OPERATOR’S MANUAL 18HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. 1694454 5091000 1694744 Description Simplicity 18HP Consumer Zero Turn Rider Snapper Fast Cut ZT18440KH, 18HP Zero-Turn Rider with 44” Mower Massey Ferguson ZT 1844 20HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No.
Table of Contents Safety Rules & Information.................................2 Identification Numbers........................................5 Safety Decals .......................................................6 Safety Icons .........................................................7 Safety Interlock System ......................................7 Features & Controls ............................................8 Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......21 Troubleshooting the Rider ....................
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. 16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit into a trailer or truck. 17.
Safety Rules and Information SLOPE OPERATION WARNING Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it. Control of a walk-behind or ride-on machine sliding on a slope will not be regained by the application of the brake.
Safety Rules and Information SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 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. 6.
Identification Numbers Identification Numbers Unit ID Tag SA Mower ID Tag M North American Models PL E 169XXXX SA Mfg. No.: XXXX dB(A) CE Models PRODUCT M Serial No.: XXXXX kW: XX Engine RPM XXXX LpA: XXX dB(A) Vibration @ Wheel: XXX m/s² Vibration @ Seat: XXX m/s² PL Simplicity Mfg. Inc.
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. All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional messages on your rider and mower should be carefully read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when these instructions are not followed. The information is for your safety and it is important! The safety decals below are on your rider and mower.
Safety Icons & Interlock System SAFETY ICONS Warning: Read Operator’s Manual. SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM Read and understand the Operator’s Manual before using this machine. 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. Danger: Thrown Objects. This machine is capable of throwing objects and debris. Keep bystanders away.
Features & Controls CONTROL FUNCTIONS 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. Throttle Control Ground Speed Levers The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease engine speed.
Features & Controls Fuel Tank & Gauge Ignition Switch To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise. The fuel gauge is mounted in the fuel tank and indicates the amount of fuel in the tank. The ignition switch starts and stops the engine; it has three positions: OFF RUN Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system. Mower Height of Cut Adjustment & Allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system.
Operation GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY CHECKS BEFORE STARTING Before first time operation: • Check that the crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick. See the engine owner’s manual for instructions and oil recommendations. • Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this rider and mower. • Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in place and secure. • Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.
Operation WARNING 5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the switch. 6. Disengage the parking brake. 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 rider without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls. 7. Move the ground speed control levers from neutral position to operating position (in toward the operator). 8. Begin mowing.
Operation ZERO TURN DRIVING PRACTICE Smooth Travel The lever controls of the zero turn rider are responsive . 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 BEST method of handling the ground speed control levers is in three steps — as shown in Figure 3.
Operation Practice Turning Around a Corner Practice Turning In Place While traveling forward allow one handle to gradually return 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 ATTACHING A TRAILER A The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg). Secure the trailer with an appropriately sized clevis pin (A, Figure 9) and clip (B). Excessive towed loads can cause loss of traction and loss of control on slopes. Reduce towed weight when operating on slopes. The surface being driven on greatly impacts traction and stability. Wet or slippery surfaces can greatly reduce traction and the ability to stop or turn.
Operation C B A E H F C D A B A D A G I Figure 10. Mower Belt Routing A. Arbor Pulleys B. Back-Side Idlers C. PTO Pulley D. Belt Tension Release Lever C E MOWER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION NOTE: Perform mower installation and removal on a hard flat surface such as a concrete floor. Removal 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the ignition, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. A 2.
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 LUBRICATION Lubricate the unit at the following lubrication points as well as those shown in Figure 12. Oil: Grease: • control handle pivots • front caster wheel axles • discharge chute hinge • roller straps (deck lift pivots) • mower deck idler arm 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 WARNING For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling of blades may result in serious injury. WARNING For your personal safety, blade mounting capscrews must each be installed with a hex/spline washer and spring washer, then securely tightened. Torque blade mounting capscrew to 45 - 55 ft. lbs. (61 - 75 N.m.) LOOSEN Figure 13.
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. CHECKING / ADDING FUEL Tire Pressure To add fuel: Front 40 psi (2,76 bar) 1. Remove the fuel cap (see A, Figure 17). 2. Fill the tank to the bottom of the filler neck.
Regular Maintenance 3. Add oil up to the full mark (D, Figure 18). D 4. Reinstall the reservoir cap, move the locking tab between two notches, and tighten the locking capscrew. A TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER CHANGE Change Interval: Every 250 Hours B Filter Part Number: 1719168 C 1. Locate the transmission oil filter (C, Figure 18) at the rear of the battery compartment under the seat. 2. Clean the area around the filter base and remove the filter. Do NOT drain the hydraulic system oil. 3.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING 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. To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on the rider or mower only when the engine is stopped and the parking brake engaged.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service Rider Troubleshooting Continued. PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Engine runs, but rider will not drive. 1. 1. Turn valve(s) clockwise to close. Rider drive belt slips. Brake will not hold. Rider steers or handles poorly. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 1. 2. 1. 2. Hydraulic release valve(s) in “open” position. Belt is broken. Drive belt slips. Brake is not fully released. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Belt stretched or worn. Brake is incorrectly adjusted. Brake caliper pads worn.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service C A B A B Figure 20. Control Lever Adjustment A. Alignment Hardware B. Placement Hardware C. Ground Speed Control Lever Figure 19. Seat Adjustment A. Adjustment Knobs B.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT The cutting height adjustment pin (A, Figure 22) controls the mower cutting height. The cutting height is adjustable between 1-1/2” (3,8 cm) and 4-1/2” (11,4cm). Pulling the lever back fully locks the control in transport position. C B To adjust cutting height: A 1. Pull the adjustment lever (B, Figure 22) back fully until it locks in transport position. 2. Remove the cutting height adjustment pin (A) and insert it into the desired hole.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT B Brake Adjustment 3/16" 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, block the front wheels, remove the ignition key, and engage the parking brake. A 2" 2. Elevate the rear end of the unit and remove the rear wheels. 3. Check the brake spring (A, Figure 23) length (both wheels). With the brake engaged the compressed spring length should be 2” (5 cm).
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service A B B B C B Figure 26. Adjust PTO Clutch A. Window B. Adjustment Nut C. .016”-.018” (0,40-0,45mm) Feeler Gauge A Figure 25. PTO Clutch Adjustment A. Adjustment Window (Qty. 3, one shown) B. Adjustment Nut PTO CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT WARNING Check the PTO clutch adjustment after the initial 25 hour break-in period and then after every 250 hours of operation.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service A B C Figure 27. Orient Blades Side-to-Side Figure 28. Measure Blade Tips to Ground A. Mower Deck C. Level Ground B. Blade Tip MOWER DECK LEVELING Perform these adjustments on a flat level surface. Note: Do not adjust the mower lift height rod (H, Figure 29) as it will effect the mower deck lift height. B A SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING G 1. With the mower installed, place the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service ROLLER BAR LEVELING (If Equipped) 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. 3. Place the mower cutting height pin in the 4th hole from the bottom (C, Figure 29). A 4. Measure the distance between the outside ends of the roller bar and the ground.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service HYDRAULIC PUMP DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT B 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. 2. Remove the PTO drive belt (see MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT for removal instructions). G H E 3. Loosen the nut towards the front of the machine on the spring anchor hook (H, Figure 32) to release the majority of the belt tension.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service A A C B A A D B Figure 33. Mower Belt Routing A. Arbor Pulleys B. Back-Side Idler Pulleys C. PTO Pulley D. Belt Tension Release Lever Figure 34. Belt Covers A. Right Side Belt Cover B. Left Side Belt Cover MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT To avoid damaging belts, DO NOT PRY BELTS OVER PULLEYS. 50" Mower 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.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. * Actual sustained equipment horsepower will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. ENGINE: TRANSMISSIONS: 18 HP* Kohler Make Model Horsepower Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity HydroGear BDP-10A / HGM-12P Kohler Command PRO 18 18 @ 3400 rpm 30.08 Cu. in (493 cc) 12 Volt, 15 amp. Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA 2 qt. ( 1.
Parts & Accessories REPLACEMENT PARTS TECHNICAL MANUALS Replacement parts are available from your authorized dealer. Always use genuine Simplicity/Snapper Service Parts. Additional copies of this manual are available, as well as fully illustrated parts lists. These manuals show all of the product’s components in exploded views (3D illustrations which show the relationship of parts and how they go together) as well as part numbers and quantities used.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information HOW AND WHEN TO WATER, FERTILIZE & AERATE HOW TO WATER YOUR LAWN Most lawns are watered too often, but with too little water. However too much water can allow development of diseases with your lawn. It is best to water the lawn only when necessary, and then to water it slowly, evenly, and deeply—imitating a slow, soaking rain. HOW TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN The best method of watering a lawn is to imitate a slow, soaking rain, applying about 1 inch of water.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information 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: ● Mow when the grass is between 3”-4” (7,5-10 cm) high. ● 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.
PRODUCTS, INC. McDonough, GA., 30253 www.snapper.com M A N U FA C T U R I N G , I N C . 500 N Spring Street / PO Box 997 Port Washington, WI 53074-0997 www.simplicitymfg.com © Copyright 2004, Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.
