Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Ariens APEX 52 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 52-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens APEX 48 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 2 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- APEX 52 KAWASAKI has a 52 in (1,321 mm) deck; APEX 48 KAWASAKI has a 48 in (1,219 mm) deck, a 4 in difference. Deck width sets how much grass each pass covers. Mowing time also depends on ground speed, turns and obstacles, so a wider deck alone does not fix the job's length. Time both decks on your own lawn ›
- APEX 52 KAWASAKI weighs 816 lbs (370.1 kg); APEX 48 KAWASAKI weighs 778 lbs (352.9 kg), a 38 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What APEX 52 KAWASAKI's weight means for a trailer ›
calculated figures
Calculated by MowerFacts
- APEX 52 KAWASAKI works out to 3.4 acres/hour; APEX 48 KAWASAKI works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.3 acres/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | APEX 52 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
APEX 48 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $5,999 | $5,899 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® FR691V | Kawasaki® FR691V |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 52 in (1321 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 3 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 5 in (127 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Blade Tip Speed | 18000 ft/min (5486.4 m/min) | 18576 ft/min (5662 m/min) |
| Cut Positions | 15 | 15 |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 8 mph | 8 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 4 mph | 4 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles | Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 816 lbs (370.1 kg) | 778 lbs (352.9 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.1 gal (19.3 L) | 5.1 gal (19.3 L) |
| Length | 79 in (2007 mm) | 79 in (2007 mm) |
| Width | — | 50.8 in (1290 mm) |
| Height | — | 47 in (1194 mm) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 4 yr | 4 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
APEX 52 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 7, 2026 — ariens.com.
APEX 48 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ariens.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.