Ariens GT20
The Ariens GT20 is a lawn and garden tractor made from 1988 to 1995. It's a 2WD machine with a hydrostatic transmission, which means it's easy to drive. The tractor has hydraulic power steering, making it simple to turn and control. Under the hood, the GT20 has a Kohler M20 engine. This engine is air-cooled and has two cylinders in a V-shape. It runs on gasoline and can produce 20 horsepower, which is above average for its class. The engine spins at a very high 3600 rpm when working hard. The tractor has lawn/turf tires on both front and back, perfect for yard work. It's 74.8 inches long, 42.9 inches wide, and 47.6 inches tall. Weighing 959 pounds, it's heavier than most similar tractors. The Ariens GT20 has some useful features for outdoor tasks. It has an independent PTO (power take-off) with an electric clutch, which lets you easily connect and use attachments. The tractor has an open operator station, disc brakes, and an electric starter for easy use. It also has a fuel tank that can hold 4.5 US gallons, giving you plenty of time to work before needing a refill.
Key specifications
- Category
- Lawn and Garden
- Engine power
- 20hp
- Operating weight
- 959 lb
- Transmission
- Hydrostatic
Category comparison
GT20 compared with its category
vs. Lawn and Garden medianDistribution
Engine Power (hp)
All recorded Lawn and Garden tractors
This model
The GT20 ranks at the 60th percentile for engine power among recorded lawn and garden tractors.
Overview
About the Ariens GT20
The Ariens GT20 is a lawn and garden tractor made from 1988 to 1995. It's a 2WD machine with a hydrostatic transmission, which means it's easy to drive. The tractor has hydraulic power steering, making it simple to turn and control. Under the hood, the GT20 has a Kohler M20 engine. This engine is air-cooled and has two cylinders in a V-shape. It runs on gasoline and can produce 20 horsepower, which is above average for its class. The engine spins at a very high 3600 rpm when working hard. The tractor has lawn/turf tires on both front and back, perfect for yard work. It's 74.8 inches long, 42.9 inches wide, and 47.6 inches tall. Weighing 959 pounds, it's heavier than most similar tractors. The Ariens GT20 has some useful features for outdoor tasks. It has an independent PTO (power take-off) with an electric clutch, which lets you easily connect and use attachments. The tractor has an open operator station, disc brakes, and an electric starter for easy use. It also has a fuel tank that can hold 4.5 US gallons, giving you plenty of time to work before needing a refill.
Full specifications
Recorded specifications
General
| Manufacturer | Ariens |
|---|---|
| Model | GT20 |
| Category | Lawn and Garden tractor |
| Type | 4x2 |
| Years built | 1988–1995 |
| Operating weight | 959lb(435 kg) |
Engine
| Make | Kohler |
|---|---|
| Model | M20 |
| Power | 20hp(14.91 kW) |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement | 47ci(0.77 L) |
| Bore | 3.11in(78.99 mm) |
| Stroke | 3.07in(77.98 mm) |
Transmission
| Type | Hydrostatic |
|---|
Chassis & drive
| Chassis | 4x2 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Steering | Hydraulic Power |
| Brakes | Disc |
| Cab | Open |
Power take-off
| Rear PTO | Independent with Electric Clutch |
|---|---|
| PTO speed | 3,600rpm |
Dimensions
| Length | 74.8in(1,900 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 42.9in(1,090 mm) |
| Height | 47.6in(1,209 mm) |
| Operating weight | 959lb(435 kg) |
Closest alternatives
GT20 compared with the nearest models by horsepower
By engine horsepower, the nearest lawn and garden models to the GT20 are the Snapper ST2046 and the Troy-Bilt Horse XP. The Snapper ST2046 matches it on rated power. It entered production in 2014, 26 years after the GT20. The Troy-Bilt Horse XP matches it on rated power and weighs 430 lb less, so it is lighter for its power, which favors PTO and transport work over heavy draft. It entered production in 2014, 26 years after the GT20.
| Spec | Ariens GT20 | Snapper ST2046 | Troy-Bilt Horse XP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 20 hp14.9 kW | 20 hp14.9 kW | 20 hp14.9 kW |
| Operating weight | 959 lb435 kg | - | 529 lb240 kg |
| Weight per hp | 48 lb/hp29 kg/kW | - | 26 lb/hp16 kg/kW |
| Displacement | 47 ci0.77 L | 40 ci0.66 L | 36.4 ci0.6 L |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic | Belt-driven hydrostatic |
| Drive | 2WD | 2WD | 2WD |
| Years built | 1988-1995 | 2014+ | 2014-2015 |
Calculators
Calculators for the GT20
PTO power
About 17 to 18 PTO hp
Estimated from the 20 hp engine rating. The calculator also estimates drawbar power by surface.
Implement sizing
Implements a 20 hp tractor can run
The calculator sizes mowers, tillers, discs, plows and balers for this tractor.
Ballast
56 lb per PTO hp as listed
Heavy draft work calls for 130 to 150 lb/hp. The calculator gives the ballast to add.
Units
20 hp is 14.9 kW
The converter gives kW and metric PS values, as used on European spec sheets.
Parts and manuals
Parts and manuals for the Ariens GT20
Each link opens a retailer search keyed to the fields recorded for this model. Confirm fitment against the serial plate before ordering.
Filters
- Oil filter for the Kohler M20Amazon
Fits the Kohler M20 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Air filter for the Kohler M20Amazon
Fits the Kohler M20 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Fuel filter for the Kohler M20Amazon
Fits the Kohler M20 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
- Hydraulic filter for the Kohler M20Amazon
Fits the Kohler M20 2-cylinder gasoline engine listed for this model. Confirm the part number against the engine serial plate.
Manuals
- Ariens GT20 service and repair manualseManualOnline
Digital manuals. Built 1988 to 1995. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Ariens GT20 operator's manualAmazon
Printed and reprint manuals. Built 1988 to 1995. Check the serial number range on the listing.
- Ariens GT20 service manualAmazon
Shop and repair manuals for this model.
Links in this section go to retailers. A purchase through them earns this site a commission at no extra cost to the buyer. As an Amazon Associate, Heavy Equipment Specs earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure
Category medians
GT20 vs. Lawn and Garden median
Ariens GT20 compared with other Lawn and Garden tractors
| Spec | This model | Lawn and Garden median | Difference | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 20 hp | 18 hp | +11% | 60th |
| Engine Displacement | 47 ci | 41.1 ci | +14% | 72nd |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 | at median | 50th |
| Operating Weight | 959 lb | 738 lb | +30% | 61st |
| Length | 74.8 in | 71.7 in | +4% | 66th |
| Width | 42.9 in | 43.3 in | -1% | 47th |
| Height | 47.6 in | 42.9 in | +11% | 74th |
Medians and percentiles are calculated from the lawn and garden tractors in the database that have a recorded value for each specification (sample size 269–380 models).
Same manufacturer
Other Ariens models
Other manufacturers
Models with similar horsepower
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What years was the Ariens GT20 manufactured?
Production of the Ariens GT20 ran from 1988 through 1995.
What type of transmission does the Ariens GT20 have?
The Ariens GT20 uses a Hydrostatic transmission.
What three-point hitch category does the Ariens GT20 use?
The Ariens GT20 has a Category 0 three-point hitch.
How powerful is the Ariens GT20?
The Ariens GT20 has an engine power output of 20 hp. It is powered by a 2-cylinder engine displacing 47 ci.
What is the working weight of the Ariens GT20?
The operating weight of the Ariens GT20 is approximately 959 lb.
What routine service does the Ariens GT20 need?
Regular maintenance for the Ariens GT20 includes checking and changing engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and filters, plus routine inspections as recommended in the owner's manual. Always follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for specific intervals and procedures.

