Ariens 911 User Manual

cT^tiens

A SAFETY MESSAGE A

The product for which you have requested information or replacement parts is not a current product. The replacement models incorporate product designs, safety features, safety instructions or warnings which represent the latest “State Of The Art” developments. For your safety and those around you please contact your nearest Ariens/Gravely Dealer for a demonstration of the current product safety provisions and features.

Series

Walk Behind

Lawn Mowers

Owner’s

Manual

PRINTED IN USA

PART NO. 011670J

1-96

A Message to Ariens Customers...

Welcome to the world of Ariens equipment. We are pleased that you have selected Ariens and sincerely believe you have purchased the best equipment available. The care you give your new Ariens equipment will determine the satisfaction and service life you will obtain from it. Use this manual and the engine manual supplied as your guide. By observing the instructions and suggestions in these manuals, your Ariens equipment will serve you well for many years.

Your Ariens dealer will be happy to supply any service or advice which may be required to keep your Ariens equipment operating at peak efficiency. He stocks genuine Ariens parts and lubricants,

manufactured with the same precision and skill as the

original equipment. His trained staff is kept well

informed on the best methods of servicing Ariens equipment and is ready and able to serve you. If

Safety Alert Symbol and Notations

engine repairs or services are required, they can be obtained from an Ariens dealer or from an authorized engine manufacturer’s service center. If service is required, be prepared to supply the service person with the Model Number and Serial Number of the equipment and engine, as well as a full description of the problem encountered.

NOTE: The descriptions and specifications contained

in this manual were in effect at the time the manual was approved for printing. Ariens Company reserves the right to discontinue models without notice and without incurring obligation. The equipment described within this manual may not be identified as either standard or optional and the various illustrations may not all be applicable to your particular unit. If you have questions, always check with your Ariens dealer.

The following safety notations are used throughout

this manual to call attention to special information or

operating procedures. Understand the message in each notation and be alert to unsafe conditions and

the possibility of personal injury.

NOTE: A NOTE points out general reference

information regarding proper operation and maintenance practices.

IMPORTANT: An IMPORTANT statement indicates

specific procedures or information that is required to prevent damage to the machine or its attachments.

This safety alert symbol is used to attract your attention! PERSONAL

SAFETY — IS INVOLVED! When you see this symbol -BECOME ALERT - HEED

ITS MESSAGE.

A A

DANGER: Indicates an imminentiy hazardous situation that, if not avoided, wiii resuit in death or serious injury.

WARNiNG: indicates a potentiaiiy hazardous situation that, if not avoided, couid resuit in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: indicates a potentiaiiy

hazardous situation that, if not avoided,

may resuit in minor moderate injury.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects or

other reproductive harm.

OL0010

Models

Safety Alert and Notations

Safety Precautions................................................................... 3

Safety Decals...............................................................................5

Controls and Features

Operation.....................................................................................7

Lubrication and Maintenance............................................12

Adjustments.............................................................................21

Storage ......................................................................................23

Service Manual

Troubleshooting......................................................................24

Specifications

Dealer Preparation

Accessories................................................................................34

Warranty

Specific Model and Serial Numbers are on a label

located on the frame of your mower and on a label

located on the product registration form. Record and transfer the label from the product registration to

place indicated below. Use these numbers whenever

parts or service is required.

.......................................................................

...........................................................................

................................................................

...................................................................................

Model Number.

Serial Number.

....................................................

.............................................................

TRANSFER

MODEL SERIAL

LABEL FROM

PRODUCT

REGISTRATION

Model 911065 (LM230sp)

4 Cycle,Kawasaki 5 HP Recoil, Self-Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911067 (MM223)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Centura 5 HP Recoil, Push Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911068 (MM224sp)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Centura 5.5 HP Recoil, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911069 (LM225SP)

4 Cycle,Briggs & Stratton Diamond Plus 5.5 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911070 (LM226SP) - Swivel

4 Cycle,Briggs & Stratton Diamond Plus 5.5 HP

Recoil, Self-Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911071 (LM227SP) - Swivel

4 Cycle,Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Electric Start, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911072 (LM228SP)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911073 (LM229sp) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911304 (LM21)

4 Cycle, Briggs & Stratton Quantum 5 HP

Recoil, Push Serial Number 001001 and up

Model 911311 (LM21s)

4 Cycle, Briggs & Stratton Quantum 5 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled

Serial Number 001001 and up

Models (Continued)

Model 911312(LM21sm)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP Recoil, Self-Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911313 (LM21S)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911314 (LM21sw) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911315 (LM21se)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Electric Start, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911316 (LM21SCSW)

Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911317 (LM21scsw) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Kawasaki 5 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911318 (LM21S)

2 Cycle, Tecumseh 5 HP

Recoil, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911319 (LM21SW)

4 Cycle Briggs & Stratton Quantum 5 HP Recoil, Self Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911469(LM232sp)

4 Cycle, Briggs & Stratton Diamond Plus 5.5 HP

Recoil, Self-Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911470 (LM233sp) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Briggs & Stratton Diamond Plus 5.5 HP

Recoil, Self-Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911471 (LM234sp) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Electric Start, Self Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911472 (LM235sp)

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self-Propelled

Serial Number 000101 and up

Model 911473 (LM236sp) - Swivel

4 Cycle, Tecumseh Vector 6 HP

Recoil, Self-Propelled Serial Number 000101 and up

Safety Precautions

Training

Read and understand this Owner’s Manual and engine manufacturer’s instructions before operating unit. Be thoroughly familiar with controls and proper use of equipment. Know how to disengage controls and stop unit quickly in an emergency.

Understand and follow each Danger, Warning, Caution and Instructional decal installed on mower.

NEVER allow children to operate mower. DO NOT allow adults to operate it without proper instruction.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly children and pets.

Safe operation of this equipment requires your complete and unimpaired attention at all times. DO

NOT operate unit after or during the consumption of

medication, drugs or alcohol.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect and clear work area of objects

which might be picked up and thrown. Remove all

stones, sticks, wires, and other foreign objects.

minutes before removing fuel cap. Replace gasoline tank cap securely and clean up any spilled fuel before starting engine.

DO NOT start the engine or operate mower with the Side Discharge Opening Cover or the Side Discharge

Deflector removed. NEVER operate the engine with the Rear Door open unless the Grass Bag is in place.

Doing so may result in serious injury due to Blade contact or thrown objects. When mulching the Side

Discharge Opening Cover must be installed and the

Rear Door fully closed whenever the engine is

operating.

Operation

Keep equipment in good condition. Keep all shields in

place and safety devices operating properly.

Operate unit only when there is good visibility and

light.

DO NOT put hands or feet near, or under, rotating

parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening and

mower pan at all times. NEVER open the Rear Door without the Grass Bag in place when the engine is operating.

Wear sturdy footwear. DO NOT operate mower barefoot or when wearing open sandals or canvas shoes. DO NOT wear loose clothing that may get caught in rotating parts of unit.

NEVER attempt to make any adjustments to unit while engine is running (except where specifically recommended). DO NOT make cutting height wheel adjustment while engine is running.

Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Handle with care. Use an approved (RED) gasoline container.

NEVER allow smoking materials, sparks or flame

(match, pilot light, etc.) near mower or gasoline

container.

Check fuel supply before starting engine. DO NOT fill

gasoline tank indoors, when engine is running, or

while engine is still hot. Allow engine to cool several

Open doors if unit is run in garage, exhaust fumes

are dangerous. DO NOT run engine in an enclosed

area.

DO NOT operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing, keep a firm hold on handlebar and walk, never run.

Do not operate mower on gravel or on loose material such as sand. Stop mower when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Objects may be picked up and thrown, causing damage or injury.

NEVER direct discharge of material toward

bystanders nor allow anyone near equipment while

unit is in operation. The operator is responsible for the safety of bystanders.

Be familiar with area of operation. Stay alert for

holes, rocks, roots and hidden hazards in area of

operation. Keep away from drop-offs.

Safety Precautions (Continued)

Mow across face of slopes, never up and down. Be especially cautious when changing direction on

slopes. DO NOT mow steep slopes.

Engine/Blade Control feature on mower will cause engine and blade to stop whenever operator releases control on handlebar. If feature fails to operate, disconnect spark plug wire and adjust or have it

repaired before using unit.

Stop engine, wait for moving parts to stop, remove

ignition wire and secure away from spark plug before attempting to; unclog discharge chute, when making any repairs, adjustments, inspections or cleaning

unit.

DO NOT touch equipment parts which might be hot from operation. Before attempting to maintain, adjust or service allow such parts to cool.

If equipment vibrates abnormally, stop engine at once, wait for moving parts to stop and remove wire from spark plug. Abnormal vibration is a warning of trouble. Repair any damage before restarting unit.

(See your Ariens Dealer.)

After striking a foreign object, stop engine, wait for

moving parts to stop and remove wire from spark

plug. Thoroughly inspect unit for any damage and

repair damage before restarting and operating unit.

Take all possible precautions when leaving unit

unattended. Remove and keep wire away from spark

plug to prevent accidental starting or unauthorized

use. (On electric start units, remove key or unplug

battery.)

DO NOT change engine governor setting or over

speed engine.

Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight and be sure

equipment is in safe working condition. Check all

hardware at regular intervals.

Check grass bag for wear and/or deterioration.

Replace only with Ariens original equipment replacement part for safety.

Before tipping mower to work or clean underside. Disconnect ignition wire and secure away from spark

plug. Follow instructions in Lubrication and

Maintenance Section of this manual.

To reduce fire hazard and overheating, keep

equipment free of grass, leaves, debris or excessive lubricants.

Worn out mufflers are more than just a noise nuisance and should be replaced immediately. Continued use could result in fire or explosion.

Follow engine manufacturers safety instructions

when servicing engine.

NEVER store equipment with gasoline in tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

Refer to Storage Section of this Owner’s Manual for important instructions if unit is to be stored for

extended periods.

Maintenance and Storage

Use only attachment or replacement parts designed for your unit. See your Ariens Dealer.

#•

A WARNING

STOP ENGINE BEFORE ATTACHING OR REMOVING GRASS BAG.

1. Under normal usage bag material is sub ject to deterioration and wear. Bag should be checked periodically and replaced when necessary.

2. Replace bag with Ariens original service

part only.

3. Do not store grass in bag. Empty bag completely and make sure bag is kept dry.

(ON BAG) 07893200

(911065,069,070,071,072,073

304,311,313,314,315,317, 318,469,470,471,472,473)

Safety Decals

AIIA Mil PH

; MM MMt it

• ENGINE MUST BE STOPPED

BEFORE CLEARING DISCHARGE.

• BLADE MUST BE STOPPED

WHEN DOOR IS OPENED.

07759200

(911065,067,068,069,070,071,072,

073,469,470,471,472,473)

▲WARNING

Do not operate mower unless guards are in operating position or bagger is attached.

07893700

(911065,067,068,069,070,071,072,

073,469,470,471,472,473)

(07722800) (911304,311,312,313, 314,315,317,318,319)

Figure 1: Safety Decals

07874200

(911065,067,068,069,070,071, 072,073,469,470,471,472,473)

Controls and Features

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Engine Control Electric Start Control (Electric Start Models) Speed Selector (Self Propelled Models) Primer Side Discharge Opening Cover Side Discharge Deflector Cutting Height Levers (Wheel Adjustors) Rear Door Adjustable and Folding Handlebars Grass Bag Rewind Starter Wheel Drive Control (Self Propelled Models) Cutting Height Levers (Wheel Adjustors - See Page 9 For Swivel Wheel Models) Mulch Master™ Plug Throttle Control (Professional Models)

Figure 2: Control and Feature Locations

Operation

PRE-STARTING

• Check that engine crankcase oil is at proper level using dipstick. Fill or change as per instructions in Lubrication and Maintenance Section. Two cycle engines require that oil be mixed with fuel.

NOTE: This product is equipped with an internal

combustion engine. DO NOT use on or near any unimproved, forest or brush covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark arrester, if used, must be maintained in effective working order by the operator. See your Ariens Dealer or engine manufacturer’s service center.

CAUTION: Make sure all hardware is

tight, aii safety devices in place and all

adjustments made correctly.

Check air cleaner for dirt. Clean as required. See

Lubrication and Maintenance Section of this manual.

Fuel

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable

and must be handled with care. Allow engine to cool several minutes before

removing fuel tank cap. Never fill tank

when engine is running or is hot from

operation. DO NOT allow open flame, matches, or smoking in area. DO NOT over fill. Allow about 1/4” of tank space for fuel expansion. Wipe up any spills and allow vapors to dissipate before starting engine. Use approved (Red) gasoline container.__________________

W) approved oil. One gallon of gasoline requires 2.5 ounces of oil.

IMPORTANT: Observe the recommended gasoline

to oil mixing ratio to prevent engine damage.

To assure thorougn mixing of gasoline and oil, fill container partially with gasoline, add oil, shake container vigorously, add remainder of gasoline into container and shake vigorously

Handlebar Height

Handlebar adjusts to four positions by selecting holes in braces. Select a safe comfortable height and place pin through hole in brace that is closest to that height. Refer to Adjustment Section. (On professional models, 911065 and 911317 nuts and carriage bolts

replace pin). Adjust handlebar to a safe, comfortable operator height according to instructions in Adjustments Section of this manual.

Mower Configurations

WARNING: DO NOT operate mower unless either side discharge opening

To configure your mower for bagging, side discharge

or mulching, proceed as follows:

Bagging: Lift rear door, place bar of grass bag frame

on lip of mounting flange and lower rear door. If

necessary, lift rear of grass bag frame to lock in

position.

cover or side discharge deflector is instalied. Objects may be picked up and thrown causing damage or personal injury. Never operate engine with rear door open unless grass bag is in place.

NOTE: To prevent foreign particles from entering

tank while filling: wipe dust, dirt and debris from around cap before removing it.

• Check fuel supply.

For 4 cycle engine, fill fuel tank with a good grade of

fresh lead free gasoline. DO NOT use premium,

gasohol, or mix gasoline with oil. (Use of lead free gasoline produces fewer combustion deposits.

For 2 cycle engine, the recommended gasoline to oil ratio is 50:1. For every 50 parts of gasoline, mix one part Boating Industry Association two cycle (BIA TC-

Be sure there are no openings between bag and mounting surface after installing bag, if necessary

clear bag mounting surface of debris.

To,remove grass bag, lift rear door. Then with

handle, lift bag up off mounting flange and close rear

door.

CAUTION: Objects may be thrown. Check Grass Bag frequently for wear or

deterioration. Replace worn or damaged bag with Ariens original equipment replacement part only.

Operation (Continued)

Side Discharge: With grass bag removed, remove

two lock nuts and washers that secure side discharge

opening cover to mower. Lift cover to free tabs from slots and remove cover from mower.

Position holes in side discharge deflector over studs on mower with tab on rear edge of deflector placed onto edge of discharge opening. Secure deflector

with cover hardware.

CAUTION: NEVER direct discharge of

Muiching: With grass bag removed and side

discharge opening cover installed, install the

Mulchmaster Plug by the handle with the beveled

face to the left. Open rear door and insert

Mulchmaster Plug. Rear door will close flush with

proper insertion.

For maximum mulching performance, install the mulchmaster mulching kit. Installation instructions

are provided in the accessory kit.

material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near equipment while unit is in operation.

Cutting Height - Standard Models

DANGER: To avoid inadvertent biade

To change cutting height, move Cutting Height levers one notch at a time on each wheel until desired

height of cut is obtained.

NOTE: Each Wheel on mower must be set at the

same height for a level cut.

Low Setting = 1-1/4" cut grass length. Second Notch = 1 -3/4" cut grass length. Third Notch = 2-1/8" cut grass length.

Fourth Notch = 2-5/8" cut grass length. Fifth Notch = 3" cut grass length.

High Setting = 3-1/2" cut grass length.

contact, NEVER attempt to make any cutting height adjustments while engine is running.

CAUTION: On self-propelled models, both rear wheels must be positioned at same height or traction drive may not clutch or operate properly.

Low

Front

High

1. Cutting Height Lever

2. Notch

Figure 3: Cutting Height Levers (Wheel Adjusters)

Operation (Continued)

Cutting Height - Swivei Models

To change front wheel cutting height, insert clevis pin into the holes that corresponds to the desired cutting height. (Figure 4).

Swivel Models

STARTING

To change rear wheel cutting height, move cutting height levers one notch at a time until the desired cutting height is obtained. (Figure 4)

1. Cutting Height Lever

2. Notches

3. Clevis Pin & Swivel Height Adjustment Holes

4. Grease Fitting

5. Swivel Lock Hole (Clevis Pin Thru To Lock)

6. Lynch Pin Storage Hole (Clevis Pin Thru To Swivel)

WARNING: DO NOT attempt to start your engine at this time. Familiarize

yourself with controls to see what they do, how they work and thoroughly read and understand entire Operator's Manual first.

1. Wheel Drive Control (Self Propelled Model)

2. Engine Control

3. Primer

4. Rewind Starter

5. Speed Selector (Self Propelled Model)

6. Key Switch (Electric Start Model)

7. Throttle Control (Professional Models Only)

Figures: Controls

Operation (Continued)

Primer

To start a cold engine, push Primer bulb three times.

Throttle

For engines with a choke, place throttle control in

the choke position. Once the engine has started,

place throttle in the high speed detent.

NOTE: It is not necessary to prime or choke a warm

engine.

Engine/Blade Control

The engine is equipped with a switch, that stops the engine ignition, and a brake, that stops the

engine (blade), within 3 seconds after the

operator releases the Engine Control. The

Engine Control must be held against the handlebar in order to start the engine as well as during mowing operations to keep the engine running. Releasing the control during operation stops the engine and blade.

CAUTION: Function of Engine/Blade

Control should be checked regularly

per instructions in Adjustments Section of this manual. Improper function of control could contribute to operator or

bystander injury.

(Recoil may be used to start the engine. The key must be in the on position.) "

Wheel Drive Control (self-propelled models)

CAUTION: Holding Wheel Drive Control

of self-propelled models against handlebar, when attempting to start mower, will propel mower forward.

On self-propelled models, with engine running, slowly squeeze and hold Wheel Drive Control against handlebar to propel mower forward. Release Wheel Drive Control to stop forward motion.

Speed Selector (self-propelled models)

Speed Selector is used to select variable forward travel speeds of mower.

Lowest speed is when Speed Selector is pulled all

the way to rear and highest speed is provided when it

is pushed all the way forward.

With Speed Selector set at a slow travel speed and

engine running, engage Wheel Drive Control, then increase speed with Speed Selector to a safe

comfortable walking pace. Once speed has been

selected. Speed Selector should remain in this position, if not, adjust speed control bell crank spring

tension per instructions in Adjustments Section.

Rewind starter

Grasp Rewind Starter handle and pull rope out slowly until it pulls harder (this is the compression stroke) and let rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with rapid continuous full arm stroke to start engine and allow rope to rewind slowly.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT let starter rope snap back

against bracket.

Repeat above instructions until engine starts. (Refer

to engine manufacturer’s instructions.)

NOTE: Start engine (blade) on a hard level surface

that is free of debris. To start on lawn, push down on

handlebar to allow blade to rotate above grass.

Electric Start

On electric start models, turn the key with the

Engine Control held against the handlebar.

Stopping

Release control, and allow engine to cool. On electric start models turn key to off position after releasing controls

CAUTION: Remove wire from spark

plug to prevent accidental starting or

unauthorized use of mower.

Operating Tips

The following tips will help you to mow safely, achieve maximum performance from your mower and maintain the appearance of your lawn.

When Bagging, be sure to release Engine/Blade Control before attempting to remove and empty grass bag. Empty bag before it becomes overloaded, clogs

mower and/or affects performance.

+ 27 hidden pages

Ariens 911 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Series

PRINTED IN USA

A Message to Ariens Customers...

Safety Alert Symbol and Notations

Contents

Preparation

Operation

Maintenance and Storage

A WARNING

Safety Decals

Controls and Features

Operation

PRE-STARTING

Fuel

Handlebar Height

Mower Configurations

Cutting Height - Standard Models

Cutting Height - Swivei Models

Throttle

Engine/Blade Control

Rewind starter

Electric Start

Operating Tips