Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER SERIES 21 MODEL M250821BE M280921B M281021BE M300921B M301021BE WM280921B WM301021BE MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION WM 28 10 21 B MIDDLE MARKET CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE HP WM - Middle Market E ENGINE OPTIONS ENGINE TYPE SERIES DESIGNATION 25 - 25” Cutting Deck 28 - 28” Cutting Deck 30 - 30” Cutting Deck 08 - 8.0 HP Engine 09 - 9.0 HP Engine 10 - 10.
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 SECTION 4- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR ..........18-26 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................... 2-3 Engine Adjustments & Repair......................................... 18 Mower Deck & Component Adjustments ....................... 18 Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ......................................... 18 Blade Brake Adjustment.................................................. 18 Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side Levelness) ..
Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION+ FUEL FILLER CAP VENT OPERATOR’S SEAT FUEL TANK STEERING WHEEL ENGINE SPEED CONTROL REAR BUMPER DECK LIFT LEVER CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER OVERRIDE LEVER MOWER BELT COVER DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR BLADE LEVER BLADE PEDALS MOWER DECK PARK BRAKE LATCH FIGURE 1.1 1.1 INTRODUCTION This manual has been prepared for the operator’s of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider.
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.
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 2.6 6. Turn key to “ON” 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 DO NOT leave machine with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Shift to neutral. Engage parking brake. Remove key. CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL 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. TURN TO “OFF” POSITION PARK BRAKE LATCH SHOWN ENGAGED KEY FIGURE 2.14 BLADE LEVER (SHOWN IN “OFF” POSITION) FIGURE 2.13 BLADE PEDALS 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 latch to the “ENGAGED” position. While holding the park brake latch “ENGAGED”, 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 five 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. 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.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.2.5. BLADE BRAKE 1. Check blade brake for proper function. Blade should stop rotating in 3 seconds or less after moving the blade control lever to the “OFF” position or after releasing the blade pedals. 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 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.2.9. LUBRICATION – GREASE FITTINGS The following components on the Rear Engine Rider are equipped with grease fittings and require periodic lubrication. Apply General Purpose grease (NLGI No.2) with a grease gun. 1. Front Wheel Bearings. Refer to Section “FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS – LUBRICATION”. 2. Rear Axle Bearing. Refer to Section “REAR AXLE BEARING – LUBRICATION”. 3. Mower Blade Spindle. Refer to Section “MOWER BLADE SPINDLE – LUBRICATION”.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.3 SERVICE - EVERY 25 OPERATING HOURS 3.3.8. REAR AXLE BEARING 1. The left rear axle bearing requires three shots of general purpose grease from grease gun. See Figure 3.7. DIFFERENTIAL NOTE: Some models are equipped with a prelubricated sealed bearing and require no additional lubrication. 2. The right rear axle bearing is lubricated by the differential lubricant and requires no grease. FILL/LEVEL PLUG P.N. 1-1024 LEFT REAR AXLE BEARING GREASE FITTING FIGURE 3.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.4 SERVICE - ANNUALLY 3.4.1. Perform all maintenance as specified in “MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE” Section of this manual. 3.4.2. FUEL FILTER Service fuel filter as instructed below, on COLD ENGINE ONLY! 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 4. If the distance is less than 1”, adjust belt tension. 5. Remove hairpin and flat washers from pivot stud. See Figure 4.2. 6. Pull front frame forward until distance between belt, with blade lever “ON”, measures 1-1/4”. 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 1/8” TO 1/4” Once blade is disengaged it should come to a stop in 3 seconds or less. If the blade continues to rotate after 3 seconds the blade brake must be adjusted. DO NOT continue to operate the machine if the blade brake is not operating properly. BLADE LEVER 4.2.2.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR WARNING FLOOR 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. FRONT REAR X-1/8” 4.2.3.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 7. Adjust cable up or down using the jam-nuts to obtain a distance of 1/2” to 3/4” between end of clutch/brake cable (adjustment shown in inset of Figure 4.9) and bottom of housing. See Figure 4.9. 8. After adjustment is complete, securely tighten cable jam-nuts. WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 5. Inspect condition of blade. See Figure 4.11. 6. If blade is in good condition, sharpen at 22 to 28 degrees. DO NOT sharpen beyond existing cutting edge. See Figure 4.13. 7. Check blade balance after sharpening. If necessary, correct blade balance by grinding the heavy end of blade. 8. Reinstall blade. See Figure 4.12. Torque blade mounting bolts to recommended range of 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 10. Reinstall idler removed in Step 8. The idler belt guide tab should be positioned in the hole located on idler arm. Tighten idler pulley bolt securely. 11. Adjust belt guide. See Figure 4.15 for proper belt-to-belt guide clearances. 12. Check mower drive belt tension and adjust if necessary. Refer to Section “MOWER DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT”. 13. Reinstall mower drive belt cover. WARNING DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running.
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 WARNING WARNING The electrolyte (acid) produces a highly explosive gas. Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when charging battery or when handling electrolyte or battery. Electrolyte (acid) is a highly corrosive liquid. Wear eye protection. Wash affected areas immediately after having eye or skin contact with electrolyte (acid). Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse empty acid containers with water and mutilate before discarding.
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. Blown Fuse. 7. Faulty interlock module. 8. Faulty parking brake or blade switch. 9. Ignition is in the OFF position. 1. Fuel tank empty. 2. Engine needs choking. 3.
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 6 Engine Initial Oil Change Page 13 Engine Periodic Oil Change Page 13 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) Clutch/Brake Cable Brake Cable Reverse Lockout Mechanism 25” Cutter Blade (Standard - Not Air Lift Compatible) 25” Cutter Blade (Standard - Air Lift Compatible) 25” Cutter Blade (Mulching) 25” Cutter Blade (Ninja - Quad Edge) 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) 30” Cutter Blade (Standard - Not
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 REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER SERIES 21 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.