Ariens Pro-24 HWM SP Lawn Mower Manual

The Ariens Pro-24 HWM SP is a 24-inch professional-grade walk-behind lawn mower featuring a Honda GCV170 engine, 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge), 7-position single-lever height adjustment, Smart Speed™ drive system, auto-choke, and a durable steel deck. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Controls and Operation 4. Specifications 5. Cutting System & Adjustments 6. Maintenance Schedule 7. Engine Care 8. Storage & Winterization 10. Safety Information 11. Warranty & Support 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Honda GCV170 4-stroke engine, 24-inch steel cutting deck, 3-in-1 discharge system, Smart Speed™ drive control, 7-position height adjustment lever, auto-choke system, and washout port.

Feature	Description
Engine	Honda GCV170 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine
Cutting Width	24 inches
Cutting System	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Height Adjustment	Single-lever, 7 positions (1.5" to 4")
Drive System	Smart Speed™ variable speed control
Deck Material	Durable 14-gauge steel
Starting System	Recoil start with auto-choke
Washout Port	Built-in deck cleaning connection
Wheels	10-inch rear, 8-inch front
Fuel Capacity	1.0 gallon

Assembly & Setup

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools.

Attach handle: Secure upper and lower handle sections with provided bolts.
Install wheels: Slide wheels onto axles and secure with retaining clips.
Attach discharge chute: Secure side discharge chute to deck opening.
Install grass bag: Attach bagger frame and fabric bag to rear deck.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 10W-30 oil; add fresh unleaded gasoline.

WARNING! Always wear gloves during assembly. Ensure all bolts are tightened securely before operation.

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Starting: Set throttle to FAST, engage blade control, pull recoil starter.
Drive Control: Use Smart Speed™ lever to control forward speed.
Height Adjustment: Move single lever to desired cutting height position.
Blade Engagement: Pull blade control lever toward handle to engage cutting blade.
Stopping: Release blade control, set throttle to STOP, wait for blade to stop.

CAUTION! Always operate on level ground. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: Pro-24 HWM SP
Engine: Honda GCV170 170cc 4-stroke
Cutting Width: 24 inches
Cutting Heights: 1.5" to 4" (7 positions)
Deck Material: 14-gauge steel
Drive System: Smart Speed™ variable speed
Wheel Size: 10" rear, 8" front
Fuel Capacity: 1.0 gallon
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (0.6L)
Weight: 85 lbs

Cutting System & Adjustments

3-in-1 cutting system allows multiple cutting options.

Mulching: Install mulch plug for fine clippings that fertilize lawn.

Bagging: Attach grass bag for clean collection of clippings.

Side Discharge: Use discharge chute for longer grass cutting.

Height Adjustment: Move single lever to one of 7 positions. Lower numbers for shorter grass, higher numbers for taller grass.

Tip: Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height in single mowing.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Maintenance Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change engine oil, check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt
Season end	Full cleaning, fuel stabilization, proper storage

Engine Care

Honda GCV170 engine requires specific care procedures.

Oil Change: Drain oil when warm, refill with SAE 10W-30 (20 oz capacity).
Air Filter: Clean foam pre-filter regularly; replace paper element as needed.
Spark Plug: Replace annually with NGK BPR6ES (gap 0.028-0.031").
Fuel: Use fresh unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 87 or higher.
Carburetor: Use fuel stabilizer if storing more than 30 days.

WARNING! Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing maintenance.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage prevents damage during off-season.

Clean thoroughly: Remove all grass and debris from deck and undercarriage.
Drain fuel: Run engine until fuel tank is empty, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil: Replace engine oil at end of season.
Remove battery: If equipped with electric start, remove and store battery.
Store properly: Keep in dry, covered location, elevated off ground.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank without stabilizer.

Safety Information

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury.

Wear appropriate clothing: long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection.
Clear mowing area of debris, stones, and toys before mowing.
Never mow wet grass or on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
Keep children and pets away from mowing area.
Always push mower forward; never pull backward while blade is engaged.
Disconnect spark plug before performing any maintenance.

DANGER! Rotating blade can cause serious injury. Always exercise caution.

Warranty & Support

Ariens Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty on mower, 5-year warranty on deck. Honda engine covered by separate manufacturer's warranty. For support, contact Ariens Customer Service at 1-920-756-2141 or visit www.ariens.com. Keep original receipt for warranty claims.

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 gasoline.
Poor cutting performance	Dull blade, clogged deck	Sharpen or replace blade, clean under deck.
Uneven cutting	Uneven tire pressure, worn blade	Inflate tires to equal pressure, balance or replace blade.
Excessive vibration	Bent blade, loose parts	Inspect and replace damaged blade, tighten all bolts.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel	Clean or replace air filter, use fresh gasoline.
Drive system not engaging	Loose drive cable, worn belt	Adjust drive cable tension, inspect drive belt.

Service: For technical support, call 1-920-756-2141 or visit www.ariens.com