Zero Turn in a Compact Package: The Ariens 52 Inch, 24 HP Kawasaki, Hydrostatic Stand-On Zero Turn Mower

Sometimes a zero turn rider just doesn’t suit the task. Perhaps the lawn is particularly hilly or steep. The Ariens 52 Inch, 24 HP Kawasaki, Hydrostatic Stand-On Zero Turn Mower represents an interesting alternative to the more traditional zero turn approach. Instead of sitting down on top of a rear-mounted engine, the operator literally stands on the back of the machine. This design offers several advantages and drawbacks.

In terms of benefits, this machine gives you Ariens zero turn cutting for a little less. At around $5,999, it’s a price break of around a thousand dollars. You still get the 52 inch deck, and you still get the 24 HP Kawasaki engineó-the two most important features. Additionally, the machine is more compact. It’s easier to store and easier to transport to the job site. A lot can be said for commercial performance in a small footprint. The machine’s lighter as well, while still sporting a 7-gauge steel deck.

Inherently, the Commercial 2452, as this machine is known, is also much safer than its rider brethren. Zero turn mowers have an increased risk of rollover on hills due to their higher centers of gravity. The Commercial 2452 is a safer overall platform because the operator is not sitting down. If trouble arises, merely step off the machine and walk away. The machine does quite well in terms of traction also. Since the user stands on the rear, the weight is distributed directly over the back wheelsó-on the drive tires–and this increases grip.

Operationally, the machine does have a few flaws. The rider stands about a foot above the ground. A driver, standing upright, has a harder time mowing under branches and other obstructions. Balance is also key, as a jarring ride or collision can knock the driver off the machine. Finally, operator fatigue is an issue. Most Ariens zero turn mowers come standard with an ergonomically designed high-back seat, complete with armrests. On the Commercial 2452, you’ll be standing all day.

But on the whole, this particular Ariens deserves careful consideration. If you don’t mind standing, the Commercial 2452′s unconventional zero turn approach represents the best of every world: value, safety, ruggedness, and efficiency.

The Ariens 48 Inch, 19 HP Kawasaki, Hydrostatic Commercial Mower

Ariens as a company is sometimes derided on the basis of its rather limited lineup of machines. And while there certainly are some redundancies with its selections, it seems as though this particular models fills an important niche. You won’t find the Ariens 48 Inch, 19 HP Kawasaki, Hydrostatic Commercial Mower in the 2010 guide; that’s because the model was produced in 2009. The niche previously referred to is one of power. Ariens’ newer 48″ models generally feature larger Kawasaki engines, usually on the order of 24 HP. This older model, with its smaller engine, should therefore represent an appreciable cost savings in terms of fuel. For a commercial operator utilizing this machine over a long period of time, the savings do add up. Additionally, if the 19 HP engine is able to accomplish everything that the 24 HP can – and there’s every indication that this is the case – then why not opt for this particular 48î?

This “Pro Zoom” machine scores well in several other areas. The deck is made of tough, tubular 7-gauge steel. There’s also a 1î inch overlap between the two blades, thereby taking care of the “streaking” problem that comes with any rider mower.  Speed is excellent – 10 MPH forward and 4.0 in reverse. An enormous 12-gallon gas tank will keep you out in the fields all day. Ease of operation seems to have improved over previous Ariens models, with the controls – the parking brake and the deck lift – more sensibly placed.

Headlights are optional, as is the Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS). Unfortunately, that additional safety system is going to cost somewhere on the order of $400. The mower itself costs approximately $7,000. In light of the fact that zero turn mowers have difficulty on difficult and uneven terrain, the ROPS is probably a good idea. Though this particular machine demonstrates excellent traction and stability, for the commercial operator, $400 seems like a good investment. Interestingly, lost in all this consideration regarding the size of the engine and the thickness of the steel is a feature that can easily be taken for granted. The machine is incredibly manoeuvrable and agile. Most zero turn mowers allow the user to cut significant amounts of time from jobs. But the Pro Zoom 48 takes this concern for efficiency to the next level with its oversized fuel tank, blade overlap, speed, and deck width.

See larger image Ariens Max Zoom 48 - 24HP 48 Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower ()

An Excellent Compromise: The Ariens 34 Inch, 344cc Briggs & Stratton, Hydrostatic Zero Turn Mower

For the homeowner with a medium-sized lawn (1 to 2 acres), choosing a lawnmower is oftentimes a difficult decision. On the one hand, a walk-behind machine sips fuel and cuts close to edges, but requires a long time–and a lot of pushing -to mow the entire yard. On the other hand, a lawn tractor covers the area faster but increases the amount of trimming that needs to be done.

One particular machine offers the puzzled homeowner a welcome compromise. The Ariens 34 Inch, 344cc Briggs & Stratton, Hydrostatic Zero Turn Mower (the  “Ariens Zoom 34″) delivers the advantages of both walk-behinds and tractors without suffering from the deficiencies of either. For example, the 34 ” deck is an increase over the standard 21 ” walk-behind deck; you cut more lawn -faster. And while the 34 ” deck is smaller than that featured on many lawn tractors, it does come with a very useful advantage. Many gates are standardized to a width of 36 “. Thus, the Ariens Zoom 34 can access fenced-in areas that larger machines simply cannot.

Yet it is the zero turn radius feature of this mower that really makes it a time-saver. Cut close to the yard’s edge the first time; turn on a dime. The controls are simple and easy to use. And the hydrostatic drive means that you won’t waste time shifting between gears, as you would with a traditional transmission. It’s fast too -6.0 MPH forward and 3.0 in reverse. Topping all this is a two-year warranty on both parts and labor.

At the same time, the Ariens Zoom 34 has a few shortcomings. There’s no hour meter on the machine, so determining the frequency of regular maintenance checks is difficult. Additionally, headlights -a useful safety feature- are unavailable. This also serves to limit its commercial potential; a machine without headlights can’t work effectively in the evening. There is also an issue with the machine’s mulching capability. To utilize this feature, a different blade is required.

Nevertheless, for the price -approximately $2,000 -it represents an excellent value. It’s fun to use and inexpensive to operate. While not recommended for commercial enterprises, it more than adequately fills the needs of the average homeowner. Upgrading from a tiny walk-behind to the fast and agile Ariens Zoom 34 will save your time, save your money, and ultimately save your back.

See larger image Ariens Zoom® 34 344cc 34" Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower ()