MAINTENANCE

CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding.

Ariens Dealers will provide any service, parts or adjustments which may be required to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency. Should engine require service, contact an Ariens Dealer or an authorized engine manufacturer's service center.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Some working conditions (heavy loads, high ambient temperatures, dusty conditions, or airborne debris) may require more frequent service.

See engine manual for further maintenance and troubleshooting information.

CHECK WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL (self-propelled models)

The unit must stop quickly and completely when the control is released. Adjust or repair if necessary. See WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (self-propelled models) on page 22.

CHECK GRASS BAG (if equipped)

Check grass bag frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace worn or damaged bag with Ariens original equipment replacement bag only.

CLEAN UNIT

Before each use clean unit, muffler and engine surfaces of debris, oil or fuel spills to ensure proper cooling and prevent fires.

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

 

Before

25

 

100

Service Performed

Each

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Engine/Blade

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Wheel Drive

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Grass Bag

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean Unit

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Engine Oil

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Mower Blade

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Drive Belt

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Fasteners

•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Air Cleaner

 

 

 

•

 

 

 

Change Engine Oil

 

•

*•

 

 

 

General Lubrication

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Spark Plug

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

Check Engine

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

Cooling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Muffler

 

 

 

 

 

 

•

*After first 5 Hours of operation.

CHECK ENGINE OIL

IMPORTANT: Maintain proper oil level at all times or engine damage will result.

Check the level of the engine crankcase oil before each use.

Make sure engine is level when checking oil. See engine manual for instructions.

CHECK MOWER BLADE

See Figure 14.

Check blade mounting: blade must be secure and bolt torqued to 37.5 - 50 lbf-ft

(51-68 N•m) (bolt should fully compress lock washer).

Check blade for nicks and dull cutting edges. Sharpen if necessary.

Check blade for rounded or broken ends, thinned metal or other damage. Replace if necessary.

NOTE: Blades should be sharpened and balanced professionally. Contact your Ariens Dealer.

To remove blade:

CHECK ENGINE/BLADE CONTROL

The engine and blade must stop within 3 seconds after releasing the control. If the engine and blade continue to run, adjust or repair control immediately.

1.Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect spark plug wire.

2.Block blade to prevent rotation.

3.Remove bolt, lock washer, flat washer and blade from shaft.

To install blade:

1.Replace blade, flat washer, lock washer and bolt on shaft.

2.Torque bolt to 37.5 - 50 lbf-ft

(51-68 N•m) (bolt should fully compress lock washer).

3.Connect spark plug wire.

GB - 17