AUTOMATIC TRACTOR Operator Manual Models A19A42 42" Automatic Tractor Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) or up to 10% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) or 10% MTBE will void the product warranty. ENGLISH 583 84 80-24 (21548319) 12.04.12 Printed in the U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. • WARNING: In order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug.
SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers • • III. CHILDREN WARNING. CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor. Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Slope Sheet Keys Oil Drain Extension (1) Quick Connect Key(s) ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST NOTE: You may now roll your tractor off the skid. Follow the instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid. BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST: WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Ensure tractor is in a well-ventilated area.
OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OPERATOR'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. G H E B D F A C J K M L Fig. 3 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles. HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR • TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 4) • Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
OPERATION TO USE CRUISE CONTROL (J) (See Fig. 7) TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9) The cruise control feature can be used for forward travel only. Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions. NOTE: Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 11) TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 3 & 12) When pushing or towing your tractor, ensure transmission is disengaged by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar of tractor. • Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control. • Move motion control lever to neutral position. • Pull freewheel control out until the free wheel control rod locks in extended position.
OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3) BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Ensure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal and set parking brake. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position. • Move throttle control to choke position.
OPERATION MOWING TIPS • • • • • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing is attached to tractor. Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor.
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BEFORE EACH USE EVERY 8 HOURS EVERY 25 HOURS EVERY 50 HOURS EVERY 100 HOURS EVERY SEASON BEFORE STORAGE Check Brake Operation T R A C T 0 R Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades 3 Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level 4 Clean Battery and Terminals Clean Debris Off Steering Plate 5 Check Mower Levelness Check V-Belts Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil (with oil filter) E N G I N E
MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE Always observe safety rules when per form ing any maintenance. For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your tractor. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your tractor is hazardous, could damage your tractor and void your warranty.
MAINTENANCE V-BELTS • Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. • • TRANSAXLE MAINTENANCE • The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department.
MAINTENANCE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER (See Fig. 18) DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 20) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections. • Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor. • Ensure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned. • Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. • Ensure the blades and all moving parts have completely stopped. • Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. TO REMOVE MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • • • ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside of tractor chassis and secure with retainer spring. Repeat on opposite side of tractor. Insert end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket and secure with washer and retainer spring (J). E A J F H B • Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • If adjustment is necessary, see step in Visual Adjustment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 29 & 30) IMPORTANT: Deck must be level side-to-side. To obtain the best cutting results, the mower blades should be adjusted so the front tip is 1/8" to 1/2" lower than the rear tip when the mower is in its highest position.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 31) TO REPLACE MOTION DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 32) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. Park the tractor on level surface. Engage parking brake. For assistance, there is a belt installation guide decal on bottom side of left footrest. BELT REMOVAL • Remove mower from tractor (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” in this section of manual).
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REMOVE CABLES, REVERSE ORDER • BLACK cable first from chassis and then from the fully charged battery. • RED cable last from both batteries. TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig. 33) • • Block up axle securely. Remove axle cover, retaining ring and washers to allow wheel removal (rear wheel contains a square key - Do not lose). • Repair tire and reassemble. • On rear wheels only: align grooves in rear wheel hub and axle. Insert square key.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULB • • • • ENGINE Raise hood. Pull bulb holder out of the hole in the backside of the grill. Replace bulb in holder and push bulb holder securely back into the hole in the backside of the grill. Close hood. TO ADJUST THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary. If adjustment is necessary, see engine manual.
STORAGE Immediately prepare your tractor for storage at the end of the season or if the tractor will not be used for 30 days or more. ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Will not start CAUSE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. CORRECTION Out of fuel. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Fill fuel tank. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter. Empty fuel tank and carburetor, refill tank with fresh gasoline and replace fuel filter. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues to run when operator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control system. 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Poor cut - uneven 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel.
LIMITED WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the following limitations and exclusions. 1.
1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2. Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure. 3. Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to measure. 4. Compare the angle of the fold with the slope of the hill. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.
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Ariens Company 655 West Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110-1072 1-877-257-6920 www.ariens.com WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
