Ariens 311 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 311 is a 21-inch self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower featuring a 159cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 discharge system (mulch/bag/side-discharge), 6-position cutting height adjustment, single-lever speed control, and durable steel deck. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting & Discharge Options 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 21-inch steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 discharge system, height adjustment lever, self-propelled drive system, grass bag.

Feature	Description
Engine	159cc Briggs & Stratton 675 Series
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1.5-4 inches)
Drive System	Self-propelled, single-lever speed control
Discharge Options	Mulch, Bag, Side-discharge
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Starting System	Recoil start
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallons
Weight	Approx. 75 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts.
Install grass bag: Attach bagger frame to rear deck and secure bag.
Install discharge chute: For side-discharge operation.
Attach mulching plug: For mulching configuration.
Add engine oil: Use SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position.
Test controls: Verify throttle, drive control, and blade engagement.
Start engine: Follow starting procedure in manual.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper oil level. Keep area clear of bystanders.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 311
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 675 Series, 159cc
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 - 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Speed Control: Single-lever, variable speed
Discharge: 3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side-discharge)
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Main controls located on handle. Engine controls on engine.

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, Height adjustment lever, Blade engagement lever, Bag indicator.

Engine Controls: Throttle, Choke, Primer bulb, Recoil starter.

Starting Procedure: Set throttle to FAST, engage choke, press primer 3 times, pull starter cord. Operating: Engage drive lever to move, disengage to stop. Adjust speed with lever pressure. Engage blade only when ready to cut.

Cutting & Discharge Options

Configure for mulching, bagging, or side-discharge.

Mulching: Install mulching plug and blade. Cuts clippings finely.
Bagging: Attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
Side-discharge: Install discharge chute. Ejects clippings to side.

Tip: For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of grass height at once.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Before each use: Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris.
Every 25 hours: Change engine oil, check air filter, inspect spark plug.
Every 50 hours: Clean/replace air filter, sharpen/replace blade.
Every 100 hours: Replace spark plug, check drive belt.
Seasonal: Drain fuel for storage, lubricate wheels and cables.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Drain fuel: Run engine until tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil: Replace with fresh oil to prevent corrosion.
Clean deck: Remove all grass and debris.
Remove battery (if equipped): Store in cool, dry place.
Store indoors: Keep in dry, covered location.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Always follow safety precautions to prevent injury.

Wear sturdy shoes, eye protection, and hearing protection.
Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Never mow wet grass.
Always turn off engine and wait for blade to stop before crossing driveways.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.

Warranty & Support

Ariens 311 comes with 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty service, contact authorized Ariens dealer. For support, visit www.ariens.com or contact 1-800-678-5440.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, clogged air filter	Check fuel level, replace spark plug, clean air filter.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, low engine speed	Sharpen/replace blade, set throttle to FAST.
Uneven cut	Uneven tire pressure, bent blade	Inflate tires evenly, replace bent blade.
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn, control cable loose	Inspect/replace drive belt, adjust cable tension.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, debris in deck	Tighten blade bolt, clean deck interior.

Service: Contact authorized Ariens dealer for repairs.

Support: 1-800-678-5440; www.ariens.com