Ariens 915228 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 915228 is a 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton 550EXi engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side discharge capability, 7-position single-lever height adjustment, 11-inch rear wheels, 8-inch front wheels, and a 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 Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, height adjustment lever, self-propelled drive system.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 550EXi, 140cc, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	7 positions (1.5" to 3.75")
Drive System	Self-propelled, rear-wheel drive
Wheels	11-inch rear, 8-inch front
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Discharge Options	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.95 gallons
Starter	Recoil pull-start
Warranty	Limited 2-year residential

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with provided bolts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Hook bag frame onto rear deck brackets.
Install mulching plug: Insert into rear discharge opening when mulching.
Add engine oil: Fill with SAE 30 detergent oil (20 oz. capacity).
Add gasoline: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly. Keep hands clear of cutting blade.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Fuel: Fill tank with fresh unleaded gasoline.
Blade inspection: Verify blade is properly installed and sharp.
Height adjustment: Set cutting height to highest position for first mow.
Start engine: Pull recoil starter firmly.
Test drive: Engage self-propelled drive to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Never add fuel while engine is hot. Allow to cool completely.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 915228
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 550EXi, 140cc, OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5" to 3.75" (7 positions)
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Wheel Size: 11" rear, 8" front
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. SAE 30
Weight: 78 lbs (assembled)
Warranty: 2-year limited residential

Controls and Operation

Handle controls: Drive control lever, height adjustment lever, recoil starter.

Starting Procedure:

Check oil and fuel levels.
Move throttle control to FAST position.
Prime engine (3-5 presses on primer bulb).
Pull recoil starter firmly until engine starts.

Self-Propelled Operation: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to engage drive. Release to stop.

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

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment for all four wheels.

Stop mower and engine completely.
Pull height adjustment lever toward wheel.
Move lever to desired position (1-7).
Release lever to lock in position.

Height Positions: 1 (1.5"), 2 (1.75"), 3 (2"), 4 (2.25"), 5 (2.5"), 6 (3"), 7 (3.75")

Tip: For first mow of season or tall grass, use highest setting.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen/replace blade, check spark plug
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

Blade Sharpening: Remove spark plug wire. Tip mower on side. Remove blade, sharpen at 22° angle. Balance before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

End-of-season storage preparation.

Clean mower thoroughly, removing all grass clippings.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer.
Run engine for 5 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel.
Change oil if due.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz. oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store with gasoline in tank without stabilizer.

Safety Information

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury.

Always wear eye protection and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, and debris.
Never mow wet grass.
Never reach under mower while engine is running.
Always disconnect spark plug before servicing.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.
Use extreme caution on slopes.

Warranty Information

Ariens 915228 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, improper maintenance, commercial use, abuse, or neglect. For warranty service, contact authorized Ariens dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.ariens.com or call 1-800-678-5443.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, old gas, clogged filter	Add fresh fuel, check primer bulb, clean air filter
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline	Replace air filter, drain old fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven height	Sharpen/replace blade, adjust cutting height
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt loose, control cable	Check belt tension, adjust drive cable
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade	Tighten blade bolt, replace bent blade
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, clogged deck	Mow when dry, clean underside of deck

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Ariens dealer. Customer support: 1-800-678-5443, www.ariens.com