I'm looking at an Ariens 19hp and a 17hp riding mower. I have never owned one but the reviews look good. Has anyone here ever owned one and if so how did you like it? Many years ago the Ariens name was good. Thanks

I guess I'll go look at a John Deere

I have a John Deere that is probably 20 or 25 years old. I bought it 3 years ago and it still works just fine.

For some reason when I first read this post, I read " Aliens riding lawn mowers". You can imagine my disappointment when I opened the thread. Good luck to you on which ever brand you decide on.

Made the same mistake only I was picturing skinheads on riding mowers.

I've had an Ariens lawn tractor for I think 5 years now. No problems with the exception to an easily replaced starter solenoid this year. It gets used year round in one capacity or the other. Mine has hydro drive and I will not own a mower with out it now.
I have pulled some large trailers and move my small bass boat around with mine often.

Same here - Actually quite common here abouts....
I suspect that most are actually illegal aliens.

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In dog years I'm dead.

Same here, but I thought that this post was about Japanese seeing ariens riding on lawn mowers.

I don't have any knowledge about Ariens, but my John Deere has been flawless. Don't buy one from a large box store. Those are of slightly less quality/rugged than those from an actual JD dealer.

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Inconsistently consistent

The Deere plastic hoods have very high failure rate. Like appliances, riding lawn mower quality has slipped and prices have risen. It also depends a lot on how you use and maintain your machine. How much lawn are you mowing? I think $2000 Ariens machines are as good as any other $2000 machine. You can spend $12000 on the upper level John Deere lawn mowers quite easily. I have a Deere 740 Diesel and it is a nice mower but a lot of money and repairs are expensive.

My first and only rider is a JD L108 inherited from my mom. I have had it for 3 years and it runs great. With the 42" cut and tight turning radius, I now cut my lawn in 30 minutes instead of 1 hour. I added a twin bagger attachment that is great especially when the leaves begin falling.

I also own an Ariens snowblower that I have had for 10 years and it runs great as well.

I have no experience with an Ariens mower but would recommend both brands.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Got a 21hp, 42" cut, hydro drive, from Home Depot.
This summer was the second year.
No problems.. think I paid around $1,100.

Have an Ariens 1740 zero turn for nine years now. No repairs so far.

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Lost in Penn's Woods

I thought for a moment this this was a thread about aliens riding lawnmowers in Japan.

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Forum consigliere

This post made me raff out roud!!!!

Features I look for in a riding lawnmower.

Cast iron front axle with grease fittings. Stamped steel pieces are junk.
Upgraded engine. Mine is a 17hp Kohler. Briggs & Stratton ain't what they used to be.
Hydro-static transmission. Once you use one for a while, you'll understand why.
Tight turning radius. Self explanatory.
Cup holder. Need somewhere for your beer.

The majority of mowers out there are more similar than you think. If you shop the features instead of the brand, you can save a lot of money.

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-Roger

OK one more question. Single cylinder or V Twin cylinder?

I guess Ariens does look like Aliens. Especially through bifocals.

Is your engine a "Courage".. if so, it's made in China.

Courage--Kohler engine. I haven't seen one of those yet.

Mine is a 17 hp Kohler Command. I believe it is made in Wisconsin, but I'm likely wrong.

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-Roger

Many of the riders in the nation-wide chains/big box stores are all MTD made, with different names on them. MTD will last a few years at best. Even the low end John Deers at Lowes or HD are MTD or similar.

I got a Mother in Law ( 3rd one) living here ( 8 yrs now). She takes care of the yard ( I don't care how, long as its done) shes gits to sleep, watch tv and feed here, for free

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Rimfires Makes me "Insane"

You are the first person I have know to write with an accent. Now try this. Aliens, not Ariens. You have to put that "L'
sound in there to get it wight.

I thunk I gut it now.