Snapper 355ZB2654 5900748 Lawn Mower User Manual

ZERO-TURN MOWERS

355Z

5900748 355ZB2654, 26HP

5900755 355ZB2654FC, 26HP

5101461

Revision IR

Rev.Date 2/2008

TP100-7370-1R-HZ-N

Thankyou for purchasingthis quality-built Snapperproduct. Weare pleasedthat you've placedyour confidencein the Snapper

brand.When operatedand maintained accordingto the instructions in this manual,your Snapper mower will provide many

years of dependableservice.

Thismanualcontainssafety information to makeyou awareof the hazardsand risksassociatedwith mowers and how to avoid

them. BecauseSnapper doesnot necessarilyknow all the applicationsthis mower could be usedfor, it is important that you

readand understandthese instructions. Keepthis manualnearthe mower for convenientreference.

Thismowerrequiresfinal assemblybeforeuse. Referto the Assemblysection ofthis manualfor instructions on final

assembly procedures. Followthe instructions completely.

Whereto FindUs

ContactSnapper Customer Serviceat 1400417-7833, or on the Internet atwww.snapper.com.

Mower

Model Number

SerialNumber

Engine

Model

Type

Code

DatePurchased

It is very important that you register your purchasewith Snapperto ensure warrantycoverage. Pleasemailyour product

registrationcard to:

Snapperat P.O.Box 1379, McDonough, Georgia30253.

Oryou may register online atwww.snapper.com.

BRIGGB&BTRATTON YARD POWER PRODUCTS GROUP

MILWAUKEE, Wl 53201 USA

@2008 Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC

TableofContents

OperatorSafety.................................. 2

Important Operator SafetyInstructions ............................. 2

SafetyDecals................................................. 8

Assembly......................................

Parts Bag- Contents ...........................................

Installing the Ground Speed/ Steering Control Levers .................

Seatand SafetySwitch Assembly .................................

Chargingthe Battery ...........................................

How to Preparethe Engine.......................................

CheckTire Pressures...........................................

FeaturesandControls..............................

Operation......................................

ChecksBeforeStarting..........................................

Starting the Engine.............................................

Stopping the Riderand Engine....................................

Pushingthe Riderby Hand ......................................

Zero-Turn Driving Practice.......................................

Mower Removaland Installation ..................................

Mowing .....................................................

Maintenance .................................... 26

MaintenanceSchedule.......................................... 26

Lubrication................................................... 27

Servicing the Mower Blades...................................... 28

Engine Maintenance............................................ 30

TransmissionMaintenance ...................................... 32

Battery Maintenance ........................................... 33

Storage ..................................................... 33

Adjustments.................................................. 34

Troubleshooting .................................. 40

Specifications ................................... 43

Slope Guide .................................... 44

Warranties ..................................... 45

GeneralWarranty.............................................. 45

WARNING

Batteryposts, terminals and relatedaccessoriescontain

leadand leadcompounds, chemicals known to the State of

Californiato causecancer and birth defectsor other

reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

WARNING

Engineexhaust, some of its constituents, and certain

vehiclecomponents contain or emit chemicals known to the

State of Californiato cause cancer or other reproductive

harm.

¢'D

¢"D

ImportantOperatorSafetyInstructions

Safety

OperatingSafety

Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality pieceof lawn and

garden equipment. Our products are designedand manufacturedto meet

or exceedall industry standardsfor safety.

Do not operatethis machine unlessyou havebeentrained. Readingand

understanding this operator's manualis awayto train yourself.

Power equipment is only assafe asthe operator. If it is misused, or not

properly maintained,it can be dangerous! Remember,you are

responsible for your safety andthat of those around you.

Usecommon sense,andthink through what you are doing. If you are not

surethat thetask you are about to perform canbe safelydone with the

equipment you havechosen,ask a professional: contact your local

authorized dealer.

ReadtheManual

Theoperator's manualcontains important safety information

you needto beawareof BEFOREyou operateyour unit aswell

as DURINGoperation.

Safeoperatingtechniques, an explanation ofthe product's

featuresand controls, and maintenanceinformation is

includedto help you getthe most out ofyour equipment

investment.

Besure to completely readthe Safety Rulesand information

found on the following pages. Alsocompletely readthe

Operationsection.

Children

Tragicaccidents can occur with children. Donot

allow them anywherenearthe area of operation.

Childrenare often attractedto the unit and mowing

activity. Neverassumethat children will remain

whereyou last saw them. If there is a risk that

children may enterthe areawhereyou are mowing,

haveanother responsible adult watchthem.

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ImportantOperatorSafetyInstructions(Continued)

SlopeOperation

Operationon slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a slopethat is too

steep whereyou do not haveadequatewheeltraction (and control) can

causesliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. You should

not operateon a slopegreaterthan a 5.4 foot riseover a 20 foot length (15

degrees).

Always mow across slopes, not up and down (to maintaintraction on the

wheels) and avoid suddenturns or rapid speedchanges.Reducespeedand

useextremecaution on ALL slopes.

Also, notethat the surface condition you are on cangreatly impactyour

ability to safely operatethis machine.Operatingon wet or slippery slopes

can causesliding and loss of steering and control. Donot operateon

slopes that areslippery, wet, or havesoft soil conditions.

If you feel unsureabout operatingthe unit on a slope, don't do it. It's not

worth the risk.

ThrownObjects

This unit hasspinning mower blades. Thesebladescanpick up and throw

debristhat could seriously injure a bystander. Besure to clean upthe areato

be mowed and removeobjectsthat could bethrown bythe blade BEFOREyou

start mowing.

Do not operatethis unit without the entiregrass catcher or dischargeguard

(deflector) in place.

Also, do not allow anyonein the areawhile the unit is running! if someone

doesenterthe area,shut the unit off immediately until they leave.

Moving Parts

This equipment hasmany moving parts that caninjure you or

someoneelse. However,if you stayin the operatorzone (stay

seatedin the seat), and follow the safety rules in this operator's

manual,the unit is safeto operate.

Themower deck hasspinning mower bladesthat can amputate

handsand feet. Donot allow anyonenearthe unit while it is

running! Keepsafetydevices(guards,shields,andswitches) in

placeand working.

Tohelpyou, the operator, usethis equipment safely, it is

equippedwith an operator-presentsafetysystem. Do NOT

attempt to alter or bypassthe system. Seeyour dealer

immediately if the system does not pass all thesafety interlock

systemtests found in this manual.

,_ ImportantOperatorSafety Instructions(Continued) ,_

r#3

RetainingWalls, Drop-offs,and Water

Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard.Giveyourself a minimum of two mower widths of

clearancearoundthese hazardsand hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels dropping over retaining

walls, edges,ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers,which may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.

FuelandMaintenance

Alwaysdisengageall drives, shutoff the engine,and removethe

key beforedoing anycleaning, refueling, or servicing.

Gasolineand its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not smoke

while operating or refueling. Do not addfuel while engineis hot

or running. Allow engine to cool for at least 3 minutesprior to

adding fuel.

Do not add fuel indoors, in an enclosedtrailer, garage,or any

other enclosedareathat is not well ventilated. Gasolinespills

should be cleanedup promptly and before operationbegins.

Gasolineshould be stored only in sealedcontainers approvedfor

fuel.

Proper maintenanceis critical to the safety and performance of

your unit. Keepthe unit freeof grass,leaves,and excess oil. Be

sureto perform the maintenanceprocedures listed in this

manual, especiallyperiodically testing the safety system.

EnclosedAreas

Onlyoperatethis unit outdoors and away from unventilated

areassuch asinside garagesor enclosedtrailers. Theengine

emits poisonous carbon monoxidegas and prolonged

exposurein an enclosedareacan result in serious injury or

death.

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ImportantOperatorSafety Instructions(Continued)

Readthese safety rulesand follow them closely. Failureto obeythese rulescould result in loss of control of unit,

severepersonal injury or deathto you, or bystanders,or damageto property or equipment.

Thismowinqdeckis capableof amputatinqhandsandfeet andthrowinqobjects. Thetriangle _ in text signifies

important cautions or warnings which must befollowed.

GENERALOPERATION

1. Read,understand,and follow all instructions in the

manualand on the unit beforestarting.

2. Donot put handsor feet near rotating parts or under the

machine. Keepclear of the dischargeopening at all

times.

3. Onlyallow responsible adults,who arefamiliar with the

instructions, to operatethe unit (local regulations can

restrict operatorage).

4. Clearthearea of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked up andthrown by the blade(s).

5. Besurethe area is clearof other peoplebefore mowing.

Stopthe unit if anyoneentersthe area.

6. Nevercarry passengers.

7. Donot mow in reverse unlessabsolutely necessary.

Always look down and behind before and whiletravelling

in reverse.

8. Neverdirect discharge materialtoward anyone. Avoid

discharging material against a wall or obstruction.

Materia/may ricochetback toward the operator. Stopthe

blade(s)when crossing gravelsurfaces.

9. Donot operatethe machine without the entire grass

catcher, dischargeguard (deflector), or othersafety

devicesin placeand operational.

10. Slow down beforeturning.

11. Neverleavea running unit unattended.Always disengage

the blades (PTO),set parking brake,stop engine,and

remove keysbeforedismounting.

12. Disengageblades(PTO)when not mowing. Shut off

engine and wait for all parts to come to a completestop

beforecleaningthe machine, removing the grass catcher,

or uncloggingthe discharge guard.

13. Operatethe machineonly in daylight or good artificial

light.

14. Donot operatethe unit while underthe influence of

alcohol or drugs.

15 Watch for traffic whenoperating near or crossing

roadways.

16. Useextra carewhen loading or unloading the unit into a

trailer or truck.

17. Always weareyeprotection when operatingthis unit.

18. Dataindicatesthat operators,age 60 years and above,

are involved in a large percentageof power equipment-

relatedinjuries. Theseoperators should evaluatetheir

ability to operatethe equipment safelyenough to protect

themselvesand others from injury.

19. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor wheel

weights or counterweights.

20. Keepin mind the operatoris responsiblefor accidents

occurring to other people or property.

21. All drivers should seekand obtain professionaland

practicalinstruction.

22. Always wearsubstantial footwear and trousers. Never

operatewhen barefoot or wearingsandals.

23. Beforeusing, alwaysvisually checkthat the bladesand

bladehardwareare present,intact, and secure. Replace

worn or damagedparts.

24. Disengageattachments before: refueling, removing an

attachment, makingadjustments (unlessthe adjustment

can be madefrom the operator's position).

25. Whenthe machineis parked,stored, or left unattended,

lowerthe cutting meansunlessa positive mechanical

lock is used.

26. Beforeleavingthe operator's positionfor any reason,

engagethe parking brake(if equipped),disengagethe

blades(PTO),stop the engine,andremove the key.

27. To reducefire hazard,keepthe unit freeof grass,leaves,

& excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves,grass,

or combustible materials.

28. It isa violation of California Public ResourceCode

Section4442 to use or operatethe engine on or nearany

forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land

unlessthe exhaustsystem is equippedwith a spark

arrester meeting anyapplicablelocal or state laws. Other

states or federalareasmay havesimilar laws.

29. OSHAregulations may require the useof hearing

protection whenexposedto sound levelsgreaterthan 85

dBAfor an 8 hour time period.

A CAUTION

O his machineproducessoundlevels in

excessof85 dBAat the operator'sear and

cancausehearinglossthroughextended

periodsofexposure.

Wear hearingprotectionwhen operatingthis

machine.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

1. Whentransporting the unit on an open trailer, makesure

it is facing forward, in the direction oftravel. If the unit

is facing backwards,wind lift could damagethe unit.

2. Always observesafe refuelingand fuel handling practices

when refuelingthe unit after transportation or storage.

3. Neverstore the unit (with fuel) in an enclosedpoorly

ventilated structure. Fuelvapors can travelto an ignition

source (such asa furnace, water heater,etc.)and cause

an explosion. Fuelvapor is alsotoxic to humans and

animals.

4. Always follow the engine manualinstructions for

storage preparationsbefore storing the unit for both

short and long term periods.

5. Always follow the engine manualinstructions for proper

start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.

6. Neverstore the unit or fuel container inside wherethere

isan openflame or pilot light, such asin a water heater.

Allow unit to cool beforestoring.

ImportantOperatorSafety Instructions(Continued)

r#3

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactor relatedto loss-of-controlandtip-over

accidents,which can resultin severeinjury or death.Operation

on all slopesrequiresextracaution.If youcannot backupthe

slopeor if youfeeluneasyon it, do not operateon it.

Controlof awalk-behindor ride-onmachinesliding on a slope

will not be regainedbythe applicationof thebrake. Themain

reasonsfor lossof control are:insufficienttire grip on the

ground,speedtoo fast,inadequatebraking,thetypeof

machineis unsuitablefor its task,lack ofawarenessofthe

groundconditions, incorrecthitching andload distribution.

1. Mow across slopes, not up and down.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneventerrain could

overturn the unit. Tallgrass canhide obstacles.

3. Choosea slow speedsothat you will not haveto stop or

changespeedswhile on the slope.

4. Donot mow on wet grass. Tires may loosetraction.

5. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. Iftires

losetraction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a

slope), disengagethe blade(s) (PTO)and driveslow off

the slope.

6. Keepall movement on slopes slow and gradual. Donot

makesuddenchanges in speedor direction, which could

causethe machineto rollover.

7. Useextra carewhile operating machineswith grass

catchers or other attachments;they can affect the

stability of the unit. Do not useon steepsslopes.

B. Donot try to stabilizethe machine by putting your foot

onthe ground (ride-on units).

9. Donot mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel isover

the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edgecavesin.

10. Donot usegrass catchers on steepslopes.

11. Donot mow slopes ifyou cannot back up them.

12. Seeyour authorized dealer/retailerfor recommendations

ofwheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

13. Removeobstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

14. Useslow speed.Tires may losetraction on slopes even

though the brakesarefunctioning properly.

15. Donot turn on slopes unless necessary,and then, turn

slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Never mow

down slopes.

TOWED EQUIPMENT (RIDE-ON UNITS)

1. Tow only with a machinethat hasa hitch designedfor

towing. Donot attachtowed equipmentexceptat the

hitch point.

2. Followthe manufacturer'srecommendationsfor weight

limit for towed equipment and towing on slopes. See

attaching a trailer under OPERATION.

AWARNING

Never operate on slopesgreaterthan150whichis a

rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in20 feet (6 m)

horizontally.

Selectslow groundspeedbeforedrivingontoslope.

Useextracaution when operating on slopeswith rear-

mountedgrasscatchers.

Mow acrosstheface of slopes, notup anddown,use

cautionwhen changingdirectionsandDONOTSTART

ORSTOPONSLOPE.

3. Neverallow children or others in or on towed equipment.

4. Onslopes,the weight of thetowed equipment maycause

loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travelslowly and allow extra distanceto stop.

6. Donot shift to neutral and coast down hill.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccur ifthe operatorisnot alertto the

presenceofchildren. Childrenare oftenattractedto the unit

andthe mowingactivity. Neverassumethat childrenwill

remainwhereyou lastsawthem.

1. Keepchildren out ofthe mowing areaand under the

watchful care of anotherresponsible adult.

2. Bealert andturn unit off if children enterthe area.

3. Beforeand during reverseoperation, look behind and

downfor small children.

4. Nevercarry children, evenwith the blade(s) off. They

may fall off and beseriously injured or interfere with safe

unit operation. Childrenwho havebeengiven rides in

the past maysuddenly appear in the mowing areafor

another ride and be run over or backedover bythe

machine.

5. Neverallow childrento operatethe unit.

6. Useextra carewhenapproaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objectsthat may obscure vision.

EMISSIONS

1. Engineexhaustfrom this product contains chemicals

known, in certain quantities,to causecancer,birth

defects,or other reproductive harm.

2. Lookfor the relevant Emissions Durability Period andAir

Index information on the engineemissions label.

IGNITION SYSTEM

1. This spark ignition system complies with CanadianICES-

002.

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ImportantOperatorSafety Instructions(Continued) ---

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Safe HandlingofGasoline

1. Extinguishall cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources

of ignition.

2. Useonly approvedgasolinecontainers.

3. Neverremovethe gascap or add fuel with the engine

running. Allow the engineto cool before refueling.

4. Neverfuel the machineindoors.

5. Neverstore the machine or fuelcontainer where there is

an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as neara water

heateror other appliance.

6. Neverfill containers inside a vehicle or on atruck bed

with a plastic bed liner. Always placecontainerson the

ground away from your vehicle beforefilling.

7. Removegas-poweredequipment from the truck or trailer

and refuelit on the ground. If this is not possible,then

refuelsuch equipment on a trailer with a portable

container, ratherthan from a gasoline dispensernozzle.

8. Keepnozzlein contact with the rim of the fueltank or

container opening atall times until fueling is complete.

Donot usea nozzlelock-open device.

9. If fuel isspilled on clothing, changeclothing immediately.

10. Neverover-fill the fuel tank. Replacegascap andtighten

securely.

11. Useextra carein handling gasolineand other fuels. They

are flammable and vapors areexplosive.

12. If fuel isspilled, do not attempt to start the enginebut

movethe machineawayfrom the areaof spillageand

avoid creating anysource of ignition until fuel vapors

havedissipated.

13. Replaceall fuel tank caps and fuel container caps

securely.

Service& Maintenance

1. Neverrun the unit in an enclosed areawherecarbon

monoxide fumes may collect.

2. Keepnuts and bolts, especiallyblade attachmentbolts,

tight and keepequipment in good condition.

3. Nevertamper with safety devices.Checktheir proper

operation regularlyand makenecessaryrepairs ifthey

are not functioning properly.

4. Keepunit freeof grass, leaves,or other debris build-up.

Cleanup oil or fuel spillage, and removeany fuel-soaked

debris. Allow machineto cool beforestorage.

5. If you strike an object,stop and inspectthe machine.

Repair,if necessary,before restarting.

6. Nevermakeadjustments or repairs with the engine

running.

7. Checkgrass catchercomponents and the discharge

guard frequently and replacewith manufacturer's

recommendedparts,when necessary.

8. Mower bladesare sharp. Wrap the blade or weargloves,

and useextra caution whenservicing them.

9. Checkbrakeoperationfrequently. Adjust andservice as

required.

10. Maintain or replacesafety and instructions labels,as

necessary.

11. Donot removethe fuel filter whenthe engine is hot as

spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spreadfuel line

clamps further than necessary. Ensureclamps grip

hosesfirmly overthe filter after installation.

12. Donot usegasolinecontaining METHANOL,gasohol

containing more than 10% ETHANOL,gasoline additives,

or white gasbecauseengine/fuel system damagecould

result.

13. If the fuel tank must be drained,it should be drained

outdoors.

14. Replacefaulty silencers/mufflers.

15. Maintain or replacesafety and instruction labelsas

necessary.

16. Useonly factory authorized replacementparts when

making repairs.

17. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings

and adjustments.

18. Onlyauthorizedservice locations should be utilized for

majorservice and repair requirements.

19. Neverattempt to make major repairson this unit unless

you havebeen properlytrained. Improper service

procedurescan result in hazardousoperation, equipment

damageand voiding of manufacturer'swarranty.

20. On multiple blade mowers, take careas rotating one

bladecancause other bladesto rotate.

21. Donot changeengine governor settings or over-speed

the engine. Operatingthe engine atexcessivespeedcan

increasethe hazardof personal injury.

22. Disengagedrive attachments,stop the engine,remove

the key,and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) before:

clearing attachmentblockagesand chutes, performing

service work, striking an object, or if the unit vibrates

abnormally. After striking an object, inspectthe machine

for damageand make repairsbefore restartingand

operatingthe equipment.

23. Neverplacehandsnearthe moving parts,such asa

hydro pump cooling fan, when thetractor is running.

(Hydro pump cooling fans aretypically located on top of

the transaxle).

24. Unitswith hydraulic pumps, hoses,or motors:

WARNING:Hydraulicfluid escaping under pressure may

havesufficient force to penetrateskin and causeserious

injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin it must be

surgically removedwithin a few hours bya doctor

familiar with this form of injury or gangrene may result.

Keepbodyand handsaway from pin holes or nozzles

that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Usepaper

or cardboard, and not hands,to search for leaks. Make

sure all hydraulic fluid connections aretight and all

hydraulic hoses and linesare in good condition before

applying pressure to the system, if leaks occur,havethe

unit servicedimmediately byyour authorized dealer.

25. WARNING:Stored energydevice. Improper releaseof

springs can result in serious personalinjury. Springs

should be removedby an authorized technician.

26. Models equippedwith an engine radiator:WARNING:

Storedenergydevice. Topreventserious bodily injury

from hot coolant or steam blow-out, neverattempt to

removethe radiatorcapwhile the engine is running.

Stopthe engineand wait until it is cool. Eventhen, use

extremecare when removingthe cap.

SafetyDecals

This unit hasbeendesignedand manufacturedto provide

you with thesafety and reliability you would expectfrom an

industry leaderin outdoor powerequipment manufacturing•

Although readingthis manualand the safety instructions it

contains will provideyou with the necessarybasic knowledge

to operatethis equipment safelyand effectively,we have

placedseveralsafety labels onthe unit to remindyou of this

important information while you are operatingyour unit.

All DANGER,WARNING, CAUTIONand instructional

messageson your rider and mower should be carefully read

P/N:

AMPUTATION AND PELIGRO DE

PINCH POINT AMPUTACION Y PARTE$ "Decal,

HAZARD PUNTiAGUUA$

Paleevit_raigunalesidnde Warning,

rotatingparts, stayclear losparsesDilatories,al_iese

ofpartsandkeep all delospartesy manterlga Handin

shieldsandguardsin redeslospantaliasy guardas

pl......... lugar. Pulley"

and obeyed•Personalbodily injury can result when these

instructions are not followed. Theinformation is for your

safetyand it is important! Thesafety decals beloware on

your rider and mower•

If any ofthese decals are lost or damaged, replacethem at

once. Seeyour local dealerfor replacements.

Theselabelsare easilyapplied and will act asa constant

visual reminder to you, and others who may usethe

equipment,to follow the safety instructions necessaryfor

safe,effectiveoperation.

AMPUTATION PELJGRODEAMPUTACION

HAZARD _r_ Paraevitarlesionescausadas

Toavoidinjuryfrom _----_,d parloscuchilles,mantenerse

rotatingblades,stay _ alejadodelbordedeJa

clearofdeckedge.

P/N:5100088

"Decal, Danger,

Mower"

P/N:5100709 "Decal, Danger,Fire (SP)"

P/N: 5100708 "Decal, Danger,Fire"

AMPUTATION AND THROWN

OBJECTS HAZARD

To avoid in}ury from rotating blades,

stay clear of deck edge and keep others

away• Do not mow without discharge

chute or entire grass catcher in place.

PELIGRODEAMPUTACIONY OBJETOSARROJADOS

Pare evitar sufrir lesionee causadas per Jas euchillas

giratodas y obietos lanzados, mantenerse ale ado del borde

de la glataforma de corte y manteoer a los demos personas

ale adas de la m_quina. No user la m_quina sin eJtubo de

descarga o sin e recogedor de paste en su ugar.

m m

P/N: 5101292 "Decal, Danger,MowerDischarge"

8 www.snapper.com

IdentificationTags

_\%_,dkee, WJ 53261 USA

,iMm,i . m,l,mm

SER,.L.o. xx×x_

NorthAmerican

Models

Whencontactingyourauthorizeddealer forreplacement

parts,service, or informationyouMUST havethese

numbers.

Recordyour model name/number, manufacturer's

identification numbers, and engineserial numbers in the

spaceprovided on the inside front cover for easyaccess.

Thesenumbers can befound in the locations shown.

NOTE."For locationof engineidentification numbers, refer to

theengine owner's manual

UnitID Tag

SAFETYINTERLOCKSYSTEM

This unit is equippedwith safety interlock switches. These

safety systems are presentfor your safety,do not attempt

to bypasssafety switches, and nevertamper with safety

devices. Checktheir operation regularly.

Operational SAFETYChecks

Test1 -- EngineshouldNOTcrank if:

• PTOswitch is engaged,OR

• Parkingbrakeis not engaged,OR

• Ground Speed/ SteeringControl Leversare not in the

NEUTRALposition.

Test2 -- EngineSHOULDcrankandstartif:

• PTOswitch is NOTengaged,AND

• Parkingbrakeis engaged,AND

• Ground Speed/ SteeringControl Leversare locked in

the NEUTRALposition.

Test3 -- EngineshouldSHUTOFFif:

• Operatorrises off seatwith PTOengaged,OR

• Operatorrises off seatwith parking brakedisengaged.

• Operatormovesground speed/steering control levers

out of their neutral positions beforedisengagingparking

brake.

Test4 -- BladeBrakeCheck

Mower bladesand mower drivebelt should come to a

completestop within five (5) secondsafter electric PTO

switch is turned off (or operator rises off seat). If mower

drive belt doesnot stop within five (5) seconds, seeyour

dealer.

NOTE."Oncethe enginehas stopped,PTOswitch must be

turned off, parking brakemust be engaged,and theground

speed/steering control levers must be locked in the

NEUTRALposition after theoperator returns to theseat in

order to start theengine.

WARNING

If the unitdoesnotpassa safetytest, do notoperate

it. See yourauthorizeddealer. Underno

circumstance shouldyouattemptto defeatthe

purposeofthe safetyinterlocksystem.

SafetyIcons

Thealertsymbol A is usedto identity safety information

about hazardsthat can result in personal injury. A signal

word (DANGER,WARNING,or CAUTION)is usedwith the

alertsymbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential

severity of the injury. Inaddition, a hazardicon may be used

to representthe type of hazard. An explanationof hazard

levels and icons are asfollows:

DANGER

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided,will result in

seriousinjuryor death.

'_ WARNING

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, couldresultin

serial injuryor death.

,i_ CAUTION

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, mightresultin

minor ormoderateinjury.

CAUTIONor NOTICE

Thesemessagespresentedwithout the alertsymbol indicate

a situation wherethe unit or property could be damaged.

® ® ©

® @ OD

® ®

,Jl_JllfJlJ_lls_J,

@ © ® ® ®

Figure 1. SafetyIcons

A, Alert

B. ReadtheManual

C. ToxicFumes

D, FireHazard

E. No Smoking

E Hot Surface

G, Keep ChildrenAway

@ ®

H. Amputation - RotatingParts

L PinchPoint

J. Thrown Objects

K. Amputation - Footin Blade

L, Amputation - Handin Blade

M. Slippery Slopes

N. Machine TipOver

O. RofloverHazard

P, Drop OffHazard

Q. Shield Eyes.ExplosiveGasescan

causeblindness or injury

R, No Sparks,Flamesor Smoking

S. CorrosiveSubstance

T, FlushEyes Immediately with water.

GetMedical help fast.

10 www.snapper.com

Assembly

Readand followthe assemblyandadjustment

instructionsforyourmower.

All fasteners arein thepartsbag. Do notdiscard

anypartsor material untilthe unitis assembled.

NOTE:Inthis instruction book, left and right describethe

location of a part with the operator onthe seat.

PartsBag- Contents

Thefastenersandotherloosepartsareshownbelow.Thequantity

isshownin brackets().

AWARNING

Beforedoinganyassemblyor maintenancetothe

mower,removethewires fromthespark plugs.

Figure2. Parts Bag Components

A. 5/16 Nylock FlangeNut (Qty."4)

Installthe GroundSpeed/ SteeringControl

Levers

Positioningthe GroundSpeed/ SteeringControlLevers:

Theground speed/steering control levers (A,Figure3) must

be moved to the upright position beforeattempting to operate

the machine.

1. Removethe bottom mounting hardware (B). Discardthe

manillatag (C).

2. Loosenthe upper mounting hardware (D).

3. Position the ground speed/ steering control levers in the

upright position. See Figure3.

4. Loosely install the 5/16-18 X 1" bolt (E),5/16" lock

washer (F),and 5/16" flat washer(G)through the ground

speed/ steering control leverinto the control leverbase

(H)as shown in Figure3.

5. Repeatprocess for other side of unit.

LeverAlignmentAdjustment:

1. Fromthe neutral position, pivot the ground speed/

steering control levers in towards the center of the

machine. If one of the levers is tilted further forward (B,

Figure4) or back (A) then the other lever,pivot the levers

forward or backwardsto align with eachother (C).

Tighten the mounting bolts.

ShippingPosition.......... __../_

Figure3, Instafl Control Levers (Left Side Shown)

A. Control Lever

B, Bottom Mounting Hardware

C. Manilla Tag

D. UpperMounting Hardware

E. 5/16-18x 1"Bolts

F, 5/16 Lock washers

G. 5/16 Washers

H. Control LeverBase

® ® ©

Figure4, LeverAlignment & PlacementAdjustment

A, LeversMisaligned (OneLever TiltedBehind theOther)

B, LeversAlignedIncorrectly (OneLever TiltedIn Front of

theOther)

C. LeversAligned Correctly

12 www.snapper.com

Seat& SafetySwitchAssembly

1. Pivot theground speed/ steering control levers out to

the NEUTRALposition and pivot the seat plate (B,Figure

5) forward.

2. Mount the seat (A) to the seat plate (B) usingfour 5/16-

18 nylock flangenuts (C)andtighten securely.

3. Pressthe seatswitch wire harnessend (D) ontothe seat

switch until the latch of the seat switch wire harness end

snaps down over the lock on the seatswitch.

¢'D

Figure5. SeatInstallation

A, Seat

B. SeatPlate

C. 5/16-18 Nylock FlangeNut (4)

D, SeatSwitch WireHarness

SeatAdjustment

Theseatand ground speedcontrol levers should be adjusted

sothat operator's elbowsaresupported bythe arm rests

when his/her hands are onthe controls, and the ground

speedcontrol levers canbe movedthrough their full range of

motion without contacting the operator's legs.

Seat Position Adjustment

Theseatcan be adjustedforward and back. Movethe

adjustment lever (A, Figure6) towards the left hand side of

the machine,slidethe seat to the desired position, and

releasethe lever.

Figure6. SeatAdjustment

A. Adjustment Lever

ChargeThe Battery

,d WARNING

BATTERYSAFETYRULES

• Batteryacidcausessevereburns.Avoidcontactwith

skin.

• Wear eye protectionwhile handlingthe battery.

• Toavoidan explosion,keepflamesandsparksaway

from battery,especiallywhile charging.

• Wheninstallingbatterycables, CONNECTTHE

POSITIVE(+) CABLEFIRSTand negative(-) cable last.

If not donein this order,the positiveterminal canbe

shortedtotheframe by a tool.

IMPORTANT:Beforeattempting to operatethe machinefor

the first time, checkthe batterydate. Thebattery date

will tell you if the battery needsto becharged.

1. Tip the seatforward to access the battery.

2. Checkthe top of the battery for the battery date.

3. If the battery is put into servicebefore the battery date,

then the battery doesnot haveto becharged.

4. If the battery is put into serviceafter the battery date,

then the battery must be charged. SeeStep5.

5. Tochargethe battery, follow the instructions provided by

the battery charger manufacturer aswell asall warnings

included in the safety rulessection of this document.

Chargethe battery until fully charged (until the specific

gravity ofthe electrolyte is 1.250 or higher and the

electrolyte temperature is at least60° F). Donot charge

at a rate higher than 10 amps.

Figure 7. Battery

A, Positive Cable& Cover

B, NegativeCable

C. Rubber Hold-Down Strap

14 www.snapper.com

Howto Preparethe Engine

NOTE:Theengine was shipped from thefactory filled with

oil. Checkthe levelof the oil. Add oil as needed.

NOTE:Theoperation of a new enginewill sometimes result

in a slight amount of smoke. This smoke is causedby paint

or oil on or around the muffler. This is normal and only

expectedduring initial operation.

A separateengine manualis also includedwith the unit. See

this engine manualfor the manufacturer's instructions for

thetype of oil and gasolineto use. Beforeyou usethe unit,

readthe information on safety,operation, maintenanceand

storage.

, WARNING

Followtheenginemanufacturer'sinstructionsfor the

typeof gasolineand oil to use. Alwaysusea safety

gasolinecontainer. Donotsmokewhen adding

gasolineto theengine. When insideandenclosure,do

notfill with gasoline. Beforeyouadd gasoline,stop

the engine. Lettheenginecool for several minutes.

IMPORTANT:This unit isequipped with an internal

combustion engine and must not be usedon or near any

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered

land unless the engine'sexhaustsystem is equipped with a

spark arrestor meeting applicablelocalor state laws(if any).

If a spark arrestor is used, it must be maintained in effective

working order bythe operator.

In the stateof Californiathe aboveis required by law

(Section 4442 ofthe California Public ResourcesCode).

Otherstates may havesimilar laws. Federallaws apply

federallands.

In some areas, locallaws requiresthe useof a resistor spark

plug to control the ignition signals. Seean Authorized

ServiceCenterfor a resistor spark plug for the engine.

NOTE:Actual sustained horsepower will likely be lower due

to operating limitations and environmental factors.

CheckTire Pressures

Tirepressure should becheckedperiodically,and maintained

atthe levels shown in the chart. Notethat these pressures

may differ slightly from the "Max Inflation"stampedon the

side-wall of the tires. The pressuresshown provide proper

traction, improve cut quality, and extendtire life.

Tire Pressure

Front 25 psi (1,72 bar)

Rear 15 psi (1,03 bar)

Figure8, CheckingTirePressure

¢"D

FeaturesandControls

z=,=

CONTROLFUNCTIONS

Theinformation below briefly describesthe function of individual controls, Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the

combined useof several controls applied in specific sequences. Tolearn what combination and sequenceof controls to usefor

various tasks seethe OPERATIONsection,

GroundSpeed/ SteeringControlLevers

Theseleverscontrol the ground speedand steering control

of the rider.The left levercontrols the left rear drive wheel

and the right controls the right rear drive wheel.

Moving a leverforward increasesthe FORWARDspeedof

theassociated wheel,and pulling back on a leverincreases

the REVERSEspeed.

Thefurther a leveris movedaway from the neutral position

thefaster the drive wheelwill turn.

Seethe OPERATIONsectionfor steering instructions.

Throttle Control

Thethrottle controls engine speed. Movethe throttle forward

to increaseengine speedand backto decreaseengine speed.

Alwaysoperateat FULLthrottle.

Choke

Closethe choke for cold starting. Openthe choke oncethe

engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Pull

the knob up to close the choke. Pushthe knob down to

openthe choke.

Ignition Switch

Theignition switch starts and stops the engine; it hasthree

positions:

OFF

H RUN

Stops the engineand shuts off the

electricalsystem.

Allows the engineto run and powers

the electrical system.

[_J START Cranksthe engine for starting.

NOTE."Neverleavethe ignition switch in the RUNposition

with theengine stopped-this drains thebatted4

16 www.snapper.com

B HourMeter

Thehour meter measuresthe number of hours the key has

beenin the RUNposition.

Note: Thehour meter will register thepassage of time when

thekey is in the RUNposition, evenif the engine is not

running. Thehour meterhas aselfcontainedpower source

so the total hours arealways visible.

_PTO Switch

ThePTO(Blade Engage)switch engages(turns the blades

on) and disengages(turns the bladesoff) the mower deck.

Toengagethe PTO,pull UPon the switch. Push DOWNto

disengage.Notethat the operator must be seatedfirmly in

the rider seat for the PTOto function.

Transmission Oil Fill

Transmissionoil is addedthrough thetransmission oil

reservoirs. It also servesasextra holding capacity for oil as

thetransmissions heatup and the oil expands. SeeCHECK

TRANSMISSIONOIL LEVELfor oil level checkand fill

procedures.

TransmissionReleaseLevers

Thetransmission releaselevers deactivatethe transmissions

sothat the unit can be pushedby hand. SeePUSHINGTHE

UNIT BYHANDfor operationalinformation.

SeatAdjustmentLever

Theseatcan be adjustedforward and backward. Move the

adjustment levertowards the left, slidethe seat to the

desiredposition, and releasethe lever.

FuelTank

FuelLevelGauge

Toremovethe cap, turn counterclockwise. Thefuel gauge is

mounted in the fueltank and indicatesthe amount of fuel in

the tank.

Mower Height of Cut Adjustment

Toadjust cutting height, pull the large leverback fully to lock

the control in the attachment raisedtransport position.

Position the cutting height selector pin on the appropriate

hole to achievethe desiredcutting height. Pull backon the

small lift latch leverand large leversimultaneously, and

lower the mower into cutting position.

Forattachmenttransport lift, pull the large lift lever backfully

to lock the control in the attachment raisedtransport

position.

ParkingBrake

DISENGAGE

ENGAGE

Releasesthe parking brake.

Locksthe parking brake.

Pull the parking brakelever backto engagethe parking

brake. Move the leverfully forward to disengagethe parking

brake. NOTE."Tostart the unit theparking brakemust be

engaged.

Operation

GeneralOperatingSafety

Beforefirst time operation:

• Besureto read all information in the Safetyand

Operationsections beforeattempting to operatethis

tractor and mower.

• Becomefamiliar with all of the controls and howto stop

the unit.

• Drive in an open areawithout mowing to become

accustomedto the unit brake leveror set the parking

brake.

_WARNING

Never operate on slopesgreaterthan(15°) whichisa

rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) verticallyin 20 feet (6 m)

horizontally.

Selectslow groundspeedbeforedrivingontoa slope.

Useextracautionwhen operatingonslopeswith a

rear-mountedgrasscatcher.

Mow acrosstheface ofslopes, notup and down,use

cautionwhen changingdirectionsandDONOTSTART

ORSTOPONSLOPE.

A WARNING

Never allow passengersto rideon theunit.

Beforeleaving theoperator'spositionforany reason,

engagetheparkingbrake, disengagethe PTO,stopthe

engine andremovethekey.

Toreducefire hazard,keepthe engine,tractorand

mowerfree of grass, leavesand excessgrease. Do not

stopor parktractorover dryleaves, grassor

combustible materials.

Gasolineis highlyflammable and mustbe handled

with care. Never fill thetankwhen theengineis still

hotfrom recentoperation. Donot allowopen flame,

smokingor matchesin thearea. Avoidover-filling and

wipe up anyspills.

ChecksBeforeStarting

• Checkthat crankcaseis filled to full mark on dipstick.

Seethe engine Operator'sManualfor instructions and oil

recommendations.

• Makesureall nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in place

and tight.

• Adjust the seatposition, and makecertain you can reach

all controls from operator's position.

° Fillthe fueltank with fresh fuel. Referto engine manual

for fuel recommendations.

Figure9. Pre-Start Checks

A. Fuel TankCap

B. CrankcaseOilFill

C. SeatAdjustment Lever

WARNING

Do notloadthis zero-turnrider on a trailer ortruck

usingtwoseparateramps. Onlyusea single rampthat

isat leastone foot widerthanthewidth of therear

wheels ofthis rider. Thisrider hasa zeroturning

radiusandthe rear wheels could fall off theramps, or

therider could tip over injuringtheoperatoror

bystanders.

18 www.snapper.com

, WARNING

If youdo notunderstandhowa specificcontrol

functions,or havenotyet thoroughlyread the

FEATURES& CONTROLSsection, dosonow.

Do NOT attempttooperate thetractorwithoutfirst

becomingfamiliar with the locationandfunction of ALL

controls.

StartingtheEngine

1. While sitting in the operator'sseat,engagethe parking

brakeand makesurethe PTOswitch is disengagedand

the ground speed/ steering control levers are locked in

the NEUTRALposition.

2. NOTE:A warmenginemay notre#uire choking.

Setthe engine throttle control to FASTthrottle position.

Thenfully closethe chokeby pulling the knob OUTfully.

3. Insertthe key intothe ignition switch and turn it to

START.

4. After the engine starts, gradually openthe choke (push

knob downfully). Reduceto half throttle speedand

allow the engineto warm up.

Warm up the engineby running it for at least a minute before

engaging the PTOswitch or driving therider,

5. Afterwarmingthe engine,ALWAYSoperate the unitat

FULLTHROTTLEwhen mowing.

In theevent ofan emergency theengine canbe stopped by

simplytl/rningthe ignitionswitchtoSTOP. Usethis

method only in emergencysituations, For normal engine

shut down foflow theprocedure givenin STOPPINGTHE

RIDER.

Stoppingthe RiderandEngine

1. Returningthe ground speed/ steering control leversto

the middleposition will stop tractor movement. Pivot

the levers outward and lock them in NEUTRAL.

2. Disengagethe PTOby pushing down on the PTOswitch.

3. Engagethe parking brakeby pulling the handle up until it

locks into position.

4. Movethe throttle control to mid-throttle position and

turn the ignition keyto OFF.Removethe key.

DO NOT TOW RIDER

Towing the unit will causetransmission

damage. Do not useanother vehicleto push or

pull this unit.

Pushing the Rider by Hand

1. Disengagethe PTO,engagethe parking brake,turn the

ignition OFF,and removethe key.

2. Locatethetransmission releaselevers (A, Figure10) by

the rearwheels of the unit.

3. Pull both levers back and out sothat they lock in the

disengaged(free-wheel) position (C).

4. Disengagethe parking brake.

Thetractor cannow be pushedby hand.

5. After moving the tractor, re-engagethe transmissions by

pulling the transmission releaselevers rearward and

inwardto releasethem from the disengagedposition and

then allow them to move to the engaged(drive) position

(B).

Figure 10. TransmissionReleaseLevers

A, TransmissionReleaseLevers

B. EngagedPosition (Drive Position)

C. DisengagedPosition (Free-wheelPosition)

Zero-TurnDrivingPractice

Thelevercontrols of the ZeroTurn rider are responsive,

and learningto gain a smooth and efficient control of the

rider's forward, reverse,andturning movementswill take

some practice.

Spending sometime going through the maneuversshown

and becoming familiar with howthe unitaccelerates,

travels, and steers-- beforeyou begin mowing --is

absolutelyessentialto getting the most out of theZero Turn

rider.

Locatea smooth,flat area ofyourlawn -- onewith plenty

of roomto maneuver.(Clearthe areaof objects, peopleand

animals beforeyou begin.) Operatethe unit at mid-throttle

during this practicesession (ALWAYSoperateatfull

throttle when mowing), and turn slowly to preventtire

slippageand damageto your lawn.

Wesuggestyou begin with the Smooth Travelprocedureto

the right, and thenadvancethrough the forward, reverse,

and turning maneuvers.

You must releasethe parking brakeprior to movingthe

control levers inward.

SmoothTravel

Thelevercontrols of the

ZeroTurn rider are

responsive.

TheBESTmethod of

handling the ground speed

control levers is in three

steps-- asshown in Figure

11.

FIRSTplaceyour handsonto

the leversas shown.

SECOND,to go forward

gradually pushthe levers

forward with your palms.

THIRD,to speed up move

the leversfarther forward. To

slow down smoothly, slowly

move the leverstoward

neutral.

Figure 11, Move Control

Levers Gradually

BasicDriving

ForwardTravelPractice

Graduallymove both ground speedcontrol levers-- evenly

FORWARDfrom neutral. Slow down and repeat.

NOTE."Straight forward travel takespractice. If necessary,

top speedcanbe balance-adjusted-- seethe Speed

BalancingAdjustment in theAdjustments section near the

back of this manual

ReverseTravelPractice

LOOKDOWNAND BEHIND,then gradually move both

ground speedcontrol levers evenly BACKfrom neutral. Slow

down and repeat.

NOTE.Practicebacking up for severalminutes before

attempting to do so nearobjects, Therider turns sharply in

reverseas weflas forward, and backing up straight takes

practice.

Forward

Travel

Reverse

Travel

Figure 12, Forward Travel Figure 13, ReverseTravel

20 www.snapper.com

Practice TurningArounda Corner

Whiletraveling forward bring one handle graduallyback

toward neutral. Repeatseveraltimes.

NOTE."Toprevent pivoting directly on thetire tread,it is best

to keepboth wheelsgoing at least slightly forward.

Practice TurningInPlace

Toturn in place, "Zero Turn,"gradually move one ground

speedcontrol leverforward from neutral andoneleverback

from neutral simultaneously. Repeatseveraltimes.

NOTE."Changingtheamount eachlever ispulled--forward or

back, changesthe "pivot point" you turn on.

Executing

Turns

Figure 14, TurningAround a Corner

Turning

In-Place

Figure 15, Turningin Place

AdvancedDriving

Executingan End-Of-RowZero Turn

Your ZeroTurnRider's uniqueabilityto turn in

placeallows you to turn around atthe end of a

cutting row ratherthan havingto stop and Y-turn

beforestarting a new row.

Forexample,to executea left end-of row zero

turn:

1. Slow downat the end of the row.

2. Movethe RIGHTground speedcontrol lever

forward slightly while moving the LEFT

ground speedcontrol leverbackto center and

then slightly back from center.

3. Begin mowing forward again.

This techniqueturns the rider LEFTand slightly

overlapsthe rowjust cut --eliminating the need

to back up and re-cut missedgrass.

Asyou becomemore familiar and experienced

with operatingtheZero Turnrider,you will learn

more maneuversthat will makeyour mowing time

easierand more enjoyable.

Remember,themore youpractice,the better

yourcontrolof theZeroTurnwill be!

Figure 16, Executingan End-Of-Row Turn

MowerRemovalandInstallation

NOTE.Perform mower deck installation and removal on a

hard flat surface such asa concretefloor,

Removal

1. Disengagethe PTO,engagetheparking brake,turn off

the ignition, removethe key,andwait for all moving

parts to stop.

2. Removethe cutting height pin and lower the attachment

lift to its lowest position.

3. Removethe mower deckguards.

WARNING

Useextremecautionwhen rotatingtheidler armwith

the breakerbar, dueto increasedtensionin the spring

as theidler armis being rotated. Injurymay resultif

the breakerbar is prematurelyreleasedwhile the

springisundertension.

4. Using a 1/2" breakerbar,placethe squareend in the

square hole located in the idler arm (A, Figure18).

Carefullyrotatethe breakerbar COUNTER-CLOCKWISE,

which will relievethetension on the belt exerted from the

idler arm. Slide the belt off of the stationary idler pulley

(B).

5. Carefullyreleasethe tension on the breakerbar.

6. Removethe belt from the PTOpulley (C, Figure17)

7. Pull the hair pins (C& D, Figure19) and disconnectthe

decklevelinglinks (I & J). Pull the hair pin and

disconnectthe roller barconnecting rod (M). Pull and

turn the rod locks (A, B,E & F)to releasethe rod ends.

8. Lift the front of the deck using a 2 x 4 as a lever,pull the

handle(G) forward to releasethefront hangers rod ends

(H), then push rearwardto releasethe rear rod ends.

9. Pivot thefront wheels out of the way and slidethe

mower deck out from under right sideof the unit.

Installation

1. Disengagethe PTO,engagetheparking brake,turn off

the ignition, removethe key,andwait for all moving

parts to stop.

2. Removethe cutting height pin and lower the attachment

lift to its lowest position.

3. Pivot thefront wheels out of the way and slidethe

mower deck under the unit.

4. Installthe levelinglinks and hair pins (I, J, C& D).

5. Lift the rear ofthe mower deck and install the rear lift

rods (K & L) and securewith the rear rod locks (E & F).

6. Installthe roller bar connecting rod (M) and the hair pin.

7. Lift the front of the deck using a 2 x 4 as a lever,pull the

handle(G) to align thefront hanger rod ends (H) with the

slots and securewith the front rod locks (A & B).

8. Installthe beltas shown in Figure17. Makesurethat the

V-side ofthe belt runs in the pulley groves of the spindle

pulleys.

9. Installthe belt on the PTOpulley,the spindle pulleys and

all the idler pulleys exceptthe stationary idlerpulley (B,

Figure18). Carefully rotatethe breakerbar COUNTER-

CLOCKWISEand install the belt on the stationary idler

pulley. Carefullyreleasethe tension on the breakerbar.

10. Reinstallthe mower deck guards.

FRONT

Figure 17. Mower BeltRouting

A. Arbor Pulleys

B. Back-SideIdlers

C. PTOPulley

Figure 18, ReleaseBelt Tension

A, IdlerArm

B, Stationary Idler Pulley

22 www.snapper.com

Figure 19. Mower Installation &

Removal

A, Left FrontRodLock

B. Right FrontRod Lock

C. Left LevelingLink Hair Pin

D, Right LevelingLink Hair Pin

E. LeftRearRod Lock

F. Right RearRod Lock

G, Handle

H. Front HangerRodEnds

I, Left LevelingLink

J. Right LevelingLink

Mowing

Beforemowing, setthe cutting height as described in Cutting

Height Adjustment.

1. Engagethe parking brake. Makesurethe PTOswitch is

disengagedandthe ground speed/ steering control

leversare in the NEUTRALposition.

2. Startthe engine (seeSTARTINGTHEENGINE).

3. Setthe throttle to FULL.

4. Engagethe PTOby pulling up onthe PTOswitch.

5. Begin mowing. SeeMowing Recommendationssection

for tips on mowing patternsand lawn care. SeeTrouble

Shootingsection for information on trouble shooting

common cutting problems.

6. When finished, shut off the PTO.

7. Stopthe engine (seeSTOPPINGTHETRACTORAND

ENGINE).

MowingRecommendations

Severalfactors canaffect howwell your machine cuts grass,

Following proper mowing recommendationscan improve the

performanceand life ofyour machine.

Height of Grass

Oftencutting height is a matter of personalpreference.

Typically,you should mow the grass when it is is between

threeand five inches high. Theproper cutting height range

for a specific lawn will dependupon severalfactors,

including the type ofgrass, the amount of rainfall, the

prevailingtemperature, and the lawn's overallcondition.

Cuttingthe grass too short causesweak,thin grass plants,

which areeasily damagedby dry periods and pests. Cutting

too short is often more damagingthan allowing the grass to

be slightly higher.

Letting grass grow a bit longer--especially when it is hot

and dry--reduces heatbuild-up, preservesneeded moisture

and protects the grass from heatdamageand other

problems. However,allowing grass to grow too high can

causethin turf and additional problems.

Cutting off too much at onetime shocks the plant's growth

system and weakensthe grass plants. Ageod rule ofthumb

is the1/3 rule:to cutnomorethan onethird ofthegrass

height,and nevermorethan 1 inchat a time.

Theamount ofgrass you areable to cut in one pass is also

effected bythe type of mowing systemyou are using (for

example,broadcastingwith side discharge deckscan

processa much larger volume of grass than mulching does).

K, Left RearLift Rod

L, Right RearLift Rod

M. Roller Bar ConnectingRod (select

models)

,itwJ), ,,//i,

J J

Figure20, Proper Cutting Height

TallGrassRequiresIncrementalCutting

Forextremely tall grass, set the cutting heightat maximum

for the first pass,and then resetit to the desiredheight and

mow a second or third time.

Don't coverthe grasssurface with aheavylayerof clippings.

Consider usinga grass collection system andstarting a

compost pile.

[,u

CutHere On

FirstPass CutHere

'_ On Second

t_' ,/ Pass

Figure21, Incremental Cutting

When and How Often to Mow

Thetime of dayand condition ofthe grass greatly affect the

results you'll get when mowing. Forthe bestresults,follow

theseguidelines:

1. Mow when the grass is betweenthree and five inches

high.

2. Mow with sharpblades. Short clippings of grass one

inch or shorter decompose more quicklythan longer

blades.Sharp mower bladescut grass cleanly and

efficiently, preventing frayed edgeswhich harm the

grass.

3. Mow at time of daywhen the grass is cool and dry. Late

afternoon or early eveningoften providethese ideal

mowing conditions.

4. Avoid mowing after rain or even heavydew,and never

mulch whenthe grass is wet (moist grass doesnot

mulch well, and clumps beneaththe mower deck).

MowingPatterns

Alwaysstart mowing on a smooth, levelarea.

Thesizeand type ofareato be mowed will determine the

best mowing pattern to use. Obstructions such astrees,

fencesand buildings, and conditions such asslopes and

gradesmust also be considered.

1. Cutlong straight strips overlappingslightly.

2. Where possible,changepatterns occasionallyto

eliminate matting, graining or a corrugated appearance.

3. Foratruly professional cut, mow acrossthe lawn in one

direction, then recut the lawn by mowing perpendicular

to the previous cut.

Note:Alwaysoperatetheengineat full throttlewhen

mowing.

If you hearthe engine slowing down, you are mowing too

fast--using a slower ground speedwill improve the cutting

efficiency ofthe bladesand preventsmany common cutting

problems. Usean appropriateground speedfor the

thickness and height ofthe grass you arecutting (3rd gear

or slower for manualgear models). If you hear the engine

slowing down you are mowing too fast, usea slower ground

speed.

Wherepossible, make one or two passesaround theoutside

of theareadischarging thegrass INTOthelawn to keepthe

cut grass off fencesand walks,

Theremainder of the mowing should be done in the opposite

direction so that the clippings are dispersed OUTonto the

area of lawnpreviously cut.

Mowing Methods

ProperBroadcastMowing

Broadcasting, or side-discharging, dispersesfine clippings

evenly overthe entire lawn. Manygolf courses usethis

method. Your mower hasa deepdish deck to allow freer

circulation of clippings sothey are broadcastevenly overthe

lawn.

ENGINESPEED&GROUNDSPEEDFORBROADCASTING

Alwaysoperatethe engineat full throttle when mowing. If

you hearthe engine slowing down, you are mowing too

fast--using a slower ground speedwill improve the cutting

efficiency of the bladesand preventsmany common cutting

problems.

ALWAYSusean appropriateground speedfor the thickness

and height of the grassyou arecutting (3rd gear or slower

for manualgear models). If you hearthe engine slowing

down you are mowing too fast, usea slower ground speed.

HOWMUCHGRASSTOCUTOFFWHENBROADCASTING

Mow whenthe grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the

grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more

that 1 inch of grass in a single pass.

24 www.snapper.com

Proper Mulching

Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts

clippings into tiny particlesand which then blows them down

INTOthe lawn. Thesetiny particles decompose rapidlyinto

by-products your lawncan use. UNDERPROPER

CONDITIONS,your mulching mower will virtually eliminate

noticeableclippings on the lawnsurface.

NOTE:When mulching under heavycutting conditions, a

rumbling sound may be present and is normal.

MULCHINGREQUIRESEXCELLENTMOWINGCONDITIONS

Mulching mowerscannotfunction properly if thegrass is

wet, or if the grass is simply to high to cut. Evenmorethan

normal mowing, mulching requiresthat the grass be dry and

thethe appropriate amount iscut.

Do not usethe mower as a mulching mower during the first

two or three mowings in the spring. Thelong grass blades,

quick growth, and often wetterconditions are moresuitable

for broadcasting(side-discharging) or grass bagging

operation.

ENGINESPEED&GROUNDSPEEDFORBROADCASTING

Usefull enginethrottle matchedwith a slow ground speed

sothat clippings will be finely cut. Groundspeedwhile

mulching should be HALFof the speedthat would be used

when broadcasting (sidedischarging) under similar

conditions. Since mulching requiresmore horsepower than

broadcasting, usinga slower ground speed isvitally

important for proper mulching operation.

HOWMUCHGRASSTOMULCH

Thebest mulching action typically resultsfrom cutting only

thetop 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of grass blade.This provides

short clippings which decomposeproperly (much more

quickly than longer clippings). Theideal cutting height will

vary with climate, time ofyear,and quality of your lawn. We

recommendthat you experimentwith boththe cutting height

and ground speeduntil you achievethe best cut. Start with a

high cutting heightand using progressively lowersettings

until you find a cutting heightthat is matchedto your

mowing conditions and preferences.

Attachinga Trailer

Themaximum weight of atowed trailer should be lessthan

200 Ibs (91kg). Securethe trailer with a appropriately sized

clevis pin (A, Figure23) and clip (B).

Excessivetowed loadscan causeloss of traction and loss of

control on slopes. Reducetowed weight when operating on

slopes. Thesurface being driven on greatly impacts traction

and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces cangreatly reduce

traction and the ability to stop or turn. Carefullyevaluatethe

surfaceconditions before operatingthe unitand trailer, and

neveroperateon slopes greaterthan 10°. SeeSLOPE

OPERATIONand TOWEDEQUIPMENTin the safetysection

of this manualfor additional safety information.

3,4,,

(lm)

20' (6m) ?

Figure23. TrailerWeightRecommendations

A. ClevisPin

B. Clip

t_D

Figure22, Mulching Action

Maintenance

MaintenanceSchedule& Procedures

Thefollowing schedule should be followed for normalcare of your rider and mower.You will needto keepa record ofyour

operatingtime. Determiningoperatingtime is easilyaccomplished by observing the elapsedtime recordedby the hour meter.

SAFETYITEMS Before Every5 Every25 Every 100 Every Spring &

Each Hours Hours Hours 200 Fall

Use Hours

CheckSafety Interlock System . .

CheckMower BladeStopping Time • •

RIDER MAINTENANCEITEMS Before Every5 Every25 Every 100 Every Spring &

Each Hours Hours Hours 200 Fall

Use Hours

CheckRider/ Mower for loosehardware °

Check/ CleanEngineCooling Fins •

Check/ Adjust PTOClutch •

Lubricate Rider & Mower ** °

CleanBattery& Cables .

CheckTire Pressure .

CleanDeck& ChecWReplaceMowerBlades** .

CheckTransmission Oil •

ChangeTransmission Oil Filter ** •

ENGINE MAINTENANCEITEMS Before Every5 Every25 Every 100 Every Spring &

Each Hours Hours Hours 200 Fall

Use Hours

CheckEngineOil Level •

Check/Change EngineAir Filter *

ChangeEngineOil & Filter *

Inspect Spark Plug(s) *

Check/ ReplaceFuelFilter *

* Referto engine owner's manual. Changeoriginal engine oil after initial break-inperiod.

** More often in hot (over 85° F:30° C)weather or dusty operating conditions.

26 www.snapper.com

Lubrication

Lubricate the unit atthe following lubrication points shown

in Figure24.

Grease:

i_ • front casterwheel axles

• front casteryokes

• roller straps (decklift pivots)

• mower deckidlerarm pivot

• mower deckarbors

Usegreasefittings whenpresent. Disassembleparts to apply

greaseto moving parts when greasefittings are not installed.

Not all greases arecompatible. Useautomotive-type lithium

grease.

Oil:

•control handle pivots

• dischargechute hinge

Generally,all moving metal parts should be oiled where

contact is madewith other parts. Keepoil and greaseoff

belts and pulleys. Rememberto wipe fittings and surfaces

cleanboth beforeand after lubrication.

Idler

Arm Pivot

Figure24. Lubrication

Servicing The MowerBlades

Removingthe MowerBlade

ACAUTION

Avoidinjury! Mower bladesare sharp.

• Alwayswear gloveswhen handlingmowerbladesor

working near blades.

1. SeeFigure25. Toremovethe mower blade,wedgea

wooden block betweenthe mower blade andthe mower

deckhousing to keepthe mower bladefrom turning,

then removethe mower bladeand the mower blade

retaininghardware.

Inspectingthe MowerBlades

ADANGER

Avoidinjury! Awornor damagedbladecanbreak, and

a piece ofthemowerbladecould be thrownintothe

operator's or bystander'sarea, resultingin serious

personal injuryor death.

• Inspectthe mowerblade every25 hoursor at least

once a year.

• Ifthe mowerblade hitsa solid object, stopthe

engineimmediately and inspectthe mowerblade.

• Never weld or straightenbentmowerblades.

1. Removethe mower bladefrom the unit. SeeRemoving

the Blade.

2. Inspectthe mower blade (Figures 26 & 27). Discard the

mowerbladeif it hasanyofthe belowconditions.

A.) Hasmorethan .5" (12,7 mm) of the mower blade

metal removedfrom previous sharpening or wear (D,

Figure26).

B.)Theair lifts areexcessivelyeroded (B & C, Figure27)

and the notch (C) is .25" (6,35 ram) deeporgreater.

C.) Mower blade is bent or broken.

3. If the cutting edgesare not sharp or havenicks, sharpen

the blades. SeeSharpening the Mower Blades.

Figure25. Loosening theMower Bladefor Removal

Figure26. inspecting the Mower Blade Tips

A, Mower Blade CuttingEdge

B, SquareComer

C. Air Lift

D. WearMeasurement- DISCARDMower Blade If

greater than,5" (12,7 mm)

Figure27. Inspecting theMower BladeAir Lifts

A, New Mower Blade B. Mower Bladeat WearLimit (A notch beginsto form)

C. Mower Bladein DangerousCondition (Notch measures,25" (6,35 mm) or greaterDONOTUSE.Replacewith new mower

blade,)

28 www.snapper.com

SharpeningtheMowerBlade

ACAUTION

Avoidinjury! Mower bladesare sharp.

• Alwayswear gloveswhen handlingthemower

blades.

• Alwayswear safety eye protectionwhengrinding.

1. Sharpenthe mower bladeswith grinder, hand file, or

electric blade sharpener.

2. Sharpenthe mower blade by removing an equal amount

of material from eachend of the mower blade.

3. Keepthe original bevel (A,Figure28) whengrinding. DO

NOTchangethe mower bladebevel.

4. The mower blade should havea maximum 1/64" (0,40

mm) cutting edge (B) or less.

5. Balancethe mower bladesbefore installing.

BalancingtheMower Blades

,ACAUTION

Avoidinjury! Keep mowerbladesbalanced.

• An unbalancedmowerbladecan create excessive

vibrationanddamagethe unitor cause mowerblade

failure.

1. Cleanthe mower bladeto remove anydried grass or

other debris.

2. SeeFigure29. Putthe mower blade on a nail in a vise

and turn the mower bladeto the horizontal position.

3. Checkthe balanceof the mower blade. If either end of

the mower blade movesdownward, sharpenthe heavy

end until the mower bladeis balanced. SeeSharpening

the Mower Bladesfor proper sharpeninginstructions.

4. Repeatthe process until the mower blade remains in the

horizontal position.

ReinstallingtheMower Blades

, WARNING

Foryourpersonalsafety,eachmowerblade mounting

boltmustbeinstalledwith a hex/splinewasherand

springwasher,then securelytightened.Torquemower

blade mountingboltto45-55 ft. Ibs. (61-75 Nm).

1. Reinstalleachmower blade with the air lifts pointing up

towards the mower deck asshown in Figure30. Wedge

a wooden block betweenthe mower blade andthe

mower deck housing, and secure the mower bladewith

the mower blade mounting bolt, spring washer and

spline washer (A, B & E, Figure30) andtorque to 45-55

ft. Ibs. (61-75 Nm).

Figure28, Sharpeningthe Mower Blade

A, Mower BladeBevel

B. Mower Blade CuttingEdge

Figure29, Balancingthe Mower Blade

A. Nail

Figure30. Tightening theMower Bladefor Installation

A, Mower BladeMounting Bolt

B. Spring Washer

C. Mower BladeAir Lift (Instafl With Points Up)

D, 4 X 4 WoodenBlock

E. Spline Washer

¢"D

EngineMaintenance

Referto engine owner's manualfor all engine maintenance

procedures and recommendations.

Adding Fuel

Toadd fuel:

1. Stopthe engine andallow to cool for at least3 minutes.

2. Removethe fuel cap (seeA, Figure31).

3. Fillthetank to the bottom of the filler neck. This will

allow for fuel expansion.

NOTE."Do not overfill. Refertoyour enginemanual for

specific fuel recommendations.

4. Install and handtighten the fuel cap.

Fuel Filter

Thefuel filter is located in the fuel line betweenthe fueltank

and fuel pump. If the filter is dirty or clogged, replaceas

follows:

1. Disconnectthe negativebatterycable.

2. Placea container belowthe filter to catch spilled fuel.

3. Using pliers, open and slide the hoseclamps from the

fuel filter (C, Figure31).

4. Removethe hoses from the filter.

5. Installthe newfilter in the proper flow direction in the

fuel line.

6. Securewith the hoseclamps.

7. Reconnectthe negative batterycablewhen finished.

A WARNING

Gasolineis highlyflammable andmustbe handled

with care. Never fill the tankwhenthe engineis still

hotfrom recentoperation. Donotallow open flame,

smokingor matchesin the area. Avoidover-fillingand

wipe up anyspills.

Do notremovefuel filter whenengine ishot, as spilled

gasolinemay ignite. DONOTspreadhoseclamps

further thannecessary.Ensureclamps grip hoses

firmly over filter afterinstallation.

Do not usegasoline containing METHANOL,

_ asohol containing more than 10% ethanol,

gasolineadditives, premium gasoline, or white

gasbecauseengine/fuel system damagecould

result.

...... i:J

Figure31. Maintenance

A, Fuel TankCap

B. TransmissionOil Caps

C. FuelFilter

30 www.snapper.com

ChangeEngineOil & Filter

1. Warm the engine by running for afew minutes. (Referto

the engine operator's manualfor oil & filter replacement

instructions)

2. The oil drain hose (A, Figure32) is located on the left

side of the engine. Removethe oil drain hosefrom its

storage position and re-position the oil drain hoseover

the side of the engine deckand placea small pan

beneathit to catchthe old engine oil.

3. Usingthe appropriatetools, removethe cap (C)from the

oil drain tube.

4. After draining, replacethe cap and wipe up anyspilled

oil. Reinstallthe oil drain hoseinto the storage position

(route around to the front of the engine) to retainthe

hoseduring normal operation.

5. Placean absorbent shop cloth under the engineoil filter

(B). Removethe oil filter and discard.

6. Using a drop of oil (seethe engineoperator's manualfor

oil recommendations)on your finger tip, wet the rubber

gasket on the bottom ofthe newfilter.

7. Turnthe filter clockwise until the rubber gasket meets

the filter base. Thenturn 1/2" to 3/4" of a turn more.

8. Add engine oil (Refer to the engine operator's manualfor

oil filling instructions.)

9. Removethe shop cloth and wipe up anyspilled oil.

Figure32. ChangeEngineOil & Filter

A, Oil Drain Tube

B, Oil Filter

C. Cap

Check / Fill Transmission Oil

Oil Type: 20W-50 conventionaldetergent motor oil

1. Checkthe oil ]eve]whenthe unit iscold. Raisethe seat

plateto gain accessto the transmission oil reservoirs (A,

Figure33). Theoil should be upto the "FULL COLD"

mark (B). If the oil is belowthis level, proceedto step 2.

2. Beforeremoving the reservoir cap, makesurethe area

around the reservoir capand fill neckof the reservoir is

free of dust, dirt, or other debris. Removethe reservoir

cap.

3. Add oil upto the "FULLCOLD"mark (B, Figure33).

4. Reinstallthe reservoir cap.

Transmission Oil Filter Change

ChangeInterval: Every200 Hours

1. Locatethetransmission oil filters (A, Figure34)

underneaththe rearof the machine on the

transmissions.

Removethethree 1/4" filter guard screws (C)andthe

filter guard (B).

Cleanthe areaaround the filter baseand removethe

filter.

Apply a film of new oil to the gasketof the new

replacementfilter. After the oil hasdrained,thread the

newfilter ontothe filter baseuntil the gasketmakes

contact, then tighten 3/4 of a turn more.

5. Reinstallthe filter guard with the three 1/4" filter guard

screws

6. Using a hexbit swivel socket or a modified allen wrench

removethe top port plug from thetransmissions.

7. Removethetransmission reservoir capand fill with oil

until oil appearsat the bottom of thetransmission's top

port (approximately 2 qts (1,89L).

8. Reinstallthe top port plug and tighten to 15 ft Ibs (20,38

Nm).

9. Continueto add oil to the transmission oil reservoirs

until the oil levelreachesthe "FULL COLD"mark.

Reinstallthe oil reservoir cap.

10. Repeatthis processfor the other side ofthe machine.

11. Runthe unit for severalminutes and checkthe

transmission oil level.

IMPORTANTNOTE."Usecaution after changing the filter, air

in the hydraulic system may affect theresponsivenessof the

ground speedcontrol levers, Repeatstep 11 until theair is

out of the system,

Figure33,

Transmissbn Oil Reservoirs

TransmissionOil Reservoirs

"FULLCOLD"Mark

Figure34, Transmission(Left SideShown,)

A, TransmissionOil Filter

B. FilterGuard

C. 1/4" Filter GuardScrews

D, TopPort Plug

32 www.snapper.com

BatteryMaintenance

Cleaningthe BatteryandCables

1. Disconnectthe cables from the battery, negativecable

first (B, Figure34).

2. Cleanthe batteryterminals and cableendswith a wire

brush until shiny.

3. Reinstallthe batteryand reattachthe battery cables,

positivecablefirst (seeA, Figure34)

4. Coatthe cableends and batteryterminals with petroleum

jelly or non-conducting grease.

WARNING

Becarefulwhen handlingthe battery.Avoidspilling

electrolyte. Keepflames andsparksaway from the

battery.

Whenremovingorinstallingbatterycables, disconnect

thenegativecableFIRSTandreconnectitLAST.Ifnot

donein thisorder,thepositiveterminalcanbeshortedto

theframe bya tool.

Storage

Beforeyou store your unit for the off-season, readthe

Maintenanceand Storage instructions in the SafetyRules

section, then perform the following steps:

• Disengagethe PTO,set the parking brake, & remove the

key.

• Perform engine maintenanceand storage measures

listed in the engine owner's manual. This includes

draining the fuel system, or adding stabilizerto the fuel

(do not store a fueled unit in an enclosed structure - see

warning).

• Batterylife will be increasedif it is removed,put in a

cool, dry placeand fully charged about oncea month. If

the battery is left in the unit, disconnect the negative

cable.

Beforestarting the unit after it hasbeenstored:

• Checkall fluid levels. Checkall maintenanceitems.

• Perform all recommendedchecksand proceduresfound

in the engine owner's manual.

• Allow the engineto warm up for several minutes before

use.

_WARNING

Never storethe unit(with fuel) in anenclosed,poorly

ventilatedstructure. Fuelvaporscantravel to an

ignitionsource(suchas a furnace, waterheater, etc.)

andcause an explosion.

Fuelvaporisalso toxictohumansand animals.

Figure34. BatteryMaintenance

A. Positive Cable

B. NegativeCable

BatteryCharging

A deadbattery or onetoo weakto start the engine may be

the result of a defectin the charging system or other

electricalcomponent. If there is any doubt aboutthe cause

of the problem, seeyour dealer.If you needto replacethe

battery,follow the steps under Cleaningthe Battery & Cables

in the RegularMaintenanceSection.

Tochargethe battery,follow the instructions provided bythe

battery charger manufactureras well asall warnings

included in the safety rules sections of this book. Chargethe

battery until fully charged. Do not chargeata ratehigher

than 10 amps.

WARNING

Keepopen flames andsparksawayfrom thebattery;

thegassescoming from it are highlyexplosive.

Ventilatethe batterywell duringcharging.

SpeedBalancingAdjustment

_WARNING

DO NOTadjusttherider for a fasteroverall speed

forward or reversethanit was designedfor.

If the rider veers to the right or left when the ground speed/

steering control leversare in the maximum forward or

reverseposition, the top speedof eachof these leverscan be

balancedbyturning the adjustment bolt(s) (A & C Figure

35). Only reducethe speedofthe wheelthat istraveling

faster.

TOREDUCETHESPEEDOFTHEFASTERWHEEL

1. Loosenthe jam nut securing thetop speedadjustment

bolt (A, C).

2. Turnthe top speedadjustment bolt COUNTER-

CLOCKWISEto reducethe speed.

3. Retightenthe securing nut when adjustment is complete.

Figure35. TopSpeedAdjustment

A, Forward TopSpeedAdjustment Bolt

B, Control LeverBase

C. ReverseTopSpeedAdjustment Bolt

CuttingHeightAdjustment

Thecutting heightadjustment pin (A, Figure36) controls the

mower cutting height. Thecutting height is adjustable

between 1-1/2" (3,8 cm) and4-1/2" (11,4cm). Pulling the

leverback fully locks the control in transport position.

Toadjust cutting height:

1. Pull the adjustment lever (B) back fully until it locks in

transport position.

2. Removethe cutting heightadjustment pin (A) and insert

it into the desired hole.

3. Pull back on the adjustment lever (B), squeezethe

smaller transport releaselever(C), and allow the leverto

move forward until it is supported bythe cutting height

adjustment pin (A).

NeutralAdjustment

If the unit creeps forward or backwardwith the control levers

in their neutral positions, contact Snapperat 1-800-317-

7833.

Figure36. Cutting HeightAdjustment

A, CuttingHeight Adjustment Pin

B, DeckLift/ Cutting HeightLever

C. TransportReleaseLever

34 www.snapper.com

ParkingBrakeAdjustment

If the unit creeps with the engineshut off and the parking

brakeengaged,the parking brakewill needto beadjusted.

1. Disengagethe PTO,stop the engine,engagethe parking

brake,and remove the keyfrom the ignition.

2. Raisethe seat plateto gain accessto the parking brake

components.

3. Measurethe distancefrom thetop of the brakespring

rod (C, Figure37) to thetop of the lock nut (D) on both

sides ofthe unit. Themeasurementshould be 1/2" (1,27

cm). If not,adjustthe Iocknutto achievethe

measurementof 1/2" (1,27 cm).

4. Measurethe distancebetweenthe bottom ofthe brake

shaft weldment (G)and the top ofthe set collar (F). The

measurementshould be 3/8" (0,95cm). If not, position

the set collar until the measurementequals3/8" (0,95

cm).

NOTE."If this proceduredoes not correct theproblem see

your dealer.

Figure37. ParkingBrakeAdjustment

A, BrakeSpring

B. First Measurement- 1/2" (1,27 cm)

C. BrakeSpring Rod

D, Lock Nut

E. SecondMeasurement- 3/8" (0,95 cm)

F, Set Collar

G, BrakeShaft Weldment

¢'D

tip

Figure38, PTOClutchAdjustment

A. Adjustment Window (Qty.3, one shown)

B, Adjustment Nut

Figure39. Adjust PTOClutch

A. Window

B. Adjustment Nut

C. .016"-,018" (0,40-0,45mm) FeelerGauge

PT0 Clutch Adjustment

Checkthe PTOclutch adjustment after every 100 hours of

operation. Also perform the following procedureif the clutch

is slipping or will not engage,or if a new clutch has been

installed.

1. Removekey from ignition switch and disconnectspark

plug wires to prevent the possibility of accidentalstarting

while the PTOis beingadjusted.

2. SeeFigure38. Notethe position ofthe 3 adjustment

windows (A) in the side ofthe brakeplateand the nylock

adjustment nuts (B).

3. Insert a .016"-.018" (0,40-0,45mm) feelergauge (C)

through eachwindow, positioning the gauge betweenthe

rotor face andthe armature face as shown in Figure39.

4. Alternatelytighten the adjustment nuts (B,Figure38)

until the rotor faceand armature facejust contactsthe

gauge.

5. Checkthe windows for anequal amount of tension when

the gauge is inserted and removed,and makeany

necessaryadjustments by tightening or looseningthe

adjustment nuts.

NOTE."Theactualairgapbetweentherotor and armature

may vary evenafter performing theadjustment procedure,

Thisis due to dimensional variationson component parts,

and is an acceptablecondition,

6. Checkthe mower blade stopping time. The mower

bladesand mower drive belt should come to a complete

stop within five (5) secondsafter the electric PTOswitch

isturned off.

AWARNING

Toavoidseriousinjury,perform adjustmentsonlywith

enginestopped,key removedandrider on level

ground.

BladeBrakeCheck

Mower bladesand mower drivebelt should come to a

completestop within five (5) secondsafter electric PTO

switch is turned off.

1. With parking brakeengaged,PTOdisengagedand an

operatorin the seat,start the engineengine.

2. Havean assistant observethe mower drive beltthrough

the opening betweenthe frame and top of mower deck.

Engagethe PTOandwait severalseconds. Disengagethe

PTOandcheckthe amount of time it takesfor the mower

drivebelt to stop.

3. If the mower drive belt doesnot stop within five (5)

seconds, perform the PTOClutchAdjustment. If the belt

still doesnot stop within five (5) seconds, seeyour

dealer.

36 www.snapper.com

MowerDeckLeveling

Perform these adjustments on a flat levelsurface.

SIDE-TO-SIDELEVELING

1. With the mower installed,placethe rider on a smooth,

levelsurfacesuch asa concretefloor. Turnthe front

wheels so they are straight.

2. Checkfor bentbladesand replaceif necessary.

3. Placethe mower cutting height pin in the 4th holefrom

the bottom (seeinsert, Figure42). Arrange the outside

mower bladesso that they are pointing from side-to-side

(Figure40).

4. Measurethe distancebetweenthe outside tips of each

bladeand the ground (Figures40 & 41). If there is more

than 1/8" (3mm) difference betweenthe measurements

on eachside, proceedto step 5. If the difference is 1/8"

(3mm) or less, proceedto step 6.

5. Usethe rear levelinglinks (B, Figure42) to adjust the

side-to-side levelingof the deck. Repeatstep 4 if

necessary.

FRONT-TO-BACKLEVELING

6. Arrangethe bladessothey facefront-to-back (Figure

43).

7. Measurethe distancefrom the ground to the front tip of

the center blade,and from the ground to reartips of left-

handand right-hand blades(Figures41 & 43). Thefront

tip of the center bladeshould be 1/4" (6mm) higherthan

reartips of left-hand and right-hand blades. If not,

proceedwith steps 8 - 11.

8. Checkthe length ofthe hanging rods. Therear (D,

Figure42) should be 15" (38,1cm) and is not adjusted.

Toadjust the pitch of the mower deck,adjust the front

levelingnuts only.

9. Loosenthe front lock nuts (E,Figure42).

10. Turnthe leveling nuts (A, Figure42) counter-

clockwise to lowerthe front of mower deck. Turnthe

nuts clockwise to raisethe front of the mower. Make

adjustments in small increments,trying to keeptension

on both leveling nuts.

11. Tighten the front lock nuts (E).

12. Re-checkthe blade measurementthen repeatsteps 7-11

as necessary.

Figure40. OrientBladesSide-to-Side

Figure41. MeasureBlade Tipsto Ground

A, Mower Deck

B. BladeTip

C. Level Ground

Figure42, Mower Leveling

A, FrontLeveling Nuts

B, RearLevelingRods

C. 4th CuttingHeight Hole

D, RearHangerRods

E. FrontLock Nuts

¢"D

Figure43, OrientBladesFront-to-Back

MowerBeltReplacement

Toavoiddamagingbelts, DONOTPRY

BELTSOVER PULLEYS.

1. Parkthe rider on a smooth, levelsurfacesuch asa

concrete floor. Disengagethe PTO,engagethe parking

brake,turn off the engine, removethe ignition key and

wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Removethe mower deckguards.

3. Raisethe mower deckto transport position.

A WARNING

Useextremecautionwhen rotatingtheidler armwith

the breakerbar, duetoincreasedtensionin the spring

as theidler armis being rotated. Injurymay resultif

the breakerbar is prematurelyreleasedwhile the

springisundertension.

4. Using a 1/2" breakerbar,placethe squareend in the

square hole located in the idler arm (A, Figure44).

Carefullyrotatethe breakerbar COUNTER-CLOCKWISE,

which will relievethetension on the belt exerted from the

idler arm. Slide the belt off thestationary idler pulley

(B).

5. Carefullyreleasethe tension on the breakerbar.

6. Removethe old drive beltand install the new oneas

shown in Figure45. Makesurethat the V-side of the belt

runs in the pulley groves of the spindle pulleys,and that

the back of the drive belt must ride againstthe back-side

idler pulleys (B).

7. Installthe belt on the PTOpulley,the spindle pulleys and

all the idler pulleys exceptthe stationary idler pulley (B,

Figure44). Carefully rotatethe breakerbar COUNTER-

CLOCKWISEand install the belt on the stationary idler

pulley. Carefullyreleasethe tension on the breakerbar.

8. Reinstallthe mower deck guards.

Figure44, ReleaseBelt Tension

A. IdlerArm

B, Stationary Idler Pulley

¢...

Figure45. Mower BeltRouting

A, Arbor Pulleys

B, Back-SideIdler Pulleys

C. PTOPulley

38 www.snapper.com

HydraulicPumpDriveBeltReplacement

1. Parkthe rider on a smooth, levelsurfacesuch asa

concrete floor. Disengagethe PTO,engagethe parking

brake,turn off the engine,and removethe ignition key.

2. Removethe PTOdrive belt (seeMOWERBELT

REPLACEMENTfor removalinstructions).

3. Breakthe jam nut, that is located towards the rear of the

machineon the spring anchor hook, loose. Loosenthe

nuttowards the front of the machineon the spring

anchor hook (H, Figure46) to releasethe majority of the

belttension. Usecaution and removethe nut to

completely releasethetension.

4. Removethe old beltand replaceit with the newone.

Makesurethe V-side of the belt runs in the grooves of

the crankshaft pulleyand transmission pulleys (B & C).

5. Reinstallthe anchor hook (H) into the anchor tab and

loosely fastenthe nut. Adjust the spring until a

measurementof 9" (22,86cm) is achievedfrom the

outside of the spring hooks. Tightenthe jam nut.

6. Reinstallthe PTOdrive belt.

Figure46, HydraulicPump Drive Belt Replacement

(Shownfrom Below)

A, Pump DHveBelt

B. CrankshaftPulley

C. TransmissionPulley

D. Idler Pulleys (stationary)

E. Idler Pulley

F. IdlerArm

G. Spring

H. Spring Anchor Hook

¢"D

Troubleshooting

While normal careand regular maintenancewill extend the

life of your equipment, prolonged or constant usemay

eventuallyrequire that service be performed to allow it to

continue operating properly.

Thetroubleshooting guide below lists the most common

problems, their causesand remedies.

Seethe information on the following pagesfor instructions

on how to perform most of these minor adjustments and

service repairsyourself. If you prefer,all of these procedures

can beperformed for you byyour localauthorized dealer.

, WARNING

Toavoidseriousinjury,performmaintenanceonthe

tractoror mower onlywhenthe engineisstoppedand

theparkingbrakeengaged.

Alwaysremovethe ignitionkey, disconnectthespark

plugwire andfastenit awayfromthe plugbefore

beginningthe maintenance,to preventaccidental

startingofthe engine.

€_

TROUBLESHOOTINGTHE RIDER

PROBLEM

Enginewillnotturnoverorstart.

CAUSE

1. Parking brake not engaged.

2. PTO(electric clutch) switch

in ONposition.

3. Ground Speed/ SteeringControl

Levers not in the NEUTRALposition.

4. Outof fuel.

5. Engineflooded.

6. Fuseblown.

7. Batteryterminals require

cleaning.

8. Batterydischarged or dead.

9. Wiring looseor broken.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Enginestartshardorrunspoorly. 1.

Engineknocks. 1.

Excessiveoilconsumption. 1.

Engineexhaustisblack.

Solenoid or starter motor faulty.

Safetyinterlock switch

faulty.

Spark plug(s) faulty, fouled

or incorrectly gapped.

Waterin fuel.

Gasis old or stale.

Fuelmixture too rich.

Spark plug faulty, fouled, or

incorrectly gapped.

Low oil level.

Using wrong gradeoil.

Engine running too hot.

2. Usingwrongweightoil.

3. Toomuchoil in crankcase.

1. Dirtyairfilter.

2. Enginechokecontrol

isin closedposition.

REMEDY

1.Engageparkingbrake.

2.Placein OFFposition.

3.MoveGroundSpeed/ SteeringControlLevers

to theNEUTRALposition.

4.If engineishot,allowitto cool,thenrefill

thefueltank.

5.Movechokecontroltoclosedposition.

6.Replacefuse.

7.Cleanthebatteryterminals

8. Rechargeor replace.

9. Visually checkwiring & replace brokenor

frayed wires. Tightenloose connections.

10. Repairor replace. Seeauthorized dealer

11. Replaceasneeded.Seeauthorized

servicedealer.

12. Cleanandgap or replace.

Seeengine manual.

13. Drainfuel & replacewith fresh fuel.

14. Drainfuel & replacewith fresh fuel.

1. Cleanair filter. Checkchoke adjustment.

2. Cleanand gapor replace.

(Seeengine manual.)

1. Check/addoil asrequired.

2. Seeengine manual.

1. Cleanenginefins, blower screen and

air cleaner.

2. Seeengine manual.

3. Drain excess oil.

1. Replaceair filter. See engine manual.

2. Openchoke control.

40 www.snapper.com

Rider Troubleshooting Continued.

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Engine runs,but rider will 1. Hydraulic releaselever(s) 1. Move lever(s) forward to "drive" position.

notdrive, in "free-wheel" position. SeePushing The Rider ByHand.

2. Belt is broken. 2. SeeDrive Belt Replacement.

3. Drive belt slips. 3. Seeproblem and causebelow.

4. Brakeis notfully released. 4. Seeauthorized service dealer

Riderdrive bell slips. 1. Pulleys or belt greasyor oily. 1. Cleanas required.

2. Tensiontoo loose. 2. Adjust spring tension.

SeeDrive Belt Replacement

3. Belt stretched orworn. 3. Replacebelt.

Brakewill nothold. 1. Brakeis incorrectly adjusted. 1. SeeBrakeAdjustment.

2. Brakepadsworn. 2. Replacewith new brakepads.

Ridersteersorhandles poorly. 1. Steering linkage is loose. 1. Checkand tighten any loose connections.

2. Improper tire inflation. 2. SeeRegular MaintenanceSection.

TROUBLESHOOTINGTHE MOWER

PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Mower will notraise. 1. Lift linkagenot properly attached 1. Seeauthorized service dealerfor repair.

or damaged.

Enginestallseasily with 1. Enginespeedtoo slow.

mowerengaged. 2. Ground speedtoo fast.

3. Cutting height settoo low.

Excessivemowervibration.

Excessivebeltwear or breakage.

Mower drive belt slips

orfails to drive.

Mower doesnotengage.

4. Discharge chutejamming

with cut grass.

1. Blademounting bolts areloose.

2. Mower blades,arbors,

or pulleys arebent.

3. Mower bladesareout

of balance.

4. Belt installed incorrectly.

1. Bentor rough pulleys.

2. Using incorrect belt.

1. Idler pulley spring broken or not

properly attached.

2. Mower drive belt broken.

1. Electricalwiring damage.

2. Batteryvoltage too low.

1. Setto full throttle.

2. DecreaseGroundSpeed.

3. Cuttall grass at maximum cutting

height during first pass.

4. Cutgrass with discharge pointing toward

previously cut area.

1. Tightento 70 ft.lbs. (94 Nm).

2. Checkand replaceas necessary.

3. Remove,sharpen, and balanceblades.

SeeMaintenance Section.

4. Reinstall Correctly.

1. Repairor replace.

2. Replacewith correct belt.

1. Repairor replace as needed.

2. Replacedrive belt.

1. Locate & repair damagedwire.

2. Rechargebattery and checkalternator.

SeeBattery Maintenancesection.

TROUBLESHOOTINGCOMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS

CAUSEPROBLEM

Streaking.

Scalping.

1. Bladesare not sharp.

2. Bladesareworn down to far.

3. Enginespeed istoo slow.

4. Ground speedis too fast.

5. Deck is plugged with grass

6. Not overlapping cutting rows

enough.

7. Not overlapping enoughwhen

turning.

1. Lawn is unevenor bumpy.

2. Mower deck cutting height is

settoo low.

3. Ground speedis too fast.

4. Deck is not leveledcorrectly.

5. Tire pressure is low or uneven

REMEDY

1.Sharpenyourblades.

2.Replaceyourblades,

3.Alwaysmowatfull throttle.

4.Slowdown.

5.Cleanoutthemower,

6.Overlapyourcuttingrows.

7. Whenturning your effectivecutting width

decreases-overlap more when turning.

1. Roll or levelthe lawn.

2. Raisethe cutting height.

3. Slow down.

4. Correctly levelthe deck.

5. Checkand inflatethe tires.

SteppedCutting. 1. Deck is not leveledcorrectly.

2. Tiresare not properly inflated.

3. Bladesaredamaged.

4. Deck shell is damaged.

5. Mower spindle is bentor loose.

6. Bladesareinstalled incorrectly.

1. Levelthe deckcorrectly.

2. Checkand inflatethe tires.

3. Replacethe blades.

4. Repairor replacethe deck.

5. Repairor replacethe spindle.

6. Reinstallthe bladescorrectly.

fl#

UnevenCutting.

Stingers.

1. Deck is not leveledcorrectly.

2. Bladesaredull or worn.

3. Bladesaredamaged.

4. Deck is clogged with grass

clippings.

5. Deck shell is damaged.

6. Mower spindle is bentor loose.

7. Bladesareinstalled incorrectly.

8. Tiresare not properly inflated.

1. Bladesare not sharp or nicked.

2. Bladesareworn down too fan

3. Enginespeed istoo slow.

4. Ground speedis too fast.

5. Deck is plugged with grass.

1. Levelthe deck correctly.

2. Sharpen or replacethe blades.

3. Replacethe blades.

4. Cleanout the deck.

5. Repairor replacethe deck.

6. Repairor replacethe spindle.

7. Reinstallthe bladescorrectly.

8. Checkand inflatethe tires.

1. Sharpenyour blades.

2. Replaceyour blades.

3. Always mow atfull throttle.

4. Slow down.

5. Cleanout the mower.

42 www.snapper.com

Specifications

Product Specifications

DeckSize(inches)

HeightofCut(inches)

TransaxleType

GroundSpeed- Fwd/Rev(mph)

EnginePower(hp)

EngineDisplacement(cc)

FuelTankCapacity(gal)

355ZB2654

54"

1.5"-4.5"

HydroGearZT2800

0-7/0-5

26.0*

570

6.5

*Engine PowerRating information

Thegross power rating for individual gasengine models is labeled in accordancewith SAE(Societyof Automotive Engineers)

codeJ1940 (Small EnginePower& TorqueRating Procedure),and rating performance hasbeenobtainedand corrected in

accordancewith SAEJ1995 (Revision 2002-05). Torquevaluesare derivedat 3060 RPM;horsepower valuesare derivedat

3600 RPM.Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by,among other things, ambient operating conditions and

engine-to-enginevariability. Givenboth the wide arrayof products on which enginesare placedand the varietyof

environmental issuesapplicableto operatingthe equipment, the gasengine will not developthe ratedgross power when used

in a givenpieceof powerequipment (actual"on-site" or net power). This differenceis due to avariety of factors including, but

not limited to, accessories(air cleaner,exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor,fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient

operating conditions (temperature,humidity, altitude), and engine-to-enginevariability. Dueto manufacturing and capacity

limitations, Briggs & Stratton maysubstitute an engine of higher ratedpowerfor this Seriesengine.

SLOPE INDENTIFICATION GUIDE

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.,r,.Q-

wuJ

LOLL

cnO

zuJ

Lg_

FOLD ALONG APPROPRIATE DOTTED LiNE

COMPARE THE ANGLE

OF THE FOLD TO THE

ANGLE OF THE SLOPE

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fold this page along the

dotted line indicated above.

2. Align the left edge of this guide

with a vertical tree, a power line

pole, a fence post, or any vertical

structure.

3. Compare the angle of the fold

with the angle of the hill.

2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Fortwo (2) years from purchasedatefor the original purchaser'sresidential,non-commercial use, SNAPPER,through any

authorizedSNAPPERdealerwill replace,free of charge (exceptfor taxeswhere applicable),any part or parts found upon

examinationbythe factory at McDonough, Georgia,to be defectivein material or workmanship or both.

Forninety (90) days from purchasedatefor the original purchaser'scommercial, rental,or other non-residential use,

SNAPPER,through any authorizedSNAPPERdealerwill replace,free of charge,any part or parts found upon examinationby

thefactory at McDonough, Georgia,to be defective in material or workmanship or both.

All transportation costs incurred bythe purchaserin submitting materialto an authorized SNAPPERdealer for replacement

underthis warranty must be paid by the purchaser.

This warranty doesnot applyto certain transmissions, to enginesandtheir components, and batteries, asthese items are

warrantedseparately. This warranty does not applyto parts that havebeendamagedbyaccident, alteration, abuse,improper

lubrication, normal wear, or other cause beyondthe control of SNAPPER.This warranty doesnot cover any machine or

componentpart that hasbeen alteredor modified changing safety,performance, or durability.

Batterieshavea one (1) yearwarranty period with free replacementif required for one (1) year from the original purchasedate.

SNAPPERwill not be responsiblefor any installationcost incurred. The batterywarranty onlycovers original equipment

batteriesand doesnot cover damageto the battery or machine causedby neglect or abuse, destruction byfire, explosion,

freezing,overcharging,improper maintenance,or useof improper electrolyte.

Thereis no other expresswarranty.

DISCLAIMEROFWARRANTY

Implied warranties,includingthoseof merchantabilityandfitness for a particularpurpose,are limited totwo(2) years

frompurchase dateforthe original purchaser's residentialor other non-commercialuse, andninety(90) daysfrom

purchase forthe original purchaser'scommercial, rental or othernon-residentialuse, andtothe extentpermittedby law,

anyand all impliedwarranties areexcluded.This isthe exclusiveremedy.Liabilitiesfor consequentialdamages,under

anyandall warranties are excluded.

Somestatesdo notallow limitations on howlongan impliedwarrantylasts, or donotallow theexclusionor limitation of

incidentalor consequentialdamages,sothe abovelimitation or exclusionmaynotapplytoyou.

This warrantygives you specific legal rights, and you mayalso haveother rights which vary from stateto state.

WARNING:THEUSEOFREPLACEMENTPARTSOTHERTHANGENUINESNAPPERPARTSMAYIMPAIRTHESAFETYOF

SNAPPERPRODUCTSANDWILL VOIDANYLIABILITYANDWARRANTYBY SNAPPERASSOCIATEDWITHTHEUSEOFSUCH

PARTS.

IMPORTANT:

Pleasefill outthe attachedSNAPPERProduct Registration Cardimmediately and mail to:

Snapper'sProductRegistrationCenter, P.O.Box1379, McDonough,Georgia30253

EnginePowerRatingInformation: Thegross power rating for individual gasengine models is labeledin accordancewith SAE

(Societyof Automotive Engineers)code J1940 (Small EnginePower & Torque Rating Procedure),and ratingperformance has

beenobtainedand corrected in accordancewith SAEJ1995 (Revision 2002-05). Torquevalues are derivedat 3060 RPM;

horsepowervalues are derivedat 3600 RPM.Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by,among other things,

ambient operatingconditions and engine-to-enginevariability. Givenboth the widearray of products on which enginesare

placedand the variety of environmental issuesapplicableto operatingthe equipment,the gasengine will not developthe rated

gross power when usedin a givenpiece of powerequipment (actual "on-site"ornet power). Thisdifferenceis dueto a variety

offactors including, but not limited to, accessories(air cleaner,exhaust,charging, cooling, carburetor,fuel pump, etc.),

application limitations, ambient operatingconditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), and engine-to-enginevariability. Dueto

manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton maysubstitute anengine of higher rated powerfor this Series

engine.

SM, 2P£R

Models and spedfications are subject to change without notice.

BR|GGS_S.STRATTON YARD POWER PRODUCTS GROUP

MILWAUKEE, WI 53201 USA

www, snapper, corn @2008 Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC

Snapper 355ZB2654 5900748 Lawn Mower

Product's Documents

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Specifications

Snapper 355ZB2654 Questions and Answers