Ariens EDGE Review
The EDGE is a low-cost way into zero-turn mowing for small and medium yards, and the 34-inch fits through a gate. Its small tank and 2-year warranty are the compromises.
- Deck size
- 34, 42 and 52 in.
- Drive
- Zero-turn, dual-lever steering
- Fuel type
- Gasoline
Rating breakdown
Key specifications
| Power type | Gasoline |
|---|---|
| Engine | Briggs and Stratton EXi2000 20 hp (34 and 42-in.); Kawasaki FR651V 21.5 hp (52-in.); Briggs EX1900 single 19 hp (EDGE LT 42) |
| Displacement | 656 cc (EXi2000), 726 cc (FR651V), 540 cc (EX1900) |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Drive | Zero-turn, dual-lever steering |
| Deck size | 34, 42 and 52 in. |
| Deck construction | Fabricated 11-gauge steel (42 and 52-in.); stamped (34-in.) |
| Cutting height | Up to 4.5 in., 7 positions (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Blades | 3 spindles (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Top speed | 6 mph forward, 3 mph reverse (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Front tires | 11x4-5 (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Rear tires | 18x8.5-8 (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Weight | 551 lb (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Fuel capacity | 2 US gal (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Model numbers | 915281 (34), 915283 (42), 915285 (52 Kawasaki), 915291 (LT 42) |
| Seat | 16-in. high-back with airflow design |
| Blade tip speed | About 16,977 ft/min (52-in., per AllMachines) |
| Length (52-in.) | 68 in. per AllMachines |
Pros and cons
What we like
- Lowest-priced Ariens zero-turn line
- 34-in. deck fits through standard gates
- Kawasaki V-twin on the 52-in.
- Fabricated 11-gauge deck on 42 and 52-in.
- Four models to match yard size
What could be better
- Only 2 years or 150 hours of coverage
- 2-gal tank listed for the 52-in.
- 6 mph top speed listed for the 52-in.
- Ariens text and model table disagree on engines
- Smaller seat and tires than IKON and APEX
EDGE review
What the Ariens EDGE is
The Ariens EDGE is the entry zero-turn family, aimed at small to medium yards. Ariens’ page lists four models: EDGE 34 Briggs (915281), EDGE 42 Briggs (915283), EDGE 52 Kawasaki (915285) and EDGE LT 42 Briggs (915291). It is the lowest-priced of the three Ariens zero-turn lines we looked at.
This Ariens EDGE review covers the whole family and gives ranges, since the engines and decks change from model to model.
Engines
The 34 and 42-inch machines use a Briggs and Stratton EXi2000 twin at 20 hp and 656 cc. The 52-inch has a Kawasaki FR651V twin at 21.5 hp and 726 cc. The EDGE LT drops to a single-cylinder Briggs EX1900 at 19 hp and 540 cc.
Ariens’ own text says the EDGE is powered by a Kawasaki V-twin, which conflicts with its model table showing Briggs engines on three of four. Check the engine on the exact unit you are buying.
Drive and ride
For the 52-inch, AllMachines lists Hydro-Gear EZT transaxles, 6 mph forward and 3 mph reverse, a 2-gallon tank, 551 lb, and 11×4-5 front and 18×8.5-8 rear tires. The 2-gallon tank is the figure to note: it is small for a 52-inch deck.
Ariens describes a 16-inch high-back seat with airflow cut-outs and wide rear tires, which are modest next to the 20-inch seat on the APEX.
Deck and cutting
The 42 and 52-inch decks are fabricated from 11-gauge steel, styled after Ariens’ commercial decks. The 34-inch deck is stamped and sized to fit through a standard gate. Ariens lists a foot lift with seven height positions plus a hand lever that adjusts in half-inch steps; AllMachines gives a top height of 4.5 inches and a three-spindle layout on the 52.
Warranty and who should buy
Ariens’ warranty code for EDGE mowers is 2 years or 150 hours, whichever comes first, the shortest of its three lines. Ace lists the 52-inch at $3,599; Ariens shows no price.
Choose an EDGE for a quarter to one-acre yard with gates or tight beds. If you have more grass or slopes, the IKON or APEX gives more drive and tank for a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars more.
Buying information
Ownership
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ariens EDGE a good mower?
It is a budget-friendly small-yard zero-turn. On paper it trades speed, tank size and warranty length for a low price.
What engines does the Ariens EDGE use?
Briggs and Stratton EXi2000 twins on the 34 and 42, a Kawasaki FR651V on the 52, and a Briggs EX1900 single on the EDGE LT.
How big a yard is the EDGE for?
Ariens positions it for small to medium yards; it does not publish an acreage figure.
Does the Ariens EDGE fit through a gate?
Ariens says the 34-inch stamped deck is sized to fit through standard gates.
What is the EDGE warranty?
2 years or 150 hours, whichever comes first, per Ariens' warranty code for 2022 and later purchases.
Owner reviews
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