Ariens Zero-Turn Mower

[CEC]

Hoping for some information on an Ariens Zero-Turn Mower.
I can pick this one up for $250 (I need something better to keep the weeds down in the yard) Currently the mower will run BUT, the engine is blowing oil into the air breather. (possible a bad head gasket). And part of the sheetmetal is not installed, Don't know if the current owner has the missing items at his house yet or not.

[CEC]

One more Picture.

[midmosandblasting]

One on KC craigslist this morning for 3500.00 .Should be a ok buy even if a re engine is needed if the pullies are ok .Guessing the blowing oil is going to be piston or breather troubles .Both not that bad on cost.Most of the small engine troubles come from no oil changes.

[LW Hiway]

While you guys are at it, do any of you have ideas, suggestions or reviews on the "Troy Bilt Mustang RZT" with a 50" cut?
LW

[OLD MAN]

CNC, I don't know about that model but the name brand is very good

[Bender]

Anyone try these

[RancherBill]

Should be OK

It looks like high miler. (Worn tires, left front wheel bushing ?crooked?, worn seat, bent armrests, maybe repainted - floor is not worn, but, front looks chipped). You always want to on them cutting more than beside them fixing. :evil:

Heck It's way better than a reel mower.:evil::evil::evil:

[Scott]

I bought an Ariens ZT2350 last spring and love it!! It cut my mowing time for 2 acres from just over 4 hours to 2 hours and I need to trim less with the weedeater as well. The mowers are made by Gravely.
As Bill notes it looks well used, but should be worth the investment.

[CEC]

Update/additional info-
Current owner bought at an auction - was blowing oil when he got it home.
overall the paint looks original.
It cranked right up. Runs good, and I drove it around a bit yesterday afternoon. Steers and rides good.
Has new blades, Deck looked in excellent shape from what I could see without jacking the mower up.
So I decided to become the new owner.
and as RancherBill says......

Originally Posted by RancherBill

Heck It's way better than a reel mower.:evil::evil::evil:

[Pilgrim]

I'd say you got a deal. Check out the breather to make sure it's ok, but it's quite likely you've got a blown head gasket causing the oil problem. Inteks are bad for head gasket problems. Usual symptom is: starts and runs fine but starts to smoke as the engine warms and crankcase pressure builds. If not fixed, air filter area and muffler starts to get real oily. These engines have a weird head bolt pattern with a large space between the two bolts where the cylinder meets the pushrod oil galley. That's where they usually blow. Sometimes it's quite bad, other times the "blow" is hardly noticable on the gasket. Very simple fix on this unit since there's no hood/sheetmetal to remove for engine access. Will take longer to drive to your local parts place and get the gasket than to do the job. If you post the #'s off the engine, I'll give you the part #'s you need. Good luck with your bargain mower.
Pilgrim