Ariens 921046 Deluxe 28-in 254-cc Two-stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower

Owner's Guide Blower

CONTROLS & FEATURES

1. Engine Key
2. Primer Bulb
3. Fuel Tank and Cap
4. Fuel Valve
5. Electric Start Button
6. Choke Control Knob
7. Throttle Control Knob
8. Oil Fill / Dipstick
9. Oil Drain
10. Recoil Starter Handle
11. Speed Selector Lever
12. Auger
13. Impeller
14. Shear Bolt (2)
15. Attachment Clutch Lever
16. Traction Drive Clutch Lever
17. Discharge Chute Rotation Handle
18. Discharge Chute Deflector Lever
19. Heated Hand Grip Switch (Model 921047)
20. Scraper Blade
21. Skid Shoe (2)
22. Snow Clean-out Tool
23. Discharge Chute
24. Discharge Chute Deflector
25. Belt Cover
26. Gearcase

WARNING: Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding.

See Figure 3 for all controls and features locations.

ENGINE KEY

See Figure 4.

Controls power to the engine. The key cannot be removed when in run position.

PRIMER BULB

Adds fuel to engine for easier start on cold engines.

FUEL VALVE

See Figure 5.

Controls fuel flow to the engine.

ELECTRIC START BUTTON

Starts a correctly choked engine.

CHOKE CONTROL KNOB

See Figure 6.

Controls airflow to the engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL KNOB

See Figure 7.

Controls engine speed.

SPEED SELECTOR LEVER

See Figure 8.

Controls the speed of forward and reverse travel.

AUGER

Rotates to bring snow into impeller.

IMPELLER

Throws snow out discharge chute.

SHEAR BOLT

Secures auger to shaft and helps prevent gearcase and gearcase component damage.

ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER (RIGHT SIDE)

See Figure 9.

Controls auger / impeller movement.

TRACTION DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER (LEFT SIDE)

See Figure 10.

Allows unit to travel forward and in reverse.

DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK

Allows auger / impeller to rotate without holding attachment clutch lever continuously. Auger continues to turn until both clutch levers are released.

DISCHARGE CHUTE ROTATION HANDLE

See Figure 11.

Rotates discharge chute left or right to control snow discharge.

DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR LEVER

See Figure 12.

Moves discharge deflector up or down to control height of snow discharge.

HEATED HAND GRIP SWITCH

Model 921047
Turns the heated hand grips on and off.

SCRAPER BLADE

Contacts the surface being cleared and protects the housing from damage during normal use.

SKID SHOE

Controls the distance between the scraper blade and the surface.

AUTO-TURN™ STEERING

Automatically locks or unlocks wheels to allow unit to turn more precisely.

OPERATION

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding.

IMPORTANT: All references to left, right, front or rear are given from the perspective of operator in operator’s position, facing the direction of forward travel.

EMERGENCY STOPPING

1. Release both clutch levers.
2. Turn engine key to stop position and remove key.
   Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position.

BEFORE OPERATING UNIT

1. Check for a frozen impeller.
   a. Turn engine key to stop position and remove key.
   b. Engage attachment clutch lever and pull recoil starter handle.
   c. If handle does not pull, move unit to a warm area to thaw.
2. Check fuel level and add fuel if needed.
   IMPORTANT: Use fresh unleaded fuel with an octane rating of at least 87. DO NOT use E85 blended fuels; the engine is not E20 / E30 / E85 compatible. The maximum recommended ethanol content is 10%. Ariens recommends using a quality fuel stabilizer in all fuel. See Short Term on page 22.
3. Check engine oil level and add oil if needed. Refer to engine manual.
4. Check function of controls.
   Attachment Clutch Lever
   Traction Drive Clutch Lever
   Dual Handle Interlock
5. Know how to stop in an emergency. See Emergency Stopping on page 11.

START THE ENGINE

1. Electric Start: Connect power cord to starter and then into 120V 3-wire grounded outlet.
   IMPORTANT: Use a power cord that is UL listed or CSA certified, rated for a minimum of 13 amps, grounded and labeled as suitable for outdoor use.
   All Models
2. Turn fuel valve to On position.
3. Insert engine key and turn to run position.
4. Cold Engines Only: Press primer bulb 3 times.
5. Turn choke control knob to On position.
6. Turn throttle control knob to run position.
7. Electric Start: Press electric start button.
   NOTICE: DO NOT run starter more than 10 times at intervals of 5 seconds on / 5 seconds off or overheating and damage may occur.
8. Recoil Start: Pull recoil starter handle.
   a. Grasp handle and pull rope out slowly until it pulls harder.
   b. Pull handle firmly and quickly with a rapid, continuous full-arm stroke. Repeat until engine starts. If engine does not start, see Troubleshooting on page 20.
   c. Let handle rewind slowly after engine starts. DO NOT let handle snap against engine.
9. Gradually turn choke off as engine warms.
10. Electric Start: Disconnect power cord from outlet and then from starter.

OPERATE UNIT

1. Rotate discharge chute and move deflector to desired positions.
2. Select desired speed.
3. Engage attachment clutch.
   NOTICE: Stop auger when traveling between work areas.
4. Engage traction drive clutch.

NOTICE: Release lever before changing speed.When the unit is turned left or right, the Auto-Turn TM differential automatically unlocks wheels for easier turning. On a straight path, the differential locks both wheels in place for best traction.

Clear a Clogged Discharge Chute

WARNING: NEVER use your hand to clean out discharge chute.

1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Use the snow clean-out tool to clear the clog.
3. Return the tool to its storage position on the auger housing.

STOP THE ENGINE

1. Release traction drive clutch lever.
2. Run auger / impeller for a few minutes to remove loose or melting snow to prevent impeller from freezing.
3. Release attachment clutch lever.
4. Turn throttle control knob to the slow position.
5. Turn engine key to stop position and remove key.
6. Turn fuel valve to off position.

TRANSPORT UNIT

1. Stop engine, remove key and close fuel valve.
2. Secure unit chassis to transport vehicle.

NOTICE: NEVER secure from rods or linkages that could be damaged.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding.

Your Ariens dealer can provide service and adjustments to keep your unit operating at peak efficiency. Contact an authorized engine manufacturer’s service center for engine service.

SERVICE POSITION

See Figure 13.

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Before tipping unit, close fuel valve and drain fuel from tank and fuel system. (Refer to engine manual for instructions.) Make sure unit is secure and will not tip.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

SERVICE PARTS

See your Ariens dealer to purchase service parts for your unit.

CHECK DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK

1. Stop engine.
2. Engage attachment clutch and then the traction drive clutch.
3. Release the attachment clutch lever. The attachment clutch should stay engaged until the traction drive clutch lever is released.

IMPORTANT: If dual handle interlock does not operate correctly, repair as directed in the service guide for your unit.

CHECK FASTENERS

Check for loose hardware.

CHECK CLUTCH CABLE ADJUSTMENTS

Auger / impeller must stop within 5 seconds when attachment clutch lever is released. Wheels must stop quickly when traction drive clutch lever is released.

If clutches do not engage or disengage correctly, see Adjust Attachment Clutch & Brake on page 17 or Adjust Traction Drive Clutch on page 19. Refer to the service guide for your unit for more information about clutch repairs.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

Keep tires inflated to pressure listed on tire sidewall.

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible.

• DO NOT inflate tires above the recommended pressure.
• DO NOT inflate tires with a compressor; use a hand pump.
• DO NOT stand in front of tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side.
• DO NOT mount a tire without proper equipment and experience.

CHECK ENGINE OIL

NOTICE: Engine oil level must be maintained at correct level or engine damage may occur. Refer to engine manual.

CHANGE ENGINE OIL

Refer to engine manual.

CHECK AUGER GEARCASE OIL

1. Place unit on flat, level surface.
2. Remove oil fill plug and seal washer. See Figure 14.
   IMPORTANT: DO NOT remove gearcase cover.
   
3. Check oil level with suitable measuring device, such as a clean screwdriver, and add oil if needed. Oil level must be 6.1 – 6.7 cm (2.4 – 2.6") from the flat surface of the gearcase cover.
   IMPORTANT: Ariens recommends using only Ariens L3 synthetic severe duty gear lube (see Service Parts on page 13). Using other lubricants will not automatically void unit warranty, but the warranty will not cover damage caused by using unauthorized lubricants.
4. Inspect seal washer for wear or rubber deterioration and replace if needed.
5. Reinstall seal washer (rubber side down) and oil fill plug. Torque to 9 N•m (80 lb-in).
   IMPORTANT: DO NOT over torque. Measurements are given in pound force inches (lb-in) and not pound force foot (lb-ft).
   IMPORTANT: Incorrect torquing and failure to install or correctly torque seal washer may void gearcase warranty.

LUBRICATE UNIT

Ariens recommends using Ariens Hi-Temp Grease or equivalent (see Service Parts on page 13) to lubricate fittings. Lubricate each season or every 25 hours of operation.

IMPORTANT: Wipe each fitting clean before and after lubrication.

Remove Bottom Cover

1. Place unit in service position. See Figure 13.
2. Remove six hex bolts retaining cover and remove cover. Save for reinstallation.

Lubricate Unit

Use the following key for all lubrication procedures.

Traction Drive

1. Remove bottom cover.
2. Lubricate as shown in Figures 15 and 16.
   IMPORTANT: DO NOT allow grease or oil to contact friction disc, friction plate or belts.
3. Reinstall bottom cover and return unit to operating position.

Auger Shaft

1. Remove shear bolt nuts and bolts. See Figure 17.
   
2. Apply grease at the grease zerks. See Figure 18.
   
3. Hand rotate auger on auger shaft.
4. Align shear bolt holes in auger with shear bolt holes in shaft.
5. Insert bolts through holes.
6. Secure bolts with nuts.
7. Tighten bolts to 7.9 – 16.5 N•m (5.8 – 12.2 lb-ft). If a torque wrench is unavailable, tighten bolts until they no longer spin freely. DO NOT overtighten.

ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding.

ADJUST SCRAPER BLADE

The auger housing may be damaged if blade wears down too much.

1. Tip unit back onto handlebar, support auger housing and loosen nuts retaining blade.
2. Lower blade and tighten nuts.
3. Adjust skid shoes. See Adjust Skid Shoes on page 15.

NOTICE: ALWAYS adjust skid shoes after adjusting blade to prevent premature wear of blade and auger housing damage.

ADJUST SKID SHOES

See Figure 19.

1. Place unit on a hard, flat surface.
2. Place a spacer under each scraper blade end.
   Use two 3 mm (1/8") thick spacers for hard, smooth surfaces.
   Use two 22 mm (7/8") thick spacers for uneven or gravel surfaces.
3. Loosen skid shoe hardware and lower skid shoes to contact surface. Adjust both shoes equally.
4. Tighten skid shoe hardware.

REPLACE SHEAR BOLTS

IMPORTANT: Ariens recommends using only Ariens OEM shear bolts when replacing shear bolts.

See Figure 17.

1. Align shear bolt holes in auger with shear bolt holes in the shaft.
2. Insert bolts through holes.
3. Secure bolts with nuts.
4. Tighten bolts to 7.9 – 16.5 N•m (5.8 – 12.2 lb-ft). If a torque wrench is unavailable, tighten bolts until they no longer spin freely. DO NOT overtighten.

ADJUST DISCHARGE CHUTE DEFLECTOR LEVER

See Figure 20.

If deflector does not stay in selected position, tighten the nut under the control panel.

If deflector does not follow full range of travel:

1. Position deflector control in the rear-most position.
2. Adjust nuts on chute cable. See Figure 21.

• To adjust deflector lower, loosen lower nut and tighten upper nut.
• To adjust deflector higher, loosen upper nut and tighten lower nut.

ADJUST DISCHARGE CHUTE

See Figure 22.

If discharge chute does not stay in selected position, tighten nut on carriage bolt.

ADJUST SPEED SELECTOR LEVER

See Figure 23.

1. Disconnect adjustment pivot pin from speed selector arm. Save hardware for reinstallation.
2. Position speed selector lever in fastest forward position.
3. Turn speed selector arm down as far as it will go.
4. Thread adjustment pivot pin along shift rod until it aligns with the mating hole on the speed selector arm, and then insert the pivot pin in the hole.
5. Connect pivot pin to speed selector arm with hardware removed in step 1 and check forward and reverse speeds.
   a. Start unit, position speed selector lever in the first forward position and engage traction drive clutch. Unit should move forward.
   b. Stop unit, position speed selector lever in the first reverse position and engage traction drive clutch. Unit should move in reverse.
   c. Stop unit. If unit does not travel correctly, repeat adjustments.

ADJUST ATTACHMENT CLUTCH & BRAKE

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Improper adjustment could result in unexpected movement of auger and impeller causing death or serious injury. AUGER / IMPELLER MUST STOP within 5 seconds when attachment clutch lever is released.

Remove Slack from Attachment Cable

1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire.
3. Loosen hardware securing belt cover to unit and remove belt cover.
   IMPORTANT: DO NOT completely remove hardware from unit.
4. Loosen jam nut on cable adjustment barrel, and then turn the adjustment barrel down to shorten cable and remove cable slack. See Figure 24.
   
5. With attachment clutch disengaged, make sure auger idler arm lightly touches the frame. See Figure 25.
   
6. Tighten jam nut on cable adjustment barrel. See Figure 24.
7. Reinstall belt cover and tighten hardware.
8. Reconnect spark plug wire.

Check Attachment Idler Arm Roller Clearance

1. Place unit in service position (see Figure 13) and remove bottom cover.
2. Engage attachment clutch and check the clearance between the frame and plastic roller on the lower end of the attachment idler arm. Roller should be 12.7 – 22.2 mm (1/2 – 7/8") from the frame. See Figure 26.

• If roller is 12.7 – 22.2 mm (1/2 – 7/8") from frame, no further adjustment is required.
• If roller is less than 12.7 mm (1/2") from frame, loosen idler adjustment nut and move idler closer to belt. Tighten adjustment nut and recheck roller clearance. See Figure 26.
• If roller is more than 22.2 mm (7/8") from frame, loosen idler adjustment nut and move idler away from belt. Tighten adjustment nut and recheck roller clearance. See Figure 26.

Check Attachment Brake

With the attachment clutch disengaged, brake pad must contact attachment belt or pulley, whichever is closest. With attachment clutch engaged, brake pad must be a minimum of 1.6 mm (1/16") from belt or pulley.

• If there is less than 1.6 mm (1/16") gap, loosen idler adjustment nut and move idler away from belt or pulley. Position idler to achieve a 1.6 mm (1/16") minimum brake pad gap and a 12.7 – 22.2 mm (1/2 – 7/8") gap between the plastic roller and the frame. See Figure 27.

IMPORTANT: If adjustments cannot be brought into specified ranges, see your dealer for repair.

Check Belt Finger Clearance

See Figure 28.

With attachment clutch engaged, the belt finger located opposite the belt idler must be less than 3.2 mm (1/8") from belts, but must not touch the belts.

To adjust belt finger:

1. Remove belt cover.
2. Loosen bolts and move belt finger to correct position.
3. Tighten bolts and recheck belt finger clearance.
4. Reinstall belt cover and tighten hardware.

ADJUST TRACTION DRIVE CLUTCH

See Figure 29.

If unit does not drive correctly, adjust traction clutch to compensate for friction disc wear.

1. Stop engine, remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop and for hot parts to cool.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire.
3. Loosen jam nut on traction cable adjustment barrel, and then turn adjustment barrel down to shorten cable and remove cable slack.
   
4. With traction clutch disengaged, check that the drive plate touches the stop bolt. See Figure 30.
   

TROUBLESHOOTING

STORAGE

WARNING: AVOID INJURY. Read and understand the Safety section before proceeding.

SHORT TERM

1. Run auger / impeller for a few minutes to remove loose or melting snow to prevent impeller from freezing.
2. Tighten all hardware to correct specifications.
3. Inspect unit for visible signs of wear or damage. Repair as needed.
4. Apply a light layer of oil or anti-rust compound on bare metal areas.
5. Prepare fuel system for storage.
   NOTICE: Ariens recommends using a quality fuel stabilizer in all fuel. Gasoline left in the fuel system without a stabilizer, even for short periods of time, deteriorates and leaves gummy deposits in the system that may damage the carburetor and fuel hoses, filter and tank. For the best effectiveness, add stabilizer to all fuel containers whenever purchasing fuel. Add the stabilizer to the container before adding fuel.
   a. Add Ariens fuel stabilizer (see Service Parts on page 13) or equivalent according to manufacturer's instructions to the fuel tank and any fuel containers with remaining fuel.
   b. Run engine outdoors for at least 5 minutes to allow stabilizer to reach the carburetor.
6. Close fuel valve and allow engine to stop on its own.
7. Turn engine key to stop position and remove key.
8. Store unit in a cool, dry, protected area.
   Do not store unit outdoors.

LONG TERM

1. Perform all short-term storage items.
2. Wash salt and other corrosive ice-melting agent residue from unit with mild soap and low-pressure water.
   IMPORTANT: Never spray unit with high-pressure water.
3. Lubricate as directed in Maintenance on page 12.
4. Touch up all scratched painted surfaces.
5. Remove weight from wheels by putting blocks under frame or axle.
6. Store unit in a cool, dry, protected area.
   Do not store unit outdoors.

START-OF-SEASON FUEL PREPARATION

Before opening the fuel valve for the first time after long-term storage, add fresh, stabilizertreated fuel to the fuel tank and any fuel containers with remaining fuel.

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