Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for EUROPEAN REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER SERIES 20 MODELS E281320BE E331520KVE MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION E 33 15 20 K V EUROPEAN MODEL CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE HP E - European Model 28 - 28” Cutting Deck 33 - 33” Cutting Deck E ENGINE OPTIONS ENGINE TYPE ENGINE MODEL SERIES DESIGNATION 13 - 13.0 HP Engine 15 - 15.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PREPARATION OPERATION (Continued From Previous Page) 7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if anyone enters the area. 8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices frequently for proper operation and location. 9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged. 10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, long pants and substantial footwear. 11.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................... 2-3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... 4 SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION .................................................................... 5-7 Decals / Symbols.........................................................................................................6-7 SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION FUEL TANK VENT FUEL FILLER CAP STEERING WHEEL REAR BUMPER OPERATOR’S SEAT CONTROL PANEL (See Inset) TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OVERRIDE LEVER DECK LIFT LEVER DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR MOWER DECK MOWER DRIVE BELT CONTROL PANEL BLADE PEDALS IGNITION SWITCH BLADE LEVER ENGINE SPEED CONTROL PARK BRAKE LEVER FIGURE 1.1 1.2 NOMENCLATURE The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider.
Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS SERIAL NUMBER 01015 PATENT NUMBERS 2-9470 EUROPEAN NOISE 23009 EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 29776 FUEL CAUTION 29113 WARNING ROTATING BLADE 22841 BATTERY STORAGE 29948 GUARD WARNING DO NOT operate without entire Grass Catcher or Guard in place DEFLECTOR CAUTION DECAL 29839 BATTERY CAUTION 29947 LOWEST HEIGHT OF CUT RUN HEIGHT OF CUT 46218 START OFF HIGHEST HEIGHT OF CUT IGNITION SWITCH SYMBOLS 6
Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS BLADE ENGAGED POSITION SAFETY INSTRUCTION 35974 BLADE LEVER POSITION SYMBOLS BLADE DISENGAGED POSITION ENGINE SPEED CONTROL SYMBOLS CHOKE POSITION FAST TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SYMBOLS RABBIT “FAST” MACHINE FRONT PARKING BRAKE SYMBOL SLOW E N G I N E ENGINE SPEED CONTROL NEUTRAL CLUTCH/BRAKE, PARKING BRAKE, BLADE OPERATION REVERSE MACHINE REAR TURTLE “SLOW” TRACTION CLUTCH PARK BRAKE AUTOMATIC BLADE STOP DECAL - 24072 CLUTCH/BRAKE DECAL - 2-851
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST Make the following checks and perform the service required before each start-up. 2.1.1. Check tires and add or release air as needed to bring pressure to 12 psi in front and 12 psi in rear tires. 2.1.2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to make sure all are in place and securely tightened. 2.1.3. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring level up to the FULL mark. Refer to engine owner’s manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.1. 2.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.3 STARTING & OPERATION 2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to “START”, the engine will turn over, but will not start unless the Clutch/Brake pedal is pressed all the way down, the Blade Lever is in the “Off” position (See Figure 2.5). The operator should be in the seat. Start engine as follows: 1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral position. DO NOT start engine with transmission shift lever in a drive position.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5. Move engine speed control to the choke position to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.7. 6. Turn key to “RUN” position. See Figure 2.9. 2.3 STARTING & OPERATION 2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) (Continued) 8. Should the battery be too weak to start the engine, Refer to Section “ENGINE (MANUAL START)” to manually start the electric start engines. 2.3.2.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS WARNING WARNING Once blade is disengaged, it should come to a complete stop in 3 seconds or less. If the blade continues to rotate after 3 seconds, the blade brake must be adjusted. Refer to Section “BLADE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT” for adjustment procedures or return machine to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for adjustment. DO NOT CONTINUE to operate machine until blade brake is adjusted and functioning properly. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS WARNING TO APPLY BRAKES, PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN DO NOT leave machine with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Shift to neutral. Engage parking brake. Remove key. 2.4 STOPPING - ENGINE, WHEEL DRIVE, BLADE 2.4.1. ENGINE 1. Stop engine by turning key to the “OFF” position. See Figure 2.13. FIGURE 2.14 BLADE LEVER IN “OFF” POSITION KEY RELEASE BLADE PEDALS FIGURE 2.13 2.4.2. WHEEL DRIVE 1.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.4 STOPPING - ENGINE, WHEEL DRIVE, BLADE 2.4.4. PARK BRAKE 1. Engage park brake by pushing clutch/brake pedal “DOWN” and moving the park brake lever to the “ON” position. While holding the park brake lever “ON”, release clutch/brake pedal to set park brake. See Figure 2.16. 2.5. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 1. Adjust cutting height as desired to any one of six positions using deck lift lever.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.6 REVERSE LOCKOUT MECHANISM 2.6.1. Reverse Lockout Mechanism Override 1. Stop machine. Stop blade. 2. Depress and hold Override Lever. 3. Depress and hold Blade Pedals. Release Override Lever. 4. Move blade lever forward to “ON” position. Data indicates that tragic back-over accidents occur each year. These accidents usually involve unsupervised children.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 5. After all the oil has drained, close the drain and wipe up any oil that may have spilled. See Figure 3.1. Dispose of used oil properly. 6. Fill engine crankcase with new oil. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for oil specifications. 7. Change oil filter on Kohler engines at every oil change. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for service instructions. WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 28” & 33” MODELS (Dual Idler System) WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage. ENGINE DRIVE PULLEY ASSEMBLY SPINDLE PULLEY 3.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.3.3. MOWER DECK LEVELNESS Check mower deck for proper level. Adjust as required. Refer to Section “MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT – LEVELNESS”. 3.2.8. REVERSE LOCKOUT MECHANISM Check function of Reverse Lockout Mechanism with engine off. 1. Depress and hold blade pedals. 2. Depress and hold clutch/brake pedal. 3. Shift lever must not go into reverse. 3.3.4. CLEAN MOWER DECK 1. Follow WARNING statement found on this page. 2. Check fuel level in tank. If over 3/4 full, remove tank.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE WARNING LEFT REAR AXLE BEARING GREASE FITTING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage. 3.3.7. FRONT WHEEL BEARING - LUBRICATION 1.
SECTION 3 – MAINTENANCE WARNING FUEL TANK DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and Vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage. HOSE CLAMPS FUEL FILTER 3. Check fill/level plug for damage.
SECTION 3 – MAINTENANCE 3.7 REMOVING FUEL TANK Before removing fuel tank from rear engine rider, move rider outdoors where fumes can be easily dissipated. Removal of the tank is accomplished from the left side of the machine by pulling the tank straight up and away from the fuel tank bracket. Holding the fuel tank, remove the fuel filler cap and pour remaining fuel in an approved container. FUEL FILLER CAP FUEL TANK FUEL TANK BRACKET FIGURE 3.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR WARNING WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and Vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 9. Readjust rear hanger chain pivots to align with holes in support brackets. See Figure 4.4. 10. Remove angle iron, pipe, or similar object and proceed to check front to rear levelness. WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT.
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR SHOWN WITH COVER REMOVED FLOOR HANGER CHAIN PIVOT HAIR PIN RAISE OR LOWER LIFT QUADRANT AS DESIRED LOOSEN MOUNTING BOLTS SUPPORT BRACKET ROTATE ECCENTRIC LOOSEN ECCENTRIC BOLT FIGURE 4.5 HANGER CHAIN 4. Rotate eccentric to raise or lower desired cutting height range. 5. Tighten lift quadrant mounting bolts and eccentric bolt. NOTE: Lift quadrant in lowest position gives 1” to 3 1/2” cutting height range.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage. CHAIN CASE CLUTCH YOKE 4.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 5. Inspect condition of blade. See Figure 4.9. 6. If blade is in good condition, sharpen at 22 to 28 degrees. DO NOT sharpen beyond existing cutting edge. See Figure 4.11. 7. Check blade balance after sharpening. If necessary, correct blade balance by grinding the heavy end of blade. 8. Reinstall blade. See Figure 4.10. Torque blade mounting bolts to recommended range of 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 9. Route belt onto spindle pulley. Make sure belt is inside belt guide. See Figure 4.14. 10. Reinstall fixed idler removed in Step 8. Tighten idler pulley bolt securely. WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and Vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 2. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265 to 1.280 indicates full charge. A reading of 1.230 to 1.260 indicates the battery should be charged. The chart on the next page shows the charge level as measured by syringe float hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five ball hydrometer. WARNING The electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 4.6.6. BATTERY TESTING Battery Condition Chart State of Charge 100% Charged w/ Sulfate Stop 100% Charged 75% Charged 50% Charged 25% Charged 0% Charged Syringe Hydrometer 1.280 1.265 1.210 1.160 1.120 Less than 1.100 Digital Voltmeter 12.80v 12.60v 12.40v 12.10v 11.90v Less than 11.80v Five Ball Hydrometer Five Balls Floating Four Balls Floating Three Balls Floating Two Balls Floating One Ball Floating Zero Balls Floating SNAPPER REAR ENGINE RIDER ACCESSORIES PART NO.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM Engine Will Not Start Using Recoil Starter Engine Will Not Start Using Electric Starter Engine Stalls After Running Engine Loses Power PROBABLE CAUSE 1. Fuel tank empty. 2. Engine needs choking. 3. Spark plug wire disconnected. 4. Faulty parking brake, blade or ignition switch. 5. Park brake not engaged. 6. Ignition is in the OFF position. 1. Fuel tank empty. 2. Engine needs choking. 3. Spark plug wire disconnected. 4. Faulty parking brake, blade or ignition switch. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE Rider Will Not Move 1. Drive disc worn or damaged. 2. Rubber drive disc is not tracking properly on Loss Of Traction drive disc. 3. Tapered axle bolt and nut missing. 4. Axle bearing seized. 5. Insufficient lubrication in chain case or transmission/differential. Blade(s) Not Cutting 1. Blade engagement lever in the “OFF” position. 2. Mower belt slipping. 3. Cutting blade is dull, worn or damaged. 1. Uneven tire pressure. Cutting Grass Improperly 2.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SUBJECT EACH USE 5 HOURS 25 HOURS 50 HOURS 100 HOURS Engine SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED Check Oil Level REFERENCE PAGES Page 8 Engine Initial Oil Change Page 15 Engine Periodic Oil Change Page 15 Air Pre-Cleaner Engine Manual X** Air Cleaner Service Sponge PreCleaner Element Replace Element Engine Manual. X** Spark Plug Replace Plugs Engine Manual.
MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS MAINTENANCE PARTS Engine Speed Control (Briggs Engine) Engine Speed Control (Kohler Engine) Clutch/Brake Cable Brake Cable 28” Cutter Blade (Standard - Not Air Lift Compatible) 28” Cutter Blade (Standard - Air Lift Compatible) 28” Cutter Blade (Mulching) 28” Cutter Blade (Ninja - Quad Edge) 33” Cutter Blade (Standard - Not Air Lift Compatible) 33” Cutter Blade (Standard - Air Lift Compatible) 33” Cutter Blade (Mulching) 33” Cutter Blade (Ninja - Quad Edge) Air Lift Kit (28”, &
3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY For three (3) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use, SNAPPER, through any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applicable), any part or parts found upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
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Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for EUROPEAN REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER SERIES 20 MPORTANT Snapper products are built using engines that meet or exceed all applicable emissions requirements on the date manufactured. The labels on those engines contain very important emissions information and critical safety warnings. Read, Understand, and Follow all warnings and instructions in this manual, the engine manual, and on the machine, engine and attachments.
