John Deere vs Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers: Which One Is Better?
Both John Deere and Ariens brands manufacture zero-turn mowers that offer comfort, high-power output and solid cutting power.
But which one is better? Our detailed comparison article might be useful.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of John Deere vs Ariens zero-turn mowers, paying attention to metrics such as design, engine power, fuel capacity, and cutting performance.
John Deere Brand Overview
John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American firm that produces heavy equipment, forestry machinery, agricultural machinery, diesel engines and other lawn care equipment.
The company was founded in 1837 and has its headquarters in Moline, Illinois.
John Deere is well-known for its durability, exceptional mower design and excellent customer service.
With more than fifty years of manufacturing riding lawn mowers, John Deere has sold millions of outdoor equipment and these tools have played an important role in lawn maintenance.
Ariens Brand Overview
The Ariens Company has a long history of manufacturing lawn tractors, snow blowers, and durable 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 company also dedicates its effort to the commercial lawn market using the Gravely brand name.
Key Differences Between John Deere and Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
The main difference between them is that John Deere zero-turn mowers generate more output (20-37.4HP) while Ariens’s zero-turn mowers are cheaper.
Best John Deere Lawn Mowers
1. John Deere Z530R 24-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 60-inch Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z530R runs on a 24 HP John Deere Branded Kawasaki V-twin engine for a powerful mowing operation.
The 60-inch triple-blade high-capacity mower deck enhances efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
It comes with LED headlights to provide ultimate vision in dark and low-light conditions.
Other features include rollover protective structure (ROPS), retractable seat belt, 22.5-in cut and sewn seat with armrest and cup holder.
2. John Deere Z915E ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower
The Z915E model runs on a powerful 25HP (18.6-kW) commercial-grade engine that enhances efficient and superb mower performance.
Its 11.5-gallon tank enables you to handle large mowing tasks.
The durable 48/54/60-inch mowing deck enhances remarkable grass-cutting performance on lawns.
It comes with suspension seats to offer ultimate operator comfort. In addition, the heavy-duty frame provides strength and durability.
The mower has a spindle assembly for reliable performance while its rollover protective structure offers improved safety while mowing.
The airless radial technology eliminates downtime and reduces the cost of operation.
Its cutting heights can be adjusted from 1.5-5 inches to suit your varying needs.
Other features include a digital hour meter, 15-amp charge system and electro-magnetic PTO.
3. John Deere Z920M ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower
The zero-turn mower runs on a powerful 23HP (17.5-kW) commercial-grade engine to ensure a smooth mowing operation.
It comes with an 11.5-gallon tank that enables you to handle large mowing jobs.
The durable 48/54/60-inch 7-Iron PRO mowing deck enhances efficient mowing on medium and large-sized lawns.
It is equipped with suspension seats to ensure maximum comfort. Furthermore, the heavy-duty frame provides strength and durability.
The gas-powered mowing machine comes with a spindle assembly for reliable performance while the ROPS offers operator protection.
The airless radial technology reduces the cost of operation and eliminates downtime.
Its cutting options can be adjusted from 1.5-5 inches to suit your mowing requirements.
It has a mulch on-demand option which allows you to switch from mulching to side discharging.
4. John Deere Z515E Ztrak 24-HP V-Twin Dual Hydrostatic 54 in. Zero-Turn Mower
The John Deere Z515E is a sturdy and durable zero-turn mower perfect for yards that are up to 2 acres.
It runs on a 24HP V-Twin John Deere ELS engine for a powerful mowing operation
The 54-inch triple Accel Deep mower deck has enough capacity to mow tall grass at faster speeds.
It has 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your varying needs.
Its 18-in back suspension seat with armrests ensures ultimate comfort while mowing.
Other features include a retractable seat belt, anti-scalp wheels, cup holder and dual hydrostatic transmission.
5. John Deere Z355R 22-HP V-Twin 48-inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The John Deere Z355R is a versatile and efficient zero-turn mower ideal for yards that are up to 2 acres.
It runs on a 22HP V-twin John Deere engine that can provide more torque and power to tackle tough mowing conditions.
The gas-powered mower is equipped with a 48-inch cutting deck that can handle tall grass at faster speeds.
Its 18-inch high back seat with armrests enhances ultimate comfort while mowing.
It can navigate over long, level tracks of land or around shrubs, flower beds and trees.
It has 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1-4 inches to suit your mowing needs.
Other features include a cup holder, anti-scalp wheels, premium handlebars, rubber floor mats and a foot lift.
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 Zenith 60 (60”) 23.5HP Kawasaki Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
The gas-powered mower comes with an adjustable high-back plush seat with armrests for maximum comfort while mowing.
Its twin oil filters ensure easy maintenance.
The zero-turn comes with a 60-inch, 3-blade fabricated mower deck to ensure efficient mowing on medium and large-sized yards.
In addition, this 10-gauge steel deck is designed with 5 ½” depth to provide optimal airflow.
It runs on a 726cc Kawasaki FX730V v-twin engine for a smooth mowing operation.
The belt tension technology reduces wear, keeps constant belt tension, ensures belt life, and maintains a quality and consistent cut.
The folding ROPS enhances added operator protection while the deck lift system ensures effortless cutting adjustments.
3. 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.
4. Ariens IKON XD 42-inch 22HP (Kohler) Zero Turn Mower, 915265
The Ariens IKON XD is powered by a 22 HP V-twin Kohler 7000 series engine to ensure consistent power and cleaner cuts on lawns.
Its 42-inch mower deck provides maximum airflow in tough mowing conditions to enhance excellent cut quality.
The mowing machine comes with 11-inch front and 20-inch rear tires that offer better traction and a smoother ride on uneven grounds.
Its high back seat with standard armrests enhances ultimate comfort while the padded control arms isolate vibrate while using the mower.
The zero-turn mower has 13 cutting positions that can be adjusted from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for customized cuts on lawns.
Other features include twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles, tubular steel frame and foot operated deck lift.
5. 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.
John Deere vs Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
Here is a well-detailed comparison of John Deere vs Ariens zero-turn mowers:
Design
John Deere zero-turn mowers come with suspension seats with armrests, and cup holders for comfortable mowing operations.
They have dual hydrostatic hydro-gear transmissions with 1-inch axles for power and durability. The rollover protection structure provides operator protection.
On the other hand, Ariens zero-turn mowers come with a high back seat with padded armrests for comfort.
The large front and rear tires for better traction and a smoother ride on lawns.
Ariens zero-turn mowers such as Ariens Zenith and 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
John Deere mowers run on John Deere branded engines and branded Kawasaki V-twin engines.
The horsepower ratings of John Deere’s zero-turn mowers range from 20- 37.4HP.
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 John Deere zero-turn mowers generate more power output than Ariens zero-turn mowers.
Cutting Performance
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers come with a deck size that ranges from 36- 62 inches while Ariens zero-turn mowers have cutting decks that range from 34-60 inches.
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers such as Z345R and Z355E models have 18 cutting heights that can be adjusted from 1 to 4 inches.
John Deere zero-turn mowers can easily maneuver around level tracks of land, trees, shrubs or flower beds.
In addition, they operate efficiently on tall grass.
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.
Ariens zero-turn mowers can move around obstacles and also eliminate the need for extra turning.
Both lawn mowers are ideal for side discharge, mulching and bagging purposes.
Fuel Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of John Deere mowers ranges from 2.1 to 11.5 gallons.
On the other hand, the fuel tank capacity of Ariens zero-turn mowers ranges from 2.00- 5.10 gallons.
John Deere wins this category because their zero-turn mowers offer larger fuel tanks than their counterpart.
Warranty
John Deere’s mowers offer a better warranty package of 2-4 years while Ariens zero-turn mowers come with a 3-year warranty service.
Ease of Use
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers have easy-to-use control panels for easy mowing operations.
The lap bar panels allow users to adjust the speed settings of the mower while its color-coded controls are for easy identification.
Most Ariens’ zero-turn mowers are also easy to operate.
The foot-operated deck lift system and simple pin selection provide easy cutting adjustment.
The deck access panels enhance easy access to the belts and blade spindles for thorough cleaning.
Both mowing machines have ergonomic seats for comfortable mowing operations.
Cost
John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are between $2,999- $ 28,019 while Ariens zero-turn mowers cost between $3,199-$7,899.
This means that several John Deere zero-turn mowers are pricier than John Deere zero-turn mowers.
Pros and Cons
John Deere Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- John Deere’s zero-turn mowers are reliable and durable.
- They are built with a good tuff-torq transmission.
- John Deere zero-turn mowers ensure easy and convenient operation.
Cons
- They are a bit pricey.
- Some of their models such as Z345M and Z335E mowers have a small fuel tank.
Ariens Zero-Turn Mowers
Pros:
- Ariens zero-turn mowers ensure maximum user comfort.
- The wheels enhance easy and smooth maneuverability on lawns.
- They are durable, sturdy and easy to drive.
Cons
- Quite difficult to steer on bumpy terrain.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Both John Deere and Ariens zero-turn mowers are efficient, durable and sturdy.
After considering their unique features, engine power and cutting performance, we recommend John Deere mowers over Ariens zero-turn mowers because they have larger mower decks and generate more power output.