Ariens G422SL User manual

532425565 11.19.08 BAD Printed in the U.S.A.
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Repair Parts
OWNER’S MANUAL
Model Number G422SL
Product No. 960 73 00-23
42 Inch Mower
Grass Catcher
02084

2
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.
• Cleartheareaofobjectssuchas rocks,toys,wire,etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.
• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do notmowinreverse unlessabsolutely necessary. Al-
ways look down and behind before and while backing.
• Neverdirectdischargedmaterialtowardanyone.Avoid
dischargingmaterial against awall or obstruction. Ma-
terial may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the
blades when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Donotoperatemachinewithouttheentiregrasscatcher,
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
andwaitforallparts tocometoa completestopbefore
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 or crossing
roadways.
• Useextracarewhenloadingorunloadingthemachine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
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.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making re-
pairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
WARNING: Do not coast down a hill
in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
WARNING: Tow only the attachments
thatarerecommendedbyandcomply
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer
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
withthegroundand cause youtolose
control of your tractor.
• Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,
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-upwhichcantouchhotexhaust/enginepartsand
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.
Themachinecouldsuddenlyrolloverifawheelisover
the edge or if the edge caves in.
III. 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.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
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.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththebladesshutoff. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safemachineoperation.Childrenwhohavebeengiven
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.
• Useextracarewhenapproachingblindcorners,shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

3
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to
give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Pleasereadandretain thismanual.Theinstructionswillenableyoutoassembleandmaintain yourGrassCatcherproperly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES......................................... 10
STORAGE.............................................................................. 10
REPAIR PARTS ..................................................................... 11
SAFETY RULES...................................................................2-3
ASSEMBLY...........................................................................5-8
OPERATION ............................................................................ 9
• Be sure 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.
• Nevercarrychildren,evenwiththebladesshutoff. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safemachineoperation.Childrenwhohavebeengiven
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.
• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
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.
• Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.
• 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.
• If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.
• Donotturnon slopesunlessnecessary,andthen,turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
IV. TOWING
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.
• Followthe manufacturer'srecommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment.
• 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
careinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
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
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never fuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
isanopenflame,spark,orpilotlightsuchasonawater
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.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckortrailer
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then
refuelsuchequipmentwithaportablecontainer,rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
orcontaineropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.
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 are.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure 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. Cleanoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Nevermakeanyadjustmentsorrepairswiththeengine
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.

4
02084
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on the
tractor, in the operator's position.
FULL
BAG
INDICATOR
KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCHER. Compare the illustrations with the carton contents to familiarize yourself with the parts before starting the
assembly. Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass
Catcher and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tractor and while mowing.
We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Be sure all parts
are there.
CARTON CONTENTS:
(2) Containers
(1) Upper Chute
(1) Lower Chute
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS LOWER CHUTE LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
CHUTE LATCH
COVER
UPPER CHUTE
PARTS
IDENTIFICATION
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position.
• Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position.
• Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.
COMPLETE BAGGER MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY

5
ASSEMBLY
2
Fig. 2
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)
NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistanceofanotherpersonformountingcoverassembly
to tractor.
1. Liftandrotatecovertoaligncoverbracketwithsupport
assembly.
2. Slide cover assembly down onto the support
assembly.
COVER
ASSEMBLY SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
02645
PULL OUT ON STOP
BRACKET TO REMOVE
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
TO REMOVE THE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 1C)
1. Pulloutwardonthestopbracketenoughtoallowsupport
assembly to be lifted up and away from drawbar.
SHOULDER
BOLTS
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
02644
REAR MOUNTING BRACKET
(See Figs. 1A, 1B & 1C)
NOTE: If your tractor already has four (4) shoulder bolts
installed on the rear drawbar, simply hang the mounting
bracket, on the bolts. Discard included shoulder bolts and
disregard Fig 1B.
1
Ifyourtractordoesnothavefour(4)shoulderboltsinstalled
on the drawbar, follow the instructions below.
SELF TAPPING SHOULDER BOLTS (See Fig. 1B)
1. Using the four formed holes in the drawbar, install the
four shoulder bolts as shown and tighten securely.
Fig. 1A
SELF TAPPING
SHOULDER
BOLTS
Fig. 1B
Fig. 1C

6
02082
WAR ING
CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 3)
1. Install one container to left side first. Install other
container to right side.
NOTE: Left edge of right container should always overlap
right edge of left container at center support.
2. Close cover and lock latch over center support tube.
To lock and release latch, pull back on latch handle.
3
CENTER
SUPPORT
TUBE
COVER LATCH
HANDLE
CONTAINER
HANDLE
Fig. 3
LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 4A)
1. Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
2. Place slot in lower chute over mounting tab on mower
and position lower chute over mower opening as
shown.
3. Hook rear latch into flange hole on back of mower.
4. Hook front latch into tab hole on front of mower.
• If your tractor is equipped with gauge wheels on the
mower, then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch
into the hole in the R.H. gauge wheel bracket.
4
CAUTION: Do not remove deflector
shield from mower. Raise and hold
shield when attaching lower chute
and allow it to rest on chute while in
operation.
03058
DEFLECTOR SHIELD
HINGE BRACKET
REAR LATCH
REAR GAUGE
WHEEL
BRACKET
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
FRONT
LATCH
REAR LATCH
WITHOUT
GAUGE WHEELS
WITH REAR
GAUGE WHEELS
Fig. 4A
MOUNTING
TAB

7
4
LOWER CHUTE
SLOT
REINFORCEMENT
PLATE
CARRIAGE
BOLTS
INSTALLED
FLANGED LOCKNUTS
LOWER CHUTE REINFORCEMENT
PLATE INSTALLATION (See Fig. 4B)
(For Models without the L Shaped Bracket Only)
1. Align reinforcement plate with slot in lower chute as
shown.
2. Install reinforcement plate as shown; secure with car-
riage bolts and flanged locknuts provided in this kit.
3. Install lower chute to mower deck with reinforcement
plate between hinge bracket and spring as shown.
Fig. 4B

8
5UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 5A and 5B)
1. Lower mower to its lowest cutting position.
2. Assemble upper chute by inserting curved end into
hole in back of cover.
TIP: Holding upper chute as shown and twisting while
installing in cover will help keep the rubber seal in place.
NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bag indi-
cator.
Fig. 5A

UPPER
CHUTE
COVER
3. Pushin andturnupper chuteuntil itis inline withlower
chute.
4. Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots
on upper chute and slide together.
5. Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over
latch pin.
Fig. 5B
HANDLE
FULL BAG
INDICATOR
LOWER
CHUTE
BOSSES
LATCH PIN
ALIGN-
MENT
SLOT
RUBBER
LATCH
UPPER
CHUTE
COVER
LEVEL MOWER DECK
Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor-
mance. See your tractors owner's manual for instruc-
tions.
6

9
TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING
OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner's manual.
Whenoperating your grasscatcher on alawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
pickingup thatch anddebris that hasaccumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time
of operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.
• Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.
• Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting
performance, good quality cut and good bagging
performance.
NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• Ifgrassisextremelytall,itshouldbemowedtwice.The
first time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.
• Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
• Plastictrashbagscanbeinsertedinsidegrasscatcher
containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
b. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
c. Remove one container at a time by grasping
container handles and pulling toward the rear, off
of the tube rails.
d. With the container resting on the ground, close
and secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.
e. Tipthecontaineronitssideandslidethe filledbag
from the container.
f. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of
the bag draped over upper lip of the container.
g. Repeat for other containers.
h. Reinstall containers making sure right container
overlaps left container at center supports.
j. Closecoverandsecurelatchesovercentersupport
tubes.
• Avoidcuttingwetgrassorinthemorningwhilethedew
is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these
conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the flow path causing clogging.
OPERATION
• Your bagger is equipped with a full bagger indicator.
Movement of the wheel increases as the bags fill. The
wheel will be spinning fastest just before the bags fill
completely. Whenthe wheel stops,it indicatesthatthe
bags are full and the chutes have become clogged.
NOTE: To help prevent clogging of chutes, check/empty
bagswhenthewheelisspinningfast.Experiencewillteach
you the best time to empty the bags.
Careshouldbetakennottodamage thepartsandthat
the wheel spins freely at the beginning of each use.
• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,
it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.
Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of
the full bagger indicator.
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings .
- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.
b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.
- Remove all debris in chutes.
- Reassemble and latch chutes
c. Checktoinsurefullbaggerindicatorhasnotbecome
clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gentlyinsertasmalltwigorwireintopassageway
to clear.
CAUTION
• Do not operate mower with grass catcher
partially installed.
• Disengage blades and stop engine before
leaving tractor seat to empty containers,
unclogging chutes, etc.
• Close cover before starting.
• Disengagemowerwhen crossing driveways
or gravel surfaces and other areas where
thrown objects could be a hazard.
• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other
potentially hazardous projectiles.

10
STORAGE
When grass catcher is to be stored for a period of time,
cleanitthoroughly,removealldirt,grass,leaves,etc.Store
in a clean, dry place.
CAUTION: Donotleavegrassinbagger
containers. Emptycontainersaftereach
useandbeforestoring. Failuretodoso
mayresultinspontaneouscombustion
which could develop into a fire.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety rules when performing any main-
tenance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use.
BLADE CARE
Forbestresultsmowerbladesmustbekeptsharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructions in your tractor owner's
manual.
CAUTION:BEFOREPERFORMINGANY
MAINTENANCE,SERVICEORADJUST-
MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and
set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in
"NEUTRAL" position.
• Placeclutchcontrolin"DISENGAGED"
position.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
• Make sure blades and all moving parts
have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from
spark plug(s) and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
CAUTION: Grasscatchercomponents
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.

11
26 532124670 Spring, Retainer
27 872140405 Bolt
28 532179745 Bracket, Lock
29 532170165 Bolt, Shoulder 5/16-18
31 532174083 Plug, Tubing End
32 532414172 Bagger, Frame
33 532192786 Pin, Hinge
34 532127534 Gasket, Cover
35 532400226 Container
38 532130895 Latch Handle, Cover
39 532414173 Strip, Reinforcement
*40 532415405 Plate, Reinforcement
*41 872140406 Bolts, Carriage 1/4
*42 873900400 Locknuts, Hex, Flanged
- - 532425565 Owner's Manual, English/French
- - 532425566 Owner's Manual, Spanish
2 532069180 Nut, Crownlock #10-24
3 532127533 Screen, Cover
4 532171061 Cover Assembly (Includes 3, 38, 39)
5 532126840 Chute, Upper
6 818021008 Screw, Special #10-14x1/2
7 532130933 Full Bag Indicator
8 532087175 Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8
9 532052784 Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga.
10 532171345 Spacer, Split
11 532060867 Nut, Acorn #10-24
12 810071000 Washer, lock
13 532109808 Latch, Chute
14 532125004 Nut, Weld
15 532160793 Latch, Hook
18 532162803 Chute, Lower
20 871081010 Screw #10-24 x 5/8
21 532132796 Spring, Cover L.H. (black)
22 532133235 Spacer, Cover
23 532132983 Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)
24 532414171 Support Assemble
25 873800400 Locknut
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
REPAIR PARTS
GRASS CATCHER - MODEL NUMBER G422SL (PRODUCT NO. 960 73 00-23)




















































NOTE: All component dimensions given in U.S. inches
1 inch = 25.4 mm
* If your tractor is equipped with the L shaped bracket
these parts are not needed.
*41
*42
*40
KEY PART
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION

SERVICE NOTES