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For ease of access to bottom of unit during service
procedures, your riding mower may be driven up on
ramps or tipped up onto bagger attachment service bar
and braced securely. (For uni ts without a bagger
attachment, a service bar package is available through
your Ariens Dealer).
5.2 ENGINE OIL
See engine manufacturer’s instructions for proper type,
viscosity and amount required.
The engine crankcase oil should be checked daily or
every five (5) hours of operation. Oil level MUST be
maintained in safe operating range on dipstick at all
times or engine damage will result.
1. Clean all debris away from around oil cap.
2. Remove oil cap and dipstick. Wipe oil off dipstick
with a clean cloth.
3. Replace dipstick until cap bottoms on tube.
Remove dipstick again and observe oil level. Oil
should be at the Full (F) mark.
4. If low, add oil and bring up to the Full (F) mark. DO
NOT over fill. Oil level must not exceed Full (F)
mark.
5. Replace dipstick and cap.
6. Clean up any spilled oil.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill. Be sure engine is level
when adding oil.
5.3 CHANGING OIL
IMPORTANT: Change engine crankcase oil after first
two (2) hours of operation. Thereafter, change oil every
twenty five hours of operation (more often in dusty dirty
conditions).
NOTE: Run engine just prior to changing oil. Oil will
flow more freely and carry away more contamination
when warm.
1. Drain engine crankcase by removing oil drain plug.
After oil has drained, replace plug.
2. Remove oil fill cap and dipstick.
3. Pouring slowly, fill crankcase with oil. (See
specifications).
4. Check oil level with dipstick. Replace dipstick and
retighten cap.
5.4 AIR CLEANER
IMPORTANT: Never run engine without complete air
cleaner installed on engine.

Foam Filter

Inspect filter every twenty-five (25) operating hours
(more often if unit is used under extremely dirty or
dusty conditions).
1. Wash in water and detergent solution and squeeze
(don’t twist) until all dirt is removed.
2. Rinse thoroughly in clear water.
3. Wrap in a clean cloth and squeeze (do not twist)
until completely dry.
4. Saturate with engine oil and squeeze (do not twist)
to distribute oil and remove excess oil.

Paper Filter

Do not attempt to clean or oil filter. Replace once a
year or every 100 operating hours, more often if used
in extremely dusty conditions.
Clean inside of cover and body of filter holder. Replace
filter and cover and secure.
WARNING: Stop engine, remove key and
wait for moving parts to stop before
attempting any service procedures.
CAUTION: DO NOT touch engine or riding
mower parts which are hot from operation.
Allow such parts to cool before servicing unit.
CAUTION: DO NOT tip unit up onto service
bar without draining enough gasoline from
tank to avoid spilling gasoline. On electric
start models, remove battery to prevent
spillage of electrolyte.
WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable and
must be handled with care.
Figure 14
1. Cover
2. Filter Element
3. Paper Element
4. Body
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