We all agree that the right lawn mower is an essential part of lawn maintenance. It can mean the difference between a regular struggle with the grass or having a smooth lawn any time of the year.
The IKON-XL 52 zero turn mower from Ariens is an upgrade of the IKON-X 52 model. They bear remarkable similarities which will be discussed more in this review. It is really the best choice for a lawn that is mid-sized to a large one. It is powerful and is loaded with features which are guaranteed to make your experience with lawn mowing a whole lot easier.
 | Excellent control A wide range of accessories available Very versatile |
In this review, we will talk at length about the IKON-XL 52. We will take a look at the design, comfort, and its performance and weigh in on its pros and cons.
Design and comfort
As briefly mentioned above, this lawn mower has a lot of similarities to its predecessor in design. The 52-inch fabricated deck is made with 11 gauge steel, which is 4.5 inches in depth. The steel frame is fully tubular and is built for endurance and longevity.
In terms of comfort, the IKON-XL 52 is as comfy as it gets while riding a lawnmower. The deck itself is designed to absorb vibration during its operation. The padded seats have high-back for comfortable sitting. It has springs as well as the levers which can be adjusted to the desired length.
The arm-rests are padded as well which keeps fatigue to a minimum, even after long rides. The cutting height selection of 13 positions is streamlined on the dials, which adds to its maneuverability. It is operated by the foot.
The foot mat, which is made of rubber, also minimizes the vibrational shock as well. The rear tires which are of substantial sizes have exceptional traction, and it adds to the comfort.
Performance
When it comes to performing on the grass, this z-turn mower takes the trophy. Powered by a 24 HP, Kohler engine which is a V-Twin, it is far more superior than the Ikon-X 52.
This engine is from the 7000 series. With a displacement of 725 cc and hydro-gear drive system with ZT-2800 transaxles, it is definitely packed with power. This feature makes the Ikon-XL 52 one of the most efficient and precise zero-turns, especially in residential lawn keeping. The valve has an overhead design which increases fuel efficiency as well.
It can cut very tough grasses with extreme ease. It works perfectly on large lawns with taller grasses as well. The Ikon-XL is primarily designed for flat to uneven terrains. Although it can mow on a hillock having an inclination below 25 degrees, its performance shines on a flat surface. If you are determined to take it up a hill above this mentioned inclination, make sure to mow it an up and down direction, as opposed to doing it straight across the hillock.
This model has a dual arm deck lift which features a commercial style four-point hanging system. This makes the deck extremely stable while making the cuts with precision. The maximum cutting height is 4.5 inches, while the minimum is 1.5 inches. Hitting 7 mph on forward speed and 3 mph on the reverse, this lawn mower is fast as it is efficient.
Additional Details About the IKON-XL 52
This z-turn mower has a fuel capacity of 10.5 liters. It weighs a total of 770 lbs, and it runs on gasoline. The mower has a three-year manufacturer’s warranty on the machine and five years on the deck as well as the frame.
Available Accessories
The Ikon-XL 52 can comfortably accommodate a whole lot of accessories. All of them can be bought on Amazon.
The kit is a genuine product from Ariens. It includes the blades and baffle along with other mulch plate hardware. It has a solid steel construction which is high-quality as well as durable. It will require some installation, but it is quite easy. The kit fits snugly under the deck which transforms each chamber into a separate one.
Mulching is a perfect way to add organic nutrients to the soil. It also eliminates the need to clean up after the mowing is completed.
This headlight kit is the perfect accessory for when you want to mow in the cool of the mornings and evenings. It also provides sufficient light to mow during the night.
The kit fits underneath in the front. The installation is pretty straightforward, so it is easy even for an amateur. It comes with the light fixture which is six in number, the light kit harness, the mounting bracket and 3a mini ATC fuse. It is a genuine product from Ariens.
This accessory keeps your lawn smooth by removing the matted remains of grass clippings and dead leaves. It removes the debris and transfers it to the surface where they are mulched or bagged.
It has an extensive working width of 48 inches, which quickly covers large lawns. It has semi-pneumatic tires and handles for easy transportation as well as raising and lowering. This detacher is made of durable materials and comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. It has a universal hitch which makes it compatible with any lawn tractor.
A genuine product from Ariens, this is a dual bin bagger. It has a sturdy steel frame while the bags are made of fabric. Together the bags can hold up to six bushels of grass clippings.
The kit includes the two bins, the frame, the chute as well as the hardware. It is compatible with all the X and XL Ikon model, except the 60-inch model. Installation of the bagger is very simple. It weighs 50 x 36 x 30 inches and weighs 150 lbs.
This aerator keeps your lawn healthy by loosening the soil and keeping the roots aerated. Whether it is sowing the seeds, putting fertilizer or watering, they reach deep into the soil through the use of this aerator.
The unit’s deck is made of heavy-duty gauge steel, and the drawbar is welded. Hitching it to the mower is straightforward, and using it is effortless.
This is also a genuine product from Ariens. It fits all the X and XL Ikon models as well as the ZT-X and ZT-XL models. The hitch kit has a dimension of 6.9 x 6.5 x 6.2 inches and weighs 2.38 lbs.
Made of a rustproof and welded tubular frame, this spreader allows even distribution over a wide area in very little time. You do not have to keep going over a particular area repeatedly to fertilize while using this spreader.
The pneumatic tires and the axles made of solid steel makes this spreader very easy to use as well as transport. It comes with a one year warranty.
For leveling new soil or uneven grass, this poly roller is the ideal accessory for your z-turn lawn mower. It has a universal hitch which easily converts between push and tow. It has a capacity of 400 lbs which can be filled with a regular garden hose and drain as quickly. It comes with a poly scraper bar, removable drain plug and a centre baffler. It has a three-year manufacturer’s warranty
Keeping your lawn in pristine condition is definitely more comfortable with this accessory. With a tank capacity of 15 gallons, spraying insecticides, herbicide or other lawn care products are quick and efficient.
The steel frame provides stability and durability. It has a spray coverage area of up to seven feet and up to thirty feet with the hand wand. It can be operated from the seat of the lawnmower. It connects to the power source of your z-turn mower with ease. The flat tires assist in easy transportation throughout the lawn. Its universal hitch allows it to be attached to any lawn tractor. It has a three-year consumer warranty.
Pros&Cons
Pros
- One of the most precise z-turn mowers in the residential category.
- The transaxles with hydro-gear ZT-2800 makes the mower very consistent in power and performance.
- Overall control during operation is excellent.
- Very versatile due to the adjustable cutting heights.
- The plush and adjustable seats make it one of the most comfortable zero-turns.
- Can accommodate a host of accessories.
Cons
- Not suitable for use on a hill or wet grass.
- Maintaining control at full speed is not easy.
- Getting hold of the accessories may be difficult.
Conclusion
This zero-turn is one of the most efficient lawn mowers in the residential category. As you might have concluded from the review, we love this mower for its absolute power and precision. Considering that it has commercial-grade features such as the ZT-2800 transaxles, this mower definitely gives the higher priced models a stiff completion.
It does not perform well on hills, but zero-turn mowers are not built for this. So this is expected. If you have a lawn that is up to four acres and below, this is the perfect zero-turn mower for you.
