Honest review on the Ariens zero turn tractor sold at lows. 

I bought an Ariens Apex from Lowes 3 years ago. I have put over 300 hours on it with no issues. I don't have a manicured lawn. I mow 6 acres of converted pasture every week. I do the regular maintenance as recommended in the owners manual. I am sorry you are having issues. I love mine.

I watched this video a few weeks ago. But just this past week while walking through a store selling Ariens mowers and found a new 2023 Ariens Edge 34 zero turn mower sitting all alone in garden shop area. Still looking new with hour meter not working. So I asked for manager to see what the deal is with this Edge zero turn mower? The story given was the Edge 34 was purchased but could not be started. And was returned since they could not find any Ariens qualified repair center close by! Well I love a challenge and asked Manager what he would take for this mower? Prices going at $ 3499.00. Manager gave first offer and I countered to pick this mower up for half price. Raced home grabbed trailer and took my new puzzle home. After inspection we found mower blades have never cut grass. Smell of gas in tank, but no hour meter and no start. Bolts were all loose and Watched Ariens RU-vid video on how to start mower with safeties activated still no start. Checked battery and found battery terminals starting to become white and crusty. Cleaned terminals and charged battery while I searched internet where I found wire diagram and in line 30 amp fuse. But could not find fuse until tracing harness where I found fuse which looked fine but tested as bad. Replaced fuse sat in seat with brake on and arm in neutral and bang engine started right up! Today was first try cutting my lawn! And can tell you it was the fastest I have ever mowed in my life! Lesson here is that these stores hire people! And these people have no Idea what they are selling let alone know what they are assembling! Information on these mowers are all over the internet. I scored a great zero turn mower and it could have been much worst! But if you use tools long enough they all break and if your willing to learn you can improvise, adapt and overcome! As for a belt being broken on a zero turn mower! It is a normal occurrence and can be rectified if you want to learn why it is happening. Like the mowing deck being out of level or striking a object while mowing! All machines break down! It’s just teaches you how to handle a break down!

I purchased one of these over six years ago from Home Depot. I had to do a lot of adjustments before I used it, but it ran great. After 4 years and 200 hours, the Briggs and Stration engine gave it up. Spent $1500 to replace the engine. I traded it off last year with the same style with a Kawasaki engine. The dealer also set the machine up. I’ve have been a very happy customer. I mower about six yards per week. Things I learned is never buy items like this from big box stores. I look at them as I walk through the front door, but that’s it!!!!

Ever since the Covid joke a lot of companies have declined. Bought mine at Lowe’s with no issues. Going on three years and no problems with mower.

This is why on a large purchase like this you should always use a credit card. Some credit cards have better warranties on purchases than the original manufacturers do. One I use doubles the warranty on anything I buy with it. Anyway, as soon as stuff like that starts happening and the store and the manufacturer won't meet their responsibilities, contact the credit card company and tell them you want to contest the charges because the product has a material defect and you cannot use it for it's intended purpose. Now, THIS IS IMPORTANT: Follow up with a letter to preserve your rights under federal law. The letter should explain all over again what you explained on the telephone, and include your case number that the bank/credit card company gave you during your phone call. Keep notes on everything, names, dates, times, what you talked about and include it all in your letter so it is all in writing. When you start talking "chargeback" which is what the credit card company does - charge it back to the store - that will get their attention. And the credit card company is more likely to take your side.

Crazy to see this. In 2020, I bought the same zero turn. ZERO ISSUES. I’m on my 3rd season and I’ve never done anything but change the oil, buy some Gator Multching Blades, and it cuts like a dream. Sounds like you got a turd, sorry to hear your having this issue. Mine has been awesome.

I literally just gave away my 31 year old Toro. It was time to let her go. I was seriously, looking into the Ariens you have. I have an Ariens dealer in my town. I'll rethink that decision now. Probably gonna go back to Toro, as I have NEVER, had a single issue with my old one. NONE! Mental note! Don't buy big items like mowers from big box stores. I'll ONLY, go somewhere where an actual dealer will be involved with my purchase. Thanks for the video!

Just bought one of these yesterday at our Lowes in Fort Payne and the employees were very helpful. I guess it depends which store you go to. Looks to be very well built.

Support your local dealership. A lot easier getting warranty work done, and you don’t have to jump through so many hoops to get problems taken care of.

Show the pulleys, instead of circling the mower 100 times. Let's figure this out. Ariens is actually a good company. Lowes is not. Attitude is everything. Even if you bought it from lowes, a dealer (like Ace) will honor the warranty

NEVER, NEVER leave your power equipment outside, especially in the rain and snow.

If you haven't got it fixed yet there are several videos discussing this problem on youtube. It's a cheap fix ( under $20 including a new belt) . Just an FYI the belt issue is not a Lowes assembly problem, but an issue with quality control at areins!

So sorry for your troubles Club Cadet is not much better either bearings go out of the decks my dad Rider lasted for 2 and a half years junk I hope you have a good luck with whatever you get, thank you for telling us

There is a reason why the belts keep breaking for you. There is a video around here that shows how the belt pulleys are not level and the belt rides the edge until it breaks. The guy who has the video even shows you how to fix it. RU-vid "Raley's Small Engines" it's only 13:17 minutes and it's awesome! Good luck. I wanted the Apex from Lowes, but there are just too many stories like yours. I'm going with a Toro from a local dealer.

i have the exact same mower with no problems what so ever, low hours tho. it was delivered with a small cut in the seat, customer service replaced the entire seat in 10 days time. also they were very friendly. just sounds like you got a lemon but they should have taken care of your problem no questions ask.

The fact that you abused the other one tells me a lot…1600 is not a small amount of money to just leave sitting outside.

I am researching riding mowers and this one was on my list. From the comments here, a lot of people are pleased with the purchases so I won't take it off my list as yet. One of the things I have learned was the difference between buying from a box store and a dealer. Someone with a pair of pliers and screw driver will put it together at the box store while a trained person will put it together at the dealer along with better customer service. Someone in the comments said there is a video on how to fix the problem so I am going to check it out just for knowledge. Good luck and I will not be buying a used one.

Lesson learned don't order mowers on line. Airens 0 turns are excellent for the money but has to be assembled properly

Thank you I was looking at these and nope not getting one. Thanks ❤

You should have returned it to Lowes, it was within the no question return period.

What a nightmare!! Sorry you have gone through this. I appreciate you letting me know. I am in the process of choosing a brand new zero turn.

Sorry you had that experience; I’m always Leary of product vs seller on the big purchases and your story proves why. I have a 2020 Ikon XD52 and have abused it at times for 280 hours now. Replaced a drive belt, replaced both front tires with solids, done regular maintenance and it’s a work horse. Considering that I’ve used it as a bush hog at times, I’m lucky I guess.

I bought one 3 years ago and it is a great lawn mower. I would say its is all user errors to me. My Lowe’s has great customer service too!

Thanks a lot for telling and showing, yes I am going with cub cadet I never had a zero turn when I buy it will be my first. So I’ll get the stand on 54deck and 25 hp hope it’s a good one. Checking on it this week wish me luck well have a great day and hope what happened to you don’t happen to me see ya on the next video see ya bye.

Moral of the story…….buy from a dealer. If not, you will be referred to an Ariens dealer and be on the back burner. Raley’s Small Engines posted a vid on this common issue. It’s because the pulleys are not correctly aligned and requires some washers or a spacer.

Only thing I will say, if you have the Kawasaki engine, keep the valve lash in check! Every 250 hours or so they need to be checked. Aside from that 400hrs and it’s done a good job. Has a really good cut once you get the deck leveled out

Interesting! I was going to buy a Husqvarna Z248F from Lowes. I actually bought it with our Lowes card then cancelled it since it was going to take three days to deliver. I was originally looking at getting a Bad Boy magnum with the 48" deck, but couldn't find one within a reasonable distance. Stumbled upon one at my local Rural King, and the service there was night and day compared to Lowes. LoL, they actually seemed like they wanted to sell me a zero turn mower. I have 2 hrs on my Bad Boy, and so far loving it.

I am die hard Ariens fan of their products from 30+ years ago (when quality counted(my oldest is pushing 50 years old, newest quality one is from the late 1980's, and my zero turn is about 20 ish years old (deck and engine have been swapped))) - sounds to me like something is out of alignment on the belt issue

We stopped shopping at lowes after my wife went to pick up a vanity for our daughters bedroom and noone would help her load it onto a cart.. or into the truck. i had to leave work and drive 40 minutes to go help her get it home.

I looked at this mower. I was interested since I knew Ariens had been around for a long time. Three things made me move on. There was no access panel to the mower deck drive belt and pulleys. No grease zerks on the mower spindles or steering spindles. And finally, that square deck with no anti-scalp wheels in the back. What were they thinking? I ended up going with the Husqvarna Z54f. I have about 25 hours on it and I'm pleased so far. I want to caution you about Cub Cadet. This Husqvarna replaces a Cub Cadet LT1 48. I had bought the LT1 from a local lumber store. I first checked the air filter when there was only about 5hrs on the Kohler Twin Cylinder 21HP engine. I was shocked to see my brand new Kohler engine was ingesting a large amount of dirt and grass. I took photos and sent them to Cub Cadet who referred me to Kohler. The service technician agreed something was wrong. They sent me a new housing and filter. After I installed the new parts, the problem persisted. I believe the problem was due to the poor filter housing design. All plastic, plastic cam locks pressed filter against a plastic base. I also noticed that the air filter on this Kohler engine was by far the smallest used among the manufacturers of engines this size. In other words, Briggs and Stratton and Kawasaki had far superior filtering systems. I believe the small surface area of this inadequate filter compounded the problems of poor design. Long story, short. I could not get Kohler or Cub Cadet to do anything more. Kohler said they would repair the engine in the event it went out. Early the following season, the engine started sputtering and lacked the power to turn the blades. Fortunately for me, I had bought my mower from Stines Lumber. A local competitor to Lowes and Home Depot. They took a very proactive interest in my case. They tried to talk with Kohler and Cub Cadet on my behalf. Finally, Stines called me and told me they would replace my mower even though it was over a year old. They even refunded my purchase in cash which gave me the opportunity to buy elsewhere. I bought the Husqvarna from Stines Lumber. This kind of customer service is so hard to find these days. Perhaps you should show this comment to Lowes. They will be familiar with Stine Lumber. Good luck, and thank you for your review!

I have this exact Ariens model picked up from Lowe’s over two years ago, with nearly 600 hours on it I’ve had no issues. Although I did swap out the two front tires to no flat tires. What is the height setting you are cutting, from the video looks like maybe you are cutting very low, which could be your core issue, scrapping the dirt surface cannot be good? I have Bermuda grass where I live, my cut setting is between 2 and 3.

I got a Bad Boy zero turn mower and I love it !

Wow...thanks for the heads up !

Thanks for sharing I’m in the market for one of those zero turns as well in Aaron’s is a good brand but I think I’ll look somewhere else now after this review thank you.

I have an Ariens Ikon XL60 purchased from Lowes about 3 years ago. Mow about 2 acres on roughish terrain. Have used to tow cart and splitter, mounted a winch on front for removing small stumps and getting out of muddy areas. Have changed drive belt, done regular maintenance, and sharpen my own blades. So far am very happy with it though OEM parts can be a bit expensive. Sorry for your troubles.

Thanks for this video! Lowes offered 5 % off on line if you get their credit card so I called the nearest store and the lady said yes we have some in stock and it is 20% off, so I went to the store to purchase it and they said 20% off for the first $100.00 and no 5 % off! Needless to say I didn't buy it but now I am glad I didn't! Lowes sucks and they don't train their employees properly!

That's why I stick to my smaller commercial dealers that stick with the equipment they sell and extremely disappointed in ariens not backing there equipment they should've sent a tech to investigate and warranty it I'm sorry you had that experience

With respect, I would buy a 2023 Ariens IKON or EDGE in a heartbeat over most, if not all others for residential use. I am sorry to hear of your issues. IMO, it sounds like there was an unseen issue with your machine.... but honestly thats no excuse for your hardships. Its my understanding that, at least in my area, machines purchased at LOWES are set up by dealer reps who visit the stores as needed when a unit is bought for assembly and set up. I hope either Lowes or Ariens, or both, makes it right for you. IMO, they are a solid offering of a machine.

Hustlers were known to throw belts if you engage blades with low idle. So🎉I always gave about 3/4 throttle then engage. Never had a problem. I was thinking about new mower this season. Definitely not getting a Arians.

I have had my Ariens ikon xd52 with the Kawasaki engine for 2 years. Made sure everything was lined up and set properly as far as height and handles and haven’t had any issues except the chute breaking off. Overall has been a very good machine, sorry you are having so many issues. Sounds like something isn’t lined up correctly since you keep busting belts. Hope you can figure it out, too much money to just give up.

Joe whats up my friend, sorry you and your wife had to go through all that bullshit from lowes, thats why I myself went to an actually dealer, instead of buying from this shity box fucking chains specially when your willing to pay 4 k for your hard earned $$$ I honestly did over a month of research on all the zero turns out there, best value for your dollar defiantly a Ariens my review was on the 2022 Ariens 42 not 52 aka i bought the 42 Icon Xd with the kaw model # 915268 and this machine is built like a tank, the cut is par none, absolutely perfect. note i do have a very well manicured lawn 1.1 acres i cut and maintain, looks like a golf course, but i have very hard clay soil up here in Upstate N.Y. i do roll plug core and fertilize. and this machine so far has been absolutely Awesome!!! so long storie short, dont buy via online or from a box chain, but then again i feel ya bro! even from buying from a dealer, after 1 year my batterie shit the bed, called them to come pick the unit up and to test the battarie, well 356.12 cents later i was told they leved the deck cleaned blades new plug, oil change that i already paid for, well WTF i thought this mover came with a 300hr 3 year warranty. but sometimes you just cant win, but besides that Ariens all the way, still have there snow blower that still throws snow 12 years and still running, hope this helps joe, your friend IceMan

We were considering buying this exact mower, now, after watching your video we are going with the Bad Boy from a dealer.

Great mower. Easy deck height control....

You might want to take the belt guards off. Debre is probably getting trapped in them and throwing belts off the pullies. They are on there for consumer protection product liability insurance issues only, and not because they actually protect the belts. This has always worked for me.

I have a flat 3/4 of an acre. I don't need a big mower, it can be 30" but nothing bigger than 42", because right now I use a push mower, while that is great for a excellent work out, I'm not getting any younger (60 yrs) and anything is better than walking for 3 hours especially in a North Carolina summer. By the way, I don't need to have a Zero Turn mower, just a solid and not expensive vehicle. Thank you for your suggestions!

same i got the icon 52 i just bought it last month i got 19 hours on it broke belt one of the spindles is hard to spin .. i took it in the dealer waiting to get it back now 4 days

There's is no customer service anymore. I'm sales manager for a large construction supply company. I'm old school. I actually help my customers. Trying to find sales help that have a clue about anything is very hard. I've been in sales almost 40 years. I'm swamped with work. I guess it's good for job security. Lol

I bought a used 2002 John Deere LT 166 in 2010 and have used it every year since. It has a V twin Briggs that has never skipped a beat. The spindles and the deck are still perfect. The front tires are getting bald but the rear ones are fine after 22 years. I like the zero turns but I am afraid they will not last anywhere near as well as the old John Deere I already have.

I’m sorry you had to go through this, but I’ve been hearing a lot of stories about services in the US. How bad is getting What a shame

Sounds like an issue that's 99% lowes fault. Their overall company service is on the decline, in my opinion and from my experience. Attitudes and idiots, no matter who you are. Bought the same mower from Ace. Stellar service so far. Hope my unit holds up. Good luck in the future

Bought this exact same Ariens and love it. Going on my 3rd year no problems.

Just bought this yesterday. You would not believe the experience we had at Lowe’s. The manager called last night and gave us $100.06 back in cash refund for what happened. Unreal.

Do not buy a Cub Cadet, they are made by MTD and are just as sorry as Ariens. I owned one and had nothing but trouble. I work part tome for a Lawn Equipment business that has been in business for 40 years. They sale and service Hustler and Bobcat mowers. They sold Snapper for years before they went to poor quality crap and no longer sale them. The majority of what they work on is the Ariens, Toro's Cub Cadets, Craftman mowers. So many now are built by MTD and AYP that are junk. As the old saying goes you get what you pay for. The mowers Home Depot (which is where I bought the Cub Cadet from and after a couple of years gave away) and Lowes sale is junk. Stay away from them if you want a mower to last any length of time and give you good service.

I bought an Aries Icon x 54” when they first came out I mow two acres had it for 6 years 300 hours on it haven’t had one issue with it. Why do people think just because the deck has wheels you put it on the ground there just to catch the deck on an uneven situation especially on a zero turn when you turn it’s instant so deck wheels will gouge soft ground.Places like Lowe’s doesn’t hire small engine mechanics so when something gets put together most doesn’t know what they’re doing!

Don't buy equipment from home improvement stores, buy it from a dealer that provides warranty work.

This sounds exactly like my experience buying a mower from lowes. Mine took a week to be delivered. It was a Craftsman (couldn't afford the Ariens). It was delivered with unchecked assembly. Took time to fix the deck alignment, seat, handlebars, etc. Was also missing a clevis pin for the deck lift. Lowes answer was "call Craftsman", but I knew Craftsman would say "authorized service center only", so I just took care of it. I've had it for under a year. It's got around 30 hours on it and it's broke down 3 times. Closest warranty service I could get done is a shop an hour away. First time was the deck belt. Second time was the drive belt. Third time the idler pulley fell off the deck due to a sheared bolt. Neither Craftsman, nor Lowes has done anything for me. I'm only buying from places with actual dealers and service centers near me (JD, Kubota, Bobcat, etc).

What a nightmare...... thank you for the review. I was so close making the same mistake buying that piece of trash....

Purchased my Ariens last year. Looks the same as yours. I put about 50 hours trouble free on it before winter. Started using it again this spring. Still trouble free. There may be a pully out of alignment causing the belt to break. Sorry Lowes and Ariens is not more helpful to you. Oh yes, I did buy hose clamps to hold the plastic guard on the deck. That is one are that really needs improvement.

Lowe’s assembled that machine horribly. One of your anti-scalping wheels are even installed incorrectly. That’s more than likely why you’re getting those trenches in your lawn. I own the X-42 and have had really good results. I sure hate that you’re experiencing such horrific treatment from both Lowe’s and Arien’s. Best of luck moving forward.

My neighbor has the same mower and he loves it and has never had any problems with it.

My 60 inch apex does great . Mowed my yard all yr. I have 16 hrs on it lol. Use to take me 2 hrs a mow with the old rider

Ahhhh…….the box store shopping adventure. Whether a mower, cabinets, appliances you name what an American tradition. Same thing happened with my uncle and his $26,000.00 kitchen redo. Isn’t consistency good?

Lowe's is a absolute nightmare to deal with. I won't go there unless I can find what I'm looking for anywhere else.

As I’m watching your video about your zero turn because I recently purchased a zero turn different brand but a zero turn. and at 6:26 I see what seems to be a Xmaxx and a T Maxx next to each other under the camper! I don’t know who RC’s in the family but right on dude!!!👍

I got the previous version, Ikon-x from Lowes a few years ago. Smaller wheels all around and no "roll bar" thingy, compared to the xD. Their assembly guy left some to be desired. Control arms not even (and found later that one of the adjuster bolts was missing), crooked stickers/anti-slip tapes, deck height adjust pedal was on OUTside of lever arm (idiot), over inflated tires all around, and he damaged/broke the engine oil drain so it leaked oil on delivery. Warranty fixed that, but I had to haul it to a dealer and wait a weak. Again-IDIOT assembler. The unit (if not touched by Lowes moron "assembler") is very reliable and I'm happy with it, after fixing the Lowes induced faults.

I bought mine from Lowe’s and when I read the reviews-almost all were complaining about their make ready process for the mower. They use contractors who travel store to store to put together and make ready these mowers. Many reviews said the seats were put on wrong, the handles not lined up and other issues. The mowers themselves had good reviews. My son in law has one and had no issues, so I bought one from Lowes. While I was there, I was looking at the display model and it was put together wrong. I showed the manager of the mower department and he assured me that it would be put together correctly. I went back the next day and talked to him again and he said he would personally make sure it was put together correctly. I will say this-he did! I had an issue of them delivering it. It took over a week longer than they said because they have different delivery people do their mowers than other Lowe’s items. All that said, it came and was put together correctly. I did adjust the handles to where I wanted them-they were too close to the seat. The seat was put on correctly also. Ariens does have videos on how to do adjustments-from the handles to the deck. The deck has to be adjusted also to cut well. I did that also. I have had no issues thankfully and it is now a year old. It stinks you had to go through all that mess. It goes to show that I think people need to purchase these through actual dealers who work on mowers to make sure all is good and they can do the warranty work. Mine has done a good cut mowing and makes a very smooth cut. I cut my lawn at around the setting of 2 or higher. I thankfully have not had any issues. I even did my first oil change this year and it was no big deal.

Also I would drop whole deck, and reattach, misaligned? Check all pully alinements. Good luck my friend. Covid seamed to really screw up the whole system. Piece and love.

I had the same bad experience! Waited for 30 minutes to buy the unit Lowes didn’t care about selling it. Finally ordered it and it was delivered seat was ripped pedal was on backwards parts loose. I used it for 5 hours and the roll bar fell off. Called Lowes they said sorry it was sold buy a outside vendor even though I bought it from Lowes. Contacted EXP the people I apparently bought it from and they replaced the unit. 2nd one delivered pedal on backwards parts loose… tightened everything up and go to work. I now have 30 hours on and it’s running on 1 cylinder. It’s now been at the service shop for 2 weeks waiting on a head gasket. I bought it because it had the best reviews but should have bought the Cub…

I purchased ikon xd 52 2 years ago! Has 60 hours on it mowing an acre residental yard. I hv sharpened the blades a couple of times an tightened all the bolts an nuts once. Leaf blow it off hose it off then blow dry with blower everytime i get done mowing! I am going to keep my fingers crossed that it has no issues! I can say i have read similar reviews to yours! As well as the Ariens company representatives can be rude and unwilling to work with the buyer? But at this point its hear say!?

Where do u get parts I can't find parts the ones I do are way over priced

my Ariens did the same thing had ten hours on it and the belt broke,this has to be a defeck in the mower.i put another one on and it broke to.

Sucks that you had those problems but it makes me feel even better for buying mine from an actual dealer where selling and repairing this type of equipment is their main focus rather than just being yet another department within a big store. Mine is the smaller 42" model and it has some changes from the prior models such as a pin system for the deck height rather than the dial. I haven't used it a lot yet but so far I think it is great.

.I learned on big ticket items to go to reputable dealerships if it's a close call on service and money.Just stay away from service contracts and extended warranties.I do the preventive maintenance on mine and like you,I heard Ariens was a good mower.hmm.

That mower is to nice for that yard 😂

I waited at Lowes a couple of hours today waiting for someone to come sell me a mower. I was planning on a John Deere but saw the Ariens and since I was unsuccessful in buying anything today I thought I would look for reviews. My experience at Lowes was the same as yours.

That’s what someone gets for buying from a big box store. Buy from a certified dealer and they would take care of you.

Is the pulley off…not the same level

Cant it just be returned to store?? For refund

Hey dude! I just found your channel and watched this video. I FEEL YOUR PAIN! I have several videos on my Ariens nightmare. I bought a 42" Ikon envy, I call it the Orange TURD. Let me tell you, it is the BIGGEST P.O.S. on the market. I didn't buy mine from Lowe's, I bought mine from a dealer. Check all my videos out on it but the one to really pay attention to is the one with the thumbnail " I'm In HELL". I have run Gravely in my business for 17 years now, and having run nearly every brand zero turn on the market, I can say Gravely is FAR superior. Ariens, not so much. I wouldn't kick a bull on the balls for a truck load of them. Other than the language, GREAT video. Not being judgie, I have children. Best of luck from a fellow Ariens hater.

Just bought mine 2 hrs ago has .4 hrs and broke deck belt and when it did shattered the right side pulley cover . Again purched mower 2 half hrs ago has .4 hrs , .4 and broke deck belt on a yard that was mowed by a JDE130

when I bought my 2022 Ariens Ikon XD 52 Limited Edition I went to a Local Ariens / Gravely dealer. got the same price as Lowe's and a better quality mower. they even delivered it the same day for free. got it on their 3 yr zero interest payment plan and paid it off in under a year. The limited edition came in a retro color scheme of orange and white with a retro emblems instead of stickers, rubber floor mat, a rubber bumper pad on the leftside of the deck side, a upgraded adjustable seat, gray rims, and a round foot peg for the deck height adjustment like the commercial mowers have. it was the same price as the Gravely model, just $300 more then the base model Lowes carries. a much nicer mower in my opinion. avoid box store buys. they suck and who knows who put it together at the box store. You wont pay any more going straight to the Ariens dealer then the box store. You will get a better deal and better service, and they stand behind the product.

First thing i did was take that chute cover off when I got mine.....if mine broke off...i wouldn't care... just me though...check your tire pressures...my front casters were super low..I think they need to be like 35 psi

You get all kind of assembly problems from the box stores even blades on backwards. Buy from the dealer save a big headache !!!

A lot has to do with the set up of the machine! That's why I buy from the local dealer! Going to those big box stores is fine for some things, but if you're ever going to need service on it , good luck.... it will take forever and a day...... and in reality, buying from a local dealer is best... it gives the mom and pop shops funds to keep in business and they take care of you much better.....

Well I was looking at the New icon but after watching some reviews I'm seriously reconsidering. I was all set and ready to go get it and then I start finding videos like this. Apparently the belts they was a bad batch is why they were breaking apparently. But I've got couple acres that I mow part of. It is pastor that I keep trim down and it's hilly so I was definitely going to have to get some different tires on it but with all the issues that's coming up I really don't think it will work for me. I've got a 2001 Husqvarna LGT 2654 that I've had for over 8 years and it's still a going. I just wanted something different

Well now this was a interesting video and so sorry to hear all of the problems that you have had. You have experienced a lot of Piss poor customer service, that you should never have been put through. However, I would be a little hesitant to buy Cub cadet because they are not the company they used to be. They are now made by MTD.

Why don't you just take it to a Ariens dealer? I have the same mower. Lowes dosen't service them. All zero turn mowers ride like a tank, unless you get one with front suspension. Those marks in your yard look more like marks from the wheels spinning. There is a learning curve with Zero Turn Mowers to learn how not to spin the tires. I had the same problem with Lowes delivery you did. I finally told them to put it on my trailer and I would assemble it myself. They said I had to wait for the guy that put them together and I told them I wanted a refund. That changes their way of thinking real fast

Any updates?

Damn man, I hate hearing stories like this. What a royal pain in the A$$!! I was looking at this mower too. I decided to by a Bad Boy Maverick. So glad I did. Thanks for your review and again, sorry for your troubles.

Thanks for you review, this was on my short list of units to buy. So I guess my mind is made up, Cub Cadet from my local farm supply company will be the way.

thank you for vid

Send it back. That's what I did. But I did it with the cub cadet, returned both. Tractor supply had great customer service.

This is all your fault. Do more research and everyone will say buy it from a dealer, not lowes. 🤦‍♂️ or straight from them.

I've read a lot of Lowes horror stories regarding riding mowers. I'm buying from an actual dealer that does service too. Cost is about $150 more for the mower.

Sounds like your issue is with Lowe’s . Buying from a dealer is your best bet . Buying on line it is you adjusting all handles deck leveling . May be a operator error😢

Your front tires are FAR too low pressure if you're dragging the deck. Inflate them to the pressure listed on the sidewall and your problem will disappear.

Next time select store pickup. You'd have been able to pickup the one you saw at the local Lowe's you originally visited.

Gravley dealer will do warranty on areins

If your belt breaks that quick you have a bad pully, it has a bad barring and is over heating and causing the belt to break, the belt is to tight causing over heating, if the pulleys are out of line causing the belt to over heat and break. all of which should have been caught by the service man putting it together.

Thanks for the video, I will avoid Lowe's for my lawn mower purchase.