It is a self propelled walk behind mulching mower. It has a Briggs&Stratton 875 series OHV engine and the simple friction disk self propelled drive system found on most snowblowers. The deck is stamped steel which is 15 gage, handlebars are strong and powder coated. Overall, this feels like a good mower, good build quality and robust materials. Without actually using it, I do not know how well it handles or the quality of cut it produces with the Ninja mulching blade. The Briggs & Stratton 875 engine is new to me, haven't found much information on it, so I don't know how strong or reliable this engine is. If you had owned a Snapper, what's your opinion?
I currently have three different Ariens walk-behind mowers.One is an older self-propelled 2 cycle...I used it to mow steep slopes.One is a three year old Pro model with a 6hp Robin OHC engine.It’s build like a tank and works flawlessly.The chain driven OHC engine is as quiet and smooth as any Honda GX engine I’ve ever used. The only thing I could complain about is that Ariens put 8 inch steel rear wheels on this Pro model instead of the 10 inch nylon wheels that are on the Classic model.Also my Pro model has a three speed drive instead of the infinitely variable drive.
I do have a 3 year old classic model as well.It’s the LM21S with the 6.5hp Intek engine.It’s a joy to use.Solid but not too heavy.The bag is extremely easy to use.Much, much easier to use than my Snapper.It’s a good mulcher but I really like the way the side discharge chute disperses clipping.The 10 inch rear wheels make it very easy to pivot and maneuver.The first week I had it I hit a steel rebar property marker stake...ruined the blade but didn’t damage the mower at all.It has the friction disk drive so you can set it at any speed you need.A few times during the mowing season I have to grab a wrench and tighten the speed adjusting lever so it stays at the speed I set it at.
I bought my first Ariens classic in 1987 and the machine was 100% trouble free for 20 years.I only got rid of it because it’s Tecumseh engine was wearing out and burning oil.
I really like the Ariens Classic mowers but I’m not impressed with their Blade Runner line of mowers.
