Ariens 936039 Owner’s Manual
YDRO TRACTO
Operator Manual
Models
936039 46" Precision Hydro Tractor
__ _ ENGL,SH
428419 21547011 05.01.09
Printed in U.S.A.
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
SAFETY RULES
DANGER: THiS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS COULD RESULTiN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: in order to prevent ac=
cidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
in neutral, you may lose control of
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
the tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply
with specifications of the manufacturer
of your tractor. Use common sense
when towing. Operate only at the low=
est possible speed when on a slope.
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose
control of your tractor.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer=
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.
• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or
unclogging the discharge guard.
• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating ma-
chine.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.
• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at
all times.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions,to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back-
ing.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
ft. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,
do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,
which could cause the machine to roll over.
• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel isover
the edge or if the edge caves in.
2
&
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers
ill. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and inthe watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.
IV. TOWING
• 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 recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Never allow children or others in or on towed equip-
ment.
• 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.
V. SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Use only approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on a water
heater or other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment 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.
• Iffuel isspilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.
GENERAL SERVICE
Never operate machine in a closed area.
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.
Check grass catcher components and the discharge
guard frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
e
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
e
Never carry passengers.
e
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while backing.
e
Never carry children, even with the blades shut off.They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
e
Keep children out ofthe mowing area and in thewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
e
Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
e
Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
e
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.
e
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
e
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
3
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS
Gasoline Capacity 3.0 Gallons
and type: Unleaded Regular
Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 51 oz
W/O Filter: 35 oz
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
(Gap: .030")
Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: 0- 5.2
Reverse: 0 - 2.9
Charging System: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM
Battery: AMP/HR: 28
MIN. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R
Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily rem-
edy, please contact you r nearest authorized service center/
department We have competent, well-trained technicians
and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this manual.
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un-
improved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered
land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with
a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply
on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4
ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5-8
OPERATION ............................................................. 7=13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 14
MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 14-17
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 18-23
STORAGE .................................................................... 24
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26
WARRANTY ............................................................ 28-29
4
UNASSEMBLED PARTS
Slope Sheet
Key
(1) Oil Drain Tube
(2) Keys
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
When right or left hand ismentioned in this manual, itmeans
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the
steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton.
Cut along dashed lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)
Lift hood to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and
year indicated on label (label is located between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual
for charging instructions.)
• For battery and battery cable installation see"REPLAC-
ING BATTERY" in the Service andAdjustments section
in this manual.
ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2)
• Sit in seat.
• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat until a com-
fortable position is reached which allows you to press
clutch/brake pedal all the way down.
• Release lever to lock seat in position.
Fig. 2
NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the
instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.
A WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and fol-
low all instructions in the Operation section of this manual.
Ensure tractor isin a well-ventilated area. Ensure the area
in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.
LABEL
TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)
• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.
• Release parking brake by depressing brake pedal.
• Place freewheel control in disengaged position to dis-
engage transmission (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the
Operation section of this manual).
• Roll tractor forward off skid.
Continue with the instructions that follow.
Fig. 1
5
ASSEMBLY
J'CHECKLIST
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important
for best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" inthe Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts inthe Service and Adjustments sec-
tion of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM
After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE"
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE
WISH TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST
PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS
QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
,/
All assembly instructions have been completed.
,/
No remaining loose parts in carton.
,/
Battery is properly prepared and charged.
,/
Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
,/
All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,
the tires were overinflated at the factory.)
,/
Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).
,/
Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
,/
Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure
and wires are properly clamped.
,/
Before driving tractor, ensure freewheel control
is in "transmission engaged" position (See "TO
TRANSPORT" in the Operation section ofthis manual).
WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT
ITEMS:
Engine oil is at proper level.
Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.
Become familiar with all controls, their location and
function. Operate them before you start the engine.
,/
Ensure brake system is in safe operating condition.
,/
Ensure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-
eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the
Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).
,/
It isimportant to purge the transmission before operat-
ing your tractor for the first time. Follow proper starting
andtransmission purging instructions (See "TO START
ENGINE" and"PURGE TRANSMISSION" inthe Opera-
tion section of this manual).
6
OPERATION
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
L I",l
LOW CHOKE FAST SLOWREVERSE NEUTRAL HiGH
IGNITION SWITCH
ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT
LIGHTS ON
ATTACHM ENT
CLUTCH DISENGAGED
(Automatic Models only)
OPERATION
SYSTEM (ROS)
FUEL BATTERY CLUTCH/BRAKE
ATTACHM ENT
CLUTCH ENGAGED
FREEWHEEL
REVERSE FORWARD CRUISE CONTROL
DANGER, KEEP HANDS
AND FEET AWAY
&
&
&
DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage
to the tractor and/or engine.
KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)
PEDAL
Failure to follow instructions
could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol
HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.
is used to identify safety inform-
ation about hazards which can
result in death, serious injury
FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,
could result in death, serious injury and/or
property damage.
and/or property damage.
7
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Compare the illustrationswith your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.
Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower
the mower or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
(B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the tractor and
starting the engine.
(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake pedal into
the brake position.
(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting
and controlling engine speed.
(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage
the mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your
tractor.
(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping
the engine.
Fig. 3
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON"
POSITION - Allows operation of mower or other powered
attachment while in reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
(J) CRUISE CONTROL LEVER - Used to set forward
movement of tractor at desired speed without holding the
forward drive pedal.
(K) FORWARD DRIVE PEDAL - Used for forward move-
ment of tractor.
(L) REVERSE DRIVE PEDAL - Used for reverse move-
ment of tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages transmission
for pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.
8
OPERATION
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety gJasses or eye shields while operating your tractor
or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide
vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 4)
Your tractor isequipped with an operator presence sens-
ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the
operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking
brake will shut off the engine.
• Depress brake pedal (B) all the way down and hold.
• Pull parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pres-
sure from brake pedal (B), then release parking brake
lever. Pedal should remain in brake position. Ensure
parking brake will hold tractor securely.
Fig. 4
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)
MOWER BLADES
• To stop mower blades, move attachment clutch lever
to "DISENGAGED" position.
GROUND DRIVE
• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal into full
"BRAKE" position.
IMPORTANT: FORWARD AND REVERSE DRIVE PEDALS
RETURNTO NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN NOT DEPRESSED.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control between half and full speed (fast)
position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full
speed (fast) position, before stopping may cause engine
to "backfire."
• Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP"position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY
TO BE DISCHARGED (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing
idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before
leaving the operator's position to empty
grass catcher, etc.
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D) (See Fig. 6)
Always operate engine at full speed (fast).
• Operating engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces
engines operating efficiency.
• Full speed (fast) offers the best bagging and mower
performance.
(J_lh) ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH SWITCH
"DISENGAGED"
(_) ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH SWITCH
"ENGAGED"
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
9
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