Ariens 915266 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 915266 is a self-propelled walk-behind lawn mower featuring a Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (6 positions), rear-wheel drive, and easy-start technology. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Pre-Operation Checklist 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: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side discharge chute, single-lever height adjuster, drive control lever, and recoil starter.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 550 Series, 140cc
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Deck	Steel, 3-in-1 capability
Drive System	Rear-wheel self-propelled
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5" - 3.75")
Start System	Recoil starter
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallon capacity
Bag Capacity	2.5 bushels
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Weight	Approximately 65 lbs

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
Attach grass bag: Connect bagger frame to deck and install fabric bag.
Install mulching plug: Insert plug into rear discharge opening when mulching.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (20 oz) and unleaded gasoline.

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

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before starting mower each time, complete this safety and readiness check.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Check fuel level: Fill with fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Inspect blade: Ensure blade is sharp, balanced, and securely fastened.
Clear area: Remove stones, sticks, and debris from mowing area.
Test controls: Verify drive control, height adjuster, and safety features work properly.

CAUTION! Never operate mower without proper oil level. Always check for bystanders before starting.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 915266
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 550 Series, 140cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5" - 3.75" (6 positions)
Deck Material: Powder-coated steel
Drive: Rear-wheel self-propelled
Start Type: Recoil
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Main controls located on handle: Drive control lever, recoil starter grip, height adjustment lever.

Starting Procedure:

Push primer bulb 3 times (cold engine).
Set throttle to FAST position.
Pull recoil starter firmly.
To engage self-propelled drive: Squeeze drive control lever toward handle.

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

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment changes height for all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop mower and engine completely.
Pull height adjustment lever outward.
Move lever to desired position (1-6, with 1 being lowest).
Release lever to lock in position.

Recommended Settings: 2.5" for normal turf, 3" during hot/dry conditions, 1.5"-2" for formal lawns.

Maintenance Schedule

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck
Every 25 hours	Change oil, clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen/replace blade, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, clean fuel system
Storage	Drain fuel or add stabilizer

Blade Sharpening: Remove blade, maintain original cutting angle, balance before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage extends mower life and ensures easy starting next season.

Clean mower thoroughly, removing all grass clippings.
Drain fuel tank or add fuel stabilizer and run engine 5 minutes.
Change oil if near service interval.
Remove spark plug, add 1 oz oil to cylinder, pull starter slowly to coat.
Store in dry, covered area.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank over 30 days without stabilizer.

Safety Information

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause severe injury. Always follow these rules:

Never operate without grass bag, mulching plug, or discharge chute properly installed.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
Clear mowing area of debris before starting.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Always wear eye protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Never allow children to operate mower.
Disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Warranty Information

Ariens 915266 includes 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact authorized Ariens dealer or call 1-800-678-5443. Register product online at www.ariens.com for faster service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, stale gas	Check fuel level, replace spark plug, drain old gas
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, water in fuel	Clean/replace air filter, drain fuel tank
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure	Sharpen/replace blade, inflate tires to 15 PSI
Self-propel not working	Drive belt worn, control cable loose	Inspect/replace drive belt, adjust cable tension
Excessive vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Replace blade, tighten all fasteners
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged	Wait for grass to dry, clean underside of deck

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