Ariens IKON X 52 Review

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Ariens-IKON-X-52-Review

The Ariens IKON X 52 is a versatile and high-performing riding lawn mower suitable for medium to large-sized yards.

It comes with premium features such as a high back seat, padded levers, triple-blade design to deliver top-notch mowing performance. The riding mower can easily mow around obstacles such as trees, flowers, shrubs, and tall grass.

We spent 9 hours digging through experts and real users’ Ariens IKON X 52 reviews. Here is a summary of what they think:

10 Reasons to Buy

  • The Ariens IKON X 52 comes with a high back seat with armrests to ensure comfort.
  • The padded levers reduce vibrations while mowing.
  • The riding mower runs on a 23HP Kawasaki engine for a smooth lawn mowing operation.
  • Its hydrostatic transaxles deliver responsive and effortless control.
  • The commercial-style dual arm deck lift with a four-point hanging system provides ultimate deck stability and even cut.
  • The gas-powered mower is equipped with a 52-inch cutting deck for excellent and superb cutting performance.
  • It operates efficiently on tall grass.
  • It has different cutting heights to ensure maximum efficiency.
  • The zero-turn mower has great handling and it is easy to drive.
  • The Ariens IKON X 52 comes with a steering bar system that enables users to quickly make a 180-degree turn in minimal space.

2 Reasons Not to Buy

  • Not the best for small spaces
  • Wheels tend to slip on marshy ground.
  • Accessories such as mulch, bag and headlight kits are sold separately.

Ariens IKON X 52 Product Specifications

BrandAriens
Cutting width52 inches
FeatureZero Turn Radius
Maximum cutting height4.5 inches
Minimum cutting height1.5 inches
Mower TypeRiding
Power SourceGas
Warranty3 years
Weight871lbs
Additional InformationHigh Back Padded Seat With Armrests, 726cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin Engine, Mulch & Bag Kit Sold Separately, Max forward speed of 7mph and 3 mph in reverse.

Ariens IKON X 52 Review: Deep Dive

Design

The Ariens IKON X 52 has a high back seat with standard armrests for comfort while mowing. The padded levers minimize vibrations during mowing operations. Its visual fuel gauge indicates when the tank needs refilling.

The two hydrostatic transaxles simplify the control of the trimming process. The steering bar system enables you to quickly make a 180-degree turn in minimal space. A noticeable drawback about the mower is that the wheels can slip on marshy and undulating surfaces.

Power

The riding mower runs on a robust and powerful 23 HP Kawasaki FR691 engine for a smooth mowing operation. The engine features cast-iron cylinder liners for a long lifespan, an internally vented carburetor for better fuel management, and automatic compression release for easy starting.

The dual hydro-gear ZT-2200 (EZT) Hydrostatic Drive System enhances effortless and smooth mowing operation.  This means that you do not need to manually change the speeds. It has a maximum forward speed of 7 mph and a reverse speed of 3 mph to enable you to cut the grass in a fast manner.

The gearbox allows the yard tool to mow on slopes and around obstacles such as trees, shrubs, and flowers. It has a fuel tank that can take up to 2.8 gallons. This is enough to mow up to 2.5 acres without refueling.

Cutting Performance

The gas-powered mower is equipped with a 52-inch cutting deck for superior cutting performance on lawns. The four-point hanging deck creates a more level cut while mowing on uneven terrain. It has 13 cutting heights which can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.

The zero-turn mower comes with three blades to enhance smooth and nice cuts on lawns. It is suitable for large residential lawn mowing applications with or without moderate slopes. 

The gas-powered mower is also ideal for tough mowing situations, sloppy terrain and uneven ground. It operates efficiently on tall grass. A user attested that he can mow 2.5 acres within 1.75 hours. This is an average of 45 minutes per acre. 

Ease of Use

The X 52 model comes with hydraulic transmissions which enhance easy driving. Homeowners can adjust the wishbones to three different directions for easy mowing operations.

Accessories

The riding mower supports a host of accessories. The mulching kit recycles lawn clippings as you mow, spreading them back onto each yard with each pass.

You can also purchase an optional 2-bucket bagger to collect grass clippings for easy disposal. The headlight kit ensures safe mowing operation in dark or low-light conditions.

Another common accessory is a trailer hitch. It enables you to pull the cart behind your lawn equipment and move materials such as fertilizers, compost and animal feed. One of the drawbacks of this zero turn mower is that the accessories are sold separately.

Price and Warranty

For a riding lawn mower, the Ariens IKON X 52 is fairly priced. It is backed by a three-year warranty service. It is important to note that some parts such as air filters, spark plugs, are not covered by this warranty.

Special Features

The Ariens IKON X 52 mower uses a zero-turn radius technology. It can mow more effectively because of the 180-degree turn at the end of the row. This feature will ensure time efficiency.

Safety Features

The Ariens IKON X 52 comes with safety interlock systems to reduce the risk of injury while mowing. Also, the mower is equipped with a parking brake that reduces the risk of accidents while mowing on slopes.

Video Review

Bottom Line

The Ariens IKON X 52 is well-liked for its ergonomic features, competitive price, innovative design and solid cutting power on tall grass. The engine provides lots of mowing power to ensure superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.

If you are looking for a versatile, efficient and durable riding lawn mower for medium and large-sized yards, the Ariens IKON X 52 is a good choice for you.

Husqvarna TS 348XD Garden Tractor
  • Mower Type: Riding
  • Cutting width: 48 inches
  • Maximum cutting height: 4.0 inches
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Power source: Gas
  • Weight: 840lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ariens IKON X 52 arrive assembled?

Yes, the lawn mower comes assembled.

Can you get a bagger for it?

Yes, you can purchase a bag kit for the riding lawn mower.

What is the mower’s max speed?

The Ariens IKON X 52 has a maximum speed of 7mph.

With a 52” deck, how wide does my shed door have to be?

The minimum width for your shed door should be 60 inches.

What is the mower’s maximum cutting height?

The maximum cutting height of Ariens IKON X 52 is 4.5 inches.

Is the Ariens IKON X 52 capable of mulching?

A mulching kit is required.

Is this mower capable of pulling a cart?

A hitch is needed to pull a cart.

Will the mower work on inclined lawns?

The wheels support effortless inclined slope trimming but are not a great fit for marshy and undulating surfaces.

Are there uncut stripe areas between the blades?

No, there are no uncut stripe areas between the blades.

Maintenance Tips

  • Check belts every 100 hours.
  • Change the engine oil at specified intervals.
  • Clean engine cooling system every 100 hours.
  • Change tire pressure before use.
  • Check the air filter every fifty hours.
  • Check fasteners every fifty hours.
  • Check blades for wear. Replace or sharpen when necessary.