Cub Cadet vs Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers: Which One is Better?
If you are looking for a zero-turn mower that can ensure optimal mowing results on lawns, you can’t go wrong with either Cub Cadet or Ariens.
But the big question is, which one is better? Read our Cub Cadet vs Ariens zero-turn mowers article to find out.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of the two zero-turn mowers, paying attention to metrics such as cutting performance, fuel tank capacity, engine power, design, and warranty.
Ready? Let’s dive right into it:
Cub Cadet Brand Overview
Cub Cadet is an American company that was founded in 1960 and has its headquarters situated in Cleveland, Ohio.
It offers a wide range of products such as lawn and garden tractors, push mowers, self-propelled mowers, zero-turn mowers, snow throwers and utility vehicles.
The company is committed to moving outdoor power equipment forward. They are well-known for innovative and durable products.
Cub Cadet lawn mowers stand out with well-designed mowing decks and cutting systems.
Ariens Brand Overview
The Ariens Company has a long history of manufacturing lawn tractors, snow blowers and zero-turn mowers for high-end and commercial markets.
The company was founded in 1933 and has its headquarters in Wisconsin.
Presently, AriensCo dedicates its efforts to the residential lawn and snow markets using the Ariens brand name.
The firm also dedicates its effort to the commercial lawn market using the Gravely brand name.
Key Differences Between Cub Cadet and Ariens Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers
The main difference between them is that Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers generate more power output (22HP-35HP) while Ariens zero-turn mowers are cheaper.
Best Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers
1. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 54 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZT1 54 is a versatile ideal for mowing slight hills with several obstacles up to four acres.
It runs on a powerful 24 HP Kohler engine for smooth operation. The V-twin cylinders reduce vibration for a smoother ride.
The zero-turn mower is equipped with a high back seat for comfort while mowing. Its dual-LED headlights provide an ultimate vision for mowing in low-light conditions.
The riding mower has 54 in. fabricated deck combines with reinforced leading edges that result in fewer clumps and finer clippings.
It has 15 cutting positions which can be adjusted from 1 to 4.5 inches to ensure precise and even cut.
2. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a durable zero-turn mower suitable for yards that are up to 2-4 acres.
It comes with an 11-inch front wheel that can pivot 180 degrees without turf damage and 20-inch rear wheels to provide better traction on uneven terrain.
The dual-LED headlights provide an ultimate vision for mowing in low-light conditions.
The zero-turn mower features a 42-inch steel cutting deck to ensure efficient owing on lawns. Its cutting options range from 1-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Other features include a high back seat, electronic fingertip blade engagement PTO, ergonomic hand grips and a removable floor pan for excellent mower performance.
3. Cub Cadet ZT2 50 Zero Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZT2 50 mower is powered by a 23HP Kawasaki engine for a top mower performance.
It is equipped with a 50-inch AeroForce deck with reinforced leading edges that results in fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.
The ZT2 50 model has 15 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4.5 inches to suit your mowing needs.
The 13-inch and 20-inch rear tires provide improved traction and offer a better ride on uneven grounds.
Other features include a high back seat, LED headlights and ergonomic hand grips.
4. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 Zero-Turn Mower
The ZT1 50 model runs on a premium 23 HP/726cc Kawasaki FR691V engine to meet the yard’s toughest demands.
It is equipped with a 50-inch AeroForce fabricated deck that offers a nice cut with fewer clumps, finer clippings and increased evenness.
The zero-turn mower has 15 cutting heights that range from 1- 4.5 to suit your mowing requirements.
5. Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4-60 Zero-Turn Mower
The Cub Cadet ZTX4-60 model can handle yards that are up to 4-12 acres with slightly rolling hills and several obstacles.
It comes with a 20-inch high back seat with cushioned armrests to enhance comfort.
Its 13-inch front wheels help to prevent turf damage while the 22-inch premium rear tires offer excellent traction on lawns.
The 60-inch AeroForce cutting deck with smooth arc triple-blades ensures superb grass-cutting performance on lawns.
The riding mower runs on a 24HP Kohler V-twin engine for a reliable starting.
Best Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
1. Ariens IKON XD 60 inch 23 HP (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Lawn Mower
The Ariens IKON XD 60 runs on a 23 HP Kawasaki engine which offers more power and efficiency to the mower.
The 60-wide cutting deck provides optimal airflow to deliver excellent cut quality. The large tires also provide better traction and a smoother ride on uneven terrain.
Other features include a high back seat, padded control arms and rubber floor mat.
2. Ariens IKON XD- 52 (52”) 24HP Kohler Zero Turn Lawn Mower
The Ariens IKON XD-52 is an efficient and sturdy zero-turn mower perfect for medium and large-sized yards.
Its large tires enhance maximum traction while the padded levers absorb vibrations.
It comes with a high back seat with padded armrests to ensure ultimate comfort. The zero-turn mower runs on a 24HP Kohler engine for a powerful mowing operation.
The 52-inch wide, 11-gauge steel fabricated deck provides optimal airflow in tough mowing conditions to deliver excellent cut quality.
3. Ariens Edge 42 inch 19 HP Zero-Turn Mower
The gas-powered mowing machine is powered by a 19 HP Kohler engine for a smooth mowing operation. Its front and rear tires ensure a smooth ride on lawns.
It comes with a high back seat to ensure ultimate comfort while the EZT hydrostatic transaxles enhance easy control of the mowing machine.
The 42-inch mowing deck with a four-point hanging system enhances efficient mowing on your lawn. It operates efficiently on tough and tall grass.
4. Ariens Edge 34-inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero-Turn Mower
The Ariens Edge 34-inch zero-turn mower has intuitive controls that allow you to maneuver on smaller yards with precise and nice cuts. It comes with a high-back seat for maximum comfort.
The riding mower is equipped with a 34-inch cutting deck for effective mowing on lawns. Its cutting options range from 1.5-4.5 inches to suit users’ varying needs.
The foot-operated deck height feature offers grease ease while its compact design allows the mower to easily navigate through tight spaces.
5. Ariens Edge 34-inch 19 HP (Kohler) Zero Turn Mower
The gas-powered mower is powered by a 19HP Kohler engine to deliver consistent cuts on lawns.
Its high back seat enhances comfort while the foot-operated deck lift enables easy cutting height adjustment.
The mower’s tires provide better traction and a smoother ride on lawns. The 34-inch cutting deck provides excellent cut quality.
It has a maximum forward speed of 6 mph and a maximum reverse speed of 3 mph.
Cub Cadet Vs Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of Cub Cadet vs Ariens zero-turn mowers:
Design
Both zero-turn come with innovative features to ensure an exceptional mowing operation.
Most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers come with illuminating dual-LED headlights that provide ultimate vision in low-light conditions.
Their front and rear wheels prevent turf damage and ensure better traction on lawns.
The high back seat provides maximum comfort while mowing. The electronic fingertip blade engagement PTO ensures the smooth operation of the deck.
Other features include ergonomic lap bar design, parking brake, vibration-dampening soft rubber floor mat and removable floor pan.
On the other hand, Ariens zero-turn mowers come with a high back seat with padded armrests for comfort, large front and rear tires for better traction and a smoother ride on lawns.
Ariens zero-turn mowers such as Ariens Zenith Ariens APEX models have a deck lift system to provide easy adjustment and belt tension technology to maximize belt life.
Other features include hydro-gear EZT transaxles, tubular steel frame and seat lever to ensure a superb mowing operation.
Engine Power
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers run on Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs and Stratton engines. The engines have between 22-35 horsepower in different types.
Ariens zero-turn mowers run on Kohler, Kawasaki and Briggs and Stratton engines. Their engines have a horsepower rating that ranges from 19-25 horsepower in different types.
This means that several Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers generate more power output than Ariens zero-turn mowers.
Cutting Performance
The deck sizes of Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers range from 42 to 60 inches while Ariens lawn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 34-60 inches
Most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers have 15 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1.5-4.5 inches.
On the other hand, Ariens zero-turn mowers also have cutting options that range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches to suit your varying needs.
Some larger models such as Ariens Apex 52 and 60 models have cutting options that range from 1.5- 5.0 inches.
Despite having similar cutting options, most Cub Cadet mowers offer more cutting positions (15 cutting positions) than several Ariens zero-turn mowers.
Both lawn mowers are ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes
Fuel Capacity
Most Cub Cadet zero-turn mowing machines such as Cub Cadet ZT1 50 and ZT2 50 models have a 3.5-gallon tank, meaning that you can always finish your mowing on a single tank.
Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 SD has a larger fuel tank capacity of 7.45 gallons.
On the other hand, the fuel tank capacity of Ariens zero-turn mowers ranges from 2.00- 5.10 gallons.
Cub Cadet wins this category because their zero-turn mowers offer larger fuel tanks than their counterpart.
Warranty
Both zero-turn mowers come with a three-year warranty service
Ease of Use
Both Cub Cadet and Ariens zero-turn mowers come with high back seats to ensure maximum comfort while mowing.
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are comfortable to ride. It doesn’t take too long to get used to the controls of their zero-turn mowers.
Most Ariens’ zero-turn mowers are also easy to operate.
The foot-operated deck lift system and simple pin selection provide easy cutting adjustment while the deck access panels enhance easy access to the belts and blade spindles for thorough cleaning.
Cost
The cost of Cub Cadet mowers ranges from $3299-$24,999 while Ariens zero-turn mowers cost between $3,199-$7,899
This shows that Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers are pricier than Ariens’ zero-turn mowers.
Pros and Cons
Cub Cadet Lawn Mowers
Pros:
- Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers have a strong and responsive transmission
- They are easy to control and maneuver.
- Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers can easily cut around objects such as flower beds and bushes.
Cons
- They are not fuel-efficient.
- Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers do not handle slopes well
Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- Ariens zero-turn mowers ensure maximum user comfort
- They are durable, sturdy, and easy to drive.
- The wheels ensure easy and smooth maneuverability on lawns.
Cons
- Quite difficult to steer on bumpy ground.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both zero-turn mower brands could be an ideal choice for you, depending on what suits your mowing requirements.
Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers have a higher horsepower rating and offer more flexibility. Ariens zero-turn mowers, on the other hand, are cheaper.
If you can afford the extra cost, we recommend Cub Cadet zero-turn mowers, especially if you require a high-power output for your heavy-duty mowing tasks.