't like my content, MOVE ON KAREN!

[@Trump985]

All these newer residential grade mowers are junk. The prices are going out of sight and the quality is going down the drain. Better off rebuilding an older machine these days if you have one or can find one. Your going to spend $15-$20k for a decent quality mower these days, I sure as hell can’t afford one.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I had a Craftsman Z6400 that I would give ANYTHING to have back. Here's a video on it vs this Ariens.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoGmkqR5h8ySrKs

[@Trump985]

My advice is don’t get rid of anything! The quality of everything from home appliances to car and trucks has gone to hell in a hand basket recently. I just paid a machine shop $500 to make a part for my old washing machine made in 1965, sounds crazy? A few years ago it would have been, but today after looking at some new washers and the plastic garbage parts they are made from I think it was a the only sane decision I could have made.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. Normally, I would agree with you. When my Craftsman z6400 went down, the shop I was dealing with told me it was going to cost upwards of $2,500.00 to repair the engine. They told me I'd be better off putting I new engine on it. I couldn't see putting that kind of money into repairing a 15 year old machine. Ot just didn't make good business sense. Had I known then what I know now, I would've done it or bought a different machine.

[@user-js5tn5sh1g]

Part of the problem is the engineers these companies use these days are Not real engineers. They are AutoCad technicians.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thank you for watching. I wouldn't doubt it at all. I don't know who deigned, or should I say REDESIGNED this machine, but they need to be looking another line of work.

[@PaulBrannan-mb8wv]

No. It's a matter of cost and company guidelines for parts. Designers take their skills seriously. But bean counters always kill more design issues to fix and replace for warranty purposes

[@shirleyewing7304]

They source the seat from Mexico!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I'm not sure about that but I'll certainly find out. I know the seat on my Gravely pro turn is from Seats inc. They are the same company that makes air ride seats for most semi trucks.

[@cancelchannel3394]

If not happy, at least satisfied 🥴

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Right!

[@noozall]

I can't believe you would continue to patronize ariens by putting your money into a Gravely when there are so many other good choices out there.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thank you for watching. Why? Because Gravely was acquired by Ariensco. In other words, Ariensco DID NOT design Gravely mowers. They bought the company under the agreement Ariensco would continue to build Gravely mowers the way they were designed by the GRAVELY CORPERATION. Ariens mowers, i.e mowers with the Ariens name and painted with orange paint were designed by ARIENS, not Gravely. I have tried many, many different brands over the years. Brands ranging from Husqvarna to Kubota and ALL in between. NONE of them can hold a candle to the cut quality, speed and durability of a Gravely.

[@howardwatts4238]

It looks like the machine is made in china to me. I mean all the shotty work, china can make good producks but it all depemds on how much you are willing to pay.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I would not doubt it at all, ESPECIALLY the steel. I have never seen a deck suspension/adjustment break not once but 3 different times. The ONLY thing that causes that is soft steel.

[@dr.johnson7496]

I have a Gravely 2023 ZT - X with a 48 inch deck. I believe they are very similar with a couple exceptions. Fortunately, so far, I have not had any of the issues you have had. I do have the mulch plug installed, and I did find that there was excessive blowout with the factory blades. They do not offer mulching blades for this mower and I did run into the same issues you had with regards to aftermarket blades. Their customer support sent me mulch blades from the prior model which are shorter, and it did solve the mulching and blowout issue, but I have not had time to see if it still cuts the grass well with them being a little bit shorter. I agree about the deck as it would’ve been nice not to have that notch so one could easily add a chute blocker on it. My Gravely has different tires on it and so far they have worked well in my yard. My prior mower was a Husqvarna and after about a year I had a mower deck bracket break off that had to be welded. I know it was frustrating when that happened to me.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I hope you'll consider subscribing if you haven't already. This machine has been a nightmare from day one. If you haven't watched the other videos on it, please do. As an Ariens product owner, I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would call arienco. Let them know that you saw this video and you have had similar issues. The number is in the description box.

[@dr.johnson7496]

I actually did subscribe after watching one of your other videos about your Ariens. I still have an open support ticket over my blades and I’ll mention it, especially since you’ve had blade issues too.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@dr.johnson7496 thanks. I never get notification of new subs. Thanks for your support.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

we never have any problems with kubota zd 326 plus nice jack build on front of it wich smart engineering @@BigSouthOutdoorsTV

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@michaelmactavish4445 I like Kubota myself. The only reason I didn't go with them is because of weight. THEY ARE HEAVY. My Gravely 452 weighs 1,487 lbs. A 54 inch cut Kubota weighs just under 1,900 lbs. When we have wet periods in the summer, and we do have them, that much weight would leave ruts on the property's and cause customers to complain. I learned a long time ago, I happy customer is a good customer.

[@rustoleumrestorations9708]

I’m trying to be really respectful here… but it’s pretty obvious that you needed to buy a Commercial Zero Turn. The comment about the seat makes me laugh… what else do you think a seat out of that line of mowers are going to be made out of. I’ve had the Ikon XD 52 now for going on 3 full seasons, and for a Residential mower it’s been great. I’ve worked on mowers/tractors for a long time now, and it’s clear to spot a blow hard when you see one lol. This is the equivalent of a grown man throwing a fit because he bought a mower and is doing more than it’s designed for. That’s not Airens fault, nor should they have to pay for your screw up. You prove my point everytime you say that Craftsman is a superior machine than this 😂😂😂 It’s all for views! Good luck bud

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

You're not being respectful at all and you don't listen either. I HAVE a full commercial mower. Didn't you hear me talking about it? Obviously NOT. You also didn't understand the fact I was comparing it to the CRAFTSMAN Z6400 had, which I stated, IN THIS VERY VIDEO, I even showed pictures of it, I was told....BY THE DEALER it would be a FAR BETTER machine when in fact it isn't. Please, before you comment, watch the content as many times as necessary before you leave a comment such as this. This IS NOT MY FIRST RODEO.

[@tbar1047]

It appears that the current condition of your lawnmower is a result of improper usage and maintenance. This particular model is designed for residential use and is not intended to withstand the demands of commercial mowing operations. Additionally, leaving the mower exposed to the elements has contributed to the deterioration of the seat.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

You are so WRONG on soooo many levels. FIRST- I ALREADY HAD A RESDENTIAL MOWER, a Craftsman Z6400. I put over 700 hours on it in 3 years, FAAAAR more than I've put on THIS particular machine. It held up great under the same conditions. It now has over 1,000 hours on it now and the man I sold it to IS STILL RUNNING IT and it was built by...MTD. Second- When I bought the Ariens, I was given the impression, that, under the same working and storage conditions, it would be a FAAAAAR superior machine and would last me for years. THEY WERE WRONG. I have tried to explain this SOOOOO MANY times and people, like yourself DON'T GET IT. It is nothing I have or have NOT done that has caused the severe deterioration of this machine. I've been in business for 25 years. This is NOT my first rodeo.

[@robertgerardi5236]

Hmmm! I smell bullshit. I have this mower with a 100+ hrs on it not a single issue. It is garaged. Residential use. Mowing lawns for 25 years does not make you an Engineer. Craftsmen makes nothing, just a name tag. Its MTD. im supposed to believe you have a 1000 hrs on a mtd big box store mower. With bushings!!!

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@robertgerardi5236 you people DO NOT get it. I was told BY AN AUTHOURIZED DEALER that it would be better than the RESIDENTIAL machine I already had and had been running for several years. Watch video below... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoGmkqR5h8ySrKs

[@doylemarkham1010]

As crappy as that machine is I would not give you more than $75.00 for it. I have been looking at the ariens as a second backup mower but after this NO WAY. They should refund you the full purchase price for that Lemon.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Thanks for watching. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I don't know how many properties you have, but if you're looking at a good machine for a back up, might I suggest the Gravely proturn zt. I was looking at them and almost pulled the trigger but went with the pro turn 300 due to the fact that several of my newer properties were quite large.

[@ecduzitgood]

Thank you for posting this story, I am currently researching my next mower. Have you looked into bad boy mowers, they are currently leading on my list

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

@ecduzitgood I have. I didn't go with that brand because the only place around my area you can buy one is Tractor Supply, and they give no dealer support. You may have a Bay Boy dealer, but if you're looking at buying one from a big box store, PLEASE RETHINK your choice. From my understanding, getting anything serviced through a big box store is a nightmare. That's why I buy from an AUTHORIZED DEALERS only. That's why I only buy Gravely. I bought this machine to replace the Craftsman I had and the dealer I am no longer with screwed me over. That's why I am no longer trading with them. I say that is say choose a dealer WISELY. Not all of them care about customer service, they only care about making the sale.

[@ecduzitgood]

@@BigSouthOutdoorsTV Thank you for a speedy reply, I will check out the gravely next, I am still using a craftsman tractor 42" 19.5 b&s that is around 40 years old, my hips are making it painful to get on and off so I am shopping. I am very mechanically inclined including welding so most repairs I will perform myself but I like you don't need extra work.

[@halcurtis8212]

Glad I saw this video, I'm going to purchase a 60" zero turn this spring. I will avoid Gravley.

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

Gravely is what you want, not ARIENS.

[@LanierLawnCare]

Oh I totally warned you beforehand. Ariens, gravely whatever, same junk

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

No Danny, Gravely is NOT JUNK. Seems to me you've been having problems with your equipment too. Yea, I watch your channel on a reg basis. Stop hatin'.

[@eyeswideopen866]

John Deere and Briggs & Stratton engines piece of crap … 38.8 hours on JD S170 , bought from a dealer. Shop Mngr did not see issues with air filter with oil sprayed all over it from engine, did not see an issue with smoke coming out of right valve when engine is turned off ( not 1 shop guy checked that plug). And before I left the dealership the shop manager saw no issue with the speed reduced by half, even commented he thought that was as fast as I needed to go. So he then proceeded to lecture me on greasing the zurts regularly and if I wanted a new drive belt the bring it back in the Spring at a cost of over $400. Warranty ends in March 2025. So I get home. I take out both plugs- left looks good . the right plug is coated in heavy baked on oil. Called my Rep at that JD Dealership-sent a picture- shop guy’s statement was “we have not seen the last of her have we”…. I’m pissed at the pandering to this gal and the lack of wanting to deal with a blown head gasket on this engine with 38.8 hours….

[@BigSouthOutdoorsTV]

OH MY GOD! What unmitigated gall. It is none of their business what speed you mow unless you have altered the machine to make it faster, thus voiding the warranty. I agree with you on the fact that JD mowers and B & S engines are junk. I sympathize with you and I appreciate you watching. If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to the channel. I have a feeling this saga is just getting started.