Sno-Thro ® Operator’s Manual Manuel du Utilisateur Professional Series With Hydrostatic Drive Models 926080 – Pro 28 EFI (SN 000101 +) 926081 – Pro 36 EFI (SN 000101 +) E10 ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 09436000 • 5/21 Printed in USA
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Register Your Product!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SAFETY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Practices & Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emission Control System. . . . . . . . . . . . Required Operator Training . . . . . . . . . . Safety Alert Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Decals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Rules. . . . .
WELCOME Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the Ariens family! Every snow thrower 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? www.ariens.com A service manual and a parts manual for your unit are available for free download or purchase at www.ariens.com.
SAFETY WARNING: AVOID INJURY. This snow thrower is capable of crushing or amputating body parts. Failure to observe the safety instructions in the manuals and on decals could result in serious injury or death. ALWAYS disengage auger, stop unit and engine, remove key and allow moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position. Read these safety rules and follow them closely.
4. Notice Safety Decal Descriptions NOTICE: Indicates information or procedures that are considered important but not hazard related. If not followed, property damage could result. 1. CAUTION! Danger! 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.
Complete a walk-around inspection of the unit to understand the unit, your work area and all safety decals. 2. DANGER! Understand how to operate all controls, the functions of all controls and how to STOP in an emergency. Danger! ROTATING PARTS! Keep clear of auger while engine is running. • Read operator’s manual. • Allow operation only by properly-trained adult, never children. • Stop engine and remove ignition key prior to leaving the operator’s position for any reason.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running (except when specifically recommended by manufacturer). Always allow unit and engine to adjust to outdoor temperature before clearing snow. Never operate the snow thrower without proper guards, and other safety protective devices in place and working. Operation Disengage all controls before starting engine. Always stand clear of the discharge area when operating this unit. Never leave a running unit unattended.
Avoid contact with sharp edges; sharp edges can cut. Maintenance and Storage Secure unit so it will not tip over during maintenance. Do not throw snow higher than necessary. Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute Hand contact with the rotating auger / impeller inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute. To clear the chute: 1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF! 2.
Personal Protection Never fill or drain fuel tank indoors. Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces. Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel. Wear adequate safety gear, including safety glasses with side shields and protective gloves. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, and tie back hair that may get caught in rotating parts.
CONTROLS & FEATURES 5 2 Model 926080 32 12 3 7 6 8 14 25 24 4 1 13 18 23 22 30 27 17 Model 926081 11 20 26 21 10 12 19 9 15 31 14 8 18 28 29 1 Figure 3 EN - 8 4 16 13
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Engine Key Fuel Tank and Cap Electric Start Button Throttle Control Knob Oil Fill / Dipstick Oil Drain Recoil Starter Handle Speed Selector Lever Auger Impeller Shear Bolt (2) Replacement Shear Bolts (2) Attachment Clutch Lever Traction Drive Clutch Lever Discharge Chute Rotation Lever (Model 926081) 16. Discharge Chute Deflector Lever (Model 926081) 17. Discharge Chute Control Switch (Model 926080) 18. Heated Hand Grip Switch 19. Scraper Blade 20.
SPEED SELECTOR LEVER WARNING: Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. See Figure 6. Controls the speed of forward and reverse travel. See Figure 3 for all controls and features locations. ENGINE KEY See Figure 4. Controls power to the engine. The key cannot be removed when in run position. NOTICE: ALWAYS turn key to off position when not operating unit. Leaving key in run position while unit is not in use will drain battery and result in a difficult- or no-start condition.
TRACTION DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (LEFT SIDE) DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR LEVER See Figure 8. Allows unit to travel forward and in reverse. Model 926081 See Figure 10. Moves discharge deflector up or down to control height of snow discharge. Figure 8 DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK Allows auger / impeller to rotate without holding attachment clutch lever continuously. Auger continues to turn until both clutch levers are released. DISCHARGE CHUTE ROTATION LEVER Model 926081 See Figure 9.
DISCHARGE CHUTE CONTROL SWITCH DRIFT CUTTER Model 926080 See Figure 11. Rotates discharge chute and chute deflector to control snow discharge. Move control lever forward or backward to control height of snow discharge. Move lever left or right to rotate discharge chute to desired position. NOTICE: Model 926080 only: If discharge chute does not move after operating chute control switch, DO NOT manually force chute or hold lever for more than 2 seconds. See Troubleshooting on page 25.
IMPORTANT: Use fresh unleaded fuel with an octane rating of at least 87. DO NOT use E85 blended fuels; the engine is not E20 / E30 / E85 compatible. The maximum recommended ethanol content is 10%. Ariens recommends using a quality fuel stabilizer in all fuel. See Short Term on page 27. 3. Check engine oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to engine manual. 4. Check function of controls. • Attachment Clutch Lever • Traction Drive Clutch Lever • Dual Handle Interlock 5. Know how to stop in an emergency.
Position Drift Cutters Clear a Clogged Discharge Chute Use drift cutters if snow to be cleared is higher than auger housing. 1. Loosen wing knobs and move drift cutter down. See Figure 13. WARNING: NEVER use your hand to clean out discharge chute. 1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 2. Use the snow clean-out tool to clear the clog. 3. Return the tool to its storage position on the auger housing. STOP THE ENGINE Figure 13 See Figure 14. 2.
TRANSPORT UNIT 1. Stop engine and remove key. 2. Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle. NOTICE: NEVER secure from rods or linkages that could be damaged. ENGINE OPERATION ANGLE Engine angle during operation can affect how well the engine is lubricated regardless of oil level. Operating beyond the engine manufacturer’s recommended maximum angle will lead to premature engine wear and void the engine warranty. Refer to the engine operator’s manual for maximum angle of operation.
SERVICE PARTS IMPORTANT: If clutches do not engage or disengage correctly, see Adjust Attachment Clutch & Brake on page 22 or Adjust Traction Drive Clutch on page 24. Refer to the service manual for your unit for more information about clutch repairs. See your Ariens dealer to purchase service parts for your unit.
CHECK AUGER GEARCASE OIL LUBRICATE UNIT 1. Place unit on flat, level surface. 2. Remove oil fill plug and seal washer. See Figure 17. Ariens recommends using Ariens Hi-Temp Grease or equivalent (see Service Parts on page 16) to lubricate fittings. Lubricate each season or every 25 hours of operation. IMPORTANT: DO NOT remove gearcase cover. IMPORTANT: Wipe each fitting clean before and after lubrication. Remove Bottom Cover 1. Place unit in service position (see Figure 16). 2.
Lubricate Auger Shaft CHARGE BATTERY 1. Remove shear bolt nuts and bolts. See Figure 19. IMPORTANT: Snowblower charges battery when in use if at high engine speed. 1. Disconnect battery connector. See Figure 21. Figure 19 Figure 21 2. Apply grease at the grease zerks. See Figure 20. IMPORTANT: Battery charger is shipped in the literature pack. 2. Connect battery connector to charger. See Figure 22. Figure 20 3. Hand rotate auger on auger shaft. 4.
ADJUST SKID SHOES NOTICE: Read through all battery and charger information below before charging battery. Battery and Charger • Only use supplied charger for battery. • Do not charge battery longer than 48 hours. • Fully charge battery before initial use and any time replacement is installed. • Battery should be charged every 3 months while in storage. • If battery becomes warm to the touch during charging, disconnect battery from charger immediately.
REPLACE SHEAR BOLTS Replace shear bolts if obstruction stops auger rotation and shear bolts break. See Figure 24. 1 Model 926080 ADJUST DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR LEVER Model 926081 See Figure 25. If deflector does not stay in selected position, tighten the nut under the control panel. Model 926081 1 Figure 25 1. Replacement Shear Bolts Figure 24 IMPORTANT: Ariens recommends using only Ariens OEM shear bolts when replacing shear bolts. See Service Parts on page 16. See Figure 19. 1.
All Models If deflector does not follow full range of travel: 1. Position deflector control in the rear-most position. 2. Adjust nuts on chute cable. See Figure 26. • To adjust deflector lower, loosen lower nut and tighten upper nut. • To adjust deflector higher, loosen upper nut and tighten lower nut. 3 1 4 2 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 2 Discharge Chute Gear Cover Rear Adjustment Nut Forward Adjustment Nut Lock Arm Figure 27 ADJUST SPEED SELECTOR LEVER 3 1. Chute Cable 2. Upper Adjustment Nut 3.
5 1 1 2 2 3 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Hairpin Trunnion Bell Crank Jam Nut Shift Rod 4 Figure 28 ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH & BRAKE WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Improper adjustment could result in unexpected movement of auger and impeller causing death or serious injury. AUGER / IMPELLER MUST STOP within 5 seconds when attachment clutch lever is released. 1. Attachment Clutch Cable 2. Cable Adjustment Barrel 3. Jam Nut Figure 29 5.
Check Attachment Idler Arm Roller Clearance 2 1. Place unit in service position and remove bottom cover. See Service Position on page 15. 2. Engage attachment clutch and check the clearance between the frame and plastic roller on the lower end of the attachment idler arm. Roller should be 12.7 mm – 22.2 mm (1/2" – 7/8") from the frame. See Figure 31. 3 1 1. Idler 2. Belt 3. Pulley Figure 32 Check Attachment Brake Figure 31 Measure here.
• If there is less than 1.6 mm (1/16") gap, loosen idler adjustment nut and move idler away from belt or pulley. Position idler to achieve a 1.6 mm (1/16") minimum brake pad gap and a 12.7 mm – 22.2 mm (1/2" – 7/8") gap between the plastic roller and the frame. See Figure 32. IMPORTANT: DO NOT completely remove hardware from unit. 4. Loosen jam nut on traction cable adjustment barrel, and then turn adjustment barrel down to shorten cable and remove cable slack.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Probable Cause Engine is turned off. Correction Turn engine key to run position. See Engine Key on page 10. Fill tank with fuel. See Before Operating Unit on page 12. ECU will display a red blink code. See Controls & Features on page 8. Refer to the Service Manual for your unit. See your dealer for repair. Fuel tank is empty. Ignition switch starter circuit is not functioning. (Electric start) Spark plug wire is disconnected. Connect spark plug. Refer to engine manual.
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Probable Cause Traction drive cable is not adjusted correctly. Traction belt is not functioning. Unit does not drive forward or Speed selector is not adjusted in reverse. correctly. Transmission is bypassed. Shear bolts are broken. Attachment clutch / brake is not adjusted correctly. Impeller is frozen in place. Ice or debris is obstructing auger. Unit does not throw snow or throws it poorly. Discharge chute is clogged with snow. Auger drive belt is slipping, worn or damaged.
START-OF-SEASON FUEL PREPARATION STORAGE WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding. Before starting unit for the first time after longterm storage, add fresh, stabilizer-treated fuel to the fuel tank and any fuel containers with remaining fuel. ACCESSORIES SHORT TERM 1. Run auger / impeller for a few minutes to remove loose or melting snow to prevent impeller from freezing. 2. Tighten all hardware to correct specifications. 3.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description 926080 926081 Hydro Pro 28 EFI Hydro Pro 36 EFI Engine Ariens AX EFI Gross Torque* – N•m (lb-ft) 28.6 (21.0) Displacement – cm3 (in3) 420.0 (25.6) Maximum RPM – No load 3600 ± 50 Electric Start 120V Fuel Tank Capacity – liter (qt) 2.8 (3.0) Headlight LED Chute Chute Rotation Angle 200° Rotation Control Electric Quick Turn Deflector Control Electric In-Dash Lever Auger Snow Clearing Width – cm (in) 71.1 (28.0) Gearcase 91.4 (36.
Warran ty Outdoor Power Equipment Limited Warranty AriensCo warrants to the original purchaser that Ariens brand products purchased on or after 1/1/2021 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the time period noted in the chart below. Equipment put to personal use around a single household or residence is considered “Residential Use.” Equipment put to any business use (agricultural, commercial, or industrial) or used at multiple locations is considered “Commercial Use.
Exclusions and Limitations The charts below detail special exclusions and limitations to this warranty. Warranty Term Exclusions Warranty Period Air filters, auger paddles, brake arms, brake linings, brake shoes, brushes, cutters, fuel filters, halogen headlights, knives, halogen light bulbs, lubricants, mower blades, oil, oil filters, spark plugs, scraper blades, shear bolts and skid shoes. Components are not covered under warranty. Hydro-Gear Transaxle Limitation See Hydro-Gear warranty.
Engines The chart below details engine warranty information. Engine warranty terms may vary from the specific terms of this warranty. If inconsistent, the terms of the engine warranty shall apply to the engine and its component parts. Engine Manufacturer Detail Ariens AX Ariens-branded engines are warranted by the manufacturer and the warranty is administrated by AriensCo. Refer to the engine manual or www.ariens.com for warranty statements.
Disclaimer AriensCo may from time to time change the design of its products. Nothing contained in this warranty shall be construed as obligating the AriensCo to incorporate such design changes into previously manufactured products, nor shall such changes be construed as an admission that previous designs were defective.
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