Common Ariens Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions
The Ariens Company manufactures a great line of lawn mowers. While they are of good quality, just like any mower line, they are not maintenance-free and will eventually need repairs. Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulics on a lawn mower will wear and fail over time.
Routinely checking and performing maintenance on your Ariens mower can help prevent some of these problems from developing or catch them before they develop into costly problems.
This includes replacing and cleaning the filters; cleaning the mower; checking for loose or missing parts; changing the engine and hydraulic oil and filters, and keeping your components lubricated.
I have put together a list of problems along with solutions to resolve them. Many items can be repaired by the average homeowner. Bookmark this page to keep on hand for your next Ariens mower issue. Check out the links on the page for more detailed information.
The most common Ariens lawn mower problems are:
- Ariens lawn mower won’t start
- Ariens lawn mower dies while mowing
- Ariens lawn mower is smoking
- Ariens lawn mower has a weak hydrostatic transmission
- Ariens lawn mower won’t drive straight or steer correctly
- Ariens lawn mower won’t move
- Ariens lawn mower is shaking or vibrating
- Ariens lawn mower is cutting uneven
- Ariens lawn mower is leaking gas
Table of Contents
Common Ariens Lawn Mower Problems & Solutions
Ariens Lawn Mower Won’t Start
Your Ariens mower requires three items to start and run: air, fuel, and spark. Begin looking for an item that can prevent the mower from receiving one of these items.
Check for a plugged air filter, dirty carburetor, restriction in the fuel components, dirty spark plug, or old fuel. These are the easiest items to check.
Next, if you rule out fuel and air being a problem, you will need to find an electrical issue that will keep your mower from getting the spark required to form a combustion in the cylinder.
In addition to the spark plug, you’ll want to check out the ignition coil, battery, terminals, and charging system. Something as simple as a faulty safety switch can keep you from mowing the lawn with your Ariens mower.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your Ariens Lawn Mower Won’t Start (Solved!)
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| No gas in the fuel tank | Fuel tank is empty | Fill with fresh fuel |
| Bad or old fuel | Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system | Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system. Use the right fuel. |
| Faulty or clogged fuel cap | The vent in the cap can get clogged causing your tank to form a vacuum restricting fuel flow | Use a thin piece of wire to try to clear the clogged vent. Replace the cap if needed. |
| Bad spark plug | Excessively dirty or broken spark plug; bad connection; not gapped correctly | Replace with a new spark plug, secure connections, and ensure it is gapped to manufacturer specifications |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Plugged fuel filter | A dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow | Replace the fuel filter |
| Bad fuel pump | A failed or leaking fuel pump will no longer create the pressure needed to pump fuel | Replace the fuel pump |
| Blocked fuel lines | Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel | Use a carb cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace the line if necessary. |
| Dirty carburetor | The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow | Clean the components making up the carburetor. Replace if needed. |
| Bad battery or loose & dirty terminals | A dead battery, loose cables, or corroded terminals can cause starting problems | Charge your battery and replace it if it won’t hold a charge. Make sure your cables are tight and clean the corrosion from terminals. |
| Bad safety switch | Safety switches are a safety measure that exists to prevent your mower from starting in certain situations. When a switch fails, your mower may not start. | Test and replace faulty safety switch |
| Bad ignition switch or coil | Your mower will not start when either the ignition switch or coil is bad | Test and replace a bad switch |
Ariens Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies
Many of the same reasons an Ariens mower won’t start are reasons why the mower may die after it’s been running. In addition to the items mentioned above, your Ariens may shut down when it overheats.
This can happen when the cooling fins are broken or plugged; the engine shroud is dirty, and the heat shield is not securely in place. This prevents air from circulating around the cylinder head and engine block to keep it cool.
A plugged air filter, insufficient engine oil level, or wrong grade of engine oil can also cause the Ariens mower to overheat.
Other items to check that can cause your mower to die are insufficient fuel, wrong choke setting, bad gas cap, clogged mower deck, and faulty ignition coil.
Detailed information can be found at:
Reasons Your Ariens Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Bad fuel | Fuel breaks down overtime making your fuel less efficient and prone to clogging the fuel system and engine damage | Drain the fuel tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Use a fuel additive like Sea Foam to stabilize the fuel and assist with cleaning the fuel system |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Dirty or broken cooling fins | Cooling fins get packed with dirt, oil, and grass not allowing air to effectively cool the engine block | Replace broken fins and clean the cooling fins. Clean around the engine shroud. |
| Clogged fuel lines or filter | Bad fuel deposits and dirt can build up and clog the fuel lines preventing the engine from getting the required fuel | Use a carburetor cleaner and compressed air to clear the clog out of the fuel line. Replace a plugged fuel filter. |
| Dirty carburetor | The carburetor can become dirty and clogged due to bad fuel and ethanol deposits preventing fuel flow | Clean the carburetor. Replace if needed. |
| Too Much Engine Oil | Too much engine oil increases pressure in the crankcase causing it to overheat and die | Correct your engine oil level by removing a little oil |
| Bad Spark Plug | Dirty or damaged spark plug causes the plug to foul out and cause intermittent running problems. | Clean or replace spark plugs if needed. Ensure spark plug wires are securely attached and the plug is gapped correctly. |
| Faulty Ignition Coil | Windings on the coil can separate and short out on a bad ignition coil | Check for a break in the continuity using an ohm meter and replace is found bad |
| Choke is in the Wrong Position | A choke is used for cold starts. The choke can cause your engine to shut off when it continues to restrict airflow after the engine warms. | Make sure the choke is in the correct position |
| Bad Gas Cap | Gas caps have vents for air to pass through. When the vents get plugged, the fuel tank will cause fuel restrictions. | Replace a fuel cap that no longer vents |
| Clogged Mower Deck | A clogged mower deck causes a strain on the engine causing it to work hard and possibly shut down | Periodically scrape your mower deck to keep it clean |
Ariens Lawn Mower is Smoking
It’s never good to see smoke rolling out of your Ariens mower. If you catch the problem early, you may be able to be fixed it before it causes significant damage.
This includes items like a plugged filter, a bad engine gasket, too much engine oil, or spilled oil from a recent oil change.
When your Ariens mower begins to smoke because there isn’t enough engine oil in the crankcase, you have a more significant problem where extensive engine damage may have occurred.
If this is the case, it’s best to have a knowledgeable small engine mechanic diagnose and repair your engine.
Detailed information can be found at:
This is Why Your Ariens Lawn Mower is Smoking
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Plugged air filter | Dirt and grass can plug the air filter preventing airflow | Remove the filter and clean it. Replace the filter if it is in bad condition. |
| Too much oil in the crankcase | Excessive oil can cause pressure to build in the engine allowing oil to get into the cylinder through the valve train | Drain a little engine oil until it is at the manufacturer’s recommended oil level. |
| Engine oil level is too low | Lack of oil can increase friction in your engine causing extreme heat. | Bring to a small engine repair shop to inspect engine damage. You can try adding oil, but it is often too late for this fix your engine problem. |
| Internal problems including the piston ring, valve train, or engine gasket | Internal engine problems can have a detrimental effect on your mower if they are not caught soon enough and fixed. | Bring your Ariens to your local small engine repair shop for troubleshooting |
Ariens Lawn Mower Has a Weak Hydrostatic Transmission
Ariens has intervals when you must change your hydraulic fluid for the best performance. When you run a low level of hydro oil or your oil is getting aged, you can develop transmission problems.
Your Ariens mower’s transmission may seem weak. Weakness can also be caused by a bad drive belt or tensioner pulley.
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Bad drive belt | A bad drive belt can cause your pump not to work efficiently | Replace a frayed, cracked, or worn belt |
| Bad tensioner pulley | When a tensioner pulley fails, it fails to keep tension on the drive belt | Replace the pulley and grease the tensioner arm |
| Low or old hydraulic oil | Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak | Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full. |
Ariens Lawn Mower Won’t Drive Straight or Steer Correctly
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Incorrect tire pressure | Unequal tire pressure can cause your mower to pull to one side. | Check tire pressures and keep them filled to the manufacturer’s spec. Tires on each side of your mower require equal pressure. |
| Bad dampers on zero turn | Bad dampers will cause your mower to jerk to one side when moving forward | Replace with a new damper |
| Tracking adjustment needed on zero-turn or stand-on mower | When one tire is moving faster than the other, your mower can pull to one side | Adjust the speed adjustment bolt to change the rotation speed of the tire. Refer to your owner’s manual. |
Ariens Lawn Mower Won’t Move
Old hydraulic oil or an insufficient oil level can cause your Ariens mower to move slowly or not move at all. Check the drive belt, tensioner pulley, and spring. If any of these items are worn or missing, your Ariens mower may not move.
Another item to check is the hydraulic release lever. You may have recently had to manually move your mower and use the drive release lever to release the hydros.
Make sure your drive release levers are in the operating position. If they are not, your mower will not move.
Detailed information can be found at:
9 Reasons Your Mower Won’t Move or Go Forward
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Drive release lever in the wrong position | The drive release lever allows hydrostatic mowers to roll freely | The drive release lever must be in the operating position. |
| Drive pump belt is worn | The mower won’t move if your drive belt has fallen off. It could also not move if the belt is worn. | Replace a worn or cracked belt. Make sure the belt is securely around the pulleys. |
| Bad tensioner pulley | The bearing in the tensioner pulley can fail | Replace the tensioner pulley |
| Missing idler arm spring | If the idler arm spring breaks or goes missing, it can no longer place tension on the drive belt | Replace the broken or missing spring |
| Low or old hydraulic oil | Low or old hydraulic oil can fail to lubricate the hydraulic system causing your hydraulic system to seem weak | Change your hydraulic oil at regular intervals as recommended by Ariens. Check your hydraulic oil periodically to ensure your hydraulic fluid is full. |
| Hot hydraulic fluid | Hot hydraulic fluid can be a sign of damage to your hydrostatic transmission system | Let your hydraulic oil cool. If you find your mower runs fine when it is cold, but becomes weak when the hydraulic system gets hot, have your mower checked at your local Ariens dealership. |
| Air in the hydraulic system | Air must be bled from the hydraulic system after changing your hydraulic fluid or the mower will not be able to move at normal speeds | Follow Ariens procedures for changing the hydraulic fluid and bleeding air from the system in your owner’s manual. |
Ariens Lawn Mower is Vibrating
A shaking lawn mower does not make for a good mowing experience. An Ariens mower can vibrate so bad it may feel like you’re going to shake right out of the seat. This can be caused by many different things.
When your mower starts vibrating, even the smallest of items can cause your mower to shake. This includes small debris getting stuck in your mower. It may also be caused by loose or missing parts.
Other items that may cause your Ariens to vibrate are loose engine mounting bolts; a bad clutch; unbalanced or bent mower blades; bad bearings in the spindle housings or pulleys; or a worn mower deck belt.
Detailed information can be found at:
Ariens Lawn Mower is Vibrating: How to Make it Stop!
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Loose or missing engine mounting bolts | Engine bolts are used to reduce the vibration of the mower when the engine is running | Secure engine bolts and replace any missing bolts |
| Clutch is bad | When there is bearing failure and it falls out of the clutch it can cause vibration. A manual engagement clutch can have a bushing and linkages that can fail. | Replace the clutch |
| Unbalanced or damaged mower blades | Damaged and unbalanced blades can send a vibration through your mower. Blades must be balanced before installing | Replace any damaged blades and make sure they are balanced. |
| Material wrapped around the blade spindle | Foreign materials like string or long weeds can get wrapped around your blade shaft causing vibration | Remove all debris and items wrapped around the blade shaft. Check for spindle damage. |
| Bad spindle housing bearings | Vibration can be caused by a bad bearing in the spindle housing. | Replace the bearing in the spindle housing or replace the whole spindle housing assembly |
| Worn pulleys or deck belt | Check deck belt and pulleys for wearing of the belt and bearing failure in the pulleys | Replace any damaged or worn belts and pulleys |
| Debris lodged in mower | The smallest little things can cause your Ariens to excessively vibrate. Check over your mower for debris stuck in the deck or mower. Don’t overlook the small stuff. | Check over your mower deck and mower for any place small items can be stuck in your mower. Remove these foreign materials. |
Ariens Lawn Mower Has a Bad or Uneven Cut
The first thing to check on your Ariens mower before checking anything else is your tire pressure. Something as simple as a low tire can throw off the level of the mower deck giving you an uneven cut.
After checking the tire pressures, look for a worn or bent mower blade; an unleveled deck; a bent spindle; or worn spindle bearings, deck pulleys, or belts. In addition to failed parts or incorrect settings, a bad cut can result from mowing too fast or not having a high engine speed.
Detailed information can be found at:
Ariens Lawn Mower is Cutting Uneven
| Worn mower blade | Uneven tire pressures | Engine speed is too low |
| Bent mower blade | Unleveled mower deck | Ground speed is too fast |
| Blade installed wrong | Bent blade spindle or spindle bearing | Damaged deck shell |
| Clogged Mower Deck | Worn deck pulleys or belt | Operator error |
Ariens Lawn Mower is Leaking Gas
Burnt spots in your lawn or a strong fuel odor are signs your Ariens mower is leaking gas. Running old fuel through the mower is a big factor in your fuel components degrading and leaking fuel. Old gas can cause the plastic in your components to become soft making them susceptible to leaking at the seams.
Other reasons your Ariens mower leaks gas are a dirty carburetor, a bad shut-off fuel valve, cracked fuel lines, and a bad fuel cap seal.
Detailed information can be found at:
Ariens Lawn Mower is Leaking Gas
| Cause | Reason for Problem | Solution |
| Dirty of Failed Carburetor | The carburetor can collect a buildup of substances remaining from old gas that can cause blockages or parts failures | Clean the carburetor and replace any damaged parts |
| Old Fuel Filter | Filter can become plugged | Replace fuel filter |
| Bad Fuel Pump | Pump can wear and deteriorate over time and may begin leaking at the seams | Replace the fuel pump |
| Bad Fuel Tank | A metal tank can develop a rust hole. A poly tank can leak at the seams of the tank. | Replace the fuel tank. Sometimes, a rust hole can be repaired if you can no longer find a replacement tank. |
| Bad Fuel Shut-Off Valve | Metal and plastic shut-off valves are prone to leaking | Replace the shut-off valve |
| Cracked Fuel Lines | Rubber fuel lines become dry and cracked causing gas to leak | Replace the fuel lines |
| Bad Seal in the Gas Cap | The gas cap seal can fail and no longer seal allowing gas to splash out of the fuel tank around the gas cap | Replace the gas cap |
