Ariens 915239 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 915239 is a high-performance walk-behind lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a powerful engine, durable steel deck, multiple cutting height adjustments, easy-start system, mulching and bagging capabilities, ergonomic handle with controls, and large rear wheels for maneuverability. 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 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, height adjustment lever, rear bagger, mulching plug, ergonomic handle with safety bail.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine with easy-start system
Cutting Width	21-inch steel cutting deck
Cutting Height	6-position adjustment (1.5" to 4")
Drive System	Rear-wheel drive with large 10-inch wheels
Grass Disposal	Rear bagging and mulching capabilities
Handle	3-position adjustable ergonomic handle
Safety Features	Blade brake clutch system, safety bail lever
Fuel Tank	1-quart capacity
Weight	65 lbs (approx.)
Warranty	2-year limited warranty

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Align handle brackets with deck mounts, secure with provided bolts and wrench.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles, secure with hairpin clips.
Attach grass bag: Connect bagger frame to rear brackets, hang collection bag.
Install mulching plug: Insert plug into rear discharge chute when mulching.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (18 oz), add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Do not add fuel indoors or near ignition sources. Wear gloves during assembly.

First-Time Setup

Complete assembly, then prepare for first use.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with minimum 87 octane.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (middle setting recommended).
Test safety controls: Verify blade stops within 3 seconds of releasing bail.
Start engine: Set choke, pull starter cord smoothly.

CAUTION! Keep hands and feet away from cutting deck. Clear mowing area of debris.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 915239
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 4-cycle OHV
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: 20-gauge steel
Wheels: 10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Drive System: Rear-wheel drive
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 1 quart
Oil Capacity: 18 oz SAE 30
Weight: 65 lbs

Controls and Operation

Handle controls: Safety bail lever, drive control lever, height adjustment lever.

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine). 2. Set choke to FULL. 3. Hold safety bail to handle. 4. Pull starter cord firmly.

Stopping: Release safety bail - engine and blade will stop. For emergency stop, release bail immediately.

Driving: Squeeze drive control lever against handle to engage wheels. Release to stop movement.

Bagging/Mulching: Install grass bag for collection. Insert mulching plug for fine clippings.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all wheels evenly for level cut.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop completely.
Locate height adjustment lever near each wheel.
Pull lever outward and move to desired position (1-6).
Ensure all levers are set to same position.

Recommended Settings: 2.5-3" for normal turf, 3.5-4" for summer heat stress.

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 oil (first change after 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade, clean underside of deck
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean thoroughly

Blade Sharpening: Remove spark plug wire. Remove blade bolt (clockwise threads). Sharpen at original angle. Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 2 minutes.
Change oil if near service interval.
Clean entire mower, especially underside of deck.
Remove spark plug, add 1 tablespoon oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank indoors. Fuel vapors are explosive.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Never mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.
Stop engine before adjusting height or clearing blockages.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.
Use extreme caution on slopes - mow across, not up and down.
Never remove safety devices or guards.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Keep hands and feet away.

Warranty Information

Ariens 915239 includes a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, improper maintenance, accident, commercial use. To make a claim, contact authorized Ariens dealer with proof of purchase. For warranty service: 1-800-678-5443 or www.ariens.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, stale fuel, clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check spark plug
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old fuel, water in fuel	Replace air filter, drain and add fresh fuel
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen blade, check tire pressure, clean deck
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt, replace damaged blade
Won't drive	Drive cable loose, drive belt worn	Adjust drive cable, replace drive belt
Bag not filling	Wet grass, deck clogged, high grass	Mow when dry, clean deck, cut more frequently

Service: For technical support: 1-800-678-5443. Find dealers at www.ariens.com.