USER’S MANUAL 18HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. 2690487 5900608 Description Massey Ferguson ZT 1844 Snapper ZT18441KHC 19HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No. 5900609 Description Snapper ZT19441KWV 20HP Zero-Turn Riders Mfg. No.
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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 Safety Rules & Information.................................2 Identification Numbers........................................8 Safety Decals .......................................................9 Safety Interlock System ....................................10 Safety Icons .......................................................11 Features & Controls ..........................................12 Control Functions ..................................................12 Operation .........
Safety Rules & Information Safety 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 Safety 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 3.5 foot rise over a 20 foot length (10 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 Safety Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water 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 GENERAL OPERATION 1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting. 2. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times. 3. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the unit (local regulations can restrict operator age). 4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.
Safety Rules and Information Safety SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over 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 & Information SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Safety 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.
Safety Identification Numbers Unit ID Tag SA M PL North American / CE Models Mower ID Tag E SA M CE Models (Only) PL E When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers. Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification numbers, and engine serial numbers in the space provided for easy access. These numbers can be found in the locations shown.
Safety Decals SAFETY DECALS Safety 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 Safety NORTH AMERICAN MODELS ONLY: SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM 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. These safety systems are present for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices.
Safety Icons Safety Icons CE SAFETY ICONS DANGER This indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death. WARNING This indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, could result in serial injury or death. CAUTION This indicates a hazard which, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury. CAUTION or NOTICE These messages presented without the alert symbol indicate a situation where the unit or property could be damaged.
Controls 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. Ground Speed Levers These levers control the ground speed of the rider.
Features & Controls Hour Meter 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. The PTO (Power Take-Off) switch engages and disengages attachments that use the PTO. To engage the PTO, pull UP on the switch. Push DOWN to disengage.
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 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 5. After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the unit at FULL THROTTLE when mowing. In the event of an emergency the engine can be stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to STOP.
Operation ZERO TURN DRIVING PRACTICE 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. Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown and becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, travels, and steers — before you begin mowing —is absolutely essential to getting the most out of the Zero Turn rider.
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. Executing Turns Turning In-Place Operation Figure 6.
Operation A C B B A D A A Figure 9. Mower Belt Routing A. Arbor Pulleys B. Back-Side Idlers C. PTO Pulley D. Belt Tension Release Lever Figure 10. Release Belt Tension A. Belt Tension Release Lever B. Guard Notch MOWER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION E H NOTE: Perform mower installation and removal on a hard flat surface such as a concrete floor. Operation C M Removal 1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the ignition, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop. 2.
Operation MOWING Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section. 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control lever is in the NEUTRAL position. 2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE). 3. Set the throttle to FULL. 4. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch. 5. Begin mowing. See Mowing Recommendations section for tips on mowing patterns and lawn care.
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. 3. Mow at time of day when the grass is cool and dry.
Operation Proper Mulching ATTACHING A TRAILER 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. The maximum weight of a towed trailer should be less than 200 lbs (91kg).
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 shown in Figure 16. Oil: Grease: • control handle pivots • front caster wheel axles • discharge chute hinge • front caster yokes • rear suspension pivots (select models) • roller straps (deck lift pivots) • mower deck idler arm pivot • mower deck arbors Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not installed.
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.) Figure 17. Blade Removal SERVICING THE MOWER BLADES Service Interval: Every 10 Hours or As Required Workbench 1.
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. Stop the engine and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes. 2.
Regular Maintenance CHECK /FILL TRANSMISSION OIL B Oil Type: 20W-50 conventional detergent motor oil. A D 1. Check the oil level when the unit is cold. The inspection port is located on the inside of the right tank cover. The oil level should be within 1/2” (1.3 cm) of the horizontal level mark (D, Figure 22). If the oil is below this level, proceed to step 2. 2.
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: 1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 22). 2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny. 3. Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery cables, positive cable first (see A, Figure 22) 4.
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. 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. Hydraulic release valve(s) in “open” position. Belt is broken. Drive belt slips. Brake is not fully released. Pulleys or belt greasy or oily. Tension too loose. 3. 1. 2. 1. 2. Belt stretched or worn. Brake is incorrectly adjusted.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON CUTTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY Streaking. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 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. 3. 4. 5. Blades are not sharp. Blades are worn down to far. Engine speed is too slow. Ground speed is too fast. Deck is plugged with grass Not overlapping cutting rows enough. Not overlapping enough when turning.
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 25). 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 B 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, block the front wheels, remove the ignition key, and engage the parking brake. 2. Elevate the rear end of the unit and remove the rear wheels. 3. Check the brake spring (A, Figure 27) length (both wheels). With the brake engaged the compressed spring length should be 2” (5 cm). If not, adjust the locknut (C) to achieve the compressed spring length of 2” (5 cm). 4.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT (SELECT MODELS) The shock assembly can be adjusted to vary the amount of pre-load applied to the springs. This allows the operator to customize the ride according to operator’s weight and operating conditions.
Troubleshooting, Adjustments, & Service A B B B C B A Figure 30. Adjust PTO Clutch A. Window B. Adjustment Nut C. .016”-.018” (0,40-0,45mm) Feeler Gauge Figure 29. PTO Clutch Adjustment A. Adjustment Window (Qty. 3, one shown) B. Adjustment Nut PTO CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT 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 33). Arrange the outside mower blades so that they are pointing from side-to-side (Figure 31).
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. 3.
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). 3. Loosen the nut towards the front of the machine on the spring anchor hook (H, Figure 38) to release the majority of the belt tension.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE: Oil Capacity 18 HP* Kohler Make Model Horsepower Displacement Electrical System Oil Capacity Kohler Courage 18 18 @ 3400 rpm 32.6 Cu. in (535 cc) 12 Volt, 15 amp. Alternator, Battery: 340 CCA 1.6 qt. ( 1.5L) w/ Filter CCA 56 Oz. (1.7 L) w/ Filter CHASSIS: Fuel Tank Rear Wheels Front Wheels Capacity: 6.5 Gallons (24.6 L) Tire Size: 20 x 8.
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Product Quick Specs: ENGINE: BELTS AND BLADES: 18 HP* Kohler Make Model Oil Capacity TRACTOR Kohler Courage 18 1.6 qt. ( 1.5L) w/ Filter Pump Drive Belt 44” MOWER 19 HP* Kawasaki Deck Drive Belt Mower Blade Make Model Oil Capacity 50” MOWER Kawasaki FH580V 3.8 US pt. ( 1.8L) w/ Filter 20 HP* Kohler Make Model Oil Capacity Deck Drive Belt Mower Blade Kohler Courage 20 1.6 qt. ( 1.5L) w/ Filter 20 HP* Briggs & Stratton Make Model Oil Capacity Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 56 Oz. (1.
