Apex Operator’s Manual Manuel du Utilisateur Models 991151 – Apex 60 (SN 000101 +) 991153 – Apex 48 (SN 000101 +) 991155 – Apex 52 (SN 000101 +) 991157 – Apex 60 (SN 000101 +) 991173 – Apex 48 (SN 000101 +) 991175 – Apex 52 (SN 000101 +) 991177 – Apex 60 (SN 000101 +) E10 ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 05128800B • 6/17 Printed in USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Practices & Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emission Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . Required Operator Training . . . . . . . . . . Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ASSEMBLY . . . .
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 • ariens.custhelp.com A parts manual for your unit is available for free download or purchase at ariens.com.
SAFETY WARNING: AVOID INJURY. 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. 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.
. Important ALWAYS replace missing or damaged safety decals. Replacement decal part numbers are found in the parts manual for your machine and may be ordered from your dealer. See Figure 2 for safety decal locations. 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 Decal Descriptions 3. DANGER! 1. DANGER! Discharge Hazard NEVER operate unit without discharge chute in operating position. Thrown objects can cause injury or damage. DANGER! Read and understand the operator’s manual before operating unit. DO NOT operate mower unless all guards are in operating position or bagger is attached. 3.1 Amputation Hazard To avoid amputation hazard DO NOT put hands near rotating blades. 2.
3.3 Tipping Hazard Look behind when operating the unit in reverse. Avoid tipping hazard. 3.6 Loss of Traction Hazard 15 15 DO NOT operate on slopes over 15°. If loss of traction is experienced do the following: DO NOT operate on slopes over 15°. Disengage PTO. 3.4 Service Hazard Proceed off slope slowly. Before servicing unit do the following: DO NOT try to turn or speed up. Read owners manual before servicing or making adjustments to unit. 4.
SAFETY RULES 7. DANGER! The following safety instructions are based on the B71.1 specifications of the American National Standards Institute and ISO 5395 in effect at the time of production. DANGER! Training Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. No smoking. Be sure the area is clear of bystanders and pets before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
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 mowing activity. NEVER assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area. Before and while backing, look behind and down for small children. NEVER carry children, even with the blade(s) shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
NEVER direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces. Check for weak spots on docks, ramps or floors. Avoid uneven work areas and rough terrain. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. NEVER engage PTO when attachment, including mower blades, is not in use. ALWAYS turn off power to attachment when not in active use such as traveling or crossing driveways.
DO NOT park on slopes unless necessary. When parking on slope ALWAYS chock or block wheels. ALWAYS set parking brake. 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. Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop or shift while on a slope. DO NOT mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or if the edge caves in.
No flames, No sparks, No smoking near battery. Transporting Unit ALWAYS wear safety glasses and protective gear near battery. Use insulated tools. ALWAYS keep batteries out of reach of children. Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle.
ASSEMBLY WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. 5. Remove two eccentric spacers, two round head square neck bolts and two locking nuts from hardware bag. 6. Rotate steering levers to operating position and install eccentric spacer between steering lever plates. Secure with hardware. See Figure 5. 1. Remove wrap and packaging materials from unit. 2. Remove unit from shipping container. See Move Unit Manually on page 18. 3. Return seat to operating position.
9. Remove battery from unit and charge. See Charge Battery on page 24. 10. Make sure deck is level. See Level and Pitch Mower Deck on page 35. 11. Ensure all hardware is tight.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES 25 1 23 24 18 15 16 13 22 2 12 17 14 21 19 20 6 Model 991151 991177 Models 991153 991155 991157 991173 991175 10 11 7 6 9 3 3 4 5 5 8 4 Figure 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Fuel Tank and Cap Fuel Level Window Oil Filter Oil Drain Engine Oil Dipstick Air Filter Ignition Key Choke Control Knob (Models 991151, 177) 9. Throttle Control Lever 10. Power Take-off (PTO) Knob 11. Hour Meter 12. Height-of-Cut Adjustment System 13. Transport Lock Release Lever 14. 15. 16. 17.
THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. See Figure 9. Controls engine speed. See Figure 6 for all controls and features locations. Fast IGNITION KEY See Figure 7. Controls power to the engine. The key cannot be removed when in run position. Slow On Off C Figure 9 Start POWER-TAKE-OFF (PTO) KNOB See Figure 10. Controls power to mower blades. The engine will not start with the PTO knob in the on position. WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
TRANSPORT LOCK RELEASE LEVER Brake Engaged (On) See Figure 11. Releases deck from transport lock position. Brake Released (Off) Figure 11 DECK LIFT PEDAL Raises mower deck to change height-of-cut setting. SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER Unlocks seat to allow operator to move seat forward or backward and then lock in desired position. PARKING BRAKE LEVER See Figure 12. Controls the parking brake. The engine will not start with brake in the off position.
ANTI-SCALP ROLLERS Help prevent the deck from contacting the ground and scalping the lawn when passing over a high spot. 2 OPERATION WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. 1 IMPORTANT: 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. EMERGENCY STOPPING 1. 2. 3. 4. Move steering levers to neutral position. Set parking brake. Push PTO knob down to off position.
OPERATE UNIT For Best Mowing Results 1. Release parking brake. • • • • • WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Move the steering levers slowly and keep the throttle at slow speed until you learn how to operate the unit. • • • 2. Set throttle to slow speed. 3. Pull PTO knob up to on position. IMPORTANT: Never engage the PTO if the mower is plugged with grass or other material. This may cause damage to the electric clutch. • • • 4. Move throttle control lever to fast. 5. Move steering levers to begin mowing.
MOVE UNIT MANUALLY TRANSPORT UNIT Bypass the transaxles to move the unit with the engine off. See Figure 14. 1. Push deck lift pedal completely forward to engage transport lock. Release pedal. 2. Move unit to transport vehicle. 3. Stop engine, engage parking brake, remove key from ignition. 4. Secure mower frame to transport vehicle. IMPORTANT: There is one transaxle bypass lever on each side of unit. Ensure that both levers are fully in front or rear position. 1.
SERVICE PARTS See your Ariens dealer to purchase service parts for your unit. Description Figure 16 Every 400 hrs. Every 100 hrs. Every 25 hrs. Every 50 hrs.
HOUR / MAINTENANCE METER CHECK SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM Hour Meter-only Models Check function of the Safety Interlock System by performing the tests below. Contact your Ariens dealer for repair if any of the tests fail. Hour meter measures engine runtime and cannot be reset. Maintenance Models See Figure 17. When the key is in the on position, the Timer mode displays. Press the Mode button to toggle between different modes. Timer: Measures engine runtime until reset.
Lubricate Seat WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible. • DO NOT inflate tires above the recommended pressure. • DO NOT inflate tires with a compressor; use a hand pump. • DO NOT stand in front of tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side. • DO NOT mount a tire without proper equipment and experience. See Figure 19. 1. Place unit in service position. See Service Position on page 18. 2.
Remove Blades 1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 2. Disconnect spark plug wires. See Figure 20. 3. Remove hardware securing blades to spindles and remove blades. Retain all hardware for reinstallation. DO NOT sharpen to this pattern. 1 2 Sharpen to this pattern. 1 2 3 DISCARD if more than 1.3 cm (1/2") 4 1 1. 2. 3. 4. Cutting Edge Square Corner Air Lift Erosion Air Lift 1. Mower Blade 2.
BATTERY SERVICE WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. 4. Remove T bracket from upper slots in hold-down brackets. Retain for reinstallation. 5. Remove battery. Clean Battery 1. Clean terminals and battery cable ends with a wire brush. 2. Coat terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.
Charge Battery Check battery with a voltmeter. If battery is less than 11 volts, charge battery. NOTICE: DO NOT fast charge. Charging at a higher rate damages or destroys the battery. ONLY use an automatic charger designed for use with your battery. NOTICE: Always follow information provided on battery by battery manufacturer. Contact battery manufacturer for detailed information about charging. 1. Remove battery from unit. See Remove Battery on page 23. 2.
Purge Hydraulic System Purge air from hydraulic system after draining oil or changing the filter. WARNING: AVOID INJURY. This adjustment requires operating the engine. Use extreme care to avoid contact with moving parts and hot surfaces. Be sure rear of unit is well supported and secure before starting engine. Figure 25 6. Wipe filter-mounting surface clean. 7. Lubricate rubber gasket on new oil filter with clean hydraulic oil. 8.
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. ADJUST SEAT See Figure 26. 1. Pull seat adjustment lever up to unlock seat. 2. Move seat to desired position. 3. Release seat adjustment lever to lock seat in place. Figure 27 4. Adjust steering lever position. See Adjust Steering Levers on page 26. 5. Turn eccentric spacer so levers are at the same height and have a 1.3 cm – 2.5 cm (1/2" – 1") gap between lever ends. See Figure 28.
8. Loosen mounting hardware, align levers and tighten hardware. See Figure 29. • If increasing tire pressure does not correct tracking, adjust the limiter bolts as directed below. Adjust Limiter Bolts See Figure 30. Limiter bolts can be adjusted to increase or decrease drive wheel speeds. To adjust: 1. Loosen jam nut. • Turn limiter bolt counterclockwise to increase maximum drive wheel speed on that side. • Turn limiter bolt clockwise to reduce maximum drive wheel speed on that side. 2. Tighten jam nut.
3. Chock front wheels and support unit so both drive wheels are off the ground. 4. Remove drive wheels. 5. Start engine, move throttle lever to fast position and release parking brake. 6. Move steering levers forward and backward 5 or 6 times and then return levers to neutral position. 7. Check hubs for rotation. • If there is only slight rotation, stop engine, reinstall wheels and lower unit to ground. • If there is excessive rotation, adjust neutral position as directed below. 12 21 1.
Replace Relay See Figure 33. NOTICE: Relays are interchangeable. Use only quality replacement parts. See Service Parts on page 19. 1. Remove defective relay. 2. Determine cause of relay failure and repair condition. 3. Install new relay. Figure 34 CAUTION: Use care when releasing idler spring tension. Keep body parts away from idlers when performing this operation. See Figure 35. 4. Slowly remove spring hook from anchor bolt to release tension from belt idler. 5. Remove PTO belt.
Remove Mower Drive Belt Install Mower Drive Belt 1. Remove PTO belt. See Remove PTO Belt on page 29. 1. Install mower drive belt around bottom groove of split pulley at deck center and around bottom groove of right spindle pulley. See Figure 37. 2. Reinstall idler spring hook around anchor bolt to apply tension to belt. CAUTION: Use care when releasing idler spring tension. Keep body parts away from idlers when performing this operation. See Figure 36. 2.
1 4 3 4 2 3 1 1 2 Figure 38 1. 2. 3. 4. Idler Pulley Split Pulley Left Spindle Pulley PTO Belt Figure 38 1. 2. 3. 4. Spring Anchor Bolt Transaxle Idler Transaxle Drive Belt Figure 39 IMPORTANT: Make sure belts are correctly aligned in pulleys. See Figure 40. 4. Remove hardware securing clutch stop bracket to frame and remove bracket. 5. Reinstall belt covers and secure with original hardware. NOTICE: DO NOT cut cable tie. REPLACE TRANSAXLE DRIVE BELT Remove Transaxle Drive Belt 1.
5. Remove transaxle drive belt from drive system in the following order: a. From right transaxle sheave. b. From left transaxle sheave. c. From clutch sheave. 4. Reinstall clutch stop bracket and secure with original hardware. See Figure 42. Install Transaxle Drive Belt See Figure 41. 1. Install transaxle drive belt to drive system in the following order: a. Around clutch sheave. b. Around left transaxle sheave. c. Around right transaxle sheave. 2. Align belt with idler pulley. 3.
ADJUST ANTI-SCALP ROLLERS See Figure 44. The anti-scalp rollers are set at the factory for typical mowing height, but can be adjusted for high or low cutting conditions. Make sure all rollers are set to the same height. 1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 2. Remove hardware securing anti-scalp rollers to deck and remove rollers. 3.
5. Slowly disconnect lift-assist springs from spring peg on each side of deck. See Figure 46. 2 1 Figure 48 8. Remove deck from under unit. 1. Lift-Assist Spring 2. Spring Peg Figure 46 Install Deck 6. Remove hardware retaining drag links to frame. See Figure 47. 1. Position deck under unit. See Figure 49. 2. Reinstall drag links to frame with original hardware. 3. Secure deck lift links to deck lift brackets with original hardware. Figure 49 Figure 47 7.
LEVEL AND PITCH MOWER DECK Level Mower Deck IMPORTANT: Make sure unit is on a flat, level surface and that tires are inflated to the recommended pressures. Check Blade Level and Pitch 1. Raise deck to 3 1/2" (8.9 cm) cutting height. 2. Stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 3. Engage parking brake. See Figure 50. 4. Position mower blades so ends point left to right across the width of the deck. 5.
Adjust Blade Pitch IMPORTANT: Side-to-side deck heights MUST remain level even after completing pitch adjustment. IMPORTANT: Pitching the front of the blades lower than the rear provides a balance between cut quality and the power needed to cut grass. Certain cutting conditions require the deck rear to be pitched lower than the front. Positioning the deck this way requires more engine power but can provide better cut quality. 1. Increase forward pitch: a. Loosen jam nuts against all deckleveling links. b.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Probable Cause Safety Interlock System is not engaged or is faulty. Correction Check Safety Interlock System. See Check Safety Interlock System on page 20. Fuel tank is empty. Fill fuel tank. See Before Operating Unit on page 16. Fuel supply is contaminated. Replace with clean fuel. Battery is discharged. Charge battery. See Install U1 Battery on Engine does page 23. not start. Connection between battery and Tighten and/or clean battery and battery battery cables is poor. cables.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Poor cutting quality. Blades do not stop within 5 seconds. Probable Cause Correction Mower blades not level or mower Level and adjust pitch of mower deck. deck pitch is incorrect. See Level and Pitch Mower Deck on page 35. Mower blades are dull or faulty. Sharpen or replace mower blades. See Sharpen Blades on page 22. Mowing speed is too fast. Drive slower when cutting grass. Belt tension or condition is poor. Replace mower belts. See Check Mower Belts on page 24.
START-OF-SEASON PREPARATION STORAGE 1. Before adding fuel for the first time after long-term storage, add fresh, stabilizertreated fuel to fuel tank and any fuel containers with remaining fuel. 2. Charge and install the battery. SHORT-TERM STORAGE IMPORTANT: NEVER wash unit with highpressure water or store outdoors. 1. Allow unit to cool and clean with mild soap and water. 2. Tighten all hardware to correct specifications. 3. Inspect unit for visible signs of wear or damage. Repair as needed. 4.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number 991151 991153 991155 991157 Description Apex 60 Apex 48 Apex 52 Apex 60 Engine Kawasaki FR730 Kohler 7000 Kohler 7000 Kohler 7000 Pro Pro Pro Engine Displacement – cm3 (in3) 726 (44.3) 725.0 (44.2) Maximum RPM – No Load 3600 ± 100 Oil Capacity 3600 ± 75 Refer to engine manual. Liquid or Air Cooled Air Transmission Type Hydrostatic Drive Oil 15W-50 synthetic motor oil Hydraulic Oil Filter Yes Drive Forward Maximum – km/h (mph) 12.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description Engine 991173 991175 991177 Apex 48 CARB Apex 52 CARB Apex 60 CARB Kawasaki FR730 Kohler 7000 Pro Kohler 7000 Pro Engine Displacement – cm3 (in3) Maximum RPM – No Load 725.0 (44.2) 726 (44.3) 3600 ± 75 3600 ± 100 Oil Capacity Refer to engine manual. Liquid or Air Cooled Air Transmission Type Hydrostatic Drive Oil 15W-50 synthetic motor oil Hydraulic Oil Filter Yes Drive Forward Maximum – km/h (mph) 12.9 (8) Reverse Maximum – km/h (mph) 6.
Consumer Mowing Equipment Limited Warranty Warr Ariens Company (Ariens) warrants to the original purchaser that Ariens, Gravely and Countax brand lawn and garden consumer products purchased on or after 9/1/2016 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the time period noted in the chart below.
• Promptly notify Ariens or an authorized Ariens, Gravely or Countax service representative of the need for warranty service. • Transport the product to and from the place of warranty service at owner's expense. • Have the warranty service performed by an authorized Ariens, Gravely or Countax service representative. To Find an Authorized Service Representative: In the U.S. and Canada: Use the dealer locator on our websites: www.ariens.com • www.gravely.com Or contact us by mail or by phone: In the U.S.
655 West Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110 ariensstore.com ariens.custhelp.com parts.ariens.
