N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n OPERATOR’S MANUAL 24HP Zero-Turn Riders Simplicity ZT3000 Mfg. No. Description 5900660 ZT3000B2444, Simplicity 24HP B&S ZT3000 Zero-Turn Rider with 44” Mower 5900662 ZT3000B2450, Simplicity 24HP B&S ZT3000 Zero-Turn Rider with 50” Mower 5900684 ZT3000B2450CE, Simplicity 24HP B&S ZT3000 Zero-Turn Rider with 50” Mower (CE/Export) 5900773 ZT3000B2446, Simplicity 24HP B&S ZT3000 Zero-Turn Rider with 46” Mower R Snapper 355Z Mfg. No.
Thank you for purchasing this quality-built product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Simplicity and Snapper brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your product will provide many years of dependable service. This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with this machine and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents Safety Rules & Information................................ 2 Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service ...... 31 Identification Numbers ............................................8 Safety Decals ..........................................................9 Safety Interlock System ........................................10 Safety Icons ..........................................................11 Troubleshooting the Rider .....................................31 Troubleshooting the Mower .....
Safety Rules & Information Operating Safety Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn and garden equipment. Our products are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed all industry standards for safety. Do not operate this machine unless you have been trained. Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is a way to train yourself. Power equipment is only as safe as the operator.
Safety Rules & Information Slope Operation Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate wheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control, and possible rollover. You should not operate on a slope greater than a 5.4 foot rise over a 20 foot length (15 degrees). Always mow across slopes, not up and down (to maintain traction on the wheels) and avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes.
Safety Rules & Information Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards and 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.
Safety Rules & Information Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed. GENERAL OPERATION 20.
Safety Rules and Information SLOPE OPERATION WARNING Do not use this machine on slopes greater than 15°.* Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope. Use extra caution when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass catchers. Mow across the face of slopes, not up and down,use caution when changing directions and DO NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE. 5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop. 6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.
Safety Rules & Information SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Safe Handling of Gasoline 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. 2. Use only approved gasoline containers. 3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. 4. Never fuel the machine indoors. 5. Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water heater or other appliance.
Identification Numbers Identification Tags Unit ID Tag M SA North American / CE Models Mower ID Tag PL E M SA Model xxxxxxx CE Models (Only) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Serial xxxxxxxxxx XXX PL BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP. POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC MILWAUKEE, WI 53201 USA 20xx kg: xxx kW: x.xx xxxx max E When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers.
Safety Decals Safety Decals This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing. Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important information while you are operating your unit.
Safety Interlock System NORTH AMERICAN MODELS ONLY: Safety Interlock System EXPORT MODELS ONLY: Safety Interlock System This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. These safety systems are present for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly. This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches.
Safety Icons CE Export Safety Icons Safety Icons The alert symbol is used to identity safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of the injury. In addition, a hazard icon may be used to represent the type of hazard.
Control Functions N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Features & Controls The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. To learn what combination and sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section. Ground Speed Control Levers R These levers control the ground speed of the rider.
Features & Controls Hour Meter Fuel Tank The hour meter measures the number of hours the key has been in the RUN position. Note: The hour meter will register the passage of time when the key is in the RUN position, even if the engine is not running. The hour meter has a self contained power source so the total hours are always visible. PTO Switch Fuel Level Gauge To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise. The fuel gauge is mounted in the fuel tank and indicates the amount of fuel in the tank.
Operation General Operating Safety Before first time operation: • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this tractor and mower. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit. • Drive in an open area without mowing to become accustomed to the unit brake lever or set the parking brake. Checks Before Starting • Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick.
Operation WARNING DO NOT TOW RIDER If you do not understand how a specific control functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now. Do NOT attempt to operate the tractor without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls. Starting the Engine Pushing the Rider by Hand 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn the ignition OFF, and remove the key. 2.
Operation Zero Turn Driving Practice Smooth Travel The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and efficient control of the rider’s forward, reverse, and turning movements will take some practice. The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive .
Operation Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place While traveling forward bring one handle gradually back toward neutral. Repeat several times. To turn in place, “Zero Turn,” gradually move one ground speed control lever forward from neutral and one lever back from neutral simultaneously. Repeat several times. NOTE: To prevent pivoting directly on the tire tread, it is best to keep both wheels going at least slightly forward.
Operation Mower Removal and Installation NOTE: Perform mower deck installation and removal on a hard flat surface such as a concrete floor. Removal Releasing the Mower Deck Belt Tension B 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the ignition, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. 2. Remove the cutting height pin and lower the attachment lift to its lowest position. 3. Release the belt tension and remove the belt.
Operation E C J D M F H H I L K B G A G. H. I. J. K. L. M. Handle Front Hanger Rod Ends Left Leveling Link Right Leveling Link Left Rear Lift Rod Right Rear Lift Rod Roller Bar Connecting Rod (select models) Installation (44” & 50” Mower Decks) Reinstalling the Mower Deck Belt N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Figure 12. Mower Installation & Removal A. Left Front Rod Lock B. Right Front Rod Lock C. Left Leveling Link Hair Pin D. Right Leveling Link Hair Pin E. Left Rear Rod Lock F.
Operation Mowing 4. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch. Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section. 5. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care. See Troubleshooting section for information on trouble shooting common cutting problems. 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control lever is in the NEUTRAL position. 2.
Operation When and How Often to Mow The time of day and condition of the grass greatly affect the results you’ll get when mowing. For the best results, follow these guidelines: 1. Mow when the grass is between three and five inches high. 2. Mow with sharp blades. Short clippings of grass one inch or shorter decompose more quickly than longer blades. Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and efficiently, preventing frayed edges which harm the grass.
Operation Proper Mulching Engine Speed & Ground Speed for Broadcasting Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface. Use full engine throttle matched with a slow ground speed so that clippings will be finely cut.
Regular Maintenance Maintenance Schedule & Procedures The following schedule should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. You will need to keep a record of your operating time. Determining operating time is easily accomplished by observing the elapsed time recorded by the hour meter.
Regular Maintenance Oil: Lubrication Lubricate the unit at the following lubrication points shown in Figures 14 through 17. • control handle pivots • discharge chute hinge Grease: • front caster wheel axles • front caster yokes • roller straps (deck lift pivots) • mower deck idler arm pivot Generally, all moving metal parts should be oiled where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil and grease off belts and pulleys. Remember to wipe fittings and surfaces clean both before and after lubrication.
Regular Maintenance Servicing The Mower Blades Removing the Mower Blade CAUTION Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. 1. See Figure 18 To remove the mower blade, wedge a wooden block between the mower blade and the mower deck housing to keep the mower blade from turning, then remove the mower blade and the mower blade retaining hardware. Inspecting the Mower Blades Figure 18.
Regular Maintenance Sharpening the Mower Blade A CAUTION Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling the mower blades. • Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. 1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener. 2. Sharpen the mower blade by removing an equal amount of material from each end of the mower blade. 3. Keep the original bevel (A, Figure 21) when grinding. DO NOT change the mower blade bevel. 4.
Regular Maintenance Check Tire Pressures Tire pressure should be checked periodically, and maintained at the levels shown in the chart. Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the “Max Inflation” stamped on the side-wall of the tires. The pressures shown provide proper traction, improve cut quality, and extend tire life. Adding Fuel To add fuel: 1. Stop the engine and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes. 2. Remove the fuel cap (see A, Figure 25). 3.
Regular Maintenance Change Engine Oil & Filter 1. Warm the engine by running for a few minutes. (Refer to the engine operator’s manual for oil & filter replacement instructions) 2. The oil drain hose (A, Figure 26) is located on the left side of the engine. Remove the oil drain hose from its storage position and re-position the oil drain hose over the side of the engine deck and place a small pan beneath it to catch the old engine oil. 3.
Regular Maintenance Check / Fill Transmission Oil Oil Type: 20W-50 conventional detergent motor oil. A 1. Check the oil level when the unit is cold. Raise the seat plate to gain access to the transmission oil reservoirs (A, Figure 27). The oil should be up to the “FULL COLD” mark (B). If the oil is below this level, proceed to step 2. 2. Before removing the reservoir cap, make sure the area around the reservoir cap and fill neck of the reservoir is free of dust, dirt, or other debris.
Regular Maintenance Battery Maintenance Storage Cleaning the Battery and Cables Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules section, then perform the following steps: WARNING Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery. When removing or installing battery cables, disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect it LAST.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Troubleshooting While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies. See the information on the following pages for instructions on how to perform most of these minor adjustments and service repairs yourself.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Rider Troubleshooting Continued. PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Engine runs, but rider will not drive. 1. Hydraulic release lever(s) in “free-wheel” position. 2. Belt is broken. 3. Drive belt slips. 4. Brake is not fully released. 1. Move lever(s) forward to “drive” position. See Pushing The Rider By Hand. 2. See Drive Belt Replacement. 3. See problem and cause below. 4. See authorized service dealer Rider drive belt slips. 1. 2. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Troubleshooting common cutting problems PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking. 1. Blades are not sharp. 2. Blades are worn down to far. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Ground speed is too fast. 5. Deck is plugged with grass 6. Not overlapping cutting rows enough. 7. Not overlapping enough when turning. 1. Sharpen your blades. 2. Replace your blades. 3. Always mow at full throttle. 4. Slow down. 5. Clean out the mower. 6. Overlap your cutting rows. 1.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Seat Adjustment The seat and ground speed control levers should be adjusted so that operator’s elbows are supported by the arm rests when his/her hands are on the controls, and the ground speed control levers can be moved through their full range of motion without contacting the operator’s legs. Seat Position Adjustment The seat can be adjusted forward and back.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Speed Balancing Adjustment C WARNING DO NOT adjust the rider for a faster overall speed forward or reverse than it was designed for. If the rider veers to the right or left when the ground speed control levers are in the maximum forward or reverse position, the top speed of each of these levers can be balanced by turning the adjustment bolt(s) (A & C, Figure 32). Only adjust the speed of the wheel that is traveling faster. To Reduce the Speed of the Faster Wheel 1.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Parking Brake Adjustment C 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key from the ignition. B E A 2. Raise the seat plate to gain access to the parking brake components. 3. Measure the distance from the top of the brake spring rod (C, Figure 34) to the top of the lock nut (D) on both sides of the unit. The measurement should be .50” (1,27 cm). If not, adjust the locknut to achieve the measurement of .50” (1,27 cm). 4.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service A B B B C B A Figure 37. Adjust PTO Clutch A. Window B. Adjustment Nut C. .016”-.018” (0,40-0,45mm) Feeler Gauge Figure 36. PTO Clutch Adjustment A. Adjustment Window (Qty. 3, one shown) B. Adjustment Nut PTO Clutch Adjustment WARNING N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n Check the PTO clutch adjustment after every 100 hours of operation. Also perform the following procedure if the clutch is slipping or will not engage, or if a new clutch has been installed. 1.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Mower Deck Leveling Perform these adjustments on a flat level surface. Side-To-Side Leveling 1. With the mower installed, place the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn the front wheels so they are straight. 2. Check for bent blades and replace if necessary. 3. Place the mower cutting height pin in the 4th hole from the bottom (see insert, Figure 40). Arrange the outside mower blades so that they are pointing from side-to-side (Figure 38).
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Roller Bar Leveling (Select Models) The rollers on this Zero Turn unit are not intended to ride on the ground. DO NOT adjust rollers to ride on the ground. Rollers riding on the ground will damage turf and/or unit. A 1. First level the mower deck using the procedure found in MOWER DECK LEVELING. 2. With the mower installed, place the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn the front wheels so they are straight. Figure 42.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service 46” Models Only: A 1. Pull the lever (A, Figure 43) towards the rear of the machine to release tension on the mower belt. Remove the belt from the PTO pulley (C, Figure 44). 2. Remove the old drive belt and install the new one as shown in Figure 44. Note that the back on the drive belt must ride against the back-side idler pulleys (B). Use the belt tension lever (A, Figure 44) to release the tension on the idler pulley for installation.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacment B A 1. Park the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key. D 2. Remove the PTO drive belt (see MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT for removal instructions). E 3. Loosen the nut towards the front of the machine on the spring anchor hook (H, Figure 47) to release the majority of the belt tension.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Mower Deck Washout Port (46” Mower Decks Only) A The washout port allows you to connect a typical garden hose to the trim side (L.H.) of the mower deck to remove grass and debris from the underside. This ensures proper and safe operation of the mower. 1. Place the unit on a smooth level surface. WARNING B Before running the mower, make sure the hose is properly connected and does not come into contact with the blades.
Specifications Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE: CHASSIS: 24 HP* Briggs & Stratton Fuel Tank Rear Wheels (S/N: 2013131627 & Below) Make Model Horsepower Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton 44M777-0121-E1 24 @ 3500 rpm 34.75 Cu. in (570 cc) 12 Volt, 16 amp. Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA 4 US pt. (1.
N ep o ro t fo du r ct io n R Notes
BRIGGS & STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, L.L.C. OWNER WARRANTY POLICY LIMITED WARRANTY Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC will repair and/or replace, free of charge, any part(s) of the equipment that is defective in material or workmanship or both. Briggs & Stratton Corporation will repair and/or replace, free of charge, any part(s) of the Briggs and Stratton engine* (if equipped) that is defective in material or workmanship or both.
Product Quick Specs: ENGINE: CHASSIS: 24 HP* Briggs & Stratton Fuel Tank Rear Wheels (S/N: 2013131627 & Below) Make Model Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton 44M777-0121-E1 4 US pt. (1.9 L) w/ Filter Front Wheels BELTS AND BLADES: (S/N: 2013131628 & Above) Make Model Oil Capacity TRACTOR Briggs & Stratton 44M777-0133-G1 4 US pt. (1.
