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Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn Mower vs John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower

The John Deere Z330R is the better pick for most shoppers deciding between these two. It has a wider 54-inch deck, a 23 HP engine, and the deep dealer network John Deere is known for, so it cuts larger lawns faster and is easier to service. The Ariens IKON 42 is the more maneuverable option for tight, obstacle-heavy yards, and its fabricated 11-gauge deck is a sturdier build than the stamped decks common at this level. Owners of both report solid hydrostatic reliability; the Ariens wins on agility and deck strength, the Deere on width, power and support.

  • Choose the Ariens IKON 42 if your yard is small and cluttered with trees, beds and gates, and you want a tough fabricated deck in a compact footprint.
  • Choose the John Deere Z330R if you mow a large open lawn and want a wider cut, more power and easy access to dealer service.

Prices

  • Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn Mower: $1,574.65 at vuloma (last seen Nov 10)
  • John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower: $4,199.00 at Lowe's (last seen Nov 11)
  • Difference: the Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn Mower is $2,624.35 cheaper than the John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 11)
Ariens
Ariens IKON (42") 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower 918002

Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn Mower

Ariens IKON (42") 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower 918002

5(5 ratings)
$1,574.65at vulomaChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit vuloma
Pros
  • Fabricated 11-gauge deck resists dents and lasts
  • Compact 42-inch deck fits tight yards and gates
  • 13 cutting height positions give fine control
  • Mulch, bag and side discharge capability
  • High-back seat and large rear tires for comfort
Cons
  • Narrower cut means more passes on big lawns
  • Less engine power than the Deere
  • Smaller dealer and parts network
  • No cruise control
John Deere
John Deere Z330R ZTrak 54-in 23 Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower

John Deere Z330R ZTrak 54-in 23 Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower

$4,199.00at Lowe'sChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Lowe's

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Wide 54-inch deck cuts large lawns faster
  • 23 HP engine handles thick grass and slopes
  • Extensive John Deere dealer and parts support
  • Proven ZTrak hydrostatic drivetrain
  • Strong resale reputation
Cons
  • Stamped deck is less dent-resistant than fabricated steel
  • Wide deck is awkward around trees and narrow gates
  • Fewer published cut-height positions

What separates them

Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn MowerJohn Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower
Cutting width42 inches54 inches
Engine21.5 HP Kawasaki FR651 V-twin, 726 cc23 HP engine
Deck construction11-gauge fabricated steel, 3 bladesStamped steel cutter deck
ManeuverabilityNarrower deck clears gates, beds and tight turnsWide deck is harder to fit between obstacles
Ground speed7 mph forward, 3 mph reverseComparable hydrostatic zero-turn speeds
TransmissionHydro-Gear EZT hydrostaticHydrostatic
Cut height adjustment13 positions, 1.5 to 4.5 inchesStandard foot-pedal height selection
Service and partsIndependent dealers, smaller networkLarge John Deere dealer network

Price history

  • John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower: lowest $4,199.00 on Nov 10 at Lowe's; $4,199.00 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Ariens IKON 42 Zero Turn Mower

  • vulomaNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $1,574.65Checked Nov 10
    Visit vuloma
  • carlinorNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $3,074.25Checked Nov 10
    Visit carlinor
  • AE Outdoor PowerNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $3,799.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit AE Outdoor Power
  • Russo Power EquipmentNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $3,799.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Russo Power Equipment
All 7 stores and price history →

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower

  • Lowe'sNew

    In stock

    $4,199.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit Lowe's

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecAriens IKON 42 Zero Turn MowerJohn Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower
Power SourceGasGasoline
Mower TypeZero Turn—
Start TypeKey Start—
Drive TypeZero-turn—
Turn RadiusZero Turn—
Cruise ControlNo—
Cutting Width52 in—
BaggingYes—
Cutting Height Options13 positions—
Maximum Cutting Height4.5 in—
Minimum Cutting Height1.5 in—
MulchingYes—
Show all 28 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAriens IKON 42 Zero Turn MowerJohn Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower
Side DischargeYes—
Battery IncludedYes, No (charger)—
Transmission TypeHydrostatic—
Engine Horsepower23 HP—
Engine Displacement726 cc—
Engine TypeGas, Kawasaki FR691V—
CylindersTwin—
Deck Material11-gauge fabricated steel—
Deck Size52”—
Overall Dimensions

What reviewers say

John Deere Z330R ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower

Owners of the Z330R generally report fast mowing and easy maneuvering on large, mostly flat lawns. Many praise the wide 54-inch cut and the smooth hydrostatic controls. Some note the learning curve of lap bars and say the ride is firm on bumpy ground.

What people mention
  • Cut qualityPraisedOwners say the 54-inch deck leaves an even cut in ordinary lawn grass.
  • ManeuverabilityPraisedReviewers like how tightly it turns around trees and beds.
  • Ride comfortCriticisedSome owners find the ride harsh on uneven ground, especially without a suspension seat.
  • ControlsMixedLap-bar steering is praised once learned but called a learning curve at first.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a one-acre yard?
Either works, but the Ariens IKON 42 is the better fit for a one-acre yard with trees and beds because its 42-inch deck maneuvers around obstacles. The Deere's 54-inch deck is more at home on open ground.
Which mows faster?
The John Deere Z330R covers more ground per pass with its 54-inch deck and 23 HP engine, so it finishes large open lawns sooner. The Ariens trades width for agility in tight spaces.
Which deck lasts longer?
The Ariens uses an 11-gauge fabricated steel deck, which generally resists dents and wear better than the stamped deck on the Z330R. The Deere's deck is still durable but less forgiving of impacts.
Is the John Deere worth stepping up to?
Yes if you mow a large, open lawn and value dealer support and resale. If your yard is small and cluttered, the Ariens is the more practical machine.
Do both mulch and bag?
The Ariens IKON 42 supports mulching, bagging and side discharge. The John Deere Z330R is typically set up for side discharge, with mulch and bag kits available separately.

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  • Ariens IKON (42") 21.5HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Mower 918002 vs Toro TimeCutter 75748
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  • Toro TimeCutter 75748 vs John Deere Z330R ZTrak 54-in 23 Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower
  • Husqvarna Xcite Z375 (54") 26HP Kohler Zero Turn Mower vs John Deere Z330R ZTrak 54-in 23 Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best zero turn lawn mowers
74.5 (depth)
—
Weight682 lbs—
Coverage Area1-2 acre—
Cutting Width (max) (")—54.0
Color—Green, Multicolor
Transmission—Hydrostatic
Cutter Deck—With Cutter Deck