Dealer Questions

This page will provide a comprehensive list of all the questions from dealers during the course of training.

All - What is the warranty on these 800,000 series attachments (Salt Spreader, Brine, Blade, Snowblower, Brush)?
  • 1 year. The same warranty for all other 800,000 series attachments.
All - Is there a need to add rear weights to the Mammoth when using the Snow Blower or Brush attachment?
  • No. We are not recommending to add additional weight to the rear of the Mammoth while using these 2 attachments. Operator weight is sufficient rear weight ballast. Although filling wheels with RimGuard or a beet juice equivalent will help with rear ballast, if needed. We do not recommend “foam” filled tires.
All - Why did we not design a rear weight bracket for the Mammoth?
  • There are a couple reasons why a weight bracket was not needed;
    1. Rear weight is not required for any of our attachments.
    2. Rear weights will add more strain to the wheel motor axles, versus filled tires which apply less strain to the wheel motor axles.
    3. There simple is no room to add a rear weight bracket on this compact machine. We do have a drop spreader available that will attach to the rear of the machine and can be used as a rear weight ballast.
All - What is the maximum angle of operation for the Mammoth with the Blade, or Snow Blower, or Brush attached?
  • Maximum operation is 10° with any front and/or rear attachment. This can also be found in the Operators manual in the "Safety" section.
All - Can we fill the tires with foam?
  • No. At this time we are only recommending RimGuard or beet juice equivalent for filling tires at this time.
Blade - Is the plow heavy enough to keep the machine from losing front wheel grip when the salt spreader is full?
  • Yes. The Blade/Plow does provide sufficient front weight for salt spreader use, however it is still recommended to fill front tires with RimGuard or beet juice equivalent, for safety reasons when or if the Blade does come off.
Brine - How much testing has been done with the brine system? regarding corrosion. Seems like it will be difficult for the customer to clean off the bottom of the machine, and inbetween wheels.
  • No testing is needed to know that bare metal components (such as brakes, drive shaft, coupler and PTO shaft) will be affected with the brine kit installed and Calcium or Magnesium Chloride is used as the brine. Salt brine is not nearly as corrosive.
  • Calcium or Magnesium chloride splash-up should be minimal because the nozzles are located behind the rear wheels. Do your best at recommending washing the vehicle once a week to remove the chloride brine solution from bare metal component locations (such as brakes, drive shaft, coupler and PTO shaft).
  • The chloride brine solutions will not affect painted components.
Brine - How much of the brine system needs to be removed to replace belts, pulleys, pto, gear box and so on?
  • PTO belt replacement will not be affected with the Brine kit. Drive belt replacement will require either Brine or Fuel tank removal in order to access the belt tension spring. Fuel tank removal will be easier than Brine tank with the Brine kit already installed.
Brine - Is the brine system designed by Ariens or is it from a separate vendor?
  • The Brine kit is designed, assembled, and packaged by Ariens.
Brine - Will there be an application guide for Brine solution?
  • Yes. We will publish in the Brine Kit Operators manual, what we’ve tested and recorded on the Mammoth.
Brine - Can selector be closed to return All fluid to tank for stirring?
  • No. Each sprayer line would also have to have a return line for All fluid to return back to the tank. At this point, consider the spray lines One Way. Please know that fluid is returning to the tank all the time, but the amount varies depending if nozzle and/or spray wand is turned on.
Brine - Will the brine system be easy enough to install that costumers that already (in the future) own a mammoth will they’ll be able to install it at home?
  • For 1st year Mammoths, the brine kit will not be easy to install. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are always looking to make these kits easier and so faster to install, but without affecting the integrity of the product.
Brine - Is there a drain for the Brine system? For example, if it comes in full and we need to replace a leaking hose. Do we just drain from the strainer?
  • Yes, the strainer is the prime component for draining the brine fluid from because it is the lowest point. However, if there is a need to service the brine system and it is full of brine, it would be best to use a hose clamp below the brine tanks, to prevent the need to remove 100% of brine fluid.
Brine - Any recommendations for cleaning nozzle tips if clogged? Can they be ran through ultrasonic cleaner?
  • Nozzle Filter will likely clog before the nozzle holes, and an ultra-sonic cleaner will good for cleaning the filter.
  • Using tag wire would be the best and fastest option to clean the nozzles. Ultra-sonic clear is fine, provide there is no harsh chemicals used.
Cab - Are there any plans for semi or fully enclosed cab for the mammoth 850?
  • Yes. There are plans to have a cab available for year 2, provided that it passes all of our tests. It is not 100% certain a cab will be ready for 2022/23 winter.
Spreader - How many 50 lbs bags will fill the spreader?
  • 3.6 bags (approx. 180 lbs) fills spreader even with grate.
Spreader - Is front weight needed when using the drop spreader (rear mounted)?
  • Yes. It is recommended to fill the front tires with RimGuard as a counterweight.
  • Each 20x9-10 wheel will hold 5 gallons of RimGuard at ~11/lbs per gallon, equaling ~55 per tire. Or ~110lbs added weight to front of tractor.
Spreader - Will there be a bracket mounted to the side of the machine to hold extra bags or 5 gal buckets of salt?
  • No
Spreader - Will the plow be heavy enough to counter-weight a full salt spreader? or will there be wheels weights and such?
  • It is still recommended to fill the front 2 tires with RimGuard or equipvalent (not Foam filled), in case the Blade is ever removed and used with just the salt spreader, plus RimGuard filled tires will provide a benefit of greater stability.
  • Yes. The Blade weighs 185lbs which is greater than the 2 front wheels filled with RimGuard.
How can you test the remote alternator is providing the correct amount of amperage?
  • First before testing remote alternator, make sure the 2-pin connector is fully seated in the alternator. With it disconnected you will get false readings on your Amp Clamp.
  • This is self-regulating alternator and so will provide amperage based on system demand. Using an amp clamp meter, clamp it over the positive lead battery cable, start the engine.
    • At top no-load the alternator will likely only produce 2-5 amps (sometimes 10A depending on the battery charge level).
    • Lift hitch UP with blade attached, you may see a momentary spike in amperage between 20-30A at room temp. If ambient temperature is colder the unit, the EHA will demand more amperage.
    • Are you seeing amperage levels raise and lower while operating the joystick? If Yes, then alternator is working as it is designed.
When bench testing the contactor (solenoid), should we load test it?
  • Yes. With the battery hooked up to the contactor and a positive jumper wire connected to the T1 or T2 spade terminal, add a battery load tester to the Rev or Ext post and apply a load while monitoring the voltage with a volt meter to verify the contactor maintains connection.
What is the battery BCI group and cranking amps?
  • Group 26 & 540CCA
What pull force is needed on the harness at the bulkhead to pull the wires out?
  • Dealer tech recently came from Ventrac factory school and they state 80 ft/lbs (??) to pull these out.
Looks like the opc switch wires are tightly bent and pivioting with the drive levers when going forward and reverse. Are we going to have problems with the purple wires cracking internally like on the Pro-Stance?
  • This is incorrect. The OPC switch is in a fixed position unlike the Pro-Stance models. The wires you are seeing are for the handwarmers only. Could be a similar concern, but have not seen any issue in testing yet.
If you have broken wire in harness or bad terminal connection at fuse panel do you recommend ordering and replacing harness or make repairs when units under warranty still?
  • We would leave this determination up to the dealer and their capability to make a quality electrical repair. If not, then harness replacement is the only alternative. Be sure to pre-auth this extensive repair with Rapid Care’s TAC team, so there is no surprise on our end.
Where do we get software/equipment for engine diagnostic for EFI, through Kawasaki or?
  • Yes, please work with your Kawasaki sales rep. or Tech support department for more information on EFI engines.
Will warranty with the engine be thru Ariens or Kawasaki?
  • Kawasaki will support the engine warranty and service part needs.
With brush attachment, you will end up with lots of ice crystals in the air. Any concerns of the air intake freezing up in colder weather?
  • This was a concern with us at the very early stages of the project, therefore we made sure we tested for this. We have had no issues with the air filter freezing at this point, but we are continuing to test this machine each winter to stay on top of any issues.
Is there going be an exhaust shield to protect the plastic brine tank? Or has there been any issues with the muffler being too close to the tanks/plastic?
  • Temperatures have been observed in testing and no issues with tank melting. For starters there is a 10mm gap (with spacers) between the front tank and muffler guard to help mitigate heat transfer to the plastic tank. There is also a reflective heatshield wrap adhered to the bottom of the muffler guard to spread the heat along a wide area of the guard, which helps to dissipate heat rapidly.
Did he say the 850 should be operated at 25 degrees and below? We get snow at the freezing mark too.
  • The Operators manual states the machine should operate in No higher temps than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any Loctite is used when reinstalling/reassembling? or just torque bolts to spec?
  • Blue Loctite is always recommended when following or not following recommended torque value. It is cheap insurance. Do know that liquid Loctite should not be used on electrical/ground connections. Loctite will prevent good connection.
What is the weight of the machine minus any attachments?
  • Weight of a machine can always be found in the Operators manual just before the warranty statement. The Mammoth weighs 1091 lbs (2771 kg).
Will warranty cover 90 minutes to bleed system if it's a total rebuild?
  • Considering that if the repair in itself falls within warranty guideline, then Yes warranty will cover the purging time which is all part of the repair process.
Will the purge procedure be about that long (1 HR) when we purge the system?
  • Depends on how much air you must remove from the system. If you are just removing a hydraulic line or 2 for repair, diagnosis or replacement of the pump or wheel, then it ideally takes between 10-20 minutes. If the hydraulic lines are completely empty it could take from 30 minutes up to 1 hour allow the oil to flow from the pump and through the wheel motors and back to the pump.
Do we replace pump or wait for Parker to inspect during the 100-hour timespan?
  • No. After the issue has been diagnosed and isolated to the pump or wheel motor, replace the whole assembly within 100 hours of use (per the hour meter). File a warranty claim with Ariens Co after replacing the component, include Parker model and serial number in the claim along with a detailed description of the diagnosis and defect, then you will be credited as normal. Then prepare the pump or wheel motor for shipping and wait for a call tag from Parker.
    • If any questions on diagnosis or pre-auth is needed, please utilize the Mammoth IETM on the Dealer Extranet and/or contact TAC team through the normal channels.
Are there any spacers inside of the pistons above the springs that we should be careful with when rebuilding?
  • No, there are not spacers.
Is there a release for the pump if it needs to be pushed or pulled?
  • Yes. There are two (2) bypass valves on the middle section of the pump facing the battery. You will need a 5/8" short socket and thin ratchet wrench to fit between the battery and pump. Turn each bypass valve 2 full turns until the valves are flush with the pump case. Then release the parking brake and push or pull the machine. Caution: Tow the machine slowly. See Operators Manual for towing recommendations.
Is it possible to remove the upper section of the pump without removing the RTN assembly?
  • Yes.
Will there be core charges for pumps and wheel motors? Will remanufactured pumps/motors be an option?
  • No for core charges and No for "Reman." pumps and wheel motors.
What kind of hydraulic fluid used in this system? Anything specific?
  • Yes, the transmission fluid is specific. We have not found anything equivalent on the market. We are working with a local Lubricant supplier whom designed a specific oil type for this machine, the conditions, and workloads it will be working in. An oil that Parker would give approval on. It is called Mammoth Transmission Fluid and will be available for purchase as #00078500 per quart.
Is there a generic hydraulic oil that can be used? Equivalent to Mammoth Trans Fluid.
  • 10W-20 is the viscosity, HOWEVER the additives used in our "Mammoth Transmission Fluid" are not found used in any other brand in the market. If you were to find a 10W-20 trans oil (not motor oil) on the market, USE IT SPARINGLY!
Do you have an oil change kit available?
  • Not yet, but there will be one available as soon as we are able to source and stock it. When available an announcement will be made, and part number can be found in the Accessory Cross Reference.
If you take off the Allen screw on the RTN to set the neutral, then wouldn't that whole assembly come off without removal of springs?
  • Yes and No. Yes, IF you can keep all the RTN parts together, when popping the trunnion arm off of the tapered trunnion shaft.
  • The trunnion arm usually requires some pressure to remove. By the time the arm pops off, the parts will easily separate from each other, and the springs will fall off and potentially could be lost on the ground.
  • It is best to remove the springs before this happens, to prevent losing the springs.
Since that 3-piece bearing (washer, rollers, washer) is internal of that end housing, does that whole housing need to be replaced if that bearing is damaged?
  • No. There is an internal needle bearing that can be removed in order to remove the 3-piece thrust bearing (washer, rollers, washer).
Is there a roller bearing behind dirt seal?
  • Yes. There is a tapered roller bearing on the axle end of the wheel motor. This bearing can be replaced or repacked with grease if opened up for repair.
In case of a failure to the wheel motor during the warranty period, would Ariens recommend to open and service the wheel motor or just go over and replace the entire wheel motor. Mainly regarding piece price vs labor hour.
  • If the wheel motor failure was deemed a defect (warranty) it would depend on the failure and parts needed to repair it. Wheel motors are easily serviceable. The price of the repair (parts & labor) would need to be below 60% of the cost to replace the whole wheel motor.
Is there a replacement for the brake plates?
  • Yes, brake pads, plate, hardware, etc. will be sold as an assembly. Brake pads will not be available individually.
Speaking of grease, what grease do you recommend for lubricating the Mammoth 850?
  • We recommend Hi-Temp grease. #00036700 or equivalent.
I know it's not really been gone over, but what is the easiest way to due a motor tune up/ oil change without removing side tanks? when they brought the unit out for display, you cannot really get your hands down to the spark plugs to remove without removing the tanks.
  • A motor tune-up can be done without removing the front brine tank. We were able to remove and reinstall spark plugs. The oil drain is below the frame and there is enough room to access the oil filter. It may be wise to put a small drain pan in-between the upper and lower frame to capture oil during filter change.
Will the hour meter have a maint. reminder?
  • No maintenance reminders
On the EHA - will we need to change the hydo oil during maintenance?
  • No. EHA is a sealed actuator and so does not require maintenance.
Can you apply down pressure with the tractor EHA?
  • Yes. However the travel of the EHA will stop before it lifts the tractor. Place a 2x4 under the front hitch and it will lift the tractor.
Why are they using EHA's instead of just using hydro powered rams? Seems like it is over complicating the system by separating it to individual components?
  • It is quite the opposite reason. Using EHAapos;s provides us more room in this compact design. Hydraulic hoses and valves would take up too much room and also is prone to more oil leak points over time.
  • Using EHA’s makes testing the component much easier.
If the collar and drive shaft are seized can the gear box still be removed as a unit?
  • Yes.
Does the brine kit interfere with the serviceability of the driveshaft and gearbox?
  • Yes, a little bit. Hoses between RH 2 wheels will obscure easy accessibility to the PTO belt. There is a hose running below the driveshaft. And it depends on what lift or even if you have a lift, to access the gearbox and driveshaft bearing.
Does the machines tracking come straight, right form the factory or is that something we have to adjust like on the z-turns?
  • Machines will be set at factory to track straight. No adjustments should be needed. If adjustments are needed, please notify us by filing Out of Box Quality report and/or file a warranty claim for your time adjusting. Either route will notify us.
What is the part number for the 4 & 5 Bolt Hub Puller?
  • #21544008
We are using a hydro gear flow gauge for demonstration. There are several different flow gauges available from various vendors.
  • The Hydro-Gear part number for the one we used in training is 51288
Will there be a special connector to test the pto in case we get a unit in the shop and the costumer brings it in without the attachment, or will we have to jump wiring to test pto if it were the to be complaint on the unit.
  • No tool for this. Yes, jump the wires for the pto circuit using the bulkhead wire ID document we provided in training or is available in the Mammoth Online manual.