ARIENS 911192 – LM21 CLASSIC (01) PDF DOCUMENT

For the ARIENS 911192 – LM21 CLASSIC, gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) or up to 10% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable. The use of any gasoline exceeding these percentages will void the product warranty.

Always 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 with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE is acceptable.

• Do not modify the fuel system to use different fuels.

• Never mix oil and gasoline.

IMPORTANT: Excessively oxygenated or reformulated fuels (fuels blended with alcohols or ethers) can damage the fuel system or cause performance problems. If any undesirable operating problems occur, use a gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.

Before operating the ARIENS 911192 – LM21 CLASSIC, it is crucial to read, understand, and follow all safety instructions. Key practices include:

• Complete a walk-around inspection of the unit and work area. Clear the area of stones, sticks, and other foreign objects.

• Be aware of your surroundings, including holes, rocks, drop-offs, and hidden hazards.

• Keep children and pets out of the work area.

• Only operate in good visibility and light. Do not mow wet grass.

• Always maintain sure footing. Walk, never run.

• Only trained adults should operate the unit.

• Wear adequate safety gear: sturdy footwear, safety glasses with side shields, and hearing protection. Avoid loose clothing.

• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts at all times.

• Do not run the engine in an enclosed area due to exhaust fumes.

• Understand all controls, especially how to stop the mower in an emergency.

• Do not tilt the mower when starting it.

• Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before making adjustments, servicing, or clearing clogs.

• If you strike an object, stop the engine immediately and inspect for damage before restarting.

• Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Do not operate on steep slopes.

• Look down and behind before and while moving backward.

Fuel is highly flammable. Follow these precautions:

• NO Smoking, NO Sparks, and NO Flames near the mower or fuel.

• Only use approved fuel containers.

• Allow the engine to cool before filling the fuel tank.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck/trailer bed. Place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank opening until fueling is complete.

• Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, when the engine is running, or while the engine is hot.

• Do not overfill. Allow about 1/4″ (6 mm) of tank space for fuel expansion.

• Replace the gasoline tank cap securely and clean any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never store fuel inside where there is an open flame, such as near a water heater.

• Always drain fuel outdoors and away from ignition sources.

The following items are included in the carton:

1. Mower Unit

2. Side Discharge Cover

3. Side Discharge Deflector

4. Literature Pack

5. Mulch Plug

6. Grass Bag

CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding.

1. Unfold and adjust the handlebar. NOTE: DO NOT bend the speed control rod (if equipped) when unfolding.

2. Fill the engine crankcase with oil as instructed in 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 fuel.

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 it does, stop the engine and take the unit to a dealer for adjustment or repair.

The main controls and features are:

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

• Adjustable and Folding Handlebars: For operator comfort and storage.

• Grass Bag: Collects grass clippings.

• Rear Door: Access for attaching the grass bag or mulch plug.

• Fuel Tank and Cap: For adding fuel.

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

• Oil Fill/Dipstick: For checking and adding engine oil.

• Cutting Height Levers: Adjusts the height of the mower deck.

• Primer Bulb: Pushing adds fuel for easier cold starts.

• Air Filter: Cleans air entering the engine.

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

• Side Discharge Deflector: Directs clippings out the side.

• Mulchmaster™ Plug: Blocks the rear discharge opening for mulching.

• Recoil Starter Handle: Pull to start the engine.

DANGER: Avoid injury from a rotating blade. ALWAYS shut off the engine before adjusting cutting height.

To change the cutting height on the standard model, move the cutting height levers one notch at a time on each of the four wheels to set the desired height. Each wheel must be set at the same height for a level cut.

The Primer Bulb is used to add fuel for easier engine starts, particularly when the engine is cold. To use it, simply push the primer bulb in. For a cold engine, push it 2 or 3 times before attempting to start. It is unnecessary to prime a warm engine.

CAUTION: Check the grass bag frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace a worn or damaged bag with an Ariens original equipment replacement bag only.

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Install the side discharge cover over the side opening.

3. Lift the rear door.

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

5. Lower the rear door. The rear of the grass bag frame may need to be lifted slightly to lock it in position.

There should be no openings between the bag and the mounting surface after installation. If necessary, clear any debris from the mounting surface.

To remove the grass bag, shut off the unit, lift the rear door, and use the handle to lift the bag off the mounting flange, then close the rear door.

CAUTION: DO NOT operate the mower unless either the side discharge cover or side discharge deflector is installed.

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Remove the grass bag if it is attached.

3. Install the Mulchmaster plug in 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.

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 against the plug.

NOTE: For maximum mulching performance, install the Mulchmaster Mulching Kit (see Accessories).

Manual Start Procedure:

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

1. Perform the “Before Each Use” checks from the maintenance schedule.

2. For a cold engine, push the primer bulb 2 or 3 times. It is not necessary to prime a warm engine.

3. Hold the engine/blade control against the handlebar.

4. Grasp the starter handle and pull the rope slowly until it pulls harder (this is the compression stroke). Let the rope rewind slowly.

5. 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 against the bracket.

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

Shut Off Procedure:

1. Release the engine/blade control. This will stop the engine and blade.

Emergency Stopping:

1. Release the engine/blade control.

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

Mowing Tips:

• Cut grass when it is dry.

• Keep mower blades sharp.

• Do not set the cutting height too low. For tall grass, mow twice.

• Do not mow too fast.

• Mow with the engine at full throttle.

• Discharge clippings into areas already cut.

• Vary the cutting pattern with each mowing.

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. See the engine manual for further maintenance information.

* After first 5 Hours of operation.

Check the blade mounting to ensure it is secure. The bolt should be torqued to 37.5 – 50 lbf-ft (51 – 68 N·m) and should fully compress the lock washer. Check the blade for nicks, dull cutting edges, rounded ends, 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.

After sharpening, check the blade’s balance. Slide the blade onto an unthreaded bolt. A balanced blade will remain horizontal. If one end moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen mower blades while they are on the unit. An imbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration. NEVER weld or straighten bent blades.

1. Remove the mower blade from the unit.

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

3. 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 mower blade.

To safely access the underside of the deck, follow these steps:

CAUTION: Avoid fuel spills. If fuel leaks into the air cleaner, replace the air cleaner. ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel.

1. Place the unit on a flat, level surface.

2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

3. Remove the fuel cap, place a piece of plastic bag over the opening, and tighten the cap securely.

4. Tip the unit onto its right side. Make sure the unit is secure and will not tip over.

IMPORTANT: Remove the plastic from the fuel cap after the unit is upright and service is complete.

To adjust the handlebar height, place a hole at the bottom of the handlebar braces over the pins on the support bracket. You can select different holes to achieve a comfortable height.

NOTE: To fold handlebars flat for storage, pull the speed control rod (if equipped) all the way back, disconnect braces from the support bracket, and fold the handlebar forward. Do not bend the speed control rod.

To adjust the engine/blade control cable:

1. Loosen the cable nuts away from the bracket.

2. Squeeze the z-bend bracket at the engine end of the cable toward the front of the unit and hold it in place.

3. Pull the cable down from the bracket until there is no slack in the cable.

4. Tighten the lower cable nut to 3 mm below the bracket. Release the z-bend bracket.

5. Tighten the upper cable nut until the bracket is secure between the cable nuts.

6. Engage the engine/blade control. Measure the distance between the middle of the z-bend and the cable bracket. The measurement for Kawasaki Engines should be 1.125 – 1.375″ (2.8 – 3.5 cm).

7. If the correct measurement cannot be set, contact your local dealer.

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

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 them. Check all hardware and keep fasteners tight.

Grass Bag: Wash out the grass bag and allow it to dry before storage.

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

Fuel System: To prevent gum deposits from forming, you can treat the fuel system for storage:

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

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

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

Always use genuine Ariens parts to keep your mower running like new.