Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for EUROPEAN LAWN TRACTOR HYDROSTATIC DRIVE SERIES F MODELS HYDROSTATIC DRIVE ELT145H33FBV MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION E LT 145 EUROPEAN MODEL MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE HP DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE CUTTING WIDTH E – European Model LT – Lawn Tractor Model Designation 145 - 14.
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 SECTION 4 ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR........................... 18-30 TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................ 4 Engine Adjustments & Repair ..........................18 Mower Deck & Component Adjustments ........18 Blade Brake Adjustment ...................................18 33” Deck Blade Brake Adjustment...................18 Blade Belt Adjustment .................................18-19 Adjusting Mower Blade ...................
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION CONTROL PANEL PARK BRAKE LEVER CHOKE FAST SLOW CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL DOWN CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT SEAT ADJUSTMENT KNOB ENGINE SPEED CONTROL KEY OPERATOR’S SEAT STEERING WHEEL DASHBOARD CONTROLS SPEED CONTROL LEVER FUEL TANK (UNDER HOOD) BATTERY (UNDER SEAT) HOOD BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER HEADLIGHTS DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR MOWING DECK (33” SHOWN) ENGINE Study the Important Safety Instructions, this Operator’s Manual and Engine Owner’s Manual before operating this machine.
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS All operators should locate, read and understand all decals on the Series F Lawn Tractor before attempting any operation of the tractor. If any operator has difficulty in understanding certain symbols incorporated in the decals, an authorized SNAPPER dealer should be contacted for explanation.
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS RABBIT “FAST” TURTLE “SLOW” NEUTRAL FRAME INSTRUCTIONS DECAL LOWEST HEIGHT OF CUT REVERSE B71.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.1 PRE-START CHECKLIST Make the following checks and perform service as required before each start-up. 2.1.1. Check tires and add air as needed to bring pressure to 12 P.S.I. in front tires and 12 P.S.I. in rear tires. 2.1.2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to make sure all are in place and securely tightened. If guards are missing or damaged, replace BEFORE using mower. 2.1.3. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring level up to, but not over, the FULL mark.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.3 STARTING & OPERATION 2.3.1. STARTING ENGINE 1. Take a comfortable position in seat of machine, look around to make sure that the area you are going to mow is clear of people, children and pets. Take note of any stationary obstacles! NOTE: The interlock system will prevent the engine from starting if the blade engagement lever is in the "ON" (up) position or if the clutch/brake pedal is not fully depressed.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.3 STARTING & OPERATION (continued) 2.3.2. STARTING WHEEL DRIVE 1. Shift speed control lever to neutral. 2. Start engine. Refer to Section “STARTING ENGINE”. 3. Release clutch/brake pedal. 4. Slowly shift speed control lever forward for forward motion or to the rear for reverse motion. See Figure 2.7. 2.4 STOPPING ENGINE, BLADE, WHEEL DRIVE 2.4.1 STOPPING ENGINE 1. Stop engine by turning key to the "OFF" position. See Figure 2.9.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.4 STOPPING 2.4.3. STOPPING MOWER BLADE 1. Stop mower blade by moving blade engagement lever to the "OFF" position. See Figure 2.11. 2.4.5. RELEASING PARK BRAKE 1. Fully depress clutch/brake pedal. Move park brake lever “DOWN” to release park brake. Release clutch/brake pedal. See Figure 2.13. CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER PARK BRAKE LEVER WILL RELEASE AUTOMATICALLY OFF FULLY DEPRESS CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL FIGURE 2.11 WARNING FIGURE 2.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2.6. ROLLING TRACTOR WITH ENGINE OFF Rolling Hydro Models 1. With engine "OFF", move to rear of tractor. 2. Pull the roll release control all the way out to disengage the hydro transmission. See Figure 2.15. PULL ROLL RELEASE CONTROL ALL THE WAY OUT TO DISENGAGE HYDRO TRANSMISSION ROLL RELEASE CONTROL PUSH ROLL RELEASE CONTROL ALL THE WAY IN TO ENGAGE HYDRO TRANSMISSION ROLL RELEASE CONTROL FIGURE 2.15 3. Move tractor to desired location. 4.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.1 INTRODUCTION To retain the quality of the Tractor, use genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local SNAPPER dealer for parts and service assistance. For the correct part or information for a particular Tractor, always mention the model and serial number. SNAPPER recommends returning the Tractor to an authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition of any new devices, which might upgrade the safety of the Tractor.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.2.3. CHECK 33" DECK DRIVE BELT 1. With engine "OFF", move blade engagement lever to "ON". 2. Measure blade cable extension spring. Spring should extend 1" +/-1/8" for proper belt tension. See Figure 3.3. 3. Remove and replace engine air cleaner. See Figure 3.4. Refer to engine owner's manual for service instructions. 3.3.2. MOWER COMPONENTS 1. Check deck drive belt for proper tension. Refer to Section, “CHECK DECK DRIVE BELT”. 2.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 4. Steering Sector Gear Lubricate with a light coat of general purpose grease. See Figure 3.7. 3.3.4. TRACTOR LUBRICATION 1. Front Wheel Bearings Lubricate each front wheel bearing through the grease fitting on wheel hub. Using general purpose grease in a grease gun, add grease until grease purges from bearing. See Figure 3.5. FUEL TANK STEERING SECTOR AXLE SPINDLE LUBRICATION FITTING SECTOR GEAR FRONT WHEEL BEARING LUBRICATION FITTING FIGURE 3.5 FIGURE 3.7 2.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.3.4. TRACTOR LUBRICATION (Continued From Previous Page) 7. Steering Tie Rod Lubricate both ends of steering tie rod with a small amount of 30 wt. motor oil from an oil can. See Figure 3.9. PARK BRAKE LEVER LUBRICATE COMPONENTS ON UNDERSIDE OF TRACTOR LUBRICATE BOTH ENDS OF TIE ROD FIGURE 3.11 10. Deck Lift Mechanism Lubricate all wear and pivot points of the deck lift 3.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.4 ANNUALLY (END OF EACH SEASON) 3.4.2. FUEL FILTER (Continued From Previous Page) 3. Install new fuel filter part number 1-4359. See Figure 3.13. NEW FUEL FILTER PART NUMBER 1-4359 FIGURE 3.13 4. Fill fuel tank with fresh gasoline. Refer to engine owner's manual for fuel specifications. 3.4.3. SPARK PLUG Remove and replace engine spark plug. Refer to engine owner's manual for correct replacement plug and gap specifications. 3.4.4.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR WARNING WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Set brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool. DO NOT operate machine until blade brake has been repaired and functioning properly.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4.2.2. BLADE BELT ADJUSTMENT – 33” Deck (Continued from previous page) IMPORTANT: If deck front to rear level is not correct, this could cause blade belt problems. 6. Move blade engagement lever to "ON". 7. Measure blade cable extension spring. Spring should extend 1" +/-1/8" for proper belt tension. See Figure 4.3 LEAST TENSION BLADE CABLE EXTENSION SPRING MOST TENSION EXTENSION ROD X MOUNTING NUT & BOLT X + 1” +/- 1/8” FIGURE 4.4 FIGURE 4.3 8.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR WARNING SECTOR PLATE DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Set brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool. 4.2.3 ADJUSTING MOWER BLADE (Continued from previous page) REMOVE HAIRPIN & WASHER a. Loosen jam-nuts on blade bar. b.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR WARNING 33” DECK SHOWN REAR FRONT DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Set brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool. X + 1/4” MEASURE FROM BLADE TIPS TO FLOOR FIGURE 4.11 4.2.4.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4.3 TRACTOR DRIVE COMPONENTS 4.3.1. BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. To be properly adjusted, the brake should stop the tractor in approximately 6 feet from top speed when the clutch/brake pedal is fully depressed. 2. Adjust brake when necessary as follows: 3. Turn engine “OFF”. Remove key. 4. Locate brake adjustment nut underneath the rear of tractor. See Figure 4.13. 5. Turn nut clockwise to increase braking action or counterclockwise to decrease braking action. 6.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 6. Secure stationary idler with mounting bolt. 7. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug. Set park brake. Start engine. 8. Visually inspect traction drive belt for movement. When properly adjusted, the traction drive belt should not have any movement or rotation with the engine running and park brake engaged. 9. Should movement be present, readjust traction drive belt to release belt tension as described in previous instructions. 4.3.3.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4.4.2. (NINJA) BLADE WEAR LIMITS The ninja recycling blade requires more frequent service intervals than standard blades. Check for excessive wear and damage before each use. See Figure 4.19. 3. Remove mowing deck from tractor. 4. Remove mower blade(s). 5. Sharpen all cutting edges of the Ninja recycling blade at an angle of 22 to 28 degrees for optimum performance. See Figure 4.21. NINJA BLADE NEW BLADE WEAR LIMIT.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4.4.5. 33" M OWER BLADE REPLACEM ENT (Continued) 6. Install new blade, part number 3-4168, onto blade mounting bar. 7. Torque 30 to 40 ft lbs. 6. Hold front of deck "UP" and slide the front deck hanger rod to the right and out then lower the front of deck to the ground. 7. Remove hair pin and flat washer from rear deck hanger bracket on both sides of tractor. 8. Make note of hole used in sector plates. 9. Slide sector plates off of rear deck hanger brackets. 10.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR Traction drive belt removal (Continued from previous page) 2. Slide belt guide assembly to the rear and remove. 3. Disconnect traction belt idler pulley spring from tractor frame. See Figure 4.27. 5. Remove traction drive belt from engine pulley top groove. See Figure 4.29. REMOVE BELT FROM PULLEY RIGHT REAR TRACTOR FRAME DISCONNECT SPRING FROM FRAME FIGURE 4.29 FIGURE 4.27 6. Remove belt from center belt guide. 7.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR Traction drive belt replacement (Continued from previous page) NOTE: When installing a new belt, make certain the stationary idler is mounted in the hole closest to the L.H. side of the tractor. See Figure 4.30. 4. Make certain belt is within belt guides of idlers. 5. Attach tension idler spring to tractor frame. See Figure 4.31. 6. Reinstall mower deck in reverse order of removal. 4.4.7 DECK BELT REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 33" Deck Drive Belt 5. Remove old belt. 6.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4.5 BATTERY 4.5.1. BATTERY REMOVAL 1. Raise operator's seat. 2. Remove the two adjusting knobs. 3. Remove seat assembly and move forward. Use care not to disconnect wires from seat switch. See Figure 4.34. 4.5.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION 1. Slide battery into battery housing. 2. Connect positive (+) cable first. 3. Connect negative (-) cable last. 4. Reinstall seat assembly. Use care not to disconnect wires from seat switch. 5. Reinstall the two adjusting knobs. 6.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR 4. With cell caps removed, connect battery charger to battery terminals; RED to positive (+) and BLACK to negative (-) terminal. WARNING DO NOT OVERFILL! DO NOT attempt to service or charge the battery while it is installed on the machine. DO NOT use “BOOST” chargers on the battery. IMPORTANT: 3/16” above cell plates is the recommended level. DO NOT place anything in battery other than specified electrolyte. 4.5.5.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENT & REPAIR AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES The SNAPPER Series F LAWN TRACTOR can be equipped with a variety of accessories that increase its versatility. The accessories available for each model are listed in the chart below. Contact an authorized SNAPPER dealer for ordering any of the accessories desired.
SECTION 5 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Figure 5.1 illustrates typical harness routing on some Snapper Lawn Tractors. Use this when locating various electrical components. TO BATTERY NEGATIVE (-) TERMINAL TO BATTERY POSITIVE (+) TERMINAL SOLENOID (UNDER SEAT) SEAT SWITCH TO R.H. HEADLIGHT TO L.H. HEADLIGHT IGNITION SWITCH HEADLIGHT SWITCH PARK BRAKE SWITCH 20 AMP FUSE HEADLIGHT HARNESS TO STARTER TO ENGINE HARNESS BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER SWITCH GROUND TO ENGINE FIGURE 5.
SECTION 5 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SCHEMATICS BRIGGS & STRATTON WITHOUT LIGHTS FIGURE 5.2 BRIGGS & STRATTON WITH LIGHTS FIGURE 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE PROBLEM Starter Will Not Crank Engine Engine Will Not Start Engine Stalls After Running Engine Loses Power Engine Backfires When Turned To “STOP” Excessive Vibration PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION 1. Battery dead. 1. Service battery. 2. Blown fuse. 3. Electrical connections loose or corroded. 4. Defective ignition switch. 5. Starter Spins without engaging. 2. Replace fuse. 3. Clean and check connections for good contact. 4. Contact authorized SNAPPER dealer. 5.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE PROBLEM Tractor Will Not Move Or Loss Of Traction Blade(s) Not Turning Cutting Grass Improperly Poor Grass Discharge Battery Will Not Charge Oil Leaking From Transmission PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION 1. Speed control handle in the neutral “N” position. 1. Place speed control in desired speed. 2. Roll release control in “ROLL” position. (Hydro Models Only) 3. Low transmission oil level. (Hydro Models Only) 4. Shifter out of adjustment. 5.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SUBJECT EACH USE 5 HOURS 25 HOURS Engine SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED Check Oil Level REFERENCE PAGES Page 8 Engine Initial Oil Change Page 13 Engine Periodic Oil Change Page 14 Air Pre-Cleaner Service Sponge PreCleaner Element Engine Manual X** Air Cleaner Replace Element X** Spark Plug Replace Plugs Fuel Filter Replace Filter Engine Manual. Engine Manual & 17.
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 LAWN TRACTOR HYDROSTATIC DRIVE SERIES F IMPORTANT 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.
