Ariens 911106 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 911106 is a walk-behind self-propelled lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment, rear-wheel drive, and easy-start system. 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. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Cutting & Discharge Options 8. Safety Features 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagger, mulch plug, side discharge chute, height adjustment lever, drive control bar, and recoil starter.

FeatureDescription
EngineBriggs & Stratton 550E Series, 140cc
Cutting Width21 inches
Cutting DeckSteel, 3-in-1 capability
Drive SystemSelf-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Height AdjustmentSingle lever, 6 positions (1.5-3.75 inches)
Start SystemRecoil starter
Fuel Tank0.95 liter (1 quart) capacity
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
WeightApproximately 29 kg (64 lbs)
Bag Capacity2.0 bushels (grass bag)

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

  1. Attach the handle: Align lower handle with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
  2. Install the grass bag: Attach bagger frame to rear deck hooks, then clip bag onto frame.
  3. Attach side discharge chute: If using side discharge, secure chute to deck opening.
  4. Install mulch plug: For mulching, insert plug into rear discharge opening.
  5. Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (approx. 20 oz) as per dipstick.
  6. Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher).

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

First-Time Operation

Before starting, perform pre-operation checks.

  1. Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
  2. Check fuel: Fill tank with fresh gasoline.
  3. Inspect cutting blade: Ensure it is sharp and securely fastened.
  4. Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position.
  5. Start engine: Set throttle to FAST, pull recoil starter firmly.
  6. Engage drive: Squeeze drive control bar to self-propel; release to stop.
  7. Begin mowing: Overlap passes by 2-3 inches for even cut.

CAUTION! Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris. Do not mow wet grass.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Handle Controls: Drive control bar, height adjustment lever, throttle control, recoil starter grip.

Drive Control: Squeeze bar to engage self-propel; release to stop. Height Adjustment: Single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously. Throttle Control: Set to FAST for mowing, SLOW for idling. Blade Control: Operator-presence lever must be held to keep blade engaged.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and safe operation.

  1. Before each use: Check oil, fuel, blade condition, and fasteners.
  2. Every 25 hours: Change engine oil (or annually).
  3. Every season: Replace air filter, spark plug, sharpen blade.
  4. As needed: Clean underside of deck, check drive belt tension.
  5. Storage: Run engine dry or add fuel stabilizer.

Tip: Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Cutting & Discharge Options

3-in-1 system: Mulching, bagging, side discharge.

  1. Mulching: Install mulch plug. Cuts clippings finely and returns to lawn.
  2. Bagging: Attach grass bag. Collects clippings for disposal.
  3. Side Discharge: Install side chute. Ejects clippings to the side.

WARNING! Always stop engine and ensure blade has stopped before changing discharge option.

Safety Features

Operator-presence control: Blade stops when handle is released. Rear safety guard: Prevents access to discharge area. Safety labels: Read and follow all warnings on mower.

Storage & Winterization

At end of season, prepare mower for storage.

  1. Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
  2. Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer and run engine for 5 minutes.
  3. Change engine oil.
  4. Remove spark plug, add 1 teaspoon of oil into cylinder, pull starter slowly, reinstall plug.
  5. Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or near open flame.

Warranty Information

Ariens 911106 is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, commercial use. For warranty service, contact an authorized Ariens dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.ariens.com or call 1-800-678-5443.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startNo fuel, old gas, clogged air filterAdd fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Engine runs poorlyDirty carburetor, old fuelDrain fuel tank; clean carburetor; replace fuel filter.
Uneven cuttingDull blade, uneven tire pressureSharpen or replace blade; inflate tires evenly.
Mower doesn't self-propelDrive belt loose or brokenCheck drive belt tension; replace if worn.
Excessive vibrationLoose blade, bent bladeTighten blade bolt; replace bent blade.

Reset: For safety switch issues, ensure operator-presence lever is fully engaged.

Service: 1-800-678-5443; www.ariens.com

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