Ariens Classic Walk Behind

[hate2work]

Hello everyone-

I have an Ariens Classic self propelled walk behind that has served me well for the last 12 years, but it's getting tired. I'm just a homeowner who mows two large yards twice a month, not a pro by any stretch.

I'm told by my local lawn repair place that they cannot get parts for the Tecumseh engine any longer.

I see the new versions of this mower have a 6hp Kawasaki engine, and I can get one for $719.00.

My questions-

Should I spend any time/money on this old mower, or just get a new one?

Is the Kawasaki engine they use on the latest version of this mower a good/reliable one?

Is there a different self propelled walk behind for approx the same amount of money that I should consider?

Thanks in advance~

[hate2work]

Nobody can help me with my questions?

[ksJoe]

I'm not familiar with that mower, but from what you say it sounds like it is a good one...

Here's another option for you to consider.

I have a snapper that's nearly that old. Last year the engine sheared some teeth on the cam gear. I didn't want to repair that old of an engine, and I didn't want to spend the $600-$800 it would take to get a comparable new mower, so I bought a new Honda engine to put on it.

You can get a new 6.5 HP honda engine for $174 plus shipping ($12.74 shipping to my zip). (link (http://acengines.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_13_7&products_id=528))

If you're handy its not hard to swap engines on these. If you don't know what size shaft you have, just look up the part # for the blade adapter and it should say. By getting the same size shaft you won't have to buy a new blade adapter.

[Mowingman]

Maybe I can help. The new version of your old Ariens is pretty much the same machine, but with a very good Kawasaki engine. Tec. went out of business. No engines are being built, and very few parts are coming out of what is left of their operation. Parts situation for those engines is only going to get worse.
I would go ahead and replace it. The new machine is very well built and cuts great. The engine is very high quality. When I sold my store, I took a brand new Ariens 21, like you are talking about, with me for use at my home. I expect it to last 15 to 20 years with no problems.
I really don't think you can buy a better top-of-the-line, homeowner 21", than that Ariens.

[Shasta Lake Landscaping]

We have a commercial version with the kawi.
Love it!
There only a couple hundred more and will last a lifetime
might wanna check 'em out.

[hate2work]

Thanks for the replies everyone :)

Joe, thanks for letting me know about putting a new engine on my old deck, I hadn't thought about that. Maybe I'll do that and have it as a backup.

Does the Kawa engine have a forced oil system? I ask because it looks like it has an oil filter.

What does the Ariens pro version get me for $200 more?

Thanks-

[Shasta Lake Landscaping]

The ariens pro is a lot more heavy duty, upgraded drive system, heavy duty wheels, thicker gauge steel. Maybe what you use it for really doesn't call for pro, but these things really last.

[Mowingman]

Stay away from the the PRO model. It is heavy and the transmission has issues. I worked on several of them,(trying to make them travel properly), and the trans. is just poorly designed for that machine. There is a tiny belt that drives the transmission and it can not handle the weight of the machine. You need to adjust the belt tension about every week. Then, in a month, the adjustment is all used up and the belt needs replaced.
I would not take one if they gave it to me.

[lifetree]

... Does the Kawa engine have a forced oil system ? I ask because it looks like it has an oil filter. ...

If it's 6 HP Kawasaki engine the answer is yes, it is forced oil ... with an optional oil filter system available for it !!

[Shasta Lake Landscaping]

Stay away from the the PRO model. It is heavy and the transmission has issues. I worked on several of them,(trying to make them travel properly), and the trans. is just poorly designed for that machine. There is a tiny belt that drives the transmission and it can not handle the weight of the machine. You need to adjust the belt tension about every week. Then, in a month, the adjustment is all used up and the belt needs replaced.
I would not take one if they gave it to me.

Wow, that's weird,
I admit there kind of heavy, but ours has 800hrs on it with no issues.
Belt hasn't broke yet, only had to adjust tension after about the first 10hrs.

[hate2work]

If it's 6 HP Kawasaki engine the answer is yes, it is forced oil ... with an optional oil filter system available for it !!

Well, there seems to be two different Kaw 6HP engines. The one they use on the Ariens is the FJ180V, and the one I see on the commercial walk behinds ( like the Toro Hi Vac 22189 ) is the FJ180V KAI.

Anyone know what the KAI means?

http://toro.com/professional/lce/wpm/hi%20vac/22189.html

http://www.mowersdirect.com/Ariens-LM21S/p2801.html