Ariens 915273 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens 915273 is a high-performance walk-behind lawn mower designed for residential use. It features a durable steel deck, a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, multiple cutting height adjustments, a rear bagging system, and mulching capability. This manual covers essential safety instructions, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and storage procedures to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your mower.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Information 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Blade Care & Sharpening 9. Storage Guidelines 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Steel cutting deck, Briggs & Stratton engine, Rear collection bag, Height adjustment lever, Mulching plug, Recoil start system.

Feature	Description
Cutting Deck	21-inch steel deck for durability and clean cuts
Engine	Briggs & Stratton 140cc OHV engine for reliable power
Drive System	Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
Cutting Options	3-in-1: Rear bag, side discharge, and mulching capability
Height Adjustment	Single-lever adjustment for 6 cutting positions (1.5" to 4")
Handle	Foldable design with padded grips for easy storage
Wheels	8-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels for maneuverability
Safety Features	Blade brake clutch system, operator presence control
Fuel Tank	0.95-gallon capacity for extended runtime
Weight	Approximately 75 lbs

Assembly Instructions

Unpack all parts from the box and inspect for damage. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach the handle: Align the lower handle with the deck brackets and secure with provided bolts and washers.
Install the upper handle: Connect to the lower handle using the knobs or bolts provided.
Attach the grass bag: Slide the bag frame onto the rear deck hooks until it clicks into place.
Install the mulching plug (if desired): Insert into the rear discharge chute.
Add engine oil: Refer to engine manual for type and capacity (typically SAE 30).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with no more than 10% ethanol.

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly to avoid sharp edges. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely.

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the mower.

Clear the mowing area of stones, sticks, wire, and other objects that could be thrown.
Always wear substantial footwear and long pants. Do not operate barefoot or in sandals.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before backing up.
Never allow children or untrained persons to operate the mower.
Stop the engine and remove the key (if equipped) before clearing blockages or performing maintenance.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades. The blade can cause serious injury.

Specifications

Model: Ariens 915273
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 140cc, 450e Series, OHV
Starting System: Recoil
Drive System: Self-Propelled, Rear-Wheel Drive
Speed Settings: Variable (0-3.5 mph)
Cutting Height Range: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Deck Material: Steel
Collection Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Fuel Capacity: 0.95 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (0.6 liters)
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting the engine.

Handle Controls: Drive control lever (bail), Height adjustment lever, Speed control dial, Recoil starter grip.

Starting Procedure: 1. Check oil and fuel levels. 2. Move the speed control to the slowest setting. 3. Push the primer bulb 3 times (if engine is cold). 4. Set the engine choke to the "ON" position. 5. Pull the recoil starter cord briskly. 6. After engine starts, move choke to "OFF".

Stopping Procedure: Release the drive control bail to stop blade and drive. Move the engine throttle to "STOP".

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust the cutting height to match grass conditions and desired lawn appearance.

Stop the engine and ensure the blade has completely stopped.
Locate the single height adjustment lever on the right side of the deck.
Pull the lever outward and move it to the desired notch (1-6).
Release the lever to lock it in place.
Check that all wheels are at the same height.

Tip: For the first mow of the season, set the height to the highest setting. Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade length at one time.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures peak performance and extends mower life.

Maintenance Task	Frequency
Check engine oil level	Before each use
Clean underside of deck	After each use
Check blade for sharpness/damage	Every 25 hours
Change engine oil	First 5 hours, then every 50 hours
Replace air filter	Every 25 hours (more often in dusty conditions)
Replace spark plug	Every 100 hours
Lubricate wheel bearings & height adjuster	Every season
Check drive belt tension	Every 50 hours

Blade Care & Sharpening

A sharp blade provides a clean cut and promotes lawn health.

Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Tip the mower on its side (carburetor side up).
Use a block of wood to prevent the blade from turning.
Remove the blade bolt (typically 5/8" or 15/16") and washer.
Inspect the blade for cracks, excessive wear, or imbalance.
Sharpen using a file or bench grinder, maintaining the original cutting angle.
Balance the blade by hanging it on a nail; file heavy end until balanced.
Reinstall blade with the cutting edge facing the ground. Torque bolt to 35-40 ft-lbs.

CAUTION! Always wear heavy gloves when handling the blade. Replace bent or damaged blades immediately.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run the engine to burn fuel from the carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer to a full tank.
Change the engine oil at the end of the season.
Clean the mower thoroughly, especially the underside of the deck.
Remove the spark plug and add 1 tablespoon of oil into the cylinder. Pull the starter cord slowly to distribute oil, then reinstall plug.
Store in a clean, dry place, preferably off the ground on a pallet.
Cover the mower to protect from dust.

Important: Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in an enclosed area without proper ventilation.

Warranty Information

The Ariens 915273 Lawn Mower is covered by a 2-year limited warranty for residential use. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear, misuse, lack of maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required for warranty service. For warranty claims or service, contact an authorized Ariens dealer or Ariens Customer Service.

Contact: Ariens Company, 655 West Ryan Street, Brillion, WI 54110. Phone: 1-800-678-5440. Website: www.ariens.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	Empty fuel tank, old fuel, clogged air filter, spark plug issue	Add fresh fuel, clean/replace air filter, check/replace spark plug.
Engine runs rough or stalls	Dirty air filter, water in fuel, clogged fuel line	Clean air filter, drain fuel tank and refill with fresh gas, check fuel line.
Mower vibrates excessively	Loose or damaged blade, debris wrapped around blade spindle	Stop engine, disconnect spark plug, inspect and tighten or replace blade.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, cutting height too low, wet grass	Sharpen or replace blade, raise cutting height, wait for grass to dry.
Self-propel drive not working	Drive belt loose or broken, drive control cable out of adjustment	Inspect and replace drive belt if necessary, adjust drive control cable.
Grass bag not filling	Deck clogged, wet grass, bag full	Clean underside of deck, mow when grass is dry, empty bag more frequently.

For Service: Contact an authorized Ariens service dealer. Do not attempt repairs beyond your skill level.

Support: 1-800-678-5440; www.ariens.com