Snapper 1696701 User Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OperatOr’s Manual
Self Propelled Mower — Model 1696701
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC • 12301 West Wirth St. • Wauwatosa • WI 53222
Printed In USA
(September 11, 2015)
Form No. 769-11073
To The Owner
1
Thank you for purchasing a Snapper lawn mower. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly
operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 9
Controls & Features ................................................ 13
Operation ................................................................14
Maintenance & Adjustment..................................16
If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone a authorized Snapper service dealer or contact us directly.
Snapper’s Customer Support telephone number, website address
and mailing address can be found on this page. We want to
ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.
Service .....................................................................18
Troubleshooting .....................................................19
Replacement Parts .................................................21
Warranty ................................................................ 24
Spanish ................................................................... 25
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.
Model NuMber
Serial NuMber
Customer Support
Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
◊ Visit us on the web at www.snapper.com
◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 317-7833
◊ Write to Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC • 12301 West Wirth St. • Wauwatosa • WI 53222
2
Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
2
General Operation
1. Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand,
and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before operation. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use
of this machine before operating it.
3. This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. This machine has been designed to perform one job:
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
4. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.
5. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this
machine.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other
foreign objects, which could be tripped over or picked up
and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious
personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction,
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
8. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children,
bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.
9. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.
10. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or lightweight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the
cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers,
hands, toes and feet.
3
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade
contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.
Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the
handle immediately.
14. Never pull the mower back toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
15. Do not operate the mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
16. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines
so equipped while starting engine.
17. The blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device
inoperative and may result in personal injury through
contact with the rotating blade. The blade control must
operate easily in both directions and automatically return
to the disengaged position when released.
18. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.
19. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never
run.
20. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.
21. If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.
22. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the blade control is released.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you
are sure the blade has stopped rotating.
23. Never operate mower without proper trail shield,
discharge cover, grass catcher, blade control or other safety
protective devices in place and working. Never operate
mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury.
24. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
25. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
26. Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury.
27. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.
28. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support
for assistance or the name of the nearest service dealer.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which
can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your
safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or
hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.
Do:
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down to avoid
loss of control.
2. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes; turn uphill not down.
3. Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
4. Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately and
the blade will stop rotating within three (3) seconds.
Do Not:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you
could lose your footing or balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on
the slope gauge.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause
slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers.
Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under watchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and
down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can
suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
7. After stopping engine, remove Electric Start Push Key (if
equipped) and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of
children.
Service
Safe Handling Of Gasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can
occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes,
which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.
2. Use only an approved gasoline container.
3. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
4. Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
6. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
7. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will
accumulate in the area.
8. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
9. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1 inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.
10. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
11. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.
Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before
starting engine.
12. Never store the machine or fuel container near an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
13. To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves,
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.
14. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
General Service:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine and remove
Electric Start Push Key (if equipped) to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with
the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield
are subject to wear and damage which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
protection, frequently check components and replace
immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!”
10. Do not change the engine’s governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
11. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.
12. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper
disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.
15. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 140 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.
5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING: This machine is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the
above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department at 1-800-317-7833.
Power Ratings
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models
is labeled in accordance with SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers) code J1940 Small Engine Power & Torque Rating
Procedure, and is rated in accordance with SAE J1995.
Torque values are derived at 2600 RPM for those engines with
“rpm” called out on the label and at 3060 RPM for all others;
horsepower values are derived at 3600 RPM. The gross power
curves can be viewed at www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM. Net
power values are taken with exhaust and air cleaner installed
whereas gross power values are collected without these
attachments. Actual gross engine power will be higher than net
engine power and is affected by, among other things, ambient
operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability.
Given the wide array of products on which engines are placed,
the gas engine may not develop the rated gross power when
used in a given piece of power equipment. This difference is due
to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the variety
of engine components (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling,
carburetor, fuel pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient
operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), and
engine-to-engine variability.
Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton
may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this engine.
6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate.
DANGER — ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
DANGER — BYSTANDERS
Do not mow when children or others are around.
DANGER — HAND/ FOOT CUT
Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
DANGER — THROWN DEBRIS
Remove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
DANGER — SLOPES
Use extra caution on slopes. The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill.
Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss of control, operate across
slopes, not up and down. When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate on slopes
greater than 15°.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
7Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
(OK) (TOO STEEP)
USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE
IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!
To check the slope, proceed as follows:
1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.
2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)
3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).
4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).
5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).
15° dashed line
Slope Gauge
Figure 2Figure 1
15° Slope
15° Slope
8 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss
of control, operate across slopes, not up and down. When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate machine on slopes
WARNING! Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury or death.
in excess of 15 degrees.
Assembly & Set-Up
b
(a)
(a)
(a)
(b)
(b)
a
a
Contents of Carton
• Lawn Mower (1) • Grass Catcher (1) • Side Discharge Chute (1)
• High Lift Blade (1) • Operator’s Manual (1) • Oil (1)
Assembly
NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both
the low and high wheel models of this mower. While this manual
illustrates the low wheel model, the instructions and features
are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well, unless
otherwise noted.
NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed BEFORE operating your
mower.
Handle
1. Remove any packing material which may be between
upper and lower handles.
a. Remove star knobs (a) and carriage bolts (b) from
handle as shown in Figure 3-1. Do not loosen or
remove adjacent hex head screws.
3
Figure 3-2
2. Remove the T-bolts (a) from the handle brackets as shown
in Figure 3-3.
b. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot
upper handle up as shown in Figure 3-2. Do not
crimp cable while lifting the handle up.
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-3
9
a
d
b
c
(a)
3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly:
(a)
(a)
a
b
b
c
c
(a)
(a)
(b)
(b)
a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower
handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up
with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4
NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not
pull handle all the way out.
b. Insert the T-bolts (a) removed in Step 2 through
the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten
securely to secure the handle in place.
See Figure 3-4.
c. Reattach star knobs (a) and carriage bolts (b)
removed in Step 1 into lower holes of handle as
shown in Figure 3-5.
4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper
handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope
guide. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6
a. Hold blade control against upper handle.
b. Slowly pull starter rope handle from engine and slip
starter rope into the rope guide. See Figure 3-6.
c. Tighten rope guide wing knob (a).
d. Use cable tie(s) to secure cable(s) to lower handle.
Grass Catcher
IMPORTANT: Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To effectively
bag the grass, you will need to install the high lift blade that was
packed separately in the box. See Blade Care on page 18 of
the Service section and follow the procedure for removing and
reinstalling a blade.
1. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher (if
needed). Make certain bag is turned right side out before
assembling (warning label will be on the outside).
a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is
at the bottom.
10 Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up
Figure 3-5
2
1
Mulch Plug
Low Wheel
1
2
3
Lower
Higher
b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the
B
A
A
B
B
frame. See Figure 3-7.
1. On the side of the mower, lift the mulch plug.
See Figure 3-9.
Figure 3-7
2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:
a. Lift rear discharge door.
b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle
brackets as shown in Figure 3-8. Let go of discharge
door so that it rests on the grass catcher.
Figure 3-8
To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower.
Lift grass catcher up and of the slots in the handle brackets.
Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of
mower.
Side Discharge Chute
Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge,
make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door
is closed.
Figure 3-9
2. Slide two hooks of side discharge chute under hinge pin
on mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulch plug. Do not
remove side mulching plug at any time, even when you are
not mulching.
Adjustments
Cutting Height
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left
wheel.
1. Depress height adjustment lever towards wheel.
2. Slide lever to desired position for a change in cutting
height. Refer to Figure 3-10 for low wheel adjustment and
Figure 3-11 for high wheel.
Figure 3-10
11Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up
High Wheel
1
3
2
Lower
Higher
Figure 3-11
(b)
(b)
(a)
(a)
Tighten
Loosen
3. Release lever towards deck and place lever on one of the
six height adjustment teeth.
Handle Pitch
For convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the
handle as follows:
1. Remove star knobs (a) and carriage bolts (b) from handle.
See Figure 3-12.
Drive Control
The adjustment wheel is located in the drive control handle
housing and is used to tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will
need to adjust the drive control if the mower does not propel
itself with the drive control engaged or if the mower’s wheels
hesitate with the drive control engaged. If either of these
conditions occur, rotate adjustment wheel clockwise to tighten
cable or counterclockwise to loosen the cable. See Figure 3-13.
Figure 3-13
2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is
3. Secure into position with star knobs (a) and carriage
most comfortable. See Figure 3-12 inset.
bolts (b) removed in Step 1.
Figure 3-12
Set-Up
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time.
2. Service the engine with gasoline. See Fuel
Recommendations on page 14 in Operation section.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
12 Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up
Controls and Features
Blade Control
Recoil Starter
Grass Catcher
Deck Wash
Cutting Height
Adjustment
Lever
Side Discharge
Chute
Drive Control
Mulch Plug
4
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower.
Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the
unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.
WARNING: This blade control is a safety device.
Never attempt to bypass its operations.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on top of the upper handle and is
used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the upper handle
to engage the drive; release it to slow down or stop mower from
propelling.
Figure 4-1
Mulch Plug
The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes. Instead of
collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the
side discharge chute, some mower models have the option
of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called
mulching.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left
rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the “Assembly &
Set-Up” Section.
Deck Wash
Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface
as part of its deck wash system. Use the deck wash to rinse grass
clippings from the deck’s underside.
Side Discharge Chute
Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass
clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the
“Assembly & Set-Up” section to attach the side discharge chute.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the
chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label
on the unit.
Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag
the grass clippings for disposal. Once the bag is full, remove it up
through the handles using the grass catcher handle and empty it
before any further mowing.
13
Operation
5
Oil Recommendations
We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Warranty Certified
oils for best performance. Other high-quality detergent oils are
acceptable if classified for service SF, SG, SH, SJ or higher. Do not
use special additives.
Outdoor temperatures determine the proper oil viscosity for the
engine. Use the chart to select the best viscosity for the outdoor
temperature range expected.
* Below 40F (4C) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting.
** Above 80F (27C) the use of 10W30 may cause increased oil
consumption. Check oil level more frequently.
How to Check/Add Oil
Before adding or checking the oil:
• Place engine level.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Insert and tighten the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at
the top of the full indicator on the dipstick.
4. If low, add oil slowly into the engine oil fill. Do not overfill.
After adding oil, wait one minute and then recheck the oil
level.
5. Replace and tighten the dipstick.
Fuel Recommendations
Fuel must meet these requirements:
• Clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline.
• A minimum of 87 octane / 87 AKI (91 RON). For high
altitude use, see below.
• Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) is acceptable.
NOTICE: Do not use unapproved gasolines, such as E15 and
E85. Do not mix oil in gasoline or modify the engine to run on
alternate fuels. Use of unapproved fuels will damage the engine
components and void the engine warranty.
To protect the fuel system from gum formation, mix a fuel
stabilizer into the fuel. See Off-Season Storage in the Service
section on page 18. All fuel is not the same. If starting
or performance problems occur, change fuel providers or
change brands. This engine is certified to operate on gasoline.
The emissions control system for this engine is EM (Engine
Modifications).
High Altitude
At altitudes over 5,000 feet (1524 meters), a minimum 85 octane
/ 85 AKI (89 RON) gasoline is acceptable. To remain emissions
compliant, high altitude adjustment is required. Operation
without this adjustment will cause decreased performance,
increased fuel consumption, and increased emissions. Contact
an Authorized Service Dealer for high altitude adjustment
information.
Operation of the engine at altitudes below 2,500 feet (762
meters) with the high altitude kit is not recommended.
WARNING! POISONOUS GAS HAZARD – Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas
that could kill you in minutes. You CANNOT smell it,
see it, or taste it. Even if you do not smell exhaust
fumes, you could still be exposed to carbon
monoxide gas.
• Operate this product ONLY outside far away from windows,
doors and vents to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas
from accumulating and potentially being drawn towards
occupied spaces.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in
carbon monoxide alarms with battery back-up according
to the manufacturer’s instructions. Smoke alarms cannot
detect carbon monoxide gas.
• DO NOT run this product inside homes, garages, basements,
crawlspaces, sheds, or other partially-enclosed spaces even
if using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation.
Carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these spaces and
can linger for hours, even after this product has shut off.
• ALWAYS place this product downwind and point the engine
exhaust away from occupied spaces.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using this product,
shut it OFF and get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. See a doctor. You
may have carbon monoxide poisoning.
14
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator
is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
WARNING: Rapid retraction of the starter cord
(kickback) will pull your hand and arm toward the
engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones,
fractures, bruises or sprains could result.
WARNING: Fuel and its vapors are extremely
flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can
cause severe burns or death.
• Ensure that the spark plug, muffler, fuel cap and air cleaner
are in place and secured.
• Do not crank the engine with spark plug removed.
• Check the oil level.
1. Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle. See Figure 5-1.
2. Holding these two handles together firmly, firmly hold the
starter cord handle. Pull the starter cord handle slowly
until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start the engine.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after repeated attempts, go to
BRIGGSandSTRATTON.COM or call 1-800-233-3723 (in USA).
Stopping Engine
1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely
before performing any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects
which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.
1. Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control
against the upper handle to propel mower.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can
result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
1
2
Figure 5-1
Using as Mulcher
Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. For effective mulching, do
not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess
of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass
catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are
operating the mower.
IMPORTANT: To effectively bag the grass, you will need to install
the high lift blade that was packed separately in the box. See
Blade Care on page 18 of the Service section and follow the
procedure for removing and reinstalling a blade.
1. Attach grass catcher following instructions on page 10
in the Assembly & Set-Up section. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate
mower till grass bag is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control.
Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from
the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass
clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and
repair damage before restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
15Section 5 — oper ation
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