Ariens & Gravely show new stand-ons, and a prototype autonomous ZTR

Ariens Ridgeline

Ariens introduced its new Ridgeline residential stand-on mower for homeowners, saying it designed the vehicle for those seeking comfort, precision, and the durability of commercial-grade product features.

“The Ridgeline leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish without the hassle,” said Jake Weiss, Ariens director of marketing. “The Ariens Envy deck gives crisp, clean cuts, and the 2-in-1 design offers versatility-allowing homeowners to seamlessly switch between stand-on and walk-behind modes for more control and precision around obstacles. You’re not straining your body either – hopping on and off is quick and easy, and the stand-on platform reduces back and leg stress.”

Ariens stand-on mower

This new mower is available in 32-, 48-, and 52-in. deck sizes with 13-15 cutting positions depending on the model. It’s powered by a Kawasaki FS600V or FS651V engine and can reach speeds up to 7 mph. Ariens manufactures the Envy cutting deck with 7- and 10-gauge steel, depending on the model. 

The Ridgeline’s compact footprint fits easily in garages or sheds; at 47.5 inches tall, 55 inches or less for width, and 65.5 inches in length.

Gravely Pro-Stance Ultra

Gravely expanded its commercial stand-on portfolio today with the introduction of the Gravely Pro-Stance Ultra. The new platform features 52-in. and 60-in. deck offerings, plus a 72-in. EFI model.

“This launch marks an exciting chapter in the Gravely story,” said AriensCo Sr. Vice President of Customer Success Stephen Ariens. “Gravely is the brand for professionals who need rugged equipment with superior performance and high ergonomic standards. This product is a perfect fit to give our customers what they need to succeed and grow their businesses through efficiency.”

Gravely stand-on mower
Gravely Pro-Stance Ultra mower shown with optional Tweel tire-wheel kit.

“Operators are quickly realizing the ergonomic and efficiency benefits of stand-on mowers, which is why we expect that market to grow by 10% in the next two years,” said Gravely Brand Director Patrick McQuillan. “The Pro-Stance Ultra gives serious professionals a new high-end entry point into the stand-on category through a high-performance product that strengthens their stance in terms of capabilities, business reputation, and growth potential.”

“We tailored the Pro-Stance Ultra to the specifications of our customers,” said Gravely Channel Marketing Manager Angie Ansorge. “Throughout the product’s development, we took prototypes to landscapers across the country so they could test and share their feedback. We leaned in on what they liked and fine-tuned to their suggestions so we could deliver a product that delivers on their needs.”

Pro-Stance Ultra features:

  • A wide, curved operator pad extending below knee height eliminates the potential for knee impact.
  • 15-inch caster wheels.
  • An adjustable platform accommodates a variety of operators.
  • The pitched, forward-facing controls are angled to reduce wrist strain.
  • A 16-gallon fuel tank.
  • A trio of Gravely’s new commercial spindles are cast from cold-forged aluminum, serviceable, and more resilient to moisture penetration and debris ingestion.

The Pro-Stance Ultra also carries over the proprietary deck-lift assist pedal from the existing Pro-Stance platform. This feature allows the operator to float the deck over roots and ruts without the need to remove their hands from the controls and it makes changing cutting height easier. It’s powered exclusively by 35- and 38.5-horsepower Kawasaki FX1000 and FX1000 EFI engines, and comes with a pair of Parker HTG integrated transaxles to move the machine to a top speed of 12.5 mph.

Like all Gravely equipment, the Pro-Stance Ultra is backed with the support of a nationwide network of authorized Gravely dealers and trained service professionals. All models also include a leading five-year, or 1,500-hour warranty and limited lifetime warranties on the seven-gauge steel deck shell and frame.

Ariens designs the Pro-Stance Ultra at its headquarters in Brillion, Wisconsin, then fabricates and assembles the machines in Fayetteville, Tennessee. It will be available at select independently owned and operated Gravely dealers in the U.S. and Canada in 2025.

Gravely Prototype Autonomous ZTR

Gravely began work on its autonomous zero-turn mower about a year ago, according to Neal Lackritz, who leads Gravely’s advanced technology group. We spoke with Lackritz at Gravely’s outside demo area during Equip Expo in Louisville, and he said Gravely is focusing on three elements with this new technology product: Safety for residential and commercial users; telematics to provide a variety of data for landscape business owners; and economy to help biz owners address labor shortages. 

Lackritz said Gravely put four of these autonomous mowers out with landscapers for testing this summer, and the company is gathering feedback at Equip Expo “though the machines here are clearly prototypes,” said Lackritz. 

“We are hearing from people about applications in municipalities and neighborhoods with HOAs that are beginning to require quieter or greener equipment,” said Lackritz. “It’s happening sooner than I expected.” 

Gravely based this project on its Pro-Stance EV mower. “EVs already have computer-controlled drivetrains,” said Lackritz, “so it’s easier to add the Greenzie autonomous technology.” Greenzie technology – “like intel inside,” said Lackritz – provides the foundational brains behind several autonomous mowers, from Wright to MeanGreen to Bobcat. 

See our feature titled, “Robotics today and tomorrow.” 

“This Gravely mower will enable landscapers to do multi-mower projects with fewer workers,” said Charles Quinn, founder of Greenzie. “And landscape business owners can consider that a vehicle like this could be an operating expense instead of a capital expense.” 

Lackritz said Gravely might create a pilot program around this autonomous mower with a limited production run next year.