Ariens 71800500 Gravely Deck Stripping Kit ZTX ZT XL Onyx Ikon ikon 60 52 48 42

What It Is

The Ariens 71800500 Gravely Deck Stripping Kit is a replacement stripping kit designed to seal the gap between the mower deck and the ground, improving grass lift and discharge on zero-turn mowers. It’s intended for residential and light commercial use on Ariens and Gravely ZTX, ZT XL, Onyx, and Ikon models with 42-60 inch decks.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower’s deck size (42, 48, 52, or 60 inches) and model series. This kit is OEM for Ariens and Gravely ZTX, ZT XL, Onyx, and Ikon models—not for other brands. Check your deck’s mounting hole pattern and strip length: the kit includes multiple strips and hardware, but older decks may have worn or missing mounting points. Measure the existing strip thickness (typically 1/4 inch) to ensure it matches. If your mower is pre-2015, verify compatibility with your specific serial number, as deck designs changed.

Key Things to Know

• Quality concerns: With a 3.0/5 rating from only 2 reviews, some users report premature wear or poor fit on certain deck models. Expect 1-2 seasons of use under heavy mowing.
• Installation difficulty: Moderate. Requires removing old stripping, cleaning the deck edge, and aligning new strips with existing holes. You’ll need basic hand tools (wrenches, screwdriver) and about 30-60 minutes.
• Common gotchas: Strips may need trimming to fit if your deck is slightly warped. The included hardware can be brittle—use anti-seize on bolts to prevent future rust. Do not overtighten; strips need to flex for proper sealing.
• OEM vs aftermarket: This is genuine Ariens/Gravely, so fit is more reliable than generic strips, but it costs more. Aftermarket kits (e.g., Stens) are cheaper but may require modifications.

Should You Buy It

Buy this kit if you own a compatible Ariens or Gravely zero-turn and need a direct OEM replacement for worn stripping that’s causing poor grass discharge or scalping. It’s overpriced for the build quality, so consider aftermarket alternatives if you’re on a tight budget or don’t mind minor tweaks. Best for owners who prioritize exact fit over cost savings.