Ariens Gravely Pro-Master 252 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens Gravely Pro-Master 252 is a commercial-grade zero-turn riding lawn mower featuring a 25 HP engine, 52-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic transmission, dual-lever steering controls, high-back suspension seat, electric PTO engagement, and heavy-duty construction for professional landscaping and large property maintenance. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Assembly 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Operation Procedures 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Safety Features 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 25 HP Kohler engine, 52-inch fabricated steel deck, dual hydrostatic pumps, lap bar steering controls, suspension seat, electric PTO switch, hour meter, fuel gauge.

Feature	Description
Engine	25 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin OHV
Cutting Width	52 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic, dual pumps with wheel motors
Steering	Dual lap bar control levers
Deck Type	Fabricated steel, 3-blade system
PTO Engagement	Electric switch with safety interlock
Seat	High-back suspension with armrests
Fuel Capacity	5 gallons
Drive System	Zero-turn radius
Cutting Height	1.5 to 5 inches, 12 positions

Installation & Assembly

Unpack and inspect contents. Assemble on level surface.

Install steering levers: Attach to control panel using provided hardware.
Mount seat: Bolt seat assembly to frame using included bolts and washers.
Attach cutting deck: Lower deck onto mounting points and secure with pins and retainers.
Connect battery: Attach red (+) then black (-) cables to battery terminals.
Add fluids: Fill engine with SAE 10W-30 oil; add unleaded gasoline to tank.

WARNING! Mower is heavy; use lifting equipment or two people. Ensure all bolts are torqued to specification.

First-Time Setup

Perform pre-operation checks before starting engine.

Check oil level: Dipstick should show full mark.
Inspect tire pressure: Inflate to 15 PSI (front) and 10 PSI (rear).
Adjust seat position: Loosen knob, slide seat forward/backward, retighten.
Set cutting height: Move deck lift lever to desired position.
Test controls: Ensure steering levers return to neutral when released.

CAUTION! Never operate without proper fluid levels. Keep area clear of bystanders during startup.

Specifications

Engine: 25 HP Kohler 7000 Series V-Twin.
Cutting Deck: 52-inch fabricated steel, 3 blades.
Transmission: Hydrostatic, dual pumps.
Speed: 0-8 mph forward, 0-4 mph reverse.
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).
Oil Capacity: 2 quarts (SAE 10W-30).
Weight: 850 lbs (without operator).
Turning Radius: Zero-turn capability.
Warranty: 3-year commercial warranty.

Controls and Settings

Operator station includes ignition switch, PTO switch, steering levers, deck lift lever, parking brake, and hour meter.

Steering Levers: Push forward to go forward, pull back for reverse. Move levers opposite directions for zero-turn.

Ignition: Key switch with positions OFF, RUN, START. PTO Switch: Engages blades (must be in seat). Deck Lift: Lever adjusts cutting height (1.5-5 inches). Parking Brake: Engage before dismounting. Hour Meter: Tracks engine hours for maintenance.

Operation Procedures

Starting, mowing, and shutdown procedures.

Pre-start: Sit in seat, engage parking brake, set PTO to OFF.
Start engine: Turn key to RUN, then START. Release when engine starts.
Disengage parking brake: Pull lever upward.
Engage blades: Move PTO switch to ON position.
Begin mowing: Slowly push steering levers forward.
Shutdown: Disengage PTO, engage parking brake, turn key to OFF.

Tip: Mow at reduced speed on slopes. Avoid sudden direction changes.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, tire pressure, blade condition
Every 8 hours	Clean deck underside, check for debris
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil and filter
Every 100 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plugs
Every 300 hours	Change hydraulic fluid and filter
Seasonally	Sharpen/replace blades, grease fittings

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug before performing blade maintenance.

Safety Features

Operator Presence System: Engine stops if operator leaves seat with PTO engaged. Blade Brake Clutch: Stops blades within 5 seconds when disengaged. Rollover Protection: ROPS structure (if equipped). Safety Interlocks: Prevents starting unless parking brake engaged and PTO off.

Storage & Winterization

Prepare mower for extended storage.

Clean thoroughly: Remove grass clippings from deck and engine.
Fuel treatment: Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine 5 minutes.
Battery: Disconnect and store in cool, dry place.
Protect from elements: Store indoors or use weatherproof cover.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing over 90 days.

Warranty Information

Ariens Gravely Pro-Master 252 includes 3-year commercial warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty registration required within 30 days of purchase. Does not cover normal wear, improper maintenance, or commercial misuse. For warranty claims, contact authorized Ariens Gravely dealer with proof of purchase. For support, visit www.ariens.com or contact 1-800-678-5440.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, safety switch	Check battery charge; ensure in seat with parking brake engaged.
Uneven cut	Deck not level, dull blades	Level deck; sharpen or replace blades.
Loss of power	Clogged air filter, old fuel	Replace air filter; drain old fuel and refill.
Hydrostatic drive sluggish	Low hydraulic fluid	Check fluid level; add if low.
Excessive vibration	Damaged blade, loose parts	Inspect blades for damage; tighten all bolts.

Reset: Turn key to OFF, wait 30 seconds, restart.

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