Operation - Ariens 18 Series Owner's Manual

Pre-Starting
Check that engine crankcase oil is full using dipstick.
See Page 9 to add or change.
CAUTION: Make sure all hardware is
tight, all safety devices in place and all
adjustments correct.
Check air filter for dirt. Clean as required. See page
9.
Check fuel supply. Wipe dust, dirt and debris from
around cap before removing to prevent foreign
particals from entering tank while filling. Fill gasoline
tank with good grade of fresh unleaded gasoline
(leaded if unleaded is unavailable.) DO NOT use
premium, gasahol or mix gasoline with oil.
WARNING:
flammable and must be handled with
care. Never fill tank when the engine is
running or hot from operation. DO NOT
allow open flame, matches or smoking
in area. DO NOT overfill. Wipe up any
spills. Use approved (Red) gasoline
container.
Starting
WARNING: Disengage Main Clutch and
engage wheel hub drive pins before
starting engine.
CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to start
your engine at this time. Thoroughly
read this entire Owner's Manual and
engine manufacturers
instructions first.
NOTE: Try out each control without running engine
to see how they work and what they do.
Throttle
Throttle controls engine speed. To adjust engine
speed follow decal instructions. Set Throttle at "Fast"
position when starting (refer to engine manufacturers
instructions).

Operation

Gasoline is highly
operating
In order to become familiar with the tiller, when first
operating it, use lowest engine speed that will still
give sufficient power to operate. After you become
familiar with tiller increase throttle to "FAST" position
for best tilling results.
Choke
Place engine choke in "CHOKE" position. When
engine has started, move choke to 1/2 choke until
engine runs smoothly, then to "NO CHOKE" position.
(Refer to engine manufacturers instructions).
Rewind Starter
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until it
pulls harder, this is compression stroke, let rope
rewind slowly. Then pull rope with a rapid continuous
full arm stroke. Let rope rewind slowly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT let starter handle snap
against starter.
Repeat above instruction until engine starts. (Refer
to engine manufacturers instructions).
Wheel Drive
NOTE: Both wheels of tiller turn at same rate of
speed because solid-axle provides them equal
power. Wheels hold tiller back while tines are
digging.
With Wheel Hub Drive Pins disengaged the tiller may
be moved by hand without engine power.
To engage Wheel Hub Drive Pins, shut off engine
and remove spark plug wire. Roll tiller back and forth
slightly while inserting the drive pin through the wheel
hub and axle. See figure 2.
Main Clutch
WARNING:
Clutch unless Wheel Hub Drive Pins are
engaged, tiller may run away propelled
on the high speed tines.
5
DO NOT engage Main