Customer Reviews for Ariens Zoom 42 in. 20 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin EZT Transaxles Zero-Turn Riding Mower

The Ariens Zoom 42 is without a doubt the best built and best value residential zero turn on the market today. I did a lot of research before buying this mower, and looked at similar 42-50" Toro, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, John Deere, and Husqvarna models. The MTD-built mowers (Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, etc.) don't mow in reverse (due to a lawsuit), so the PTO disengages the blades when you pull the levers back for more than a second or so...very annoying. You can bypass it by modifying the wiring, but who wants to do that on a brand new mower? The Ariens mows in reverse with no modifications. The Toro Timecutter SS 42" model was at the top of my list until I saw how the deck was attached. Like most of the residential zero turn mowers, the deck attaches with just 1 linkage bar in the front. The back of the Toro deck has brackets that hang on a rod. Other models have 2 rear brackets that connect to linkages with cotter pins. The Ariens has a beefy doubled front linkage and 4 (FOUR!) deck attachment points. It's so secure that the deck doesn't bounce at all when mowing a really bumpy yard. The Ariens is also the only mower I found in this price range with a foot deck lift. This is important because with both hands on the steering levers, you can't grab a lever to raise the deck to mow over a tree root, etc. The foot lift system is excellent and really easy to lift the deck. Consumer Reports (who loves the Troy-Bilt zero turns at Lowes) always gives points to the zero turn mowers that have the parking brake built into the steering levers (when you close them, the parking brake disengages electronically). I actually like the separate parking brake on the Ariens much better...it feels much more solid and isn't electronic, plus it makes opening and closing the steering arms much smoother. The only complaint I read about during my research on the Ariens Zoom 42 was that it burned the grass if you stopped in one spot, but that Ariens dealers can get and install a heat shield to prevent the issue. I'm happy to report that my Ariens Zoom 42 came with this heat shield ALREADY INSTALLED, as well as a trailer hitch. See pictures attached to this review. Since this was the biggest complaint, I almost ordered the heat shield from Ariens before receiving the mower so I could put it on right away...I'm glad I didn't! I ordered the Ariens Zoom 42 on a Thursday from HomeDepot.com, I received an e-mail that it shipped the next week on Tuesday via New England Motor Freight. By Thursday it was at my local Ariens dealer (which normally only sells Ariens snow blowers), prepped, and ready to go. I could have had it delivered that Thursday but chose Friday. My particular dealer went above and beyond prepping the mower...even going so far as to highlight important things in the manual and color the hydro-bypass levers (to push the mower) to make them easier to find. I'm not sure if they adjusted the deck or not, but it's perfectly level and the cut looks GREAT. I have mowed once with the Ariens so far and you can immediately tell it's a quality built mower, which is really hard to find in the residential price range, even with tractor style instead of zero turn mowers. I've never driven a zero turn mower before, but within 10 minutes I figured it out and had no issues. Even while learning the steering, I still mowed by yard (around .75 acre) in half the time. I was originally planning on getting the mulch kit...not so much to recycle grass, but just to block the chute to keep grass out of the driveway, landscaping, etc. I do use my mower to mulch leaves in the fall, and had just the simple plastic chute blocker on my old Craftsman lawn tractor, which worked well. The Ariens deck does have the 2 little bars near the chute that look like a chute cover would bungee to, so I'm going to try to find or make a basic chute cover instead of getting the mulch kit. The mower cuts up the grass so well that barely anything comes out of the chute anyway. Anyway, if you're in the market for a residential zero turn mower, I think the Ariens Zoom series is the way to go. I went with the 42", which I think is the perfect size unless you have a much larger yard. I'm sure the Ariens 50" is an equally awesome machine.

This is my first ride mower. I did a lot of research and decided to splurge on a zero turn instead of a standard ride mower. I narrowed my choice down to this Ariens and similar Gravely. They both have 3 blades, reliable powerful engines, great reviews, and excellent consumer warranties. I then learned that they're the same company with Gravely manufacturing mostly commercial equipment. My local Ariens/Gravely dealer assured me that the new Kohler 7000 engine was as good as the Kawasaki on the more expensive Gravely. Additionally, my landscaper told me he'd always had great luck with Kohler engines. I've only used it three times so far but it's been a true joy to use. It takes some getting used to maneuvering it but it's not terribly difficult. You have to be careful cutting near structures and objects because the deck protrudes out from what you see in front of you. The 3 blades cut very well and it has plenty of power and speed for my 1/2 acre. Servicing the engine shouldn't be too hard although the oil plug is awkwardly situated (that's why why they provided a rubber tube). I would have liked a 3 gallon gas tank as I've gone through about 1.5-1.75 gallons per cut so far. I expected a little better mileage. Adjusting the handles, seat, and cutting height were easy. I did try the deck wash out port with a hose but not sure I did it correctly. I only saw water coming out on one side and did not run the cutting deck. I am considering some car ramps or a jack so that I can get to the blades and scrape out any residue underneath.

Easy to drive. It took one mowing to get the hang of it but what fun. Looked at a Toro and others but the triple blade deck and reviews sold me on Ariens. Only Ariens had a 42" deck with three blades. The triple blades mows real nice. I bought some nice wheel covers for it. looks real cool.

Purchased at the end of the season I've not mowed enough for a very thorough test, but the few hours I have it's worked great. It has impressive power and cutting ability at high speeds. My first zero turn mower so I wondered about learning to steer but it's easy. I mow 1.5 acres with many trees and obstacles and will get my mowing done much faster. The only problem is mowing on a side hill. I was warned of this with the zero turn mowers and it does not work.

this is my first zero turn. it is very powerful, and easy to operate. it has cut my mowing time almost in half.

Very very satisfied with my new 2015 Ariens Zoom 42 Model 915159. One of the best decisions I've made. I also purchased the Ariens 715131 Mulch kit from an online vendor which was fairly easy to install (2 hrs work) and works great. Only thing is there is no discharge cover with the kit. Excessive amount of grass clippings fly out the space between mulch kit and cut deck at the deck's discharge chute and come back on the mower and operator. Also it deposits a small line of clumped cuttings on the lawn. Anyone else have this problem? There are two anchor studs welded to the cutting deck on either side of the discharge chute as if they were designed to hold the discharge cover straps. I've searched and cannot find an Ariens (or Gravely) discharge cover. Is there a compatible discharge cover that will fit the Ariens (Gravely) 42" Zoom (ZTR) deck? It would be the compliment and finishing touch to this Mulching Kit.

The Ariens Zoom 42 has turned out to be a much better than expected machine. I did some research and found out this company has been around for a long time and after using this more a few times I can easily see why. The deck mounting system is far better than the competition being that it has 4 deck hanging points, you really can stand on it. Don't try that on a different brand, I tried it on a floor model in front of the store and it didn't turn out well. I almost immediately installed the mulching kit and it works very well. I had some really tall grass to cut behind my yard the first time I used the machine and the engine didn't hesitate one bit. I'm happy with the purchase and strongly recommend this mower over any of the same-priced units of any other brand.

Got older so needed a rider and didn't like the tractor type and most rear engine mowers are too narrow. Started out loving this mower but ran into some problems. Thing leaks oil like mad all over the lower part of the engine. Did not trust anyone to tear it apart and MAYBE fix. Just keep adding oil. DO NOT stop on your lawn long after mowing a while. Very poo muffler design and your nice green grass will develop dead brown rectangles where ever you sit and quickly. Cutting is nice and even but keep your blades, 3 of them, sharp and buy a lawn mower lift. This thing is heavy. Deck height adjustment is okay and controls are easy to learn. Get an extra key. I only had one with mine and it broke in short order. Suction is fair and my $500.00 bagger is a nice decoration as thee grass spends a lot of time clogged up in the pipe. If you get a bagger you will loose your hitch to pull your tool trailer. I would not go back to a push mower if I could but I would probably spend more time researching zero turn mowers.

We mow a community park with lots of trees, swings, tree roots, volleyball nets, etc. The old mower took 2+ hours to do the job, most of the time spent over-steering around objects, and realigning for another pass. The Ariens eliminates all the excess steering & lining up again for a pass. You can mow right up to an object, spin 270 degrees, and keep going without missing a beat. Now the park gets mowed in a little more than an hour. And, it's actually enjoyable for a change. The old machine bored riders to death, and it was hard to get folks to mow the park. The new one is like driving a sports car, and no boredom in sight. I won't say it was an easy transition, but I found myself getting comfortable with the new steering process in about 15-20 minutes. The 3 blades chewed thru tall grass like a buzz-saw. It is important to watch the back tires when cutting close while steering, not the mower deck, since it pivots around the back tires when turning. And for those who've complained about cooking the grass if parked, Ariens has put in a heat shield under the exhaust. I'm impressed with the machine, all I had to add was a trailer hitch (none included) and an hour-meter (should be standard on all small engines). I have a bad spine, and the seat was more than comfortable. I'd be happy to buy another.

I live in a rural area and have a ditch running in the front of my property by the road. The ditch has a incline on both sides and if the ground is damp from rain the mower will side a little and leave skid marks in the grass. The other problem I found is if you make a sharp zero turn around in one spot the mowers rear wheels will tear up the grass. The cut I get with the mower is very nice and even. Thats what I like about this Ariens mover is the nice even cut, It makes your lawn really stand out looking nice.

I have owned a 1999 Ariens EZR1742 for 17 years...we bought it for 1100.00 back then. other than minor blade, belt replacement, there have been two spindle bearing assemblies (32.00 ea.) and one engine(368.00) about 6 years ago. We cut heavy grass on over two acres on the farm. This thing really gets a workout and has proved its worth. We are putting this one up for sale and picking up a new Ariens Zoom 42" model. You cannot go wrong with a proven product!

I originally ordered a Hustler 42" ZTR that was heavily advertised. After 2 weeks and no mower, I got my money back and ordered an Ariens from Home Depot. The mower came in a few days early from the Delivery Date given. I love this mower but my wife loves it more. Our first ZTR and will not go back to a tractor.

I bought this new in 2011. It is the only mower that will attach to my leaf vac, which I use commercially. Never had a problem with it. This thing is a beast. It doesnt have an hour meter but being that I've used this for my lawn care business for over 4 years now, I'd say it has to have at least 2000 hours on it and it is still going strong. If you want something reliable, buy this.

Cannot ask for a better 42" zero turn mower for the price. Makes my yard look like it was professionally mowed with a push mower.

Easy to use gets job done much quicker than my garden tractor

Great machine delivered to your door and ready to go-you can't beat it. Only problem was trucking company having the mower for about two weeks.

I was very impressed of the way the mower was built. Was very easy to drive and get use too. Lawn looks great.

Received mower as promised from Airens Rep who went over mower features. Have mowed one acre for first time was great, nice even cut on turf. Also handled some areas not usually mowed on high setting without any problem. Cut mowing time by half! Could use a fuel gage but other than that a great mower, the best feature was its deck heavy gage even though stamped with four wheels and three blades.

I have had this mower for just over 2 years. Last September the Right drive developed a leak and failed. It was replaced under warranty. When I got it back home I noticed the Left one had a small leak as well. I just went to pull it out of the shed for some spring maintenance and there was a big puddle under the left hydro-drive. I called Ariens but was told it was out of warranty and I am the first person that has ever had this issue. After reading reviews on a few sites it seems like this is a re-occuring issue lately with these mowers.

Only mowed my property one time. I mowed 2 acres and in front of the house in less than 2 hours, impressed! I have owned a Dixon for many years. The Ariens steers different. The Dixon turns by increasing speed on one wheel when pushing the steer levers forward. It seems the Ariens steers by slowing one wheel, allowing turning, pushing one lever forward does little turning. So far I am pleased. The motor used 2 gallons of gas and ran out just as I finished the 2 acres.

Delivered in the time stated, toughest part was getting it out of the crate. Very little assembly needed and the machine set up needed no adjustments what-so-ever. Has lots of power and cuts much better than my old Honda lawn tractor. A very solid piece of equipment and has cut my mowing time in half and hardly any trimming needed. No issues so far, should have bought one years ago.

The mower is an excellent product .The " Mulch Kit " is incomplete , see my review on it .I hope HOME DEPOT has enough influence with ARIENS to get a response from them on the ' Mulch Kit "

In my 3rd season with this mower and very satisfied. I went with the 42" so that I can fit through a single gate with the plastic deflector raised. I also pull a leaf rake behind it in the fall and it does quite well. Good machine.

After reviewing several models for zero turn mowers I choose the Ariens 42” Zoom. I am not a huge fan of reading only reviews to make a choice however they are a part of the process that help aid in deciding. In reading reviews you can’t always believe what you read however here are my two cents. The mower performs well with starting, mowing, turning and handling. The 3 blades really help in cutting and distributing the grass evenly without the mulching kit which I’m of the opinion is not necessary. The water clean out port is a nice added feature however you need to let the mower cool 30 min before using it or risk possible damage to parts under the deck according to the manual. The motor, oil, blades, battery and belts are easily accessable. The exhaust will burn the grass if left stationary for a period of time so don’t stop too long while mowing. There is an exhaust shield available for $23 plus $12.50 for shipping. I believe this should come with the unit since it can be a problem. I ordered it and it is on back order, not good. Because of this the mower will lose a top rating but still get 4 stars out of 5. Longevity will be the major factor in determining quality which cannot be determined for at least 5 years. For the most part the mower performs satisfactorily and the 20HP engine gives plenty of power for the 1.5 acres I have to mow. I hope the engine lasts. The Kohler courage that comes with it is a residential grade engine.

I bought a Zoom 42 in June 2013 because it was narrow enough to mow around my many trees. I must say on a level lawn it is an amazing mower, very fast and easy to operate. However on a slight incline it is useless. The tires have no traction and you slide sideways out of control without having a brake. The only way to stop is to pull both levers back which makes the wheels spin backwards and hopefully you are not going to slide into something. I cannot mow the side ditches of my driveway with this machine. I have to mow them with my old tractor which totally has no problem with this slope. Another annoying thing is that the muffler is so close to the ground that it burns patches of grass at every turn or slow maneuver or god forbid stop on the lawn to do something else or run out of fuel for instance. The thing is you only notice it 2 days later. I was ready to return the mower only to find out there is a 25% restocking charge so I fixed the problem myself by manufacturing a heat shield and bolting it to the rear bumper. This is a huge design fault. The gas tank is also fairly small so you can mow for about 2 to 2-1/4 hours before running out of gas. There is no gas gauge visible from the seat so you have to keep track of your time to prevent running out of gas. If the company addresses these issues and rectify them it is definitely a good little machine for a perfect level yard.

Comfortable seat, smooth hydro, plenty of power, nice features including cup holder, rear hitch, and deck wash-out port. Only problem is scorching of grass if you pause for 30 seconds or more to drink your beverage or pick up a piece of trash or trim a few low hanging limbs. The grass will die and turn brown the next day - it's caused by the hot air coming off the engine and being directed downward over the muffler which heats the air further before it hits the grass. Ariens is aware of this problem and does make a heat shield that you can order and install to fix this (part no. 71505600).

Great rider, but as others have said, not the best on slopes especially if they are wet from rain or dew. Needs better traction/wheels so it doesn't slide on wet grass. Love the machine overall--have used it 3 times since purchase.

I will echo the comments already out there: great features, easy to use, but not so great on any type of slope unless grass is totally dry. The back wheels don't provide a lot of traction as a commercial zero turn would, so if our lawn is wet, it slips and slides.

Love it! I cut two lawns 2x a week and this machine has cut down my time considerably. I love the size, easy for me to handle and to get in those tight spaces. As promised it was delivered by a local dealer in the time they said. I love my new toy!

The machine runs great. The bagger stinks. Constantly stopping to unplug it. Even after we pressure wash the undercarriage it still plugs up.