Ariens 1742 EZR Owner's/Operator's Manual page 18

CHECK OPERATOR PRESENCE SYSTEM
The engine should not start unless the PTO Switch is
disengaged, and the Steering-Control Levers are in
neutral lock position.
• When the engine is running any attempt by the
operator to leave the seat without first moving the
Steering-Control Levers to neutral lock position
should shut off the engine.
• When the engine is running and the PTO Switch
is engaged, any attempt by the operator to leave
the seat should shut off the engine. The
attachment clutch should never operate unless
the operator is in the seat.
Do not operate tractor unless operator presence
system functions as described. Contact your Ariens
dealer for repair.
CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS
Be certain that all hardware is tightened to the proper
torque. Pay special attention to the blades, guards and
safety shields.
CHECK PARKING BRAKE INTERLOCK
Any attempt to move the Steering-Control Levers out of
neutral with the parking brake engaged should shut off
the engine.
CHECK PARKING BRAKE
If unit rolls with parking brake engaged, parking brake
must be repaired. Contact your Ariens Dealer.
CHECK TIRES
• Maintain proper air pressure in all tires. See
Specifications.
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control
chemicals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects
and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due
to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your
Dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and
corrosion.
CHECK BLADES
For best results mower blades must be kept sharp.
Replace bent, worn or damaged blades.
Blade Removal
CAUTION: Moving Parts and Sharp Blades
can cut or amputate body parts. Always use
sturdy gloves or padding to protect hands
when working with mower blades.
1. Shut off the engine and unit. Remove the ignition
key. Remove the ignition wire(s) from the spark
plug(s) to prevent accidental start-up.
2. Raise mower to highest position to allow access
to blades.
Lock Washer
Jam Nut
3. Remove the jam nuts, lock washers, and blades
from the spindle shafts.
Blade Installation
1. Install the blades, lock washers, and jam nuts in
reverse order of removal.
2. Tighten the lock nut(s) to a torque of 60 ft-lbs
(82 Nm).
3. Put the ignition wire(s) back on the spark plug(s).
Sharpening Mower Blades
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blades, but
if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
and eventual damage to mower and engine.
1. The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while
on the mower.
2. Sharpen both ends of blade at original angle,
removing equal amounts of material from each
end to maintain proper blade balance. DO NOT
grind around corner at tips of blade. If cutting
edge of blade cannot be sharpened in a straight
line to within 1/8 inch of the end, replace blade
with Ariens replacement blade only.
3. To check blade balance, use a steel bolt or pin.
Blade
Bolt or Pin
18
Blade
OE0510
OE0500