OPERATION. Ariens String Trimmer, Precision Edge 986101

OPERATION

WARNING: AVOID INJURY.

Read and understand the entire

Safety section before proceeding.

CONTROLS AND FEATURES

See figure 4 for all controls and features

locations.

Operator Presence Control

WARNING: Safety interlock failure and improper operation of unit can result in death or serious injury. Check system before each use to make sure it is functioning properly.

Cutting Depth Adjuster

Controls how deeply the blade cuts into grass.

1. Pull the lever slightly to disengage the lock pin from the bracket and then pull the lever back to raise the cutting head and cut a shallower groove.

2. Pull the lever slightly to disengage the lock pin from the bracket and then push the lever forward to lower the head and cut more deeply.

IMPORTANT: The depth adjuster also engages and disengages the blade. It must be in the neutral position to start the engine.

NOTE: Pull the lever all the way back to raise the blades entirely when starting the unit, traveling between work areas, transporting the unit, for storage or for maintenance.

Perform the following tests to ensure the safety interlock system is working properly. If the unit does not perform as stated contact your Ariens dealer for repairs.

Engine must not start with the cutting depth adjuster out of the neutral position.

With the engine running and the blade engaged, the engine must shut off when the operator presence control lever is released.

To Test:

With the engine off, set the depth adjuster for a shallow cut. Try to start the engine without holding the operator presence control against the handlebar. The engine must not start.

With the engine running, and the blades engaged, release the operator presence control. Engine must shut off.

Push depth adjuster forward for a deeper cut.

Lock adjuster in this position to start the edger.

Figure 5

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Cutting Angle Adjuster

Controls the cutting angle of the blade for decorative edging.

1. Push the lever forward to unlock the head and then rotate it left or right to set the desired edging angle.

NOTE: The head pivots from about

70 degrees to 180 degrees.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the front wheel does not contact the blade when angling the blade for a beveled edge.

Push the lever forward slightly to unlock the head.

Rear Wheel Height Adjuster

Sets the rear wheel height to support the edger when working along curbs or other uneven terrain.

1. Loosen the knob and position the wheel so it supports the unit level when operating, and then securely tighten the knob.

NOTE: Set the wheel height before starting the engine or engaging the blades.

Loosen knob, position wheel at the desired height and replace the knob.

Rotate the head to the desired angle.

Make sure the lever locks into place.

Figure 7

The head pivots from about

70 degrees to 180 degrees.

Figure 6

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Front Wheel Adjuster

Positions the front wheel on the axle to balance the unit when working along curbs or other uneven terrain.

NOTE: Make sure the front wheel rolls on the work surface.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the cutting blade will not contact wheel before starting the engine.

1. With the engine shut off, remove the pin from the axle and position the front wheel on the right or left side of the axle as needed, and secure in position with the hair pin.

Position the wheel away from the blade when bevel cutting or trimming.

Position the wheel nearer the blade for edging.

Position wheel away from the blade for bevel cutting or trimming.

Engine Controls

Throttle

Throttle controls engine speed.

1. Set the throttle to slow (turtle) to start the unit and when traveling between work areas.

2. Set the throttle to fast (rabbit) when edging.

Choke Throttle

Engine Shut Off

Switch

Position wheel nearer the blade for edging.

Pin

Pin

Bushings

Fuel Shut Off

Recoil Starter

Figure 9

Choke

Controls the air-fuel mixture in the carburetor.

1.Close the choke when starting a cold engine.

2.Once the engine starts and begins to warm, open the choke for operation.

NOTE: Do not choke a warm engine.

Fuel Shut Off

1. Push the lever down to close the fuel shut off valve for transporting, servicing or storing the unit.

2. Pull the lever up to open the fuel shut off valve for operating the unit.

Engine Shut Off Switch

1. Set the engine shut off switch to the On position to start and operate the engine.

2. Set the engine shut off switch to the Off position to shut off a running engine.

Recoil Starter

Start the engine with the recoil starter.

Oil Fill/Dipstick

Check the engine oil level (Figure 10).

Bushings

Figure 8

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Oil Drain Plug

Oil drain plug provides a convenient location to drain oil.

1. Place a pan under the opening in the unit frame, remove the plug, remove the oil fill cap/dipstick and allow the oil to drain completely.

2. Replace the plug and then fill engine with appropriate engine oil for your conditions. See Engine Manual for types of oil and operating ranges. Do not overfill.

Oil Drain Plug

Oil Fill/Dipstick

STARTING AND SHUTTING OFF

ENGINE

Shutting Off the Engine

1. Stop unit.

2. Disengage blade.

3. Release the operator presence control.

4. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

5. Turn off engine shut off switch.

6. Close the fuel shut off valve.

Starting the Engine

WARNING: AVOID INJURY.

If the cutting head is engaged, the blade will rotate when engine cranks or starts.

Always make sure the cutting head is disengaged before attempting to start the unit.

Figure 10

FILLING FUEL TANK

WARNING: AVOID INJURY.

Read and understand the entire

Safety section before proceeding.

1. Clean fuel cap and surrounding area to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from entering fuel tanks.

2. Remove fuel cap.

IMPORTANT: See Engine Manual for correct type and grade of fuel.

3. Fill fuel tank to 1-1/2 in. (3.5 cm) below

bottom of filler neck. See

SPECIFICATIONS on page 17 for

capacity of fuel tank.

4. Replace fuel cap.

STOPPING IN AN EMERGENCY

1. Release the operator presence control lever.

2. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

IMPORTANT: Let the engine warm up several seconds to several minutes depending on outside temperature.

1. Make sure the cutting head is disengaged.

2. Turn on the engine shut off switch.

3. Open the fuel shut off valve.

4. Set the choke to the closed position and the throttle to the fast position.

5. Slowly pull the recoil starter until engine compression makes pulling difficult. Let the starter rewind a little, and then pull smoothly and quickly to start the engine.

Repeat as needed.

6. Close the choke when the engine starts and set the throttle to full fast before operating the unit.

OPERATING EDGER

1. Set the rear wheel to the appropriate height and the front wheel to appropriate location on the axle for the job.

2. Set the blade angle required for the job.

3. Start the engine with the cutting head in the disengaged (fully raised) position.

4. Slowly lower the cutting head into the turf and lock it in the desired depth.

5. Walk forward slowly and follow the desired cutting path.

6. Raise the cutting head all the way up at the end of the path.

7. Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop when traveling between work areas or resetting the wheel height and position.

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