Ariens A149K21 (96136000601), 96136000601 Owner’s Manual
A149K21
(96136000)
Owner's Manual
431608 Rev. 2 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 ...................................... 10-12
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.
ALook for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions, it means
CAUTIONI!! BECOME ALERT!
• 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.
!1, SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe
injury. 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 in handlinggasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• 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 a water heater or
on other appliances.
° Never fil! containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground, tfthis 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
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
° 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 is running.
3
• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown, Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.
° Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
&WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
attester meeting applicable local or state laws (ifany). Ifa 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 taws. 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. Ibs.
• 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 provided 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 OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled 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 inthe parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
1. Remove loose parts includedwith
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners ofcarton
and lay end panel down fiat.
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: Unfoldhandle carefully so
as not topinch or damage controlcables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position,
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section intoplace on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar 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
control bar
uP
POSITION
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
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 isoutside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame,
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for afew minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
Frame
Vinyl Frame
bindings opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual,
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS 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.
i,lll i
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 WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
llnnl i lllui i ii i i
Operator presence controlbar
Starter
handie
Grass
Gasoline filler cap
Air filter
Engine Housing
with dipstick
Muleher door
Wheeladjuster
(oneachwheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
,llnl i ii 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. _&WARNING; The blade turns when the engine is running.
,ll,n,n iii iii LI I anIll
Operator presence control bar- must Mulcher door - allows conversionto
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
discharging or bagging operation.
Starter handle - used for starting engine.
6
Theoperationofanylawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into theeyes,
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 safety glasses 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. It is not adjustable,
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
,&CAUTION: 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 ofthe operator control, The blade
turnswhen 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 lawnmower,
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for lowcut and lower wheels
for highcut, adjust cuttingheightto suit
your requirements Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down tosuit 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-
positionadjusters (ifsoequipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD Plate tab
TO LOWER MOWER
eye damage, Always wear
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Pivot )ins Rear Grass
catcher
handle
Catcherframehook
SIDE DISCHARGING
° Rear door must 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 beremoved
and mulcher door must be closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed,
2. Mulcher door closed,
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
_ Discharge deflector installed,
CAUTION: 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 proppedopen.
LEVERFORWARDTO RAISEMOWER Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawnmower 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 catcherframe hooks
onto the door pivot pins.
Open mulche_rdoor
Install
discharge,
7 deflector
MOWERISNOWREADYFOR
DISCHARGINGOPERATION
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift up 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.
Grass
catcher
frame
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Besure 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 oil fill 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 level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full iine 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 "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
filler cap
oil cap
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tankto 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.
A 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 of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run untilthefuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information, Never use engine
or carburetorcleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur,
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence controlbar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initialuse of the product
and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an
automatic choke system. No priming or
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 necessar:/to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
it 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 in the FAST position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers wilt collect less 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" inthe
Maintenance section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them insize so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into
the grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will 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
interfereswith 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 will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.
° For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown
it willbe necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving
clumpsof mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.
• 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
toweek. Mow northto south one week
thenchange to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
9
MAINTENANCE
iiiii iii
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher"
Check Tires
_ Check Drive Wheels ***
Clean Lawn Mower ....
M ICieae under Drive Cover"'*
O Check Drive Belt'! Pulleys *-
_ Check ! Sharpen / Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
H,. ,,
Check Engine Oil level
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Inspect'M uffler
Replace Spark Plug
m Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer
* (if so equipped)
** Electric-Start mowers
*** Power-Prcpened mowers
**** Use a scraper
to clean unde_ deck
Re.p!ace
2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
5 * And after each 5 hours or use.
iiiiIll
EACH
USE
i/
v'
AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY
EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 STORAGE
USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS
i ii Illl,tLlUlUI
v'
BEFORE
v'
v'
I/
t/
v'
v'
v'
v'
v'
if ....
v_
I/
1 - Change more often if operat{ng under a heavy lead or in high outdoor temperatures.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustmentswill need to be made
periodicallyto properly 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 in this
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 wheel)
)
J
(_ Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dust anddirt that willshorten thelife of
the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they
must belubricated, useonly a dry,,powdered
0graphite type lubricantsparingly.
I
door hinge
(_ Rear door
Whee[
ne oil
Mulcher
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 tiredamage,
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
arp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION" Use only 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
I. Disconnect spark plug 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/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5, Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt,lock washer and hardenedwasher).
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised tugs on the adapter.
2. Besure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-
sitesharp edge) is up toward theengine.
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
Lockwasher
Blade
Blade
bolt Hardened
washer Trailing'
Crankshaft
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.
If 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. If catcher 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,
Selectthe oilsSAEviscositygrade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
lmil
IIII
"c-_o -40 :io _ _,o 2,0 _ 4e
TFJ,'_PERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT O_L CHANGE
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or 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 mcwerto
drain oil, empty fuel tank by running en-
gine until fuel tank is empty.
11
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