Ariens 915173 User Manual

Zoom XL
Owner/Operator Manual
Manuel Du Propriétaire/Utilisateur
ENGLISH
Models
915163 – Zoom XL 42
(SN 030000 +)
915165 – Zoom XL 48
(SN 030000 +)
915173 – Zoom XL 54
(SN 030000 +)
®
04699800A 9/13
Printed in USA
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS
E10
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) or
10% MTBE will void the product warranty.
L’utilisation d’une essence contenant plus de 10%
d’éthanol (E10) ou de 10% de MTBE annulent la garantie.

Ariens 915173 Specifications

General

Deck Material	Steel
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Starter Type	Electric
Mulching Capability	Yes
Bagging Capability	Yes
Side Discharge Capability	Yes
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4.5 inches

Summary

Introduction to the Manual

Understanding the Manual Content

Guidance on reading and understanding the owner's manual for safe operation.

Engine Manual Information

Details on the separate engine manual and where to find service recommendations.

Model and Serial Number Identification

Locating model and serial numbers for parts ordering and service inquiries.

Product Registration Process

Information on registering the product with the dealer for warranty and service.

Safety Information Overview

Safety Alerts and Symbols

Explains safety alert symbols, their meanings, and their importance for personal safety.

Notations and Important Information

Provides general reference information for operation and maintenance practices.

Safety Decals and Locations

Guidance on safety decals, their importance, and where to find them on the unit.

Specific Safety Hazards

Discharge Hazard Precautions

Never operate without discharge chute; never direct discharge towards people or property.

Dismemberment Hazard Precautions

Keep hands/feet away from deck and shielded areas; do not put hands near rotating blades.

Continued Safety Hazards and Precautions

Tipping Hazard Avoidance

Avoid tipping by not operating on slopes over 15 degrees.

Discharge Hazard (Continued)

Never direct discharge towards people; keep children away from operating unit.

Additional Safety Precautions

Service Hazard Precautions

Safety measures to take before servicing the unit, including disconnecting power.

Bystander Hazard Prevention

Guidelines for operating the unit safely around bystanders and not carrying passengers.

Loss of Traction Hazard Management

Steps to take if loss of traction occurs, such as disengaging PTO and backing slowly.

Hot Surfaces Warning

Warning to avoid touching hot parts after operation and allow them to cool.

Emission Control System Information

Information on emission control components and regulations, and tampering penalties.

Safety Rules and Guidelines

Operator Qualifications and Conduct

Rules for operator training, alertness, attire, and personal protection equipment.

Safe Operation Practices

Guidelines for operating the unit safely, including controls, clearances, and environment.

Pre-Operation and Post-Operation Safety

Procedures for starting, stopping, securing the unit, and removing the key.

Operational Safety Rules

Safe Mowing Practices

Guidelines for mowing conditions, deck operation, and unit stability.

Slope Operation Safety

Precautions for operating on slopes, including speed, direction, and emergency procedures.

Towing and Transportation Safety

Rules for towing equipment and transporting the unit securely.

Fuel Handling and Storage Safety

Precautions for handling, storing, and fueling the unit safely.

Battery and Electrical Safety

Fueling and Spill Precautions

Safe practices for refueling, handling fuel spills, and using portable containers.

Battery Safety and Handling

Precautions for battery handling, charging, jump-starting, and avoiding chemical hazards.

Engine Exhaust and Mechanical Safety

Warnings about engine exhaust fumes, striking objects, sharp blades, and hot surfaces.

Storage and Attachment Safety

Guidelines for safe storage, using approved attachments, and checking components.

Assembly Instructions

Tools and Materials Required

List of necessary tools and materials for unit assembly.

Unpacking and Initial Setup

Steps for unpacking the unit and preparing it for assembly.

Connecting the Battery

Instructions for connecting the unit's battery.

Positioning the Unit for Operation

Steps to place the unit and its controls into the correct operating position.

Installing the Discharge Chute

Procedure for correctly positioning the discharge chute for operation.

Pre-Operation Checks

Checking Tire Pressure

Instructions and cautions for checking and maintaining proper tire pressure.

Checking Engine Oil Level

Guidance on checking the engine oil level, referring to the Engine Manual.

Leveling the Mower Deck

Instructions for leveling and adjusting the mower deck pitch.

Filling the Fuel Tank

Procedure for filling the fuel tank, including capacity and overfill warnings.

Adjusting the Seat

Instructions on how to adjust the operator's seat for comfort and control.

Verifying Safety Systems

Checks for the safety interlock system and control functions before operation.

Controls and Features Overview

Ignition and Throttle Controls

Details on the ignition switch, PTO switch, and throttle lever.

Steering and Braking Systems

Explanation of steering levers and the parking brake.

Mower Deck and Chute Controls

Information on the mower lift pedal, deck, and discharge chute.

Other Key Controls and Indicators

Description of fuel gauge, choke control, and hour meter.

Operating the Mower

Safety Interlock System Testing

Procedure to test the safety interlock system for proper function before use.

Throttle and Choke Operation

How to use the throttle lever and choke control for starting and running the engine.

Brake and PTO Engagement

Instructions for engaging and disengaging the parking brake and PTO switch.

Ignition Switch and Hour Meter

Using the ignition switch and understanding the functions of the hour meter.

Advanced Operation and Controls

Understanding Timer and Service Alerts

Using the timer function and interpreting service alerts from the hour meter.

Steering Lever Functions

Detailed explanation of how to use the steering levers for movement and turning.

Mower Deck Height Adjustment

How to use the mower lift pedal and height of cut lever to adjust the deck.

Fueling, Seat Adjustment, and Emergency Stops

Adjusting the Operator Seat

Instructions for adjusting the seat position for comfort and control.

Fueling Guidelines and Precautions

Procedure for filling the fuel tank, gasoline type, and overfilling warnings.

Emergency Stopping Procedure

Steps to take to stop the unit immediately in an emergency situation.

Engine and Unit Operation

Moving the Unit Manually

Procedure for disengaging the transmission to move the unit by hand.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Step-by-step guide for starting and shutting down the engine safely.

Basic Mower Operation

Steps for starting the engine, engaging the PTO, and operating the mower.

Transporting the Unit Safely

Guidelines for safely transporting the unit on a truck or trailer.

Best Performance Tips

Tips for Optimal Mowing Performance

Advice on cutting dry grass, sharp blades, deck leveling, and mowing speed.

Maintenance Schedule - Initial Checks

Checking the Safety Interlock System

Verifying the safety interlock system's functionality before operation.

Checking the Parking Brake

Procedure to test the parking brake's engagement and function.

Cleaning the Unit

Instructions for cleaning dirt, debris, and spills from the unit.

Checking Tire Pressure

Ensuring correct tire pressure for safe operation and performance.

Maintenance Schedule - Regular Checks

Checking Mower Blades

Inspection of mower blades for wear or damage.

Engine Maintenance Reference

Referencing the Engine Manual for scheduled engine maintenance tasks.

Checking and Cleaning Battery

Maintaining clean battery terminals and connections.

Lubricating Unit Components

Applying grease to zerks on the front wheels for lubrication.

Checking Unit Belts

Inspection and replacement of hydrostatic and PTO belts.

Service and Adjustments

Opening the Deck Access Plate

Steps to open the deck access plate for maintenance or inspection.

Opening and Closing the Hood

Procedure for opening and closing the unit's hood.

Replacing Mower Blades

Instructions for safely removing and installing mower blades.

Mower Deck Leveling and Pitch

Measuring Blade Clearance to Ground

Procedure to measure blade height from the ground in lowest and highest cutting positions.

Adjusting Forward Blade Pitch

How to set the forward pitch of the mower blades.

Mower Deck Adjustment Procedures

Setting Side-to-Side Blade Pitch

Procedure to measure and adjust the side-to-side pitch of mower blades.

Overall Deck Height and Pitch Adjustment

Steps to adjust trunnions for proper deck height and blade pitch.

Battery Service and Maintenance

Battery Removal and Installation

Steps for safely removing and installing the unit's battery.

Cleaning Battery Terminals and Cables

Procedure for cleaning battery terminals and cables for optimal connection.

Battery Charging and Steering Adjustment

Charging the Unit Battery

Instructions for safely charging the battery, including warnings against fast charging.

Adjusting Steering Lever Height

Procedure to adjust the height of the steering levers for operator comfort.

Adjusting Steering Lever Width

How to adjust the width or spacing of the steering levers.

Steering Adjustment and Belt Replacement

Adjusting Steering Lever Position

Adjusting the forward/backward position of the steering levers.

Adjusting Forward and Reverse Speed

Fine-tuning steering levers for straight-line tracking and speed control.

Replacing the PTO Belt

Instructions for removing and replacing the Power Take-Off (PTO) belt.

Belt Replacement and Hydraulic Fluid

Replacing the Hydrostatic Belt

Steps for removing and installing the hydrostatic transmission belt.

Checking and Adding Hydraulic Fluid

Procedure to check and refill the hydraulic fluid level in the expansion tank.

Hydraulic System Maintenance

Changing Hydraulic Fluid and Filter

Procedure for changing the hydraulic fluid and filter for the transaxle.

Purging the Hydraulic System

Steps to purge air from the hydraulic system after fluid change.

Unit Storage Procedures

Short Term and Long Term Storage

Guidelines for storing the unit properly for short and long periods.

Adding Fuel Stabilizer for Storage

Procedure for adding fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel system deterioration during storage.

Troubleshooting Engine and Drive Issues

Engine Crank/Start Problems

Common causes and corrections for engine not cranking or starting.

Engine Running Rough

Troubleshooting steps for an engine that runs unevenly or poorly.

Unit Mobility Issues

Solutions for when the unit does not move with the engine running.

PTO and Blade Engagement Problems

Diagnosing and fixing issues with PTO engagement or blade shut-off.

Troubleshooting Performance and Quality Issues

Engine Overheating Solutions

Causes and remedies for the engine overheating during operation.

Unit Movement and Parking Brake Issues

Troubleshooting unit movement when off and parking brake engagement.

Hour Meter and Steering Alignment

Resolving issues with the hour meter and unit tracking straight.

Poor Cutting Quality Diagnosis

Causes and fixes for poor cutting quality, such as deck leveling and blade condition.

Optional Accessories

Available Accessories List

List of optional accessories available for purchase to enhance unit functionality.

Service Parts

Genuine Ariens Service Parts

List of genuine Ariens parts recommended for keeping the unit in optimal condition.

Ariens Limited Warranty Information

Warranty Periods and Product Groups

Details on warranty coverage periods for consumer and commercial use by product group.

Special Warranty Extensions

Information on special extensions to the standard warranty for specific components.

Warranty Exceptions and Limitations

Exclusions and limitations on warranty coverage, including wear and tear items.

Customer Responsibilities for Warranty

Customer obligations, including product registration, for warranty validity.

Warranty Service and Terms

Obtaining Warranty Service

Steps required for the original purchaser to obtain warranty service.

Finding Authorized Service Representatives

Information on how to locate authorized Ariens service dealers and representatives.

Warranty Exclusions and Disclaimers

Details on items not covered by warranty, disclaimers, and limitations of liability.

Company Information and Warnings

Ariens Company Contact Details

Contact information for Ariens Company, including address and phone numbers.

California Proposition 65 Warning

Warning regarding chemicals in engine exhaust known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.