AUTOMATIC TRACTOR Operator Manual Models A21A42 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 581 91 92-27 (21548292) 11.21.12 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 Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Insert Steering Wheel (1) Large Flat Washer (1) Lock Washer (1) Hex Bolt Steering Wheel Adapter Steering Boot Steering Extension Shaft Seat Hex Bolt Washer (1) Seat Quick Connect (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use Key(s) 5 Slope Sheet
ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. • • TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.
ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 2 & 3) CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 4) • • Lift seat to raised position. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and year indicated on label (label is located between terminals) charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps. (See "BATTERY" in the Maintenance section of this manual for charging instructions.) • For battery and battery cable installation see "REPLACING BATTERY" in the Service and Adjustments section in this manual.
ASSEMBLY ✓CHECKLIST CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for best cutting performance. • Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires. BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
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. H E B D G F A C M J Fig. 5 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping the engine.
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. 6) • Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 11) TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 9) 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. • Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in this section of manual).
OPERATION TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 14) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 13) When pushing or towing your tractor, ensure to disengage transmission 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. 5) 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 clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” 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 TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 18 & 19) V-BELTS Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. • Ensure tractor is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil. • Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting.
MAINTENANCE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 20) CLEANING Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove blower housing and clean the area shown to prevent overheating and engine damage. • AIR SCREEN • CLEAN OUT CHAFF AND DEBRIS Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign matter. Clean debris from steering plate. Debris can restrict clutch/brake pedal shaft movement, causing belt slip and loss of drive. CAUTION: Avoid all pinch points and movable parts (See Fig.
MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 23) Your tractor’s deck is equipped with a washout port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. It should be utilized after each use. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach. IMPORTANT: Make certain the tractor’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc. Remove bagger chute or mulch cover if attached. 2.
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. 32 & 33) 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 BELT REMOVAL 1. Remove mower. (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” section in this manual.) NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all belt guides and keepers. 2. Remove belt from stationary idler (A) and clutching idler (B). 3. Remove belt from centerspan idler (C). 4. Pull belt slack toward rear of tractor. Remove belt upwards from transaxle input pulley (D). 5. Remove belt downward from engine pulley (E). 6.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • • Move motion control lever to the neutral (lock gate) position. Tighten adjustment bolt securely. RETAINING RING NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to adjustment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. MOTION CONTROL LEVER WASHERS AXLE COVER NEUTRAL LOCK GATE SQUARE KEY (REAR WHEEL ONLY) Fig. 38 FRONT WHEEL TOE-IN/CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT Your new tractor front wheel toe-in and camber is set at the factory and is normal.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 40) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 41) WARNING: Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time. Before connecting battery, remove metal bracelets, wristwatch bands, rings, etc. Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from accidental grounding. • • • • • • • • • • Raise hood. Unsnap headlight wire connector. Stand in front of tractor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
