Ariens 915268 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 915268 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 (6 positions: 1-3.75 inches), rear-wheel drive, and easy-fold handle for storage. 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. Mulching, Bagging & Side Discharge 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel deck, rear bagger, mulching plug, side-discharge chute, foldable handle, single-lever height adjuster, self-propelled drive system.

Feature	Description
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle, OHV
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Height	6 positions (1" - 3.75")
Drive System	Rear-wheel self-propelled
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Capabilities	Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge (3-in-1)
Handle	Easy-fold design for storage
Wheels	8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Tank	0.95 gallon capacity
Starter	Recoil pull-start

Assembly Instructions

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

Attach handle: Insert lower handle into deck brackets, secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, secure with knobs.
Attach grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks; ensure secure latch.
Install mulching plug: Insert into rear discharge opening when mulching.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick); add unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Keep hands and feet clear of cutting blade during assembly. Wear gloves.

First-Time Setup

Before first use, complete pre-operation checks.

Check oil level: Ensure oil is at full mark on dipstick.
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline; do not overfill.
Adjust cutting height: Set lever to desired position (middle setting recommended for first mow).
Test drive control: Squeeze drive lever to engage self-propelled wheels; release to stop.
Test blade control: Engage blade control lever (deadman switch) to ensure blade spins freely.

CAUTION! Operate only in well-ventilated areas. Keep children and pets away.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 915268
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 125cc, 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height Range: 1 inch to 3.75 inches (6 positions)
Deck Construction: 20-gauge steel
Drive: Rear-wheel self-propelled
Wheels: 8-inch rear, 7-inch front
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Weight: 68 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 2-year limited

Controls and Operation

Handle controls: Drive lever (right), Blade control lever (left), Height adjust lever (center).

Starting: 1. Push primer bulb 3 times. 2. Set throttle to FAST. 3. Pull recoil starter. Stopping: Release blade control; engine stops. Set throttle to STOP.

Self-propelled operation: Squeeze drive lever to move forward; speed adjusts with throttle. Release to stop drive. Blade engagement: Hold blade control lever against handle to spin blade; release to stop blade.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Single-lever adjustment changes all four wheels simultaneously.

Stop engine and wait for blade to stop.
Pull height adjust lever toward wheel.
Move lever to desired position (1-6).
Release lever to lock into place.

Height positions: 1 (1"), 2 (1.5"), 3 (2"), 4 (2.5"), 5 (3"), 6 (3.75").

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest setting; gradually lower for subsequent mows.

Mulching, Bagging & Side Discharge

3-in-1 system: Install appropriate accessory for desired function.

Mulching: Install mulching plug in rear discharge opening. Grass is cut finely and returned to lawn.
Bagging: Remove mulching plug; attach grass bag to rear hooks. Empty bag when full.
Side Discharge: Remove both plug and bag; attach side-discharge chute (optional accessory).

WARNING! Always stop engine before changing cutting mode. Ensure all attachments are secure.

Maintenance Schedule

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); clean/replace air filter
Every season	Sharpen or replace blade; check spark plug; lubricate wheels and height adjuster
As needed	Clean underside of deck; check drive belt tension; inspect hardware

Use only Ariens-approved parts for replacement.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for off-season storage.

Drain fuel or add fuel stabilizer: Run engine for 5 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel.
Change oil: Replace with fresh SAE 30 oil.
Remove spark plug: Add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder; pull starter slowly to coat.
Clean thoroughly: Remove grass clippings from deck, wheels, and engine.
Store indoors: Keep in dry place; fold handle to save space.

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

Safety Information

Read all instructions before operating. Always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection.

Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade.
Do not mow wet grass.
Clear mowing area of sticks, stones, and debris.
Never leave mower unattended with engine running.
Disconnect spark plug before performing maintenance.
Use mower only in daylight or good artificial light.

Complies with ANSI B71.1-2017 safety standards.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel; old gasoline; clogged air filter	Add fresh fuel; clean/replace air filter; check spark plug.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade; low engine speed; wet grass	Sharpen/replace blade; set throttle to FAST; mow when grass is dry.
Self-propelled not working	Drive belt loose or broken; drive lever not engaged	Check belt tension/replacement; ensure lever is fully squeezed.
Excessive vibration	Damaged or unbalanced blade; loose hardware	Stop engine immediately; inspect blade and tighten all bolts.
Grass not discharging	Deck clogged; wet grass; improper height	Clean deck underside; raise cutting height; mow slower.

Service: For repairs, contact authorized Ariens dealer or call 1-800-678-5443.

Parts: Visit www.ariens.com or contact dealer with model number 915268.