Case Study: Ariens achieves 50% frame part-count reduction and a stronger, lower‑cost Gravely mower with Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA (Abaqus/fe‑safe)

Ariens - Customer Case Study

Ariens, the U.S. maker of Gravely® zero-turn commercial mowers, needed to redesign its mower frame to be stronger, less expensive to manufacture and more fuel efficient while meeting safety and durability targets. To meet these goals on schedule, Ariens integrated simulation tools from Dassault Systemes, using the SIMULIA portfolio—notably Abaqus/CAE and fe-safe—into its design process.

Using Dassault Systemes’ Abaqus/CAE and fe-safe (together with Wolfstar’s True-Load for strain-gauge placement), Ariens accurately modeled loads, removed unnecessary welds, consolidated parts and validated fatigue life through simulation and field tests. The redesign cut the frame part count by 50% (from 22 to 11), reduced testing time and costs, improved fatigue performance, and delivered validated field results—while Abaqus’ visualization also improved communication with designers and management.

Ariens

Mathew Weglarz

Lead Engineer and Structural Analyst