Ariens A149K21 (96136000602), 96136000602 Owner’s Manual

A149K21
(96136000)
Owner's Manual
435613 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 ...................................... 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.
_Look for this symbo! to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug,
AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known tothe State ofCalifornia tocause cancerand birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
AWARNING: 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 CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. Toavoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I, GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructionsonthe machine and inthe
manual(s) before starting. Bethoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.
Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at atl times.
Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine,
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving
backwards.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.
Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.
Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
Mow onlyin daylight or good artificial
2 light.
° 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related toslip &
fall accidents which can result insevere
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. Tail
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 excessivelysteep slopes.
- Do not mow onwet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
isnot 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 handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable andthe
vapors are explosive.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources ofignition.
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 fill containers inside avehicle, 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. Ifthis is not possible, then refuel such equipment witha 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 ptug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
° Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachmentbolts, 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 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 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.
AWARNING: This lawnmower 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 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 ofthe California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.
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.
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Oi! 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,
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 in theengine. 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 in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
I. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end comers 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 pinch or damage controlcables.
1. Raise handles untiltowerhandlesection locksintoplace in mowingposition.
2. Remove protectivepadding,raise up- per handlesection 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 mewing comfort. Refer to "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Operator MOWING
control bar
UP handle
POSITION
Upper
Handle
knob
Lower handle
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: tf 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 convertto bagging or discharging, see 'q'O 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 locationof various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for
future reference.
,llllllllll
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 ill l llll
Operator presence control bar
knob
Starter handle
Gasotine filter cap
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap withdipstick
Mulcher door
plug
Air filter
Housing
adjuster
(oneachwheel) IMPORTANT-" This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
,lllll ii, ill ill ii
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our rotary walk-behind power tawnmowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission. _IhWARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
,ll,ii ll,i, lllL | IH i i,lljii i i ii ill,ill 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,
whichcanresultinsevere
eyedamage.Alwayswear
safetyglassesor eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a standard safety glasses or wide 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
ACAUTION: 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 wheelsfor low cutand lowerwheels
for high cut,adjust cuttingheightto suit your requirements. Medium positionis
best for most lawns. = To change cuttingheight, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel, Move wheel
upordownto suit yourrequirements. Be
sure all wheels are inthe same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is propedypositionedwhen plate tab inserts intohole in lever.Also, 9- position adjusters(ifsoequipped)allowLever
to be positionedbetween the platetabs.
LEVERBACKWARD Platetab
TO LOWERMOWER
To convertto mulching or discharging operation,remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Pivot Rear Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame hook
SIDE DISCHARGING
- Rear door must be closed.
Open mulcher door and installdis- 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, Mulcher doorclosed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher doorclosed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. 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 propped open.
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto bagging ordischarging:
REAR BAGGING
° Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.
Open mulch_door
Install discharge
7 deflector
MOWERIS NOWREADY FOR
DISCHARGINGOPERATION
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1. Liftup on grass catcher usingthe frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippingsfrom 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 oii in the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.
_I, CAUTION; DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will 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 oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers t00% 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 line on dipstick,
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operationor 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.
fillercap
Engine
oil cap
ADD GASOLINE * Fillfuel 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 within30 days to assure fuel fresh- ness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
_, CAUTION: Alcohol biended 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 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 inthe fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar,
TO START ENGINE
NOTE; Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use 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 usede-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower, Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage 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 clumps of grass clippings.
Itmay 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 overlapping 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 willcollect 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 housingfree of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe Maintenance section of this manual.
The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippingsmany times and
reducethem in size so that as they fall onto the lawnthey will disperse into the grassand not be noticed. Also, the
mulchedgrass will biodegrade quicklyto
provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulchwithyour highest engine (blade) speed as thiswill providethe best recut-
tingaction of the blades.
Avoid cuttingyour lawnwhen it is wet. Wet grass tends toform clumpsand
interfereswiththe mulchingaction. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At thistime the grass has dried, yet the newly cutarea will not be
exposedto direct sunlight.
For best results,adjust the lawn mower
cuttingheight so that the lawn mower cutsoff only the top one-third of the
grass blades. Ifthe lawnis overgrown
it willbe necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushingeffort and to keep from overloadingthe engine and leaving
clumpsof mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previouslycut path and mow stowly.
MAX1/3
Certain types of grass and grass conditions may 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
Check for Loose Fasteners
!L Clean/InspectOralsCatch.r"
Check Tires
W Check"Drive Wheets ***
Clean Lawn Mower ****
M Clean under Drive Cover*'* O Check, Drive Belt t Pulleys *,*,*
EWCheck / Sharpen I Rep,lace Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and R'e'oharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
NE Change Engine Oil .....
Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
N Replace,Spark Plug I= Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
_,Empty fue I system or add Stabilizer
* (if so equipped)
** Electric-Start mowers
*** Power-Propelled mowers
**** Use a scraper
to clean under deck
1 - Change mere often if operating under a heavy Joad or in high outdoor temperatures.
2 - Service more oftenit 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 of use.
EACH
USE
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AFTER
EACH
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EVERY
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EVERY
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BEFORE
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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 adjustments will need to be made periodically to 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 unitwell lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
Engine oil
(_) Mulcher
door hinge
(_ Reardoor
C) Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section,
IMPORTANT: Do notoi! or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dustanddirtthat willshortenthe Iifeof
the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feelthey
mustbe lubricated,use onlyadr€,powdered
0graphite type lubricantsparingly.
1
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 sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades, _lbCAUTION: 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
1. 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,lockwasher and hardened washer).
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
2. Besure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
4, Use block ofwood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
Bladeadapter Key Crankshaft
Blade \ i _"_.L-L1 t'_ g;_" J!
washer Irailingeage _ranKsnali11
L\,.-'? " \- -//. ....
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt isheat 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 ifyou do, be sure
the blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade willcauseeventual damage to lawn
mower or engine. o 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.
Ifblade is balanced, itshould remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe 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,
Selecttheoil's SAEviscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE vIsoosrr/GRADES
.d
'.'r,_lB_,],
_q
3_vlPNRA_URE RANGE I_XFECTED BEFORE NE3(T OIL CHANGE
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operationorat least once a year ifthe
tawn 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 ofcontinuoususe. Tighten oil plug
securelyeach time you check the oil level, TO CHANGE ENG|NE OIL
NOTE: Beforetippinglawn mower to drainoil, emptyfuel tank by runningen- gineuntil fuel tank is empty.
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