Ariens Blade Runner™ (21") 173cc Self-Propelled Electric Start Lawn Mower

I bought an Ariens Snow Blower 2 seasons ago. It's the first snow blower I've ever had and it's been great. It starts at about half a pull every time and works awesome. Last year my 25 year old John Deere mower gave up so I replaced it with the self propelled Blade Runner. The self propel function didn't operate right out of the box. I took it in and they said that the cable wasn't connected inside the box. No big deal. It worked for maybe two mowings and quit again. Same story. The electric start would be nice but it seems like if you don't put it on the charger after every mow the battery's dead. Still, no big deal.

I've never had an electric start and if it started as well as the snow blower I'd never use it anyway. Unfortunately it doesn't and you have to pull it repeatedly to get it going. The last time I did the handle ripped off the end and the cable snapped back in so hard it broke the cheap plastic housing on the engine.

I forgot to mention that when I called our local service department for the first service, the tech asked....."you didn't get one with the Kohler Courage did you? When I responded that yes, I did, he laughed and replied "sorry buddy, but that engine's a piece of junk".

I've called Ariens a couple of times about my service issues and they haven't been even remotely helpful.

I bought an Ariens Snow Blower 2 seasons ago. It's the first snow blower I've ever had and it's been great. It starts at about half a pull every time and works awesome. Last year my 25 year old John Deere mower gave up so I replaced it with the self propelled Blade Runner. The self propel function didn't operate right out of the box. I took it in and they said that the cable wasn't connected inside the box. No big deal. It worked for maybe two mowings and quit again. Same story. The electric start would be nice but it seems like if you don't put it on the charger after every mow the b... more

Thought to myself that this can't be true. Or better, too good to be true. But I ordered the Ariens, wondering if it would show up, be in one piece, or a POS second..

Well, I'm here to tell you, it did indeed show up- only 3 days after I ordered it, it was full of oil, there was NO charge for shipping and it was 228 bucks cheaper than the local ACE store and NO TAX. And a full warranty came with it.

I was very much surprised! I purchased this mower for a customer of mine, hoping that he would remain a customer after the sale. I spoke with him yesterday, he is very happy with his mower. The only complaint was it was a little top heavy on the hills.

But even with it's weight, very controllable. I will be telling my customers about MOWERS DIRECT. I am happy with the customer service and product. So, to all you guys and ladies looking for a deal on a great mower. Give these guys a chance to show you how to save your hard earned money.

I will be back for another mower, thanks again.

Thought to myself that this can't be true. Or better, too good to be true. But I ordered the Ariens, wondering if it would show up, be in one piece, or a POS second..

Well, I'm here to tell you, it did indeed show up- only 3 days after I ordered it, it was full of oil, there was NO charge for shipping and it was 228 bucks cheaper than the local ACE store and NO TAX. And a full warranty came with it.

I was very much surprised! I purchased this mower for a customer of mine, hoping that he would remain a customer after the sale. I spoke with him yesterday, he is ve... more

I purchased from you last month an Ariens lawn mower after my old one of 22 years seemed to be wearing out. Since I liked that model so much I decided to purchase a new one.

I was very glad I did. The mulching attachment works great and does an excellent job even when the grass was very high.

Upgrading to the self propelled was a big plus because I can get the job done much faster and would recommend it to everyone.

The electric start works, but it does not always start the first time even though I primed the engine. This maybe my fault since I am not used to using an electric starter.

The bottom line is my lawn looks great and I once again enjoy cutting it which made the purchase well worth it.

MD RESPONDS: Please make sure you are using fresh gasoline in the engine. Gasoline that sits in a gas can or fuel tank for longer than a couple weeks starts to separate won't ignite as easily.

I purchased from you last month an Ariens lawn mower after my old one of 22 years seemed to be wearing out. Since I liked that model so much I decided to purchase a new one.

I was very glad I did. The mulching attachment works great and does an excellent job even when the grass was very high.

Upgrading to the self propelled was a big plus because I can get the job done much faster and would recommend it to everyone.

The electric start works, but it does not always start the first time even though I primed the engine. This maybe my fault sinc... more

Response and delivery from Mowers Direct was great. Mowed with it twice so far this year, Nothing spectacular.

The electric start is nice and the price was pretty good.

The speed is controlled by how far you squeeze the engagement rail. They have a so-called speed limiter control that really doesn't work, it only changes the engagement.

The blade is a "straight-cut" blade and not their hi-lift mulching blade. I'll have to replace that pretty fast since my wife noticed it really does not chew up old leaves and small twigs or vacuum like our old mower did.

Honestly, I expected more. Maybe it will last a long time and I bought it because of their reputation, but the features are not up to par with the rest of the mowers in this class.

It's not a bad mower, but it could have much better mulching performance. Oh, well, I'll put another blade on it but wish I would have bought a Honda.

Response and delivery from Mowers Direct was great. Mowed with it twice so far this year, Nothing spectacular.

The electric start is nice and the price was pretty good.

The speed is controlled by how far you squeeze the engagement rail. They have a so-called speed limiter control that really doesn't work, it only changes the engagement.

The blade is a "straight-cut" blade and not their hi-lift mulching blade. I'll have to replace that pretty fast since my wife noticed it really does not chew up old leaves and small twigs or vacu... more