Ariens A149K21 (96136300) User manual

A149K21
(96136300)
Owner's Manual
434762 Rev. 3 03.31.10 BY •EspaSol, p. 18
Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly /Pro-Operation ........................ 5
Operation ............................................... 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10
Maintenance ...................................... 10-12
Service and Adjustments ........................ 13
Storage .............................................. 14-I5
Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16
Repair Parts....................................... 32-33
Warranty ................................................. 36
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.
&Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
• , WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug.
,_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain oremit chemicals known tothe State
of California tocause cancerand birthdefects
or other reproductive harm.
_WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling,
_, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
Contact, stay away from these areas.
I, GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting, Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-
charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to oper-
ate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by blade.
° Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
° Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wail or obstruction. Matedal
may richochet back toward the opera-
tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces,
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories ap-
proved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute,
•Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before
removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
2 light.

•Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure ofyour footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
•Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
•Ifthe equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
mower.
I1. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related toslip &
fail accidents whichcan resultin severe
injury.All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasyon a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
•Mow acrossthe face of slopes: never
upand down. Exerciseextreme caution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
•Remove obstacles such as rocks,tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hideobstacles.
DO NOT:
•Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
II!. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidents can occur if the operator
isnot alertto the presence ofchildren.
Children are oftenattracted to the machine
and the mowing activity.Never assume
thatchildrenwilt remainwhere you last
saw them.
•Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
- Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
•Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
•Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extremecare in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes,cigars,pipes
and othersourcesof ignition,
• Use onlyan approved container.
•Never removegas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allowengine to cool
before refueling.
•Never refuel the machine indoors.
, Never store the machine or fuel contain-
erwhere there is an openflame, spark
or pilot light such as awater heater or
onother appliances.
•Never fill containersinside a vehicle, on
atruck or trailerbed witha plasticliner.
Always place containerson the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
•Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truckortrailer and refuel it on the
ground. Ifthis isnot possible,then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container,ratherthan from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
ofthe fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
notuse anozzle lock-open device.
• Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
°Never run amachine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage, Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
•Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
° Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.

Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
towear, 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.
* Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
-Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine,
.Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
&WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with aspark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (ifany). Ifaspark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasotine Capacity/Type: 1.5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 10W-30 (below 32°F)
Spark Plug: Champion 8815 (Gap: .030")
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be tight-
ened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness, All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat,
3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" inthe Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
control bar
MOWING
POSITION
Upper
UP handle
Handle
knob
Lower handle
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: Ifvinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using. Frame
>'<
.j.-
Frame
opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mowerwas shippedready to be
used as amu[cher.Toconvertto bagging or
discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual.
Vinyl
binding
5

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
These symbols may appea'r""onyour lawn mower or in literature supplied with the '
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
mlll l ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiinl IH ii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii i I
-Operator presence controlbar
Starter
handle
G rass
Gasoline filler cap
)ark plug
Air filter
Engine oil Housing
with diPstick
Mulcher door
adjuster
(oneachwheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
I II II IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII I I III
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowersconform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission. _I=WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
]i ,i ,,H,,,iii n
Operator presence control bar -must Mulcher door - allows conversionto
be held down to the handle to start the discharging or bagging operation.
engine. Release to stop the engine. Starter handle - used for starting engine.
6

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objects thrown intothe eyes,
which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
standard safety glasses or widevision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance, It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire
an engine controlto be installed onthis
lawn mower in orderto minimizethe
risk ofblade contact injury.Do not under
any circumstancesattemptto defeat the
function ofthe operatorcontrol.The blade
turnswhen the engine isrunning.
•Your lawnmower isequippedwith an
operatorpresence controlbar which
requires the operatorto be positioned
behind the lawnmower handleto start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels forlow cut and lowerwheels
for highcut, adjustcuttingheightto suit
your requirements. Medium positionis
best for most lawns.
• To change cuttingheight, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suityour requirements. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE; Adjuster isproperly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (ifsoequipped) allowlever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVERBACKWARD Platetab
TO LOWER MOWER
LEVERFORWARDTO RAISEMOWER Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a muicher. To convertto bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
- Lift rear door ofthe lawn mower and
place the grass catcherframe hooks
onto the door pivotpins.
•To convertto mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Pivot pins Rear Grass
catcher
_'_ handie
Catcherframehook
SIDE DISCHARGING
•Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and installdis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
•Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• Toconvert to mulching or bagging opera-
tion, discharge deflector mustbe removed
and mulcher door must be closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcherinstalled.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
_:_ Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without rear door closed, clipping deflector
or approved grass catcherin place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.
Open mulche/r door
Install
discharge
7deflector

MOWERISNOWREADYFOR
DISCHARGINGOPERATION
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1, Liftup on grass catcher using the
frame handle,
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual,
A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure Iawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3, You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers !00% quality testing.
When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert andtighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use, Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions, See 'q'O
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual,
Engine
oil cap
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck,
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities thatcan be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
hess,
41_CAUTION: Wipe off any spilledoil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation andformation of acids during
storage, Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of 30
days or longer, Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season, See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE
•To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protectivecoatingson the
engine, a small amountof smoke may be
presentduringthe initialuse ofthe product
and shouldbe considerednormal.
NOTE; Your engine isequipped with an
automaticchoke system. No primingor
chokingis requiredbefore starting.
•To start engine, holdoperator presence
control bardownto the handle and pull
starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not usede-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower, Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty,
•Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushingeffort
and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
It may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time,
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
°For better grass bagging and most cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
•Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
•Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine !ife.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housingfree of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe
Maintenance section of this manual,
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into
the grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to
provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recut-
tingaction ofthe blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interfereswith the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At thistime the grass has
dried, yet the newly cut area will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.
•For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown
itwill be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly,
'MAXI/3
° Certain typesof grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a sec-
ond cut, mow across(perpendicular) to
the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattem from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This witl help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn,
9

MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
Check for Loose Fasteners
LClean /inspect Grass Catcher *
A
Wi Check Tires
N ICheck Drive Wheels ***
Clean Lawn Mower****
MI Clean under Drive Cover "**
OI Check Drive Belt/Pulleys ***
_l_lCheck /Sharpen /Replace Blade
RiLubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
[Check Engine Oil levet
SLChange Engine Oil
Nrciean Air Filier "
?i tnspect M.ffter
N IReplace Spark Plug
!AFTER EVERY
EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100
USE ,USE , HOURS OR SEASON HOURS
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiwiiii
v'
V' '"'
JJJ
L/
_### ,,,,,
.................... Vr ..............
EI Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
BEFORE
STORAGE
V* .....
, Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer ......... ,, , '.... i' ,, "" 'V' ,
*(if so equipped) 1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.
** Electric-Start mowers 2- Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
*** Power-Propelled mowers 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
**** Use a scraper 4-Charge 48 hours at and of season.
to clean under deck 5-And after each 5 hours of use.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjuster(on
eachwheel)
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
At leastonce a season, check to see if
you should make any ofthe adjustments
described in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
•At least once a year, replace the spark
plug, clean or replace air filter element
and check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element
assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.
•Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
•Check engine oil level
•Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit weFIlubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
Engine oil
(_ Mulcher
door hinge
(_ Rear door
hinge
(_) Handle bracket mounting pins
_Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dust anddirtthatwill shorten the lifeof
the self-lubricatingbearings. Ifyou feelthey
mustbe lubdcated, useonly a dry, powdered
0graphite type lubricant sparingly.i