ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC (01) PDF DOCUMENT

For the ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC, you should use gasoline that meets the following guidelines:

• Clean, fresh gasoline.

• A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON). High altitude use may require a different octane; consult your engine manual.

• Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) or up to 10% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.

IMPORTANT: The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) or 10% MTBE will void the product warranty. Do not mix oil and gasoline. If you experience starting or performance problems after using a new gasoline, switch to a different fuel provider or fuel brand.

Before proceeding with assembly, read and understand the entire Safety section of the manual. The carton should contain the following items:

1. Mower Unit

2. Side Discharge Cover

3. Side Discharge Deflector

4. Literature Pack

5. Mulch Plug

6. Grass Bag

Follow these steps to assemble your ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC:

1. Unfold and adjust the handlebar to a comfortable height.

2. Fill the engine crankcase with oil according to the engine manual.

3. Set up the mower for your desired mode: bagging, side discharge, or mulching.

4. Fill the fuel tank with the appropriate gasoline.

5. Connect the spark plug wire.

6. Check the engine/blade control feature. Try starting the engine without holding the engine/blade control against the handlebar. The engine must not start. If the engine starts, stop it immediately and bring the unit to your dealer for adjustment or repair.

The main controls and features of the ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC are:

• Engine/Blade Control: Must be held against the handlebar to start and run the engine and blade.

• Adjustable and Folding Handlebars: Can be set to a comfortable height or folded for storage.

• Grass Bag: Collects grass clippings.

• Rear Door: Covers the rear discharge opening; must be closed or have the grass bag attached during operation.

• Fuel Tank and Cap: Holds the gasoline for the engine.

• Muffler and Muffler Guard: Reduces engine noise and protects from hot surfaces.

• Oil Fill/Dipstick: Used to check and add engine oil.

• Cutting Height Levers: Four levers (one at each wheel) to adjust the cutting height.

• Air Filter: Cleans the air entering the engine.

• Side Discharge Cover: Covers the side discharge opening when not in use.

• Side Discharge Deflector: Directs clippings out the side of the mower.

• Mulchmaster™ Plug: Blocks the discharge openings for mulching.

• Handlebar Adjustment Holes: Used to set the handlebar height.

• Recoil Starter Handle: Pull to start the engine.

DANGER: To avoid injury from the rotating blade, ALWAYS shut off the engine before adjusting the cutting height.

To change the cutting height on your ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC, move the cutting height levers one notch at a time on each of the four wheels to set the desired height. Each wheel on the mower must be set at the same height to ensure a level cut.

Follow these steps to safely add fuel to your mower:

1. Place the unit in an open or well-ventilated area.

2. Stop the engine and allow it to cool completely.

3. Clean the fuel cap and the surrounding area to prevent debris from entering the tank.

4. Remove the fuel cap.

5. Fill the fuel tank with the correct type and grade of fuel. Do not overfill. Allow about 1/4″ (6 mm) of tank space for fuel expansion.

6. Replace the fuel cap and tighten it securely.

7. ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower unless either the side discharge cover or side discharge deflector is installed. Never operate the unit with the rear door open unless the grass bag is in place.

To Set Up for Bagging:

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Install the side discharge cover.

3. Lift the rear door.

4. Hook the grass bag frame onto the mounting flange.

5. Lower the rear door. Ensure there are no openings between the bag and the mounting surface.

To Set Up for Side Discharge:

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Remove the grass bag.

3. Install the Mulchmaster plug into the rear discharge opening.

4. Remove the side discharge cover and keep the hardware.

5. Attach the side discharge deflector to the studs on the mower, ensuring it covers the discharge opening.

6. Secure the deflector with the hardware from the cover.

To Set Up for Mulching:

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Remove the grass bag and install the side discharge cover.

3. Open the rear door and insert the Mulchmaster plug with the beveled face to the left.

4. Close the rear door. The rear door must close flush.

Manual Start Procedure:

NOTE: Start the engine on a level surface that is free of debris.

1. Check each item under “Before Each Use” in the maintenance schedule.

2. For engines with a throttle, place the throttle control in the choke position. Once the engine has started, place the throttle in the high-speed detent.

3. While holding the engine/blade control against the handlebar, grasp the starter handle and pull the rope slowly until it pulls harder (this is the compression stroke). Let the rope rewind slowly.

4. Pull the rope with a rapid, continuous, full-arm stroke to start the engine. Allow the rope to rewind slowly.

IMPORTANT: Do not let the starter handle snap back against the bracket.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the engine starts.

Emergency Stopping Procedure:

1. Release the engine/blade control.

2. Allow all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

Normal Shut Off Procedure:

1. Release the engine/blade control.

Mowing Tips:

• Cut grass when it is dry.

• Keep mower blades sharp.

• Do not set the cutting height too low. For tall grass, it is better to mow twice, lowering the blade for the second pass.

• Do not mow too fast.

• Mow with the engine at full throttle.

• Discharge clippings into areas you have already cut.

• Vary your cutting pattern with each mowing to promote a healthier lawn.

Mulching Tips:

• For the best mulching performance, cut no more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of grass per cutting.

NOTE: Some working conditions (heavy loads, high ambient temperatures, dusty conditions, or airborne debris) may require more frequent service.

* After first 5 Hours of operation.

Check the Mower Blade:

Check that the blade is secure and the bolt is torqued to 37.5 – 50 lbf-ft (51 – 68 N·m). The bolt should fully compress the lock washer. Inspect the blade for nicks, dull cutting edges, rounded or broken ends, thinned metal, or other damage. Replace if necessary.

To Remove the Blade:

1. Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire.

2. Block the blade to prevent rotation.

3. Remove the bolt, lock washer, flat washer, and blade from the shaft.

To Install the Blade:

1. Replace the blade, flat washer, lock washer, and bolt on the shaft.

2. Torque the bolt to 37.5 – 50 lbf-ft (51 – 68 N·m).

3. Connect the spark plug wire.

How to Sharpen the Blade:

CAUTION: Do not sharpen mower blades while on the unit. An imbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration. Never weld or straighten bent blades.

1. Remove the blade from the unit. Discard the blade if more than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is removed, if air lifts are eroded, or if the blade is bent or broken.

2. Sharpen the blade by removing an equal amount of material from each end. Do not change the angle of the cutting edge or round the corner of the blade.

How to Balance the Blade:

Slide the mower blade’s center hole onto an unthreaded bolt or blade balancer. A balanced blade should remain in a horizontal position. If either end moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

IMPORTANT: Never spray the unit with high-pressure water or store it outdoors. Store the mower in a cool, dry, protected location.

Cleaning:

Clean the unit thoroughly with mild soap and low-pressure water. Brush off dirt and debris from all surfaces. Touch up any scratched surfaces to prevent rust.

Inspection:

Inspect the mower for worn or damaged parts and repair or replace them. Regularly check all hardware and keep fasteners tight.

Grass Bag:

Wash out the grass bag and allow it to dry completely before storage.

Engine:

For extended storage, remove all fuel from the tank and carburetor (run the engine dry). Refer to the engine manual for specific instructions.

Fuel System:

To prevent gum deposits from forming, add a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel. Follow these steps:

1. Add fuel stabilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Run the engine for at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach the carburetor.

NEVER store the engine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where there are potential sources of ignition.

Always use genuine Ariens parts to keep your mower running like new. The common service parts for the ARIENS 911170 – LM21 CLASSIC are:

• Air Filter: 21543500
• Spark Plug: 21543600
• Blade: 01137000