Ariens 915147, 915149, 91514900 (000101), 91514700 (000101), 91514500 (000101) Owner’s Manual

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Owner/Operator Manual

Manuel Du Proprietaire/Utilisateur

Models

915145 - Zoom XL 42
915147 - Zoom XL 48
915149 - Zoom XL 54

ENGLISH

FRAN(_AIS

04040800 10/09

Printed in USA

SAFETY .......................... 4

ASSEMBLY ...................... 10

CONTROLS AND FEATURES ....... 11

OPERATION ..................... 12

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........ 16

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ..... 17

II_/ d-'{o]_ll_o,]_o)_I

STORAGE ....................... 25

TROUBLESHOOTING ............. 26

SERVICE PARTS ................. 28

ACCESSORIES ................... 28

SPECIFICATIONS ................. 29

WARRANTY ..................... 30

NON-ENGLISH MANUALS

Manuals in languages other than
English may be obtained from your

Dealer. Visit your dealer or
www.ariens.com for a list of

equipment.

languages available for your
Manuals printed in languages other

than English are also available as a
free download on our website:

htt p://www.ariens.co m

MANUALES EN IDIOMAS
DIFERENTES DEL INGLES

Puede obtener manuales en
idiomas diferentes del ingles en su

distribuidor. Visite a su distribuidor
o vaya a www.ariens.com para

obtener una lista de idiomas
disponibles para su equipo.

Tambien puede imprimir manuales
en idiomas diferentes del ingles
descargandolos gratuitamente de
nuestra pagina Web:

htt p://www.ariens.co m

Manuels non anglais

Des manuels dans differentes

,_ langues sont disponibles chezvotre revendeur. Rendez-vous

chez votre revendeur ou allez sur

THE MANUAL

Before operation of unit, carefully and
completely read your manuals. The contents
will provide you with an understanding of
safety instructions and controls during normal
operation and maintenance.

All reference to left, right, front, or rear are
given from operator seated in operation
position and facing the direction of forward

travel.

MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS

When ordering replacement parts or making
service inquiries, know the Model and Serial
numbers of your unit and engine.

Numbers are located on the product
registration form in the unit literature
package.

They are printed on a serial number label,
located on the frame of your unit (figure 1).

consulter la liste des langues
le site www.ariens.com pour

disponibles pour votre equipement.
Les manuels imprimes dans des

langues differentes de I'anglais
sont egalement disponibles en
telechargement gratuit sur notre

site Web:
htt p://www.ariens.co m

1. Unit Serial Number Label

2. Engine Serial Number Label
Figure 1

GB-2

RecordUnitModelandSerialnumbers
here.

RecordEngineModelandSerial
numbershere.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

The Ariens dealer must register the product
at the time of purchase. Registering the

product will help the company process
warranty claims or contact you with the latest
service information. All claims meeting

requirements during the limited warranty

period will be honored, whether or not the

product registration card is returned. Keep a

proof of purchase if you do not register your

unit.
Customer Note: If the dealer does not

register your product, please fill out, sign, and

return the product registration card to Ariens.

UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT

PARTS

Use only Ariens replacement parts. The

replacement of any part on this unit with
anything other than an Ariens authorized

replacement part may adversely affect the

performance, durability, and safety of this unit
and may void the warranty. Ariens disclaims

liability for any claims or damages, whether
warranty, property damage, personal injury or
death arising out of the use of unauthorized

replacement parts.

DELIVERY

Customer Note: If you have purchased this
product without complete assembly and
instruction by your retailer, it is your
responsibility to:

Read and understand all assembly
instructions in this manual. If you do not
understand or have difficulty following
the instructions, contact your nearest

Ariens Dealer for assistance.

NOTE: To locate your nearest Ariens Dealer,

go to www.ariens.com on the internet.

,_ WARNING: Improper assembly oradjustments can cause serious

injury.

Before Attempting To Operate Your
Unit:

1. Make sure all assembly has been
properly completed.

2. Understand all Safety Precautions
provided in the manuals.

3. Review control functions and operation
of the unit. Do not operate the unit

unless all controls function as described
in this manual.

4. Review recommended lubrication,
maintenance and adjustments.

5. Review Limited Warranty Policy.

6. Fill out a product registration card and
return the card to the Ariens Company or
go to www.ariens.com.

DISCLAIMER

Ariens reserves the right to discontinue,
change, and improve its products at any time
without notice or obligation to the purchaser.

The descriptions and specifications contained
in this manual were in effect at printing.

Equipment described within this manual may
be optional. Some illustrations may not be
applicable to your unit.

GB-3

WARNING: This cutting machine
is capable of amputating hands

and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the safety

instructions in the manuals and on
decals could result in serious injury

or death.
Slopes are a major factor related

to loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents. Operation on all slopes
requires extra caution.

Tragic accidents can occur if the
operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Never

assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Gasoline is extremely flammable

and the vapors are explosive,
handle with care.

Disengage attachment, stop unit
and engine, remove key, engage
parking brake, and allow moving
parts to stop before leaving
operator's position.

SAFETY ALERTS

Look for these symbols to point
out important safety

precautions. They mean:

Attention!

[,='Y-,1_1=11"4

_ WARNING: POTENTIALLY

NOTATIONS

NOTE: General reference information for
proper operation and maintenance practices.

IMPORTANT: Specific procedures or
information required to prevent damage to

unit or attachment.

SAFETY DECALS AND

LOCATIONS

ALWAYS replace missing or damaged Safety

Decals. Refer to figure 2 for Safety Decal
locations.

HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not

DANGER: IMMINENTLY
avoided, WILL RESULT in death or

serious injury.

HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not
avoided, COULD RESULT in
death or serious injury.

CAUTION: POTENTIALLY
HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not

avoided, MAY RESULT in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be

used to alert against unsafe
practices.

Involved!

Personal Safety Is
Become Alert!

Obey The Message!

The safety alert symbol is used in decals and
with this manual. Understand the safety

message. It contains important information

about personal safety.

GB-4

7

6

5

Figure2

1. Caution!

• Maximum Tongue weight: 30 Ibs.

• Maximum Trailer weight: 300 Ibs.

• Do not use hitch with bagger attached.

• Do not use on steep hills or slopes.

• Do not park on hills when trailer is
attached.

• Do not use with any ground engaging
equipment.

2. Danger!

J_

_p Avoid injury - Stay clear of

rotating parts.

OL1816

3. Danger!

Always keep feet and hands

away from rotating parts.

OL1809

Always stand clear of discharge

area. Do not direct discharge
toward other people.

®

©L1812

OL1813

4. Warning!

©L1814

0LI815

Keep people away from unit

while operating.

Shut off engine, remove key,
and read manual before you
adjust or repair unit.

NO STEP! Always keep feet
away from rotating parts.

Always stand clear of discharge
area.

Do not operate mower unless

bagger is attached or guards are

in operating position.

GB-5

5. Danger! To Avoid Serious Injury or
Death

[]] Read the operator's manual.

OL1801

6. Hot Surfaces!

DO NOT touch parts which are
hot from operation. ALWAYS

allow parts to cool.

OL1801

Q

Keep children and others away

from unit while operating.

OL1802

Never direct discharge toward
other people. Thrown objects
can cause injury.

OL1803

Look down and behind before
and while backing.

0[-1804

Never carry children.

OL1806

Go up and down slopes, not
across.

DO NOT operate on slopes over

OL1807 10°.

• If machine stops going uphill, stop
blade and back down slowly.

• Avoid sudden turns.

• Keep safety devices (guards, shields,

switches, etc.) in place and working.

• Check interlock system per manual
before use.

• Understand location and function of all

controls.

Never allow operation by untrained
persons.

Disengage PTO, stop unit and engine,

set parking brake and remove key

before making any inspections, repairs,

etc.

7. Caution!

No smoking.

iD.

(ram)

Fill fuel tanks to 2-1/2 in.
(6.35 cm) below bottom of filler

neck.

Never fill fuel tank when engine is

running, hot or unit is indoors. Never
overfill fuel tank.

Replace fuel cap securely and clean up

spilled fuel.

8. Danger!

Keep hands and feet away.

|,_ Do not operate mower unless

guards are in operating position

_--_']_j or bagger is attached.

Emission Control System

Certification Label

Tampering with emission controls and
components by unauthorized personnel may

result in severe fines or penalties. Emission
controls and components can only be

adjusted by EPA and!or CARB authorized
service centers. Contact your Ariens

Equipment Retailer concerning emission

controls and component questions.

SAFETY RULES

If unit is to be used by someone other than

original purchaser; loaned, rented or sold,
ALWAYS provide this manual and any

needed safety training before operation.

GB-6

Onlytheusercanpreventandisresponsible
foraccidentsorinjuriesoccurringto
themselves,otherpeopleorproperty.

Read,understand,andfollowallsafety

practicesinOwner/OperatorManualbefore
assembling,usingorworkingonthismower.

ALWAYSremovekeyfromignitionandwire
fromsparkplugbeforeassembly,orworking

onthisunit.

Inspectunitbeforeeachusefor:missingor
damageddecalsandshields,correctly
operatingsafetyinterlocksystem,and
deteriorationofgrasscatchers.Replaceor

repairasneeded.
ALWAYScheckoverheadandside
clearancescarefullybeforeoperation.

ALWAYSbeawareoftrafficwhencrossingor
operatingalongstreetsorcurbs.

Keepchildren,people,andpetsaway.Be
alertandshutoffunitifanyoneenterswork
area.Keepchildrenunderwatchfulcareofa

responsibleadult.

NEVERallowchildrentooperateorplayon
ornearunit.

Keepareaofoperationclearofalltoys,and
debris.Thrownobjectscancauseinjury.

Stayalertforhiddenhazards,holes,andruts.
Avoidunevenorroughterrain.DONOT

operateneardrop-offs,ditches,or
embankments.Unitcansuddenlyturnoverif
awheelisovertheedgeofaclifforditch,orif
anedgecavesin.

Dust,fog,etc.canreducevisionandcause
anaccident.Operateunitonlywhenthereis
goodvisibilityandlight.

Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60and
above,areinvolvedinalargerpercentageof

ridingmowerrelatedinjuries.These
operatorsshouldevaluatetheirabilityto
operatetheridingmowersafelyenoughto

protectthemselvesandothersfromserious

injury.
Wearadequatesafetygear,sturdyshoes,

andprotectivegloves.

Onlytrainedadultsmayoperateunit.Training

includesbeingfamiliarwithcontrolsand
actualoperation.

NEVERoperateunitafterorduringtheuseof

medication,drugsoralcohol.

NEVERallowanyonetooperatethisunit
whentheiralertnessorcoordinationis

impaired.

DONOTwearlooseclothingorjewelryand
tiebackhairthatmaygetcaughtinrotating

parts.

Protecteyes,faceandheadfromobjectsthat
maybethrownfromunit.Wearappropriate
hearingprotection.Alwayswearsafety
gogglesorsafetyglasseswithsideshields
whenoperatingmower.

Avoidsharpedges.Sharpedgescancut.

Movingpartscancutofffingersorahand.
ALWAYSkeephandsandfeetawayfromall

rotatingpartsduringoperation.Rotatingparts
cancutoffbodyparts.

ALWAYSkeephandsawayfromallpinch
points.

Startandoperateunitonlywhenseatedin
operator'sposition.Steeringcontrollevers
mustbeinneutral,PTOdisengagedand
parkingbrakesetwhenstartingengine.

ALWAYSkeepbodyandhandsawayfrom
pinholesornozzleswhichejecthydraulic
fluidunderpressure.

DONOTtouchunitpartswhichmightbehot
fromoperation.Allowpartstocoolbefore
attemptingtomaintain,adjustorservice.

NEVERplaceyourhandsoranypartofyour
bodyorclothinginsideornearanymoving
partwhileunitisrunning.

NEVERdirectdischargetowardspersonsor
property.Thrownobjectsmayricochetback
towardsoperator.ALWAYSstandclearofthe
dischargearea.

ALWAYSdisengageattachment,stopunit
andengine,removekey,engageparking
brake,andallowmovingpartstostopbefore
leavingoperator'sposition.

Useextremecautionongravelsurfaces.

DisengagePTOwhenattachmentisnotin
useandwhencrossinggravelsurfaces.

DONOToperateunitifsafetyinterlock
systemisdamagedordisabled.Checksafety

interlockbeforeeachuse.
ALWAYSremovekeytopreventunauthorized

use.

DO NOT operate at too fast a rate. Slow
down before turning.

Stop engine before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.

DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced
traction could cause sliding.

DO NOT mow with the deck access plate
open. Always make sure the access plate is
down, or secured down, with the hardware.

DO NOT try to stabilize the machine by
putting your foot on the ground.

Know the weight of loads. Limit loads to those
you can safely control and the unit can safely

handle.

GB-7

ALWAYSkeepprotectivestructures,guards
andpanelsingoodrepair,inplaceand
securelyfastened.

Donotoperatewithouteitherentiregrass

catcherorthedischargeguardinplace.

DONOToperateinreverseunlessabsolutely
necessary.ALWAYSlookdownandbehind
beforeandwhilebacking;especiallyfor

children.

Followthemanufacturer'srecommendations

forwheelweightsorcounterweightsto

improvestabilitywhenusingattachments.
NEVERcarrypassengers-especially

children-evenwithbladesoff.

Useextracarewhenapproachingblind

cornersorobjectsthatmayobscurevisionof

hiddenobstaclesandchildren.
Ifyoucannotbackupaslopeoryoufeel

uneasyonit,donotmowit.
Mowupanddownslopes,notacrossthem.

Useslowspeedonanyslope.Tiresmaylose
tractiononslopeseventhoughthebrakesare
functioningproperly.

Keepallmovementsontheslopeslow and

gradual, DO NOT make sudden changes in
speed or direction.

Use extra care while operating machines with
grass catcher or other attachments. They can
affect stability of the machine.

Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a
slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the

blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.

DO NOT operate on slopes over 10° .

DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary. If

unit is parked on a slope, ALWAYS chock or

block wheels and set parking brake.

DO NOT disengage or bypass transmission
and coast downhill.

Tow only with a machine that has a hitch
designed for towing. Do not attach towed
equipment except at the hitch point.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations
for weight limits for towed equipment and

towing on slopes.

NEVER allow children or others in or on
towed equipment.

On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment

may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

Use extra care when loading or unloading

unit onto trailer or truck.

Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle.

NEVER secure from rods or linkages that
could be damaged.

DO NOT transport machine while engine is

running.
ALWAYS turn off power to attachment and

shut off fuel when transporting unit.

Keep unit free of grass clippings, leaves, and

other debris. Clean up oil or fuel spills.
This product is equipped with an internal

combustion type engine. DO NOT use unit on
or near any unimproved, forest-covered or
brush covered land unless exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local, state or federal laws. A spark
arrester, if it is used, must be maintained in
effective working order by operator.

Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use an
approved fuel container.

NO smoking, NO sparks, NO flames.
ALWAYS allow engine to cool before
servicing.

NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running
or hot from operation.

NEVER fill or drain fuel tank indoors.

NEVER overfill fuel tank.

Replace fuel cap securely and clean up
spilled fuel.

NEVER fill containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always

place containers on the ground away from
your vehicle before filling.

When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-
open device.

If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.

Avoid Electric Shock. Objects contacting both
battery terminals at the same time may result
in injury and unit damage. DO NOT reverse
battery connections.

Explosive Gases from battery can cause
death or serious injury. Poisonous battery

fluid contains sulfuric acid and its contact with
skin, eyes or clothing can cause severe

chemical burns.

NO flames, NO sparks, NO smoking near
battery.

ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective
gear near battery. Use insulated tools.

GB-8

Batteryposts,terminalsandrelated

accessoriescontainleadandlead
compounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof

Californiatocausecancerandreproductive
harm.Washhandsafterhandling.

ALWAYSkeepbatteriesoutofreachof
children.

Reverseconnectionsmayresultinsparks
whichcancauseseriousinjury.Always
connectpositive(+)leadofchargerto

positive(+)terminal,andnegative(-)leadto

negative(-)terminal.
ALWAYSdisconnectnegative(-)cableFIRST

andpositive(+)cableSECOND.ALWAYS
connectpositive(+)cableFIRST,and

negative(-)cableSECOND.
Afrozenbatterycanexplodeandresultin

deathorseriousinjury.DONOTchargeor
jumpstartabatterycontainingfrozenfluid.
Thawthebatterybeforeputtingonacharger
orjumpstarting.

ALWAYSkeepprotectivestructures,guards,
andpanelsingoodrepair,inplaceand
securelyfastened.NEVERmodifyorremove
safetydevices.

DONOTchangeenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedengine.

Fumesfromengineexhaustcancauseinjury
ordeath.DONOTrunengineinanenclosed
area.Alwaysprovidegoodventilation.

ALWAYSmaintainunitinsafeoperating
condition.Damagedorwornoutmufflercan
causefireorexplosion.

Stopandinspectequipmentifyoustrikean
objectorifthereisanunusualvibration.

Repair,ifnecessary,beforerestarting.Never
makeadjustmentsorrepairswiththeengine
running.

Mowerbladesaresharpandcancutyou.
Wraptheblade(s)orweargloves,anduse
extracautionwhenservicingthem.NEVER
weldorstraightenmowerblades.

Rotationofoneblademaycauserotationof
theotherblades.

Checkbrakeoperationfrequently.Adjustand
serviceasrequired.

Keepallhardwareproperlytightened.
Storedenergyinspringscancauseinjury.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstruction
labels,asnecessary.

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainer
insideabuildingwherethereisanopen

flame,suchasawaterheater.
Shutofffuel(ifprovided)andallowengineto

coolcompletelybeforestoringinclosedarea
orcoveringunit.

Cleangrassanddebrisfromunit,especially
fromaroundmufflerandengine,tohelp
preventfires.

Forextendedstorage,cleanunitthoroughly.
SeeEngineManualforproperstorage.

Useonlyattachmentsoraccessories
designedforyourunit.

Checkattachmentcomponentsfrequently.If
wornordamaged,replacewith
manufacturer'srecommendedparts.

GB-9

_[.,."_"]::1_v_I:)_"d

,_ WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Readand understand the entire Safety

section before proceeding.

Place Discharge Chute in Operating

Position

Tools Required

Adjustable wrench
9/16" wrench

Petroleum jelly or dielectric grease.

Unpack Unit

Remove unit and all other components from

the shipping container. Engage transmission

bypass lever (see MOVING UNIT

MANUALLYon page 14). Push unit from
container onto a level surface. Disengage
transmission bypass lever.

Connect Battery

See Battery Removal and Installation on

page 21 and perform steps 2 and 3 in the

installation section.

Place Unit in Operating Position

(figure 3):

NOTE: The unit is shipped with the seat

positioned as far back as possible.

1. Tip seat forward and adjust the seat as
needed (see ADJUSTING STEERING
LEVERS on page 22).

2. Remove eccentric spacers and rotate
steering levers to the operating position.
reinstall spacers. Do not tighten.

3. Adjust steering levers (see ADJUSTING

STEERING LEVERS on page 22).

,_ WARNING: Do not operate

Prior to operating the unit, remove the
discharge chute from the transport position
and place the discharge chute in the
operating position (figure 4).

mower unless the discharge chute
is in the operating position.

Discharge Chute in Transport Position

Discharge Chute in Operating Position

Figure 3

1. Seat

2. Steering
Lever

3. Eccentric
Spacer

4. Handlebar
Brackets

Figure 4

GB - 10