Ariens 911047 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 911047 is a 21-inch self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton 550EXi Series engine, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), 6-speed drive system, single-lever height adjustment, and a durable steel deck. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications to ensure proper and safe use of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting System Setup 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Instructions 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton 550EXi Series engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 cutting system, 6-speed drive system, single-lever height adjustment, rear bagger, and fold-down handle.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 550EXi Series, 140cc, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting System	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Drive System	6-speed self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 6 positions (1.5" to 4")
Deck Material	Durable steel construction
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 quarts (0.9 liters)
Starter Type	Recoil start
Warranty	Limited 2-year residential warranty

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handle: Align handle brackets with deck mounts, secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install the rear bagger: Attach bag frame to deck rear hooks, ensure bag is properly seated.
Connect the drive cable: Route cable through handle guides and attach to drive control lever.
Install the side discharge chute: If using side discharge, attach chute to deck opening.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (check dipstick for proper level).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating.

Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects that could be thrown.
Always wear sturdy footwear and eye protection.
Do not mow wet grass or in poor lighting conditions.
Never allow children to operate the mower.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.
Use the mower only for its intended purpose—cutting grass.

CAUTION! The blade rotates at high speed. Keep hands and feet away from the cutting deck at all times.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 911047
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 550EXi Series, 140cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5" to 4" (6 positions)
Drive System: 6-speed self-propelled, front-wheel drive
Cutting Options: Mulch, Bag (2.5 bushel capacity), Side Discharge
Deck Material: Steel
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Oil Type: SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz. capacity)
Weight: 78 lbs (approx.)

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Drive control lever, height adjustment lever, bagger handle. Engine Controls: Throttle, choke, recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle to FAST position.
Pull choke knob out (cold engine only).
Pull recoil starter handle firmly.
Push choke in after engine starts.

Stopping: Release drive control, move throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop completely.

Cutting System Setup

Configure for mulch, bag, or side discharge.

Mulching: Install mulch plug in discharge opening.
Bagging: Attach rear bagger, ensure chute deflector is closed.
Side Discharge: Remove mulch plug, attach side discharge chute.

Tip: For best mulching results, mow when grass is dry and cut no more than 1/3 of grass height at a time.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean or replace air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blade, lubricate wheel bearings and height adjustment points
As needed	Clean underside of deck, check tire pressure

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to burn remaining fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change engine oil at end of season.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon of oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat cylinder wall.
Store in a clean, dry place, preferably covered.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank in an enclosed area due to fire risk.

Warranty Information

Ariens 911047 comes with a limited 2-year residential warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Commercial use warranty is 90 days. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, or lack of maintenance. For warranty service, contact an authorized Ariens dealer with proof of purchase. For more information, visit www.ariens.com or call 1-800-678-5443.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old fuel, clogged air filter, faulty spark plug	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel line	Clean air filter, drain old fuel, inspect fuel line.
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck not level	Sharpen/replace blade, adjust tire pressure, level deck.
Mower doesn't self-propel	Drive belt loose or broken, drive control not engaged	Check drive belt tension/replace, ensure drive control is fully engaged.
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, debris stuck in blade	Tighten blade bolts, inspect blade for damage, clean deck.

Service: For technical support, contact Ariens at 1-800-678-5443 or visit www.ariens.com.