Husqvarna and Ariens are two names you won’t miss if you’re in the market for a mower. That’s because they make quality products that’ll not only give you a perfectly manicured lawn but also last you through the years. To get a better idea of how they fare against each other, we compare two of their residential zero turn mowers: the Kawasaki-powered variants of the Husqvarna Z254F and Ariens IKON-XD 52.
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Husqvarna vs Ariens Comparison Chart
| Model | Husqvarna Z254F | Ariens IKON-XD 52 |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Engine | Kawasaki | Kawasaki |
| Power Output | 23 HP | 23 HP |
| Cylinder Displacement | 44.30 cu. in. | 726 cm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gallons | 2.8 gallons |
| Cutting Width | 54 inches | 52 inches |
| Cutting Height (Min. to Max.) | 1.5 inches to 4 inches | 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches |
| Cutting Positions | 6 | 13 |
| Maximum Speed | 6.5 mph | 7 mph |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
General Differences
Engine power, cutting deck size, comfort—these are some of the core factors that make or break mowers.
Husqvarna hits a sweet spot between power and comfort. At that, its mowers are just the thing for residential use. Select models even feature its proprietary ClearCut technology, which lets you get an even cut on uneven terrain. Their products come with a decent warranty of three or five years as well.
On the other hand, Ariens’ mowers typically have wider cutting deck sizes than their competitors (though that’s not the case in this comparison). On top of that, they’re usually more durable than your average machine. For instance, they have a tubular frame that gives them what they need to handle rough terrain and stand the test of time.
For residential mowers, it’s generally accepted that they should have at least 20 horsepower and a cutting deck size of between 42 and 54 inches. The Husqvarna Z254F and Ariens IKON-XD 52 fit the bill in that regard.
Performance
You’ll finish mowing the lawn in no time if your mower has enough horsepower and a sizable cutting deck.
To get the job done quickly, mowers need to pack a lot of horsepower. They also need a pretty wide cutting deck because then they could cover more area faster.
Both the Husqvarna Z254F and Ariens IKON-XD 52 have the same 23-HP Kawasaki FR691V engine under the hood. However, the former has a larger cutting width of 54 inches and fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons than the latter’s 52-inch deck and 2.8-gallon capacity.
In the Ariens IKON-XD 52’s defense, it’s faster with a maximum speed of 7 mph and a higher maximum cutting height of 4.5 inches. In comparison, the Husqvarna can go up to 6.5 mph and 4 inches.
It goes without saying that the Ariens IKON-XD and Husqvarna Z200 series come with different engines typically made by Kohler and Briggs and Stratton. That’s besides Kawasaki, of course.
Comfort
Riding on an uncomfortable mower for hours on end makes for an unpleasant experience.
The Husqvarna Z254F (left) sports a soft seat with thick padding, but the Ariens IKON-XD 52 (right) has a plush seat with padded armrests to boot.Comfort is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to zero turn mowers.
The Husqvarna Z254F has got you covered on that. It features a thick padded seat that doesn’t just provide comfort but also support. It even has an open back design for ventilation purposes so it won’t get too hot.
Meanwhile, the Ariens IKON-XD 52 has a plush seat with a high back. While it doesn’t have anything for ventilation, it does have padded armrests.
Features
Most features aren’t exactly essential, but they’re really nice to have.
ClearCut technology and a maintenance-free transmission are some of the highlight features of the Husqvarna Z254F. These just make cutting and caring for it a whole deal easier.
The Ariens IKON-XD 52 isn’t getting left behind in terms of features, though. For starters, it has a dial to pick from 13 cutting positions in a snap with quarter-inch increments. Moreover, it boasts Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles that give you great response and control.
Verdict
The Husqvarna Z254F’s features make it a compelling buy.
There really isn’t a clear-cut winner here, but if we had to choose, we’d go with Husqvarna. That’s simply because it includes a ton of features centered on efficiency and comfort in its mowers, which can be seen in the Z254F.
Still, Ariens makes some reliable mowers that can last for a very long time, just like the IKON-XD 52. But as mentioned earlier, Husqvarna’s features are just too hard to pass up.
FAQs
Yes, they are. For example, the Husqvarna Z254F has a wide cutting deck and plenty of features such as ClearCut technology to make mowing an easy task.
Yes, they are. For instance, the Ariens IKON-XD 52 has 13 cutting positions to choose from that can be adjusted by quarter-inch increments with just the turn of a dial.
Yes, Husqvarna is one of the most reputable brands when it comes to lawn mowers. Its products typically have features focused on comfort and power, and the Z254F is a good example of that.
Yes. You can’t really go wrong with Ariens lawn mowers. They’re known for their durability and comfort, such as the IKON-XD 52.
Last update on 2020-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API