Apex Zenith Operator’s Manual Manuel du Utilisateur Models 991158 – Zenith 60 (SN 040000 +) 991159 – Apex 52 (SN 040000 +) 991161 – Apex 48 (SN 040000 +) 991163 – Apex 60 (SN 040000 +) E10 ENGLISH FRANÇAIS 05297700B • 10/19 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 instructions .
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? www.ariens.com A parts manual and service manual for your unit is available for free download or purchase at www.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.
. Important 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. 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. Amputation Hazard 2. DANGER! To avoid amputation hazard DO NOT put hands near rotating blades.
3. Tipping Hazard Look behind when operating the unit in reverse. Avoid tipping hazard. 3. 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. 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. DANGER! P Set parking brake.
7. DANGER! 8. WARNING! (MODEL 991158) SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH may result from machine rollover. DANGER! No smoking. MAX. FILL IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill. Fill fuel tank to below bottom of filler neck. WARNING: Overfilling may cause severe damage to evaporative system! • NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running, hot or unit is indoors. NEVER overfill fuel tank. • Replace fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel. • Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury or death.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 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. Safe Practices for Ride-On Mowers If used improperly, this 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. Use only for purposes intended as set forth in the Operator's Manual.
DO NOT leave a running machine unattended. ALWAYS park on level ground, disengage the attachment, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key (if applicable) before leaving the operator's position. Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across. Exercise caution when changing direction on slopes. Use caution while operating near dropoffs. Avoid mowing wet grass. Wet surfaces can cause a loss of traction and control. DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
ROPS (Model 991158) The ROPS is an integral safety device. Do not remove or alter the ROPS Keep a folding ROPS in the raised and locked position and use the seat belt when operating the machine. Lower a folding ROPS temporarily only when absolutely necessary. Do not wear the seat belt when folded down. There is no rollover protection when a folding ROPS is in the down position. Frequently inspect the ROPS and the seatbelt for damage. Replace a damaged ROPS.
6. Pull transaxle bypass levers out to disengage transaxles. See Figure 4. ASSEMBLY IMPORTANT: Be sure to pull bypass levers out on each side of unit. WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding. 1. Using a pry bar, remove and discard crate top and sides. 2. Remove plastic bag from around unit and discard. See Figure 3. 3. Remove plastic boot from negative battery terminal and discard. 4. Remove hardware from negative (black) battery cable.
10. Lift discharge chute up slightly and rotate down into operating position. See Figure 6. Figure 6 11. Push transaxle bypass levers in to engage transaxles. 12. Adjust steering levers. See Adjust Steering Levers on page 24.
CONTROLS AND FEATURES 11 10 9 26 7 8 17 13 Models 991159, 991163 6 20 14 19 16 12 15 2 3 5 4 21 6 18 25 5 Model 991161 3 24 4 6 Model 991158 23 5 3 4 22 Figure 7 EN - 12 1
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Fuel Tank and Cap Fuel Level Window Oil Filter Oil Drain Engine Oil Dipstick Air Filter Ignition Key Choke Control Knob Throttle Control Lever Power Take-off (PTO) Knob Hour Meter Height-of-Cut Adjustment System Transport Lock Release Lever Deck Lift Pedal 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the entire Safety section before proceeding. See Figure 10. Controls engine speed. See Figure 7 for all controls and features locations. Fast IGNITION KEY See Figure 8. Controls power to the engine. The key cannot be removed when in run position. Slow On C Off Figure 10 Start POWER-TAKE-OFF (PTO) KNOB See Figure 11. 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 PARKING BRAKE LEVER See Figure 13. Controls the parking brake. The engine will not start with brake in the off position. See Figure 12. Releases deck from transport lock position. Parking Brake Engaged (On) Brake Released (Off) Figure 12 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.
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. Engage parking brake. Push PTO knob down to off position. Turn ignition key to off position and remove key from ignition. 1. Deck Lift Pedal 2.
Lowered Position With Bagger Installed Figure 15 Lowered Position With No Bagger Installed Lower Center Bar See Figure 16. WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Lower the center bar only when needed to drive under an object. There is no rollover protection with the center bar in the lowered position. DO NOT wear seatbelt when ROPS is in lowered position. 1. Remove hairpins from lock pins and remove lock pins from hinge plate. 2. Lower center bar and secure with lock pins and hairpins.
OPERATE UNIT For Best Mowing Results 1. Release parking brake. 2. Set throttle control lever to fast position. • • • • IMPORTANT: Engaging the PTO knob with the throttle lever set lower than fast position can cause excessive belt wear. ALWAYS use fast position when engaging the PTO. 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. • • • • • • WARNING: AVOID INJURY.
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. Your Ariens dealer can provide service and adjustments to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency. Contact an authorized engine manufacturer’s service center for engine service. Figure 17 3. Release parking brake and push unit to desired location. 4.
SERVICE PARTS SERVICE POSITION See your Ariens dealer to purchase service parts for your unit. Before starting any of the following maintenance procedures: 1. Park unit a flat, level surface. 2. Stop engine, remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool. 3. Engage parking brake 4. Chock wheels. Strap and clamp unit onto lift, if used. 5. Place steering levers in neutral position and rotate outward. 6. Models 991159, 991161, 991163: Rotate seat forward. See Figure 19. 7.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE IMPORTANT: Reconnect spark plug wires after maintenance. See Specifications on page 29 for recommended tire pressure. CHECK SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible. • DO NOT inflate tires above the recommended pressure. • DO NOT inflate tires with a compressor; use a hand pump. • DO NOT stand in front of tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side.
CHECK MOWER BLADES CHECK HYDRAULIC SYSTEM Check blades for wear and damage. Replace or sharpen as needed. Check Hydraulic Oil Level CAUTION: AVOID INJURY. Use sturdy gloves or padding to protect hands when working with mower blades. Rotation of one blade rotates the other blades. 1. Place unit in service position. See Service Position on page 20. 2. Check oil level in expansion tanks. Oil should reach the cold fill indicator mark. See Figure 22.
1. Park unit facing a wall or chock wheels. 2. Release parking brake. 3. Support unit so drive wheels are off the ground. 4. Bypass transaxles. See Move Unit Manually on page 18. 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 18. 8. Start engine. 9. Slowly move steering levers forward and backward 5 or 6 times. 10.
ADJUST STEERING LEVERS Adjust Height The steering lever height may be adjusted for operator comfort. See Figure 25. 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 26 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.
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 21. Fuel tank is empty. Fill fuel tank. See Before Operating Unit on page 16. Fuel supply is contaminated. Replace with clean fuel. Battery is discharged. Charge battery. Refer to your unit’s Engine does Service Manual. 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 Mower blades not level or mower deck pitch is incorrect. Mower blades are dull or faulty. Correction Level and adjust pitch of mower deck. Refer to your unit’s Service Manual. Sharpen or replace mower blades. Refer to your unit’s Service Manual. Mowing speed is too fast. Drive slower when cutting grass. Belt tension or condition is poor. Replace mower belts. Refer to your unit’s Service Manual.
STORAGE ACCESSORIES SHORT-TERM STORAGE See your Ariens dealer for a complete list of compatible accessories and attachments for your unit. 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. Prepare fuel system for storage. Description Part No.
SPECIFICATIONS Model Number Description Engine Engine Displacement – cm3 (in3) Maximum RPM – No Load Oil Capacity Liquid or Air Cooled Transmission Type Oil Hydraulic Oil Filter Drive Forward Maximum – km/h (mph) Reverse Maximum – km/h (mph) Turning Radius Brakes Electrical Starter Battery PTO (Power Take-off) Fuel Fuel Tank Capacity – Liter (gal) Type Size and Weight Length – cm (in) Width – cm (in) Height – cm (in) • with ROPS extended • with ROPS folded Weight – kg (lbs) Tires Front Tire Size – in Rear T
Warran ty Outdoor Power Equipment Limited Warranty AriensCo warrants to the original purchaser that Ariens brand products purchased on or after 9/1/2019 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, headlights, knives, 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 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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