Ariens 96136000603 Owner’s Manual
A149K21
(96136000)
Owner's Manual
435759 Rev. 1 03.31.10 BY
• EspaSol, p. 18
Printed in U.S.A.
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 5
Operation ............................................... 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10
Maintenance ...................................... 10-I2
Service and Adjustments ........................ 13
Storage .............................................. 14-15
Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16
Repair Parts....................................... 32-33
Warranty ................................................. 36
IMPORTANT" This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
,&Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, It means
CAUTION!
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
mower.
U, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe
{njury.All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO"
° Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. 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 of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
° Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care Jr1handlinggasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
o Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
- Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
° Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as awater heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner,
Always place containerson the ground
away from your vehicle before 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.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good 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
spitFage.Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine isrunning.
° Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
towear,damage,anddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobethrown.Frequently
checkcomponentsandreplacewith
manufacturer'srecommendedparts,
whennecessary,
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.
Wraptheblade(s)orweargloves,and
useextracautionwhenservicingthem.
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorset-
tingoroverspeedtheengine.
° Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstruc-
tionlabels,asnecessary,
&WARNING:Thislawnmowerisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbeusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-coveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (ifany). 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.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase;
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 10W-30 (below 32°F)
Spark Plug: Champion 8815 (Gap: .030")
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower
housing, Record both serial number and date of purchase in space 3rovided above.
4
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OILOR GASOLINE inthe engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembied for shipping
purposes, To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be tight-
ened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
I. Remove loose parts includedwith
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefullyso
as not to pinchor damage control cables.
1. Raise handlesuntillower handlesection
locksinto place in mowing position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
perhandle section into place on lower
handleand tightenboth handle knobs.
3. Remove handie padding holding
operatorpresence controlbar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Operator MOWING
controlbar
UP handle
POSITION
Upper
Handle
knob
Lowerhandle
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1, Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let itdry before using.
Frame
Vinyl Frame
bindings opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used asa muicher. Toconvert tobagging or
discharging,see 'TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ TH_S OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
lllllll,llll,l,iillillHll,,,lll,ll,llllll
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNtNG ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
lll,iHlllll,ll,llIHlIHII
-Operator presence controlbar
Starter
handle Gasoline filler cap
Grass
catchc
Air filter
Engine oil Housing
with dipstick
Mulcher door
adjuster
(oneachwheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
iiiii ui ii [ i i
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission. AWARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii1[ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii luliiiiii i1[i iii i i II iiiii i
Operator presence control bar - must Mulcher door- allows conversion to
be held down to the handle to start the discharging or bagging operation.
engine. Release to stop the engine. Starter handle - used for starting engine.
6
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintotheeyes,
which can result in severe
safety glasses or eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
standard safetyglasses orwide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. Itis not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_LCAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
° To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
upor down to suit your requirements. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE; Adjuster isproperly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (ifsoequipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVERBACKWARD Platetab
TO LOWERMOWER
eye damage. Always wear
- To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Pivot " Rear
Catcherframehook
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear doormust be closed.
° Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
° To convert to mulching or bagging opera-
tion, discharge deflector must be removed
and mulcher door must be closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2, Mutcher door closed,
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mu[cher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
Discharge deflector installed.
AUTiON: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear door closed, clipping deflector
or approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.
Grass
catcher
handle
LEVERFORWARDTO RAISEMOWER Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
, Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the door pivot pins.
Open mulchLdoor
Install
discharg,
7 deflector
MOWERISNOWREADYFOR
DISCHARGINGOPERATION
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Liftup on grass catcher using the
frame handle,
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle,
3. Empty clippings from bag,
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower isshipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section ofthis manual.
_1_CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it wilt smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup,
1, Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout,
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oilfill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing.
When changing oil you may need 20 oz,
4, Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil levelbefore each use. Add oil
if needed, Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season, You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See 'q'O
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
filler cap
Engine
oil cap
ADD GAsoLINE
• FIll fue! tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
ness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame,
• i, CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems,the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of30
days or longer, Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, releaseoperator pres-
ence controlbar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the
engine, a smallamount of smoke may be
present duringthe initialuse of the product
and should be considerednormal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped withan
automatic choke system. No primingor
choking is required before starting.
• To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the handle and pull
starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower, Such
attachments are hazardous, willdamage
your mower and could void your warranty.
• Under certain conditions,such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumpsof grass clippings.
tt may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time,
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by ovedapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
° For better grass bagging and most cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set inthe FAST position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catcherswill collectless grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
thegrass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into
the grass and notbe noticed. Also, the
mulched grass wilt biodegrade quickly to
provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recut-
ting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried, yet the newly cut area willnot be
exposed to direct sunlight.
• Forbest results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades, it the lawn is overgrown
it will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.
MAX 1/3
INt1111_\|1I
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditionsmay require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a sec-
ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to
the first cut path.
• Change your cuttingpattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
MAINTENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY
SCHEDULE use use HOURS
ii i i
Check for Loose Fasteners
L Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * "1/
Check Tires ......... V'
N_ Check Drive Wheets ***
Clean Lawn Mower ****
M 'C}ean under Drive Cover'*"
O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
E_ Check Sharpen / Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery *"
Check Engine Oil level " li_
l_ Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Fitter
tnspect Muffler
N Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer
• (if so equ}pped)
• * Electric=Start mowers
• ** Power-Propelled mowers
• *** Use a scraper
to clean under deck
Rap!ace
I * Change more often if operating under a hea,,_' load or in high outdoor temperatures,
2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dust':/conditions.
3 - Repiase blades more often when mow;ng in sandy soil
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season,
5 - And after each 5 hours ofuse.
EACH EACH 10
i
1/
V',
EVE"Y BEFO.E
25 HOURS 100
ORSEASON HOURS iSTORAGE
ii
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GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyon this Iawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operatorabuseor negligence. To receive
fulI value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed inthis manual.
Some adjustments wirl need to be made
periodicallyto property maintain your unit.
At least once a season, check to see if
you should make any of the adjustments
described in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
• At least once a year, replace the spark
plug, clean or replace air filter element
and check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element
assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule inthis
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
adjuster (on
each wheeI)
Engine oi{
(_ Mulcher
door hinge
(_ Rear door
(_) Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See 'ENGINE" in Maintenance section,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants wilt
attract dustand dirtthatwill shorten the life of
the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feelthey
mustbe lubricated, use onlyadry, powdered
0graphite type lubricant sparingly.
1
Wheel
hinge
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
arp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use on[y a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous, could damage your mower and
void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark p|ug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2, Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt,
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/orwrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5, Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt,Iockwasherand hardened washer).
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) ho[es in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-
sitesharp edge) isup toward the engine.
3. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
4, Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
Bladeadapter Crankshaft
Lockwasher '_
Blade \ u
bolt Hardened
washer Trailing' Crankshaft11
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-
ening the blade - but if you do, be sure
the blade is balanced. An unbalanced
blade will cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine,
• The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel, Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall, Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail,
ff blade is balanced, it should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used,
• Check your grass catcher often for dam-
age or deterioration, Through normal
use it will wear. Ifcatcher needs replac-
ing, replace only with approved replace-
ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual. Give the lawn
mower model number when ordering.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SJ-SL.
Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature,
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
4 mm
•F-2o o _ 3_ 4 eo eo loo
3_MPERATURE I_NGE _'PECTEO BEFORE NEXT OILCHANGE
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operationor at least once a year if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use, Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en-
gine until fuel tank isempty.
/
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