YDRO TRACTO Operator Manual Models 93604300 &_ _ ENGLISH 54" Hydro Tractor 435045 06.22.10 Rev. 1 Printed in the U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES Practices for Ride=On Safe Operation Mowers DANGER: THiS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH. • • WARNING: in orderto 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 Practices for Ride=On Safe Operation Mowers ill. CHILDREN GENERAL SERVICE 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. • Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator. • Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the area.
PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS CUSTOMER Gasoline Capacity and type: 4 Gallons Unleaded Regular • • Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F) SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) • Oil Capacity: 64 oz Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Ground Speed (MPH): Forward: Reverse: Charging System: 15 AMPS @ 3600 RPM Battery: AMP/HR: MIN. CCA: Case Size: Blade Bolt Torque: 45-55 FT. LBS. RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules.
UNASSEMBLED PARTS Keys Slope Sheet qll',ll (1) Oil Drain Tube For Future Use (2) Keys ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY ADJUST A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) 1/2" wrench Tire pressure gauge (2) 7/16" wrenches Utility knife Pliers SEAT (See Fig. 2) • Sit in seat.
ASSEMBLY Vf CHECKLIST CHECK TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT. 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. CHECK PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIS-17 DECK LEVELNESS For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly leveled.
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 OWNER'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. 03085 Fig. 3 Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute. (A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower the mower or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
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) Turn ignitionkey (F) to "STOP" position and remove key.
OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9) Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly offthe ground when mower is atthe 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. • • Fig. 7 TO USE CRUISE CONTROL (J) (See Fig. 7) • The cruise control feature can be used for forward travel only.
OPERATION REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) TO TRANSPORT Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. (See Fig. 12) 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.
OPERATION BEFORE CHECK STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3) 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.
OPERATION PURGE TRANSMISSION MOWING CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever whilethe engine is running. To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recommended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have developed during shipping of your tractor.
MAINTENANCE BEFORE EACH USE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE EVERY 25 HOURS Check Operator A T Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart 0 Check Battery Level R Clean Battery and Terminals Engine Oil (with Change Engine Oil (without oil filter) G Air Screen Clean Inspect Muffler/Spark N Replace E Clean Replace v' v' V" oil filter) v' _1,2 v' _,2 V"2 Fins v' v' Fuel Filter more often when operating under 2 - Service more often when operating in
MAINTENANCE BLADE TRACTOR Always observe maintenance. safety rules when performing CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. any BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be checked and adjusted. (See "TO CHECK BRAKE" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
MAINTENANCE V=BELTS OIL DRAIN VALVE 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 CLOSED LOCKED POS,T,ON MAINTENANCE The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. YELLOW Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot.
MAINTENANCE IN=LINE FUEL FILTER DECK WASHOUT (See Fig. 17) PORT (See Fig. 19) The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required. 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. • With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. WARNING: TO AVOIDclutch SERIOUS iNJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: " Place attachment in "DISENGAGED" position. " Turn ignition key to "STOP" and remove key. " Make sure 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. 20) TO INSTALL loaded.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS = ASSEMBLE FRONT GAUGE WHEEL (W) TO FRONT OF MOWER (See Fig. 23) 5. INSTALL ANTI-SWAY (See Fig. 26 - 28) H. FRONT MOWER BRACKET W. FRONT GAUGE WHEEL X. SHOULDER BOLT ANTI-SWAY BAR (S) _TOWARDS TOWARDS TRANSAXLE Y. 1=1/40.D. WASHER MOWER DECK_ 90 ° END INTEGRATED Z. 3/8=18 LOCKNUT = BAR (S) (iF EQUIPPED) WASHER END Fig. 26 Fig. 23 TURN STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND POSITION MOWER (See Fig.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 6, ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO CHASSIS (See Fig. 29) • Position front hole in side suspension arm (A) over pin on outside of tractor chassis and secure with large washer and large retainer spring (B). • Repeat on opposite side of tractor. .....:/4 • Insert other end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket (H) and secure with washer and small retainer spring (J). NOTE: Requires deck lifting. FRONT LINK LOCATION, W............... ,,,,,':_- i 3 ...........
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • Make sure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on tires. If tires are over or under inflated, it may affect the appearance of your lawn and lead you to think the mower is not adjusted properly. VISUAL SIDE-TO-SIDE • ADJUSTMENT If adjustment is necessary, see steps in Visual Adjustment instructions above. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both sides are equal. FRONT-TO-BACK ADJUSTMENT (See Figs.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE BELT REMOVAL - DRIVE BELT (See Fig. 37) 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. MOWER DRIVE BELT REMOVAL • Park tractor on a level surface. Engage parking brake. • Lower attachment lift lever to its lowest position. • Disengage belt tension rod (K) from lock bracket (L). i • • • CAUTION: Belt tension rod is spring loaded.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO CHECK TO START ENGINE WITH A WEAK BATTERY (See Fig. 40) BRAKE If tractor requires more than five (5) feet to stop at highest speed in highest gear on a level, dry concrete or paved surface, then brake must be serviced. WARNING: Lead=acid batteries gem crate explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame and smoking materials away from batteries. Always wear eye protection when around batteries. You may also check brake by: 1. .
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 42) (See Fig. 41) WARNING: Do not short battery termi= nals 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. • • Lift hood to raised position. Remove terminal cover.
STORAGE ENGINE 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. FUEL SYSTEM IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANTTO PREVENTGUM 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 OFACIDS DURING STORAGE.
TROUBLESHOOTING CAUSE PROBLEM Will not start Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Engine not "CHOKED" properly. Engine flooded. Bad spark plug. Dirty air filter. Dirty fuel filter. Water in fuel. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Loose or damaged wiring. Carburetor out of adjustment. 8. 9. See "TO START ENGINE" in Operation section. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. Replace spark plug. Clean/replace air filter. Replace fuel filter.
TROUBLESHOOTING CAUSE PROBLEM Engine continues to run when oper= ator [eaves seat with attachment clutch 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not corrected, contact an authorized service center/ department. Worn, bent or loose blade. Mower deck not level. 1. 2. Replace blade. Tighten blade bolt. Level mower deck. 3. 4. Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower. Bent blade mandrel. 5. Clogged mower deck vent holes from buildup of grass, leaves, and trash around mandrels. 3. 4. 5.
SERVICE 28 NOTES
SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN NOT ACROSS HILL 15 DEGREES 4_ HILL, MAX. down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not mow WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your tractor up and slopes greater than 15 degrees. Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. 1. Fold this page along dotted line indicated above. 2.
Two-Year Limited Consumer Lawn Tractor Warranty Adens Company (Adens} warrants to the original purchaser that Athens brand consumer tractors wili be flee from defects in mateda! and workmanship for a period of two years after the date of purchase An authorized Ariens dea_er wi_! repair any defect in mateda_ or workmanship and repair or _piace any defective parr subject to the ®nditions, lim_tions a_d exctus{ons set farfh herein Such repair er repla_ment will be free d charge (labor and parrs) to the orig
E×dusions - items Not Covered by This Warranty •, Engines and engine accessories covered by this warranty.
Ariens Company 655 West Ryan Street Brillion, Wl 54110-1072 800-317-5898 www.ariens.com _IL WARNING _i_ The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
