Zero-turn mowers are the go-to option if you need to mow a large parcel of land.
These powerful machines provide the speed and maneuverability you will need to turn a growing bush into a well-manicured lawn.
But picking the right zero turn mower for your lawn goes beyond the features it offers, sometimes it all comes down to the brand.
There are tons of zero turn mower brands but only a few of them offer durable products that not only produce a tidy and clean lawn but also last through the test of time.
Ariens and Husqvarna are good examples of such brands.
This article is about Ariens vs Husqvarna zero turn mowers and the perks that place them among the best brands in the industry.
Is Ariens and Husqvarna the Same?
While Ariens and Husqvarna zero turn mowers both offer impressive cutting abilities and maneuverability, they’re not identical in terms of their manufacturing, product lineups, and specific features.
Quick Summary: Ariens vs Husqvarna
Both Ariens and Husqvarna offer impressive zero turn mowers with their own set of features and capabilities. However, based on user opinions, Ariens emerges as the better option.
Ariens zero turn mowers provide a range of models suitable for both residential and commercial use.
They excel in cutting ability, maneuverability, and durability.
With larger cutting deck sizes, powerful engines (such as Kohler and Kawasaki), and durable build materials, Ariens mowers are designed to handle various terrains and deliver neat and even cuts.
Ariens mowers also prioritize user comfort with features like comfortable seats.
While Husqvarna also offers reliable zero turn mowers, they come with certain drawbacks such as installation and assembly challenges, and some models lack comfortable seating with armrests.
Although Husqvarna mowers have powerful engines and efficient cutting decks, their overall performance may not match the level of Ariens mowers.
Therefore, based on research and user opinions, Ariens stands out as the better option between the two brands, offering a combination of performance, comfort, and durability in their zero turn mowers.
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Ariens Zero Turn Mowers Reviews
Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower
The Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower is a residential mower with a power output of 19HP and a cutting deck size of 42 inches.
This mower can handle almost all residential cutting needs and operate efficiently in undulating and imperfect terrains.
This is a very important feature you want to consider, especially if you have a lot of obstacles on your lawn.
Another feature to consider is comfort. While the machine works efficiently, you won’t want to be thrown around or subjected to unpleasant vibrations as it cuts your lawn.
The Ariens 915213 Zero Turn Mower is fitted with a very comfortable seat that doesn’t come with armrests.
For speed, it packs 6 miles per hour going forward and 3 miles per hour on the reverse. This should be enough to handle your residential needs as fast as possible.
Pros
- Suitable for residential use
- Delivers neat and even cuts
- Durable build material
Cons
- Assembly could be difficult
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Ariens 991151 Apex Mower
This is the perfect mower for users who want a little more power and looking to get their lawns cut as fast as possible.
Like all zero turn mowers, this machine offers great maneuverability and delivers clean cuts even in undulating terrains.
The Ariens 991151 Apex Mower is fitted with a 60-inch cutting deck that works well in both low and high grass.
This, together with its Kawasaki engine that provides 24HP, makes for a heavy-duty reliable mower that could work effectively on lawns as large as 10 acres.
The unit features a foam-padded comfortable seat with armrests. This a much-needed feature that gives you all the comfort you need while you cut your lawn.
As great as the machine is, it comes with some flaws. One major issue is the vibration and rattling of the electric clutch when you turn off the blades.
In some cases, the deck could vibrate and rattle so much as to cause discomfort during use. This issue can be easily resolved by modifying the affected parts.
Overall, the Ariens 991151 Apex Mower is a great choice for users looking for a little more power.
Pros
- A powerful mower that gets the job done
- Wider deck size
- Effective on undulating terrains
Cons
- Vibrations and rattling pose a challenge
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Ariens IKON-XL
The Ariens IKON-XL is another impressive zero turn mower from Ariens featuring a 60-inch 3-blade deck powered by a 25HP/725cc Kohler engine. It is perfect for handling large tough lawns.
Design-wise, the Ariens IKON-XL is all you would ever ask for. It features a 10-gauge steel frame that ensures that the machine remains durable for as long as possible.
A high-back padded seat with armrests gives you all the comfort you need while you cut your lawn. It also comes with large sturdy tires that allow for easy movement on uneven lawns.
Like other top mowers offered by Ariens, the Ariens IKON-XL mows at 7 mph forward and 3 mph in reverse.
You may want to watch your speed, especially if you’re a first-timer or you’ve got a lot of obstacles on your lawn.
Pros
- A 60-inch cutting deck makes for faster mowing time
- Powerful 25HP Kohler engine
- Durable and quality build
Cons
- Could be difficult to store
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Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower Reviews
Husqvarna MZ61
Husqvarna MZ61 is a heavy-duty zero-turn mower featuring a hydrostatic transmission – the best transmission system among mowers. This mower is fitted with a Kawasaki engine that delivers 24HP.
With that much power and its 61-inch cutting deck, this unit could cut through lawns of about 15 acres in a short amount of time.
If you’re planning to use this mower on a large lawn, you would be concerned about comfort and how well it performs under different conditions. Well, the features of the Husqvarna MZ61 speak for themselves.
It comes with a high-back padded seat with arms and vibration dampeners to make mowing even for long periods very comfortable. It also features a roll-over protection system (ROPS) that ensures safe operation in all conditions.
Using this machine shouldn’t pose a problem but the installation and assembly process could be troublesome for some people.
You may need a professional to install and assemble it before use.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Very powerful engine
- Comfortable during use
Cons
- Installation and assembly can be tough
Husqvarna MZ61
Although this product bears a similar model number to the one listed above, they’re by no means the same.
First, it comes with a Briggs & Stratton engine rather than a Kawasaki engine.
Second, it has a power output of 27HP, which is higher than what you get from the other model. However, it still features the same 61-inch cutting deck.
The best things about the Husqvarna MZ61 are its speed, efficiency, and maneuverability. With this mower, you could cut your mowing time by half and still achieve a well-cut lawn.
For maneuverability, it features an adjustable deck. You can adjust the deck to avoid obstacles using the deck pedal. The zero-turn feature also allows you to cut grass in 180 degrees.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Powerful and efficient engine
- Could easily cut mowing time by half
Cons
- Needs constant supervision and maintenance
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Husqvarna Z254
Although the Husqvarna Z254 features a powerful Kohler engine with a power output of 26HP, it comes with a small deck size of 54 inches.
This machine is for you if you’re cutting a lawn smaller than 10 acres and want a mower that gets the job done without having to break the bank.
It is a budget-friendly option and like reliable budget-friendly products, it comes with a lot of pros and a few cons.
For pros, it features air induction air mowing technology that allows for a clean and superior cut. It also delivers lots of power and speed. For cons, it is all about the design of the seat.
You’d expect a powerful mower like this one to have a more comfortable seat with armrests to ease the stress of long mowing periods, but Husqvarna Z254 just seems to lack this feature.
Apart from that, everything else is superb.
Pros
- Well-priced mower
- Powerful Kohler engine
- Delivers clean cuts
Cons
- Comfort could be an issue due to the seat design.
Husqvarna Z254F
This mower is equipped with the same 26HP Kohler engine and 54 inches deck as the previous option.
There’s not much difference between both mowers as it comes with similar pros and cons as the previous machine.
The mower also allows you to cut your mowing time by half and still achieve a neat cut due to its large deck and efficient engine. However, its seat still lacks that comfortable design that is much-needed.
If you don’t care about armrests or an extremely comfortable seat, then this unit will suit you perfectly.
It is budget-friendly, efficient, and gets the job done as expected.
Pros
- Budget-friendly mower
- Powerful Kohler engine
- Delivers neat cuts
Cons
- The seat design could use some extra features
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Husqvarna Z254
The Husqvarna Z254 is a residential mower featuring a 21.5HP Kawasaki engine and a small deck making it ideal for homeowners.
Like all light-duty Husqvarna models, it doesn’t feature a seat with armrests. This could be because it’s not built for very long use like other commercial mowers from Husqvarna.
With this mower, you get a powerful engine and a decent deck size that offers clean cuts even on rough terrains or undulating lawns.
Unpacking the mower and assembling it could pose a challenge like most Husqvarna products. While it is not something you would need a professional for, getting one could save you time and energy.
Pros
- A powerful mower for small lawns
- Ergonomic design allows for effortless use
- Easy to assembly
Cons
- Unpacking could be difficult
Husqvarna Z242F
The Husqvarna Z242F is the right choice for users that have a small lawn of smaller than 7 acres and wouldn’t want to spend too much on a lawn mower but still want a durable option.
Its deck size of 42 inches won’t make for the fastest mowing time but it is way better than what you’d get from other commercial mowers. It features an 18HP Kawasaki engine and comes with a maximum speed of 6.5mph.
One of the best features of this mower is its hydrostatic transmission system.
This saves you a lot of time and money on maintenance – making the machine one of the best cost-effective mowers for residential use.
Another impressive feature is its deck design which allows for superior airflow and delivers clean cuts with its high-performance blades.
Pros
- High-performance mower
- Effective on small lawns
- Durable build material
Cons
- The seat comes without armrests
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Husqvarna Z248F
The Husqvarna Z248F is like a sweet spot between a heavy-duty mower and a light-duty mower. This means that the mower can perform some heavy-duty mowing and operate efficiently on small lawns.
It features a Kawasaki engine that delivers a power output of 21.5HP. This, in addition to a 48-inch deck, allows the mower to provide neat and precise cuts when mowing.
The Husqvarna Z248F doesn’t come with armrests but this shouldn’t be a problem if you won’t be mowing a large area.
Overall, this mower does pretty well for its price. To boost its lifespan, avoid using it for long periods without breaks even though it comes with a powerful engine that can easily handle long-term use.
Pros
- Budget-friendly mower
- Effective on small lawns
Cons
- Performs poorly on uneven lawns
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Who Makes Ariens Zero Turn?
Ariens Company or AriensCo or simply Ariens is one of the leading equipment companies in the world with almost a century of experience in the industry. The company was founded in 1933 in Brillion, Wisconsin.
Ariens started with snow blowers before producing the first riding mower.
At its inception, the company had only four employees.
Almost a century and many successful products later, the company boasts more than 1,500 employees and a presence in several countries and continents including the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Ariens focuses mainly on zero-turn mowers but they offer other lawn equipment like walk-behind mowers and power brushes for all-surface cleaning.
A top striking feature of their zero-turn mowers that set them apart from the rest is the cutting deck size. With mowers, the larger the size of the cutting deck the more grass it can cut at a time.
Mowers with large cutting decks can save you some time and in some cases, produce a better-cut lawn than mowers with small cutting decks.
In Ariens’ mower inventory are commercial grade mowers for heavy-duty large area mowing and residential mowers that produce the best cut even for lawns with lots of obstacles.
Most Ariens zero turn mowers are fitted with either Kohler or Kawasaki engines but some come with Briggs & Stratton engines. They are all-powerful and offer great performance.
Most mowers with Kohler or Kawasaki engines have a horsepower of up to 25HP while Briggs & Stratton models seem to have theirs pegged at 20HP.
HP is a factor that determines how much power the engine will deliver. If you want to use the mower for commercial purposes (large lawn mowing), then consider a mower with up to 25HP.
A 20HP mower is most suitable for residential lawn mowing or a lawn of less than 7 acres.
Another impressive feature of Ariens zero turn mowers is their durability. Zero turn mowers are expected to be tough since they will be operated for longer periods and in some cases, they may be used on rough terrains.
Ariens zero turn mowers can hold out through any rough use due to several outstanding features. One such feature is its tubular frame, which is made out of industrial-grade gauge steel.
This frame provides the mower with a very rugged backbone. Another feature is the CBT (constant belt tension) system that minimizes wear and heat while also reducing the need for adjustments in rough terrains.
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Who Makes Husqvarna Mowers?
A few companies started centuries ago and are still in operation today. There are even fewer of these companies that still hold a major spot in the industry they operate.
The Husqvarna Group is one of those few companies that still rank as a major competitor in the power tools and cutting equipment market due to its consistent provision of highly efficient and durable products.
The Husqvarna Group was founded in 1689. At the time, it was heavily involved in the production of firearms with more than 1,000 employees working in its factory.
The company later moved into the production of sewing machines and other consumer products before releasing its first lawn mower.
In 1999, it launched the world’s first solar-powered robotic lawn mower, a feat many other lawn mower brands are yet to achieve.
Husqvarna zero turn mowers are designed for comfort and packed with heavy-duty decks and powerful engines that keep large swaths of grass tidy and even.
The company makes a lot of promises with its mowers and, fortunately, it is one of the few brands that keep promises.
Using a Husqvarna zero turn mower should be the best feeling ever. They come with rubber isolators and an ergonomic design aimed at boosting comfort without affecting the efficiency of the mower.
On select models, Husqvarna offers its redesigned CleanCut cutting deck aimed at users looking to use their mowers on undulating and imperfect terrains.
This cutting deck uses a patented baffle system to deliver a clean and even cut on the roughest lawns.
Husqvarna lawn mowers consist of several zero turn mowers categorized into residential, semi-professional, and commercial.
One of its most powerful and efficient mowers is the heavy-duty Husqvarna Z572X mower powered by a Yamaha engine, which produces 33HP and comes equipped with a 72-inch cutting deck.
If you’re cutting a lawn of less than 7 acres, this mower could be too much for you and way too expensive. The best residential mowers have deck sizes between 42 to 54 inches.
Husqvarna zero turn mowers are powered by engines from different brands. Its residential mowers feature Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Kawasaki engines.
Its semi-professional models come with the same options while its commercial mowers feature more powerful engines like Yamaha engines.
Some of its commercial models are, however, powered by Kawasaki and Kohler engines.
Another area Husqvarna does well is in its warranty period. Depending on the mower, you get a 3 or 5-year warranty. Note that this warranty is limited and only covers certain parts of the mower.
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Ariens Zero Turn Mowers Problems
Ariens’ zero turn mowers are durable and efficient, so only a few users have reported issues with these mowers.
Take note of the vibration and rattling issue that affects most models if you’re going for an Arien zero turn mower. This issue may cause slight discomfort as the vibration can be at the blades, deck, or electric clutch.
This issue poses a serious challenge on heavy-duty Arien zero turn mowers as the rattling and vibration may affect your ability to work for long periods.
Making modifications to the blade, clutch, or deck can minimize this problem but you may still hear slight vibrations and rattling once in a while.
Husqvarna Zero Turn Mowers Problems
Husqvarna zero-turn mowers are just as durable but they come with their problems too.
First is the cutting deck. In some models, the cutting deck could break down easily if there is a lot of lawn debris and grass build-up.
The second issue is uphill use. Zero turn mowers are very heavy and they have their engines at the rear making it quite difficult for them to work on slopes that are higher than 10 degrees.
This problem also affects most Husqvarna models.
Finally, mowing on wet slopes. In some models, you may end up tearing up the lawn while mowing on wet slopes as they can’t function properly under this condition.
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