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 IKON 42 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 42-inch deck; gas powered
- Ariens APEX 52 KAWASAKI — prosumer: larger home properties and light acreage; 52-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 5 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI uses a Kawasaki® FR651V engine; APEX 52 KAWASAKI uses a Kawasaki® FR691V engine. The engine maker builds the engine; the mower maker chooses the model, rating and fit, so the badge alone does not settle output or longevity.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI lists at $3,799; APEX 52 KAWASAKI lists at $5,999, a $2,200 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles drive; APEX 52 KAWASAKI has Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles drive.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has a 42 in (1,067 mm) deck; APEX 52 KAWASAKI has a 52 in (1,321 mm) deck, a 10 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 ›
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI holds 3.5 gal (13.2 L) of fuel; APEX 52 KAWASAKI holds 5.1 gal (19.3 L) of fuel, a 1.6 gal difference. Tank size bounds how long a machine runs between stops. Consumption varies with engine, load and speed, so hours per tank are not fixed.
5 more differences, calculated figures
Other verified differences
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI weighs 654 lbs (296.6 kg); APEX 52 KAWASAKI weighs 816 lbs (370.1 kg), a 162 lbs difference.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI carries a 3-year warranty; APEX 52 KAWASAKI carries a 4-year warranty, a 1 year difference.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has a published top speed of 7 mph; APEX 52 KAWASAKI has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 1 mph difference.
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); APEX 52 KAWASAKI cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 5 in (127 mm).
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI has a 21.5 hp engine; APEX 52 KAWASAKI has a 23 hp engine, a 1.5 hp difference.
Calculated by MowerFacts
- IKON 42 KAWASAKI works out to 2.4 acres/hour; APEX 52 KAWASAKI works out to 3.4 acres/hour, a 1.0 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 | IKON 42 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
APEX 52 KAWASAKI Ariens · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $3,799 | $5,999 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.3 ci (726 cc) | 44.3 ci (726 cc) |
| Engine Power | 21.5 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki® FR651V | Kawasaki® FR691V |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 42 in (1067 mm) | 52 in (1321 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | 3 |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1.5 in (38 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Cut Positions | 13 | 15 |
| Blade Tip Speed | 17822 ft/min (5432 m/min) | 18000 ft/min (5486.4 m/min) |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Ground Speed | 7 mph | 8 mph |
| Reverse Speed | 3 mph | 4 mph |
| Drive System | Hydro-Gear® EZT® Transaxles | Hydro-Gear® ZT-3100® Transaxles |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 654 lbs (296.6 kg) | 816 lbs (370.1 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) | 5.1 gal (19.3 L) |
| Length | 74.5 in (1892 mm) | 79 in (2007 mm) |
| General | ||
| Warranty | 3 yr | 4 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
IKON 42 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — ariens.com.
APEX 52 KAWASAKI: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 7, 2026 — ariens.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.