Ariens 911160-LM21 Classic Owner's Manual page 18

CHECK WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL
(Self-Propelled Models)
The unit must stop quickly and completely
when the control is released. Adjust or repair
if necessary. See WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL
ADJUSTMENT on page 22.
CHECK GRASSBAG
Check grass bag frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace worn or damaged bag
with Ariens original equipment replacement
bag only.
CLEAN UNIT
Before each use clean unit, muffler and
engine surfaces of debris, oil or fuel spills to
ensure proper cooling and prevent fires.
CHECK ENGINE OIL
IMPORTANT: Maintain proper oil level at all
times or engine damage will result.
Check the level of the engine crankcase oil
before each use.
Make sure engine is level when checking oil.
See engine manual for instructions.
CHECK MOWER BLADE
See Figure 11.
Check blade mounting: blade must be secure
and bolt torqued to 37.5 - 50 Ibf-ft
(51-68 N°m) (bolt should fully compress lock
washer).
Check blade for nicks and dull cutting edges.
Sharpen if necessary.
Check blade for rounded or broken ends,
thinned metal or other damage. Replace if
necessary.
NOTE: Blades should be sharpened and
balanced professionally. Contact your Ariens
Dealer.
To remove blade:
1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to
stop, and disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Block blade to prevent rotation.
3. Remove bolt, lock washer, flat washer
and blade from shaft.
To install blade:
1. Replace blade, flat washer, lock washer
and bolt on shaft.
2. Torque bolt to 37.5 - 50 Ibf-ft
(51-68 N°m) (bolt should fully compress
lock washer).
3. Connect spark plug wire.
Sharpen the Mower Blades
A
CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen
mower blades while on unit. An
imbalanced mower blade will
cause excessive vibration and
eventual damage to unit. Check
mower blade balance before
reinstalling blades.
NEVER weld or straighten bent
blades.
1. Remove mower blade from unit.
Discard mower blade if:
More than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is
removed.
Air lifts become eroded.
Blade is bent or broken.
2. Sharpen mower blade by removing an
equal amount of material from each end
of mower blade. DO NOT change angle
of cutting edge or round the corner of the
mower blade.
DO NOT Sharpen to This Pattern
1 2
3
DISCARD If More Than
1/2 in. (1.27 cm) 2
3 OT0792
Sharpen to This Pattern
1. Square Corner
2. Cutting Edge
3. Air Lift
4. Air Lift Erosion
Figure 11
GB- 18