Ariens A19K42 (96046000200), 96046000200, 93603800, 936038 Owner’s Manual

YDRO TRACTO

Operator Manual

Models

936038 42" Hydro Tractor

__ _ ENGL,SH

423806 21546853 Rev. 3 07.10.09

Printed in the U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINEISCAPABLEOFAMPUTATING HANDSAND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURETO

OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULD RESULT INSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,

WARNING: In order to prevent acci=
dental starting when setting up, trans=
porting, 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 the

WARNING: Do not coast down a hill

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.

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.

Ensure 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 awall or obstruction. Ma-

terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

2

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 orcrossing road-
ways.

• 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-re-
lated 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.

II. 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 awheel isover
the edge or if the edge caves in.

&

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 run-
ning. 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 thetruck 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 alltimes until fueling iscomplete.

Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.

• 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 ensure 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

Ensure 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 1.50 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 - 5.5

Reverse: 0 - 2.4

Charging System: 15 amps @ 3600
Battery: AMP/HR: 28

Min. CCA: 230
Case Size: U1R

Blade Torque: 45-55 FT LBS.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.

Ithas 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 your 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 owner's manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered orgrass-covered
land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped 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.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your

nearest authorized service center/department.
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.

TABLE F CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 8-7

OPERATION ............................................................. 8-13

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 14-17

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 18-23

STORAGE .................................................................... 24

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 25-26

WARRANTY ............................................................ 28-29

4

/

SE LE PARTS

Steering Wheel

Steering

Wheel Insert

(1) Hex Bolt

5/16=18 x 4

_ Steering Wheel

_ Adapter

Seat

(1) Large Flat Washer

(1) 5/16 Lock Washer

Steering

Boot

@ (1) Washer

Steering
Extension

Shaft

I

Keys

(2) Keys

(1) Seat

(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use

5

_(1)

Knob

Slope Sheet

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use

the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife
(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge

(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench

When right or left hand ismentioned inthis 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 dotted 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,

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.

• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel
and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal

(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer, lock washer, bolt and
tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert intocenter ofsteeringwheel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLESIN
SKIDTHAT MAY PUNCTURETIRESWHERE TRACTOR IS TO
ROLL OFF SKID.

_ INSERT

(__ LARGE FLAT WASHER

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift seat to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and

year indicated on label (label islocated 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 "RE-
PLACING BATTERY" in the Service and Adjustments

section in this manual.

,LABEL

Fig. 1

ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and

push down to secure.

@_ STEERING

WHEEL

ADAPTER

TABS

EXTENSION

LOWER STEERING

Fig. 2

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)

Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.

• Remove adjustment knob and flat washer securing
seat to cardboard packing and set aside for assembly

of seat to tractor.

• Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard pack-
ing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

• Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolts are
positioned over the large slotted holes in pan.

• Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolts in slots
and pull seat towards rear of tractor.

6

TAB

SLOTS

ASSEMBLY

• Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment CHECKFORPROPERPOSITIONOFALLBELTS

knob and flat washer loosely. Do not tighten.

e

Lower seat into operating position and sit in seat.

e

Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press clutch/brake pedal all the way

down.

• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.

• Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.

SEAT

SHOULDER

BOLTS

SEAT

WASHER

ADJUSTMENT _\ _

KNOB_

Fig. 3

NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow
the instruction below to remove the tractor from the skid.

_lb WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and fol-

low all instructions in the Operation section of this manual.

Ensure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the area

in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKiD (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Release parking brake bydepressing clutch/brake pedal.

• Place freewheel control in "transmission disengaged

position" (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation
section of this manual).

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against

tractor.

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 sides of tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop-

erly leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts inthe Service and Adjustments sec-

tion ofthis 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.

J'CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE
WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST
PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS

QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST_

J" All assembly instructions have been completed.
J" No remaining loose parts in carton.

J" Battery is properly prepared and charged.
J" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.

J" All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory.)

J" Ensure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling.)

J' Check mower and drive belts. Ensure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

J" Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

J" Before driving tractor, ensure freewheel control is in

"transmission engaged" position (see "TO TRANS-
PORT" in the Operation section of this manual).

WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT

ITEMS:
J" Engine oil is at proper level.

J" Fuel tank isfilled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded gas.
J" Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.
J" Ensure brake system is in safe operating condition.
J" Ensure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the

Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).
J" It isimportantto purge the transmission before operat-

ing your tractor for the first time. Follow proper start-

ing and transmission purging instructions (See "TO

START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in

the Operation section of this manual).

7

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

REVERSE NEUTRAL HiGH

LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW

iGNiTiON SWITCH

6 6 o, I 6

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

OPERATION LOCKED UNLOCKED

SYSTEM (ROS)

oi

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Modelsonly)

FUEL OIL PRESSURE BATTERY

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

LIGHTS ON

REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

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.

MOWER LiFT

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol

is used to identify safety inform-
ation about hazards which can

result in death, serious injury
and/or property damage.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.
FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death, serious injury and/or

property damage.

8

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.

LIGHT

TH ROTTLE/CHOKE
CONTROL

CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL

PARKING

ATTACHMENT

LiFT LEVER

FREEWHEEL
CONTROL

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER - Used to engage the
mower blades, or other attachments mountedto your tractor.

ATTACHMENT LiFT LEVER- Usedto raise, lower,and adjust
the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.

BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the tractor and starting
the engine.

MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects the speed and
direction of the tractor.

iGNiTiON SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the
engine.

CLUTCH LEVER

iGNiTiON

SWITCH

MOTION

CONTROL

LEVER

03104

Fig. 4

LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake pedal into the

brake position.
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSl=

TION =Allows operation of mower deck or other powered
attachment while in reverse.

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting and
controlling engine speed.

FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages transmission for
pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.

9