Apex Operator’s Manual Manuel du Utilisateur Models 991151 – Apex 60 (SN 015000 +) 991153 – Apex 48 (SN 015000 +) 991155 – Apex 52 (SN 015000 +) 991157 – Apex 60 (SN 015000 +) 991173 – Apex 48 CARB (SN 015000 +) 991175 – Apex 52 CARB (SN 015000 +) 991177 – Apex 60 CARB (SN 015000 +) E10 ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 05168800A • 9/17 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.
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. 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 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 2. DANGER! To avoid amputation hazard DO NOT put hands near rotating blades.
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. 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. NEVER overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. 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.
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. Transporting Unit Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle.
ASSEMBLY 6. Rotate steering levers to operating position and install eccentric spacer between steering lever plates. Secure with hardware. See Figure 5. WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. 2 1. Remove wrap and packaging materials from unit. 2. Remove unit from shipping container. See Move Unit Manually on page 16. 3. Return seat to operating position. See Figure 3. 1 3 1. Eccentric Spacer 2. Steering Lever 3. Steering Lever Plate Figure 5 Figure 3 4.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES 18 16 1 13 14 12 19 25 21 15 2 Models 991153, 991155, 991157, 991173, 991175 7 11 9 17 6 10 20 8 24 5 6 6 4 Models 991151, 991177 23 22 3 5 3 4 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, 991177) 9. Throttle Control Lever 10. Power Take-off (PTO) Knob 11. Hour Meter 12. Height-of-Cut Adjustment System 13. Transport Lock Release Lever Figure 6 14.
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 C Off 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. Figure 12 PARKING BRAKE LEVER SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM See Figure 12. Controls the parking brake. The engine will not start with brake in the off position.
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. 2 EMERGENCY STOPPING 1. 2. 3. 4. Move steering levers to neutral position. Set parking brake. Push PTO knob down to off position. Turn ignition key to off position and remove key. BEFORE OPERATING UNIT 1. Deck Lift Pedal 2.
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.
RELEASE TRANSPORT LOCK 1. Push deck lift pedal forward and lift transport lock release lever. 2. Slowly return mower lift pedal to resting position. MAINTENANCE WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. Proper maintenance can prolong the life of unit. The Maintenance Schedule on page 18 shows the recommended service schedule. Your Ariens dealer can provide service and adjustments to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency.
SERVICE PARTS See your Ariens dealer to purchase service parts for your unit. Description Figure 16 Every 400 hrs. Every 50 hrs. Every 100 hrs. Every 25 hrs.
Description Fuel Stabilizer – 118 ml (4 oz.) • Except Canada • For Canada only Qty. Part No. AR 04730400 04742500 HOUR / MAINTENANCE METER Hour Meter-only Models Hour meter measures engine runtime and cannot be reset. 1. Mode Button 1 Figure 17 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.
CHECK ENGINE OIL CHECK FASTENERS NOTICE: Engine oil level must be maintained at correct level or engine damage may occur. Refer to engine manual. Check for loose or missing hardware. LUBRICATE UNIT 1. Apply oil to all pivot points and pin connections. 2. Pump grease into grease fittings. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE See Specifications on page 39 for recommended tire pressure. Lubricate Seat WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible.
3. Remove hardware securing blades to spindles and remove blades. Retain all hardware for reinstallation. See Figure 20. DO NOT sharpen to this pattern. 1 2 Sharpen to this pattern. 1 3 DISCARD if more than 1.3 cm (1/2") Figure 20 Sharpen Blades 1. 2. 3. 4. CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen blades while attached to unit. 1. Remove blades. Discard blades if: • More than 1.3 cm (1/2") of metal is removed. • Air lifts are eroded. • Blades are bent or broken. 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 22. 2.
3. Support unit so drive wheels are off the ground. 4. Bypass transaxles. See Move Unit Manually on page 16. 5. Start the engine and slowly move steering levers forward and backward 5 or 6 times. 6. Stop engine. 7. Return transaxle bypass levers to operating position. See Move Unit Manually on page 16. 8. Start engine. 9. Slowly move steering levers forward and backward 5 or 6 times. 10. Stop engine, lower unit to ground and check oil level. Add oil if needed. 11.
ADJUST STEERING LEVERS Adjust Height The steering lever height may be adjusted for operator comfort. See Figure 27. 1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 2. Remove steering lever hardware and remove steering lever from lower control arm. 3. Position steering lever at desired height and align with lower control arm. Secure with original hardware. Figure 28 If there is more than 3.
Adjust Forward Position The steering lever forward position may be adjusted for operator comfort. 1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 2. Loosen mounting hardware on steering lever assemblies. 3. Place steering levers in desired position: • Gently push levers forward for greater distance from operator. • Gently pull levers back for closer distance to operator. 4. Tighten hardware.
Adjust Neutral Position If wheel hub has excessive rotation after checking for excessive creep, adjust neutral position. 1. Loosen the return-to-neutral screw on the transaxle. See Figure 31. 6. Check wheel hubs for rotation. • If there is only slight rotation, stop engine, reinstall wheels, return unit to operating position and advance to Adjust Parking Brake Lever na straně 32. • If there is excessive rotation, repeat steps 1 – 6. IMPORTANT: Torque wheel lug nuts to 81.3 N•m – 122.
REPLACE MOWER BELTS CAUTION: Damage or worn belts may result in injury and / or damage to the unit. Check belts for excessive wear or cracks often. 3 4 Remove PTO Belt 1. Place unit in service position. See Service Position on page 17. 2. Position mower deck at lowest cutting height. 3. Remove hardware securing belt covers to deck and remove belt covers. See Figure 34. 2 1 1. 2. 3. 4. Spring Anchor Bolt PTO Belt PTO Belt Idler Figure 35 Remove Mower Drive Belt 1. Remove PTO belt.
Models 991151, 991155, 991157, 991175, 991177 Install Mower Drive Belt See Figure 38 and Figure 39. 1. Install mower drive belt around bottom groove of split pulley at deck center and around bottom groove of right spindle pulley. 2. Reinstall idler spring hook around anchor bolt to apply tension to belt.
Install PTO Belt IMPORTANT: Mower drive belt MUST be installed before PTO belt. 1. Install PTO belt around clutch sheave at rear of unit. See Figure 40. 2. Install PTO belt around top groove of split pulley at deck center and around left spindle pulley. 3. Align belt with idler pulleys. 4. Reinstall idler spring hook around anchor bolt to apply tension to belt. 4 3 1 2 1. 2. 3. 4. Spring Anchor Bolt Transaxle Idler Transaxle Drive Belt Figure 41 See Figure 42. 4.
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 44. Install Transaxle Drive Belt See Figure 43. 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 WHEELS See Figure 46. The anti-scalp wheels are set at the factory for typical mowing height, but can be adjusted for high or low cutting conditions. Make sure all wheels are set to the same height. 1. Place unit in service position. See Service Position on page 17. 2. Remove hardware securing anti-scalp wheels to deck and remove wheels. 3. Position wheels as necessary: • For a very high cutting height, set the anti-scalp wheels in the lowest position on the bracket.
6. Remove hardware retaining drag links to frame. See Figure 49. Install Deck 1. Position deck under unit. See Figure 51. 2. Reinstall drag links to frame with original hardware. 3. Secure deck lift links to deck lift brackets with original hardware. Figure 49 7. Remove hardware retaining deck lift links to deck lift brackets. See Figure 50. Figure 51 4. Reinstall PTO belt. See Install PTO Belt on page 30. 5. Reconnect lift-assist springs to spring pegs. 6. Level the deck.
d. Tighten jam nuts against deckleveling links. Raise Lower Figure 52 1 See Figure 53. 6. Position mower blades so ends point front to back and measure the following: • At the front of the deck, measure the distance between the ground and the cutting edge of the middle blade. • At the rear of the deck, measure the distance between the ground and the cutting edge of the left and the right blades. 2 3 1. Adjustment Bolt 2. Jam Nut 3.
c. Turn rear adjustment bolts counterclockwise to lower deck rear. d. Check adjustment. See Check Blade Level and Pitch on page 33. e. Tighten jam nuts against deckleveling links.
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 19. Fuel tank is empty. Fill fuel tank. See Before Operating Unit on page 15. Fuel supply is contaminated. Replace with clean fuel. Battery is discharged. Charge battery. See Install U1 Battery on Engine does page 22. 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 33. Mower blades are dull or faulty. Sharpen or replace mower blades. See Sharpen Blades on page 21. 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 23.
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 Kawasaki FR730 Kohler 7000 Pro Engine Displacement – cm3 (in3) 726 (44.3) 725.0 (44.2) Maximum RPM – No Load 3600 ± 100 Engine 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) 12.9 (8) Reverse Maximum – km/h (mph) 6.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description Engine 991173 991175 991177 Apex 48 CARB Apex 52 CARB Apex 60 CARB Kawasaki FR730 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.
