Correct, there’s no shocks on it, but it does have a 10 gauge fabricated deck. Other than 2 total oil changes and hydro fluid, it’s needed nothing in 160 hours. It could likely use new blades, or even a sharpening. but it’s not leaving any streaks. It is limited to 8mph from factory but seems like it could handle more unless the grass is fully damp. I couldn’t see spending more than this if you’re not running a mowing service.
Very few zero turns have shocks. Ferris and Stihl are two that I can think of. In reality, Ferris and Stihl are the same other than the paint job.
This is not much over your budget and I didn't look much. The 52" is like only $100 less and not worth it.
Owning a SCAG Liberty Z as I do I would recommend it highly good components great hydro super easy to service I would pic a Kawasaki.
Kohler or Kawasaki. You will play ~€££ getting parts for a Briggs and Stratton.
I started out looking, with requirements very similar to yours.
Nearly same boat. I had some early OOB issues, and my local dealers are not whiz kids, plus Gravely/Ariens kinda cold shouldered me - but they fixed the driveability issue - required cutting sheetmetal, which absolutely floored me.
Thank you for the feedback. The Gravely XT/XL is on my short list, I watched a couple videos about the 2023 upgrades. I figured a $5K budget because that's what's realistic to get out of big-box store models; weed out the cheap garbage. I don't mind going a little north of that if I get a good deal.I started out looking, with requirements very similar to yours.
Our property is only 1.1 acres total, so the total amount of grass to mow is obviously less than that.
I started out only wanting to spend $3-4K, but then quickly realized that mowers in that price range aren’t all that great (some are better than others).
Ended up deciding after some looking around that I at least wanted a Kawasaki engine, fully fabricated deck (this one is 11GA), and fully serviceable transaxles (this has ZT-2800’s, which is the smallest/lowest-priced transaxle Hydro-Gear sells that is fully serviceable, which means, fill port, drain port, and replaceable spin-on filter). Incidentally their ZT-2200 is now serviceable (has fill & drain port), but no filter. I think that’s what comes installed on the model just below mine (ZT/X). I think the entry-level transaxles (EZT?) are still non-serviceable without removing them completely.
In Sept 2022, I ended up getting a new 2022 Gravely ZT/XL 42” with Kawasaki FR651V (21.5 HP). Went 42” because the property we bought has a chain link fence with a narrow gate, and I didn’t want to mess with having it widened, plus, we have a ditch going around the front and side yards that I’m able to mow a lot of with the 42”, but something larger probably wouldn’t work too well.
I did a lot of research, and I did not find a comparable model from another manufacturer that offered all the features that the Gravely ZT/XL does. It seemed like one other manufacturer had something similar, but had only two blades instead of three.
The spindles are sealed.
It’s rated 7 mph, but I mulch, so, as someone else said, I am probably only mowing at half that speed to get a good cut.
It now has 62 hrs, and I haven’t had to do anything to it aside from changing the oil (went with M1 15W-50).
No complaints! I have no doubt it’ll last for years.
The ZT/XL got several significant upgrades for 2023, including new frame and new deck, and I think it’s an even better deal now.
They list for about $5300. I paid $5000 OTD for my 2022. It is likely that the dealer was willing to sell it for a little bit less, because he knew that the 2023 models would be all new. Of course, I did not know that at the time, and he did not tell me!
If I had all the money in the world, I would probably get a Scag or a Wright!
It does have the 3100s.
www.ariens.com
The machines are very similar between Ariens/Gravely, as the Ariens company owns the Gravely brand. My local dealer is an Ariens/Gravely dealer.It does have the 3100s.
APEX Series Zero Turn Lawn Mower | Ariens
The APEX zero turn lawn mower powers through the toughest mowing environments with the strength of professional engineering and residential comfort you expect from an Ariens.
And, from my quick analysis, it seems to be a heck of a lot of mower for the money.
Looks like an even better deal than my Gravely ZT/XL, in terms of what you’re getting for your money. Thicker, deeper deck (10GA vs 11GA), 5.5” deep vs. 4.5”, which will equal a better cut due to better vacuum, and I also like the pin-style height adjustment better than the dial-style of mine.
It’s over 100 lbs heavier, so I don’t think you’ll see any speed increase, despite the upgraded hydros and 1.5-HP extra.
You may want to compare it with the Gravely ZT/HD. I think it’s pretty much the same mower. I’m not sure what all the Gravely includes that the Ariens wouldn’t.
That 4-yr/500-hr warranty is great. I wonder if the Gravely warranty is better.
FYI, the Gravely ZT/HD is probably the most popular zero-turn I see around my area.
I’ve also seen some good discounts on that model from time to time.
I’ve never seen an Ariens dealer. I’ve only seen them at big box stores.
Anybody seen an OPE dealer that actually carries Ariens?
