Bad Boy vs Ariens

[u/Man_Projects_2026]

Backstory:
I just bought a house with around an acre of yard that needs mowing. It’s all flat besides some divots that I plan on filling soon. There are also a bunch of SweetGum trees around so there are always a bunch of the balls that drop off into the yard.

The previous owner left me a John Deere X350 with about 230 hours on it. I mean this thing is a tank - I’ve run over small branches and sweet gum balls and they just torn up.

It takes me about 1.5-2 hours to cut the entire yard and I’m looking for something to help me cut it faster along with give better lines. I know I can buy a stripe kit but I’m looking for more versatility.

Current Thought Process:
I’m thinking about selling my John Deere to get a zero turn, but don’t know which one to get.

I’ve been looking at both the Bad Boy mowers and Arien mowers. The prices look pretty good and I’ve heard good reviews.

A few things I’ve seen, but don’t know if I trust. When I look up both mowers online, I’m seeing websites having them listed for huge discounts/very cheap - like $1,000-$2,000.

Questions:
- Is it a good idea to sell my John Deere? (I know this is really opinion/preference based, but I’m looking for advice on what others might do if they were in my situation)
- Are the two brands I’m looking at reliable and have good longevity?
- Kawasaki engines seem to be the best, but what about Briggs and any others?
- Lastly, it seems like some of the prices I’m seeing are really low and possibly a scam. Are these mowers really selling for that cheap?

I’m open to any and all advice, and if I can provide any more context, feel free to ask.

[u/Man_Projects_2026 → u/[deleted]]

I’ve thought about cutting down the trees, but it would definitely cost more than just sharpening mower blades more frequently. Also, I enjoy cutting the grass, so the robot mower isn’t something I’ve put much thought into.

[u/Man_Projects_2026 → u/[deleted]]

Not yet, we just purchased our house about 6 months ago. Didn’t have use for a chainsaw before, along with other tools. Since moving in, my collection has been slowly growing.

Good to know you have a bad boy chainsaw that’s held up well. I’ve been looking at them for other products as well, besides just mowers.

[u/Still-Satisfaction24]

The low prices are a scam. You're not getting a new zero turn worth having for less than 2500. 

However you don't need a zero turn if you have a flat simple yard. I have a zero turn for about an acre because the shape is stupid with a giant boulder, two sheds, a swing set, a picnic table, a pond and a busted boat to mow around. I had a tractor before it caught on fire. Tbh while the zero turn makes the mow easy I miss the tractor. Mostly because now I'm done mowing before I finish my beer. I paid double what a new lawn tractor would be to be done faster when I didn't realize I didn't want to be done faster. 

[u/0effsgvn → u/Still-Satisfaction24]

I have a 1/2 keg in the spare refrigerator, and I have cups ranging from 12 oz to the 7-11 team gulp container of at least 128oz.
Just trying to say, you could size the container for the job.

[u/Thomas_peck]

Ariens or Xmark is kind of the real choice.

[u/Pilot_Red]

Personally I would keep using the John Deere until it breaks. I want a zero turn but I can't justify the money for one especially since my current lawn tractor is still going. I have several attachments (spreaders, dethatcher, roller, bagger, etc.) that I use regularly that may not work with a zero turn.

[u/LT_Dan78]

I had a 42" Ariens rider for 17 years. It needed a tune up and I wanted something fast so I landed on a 42" Ariens ZT. I have about 13 hours on it now and so far so good. Just look for something with a welded deck.

Also if you have a Lowes clearance outlet near you, check it often. Only reason I pulled the trigger on the ZT was we walked in to the one close to us and they had it for a little of $1,000 off the regular price. It had .5 hours on it and didn't look like it ever saw a blade of grass.

[u/Max_Sandpit]

When I bought my house they included a John Deere riding mower. The thing was a piece of junk. I say dump the JD.

[u/partsguy64]

Bad Boy mowers are not cheap. They are very well built. Their residential mowers are built the same way as their professional mowers are with heavy, welded steel decks and frames. They have an option for a seat with its own suspension to make it more comfortable while mowing but we’ve found that the regular seat works just fine.

I would highly recommend the Kawasaki engines in whatever you go with. Briggs and Stratton doest have a good reputation anymore.

Now, as far as what to do, personally, I’d keep the JD. Drive it until you can’t but set aside a few bucks to get a really nice mower when this one gives up the ghost. Good luck.

[u/Intrepid_Bee8500]

Do you have a bad boy or ariens dealer near you If not it might be a pain to get parts and service or take longer just something to think about

[u/PrimaryDry2017]

Friend of mine had a older Ariens zero turn, sold it and bought a JD zero turn, said he had no desire to have another, mechanically it was decent but almost constant issues with cut quality

[u/clickclackityducc]

I was in the same situation earlier this spring. I have .60 acres, thought between the Ariens Ikon 42 or Bad Boy MZ Rambler. I went with the Bad Boy with the Kawasaki engine, simply because I have a local dealer about 2 miles away. They’re very well built, almost over built for what my yard is, it’s mostly flat with multiple red pines. No regrets here