Ariens 71513100 User manual

© Copyright 2013 • Ariens Company • Brillion, WI 54110 04447600B 6/13 Page 1 of 3
Instruction Sheet
Kit Number: 71513100
42-INCH MULCH KIT
For Use On Models:
915148, 159, 170, 171, 323 (S/N 10000 and up)
Package Contents
Check the contents of your kit for the parts listed below
(Figure 1):
REMOVAL
1. Stop engine, remove key, wait for all moving parts
to stop and engine to cool, and disconnect spark
plug wire.
2. Set deck to highest cutting height.
3. Raise the front of the unit to expose the underside
of the deck. Securely support the unit.
4. Remove two locking top flange nuts from discharge
chute mount and remove discharge chute and
mounting strap. Retain discharge chute and all
hardware for future use with discharge chute or
bagger. See Figure 2.
5. Remove two locking top flange nuts from discharge
baffle and remove baffle. Retain discharge baffle
and hardware for future use with discharge chute or
bagger. See Figure 2.
6. Remove two 5/16" hex bolts and locking top flange
nuts from the top leading edge of the mower deck.
Retain for future use with discharge chute or
bagger. See Figure 3.
WARNING: FAILURE TO FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS could result in personal injury
and/or damage to unit.
Read, understand, and follow all safety
practices in Owner/Operator Manual before
beginning.
Item Description Qty Part Number
1 42" Mulch Baffle Weldment 1 04447251
2 5/16-18 Locking Top Flange
Nut 3 06543100
3 1/4-20 x 1 Hex Washer
Head Tapping Screw 1 07412400
4 1/4-20 Locking Top Flange
Nut 1 06543500
5 5/16-18 x 3/4 Hex Bolt 1 05947000
6 5/16-18 x 1-3/4 Hex Bolt 2 05957400
7 7/16 x 1 x 5/64 Flat Washer 2 06435900
8 42" Mulch Cover 1 04687551
9 5/16 x 3/4 x 1/16 Flat Steel
Washer 2 06435800
10 1/4-20 Locking Top Flange
Nut 2 06543500
Figure 1
1
2
23
4
5
7
6
2
8
9
10
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can
cut you. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
Figure 2
Discharge
Chute
Mounting
Strap
Discharge
Baffle
Flange
Nuts
Flange
Nuts

04447600B 6/13 Page 2 of 3
7. Remove the outer 1/4 x 3/4" hex tapping screw from
the left belt cover. Retain for future use with
discharge chute or bagger. See Figure 3.
8. Remove blades.
9. Remove four round head square neck bolts and hex
nuts retaining rear baffle and remove baffle. Retain
baffle and hardware for future use with discharge
chute or bagger. See Figure 4.
INSTALLATION
1. Install mulch baffle into deck with the rear edge of
the baffle positioned inside of the deck. See
Figure 5.
2. From bottom side of mulch kit, install two 5/16-18 x
1-3/4" bolts (item 6) and two 7/16" flat washers
(item 7). See Figure 5.
3. Secure the mulch baffle from the top of the deck
with two 5/16" locking top flange nuts (item 2). See
Figure 5.
4. From the top of the deck install 1/4 x 1" hex washer
head tapping screw (item 3) through outer hole in
left side belt cover. From under the deck secure
with 1/4" locking top flange nut (item 4). See
Figure 6.
5. From the underside of the deck install two 5/16 x
3/4" hex bolts (item 5) and secure with two 5/16"
locking top flange nuts (item 2). See Figure 6.
6. Install mower blades. Ensure that blades are
installed with air lifts facing upward. Torque blade
nuts to 92 – 130 lbf-ft (125 – 176 N•m).
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut
you. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use
extra caution when removing and handling.
Figure 3
Left Belt Cover Outer
Tapping Screw
5/16"Hex
Bolts
Flange
Nuts
Figure 4
Rear
Baffle
Hardware
Figure 5
2
Rear edge of
baffle is
positioned
inside of
deck.
76
Figure 6
23
54

04447600B 6/13 Page 3 of 3
7. Secure mulch cover (item 8) onto weld screws with
two 5/16" flat steel washers (item 9) and two 1/4"
locking top flange nuts (item 10). Position mulch
cover over gap between deck opening and mulch
baffle. See Figure 7.
8. Lower unit to the ground.
9. Connect spark plug wire to spark plug.
MULCHING TIPS
For best mulching quality, follow these tips:
1. Mow at full throttle.
2. Mow at half speed.
3. Mow dry grass only. Mowing wet grass causes
clumping.
4. Keep mower blades sharp.
5. Cut no more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) at a time. For tall
grass, mow at a higher cutting height, then make a
second (or third) pass with the deck set to the
desired cutting height.
6. Clean the underside of deck after each mowing.
IMPORTANT: When cleaning, DO NOT wash with high-
pressure water. Allow all parts to cool before cleaning.
Figure 7
8
109