ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC (01) PDF DOCUMENT

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) or up to 10% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) or 10% MTBE will void the product warranty.

IMPORTANT: 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 (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable.

• Use of any gasoline other than those approved above may void the engine warranty. If the pumps are not marked for the content of alcohol or ethers, check ethanol and MTBE levels with the fuel supplier.

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

• Never mix oil and gasoline.

To ensure safe operation of your ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC, please follow these safety rules:

Preparation:

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting.

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

• Know the work area, be alert for holes, rocks, and hidden hazards. Keep away from drop-offs.

• ALWAYS remove the key (if equipped) and disconnect the wire from the spark plug before assembly or service.

• Keep the work area clear of all persons, children, and pets.

• ALWAYS protect your eyes, face, and body with adequate safety gear, including sturdy footwear, gloves, and safety glasses with side shields.

• NEVER wear loose clothes, long hair, or jewelry.

Operation:

• Only trained adults should operate the unit. NEVER operate after or during the use of medication, drugs, or alcohol.

• ALWAYS be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on the handlebar. Walk, NEVER run.

• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.

• DO NOT run the engine in an enclosed area due to exhaust fumes.

• DO NOT mow wet grass.

• DO NOT tilt the mower when starting it. Keep feet away from the engine when starting.

• NEVER leave a running unit unattended.

• Stop the engine if anyone enters the work area.

• Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down. Be especially cautious when changing direction on slopes. DO NOT operate on steep slopes.

• DO NOT pull the mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Look down and back before and while moving backwards.

• If you strike an object or if the equipment vibrates abnormally, stop the engine at once, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect the spark plug wire, and repair any damage before restarting.

Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors can explode. ONLY use approved fuel containers.

• NO Smoking!

• NO Sparks!

• NO Flames!

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

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer 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.

• Check fuel supply before starting the engine.

• 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 a water heater.

• ALWAYS drain fuel outdoors away from ignition sources.

Before proceeding with assembly, read and understand the entire Safety section.

The carton for your ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC should contain:

• Mower Unit

• Side Discharge Cover

• Side Discharge Deflector

• Literature Pack

• Mulch Plug

• Grass Bag

Follow these assembly steps:

1. Unfold and adjust the handlebar. NOTE: DO NOT bend the speed control rod when unfolding the handlebars.

2. Fill the engine crankcase with oil. See the engine manual.

3. Set up the mower for bagging, side discharge, or mulching.

4. Fill the fuel tank.

5. Connect the spark plug wire.

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

The main controls and features of the ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC are:

1. Engine/Blade Control

2. Wheel Drive Control

3. Adjustable and Folding Handlebars

4. Swivel Wheel Lock

5. Grass Bag

6. Rear Door

7. Fuel Tank and Cap

8. Height Adjustment Pins

9. Muffler and Muffler Guard

10. Oil Fill/Dipstick

11. Cutting Height Levers (2 Rear Wheel Adjusters, 2 Front Wheel Adjusters)

12. Primer Bulb

13. Air Filter

14. Side Discharge Cover

15. Side Discharge Deflector

16. Mulchmaster™ Plug

17. Handlebar Adjustment Holes

18. Recoil Starter Handle

19. Speed Control Rod

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

For your ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC Swivel Wheel Model:

Front Wheels:

To change the front wheel cutting height, insert the height adjuster pin into the holes that match the desired cutting height and fasten with the key ring.

Rear Wheels:

To change the rear wheel cutting height, move the cutting height levers one notch at a time to set the desired cutting height. On self-propelled models, both rear wheels must be set at the same height or the traction drive may not work properly.

Speed Control:

The speed control rod changes the mower’s forward travel speeds.

• Fast: Push the rod all the way forward.

• Slow: Pull the rod all the way rearward.

Start mowing slowly and use the speed control rod to gradually increase speed to a safe, comfortable walking pace.

Wheel Drive Control:

CAUTION: The unit will move forward at engine start if the wheel drive control is engaged. ALWAYS release the wheel drive control before starting the unit. The engine must be running for the wheel drive to propel the unit.

• To drive forward: Slowly squeeze and hold the wheel drive control against the handlebar.

• To stop: Release the wheel drive control.

CAUTION: Avoid loss of control. Lock the swivel wheels when mowing on a slope or hill. Do not mow on steep slopes.

To hold the wheels straight (Lock):

1. Push the swivel wheel lock forward.

2. Push the unit forward until the wheels lock in place.

To allow the wheels to swivel (Unlock):

1. Pull the swivel wheel lock back.

To add fuel to the fuel tank:

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

2. Stop the engine and allow it to cool.

3. Clean the fuel cap and the surrounding area.

4. Remove the cap.

IMPORTANT: See the engine manual for the correct type and grade of fuel.

5. Fill the fuel tank. (See SPECIFICATIONS for tank capacity.) Do not overfill.

6. Replace the fuel cap and tighten.

7. ALWAYS clean any spilled fuel.

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 Bag:

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Install the side discharge cover.

3. Lift the rear door.

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

5. Lower the rear door.

To Side Discharge:

1. Shut off the unit.

2. Remove the grass bag.

3. Install the Mulchmaster plug.

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

5. Attach the side discharge deflector to the studs on the mower. Make sure the deflector covers the discharge opening.

6. Secure with the cover hardware from step 4.

To Mulch:

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.

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

Manual Start Procedure:

1. Check each item under “Before Each Use” in the Maintenance Schedule.

2. For engines with a primer, push the primer bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine. It is unnecessary to prime a warm engine.

3. With the engine/blade control held 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 against the bracket.

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

Shut Off Procedure:

1. Release the wheel drive control and allow the unit to stop completely.

2. Release the engine/blade control.

Emergency Stopping:

1. Release the engine/blade control.

2. Release the wheel drive control.

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

Mowing Tips:

• Cut grass when it is dry.

• Keep the 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.

• To prevent dirt and grass from collecting on the mower pan, avoid operating over bare ground with only patches of grass.

Mulching Tips:

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

★ After first 5 Hours of operation.

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

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 sharpen the blade:

1. Sharpen the mower 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.

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

To check blade balance:

Slide the mower blade on an unthreaded bolt. A balanced blade should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the mower blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

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). The bolt should fully compress the lock washer.

3. Connect the spark plug wire.

For the swivel wheels on your ARIENS 911194 – LM21SW CLASSIC, use Mix Hi-Temp Grease or equivalent on the lube fittings. These should be lubricated every 25 hours of operation.

CAUTION: Avoid fuel spills. Follow the steps below to help prevent fuel spills. If fuel leaks into the air cleaner, replace the air cleaner. ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel.

To put the unit into the service position for easy access to the deck:

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:

1. Place a hole at the bottom of the braces over the pins on the bracket.

To fold the handlebars flat for storage:

Pull the speed control rod all the way back, disconnect the braces from the support bracket, and fold the handlebar forward. Do not bend the speed control rod.

To remove the drive belt:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.

2. Set the right rear wheel to its lowest cutting height, and the left rear wheel to the third cutting height. This position provides clearance between the friction disc and the drive sheave.

3. Remove the belt from the idler, then the drive sheave, and finally, the engine pulley.

4. Pull the belt through the opening under the mower pan and over the blade.

5. Make sure the idler pulley turns and the idler arm moves freely.

6. Reinstall the drive belt in reverse order. IMPORTANT: Be sure the belt seats in the sheave and pulley grooves with the idler touching the back (flat) side of the belt.

7. Adjust the rear wheels to the same cutting height.

To adjust the engine/blade control:

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 should be between 1.125 – 1.375″ (2.8 – 3.5 cm) for Kawasaki Engines.

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

NOTE: When the wheel drive control is disengaged, the gap between the friction disc and the aluminum drive plate should be approximately .030″ (.7mm).

Check the adjustment:

1. With the engine off and the wheel drive control disengaged, push the mower forward. If it pushes freely, the gap is sufficient. If it is difficult to push or the rear wheels drag, you need to increase the gap.

2. With the engine on, the mower should start moving as soon as the wheel drive control begins to pull on the cable. If there is long travel before movement, you need to decrease the gap.

To increase the gap:

1. Loosen the lower cable nut on the wheel drive control cable, and then tighten the upper cable nut against the adjuster bracket.

To decrease the gap:

1. Loosen the upper cable nut on the wheel drive control cable, and then tighten the lower cable nut against the adjuster bracket.

If the speed control rod does not stay firmly in position, adjust the speed control bell crank.

1. Remove the cover, fully compress the helical spring lock washers with the lock nut, and then back the lock nut off one-quarter turn.

2. If the speed control rod is still too loose, tighten the lock nut by small increments until it holds its position. Tightening the lock nut too much will not allow the speed control rod to move at all.

3. Align the notch in the left-hand side of the cover with the bolt and secure it with the knob.

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 and repair or replace any worn or damaged parts. Regularly check all hardware and keep fasteners tight.

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

Engine: When storing for extended periods, remove all fuel from the tank and carburetor (run dry). Refer to the engine manual.

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 the stabilizer to allow it to reach the carburetor.

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

If the engine will not start, check the following:

• Fuel tank empty or low: Check the fuel level and fill the tank if necessary.

• Spark plug wire loose or off: Check the connection.

• Engine/Blade control cable detached, broken, or not adjusted properly: Check the cable. Adjust, repair, or replace as necessary.

If the engine is difficult to restart, it is likely because the mower is clogged with grass. Clear clippings from under the mower. Allow the mower to clear clippings before shutting off the engine.

If the cut quality is poor, consider these causes and corrections:

• Worn blade: Check the blade and sharpen or replace it if necessary.

• Too much grass is being removed per cutting: Raise the cutting height.

• Grass is too wet: Allow the grass to dry before mowing.

• Mowing speed is too fast: Mow slower.

If your mower is not bagging clippings, check for these issues:

• Grass bag is overfilled: Empty the grass bag and do not allow it to overfill.

• Mulching plug is installed: Remove the mulching plug.

If the wheel drive does not engage on your self-propelled model, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Wheel drive control not engaged: Engage the wheel drive control.

• Drive belt out of position: Check the drive belt and adjust as necessary.

• Drive belt worn or damaged: Replace the belt.

• Rear wheels at different cutting heights: Adjust the rear wheels to the same cutting height.

• Idler spring detached: Attach the idler spring to the notch on the idler arm. Contact your Dealer if needed.

• Wheel drive control cable detached or broken: Check the wheel drive control cable. Adjust or replace as needed.

• Friction disc not adjusted properly or damaged: Contact your Dealer.

• Bearings damaged: Contact your Dealer.

• Debris in gear set: Contact your Dealer.

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

See your authorized Ariens Dealer to add these optional accessories: