Ariens HVZ 1840 Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens HVZ 1840 is a high-performance zero-turn riding lawn mower featuring a 18 HP V-twin engine, 40-inch cutting deck, hydrostatic zero-turn transmission, electric start, dual-lever steering controls, adjustable cutting height (1.5-4.5 inches), mulching/bagging/side-discharge capabilities, comfortable high-back seat, 5-gallon fuel tank, and durable steel construction. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Deck & Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage & Winterization 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 18 HP V-twin engine, 40-inch fabricated steel deck, Hydro-Gear EZT transmission, dual lap bars for steering, electric PTO clutch, 5-gallon fuel tank, high-back seat with armrests.

Feature	Description
Engine	18 HP Ariens V-twin, electric start with recoil backup
Cutting Width	40 inches
Transmission	Hydrostatic zero-turn (Hydro-Gear EZT)
Steering	Dual lap bar control levers
Cutting Height	Adjustable 1.5" to 4.5" (12 positions)
Deck Type	Fabricated steel, 10-gauge
Fuel Capacity	5 gallons
Seat	High-back, adjustable, with armrests
Blade Engagement	Electric PTO clutch
Speed	Up to 6.5 mph forward, 3 mph reverse

Safety Information

Read and understand all safety instructions before operation.

Wear appropriate safety gear: safety glasses, hearing protection, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
Clear mowing area of debris, rocks, toys, and other objects.
Never carry passengers; operator only.
Do not mow on slopes greater than 15 degrees; mow across slopes, not up and down.
Disengage blades before starting engine or crossing non-grass areas.

DANGER! Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades and moving parts. Never operate without discharge chute or grass bag properly installed.

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Install steering levers: Attach to control panel with provided pins.
Attach seat: Bolt seat to frame using included hardware.
Install battery: Connect red (+) then black (-) terminals; secure battery tray.
Check tire pressure: Inflate to 10 PSI (front) and 12 PSI (rear).
Add engine oil: Use SAE 10W-30, fill to mark on dipstick (approx. 2 quarts).
Add fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

CAUTION! Ensure all bolts are tightened to specified torque. Check for loose parts before first use.

Specifications

Model: Ariens HVZ 1840
Engine: 18 HP Ariens V-twin, OHV
Cutting Deck: 40-inch fabricated steel, 10-gauge
Transmission: Hydro-Gear EZT hydrostatic
Speed: 0-6.5 mph forward, 0-3 mph reverse
Cutting Height Range: 1.5" - 4.5" (12 positions)
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Battery: 12V, 230 CCA
Weight: 580 lbs (approx.)
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Control Panel: Ignition key, PTO switch, choke, throttle, hour meter, fuel gauge.

Steering Levers: Left lever controls left wheel; right lever controls right wheel. Move both forward to go straight; move one lever to turn.

Starting Procedure: 1. Sit on seat. 2. Set parking brake. 3. Move steering levers to neutral (outward). 4. Disengage PTO. 5. Turn key to START.

Mowing: Engage PTO at full throttle. Use lap bars to steer. For zero-turn, move one lever forward and opposite lever backward.

Cutting Deck & Height Adjustment

Deck offers mulching, bagging, or side-discharge options.

Height adjustment: Use deck lift lever located near seat. Adjust while deck is lowered.
Blade engagement: Ensure PTO switch is ON; engage at full engine RPM.
Deck leveling: Park on flat surface; measure blade height from ground at all four corners.
Blade replacement: Disconnect spark plug wire. Remove deck; use socket to remove blade bolt.

Tip: Sharpen blades every 25 hours for optimal cut. Balance blades after sharpening.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures long life and peak performance.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check tire pressure, fuel level, oil level, and for loose parts
Every 8 hours	Clean deck underside; check blades for damage
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil and filter; check air filter
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plugs; check belt tension
Every 200 hours	Change hydrostatic transmission fluid
Seasonally	Grease fittings (6 points), sharpen blades, check battery

Note: Use only Ariens-approved parts and fluids for warranty compliance.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents fuel system damage and corrosion.

Add fuel stabilizer to tank; run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Disconnect battery negative terminal; store battery in cool, dry place.
Change engine oil and filter at end of season.
Clean entire mower; remove grass clippings from deck and engine.
Store in dry, covered location; elevate deck if storing on concrete.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer. Drain fuel if storing longer than 30 days.

Warranty Information

Ariens HVZ 1840 includes a 3-year limited warranty for residential use. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Not covered: normal wear, improper maintenance, commercial use, accidents, or unauthorized modifications. Keep original receipt for warranty claims. For service, contact an authorized Ariens dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, empty fuel, safety switch	Charge battery; add fuel; ensure seat is occupied and PTO disengaged.
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 and replace fuel.
Hydrostatic transmission sluggish	Low fluid, air in system	Check fluid level; purge air per manual.
Vibration	Damaged blade, loose pulley	Stop engine; inspect blades and deck components; tighten bolts.

Service: For technical support, contact Ariens Customer Service at 1-920-756-2141 or visit www.ariens.com.