The Ikon XL has a single steel frame with joints that are welded rather than bolted, increasing both the mower’s stability and durability, according to the manufacturer.Photo: Ariens
Although its snow-removal equipment includes a line of commercial products, most of Ariens’ mowers target retail consumers. But, at last week’s GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky, the company introduced the Ikon XL – an upgrade of its Ikon X zero-turn-radius mower – clearly hoping to catch the eye of professional landscapers.
Ariens says it’s targeting the “prosumer and large-acreage cutter markets” with the Ikon XL. Small landscaping companies specializing in residential lawn maintenance may find the machine a good fit for the price.
Although the Ikon XL comes with a maximum deck width of 52 inches, Ariens says its single tubular steel frame, which is welded rather than bolted at joints, coupled with the “commercial-style cutting deck,” provides the durability and quality of cut that professionals expect of larger machines.
“We wanted to create a machine that can stand up to the work that our customers with large properties have to maintain,” said Jeralyn Braun, product marketing manager at Ariens.
All models are available with a Kohler 7000 Series engine. The 7000 Series engines range from 20 to 26 horsepower.
Ariens says the Ikon XL was designed to ensure operator comfort, integrating features such as a high-back seat with padded arm rests and advanced vibration isolation.
Cutting height is changed by turning a dial, which offers the operator 13 cutting positions.
The Ikon XL is expected to be available at Ariens dealers by the spring of 2016.
