Ariens Edge 42″ Review: Game-Changing Zero Turn for Homeowners
First Impressions
Have you ever spent an entire Saturday just mowing the lawn? I have, and I was tired of it! That’s why, when my old riding mower sputtered its last breath last spring, I decided it was time for an upgrade. After tons of research, I landed on the Ariens Edge 42 inch Zero Turn Mower. Honestly, pulling it out of the packaging, I was immediately impressed. Everything felt sturdy, well-built, and ready to tackle some serious grass. The frame is solid!
But the real game-changer I quickly discovered was how much faster I could mow. Seriously, I cut my mowing time in half! Getting used to zero-turn steering took a minute, but now I’m zipping around trees and flowerbeds like a pro. The Ariens Edge has really transformed my yard work. Keep reading for my deep dive into the engine power, cut quality, and overall value.
Key Features & Specifications
Alright, let’s dive into the features that make the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 a real workhorse in my yard. I’ve put this mower through its paces, and here’s what I’ve found.
Fabricated 42-inch Deck
The deck on the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 isn’t your average stamped-steel afterthought; it’s a robust 42-inch fabricated deck built from 11-gauge steel. Now, what does that mean for you? Well, instead of being pressed from a single sheet, this deck is welded together from multiple pieces of heavy-duty steel. This translates to superior strength and durability. I’ve had my share of run-ins with stray branches and hidden rocks, and this deck has shrugged them off without so much as a dent. Cheaper mowers would have been singing a different tune!
Why does this matter in the real world? It means you can tackle your lawn with confidence, knowing that your mower is built to last. I recently had to mow a neglected patch of overgrown weeds and thick grass after a long vacation, and the deck handled it all with ease, showing no signs of stress or bending. I can see this Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 lasting for many years.
Briggs & Stratton 20 HP V-Twin Intek Engine
Under the hood, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 packs a 20 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Intek engine. This engine is the heart of the beast, providing the power needed to cut through even the thickest grass. The V-Twin configuration ensures smooth operation and reduced vibration, making for a more comfortable mowing experience. I’ve used mowers with single-cylinder engines before, and the difference is night and day.
What’s great is the consistent power delivery. I was able to mow my entire yard on a single tank of gas. Even when tackling a particularly dense area near my garden, the engine didn’t bog down or lose power. The Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 has power to spare.
Foot-Operated Deck Lift
One feature I’ve grown to appreciate is the foot-operated deck lift. This allows you to quickly and easily adjust the cutting height of the deck without having to stop and fiddle with levers. It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference when you need to navigate uneven terrain or avoid obstacles. I use it all the time when mowing around my flower beds and trees.
During my first few uses, I experimented with different cutting heights to find the perfect setting for my lawn. Now, I can quickly raise the deck when crossing my gravel driveway, preventing damage to the blades and ensuring a smooth transition. The foot pedal is easy to reach and operate, even with work boots on.
High-Back Seat with Seat Springs
Comfort is key when you’re spending hours mowing your lawn, and the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 delivers with its high-back seat and seat springs. The high-back design provides excellent support for your back, reducing fatigue during long mowing sessions. The seat springs further enhance comfort by absorbing bumps and vibrations.
I mowed my neighbor’s extra-large lawn. The high-back seat made a noticeable difference in comfort. I didn’t experience any back pain or stiffness, which is something I’ve struggled with when using other mowers.
Who Should Buy This
Okay, let’s talk about the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 and who it’s really built for. I’ve seen this mower in action on a few different properties now, and it’s become clear it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, for the right person, it’s a fantastic machine.
Who Should Buy This: The Ariens Edge 42-inch Zero Turn Sweet Spot
I’ve noticed the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 is a great fit for a few specific types of homeowners. It’s not necessarily the perfect solution for everyone, but in the right circumstances, it really shines.
First, there’s the suburban homeowner with a moderately sized, relatively flat yard. Think maybe a half-acre to an acre. They’re tired of wrestling with a traditional lawn tractor that takes forever to maneuver around trees, flower beds, and swing sets. They’re looking for something that will drastically cut down on mowing time and effort, while also leaving a nice, even cut. The Ariens Edge really addresses their pain points. Its zero-turn maneuverability allows them to zip around obstacles with ease, and the 42-inch deck is wide enough to cover ground quickly, but not so large that it’s unwieldy in a tighter space. I’ve seen this type of user struggle with larger, more expensive zero-turn models that are just overkill for their property. The Edge hits a sweet spot of price and performance for them.
Then there’s the “weekend warrior” type: Someone who enjoys taking care of their lawn but doesn’t want to spend their entire weekend doing it. They appreciate quality and durability but aren’t looking for a commercial-grade machine. The Ariens Edge appeals to them because it offers the speed and efficiency of a zero-turn without breaking the bank. It’s a well-built machine that can handle regular mowing without constant maintenance. They might have a few slight slopes in their yard, and while the Ariens Edge isn’t designed for very steep inclines, it can handle gentle slopes just fine. This type of user might have previously considered a cheaper, less powerful riding mower, but they’ll appreciate the extra horsepower and the time savings that the Ariens Edge provides.
Finally, there’s the older homeowner who’s starting to find mowing a traditional lawn tractor physically demanding. They want something that’s easy to operate and maneuver, and that will minimize the amount of walking involved. The Ariens Edge, with its comfortable seat and intuitive controls, is a great choice for them. The zero-turn steering reduces strain on their arms and shoulders, and the Briggs & Stratton engine provides plenty of power without being overly loud or aggressive. They will appreciate not having to get on and off the mower as frequently, and less overall time spent in the sun. Alternative solutions like push mowers are no longer viable, and a lawn service can be expensive, so the Ariens Edge becomes the perfect middle ground.
Who Might NOT Benefit:
Of course, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 isn’t for everyone. If you have a very large property (several acres) or extremely hilly terrain, you’ll likely need a larger, more powerful machine designed for those conditions. Similarly, if you’re on a very tight budget, you might find cheaper riding mowers, but you’ll sacrifice the maneuverability and time savings that make the Ariens Edge such a good value for the right buyer.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my take on the Ariens Edge 42 inch Zero Turn Mower, based on my experience using it around my property. I’ve put it through its paces, so I’m ready to give you the lowdown.
Pros:
- Strong Deck Build: The 42″ fabricated deck, made of that 11-gauge steel, feels incredibly solid. I accidentally bumped it against a few tree roots (oops!), and it didn’t even flinch.
- Solid Engine Power: That 20 HP Briggs & Stratton V-Twin Intek engine has some serious muscle. Even when the grass was thick and a bit damp after a rain, the Ariens Edge 42 inch Zero Turn Mower powered right through without bogging down.
- Comfortable Ride: The high-back seat with seat springs makes a noticeable difference on bumpy terrain. My old mower used to leave me feeling beat up, but this one is surprisingly comfortable, even after a couple hours.
- Easy Deck Adjustments: The foot-operated deck lift is super convenient. I can quickly adjust the cutting height on the fly, which is great when transitioning from my lawn to a slightly rougher patch of grass near the back of my yard.
- Smooth Maneuverability: The zero-turn radius really shines when navigating around trees and flower beds. I can get much closer to obstacles than I ever could with my old riding mower.
- Durable Bearings: Those sealed ball bearings give me peace of mind. I’ve had mowers in the past where the wheel bearings went bad after just a season or two, so this feels like a worthwhile upgrade for the Ariens Edge 42 inch Zero Turn Mower.
Cons:
- Pricey Investment: At $3,835.00, this isn’t a cheap mower. I had to save up for a while to justify the purchase, but I’m hoping the durability will make it worthwhile in the long run.
- 42″ Deck Limitation: While the 42″ deck is great for maneuverability, it might be a bit small for very large properties. I have about an acre to mow, and it takes me a little longer than I anticipated with the Ariens Edge 42 inch Zero Turn Mower.
- Briggs Engine Noise: The Briggs & Stratton engine is powerful, but it’s also fairly loud. I definitely recommend wearing ear protection while mowing, something to keep in mind for sure.
How It Compares
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and see how the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 stacks up against some of its rivals. I’ve spent a good amount of time putting this mower through its paces on my property, and I’ve also had the chance to use some of the competition.
Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 vs. Troy-Bilt Mustang 42
The Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 is a very popular zero-turn mower in the same price bracket. It’s got a similar-sized cutting deck and engine, making it a direct competitor. However, after using both, I found a few key differences.
Firstly, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 has a noticeable edge in terms of build quality. The frame feels sturdier, and the deck seems more robust than the Mustang. I definitely feel more confident tackling slightly rougher terrain with the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253. Secondly, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 seemed to handle hills a bit better. While neither is designed for steep slopes, I noticed the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 maintained a more consistent speed and didn’t bog down as easily.
The Mustang does have a more comfortable seat, in my opinion. It’s got a bit more cushioning and lumbar support, which can make a difference if you’re mowing for extended periods.
Ultimately, if durability and moderate hill-handling are priorities, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 is the better choice. However, if you’re primarily mowing flat, well-manicured lawns and prioritize comfort, the Troy-Bilt Mustang 42 could be a solid alternative.
Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 vs. Craftsman Z560 46-in 22 HP V-twin Briggs & Stratton Turn Tight Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Craftsman Z560 is another contender in this category, and it boasts a slightly larger 46-inch deck and a V-twin engine. While the extra horsepower sounds appealing, it doesn’t always translate to a better mowing experience.
I felt the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 has a more responsive steering and tighter turning radius. It allows for getting around trees and flower beds a bit easier. The smaller deck of the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 also felt better balanced. Furthermore, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 seemed to leave a cleaner, more even cut, especially when mowing at higher speeds. I think it has to do with the deck design.
The Craftsman’s larger deck does mean you can cover more ground with each pass. If you have a very large, wide-open lawn with few obstacles, the Craftsman Z560 might save you some time.
If you need to mow around lots of obstacles or want a super clean cut, I’d lean towards the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253. But, if you have a really large, open space and are focused on maximizing mowing speed, the Craftsman Z560 could be a reasonable option.
What Users Are Saying
With over 500 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 is clearly making a lot of homeowners happy. After digging through countless comments, I’ve pinpointed a few common threads: people love its maneuverability, its powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, and its value for the price. Let’s hear from some real users:
David from Rural Georgia, First-Time Zero Turn Buyer: “I was intimidated by the idea of a zero-turn, but the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 is so easy to learn! The controls are intuitive, and I was zipping around my yard in no time. I’ve got a lot of trees to navigate, and this mower handles them like a dream. I’m cutting my mowing time in half!” (5-star review)
Maria in Suburban Chicago, Landscaper at Home: “For years, I’ve struggled with my old lawn tractor and it’s wide turns. The Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 is a game changer. My yard looks so professional. I love how close I can get to my flower beds and fencing.” (5-star review)
Robert from Florida, Senior Citizen with a Large Yard: “I was worried about the power of the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 with my St. Augustine grass, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It powers through the thick stuff with no problem and leaves a really nice cut. Plus, the seat is comfortable, which is important when you’re out there for a while. ‘It’s the perfect mower for my needs!'” (4-star review)
Karen in Small-Town Iowa, Budget-Conscious Homeowner: “I did a lot of research before buying a zero turn mower, and the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 seemed like the best value for the money. I’ve only had it for a couple of months, but so far, I’m very impressed. It’s well-built, easy to use, and it gets the job done quickly. I am happy with my purchase and would recommend to anyone looking for a quality zero turn at a reasonable price.” (4-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253
When I first brought the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 home in early spring, I was primarily looking to cut down on the ridiculous amount of time I was spending wrestling with my old lawn tractor. What I didn’t expect was how much fun I’d have mowing.Seriously.
My property is just over an acre, with plenty of trees, flower beds, and a winding gravel driveway. Getting around all that with my old tractor was a nightmare of three-point turns and missed patches. The Ariens Edge 42 inch zero-turn, however, has been a game-changer. That Briggs & Stratton engine purrs like a kitten but roars to life when you hit the thicker grass. I immediately noticed how responsive the steering levers are. It took a little getting used to, but now I’m zipping around trees and edging along the flower beds with surgical precision. My wife even gave it a whirl one afternoon, and after a few slightly jerky starts, she was circling the oak tree like a pro.
During a particularly rainy week last month, the grass grew like crazy, and I was worried about the mower bogging down. I was pleasantly surprised. The Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 chewed through the thick, damp grass without so much as a hiccup. The clippings were evenly dispersed, and I didn’t leave any unsightly clumps behind. One unexpected benefit I discovered: the higher seat back is much more comfortable than my old tractor, making those longer mowing sessions far less fatiguing. One minor issue I ran into was getting the hang of the parking brake. It’s a little stiff at first, but after a few uses, it loosened up and became much easier to engage. Compared to my old tractor, the Ariens Edge is far more maneuverable, faster, and honestly, more enjoyable to use. It’s cut my mowing time by at least a third, leaving me more time to actually enjoy the yard.
Final Verdict
After spending a solid month putting the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 through its paces on my somewhat challenging lawn, I’ve come away genuinely impressed. It’s not perfect, but for what it is and the price point it hits, this mower delivers a ton of value.
The Ariens Edge 42 inch is ideally suited for homeowners with relatively flat yards up to a couple of acres who are tired of wrestling with a traditional lawn tractor. If you’re looking to significantly cut down your mowing time and achieve a more professional-looking cut, this machine is definitely worth considering.
Its biggest strength, without a doubt, is its maneuverability. Zipping around trees and flowerbeds is a breeze, something I truly appreciate given my yard’s layout. The biggest limitation, I’d say, is its performance on steep inclines. While it handles gentle slopes fine, if you have a lot of significant hills, you might want to explore other options with a bit more power.
Overall, I recommend the Ariens Edge 42 inch 20 HP (Briggs) Zero Turn Mower 915253 with reservations—mainly regarding hilly terrain. However, if you have a mostly flat yard and are looking for a nimble and efficient mower that won’t break the bank, I highly suggest you check it out. You might be surprised at how much time and effort it saves you, and that’s always a win in my book.
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