Ariens APEX Review
The APEX is the Ariens to buy if you want a heavier deck, stronger transaxles and a longer warranty without moving to a commercial price. On paper it is a strong residential machine for two to five acres.
- Deck size
- 48, 52 and 60 in.
- Drive
- Zero-turn, dual-lever steering
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Engine | Kawasaki FR691V 23 hp (48 and 52-in.); Kawasaki FR730V 24 hp (60-in.), per Ariens |
| Displacement | 726 cc V-twin (as listed by Ariens) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual-lever steering |
| Deck size | 48, 52 and 60 in. |
| Deck construction | ENVY ELITE fabricated 10-gauge steel, 5.5 in. deep |
| Cutting height | Up to 5 in., 15 positions in 1/4-in. steps |
| Blades | 3 spindles (per AllMachines) |
| Discharge | Side discharge; mulching and bagging listed as options on AllMachines |
| Top speed | 8 mph forward, 4 mph reverse (per AllMachines) |
| Front tires | 13x6.5-6 |
| Rear tires | 22x10-12 (48-in.), 22x10.5-12 (52-in.), 22x12-12 (60-in.), per AllMachines |
| Weight | 802 to 845 lb depending on deck (per AllMachines) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.1 US gal (per AllMachines) |
| Model numbers | 991296 (48), 991159 (52), 991163 (60) |
| Seat | 20-in. high-back with armrests |
| Frame | Fully welded enclosed rectangular tubing |
| Blade tip speed | 18,137 to 18,576 ft/min (per AllMachines) |
Pros and cons
What we like
- 10-gauge, 5.5-in. deep deck
- Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles
- 8 mph forward speed listed
- 4-year or 500-hour warranty
- 20-in. high-back seat
What could be better
- Heavy, 802 to 845 lb listed
- Still a residential machine, not commercial
- Ariens page omits speed and tank
- Retail prices run well above IKON
- Source disagreement on 60-in. engine model
APEX review
Ariens APEX overview
The APEX is the top consumer zero-turn in the Ariens range, the one that borrows the most from its commercial machines. Ariens’ page lists three models: APEX 48 Kawasaki (991296), APEX 52 Kawasaki (991159) and APEX 60 Kawasaki (991163).
If you are reading an Ariens APEX review to decide between it and the IKON, the real differences are the heavier 10-gauge deck, the beefier transaxles, the bigger tires and the longer warranty. Our figures are spec-based, not tested.
Engine and drive
Ariens lists the 48 and 52-inch with a Kawasaki FR691V at 23 hp and the 60-inch with an FR730V at 24 hp, all 726 cc. AllMachines shows the 60-inch table with FR691V while its text says FR730V, so we follow Ariens’ own page.
Drive is Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles. AllMachines lists 8 mph forward and 4 mph reverse, a 5.1-gallon tank and electric start.
Deck
The ENVY ELITE deck is 10-gauge steel and 5.5 inches deep, a step up from the IKON’s 11-gauge, 4.5-inch version. Ariens lists a foot-operated lift with a magnetic pin and 15 height positions in quarter-inch steps. AllMachines gives a three-spindle layout with forged aluminum and steel parts, and blade tip speeds from 18,137 to 18,576 ft/min depending on width.
Size and comfort
The frame is fully welded, enclosed rectangular tubing. Ariens lists a 20-inch high-back seat with armrests and ergonomic grips. AllMachines gives weights of 802 lb (48-inch), 816 lb (52-inch) and 845 lb (60-inch), with 13×6.5-6 front tires and 22-inch rears.
Those figures put it roughly 120 to 160 lb above a comparable IKON, which should help traction and stability.
Warranty and price
Ariens’ warranty code for APEX is 4 years or 500 hours, whichever comes first. A 2016 Ariens announcement described a three-year consumer and one-year commercial warranty plus five years on frame and deck shell, so older machines differ. Retail prices we saw: $6,099.99 for the 60-inch at Blain’s (shown out of stock) and $5,699 to $5,999 as listed on AllMachines. Ariens shows no price.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ariens APEX a good zero-turn mower?
On paper it is the strongest Ariens consumer zero-turn, with a 10-gauge deck, ZT-3100 drive and a 4-year warranty.
What engine is in the Ariens APEX?
Kawasaki FR691V at 23 hp on the 48 and 52-inch and an FR730V at 24 hp on the 60-inch, per Ariens.
How fast is the Ariens APEX?
AllMachines lists 8 mph forward and 4 mph reverse.
Ariens APEX vs IKON, which is better?
The APEX has a thicker, deeper deck, stronger transaxles and a longer warranty. The IKON costs less.
How long is the APEX warranty?
4 years or 500 hours, whichever comes first, per Ariens' 2022 and later warranty document.
Owner reviews
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