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AUTOMATIC TRACTOR Operator Manual Models A21A42 42" Automatic Tractor Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) or up to 10% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) or 10% MTBE will void the product warranty.
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers DANGER: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. • Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove starting when setting up, trans port ing,...
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SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers III. CHILDREN • If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately. • Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely. WARNING. CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Academy GENERAL SERVICE of Pediatrics recommends that children be a •...
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor. It has been designed, engineered and manu fac tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Gasoline Capacity 1.50 Gallons (5,67 L) and type: Unleaded Reqular Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service Oil Type: SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C)
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ASSEMBLY Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
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ASSEMBLY INSTALL SEAT (See Figs. 2 & 3) CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 4) • Remove bolt and flat washer se cur ing seat to cardboard • Lift seat to raised position. packing and set aside for as sem bly of seat to tractor. NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and Remove the cardboard packing and discard.
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ASSEMBLY ✓ CHECK TIRE PRESSURE CHECKLIST The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRAC TOR, WE for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important WISH TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BEST for best cutting performance.
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OPERATION These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning. FAST SLOW REVERSE HIGH NEUTRAL CHOKE IGNITION SWITCH ENGINE START MOWER HEIGHT MOWER LIFT REVERSE ENGINE ON PARKING BRAKE ENGINE OFF OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) CLUTCH/BRAKE...
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OPERATION KNOW YOUR TRACTOR READ THIS OPERATOR'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 ad just ments. Save this manual for future reference. Fig.
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OPERATION The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye dam age. Always wear safety glass es or eye shields while operating your tractor or per form ing any ad just ments or repairs. We rec om mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
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OPERATION TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 11) TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 9) Gauge wheels are prop er ly ad just ed when they are slight ly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the operating position.
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OPERATION TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 14) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) (See Fig. 13) When pushing or towing your tractor, ensure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in free wheel ing Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System po si tion.
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OPERATION BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5) When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
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OPERATION MOWING TIPS • Tire chains cannot be used when the mower hous ing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. •...
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MAINTENANCE BEFORE EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE MAINTENANCE EACH SEASON STORAGE SCHEDULE HOURS HOURS HOURS HOURS Check Brake Operation Check Tire Pressure Check Operator Presence & ROS Systems Check for Loose Fasteners Check/Replace Mower Blades Lubrication Chart Check Battery Level Clean Battery and Terminals Clean Debris Off Steering Plate Check Mower Levelness...
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MAINTENANCE TRACTOR BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. Re place Always observe safety rules when per form ing any bent or damaged blades. main te nance. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade ap- BRAKE OPERATION proved by the manufacturer of your tractor.
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MAINTENANCE TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 18 & 19) V-BELTS Determine temperature range expected before oil change. Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL. of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not •...
MAINTENANCE CLEANING ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 20) • Clean engine, battery, seat, finish, etc. of all foreign Debris may clog the engine's air cooling system. Remove matter. blower housing and clean the area shown to prevent over- heating and engine damage. •...
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MAINTENANCE DECK WASHOUT PORT (See Fig. 23) 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. 1. Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough to a water spigot for your garden hose to reach.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SER VICE OR AD JUST MENTS: • Depress brake pedal fully and set parking brake. • Place attachment clutch in “DISENGAGED” position. • Turn ignition key to “STOP” and remove key. •...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • ATTACH MOWER SIDE SUSPENSION ARMS (A) TO • Insert end of link (E) into hole in front mower bracket CHASSIS - Position hole in arm over pin (B) on outside and secure with washer and retainer spring (J). of tractor chassis and secure with retainer spring.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO LEVEL MOWER • If adjustment is necessary, see step in Visual Adjust- ment instructions above. Ensure tires are properly inflated to the PSI shown on tires. • Recheck measurements, adjust if necessary until both If tires are over or under inflated, it may affect the appear- sides are equal.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE MOWER BLADE DRIVE BELT BELT REMOVAL - 1. Remove mower. (See “TO REMOVE MOWER” section (See Fig. 34) in this manual.) The mower blade drive belt may be replaced without tools. NOTE: Observe entire motion drive belt and position of all Park the tractor on level surface.
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • Move motion control lever to the neutral (lock gate) position. WASH ERS RE TAIN ING • Tighten adjustment bolt securely. RING NOTE: If additional clearance is needed to get to ad just- ment bolt, move mower deck height to the lowest position. AXLE COVER MOTION CONTROL...
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SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS REPLACING BATTERY (See Fig. 40) TO REMOVE HOOD AND GRILL ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 41) WARNING: Do not short battery ter mi- • Raise hood. nals by allowing a wrench or any other • Unsnap headlight wire connector. object to contact both terminals at the •...
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 IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS WARNING: Never store the trac tor with FROM FORMING IN ES SEN TIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH gas o line in the tank inside a building AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FIL TER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK...
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 1. Out of fuel. 1. Fill fuel tank. Will not start 2. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 2. See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. 3. Engine flooded. 3. Wait several minutes before attempting to start. 4. Bad spark plug. 4.
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TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Engine continues 1. Faulty operator-safety presence control 1. Check wiring, switches and connections. If not system. corrected, contact an authorized service center/ to run when oper- department. ator leaves seat with attachment clutch engaged 1. Worn, bent or loose blade. 1.
In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer. Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact: Ariens 655 W. Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110 1-877-257-6920 www.ariens.com...
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Ariens Company 655 West Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110-1072 1-877-257-6920 www.ariens.com WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.