Ariens ARIENS1742 4.00 star(s) (1)

Good Tractor
Model Year: 2013

With a 42-inch cutting width, it does the job just fine. I noticed in my hilly yard that when the mower was leaning to the right or left the deck was shifting and cutting the grass un-even. So I checked on Amazon and found Poulan Pro Gauge Wheel Kit for 42-Inch Decks GWN42. These wheels fit right on the backside of the Ariens Deck and they work perfectly. My lawn cuts very even and there is no more scalping. They should have offered the wheel kit when I purchased the mower. But good old Amazon came through again! The only thing I don't like is you have to come to almost a complete stop to change gears. You have to lower the engine rpm's then shift into 3rd, lets say, and slowly engage the clutch/brake to get it to move forward. It will move with a slight jerk then you power up and it runs well. this is the only thing I wish I could change, but for about a $1,000 I knew it would not have all the nicer features that a John Deere has.

Pros: Starts every time and runs well.
Cons: You almost have to come to a complete stop before you change gears.