Ariens 946154 User manual

Operator’s Manual
Manuel du Utilisateur
05094700 •8/16
Printed in USA
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS
E10
Model
946154 – String Trimmer
(SN 005000 +)
String Trimmer

WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Practices & Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Emission Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Required Operator Training. . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ASSEMBLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Required Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remove Unit from Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CONTROLS & FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . 9
Engine / Throttle Control Lever . . . . . . . 10
Recoil Starter handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Debris Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cutter Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Height Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Handlebar Wing Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operator Presence Control (OPC)
Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Swivel Head Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
BEFORE OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set Trimming Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Set Handlebar Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Set Trimming Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Emergency Stopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Start The Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operate Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Stop the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Trimming Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Service Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Service Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Trimmer Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Height Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Engine Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Clean Debris Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Change Engine Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Clean Engine Cooling Fins . . . . . . . . . . 15
Check Spark Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Clean Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lubricate Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . 16
Replace Trimmer Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Replace Height Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adjust OPC Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Replace Drive Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
STORAGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Short-Term Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Long-Term Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Start-of-Season Fuel Preparation . . . . . 21
SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS

EN - 1
WELCOME
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Ariens family! Every machine in the
Ariens lineup is designed for long-lasting and unsurpassed performance. We are confident your
machine will be part of your family for many years to come.
Have Questions or Need Assistance?
ariensstore.com • arienscusthelp.com
A parts manual for your unit is available for free download
or purchase at ariens.com.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
You or the dealer you purchased the unit from
must register the product at the time of
purchase. Know the model and serial
numbers of your unit and register online at
ariens.com or return the registration card to
Ariens Company. See Figure 1 for label
location.
Record model number here.
Record serial number here.
Figure 1
Model & Serial Number Label
MANUALS
Before operating or servicing the unit, carefully
and completely read the manuals provided with
the unit. They contain safety instructions and
important information about unit controls.
The engine on this unit is covered by a
separate manual. Refer to the engine manual
for engine service recommendations. Contact
the engine manufacturer for a replacement
manual if necessary.
Your dealer must review important information
in this manual with you before or upon delivery
of the unit. It is your responsibility to read and
understand all safety precautions and
instructions in the manuals. If you do not
understand or have difficulty following the
instructions, contact your Ariens dealer for
assistance. To locate your nearest Ariens
dealer, go to ariensstore.com.
DISCLAIMER
Ariens reserves the right to discontinue, make
changes to, and add improvements upon its
products at any time without public notice or
obligation. The descriptions and specifications
contained in this manual were in effect at
printing. Equipment described in this manual
may be optional. Some illustrations may not be
applicable to your unit.

EN - 2
Read these safety rules and follow them
closely. Failure to follow these rules could lead
to loss of control of unit, severe personal injury
or death to you or bystanders, or result in
damage to property or the machine.
PRACTICES & LAWS
Practice usual and customary safe working
precautions. Learn applicable rules and laws
in your area. ALWAYS follow the practices set
forth in this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
This equipment and/or its engine may include
exhaust and evaporative emissions control
system components required to meet U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB)
regulations. Tampering with emission controls
and components by unauthorized personnel
may result in severe fines or penalties.
Emission controls and components can only
be adjusted by an Ariens Company dealer or
an authorized engine manufacturer's service
center. Contact your Ariens Company
Equipment Retailer concerning emission
controls and component questions.
REQUIRED OPERATOR TRAINING
Read and understand the
Operator's Manual and decals
on the unit. This information is
for your safety and the proper
use of your equipment. Failure
to follow these instructions and
warnings may cause death or serious injury. If
you have purchased this product from an
Ariens dealer, the dealer can provide you with
training.
Familiarize yourself and any other operators
with all controls and the safe use of the
features of this unit. If you loan, rent or sell this
product to others, provide them with all
manuals.
If you have any questions, please call our
customer support line at 920-756-4688 or
contact us at www.ariens.com. DO NOT use
this equipment if, after reading the Operator's
Manual and the on-board decals, you have
any questions about the safe use of this
product.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
SIGNAL WORDS
The safety alert symbol above and signal
words below are used on decals and in this
manual. Read and understand all safety
messages.
1. Danger
2. Warning
3. Caution
SAFETY WARNING: AVOID INJURY. This
cutting machine is capable of
crushing or amputating body
parts. Failure to observe the
safety instructions in the manuals
and on decals could result in
serious injury or death.
ALWAYSdisengagetrimmer,stop
unit and engine, and allow moving
parts to stop before leaving
operator’s position.
This is the safety alert symbol. It
means:
• ATTENTION!
• YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!
When you see this symbol:
• BECOME ALERT!
• OBEY THE MESSAGE!
DANGER: Indicates an
IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, WILL
RESULT in death or serious
injury.
WARNING: Indicates a
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided,
COULD RESULT in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS
SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY
RESULT in minor or moderate
injury. It may also be used to alert
against unsafe practices.

EN - 3
4. Notice
NOTICE: Indicates information or procedures
that are considered important but not hazard
related. If not followed, property damage
could result.
5. Important
IMPORTANT: Indicates general reference
information worthy of special attention.
SAFETY DECALS
The safety decals on your machine are visual
reminders of the important safety information
in this manual. All messages on your unit
must be fully understood and carefully
followed. Safety decals on the machine are
explained below.
ALWAYS replace missing or damaged safety
decals. Replacement decal information is in
the parts manual for your machine. Decals
can be ordered from your dealer.
See Figure 2 for safety decal locations.
Safety Decals and Locations
Safety Decal Descriptions
WARNING/ADVERTENCIA
Clean debris from top of engine frequently
to help prevent engine damage.
Limpie escombros de la cima de motor para
ayudar con frecuencia a prevenir el daño de motor.
07800809
Figure 2
1
2
1. DANGER!
DANGER!
Read Operator’s Manual.
ALWAYS wear protective
glasses, goggles or face
shield.
ALWAYS wear adequate
hearing protection.
Keep children and others
away from unit while unit is
in operation.
Remove objects that could
be thrown by the trimming
line.
Keep body parts away from
rotating trimmer line.
Go across slopes, not up
and down.
DO NOT use metal cutting
parts.
2. WARNING!
Clean debris from top of
engine frequently to help
prevent engine damage.

EN - 4
SAFETY RULES
The following safety instructions are based
on the EN 14910+A1:2009 specifications in
effect at the time of production.
Training
Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manuals before
starting.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders and
pets before operating. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
Improper use of power equipment can cause
serous permanent injury or death to the
operator or a bystander.
Understand:
• How to operate all controls
• The functions of all controls
• How to STOP in an Emergency
If the operator or the mechanic cannot read
the manual, it is the owner’s responsibility to
explain it to them.
ALWAYS train any inexperienced operators
and require them to read and understand all
manuals and decals.
Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate this
machine.
Only the user can prevent and is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to
themselves, other people or property.
Operator Age
DO NOT allow children under the age of 18
to operate any outdoor power equipment.
Local regulations may restrict the age of the
operator.
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 trimming activity. NEVER assume
that children will remain where you last saw
them.
Be alert and turn trimmer off if a child enters
the area.
NEVER allow children to operate the
machine.
Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may block your view of a child.
Keep children out of the trimming area and
in the watchful care of a responsible adult
other than the operator.
Personal Protection
DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry and
tie back hair that may get caught in rotating
parts.
Wear adequate outer garments.
Wear adequate safety gear and protective
gloves.
DO NOT operate machine barefooted or
while wearing sandals. ALWAYS wear
substantial footwear.
ALWAYS wear eye and ear protection when
operating machine.
Before Operating
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
Maintain the machine to be in compliance
with the maintenance schedule.
Clean grass and debris from unit, especially
from around muffler and engine, to help
prevent fires.
Inspect unit before each use for missing or
damaged decals, shields and correctly
functioning operator presence control
(OPC). Replace or repair as needed.
Ensure operator presence control (OPC) is
functioning properly. DO NOT operate unit if
OPC is damaged or disabled.
NEVER tamper with safety devices. Check
their proper operation regularly.
Clear work area of stones, sticks, wire and
foreign objects which might be picked up
and thrown. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove any fuel-soaked debris.
Before using, ALWAYS visually inspect to
see that the cutting elements are not worn or
damaged. Replace worn or damaged cutting
elements in sets to preserve balance.

EN - 5
Operation
When operator presence control (OPC)
handle is released, trimmer head must stop.
If trimmer head continues to rotate with OPC
disengaged, stop engine, disconnect spark
plug wire and adjust or repair before
operating.
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders
before operating. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
NEVER operate machine in a closed or
poorly ventilated area.
ALWAYS maintain unit in safe operating
condition. Damaged or worn out muffler can
cause fire or explosion.
This product is equipped with an internal
combustion type engine. DO NOT use unit
on or near any unimproved, forest-covered
or brush covered land unless exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local, state or federal
laws. A spark arrester, if it is used, must be
maintained in effective working order by
operator.
DO NOT operate machine while feeling
tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol or
other drugs.
DO NOT put hands or feet near rotating
parts or under the machine.
DO NOT touch parts which are hot. Allow
parts to cool.
DO NOT operate machine without the entire
trimming shield, trailing shield, or other
safety devices in place and working. Objects
may be picked up and thrown causing
damage or personal injury.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all
pinch points.
NEVER operate trimmer in wet grass.
ALWAYS be sure of your footing; walk;
NEVER run.
NEVER direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against
a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet
back toward the operator. Stop the trimmer
when crossing gravel surfaces.
Disengage the drive system, if so equipped,
before starting the engine (motor).
Disengage operator presence control (OPC)
before starting the engine.
If the machine should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check for the cause immediately. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
Keep safety devices or guards in place and
functioning properly. NEVER modify or
remove safety devices.
ALWAYS look down and behind before and
while moving backward.
ALWAYS stop engine, wait for moving parts
to stop and hot parts to cool before clearing
build-up,removing entanglementorcleaning
unit.
If you strike a foreign object, stop and
inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary,
before restarting.
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark
plug wire before leaving the machine.
NEVER leave a running machine
unattended.
Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the
cutting elements.
DO NOT tilt the trimmer when starting the
engine.
Lightning can cause severe injury or death.
If lightning is seen or thunder is heard in the
area, do not operate the machine; seek
shelter.
Operating Conditions
Watch for traffic when operating near or
crossing roadways.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
wire, toys, etc., which could be thrown by the
cutting elements.
Use care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Dust, smoke, fog, etc. can reduce vision and
cause an accident.
Operate machine only in daylight or good
artificial light.
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 feel
uneasy on it, DO NOT trim it.
Trim across slopes, NEVER up and down.
Exercise caution when changing direction
on slopes.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other
hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause
a slip-and-fall accident. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

EN - 6
DO NOT trim wet grass or excessive steep
slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip-and-
fall accident.
DO NOT operate near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. You could lose your footing
or balance.
Fuel
To avoid personal injury orproperty damage,
use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
Ethanol blends must not exceed E10. Higher
ethanol content may cause your
machine to run hotter and damage your
engine.
Replace fuel cap securely and clean up
spilled fuel before starting engine.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and
other sources of ignition.
Use only an approved gasoline container.
NEVER store the machine or fuel container
where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot
light such as on a water or space heater or
other appliances.
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.
NEVER fuel the machine indoors.
NEVER remove gas cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
fueling.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Handle with care. Use only an
approved gasoline container with an
appropriately-sized dispensing spout.
NO smoking, NO sparks, NO flames.
Remove gas-powered equipment from the
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If
this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment 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 the fueling is complete. DO NOT
use a nozzle lock-open device.
NEVER overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
If fuel is spilled, DO NOT attempt to start the
engine. Move the machine away from the
spill and avoid creating any source of
ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
Reduce the throttle setting during engine
shutdown and, if the engine is provided with
a shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the
conclusion of trimming.
Service
Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
Keep unit free of debris. Clean up oil or fuel
spills.
DO NOT change engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine.
NEVER make any adjustments or repairs
with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against
engine to prevent unintended starting.
NEVER use wire or wire-rope in place of the
cutting line. It can break off and become a
dangerous projectile. Use Ariens Company-
recommended flexible, non-metallic line, or
equivalent.
Allow engine to cool before servicing.
Moving parts can cut or amputate fingers or
a hand.
Examine the trimmer regularly and replace
worn or damaged parts. Only use
replacement parts designed for the trimmer.
The use of non-genuine replacement parts
or accessories could adversely affect
machine operation and safety.
Transporting Unit
Use extra care when loading or unloading
the machine onto a truck or into a trailer.
Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle.
NEVER secure from rods or linkages that
could be damaged.
DO NOT transport machine while engine is
running.
ALWAYS stop engine and shut off fuel valve
when transporting unit.
NEVER pick up or carry the trimmer while
the engine is running.

EN - 7
Storage
NEVER store unit with fuel in fuel tank,
inside a building where any ignition sources
are present.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other
debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage
and remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow
machine to cool before storing.
For extended storage, shut off fuel valve and
clean unit thoroughly. See engine manual for
proper storage.
ONLY drain the fuel system outdoors. Store
drained fuel in a container specifically
designed for fuel storage, or dispose fuel
appropriately.

EN - 8
REQUIRED TOOLS
• Box cutter
REMOVE UNIT FROM BOX
1. Remove box top and packing material.
2. Remove contents from box.
3. Cut out back of box and remove unit.
4. Remove packaging material from
trimming head and unit.
IMPORTANT: Make sure all contents are
removed from box.
ASSEMBLY
Unfold Handlebar
1. Loosen, but DO NOT remove handlebar
wing knobs. See Figure 3.
2. Rotate handlebar to operating position
and tighten wing knobs. See Figure 4.
3. Adjust handlebar height to operator
preference. See Set Handlebar Height on
page 13.
Add Engine Oil
IMPORTANT: Refer to engine manual.
1. Remove engine oil dipstick.
2. Remove cap from oil bottle supplied with
unit and slowly fill engine with oil.
3. Reinstall dipstick and check oil level.
Refer to engine manual for specification.
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
Figure 3
Figure 4

EN - 9
1. Engine / Throttle Control Lever
2. Recoil Starter Handle
3. Fuel Tank and Cap
4. Oil Fill and Dipstick
5. Air Filter
6. Height Guide
7. Cutter Disc
8. Trimmer Line (2)
9. Upper Handlebar
10. Lower Handlebar
11. Handlebar Wing Knob (2)
12. Operator Presence Control (OPC) Lever
13. Swivel Head Lock
14. Trimmer Shield
15. Debris Guard
16. Debris Screen
17. Trailing Shield
CONTROLS & FEATURES
Figure 5
11
9
10
1
8
13
15
6
7
12
34
16
17
5
2
14

EN - 10
See Figure 5 for all controls and features
locations.
ENGINE / THROTTLE CONTROL
LEVER
See Figure 6.
Controls engine speed and stops engine.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
When pulled, manually turns engine
crankshaft and starts engine. See Start The
Engine on page 13.
DEBRIS SCREEN
Collects grass and debris to help keep engine
cooling fins clean.
CUTTER DISC
Holds trimmer line. See Replace Trimmer
Line on page 16.
HEIGHT GUIDE
Adjustable to change trimming height. See
Set Trimming Height on page 11.
HANDLEBAR WING KNOB
Secures upper handlebar to lower handlebar.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL (OPC) LEVER
See Figure 7.
When pulled against handlebar, engages
trimmer head rotation.
When released, trimmer head rotation stops.
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
Figure 6
Fast
Slow
Stop
07800808
Figure 7
Trimmer Head Engaged
Trimmer Head Disengaged

EN - 11
SWIVEL HEAD LOCK
See Figure 8.
Locks trimming angle for trimming in a
straight path or for angled trimming while
walking parallel to fences or walls.
NOTICE: All references to left, right, front or
rear are given from the perspective of
operator in operator’s position, facing the
direction of forward travel.
1. Know how to stop in an emergency. See
Emergency Stopping on page 13.
2. Check fuel level and add fuel if needed.
IMPORTANT: Use fresh unleaded fuel with
an octane rating of at least 87. DO NOT use
E85 blended fuels; the engine is not E20 /
E30 / E85 compatible. The maximum
recommended ethanol content is 10%. Ariens
recommends using a quality fuel stabilizer in
all fuel. See Short-Term Storage on page 21.
3. Check engine oil level and add oil if
needed. Refer to engine manual.
4. Check air filter condition. Refer to engine
manual.
5. Check and clean debris screen. See
Maintenance on page 14.
6. Check function of all controls.
SET TRIMMING HEIGHT
Trimming height is adjustable from 4.9 – 11.2
cm (1.9 – 4.4") in increments of 2.1 cm (0.8").
An adjustment for a minimum trimming height
of 3.0 cm (1.2") may also be made. See
Minimum Trimming Height on page 12.
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Place unit in service position. See
Service Position on page 15.
See Figure 9.
3. Remove hardware retaining height guide
and remove height guide.
4. Remove spacers and cutter disc from hex
shaft.
5. Reinstall spacers and cutter disc in
arrangement that achieves desired
trimming height. See Trimming Heights
on page 12.
NOTICE: There MUST always be at least one
spacer between cutter disc and height guide.
All spacers MUST be used.
IMPORTANT: Install cutter disc with angled
flanges facing upwards unless operating at
minimum trimming height. See Minimum
Trimming Height on page 12.
BEFORE OPERATION
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
Figure 8
Unlocked
Locked
Figure 9

EN - 12
Trimming Heights 6. Reinstall height guide and secure with 1
flat steel washer, lock washer and hex
bolt. See Figure 10.
Minimum Trimming Height
To achieve minimum trimming height (3 cm
(1.2")), install 3 spacers onto hex shaft and
reinstall cutter disc with angled flanges facing
away from unit. See Figure 11.
11.2 cm
4.4"
9.1 cm
3.6"
7.0 cm
2.8"
4.9 cm
1.9"
Figure 10
Figure 11

EN - 13
SET HANDLEBAR HEIGHT
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
See Figure 12.
2. Support upper handlebar, loosen wing
knobs and remove handlebar hardware.
3. Align preferred mounting hole with
desired mounting location.
4. Reinstall handlebar hardware and secure
with wing knobs.
SET TRIMMING ANGLE
Trimming angle is adjustable to three
positions: 15° left, 15° right or straight (0°).
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Loosen swivel head lock and pull
handlebar back slightly disengage lock.
3. Move handlebar left or right to position
trimmer head at desired angle. See
Figure 13.
4. Align lock in swivel frame notch and
tighten wing knob.
EMERGENCY STOPPING
1. Release operator presence control (OPC)
lever
2. Move engine / throttle control lever to
stop position.
3. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
leaving operator’s position.
START THE ENGINE
1. Place engine / throttle control lever in the
slow position.
2. Pull recoil starter handle.
a. Grasp handle and pull rope out slowly
until it pulls harder.
b. Pull handle firmly and quickly with a
rapid, continuous full-arm’s length
stroke. Repeat until engine starts. If
engine does not start, see
Troubleshooting on page 20.
c. Let handle rewind slowly after engine
starts. DO NOT let handle snap back
against engine.
3. Gradually push engine / throttle control
lever forward to fast position.
Figure 12
1. Mounting Hole
2. Mounting Location
1
2
OPERATION
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
Figure 13

EN - 14
OPERATE UNIT
1. Start engine. See Start The Engine on
page 13.
2. Push down on handlebar slightly to lift
height guide off the ground and push unit
to trimming area.
3. Pull operator presence control (OPC)
lever against handlebar and hold position.
4. When trimmer head is rotating at full
speed, push unit into areas to be
trimmed.
5. Release OPC lever to stop trimmer head
when traveling from one work area to
another.
NOTICE: Raise height guide off surfaces
when traveling between work areas to help
prevent height-guide wear.
STOP THE ENGINE
1. Release OPC lever, push handlebar
down slightly and move unit to a clear
area.
2. Slowly lift handlebar to lower height guide
to the ground.
3. Gradually move throttle control lever to
the stop position.
4. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
leaving operator’s position.
TRIMMING TIPS
• Work slowly in areas of dense growth.
• DO NOT push the trimmer into dense
growth too fast.
• Keep the unit clear of grass, dirt and debris.
• Replace trimmer line when line length is
worn to less than 10.2 cm (4.0"). See
Replace Trimmer Line on page 16.
Your Ariens dealer can provide service and
adjustments to keep your unit operating at
peak efficiency. Contact an authorized engine
manufacturer’s service center for engine
service.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
SERVICE PARTS
See your Ariens dealer to purchase service
parts for your unit.
CAUTION: Before use, clean
grass and debris from debris
screen and muffler.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
Service Performed
Each Use
Every
25 hrs. /
Annually
Check Fasteners •
Check Trimmer Lines •
Check Height Guide •
Check Engine Oil** •
Clean Debris Screen *** •
Check Air Filter** / *** •
Change Engine Oil* / ** •
Clean Engine Cooling Fins** •
Check Spark Plug** •
Clean Unit*** •
Lubricate Unit •
* After first 2 hours of operation.
** Refer to engine manual for instructions.
*** More often during extremely dusty or
severe conditions.
Description Part No.
Spark Plug 21602900
Air Filter 21603500
Drive Belt 07236900
18" Trimmer Line (Qty. of 6) 04641800
Height Guide 04627000
Long-Life Height Guide 04630600

EN - 15
SERVICE POSITION
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Empty fuel tank. Leave fuel cap removed
from tank.
3. Center trimming angle. See Set Trimming
Angle on page 13
4. Loosen handlebar wing knobs and rotate
handlebar to vertical position. Tighten
wing knobs. See Figure 14.
5. Rotate unit back onto handlebar and
place supports, such as wood blocks,
under lower handlebar. See Figure 15.
CHECK FASTENERS
Check for loose or missing hardware.
CHECK TRIMMER LINES
Make sure trimmer lines are secured in cutter
disc.
Replace trimmer line when worn to less than
10.2 cm (4.0"). See Replace Trimmer Line on
page 16.
CHECK HEIGHT GUIDE
Height guide wears faster when used on hard
surfaces, such as concrete. Replace height
guide if worn too much or damaged. See
Replace Height Guide on page 17.
CHECK ENGINE OIL
NOTICE: Engine oil MUST remain at correct
level or engine damage may occur. Refer to
engine manual.
CLEAN DEBRIS SCREEN
Clear grass and debris from debris screen.
Refer to engine manual.
NOTICE: A clogged screen will cause the
engine to overheat.
CHECK AIR FILTER
Check air filter and replace if clogged or
damaged. Refer to engine manual.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Refer to engine manual.
CLEAN ENGINE COOLING FINS
Refer to engine manual.
CHECK SPARK PLUG
Refer to engine manual.
CLEAN UNIT
See Storage on page 21.
LUBRICATE UNIT
1. Apply oil to all pivot points and pin
connections.
Lubricate Trimmer Head Assembly
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Place unit in service position. See
Service Position on page 15.
3. Apply grease to grease zerk. See
Figure 16.
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Before placing unit in service
position, drain fuel from tank and
fuel system. (Refer to engine
manual for instructions). Make
sure unit is secure and will not
tip.
Figure 14
Figure 15

EN - 16
REPLACE TRIMMER LINE
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
3. Remove trimmer line from cutter disc.
4. Insert trimmer line through bottom holes
in cutter disc. See Figure 17.
NOTICE: Use only 18" trimmer line (Ariens
p/n 04641800) or equivalent.
5. Cross trimmer lines and insert the ends
through holes in the side of the cutter
disc. See Figure 18.
6. Pull trimmer lines tight.
IMPORTANT: Make sure trimmer line lengths
are equal. Trim if necessary.
SERVICE &
ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
Read and understand the Safety
section before proceeding.
CAUTION: NEVER use wire or
wire-rope in place of the cutting
line. It can break off and become
a dangerous projectile. Use
Ariens Company recommended
flexible, non-metallic line, or
equivalent.
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18

EN - 17
REPLACE HEIGHT GUIDE
See Figure 19.
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Place unit in service position. See
Service Position on page 15.
3. Remove hardware retaining height guide
and remove height guide. See Figure 19.
4. Install new height guide and secure with
original hardware. Torque to 19.5 – 29.3
N•m (14.4 – 21.6 lb-ft).
ADJUST OPC LEVER
If trimmer head malfunctions, the OPC lever
may need adjustment.
If trimmer head rotation does not stop after
the OPC lever is released, decrease cable
tension. If trimmer head does not engage
when OPC lever is pulled against handlebar,
increase cable tension.
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Loosen the jam nuts on the cable
adjustment barrel.
See Figure 20.
3. Adjust cable tension:
• To increase cable tension, loosen upper
jam nut and tighten lower jam nut until
proper tension is achieved. Tighten
upper jam nut.
• To decrease cable tension, loosen
lower jam nut and tighten upper jam nut
until proper tension is achieved. Tighten
lower jam nut.
CAUTION: OPC lever MUST
disengage trimmer head rotation
when released.
Figure 19
Figure 20
Increase Cable
Tension
Decrease Cable
Tension

EN - 18
REPLACE DRIVE BELT
Remove Belt
1. Stop engine and wait for moving parts to
stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Place unit in service position. See
Service Position on page 15.
3. Remove hardware retaining trimmer
shield and remove shield. See Figure 21.
4. Remove hardware retaining trimmer head
assembly and belt finger. Remove
trimmer head assembly, belt finger and
spacers. See Figure 22.
5. Return unit to operating position.
See Figure 23.
6. Position a support, such as a wood block,
under frame front.
7. Remove hardware retaining handlebar
and wheel assembly to frame.
Figure 21
Figure 22
1. Trimmer Head Assembly
2. Belt Finger
3. Spacer
1
2
3
Figure 23