Ariens Zoom 42 915213 Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower Review
Looking for a compact riding mower that will give you confidence every time out? The Ariens Zoom 42 915213 zero-turn riding lawn mower is a sure bet. The heavy-duty 12-gauge stamped Xlerator deck maximizes airflow for a super-precise cut. Its compact deck design makes it easy for operator’s to cut through narrower portions of medium-sized yards, while the padded high-backed seat feels downright luxurious. The machine offers seven different cutting positions that are easy to adjust with an intuitive foot-operated deck lift, and a 4-point professional deck system offers a stable ride and consistent results. Overall, the Ariens Zoom 42 offers comfort, convenience, and a commercial-style cut.
This 440-pound zero-turn riding lawn mower is designed and assembled in the U.S. It has a Hyrdo-Gear EZT Transaxle drive system, a fuel capacity of 2 gallons, three spindles, and can cruise at 3 to 6 miles per hour.
Key Features
- The Ariens Zoom 42 915213 zero-turn riding lawn mower has a hefty 42-inch stamped deck that’s made of tough 12-gauge steel
- Powered by a professional-grade, 19-horsepower/660cc Kohler 6600 V-Twin engine
- Foot-operated deck lift offers precision cutting heights in a nice range
- High-backed padded seats for premium comfort
- Deck wash-out port makes cleaning a breeze
- Handy deck-height lever allows operator to intuitively adjust deck height
- Comes with a standard trailer hitch
Performance
Agile with best-in-class speed, Zoom 42 quickly manicures lawns in comfort and with precision. Atop a one-piece stamped deck made of 12-gauge steel, operators will cut a 42-inch swath on every pass (unless the grass is damp) with the ease of stop-on-a-dime, zero-turn convenience.
Once atop this zero-turn, you’ll feel right away the comfort in the high-backed, ergonomic seat that has been customized to eliminate pressure points and make mowers feel relaxed from start to finish. Intuitive engineering on the Zoom 42 makes jarring stops and starts nonexistent. Acceleration is smooth, the commands are highly responsive, and it feels like an automotive-style experience while riding.
A professional-grade 19-horsepower Kohler engine powers the Zoom 42 with swiftness and efficiency.
Ease of Use
Once you get the hang of a zero-turn, the Zoom 42 drives smoothly and cuts accurately. But there is a bit of a learning curve with a zero-turn, so do your research prior to purchasing.
Four anti-scalp wheels on the deck mean that operator’s won’t butcher anything, and the Zoom 42 is easy to maneuver in tight areas. Mowers will also luxuriate in the 3-way adjustable armrests, love the sliding adjustable seat, and appreciate the adjustable control bars with dampers that also make the job more comfortable. There’s plenty of leg room, so sit back and relax.
As far as steering, the Zoom 42 has a traditional handlebar control that comes standard on most zero-turns. It’s fully adjustable and has vibration dampers for added comfort while mowing. Additionally, the handlebar control has three adjustable positions to accommodate operators of all sizes.
Cut Quality & Options
When you’re ready to get going, swing out the handlebar and easily slide into the operator’s seat. Use the handy seat-side lever to intuitively adjust the deck height to where you need it. Using the foot pedal, adjust the cutting height in half-inch increments (from 1-½ inches to 4-½ inches) or instantly lift the deck to ride over objects.
The 42-inch deck is rust resistant and offers good grass-clipping discharge that doesn’t clump. It’s possible that cutting tall grass–12 inches or higher–could cause things to get bogged down, depending on thickness, but go slower or take a second pass if needed. The low-profile platform allows for a lower center of gravity, which improves stability and handling on inclines. This mower is ideal for flatter terrain but can indeed handle slopes.
When you’re finished cutting on your Zoom 42, use the convenient wash-out port to give it a thorough cleaning. An everyday garden hose can attach to the mower, making it simple to wash the blade and underside.
Maintenance
This zero-turn’s Hydro-Gear transmission is designed to be maintenance free. The professional-grade engine is air cooled and offers user-friendly maintenance thanks to all the servicing points being located in the same convenient access area. Battery and fuses are located underneath the seat.
Ariens self-adjusting belt-tension technology keeps belt tension constant for maximum belt life, minimal wear and tear, and provides a consistent, quality cut.
Those who don’t purchase the Zoom 42 from an authorized dealer will have to take it out of the crate and get it ready. Though it’s not a hard job, you will need a wrecking bar or heavy claw hammer to take the crate apart, and hand tools will be needed to install the steering wheel, seat, grass deflector, and battery.
If you’re looking to make the Zoom 42 even cooler, accessorize it with an armrest kit, a 42-inch mulching kit, or a trailer hitch. You can also get a two-bucket bagger, a shoulder support system, and 8-inch wheel covers.
Safety Features
The foot-operated deck lift makes it simple to instantly lift the deck to go over objects or debris, just in case there’s that panicked moment in which you might run over something that’s not grass or leaves. Acceleration is smooth and braking is responsive for those moments when you might need to stop quick.
Special Features
The stamped Xlerator deck on the Zoom 42 is a tough 12-gauge stamped from a single piece of steel, providing the utmost in efficient airflow and a top-quality cut. In addition, the low-profile C-channel steel frame offers a low center of gravity for better mowing performance on slopes and inclines of up to 12 degrees.
Those who purchase this mower from an authorized dealer will have the privilege of having the machine assembled, and a representative will inspect everything to make sure it runs like a dream. The certified professional will also teach operators on site how to drive and properly maintain the zero-turn mower, which is extremely helpful to those who have never driven such a machine.
Cost Effectiveness
Most would agree that the Zoom 42 has a lot of value compared to similar mowers. Its C-channel steel frame provides more strength compared to other zero-turn riding mowers in its price range. This machine comes standard with several options that other models in a similar price range offer at an extra cost. Those standard options include the intuitive deck-pedal to adjust the deck height, adjustable slide seating, 3-way adjustable armrests, and a trailer hitch for tow-behind attachments.
