Walk Behind Lawn Mower Owner/Operator Manual Manuel Du Propriétaire/Utilisateur Model 911160 – LM21 Classic 911182 – LM21 Classic 911183 – LM21S Classic 911184 – LM21SW Classic ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 04056700 2/10 Printed in USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Controls and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Service Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Maintenance. . . . . . . . .
DEALER DELIVERY • Record Unit Model and Serial numbers here: • Record Engine Model & Serial numbers here: PRODUCT REGISTRATION The Ariens dealer must register the product at the time of purchase. Registering the product will help the company process warranty claims or contact you with the latest service information. All claims meeting requirements during the limited warranty period will be honored, whether or not the product registration card is returned.
SAFETY CAUTION: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION! If not avoided, MAY RESULT in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices. WARNING: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the safety instructions in the manuals and on decals could result in serious injury or death. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution.
SAFETY DECALS AND LOCATIONS ALWAYS replace missing or damaged safety decals. Refer to Figure 2 for safety decal locations. 1 • Go across slopes, not up and down. • Look down and behind before and while moving backward. • Do not park on a slope unless chocked or blocked. • Do not allow operation of machine by untrained personnel. 3 2. DANGER! KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY Do not operate mower unless guards are in operating position or bagger is attached. 3.
Keep away from drop-offs, ditches, or embankments that could cause operator to lose footing or control of unit. ALWAYS be aware of traffic when operating along streets or curbs. Keep work area clear of all persons, children and pets. Keep children out of the work area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult. ALWAYS operate unit when there is good visibility and light. DO NOT mow wet grass. ALWAYS be sure of your footing. Keep a firm hold on handlebar. Walk, NEVER run.
DO NOT mow at too fast a rate. DO NOT change engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Do not operate mower on gravel or loose material such as sand. Stop mower when crossing drives, walks, or roads to prevent damage or injury from thrown objects. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Look down and back, especially for small children, before and while moving backwards. On self-propelled models, releasing wheel drive control must stop mower’s forward movement.
Accidental engine start up can cause death or serious injury. Except where specifically recommended, ALWAYS stop engine, remove key (electric start models), wait for moving parts to stop, allow parts to cool and disconnect spark plug wire before inspecting, servicing, adjusting or repairing unit. Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Keep equipment in good condition. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding. CARTON CONTENTS 1 2 3 6 1. Unfold and adjust handlebar. See HANDLEBAR HEIGHT on page 20. NOTE: DO NOT bend the speed control rod (if equipped) when unfolding the handlebars. 2. Fill engine crankcase with oil. See engine manual. 3. Set-up mower for bagging, side discharge or mulching. See MOWER SET-UP on page 14. 4. Fill fuel tank. See FILLING THE FUEL TANK on page 14. 5. Connect spark plug wire. 6.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES 1 2 3 5 4 19 6 2 1 7 18 13 12 17 3 11 5 19 6 8 7 18 9 10 12 17 11 8 14 13 11 16 15 7 10 14 11 9 OM3195 Figure 4 1. Engine/Blade Control 2. Wheel Drive Control (911183, 184) 3. Adjustable and Folding Handlebars 4. Swivel Wheel Lock (911184) 5. Grass Bag 6. Rear Door 7. Fuel Tank and Cap 8. Height Adjustment Pins (911184) 9. Muffler and Muffler Guard 10. Oil Fill/Dipstick 11. Cutting Height Levers (2 Rear Wheel Adjusters, 2 Front Wheel Adjusters) 12.
OPERATION CONTROLS AND FEATURES Handlebar See Figure 4 for locations. Adjust handlebar to a safe and comfortable height. See HANDLEBAR HEIGHT on page 20. WARNING: Improper operation can lead to injury. Learn what the controls do and how they work. Thoroughly read and understand entire Operator Manual. Recoil Starter Handle When pulled, handle will turn engine over. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT DANGER: Avoid injury from rotating blade. ALWAYS shut off engine before adjusting cutting height.
Standard Models To change cutting height, move cutting height levers one notch at a time on each wheel to set desired height (Figure 5). NOTE: Each wheel on mower must be set at the same height for a level cut. Rear Low Swivel Wheel Models (911184) To change front wheel cutting height, insert height adjuster pin into the holes that match the desired cutting height and fasten with key ring (Figure 6).
Speed Control (self-propelled models) Wheel Drive Control (self-propelled models) Speed control rod changes the mower’s forward travel speeds. CAUTION: Unit will move forward at engine start if wheel drive control is engaged. ALWAYS release wheel drive control before starting unit. Fast –Push rod all the way forward. NOTE: Engine must be running for wheel drive to propel unit. To drive forward: Slowly squeeze and hold wheel drive control against handlebar. To stop: Release wheel drive control.
Fuel Stabilizer Unlock - Wheel Swivels Gasoline left in the fuel system for extended periods without a stabilizer will deteriorate, resulting in gum deposits in the system. These deposits can damage the carburetor and the fuel hoses, filter and tank. Prevent deposits from forming in the fuel system during storage by adding a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel. Follow the recommended mix ratio found on the fuel stabilizer container.
To Bag 4. Remove side discharge cover and keep hardware. 5. Attach side discharge deflector to studs on mower. Make sure deflector covers discharge opening. 6. Secure with cover hardware from step 4. CAUTION: Check grass bag frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace worn or damaged bag with Ariens original equipment replacement bag only. Side Discharge Deflector 1. Shut off unit. 2. Install side discharge cover. Figure 9 To Mulch Side Discharge Cover Figure 8 3. Lift rear door. 4.
EMERGENCY STOPPING Shut Off 1. Release wheel drive control and allow unit to stop completely (self-propelled models). 2. Release engine/blade control. To stop the mower in an emergency: 1. Release the engine/blade control. 2. Release the wheel drive control (selfpropelled models). 3. Allow all moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position. Mowing Tips STARTING AND SHUT OFF WARNING: Improper operation can lead to injury. Learn what the controls do and how they work.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 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.
CHECK WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL Sharpen the Mower Blades (Self-Propelled Models) CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen mower blades while on unit. An imbalanced mower blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to unit. Check mower blade balance before reinstalling blades. NEVER weld or straighten bent blades. The unit must stop quickly and completely when the control is released. Adjust or repair if necessary. See WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT on page 22.
3. Check mower blade balance. Slide mower blade on an unthreaded bolt. A balanced blade should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of mower blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until blade is balanced (Figure 12). 4. Install mower blade on unit. 5. Tighten the bolts to a torque of 37.5 50 lbf-ft (51-68 N•m). GENERAL LUBRICATION Swivel Wheels (911184) See Figure 13. Use Mix Hi-Temp Grease or equivalent on the lube fittings. Order P/N: 00036800 - 3 pack of 3 oz. cartridges.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding. (Self-Propelled Models) SERVICE POSITION Put unit into service position for easy access to underneath the deck. CAUTION: Avoid fuel spills. Follow steps below to help prevent fuel spills. If fuel leaks into air cleaner, replace air cleaner. ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel. 1. Place unit on a flat, level surface. 2. Disconnect spark plug wire. 3.
ENGINE/BLADE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (911184) 5. Tighten upper cable nut until bracket is secure between cable nuts. To adjust engine/blade control: 1. Loosen cable nuts away from bracket. OM1030 6. Engage engine/blade control. Measure distance between middle of z-bend and cable bracket. Measurement should be as shown below. Kawasaki Engines: 1.125"-1.375" (2.8 cm - 3.5 cm) OM1051 OM1010 2. Squeeze z-bend bracket at engine end of cable toward front of unit and hold in place. OM1040 3.
WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT To increase the gap, loosen the lower cable nut. (Self-Propelled Models) See Figure 16. NOTE: When the wheel drive control is disengaged, the gap between the friction disc and the aluminum drive plate should be approximately .030" (0.7mm). See Figure 16. Friction Disc Aluminum Drive Plate Approx. .030" (0.7mm) Figure 16 Check the adjustment with the engine off and with the engine on: 1.
To decrease the gap between the friction disc and the aluminum drive plate: 1. Loosen the upper cable nut on the wheel drive control cable, and then tighten the lower cable nut against the adjuster bracket. See Figure 18. To decrease the gap, loosen the upper cable nut. SPEED CONTROL BELL CRANK (Self-Propelled Models) The speed control bell crank holds the speed control rod in position after a speed has been set. The spring washers may become loose with normal wear.
STORAGE Fuel System CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding. IMPORTANT: NEVER spray unit with highpressure water or store unit outdoors. Store mower in a cool, dry, protected location. Cleaning Clean unit thoroughly with mild soap and low pressure water. Brush off dirt and debris from all surfaces. Touch up all scratched surfaces to prevent rust. Matching touch-up paint is available from your Ariens Dealer. Do not use abrasives, solvents, or harsh cleaners.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTION Engine will not start 1. Fuel tank empty or low. Engine is difficult to restart 1. Mower clogged with grass. 1. Clear clippings from under mower. (Allow the mower to clear clippings before shutting off engine.) Cut is poor 1. Worn blade. 1. Check blade (see CHECK MOWER BLADE on page 18). 2. Raise cutting height. 2. Spark plug wire loose or off. 3. Engine/Blade control cable detached, broken, or not adjusted properly. 2.
SERVICE PARTS ACCESSORIES Always use genuine Ariens parts to keep your mower running like new. See your authorized Ariens Dealer to add these optional accessories.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number 911183 911184 911160 911182 Description LM21S LM21SW LM21 LM21 99 (44.9) 99 (44.9) Length - in. (cm) 61.5 (156) Height - in. (cm) 38 (96.5) Width - in. (cm) Actual Weight - lbs (kg) 23 (58.4) 109 (49.4) 125 (56.7) Cutting Width- in. (cm) 21 (53.3) Cutting Height - in. (cm) Engine, 4 cycle 6 Positions: 1.00 - 3.25 (2.5 - 8.
Two-Year Limited Lawn and Garden Warranty This warranty statement applies only to 21-Inch Walk Behind Lawn Mowers, Wide Area Walks, AMP Wide Area Walks, Tillers, String Trimmers, Log Splitters, Edgers and Power Brushes Ariens Company (Ariens) warrants to the original purchaser that Ariens and Gravely brand consumer products manufactured and sold by Ariens will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years after the date of purchase.
To find an Ariens or Gravely authorized service representative, contact Ariens at: 655 W. Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110 (920) 756 - 2141 www.ariens.com www.gravely.com Exceptions and Limitations • Batteries are warranted only for a period of 12 months after date of purchase, on a prorated basis. For the first 90 days of the warranty period, a defective battery will be replaced free of charge.
Ariens Company 655 West Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110-1072 920-756-2141 Fax 920-756-2407 www.ariens.
