Snapper 20 User Manual
Operator's Manual
7104669
Rev. ‘-’
21” STEEL DECK
WALK MOWERS
COMMERCIAL MODELS
SERIES 20
Model No. Description
7800764 CRP218520
7800772 CP218520
Not for
Reproduction
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Thank You for purchasing this quality-built Snapper product. We’re pleased that you placed your
confidence in the Snapper brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this
manual, your Snapper product will provide many years of dependable service.
This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with the
machine and how to avoid them. This machine is designed and intended only for finish cutting of
established lawns and is not intended for any other purpose. It is important that you read and understand
these instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this equipment. Save these original
instructions for future reference.
Complete the following information on your Snapper purchase.
Date of Purchase__________________________________________________________________
Retailer_________________________________________________________________________
Retailer's Phone Number___________________________________________________________
Equipment
Model Number______________________________________________________________
Serial Number ______________________________________________________________
Engine
Model_________________________Type__________________Code___________________
SNAPPER is a trademark of
Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Copyright © 2010, Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Milwaukee, WI, USA. All Rights Reserved.
Not for
Reproduction
3
Table of Contents
Operator Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Before Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Starting the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Propelling the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Stopping the Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Handle Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Cutting Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Mulching Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Removing the Mulching Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Installing the Discharge Deflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Installing the Grass Bag Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Installing the Mulching Plug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Installing the Grass Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Dumping the Grass Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Change Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Check Transmission Grease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Check Mower Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Check Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Check Transmission Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Service - Periodic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Storage Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Mower Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Blade Sharpening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Wheel Drive Control Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Driven and Drive Disc Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Belt Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Engine Drive Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Transmission Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Service Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Slope Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
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WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive
harm.
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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. Each
person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any
substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your
machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, contact the Customer Service Department
(1-800-935-2967 or www.snapper.com).
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated
and turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.
3. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely
necessary. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children,
pets and hazards before and while backing.
6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
Slope Operation
1. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require
extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow
it.
2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise
extreme CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. DO
NOT mow steep slopes or other areas where stability or
traction is in doubt. Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of
this manual.
3. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manual and on the mower, engine and attachments.
Know the controls and the proper use of the mower before
starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries.
These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
Preparation
(Continued From Previous Column)
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and
vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container.
DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running.
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel and oil from machine. DO NOT smoke.
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.
Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
6. Keep people and pets out of the mowing area.
Immediately, STOP Blade, Stop engine and Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safety devices frequently for proper operation and
location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if
damaged.
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a
dust mask, long pants, and substantial footwear. DO NOT
mow barefooted or with sandals.
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
12. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent
injury from thrown objects going through weak or torn
spots.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a
water heater or other appliances.
Operator Safety
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5
Operator Safety
Safe Handling of Gasoline
(Continued From Previous Page)
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the containers on the ground away from the vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather
than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehicles or trailers.
9. 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
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.
Operation
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge area while engine is running.
2. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects
might be a hazard.
3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
4. DO NOT operate mower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
5. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and secure spark
plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the
damage before starting.
6. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments.
Operator could lose footing or balance.
7. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.
8. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle and walk, never run.
Slipping could cause injury.
9. ALWAYS stay behind handle when engine (motor) is
running.
10. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running.
STOP BLADE and STOP ENGINE before leaving the operators position for any reason.
11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain
engine, blade and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from plug to
prevent accidental starting.
12. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to complete STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing
grass.
Operation
(Continued From Previous Column)
13. DO NOT operate mower without the entire grass catcher, or guards in place discharge guard, rear guard or other
safety devices in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
14. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
15. Slow down before turning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
18. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories.
Maintenance and Storage
1. DO NOT store mower or fuel container inside where
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as
in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an
enclosure. Store fuel container out of reach of children in a
well ventilated, unoccupied building.
2. Keep mower and engine free of grass, leaves or excess
grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved
container outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and screws
properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper
position.
5. Always provide adequate ventilation when running
engine. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a
deadly poison.
6. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine
is stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark plug and
secure wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
7. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or
overspeed engine.
8. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or
deterioration to avoid thrown objects and exposure to
moving parts. Replace with new bag if loose seams or tears
are evident. Replace slider or bag adapter if broken or
cracked.
9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or
wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling
them.
10. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
11. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least
once a year and have the dealer install any new safety
devices.
12. Use only genuine replacement parts to assure that
original standards are maintained.
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IMPORTANT
The figures and illustrations in this manual are provided
for reference only and may differ from your specific
model. Contact your dealer if you have questions.
A. Oil Fill Cap and Dipstick
B. Fuel Filler Cap
C. Mulching Cover
D. Rear Height Adjustment Latch (2)
E. Front Height Adjustment Latch (2)
F. Blade Control
G. Rope Start Handle
H. Ground Speed Control
I. Drive Wheel Control
J. Engine Speed Control
E
C
D
G
H
F
I
B
A
J
Features and Controls
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Reproduction
7
Before Starting
1. Check the guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter, and
covers to make sure all are in place and securely
tightened.
2. Check the blade control (A, Figure 1), wheel drive
control (B), and ground speed control (C) to insure they
work freely.
3. Check the cutting height. Adjust to the desired height.
Refer to the Section entitled ‘Cutting Height Adjustment’.
4. Check the engine oil (A, Figure 2) and add oil as needed
to bring the level up to the full mark. Refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for oil specifications.
5. Add fuel to the tank after pushing the mower outside
where fumes can safely dissipate. Fill the tank to 1-1/2
inches below the top of the filler neck (to allow for fuel
expansion). Make sure the cap (B, Figure 2) is tightened
after fueling. Refer to the Engine Owners Manual for fuel
specifications.
6. Clean the exterior surfaces of the cutting deck and
engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass,
oil, etc. Keep the engine air intake screen and cooling
fins clear at all times.
Starting the Mower
The engine on your mower is equipped with the Briggs &
Stratton Ready StartTMSystem. This features a temperaturecontrolled automatic choke. No additional steps are required
to start a cold engine.
1. Pull the blade control (A, Figure 3) against the handle.
2. Pull the rope start handle (B) to crank the engine.
3. To stop the engine (and blade), release the blade
control.
4. After the engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until the
engine runs smooth before beginning mower operation.
Figure 2: Oil and fuel fill
B
C
A
Figure 1: Mower controls
A
B
Operation
B
Figure 3: Starting the mower
A
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Propelling the Mower
1. Start the mower.
2. Move the ground speed control (A, Figure 4) to the
desired speed position.
3. Squeeze the wheel drive control (B) against the handle
to engage the wheel drive and propel the mower
forward. Forward speed can be adjusted while the
mower is moving by changing the position of the
ground speed control.
Stopping the Mower
1. Stop forward motion of the mower by releasing the
wheel drive control.
2. Stop the engine and blade by releasing the blade
control.
Handle Height Adjustment
For greater operator comfort, the height of the mower handle
can be adjusted.
1. Loosen the lower nuts (A, Figure 5) on each
lower handle.
2. Move the handle assembly (B) up or down until the
desired position is achieved.
3. Tighten the lower nuts on each lower handle to maintain
the desired position.
Figure 5: Adjusting the handle height
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service
with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade.
Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark
plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious
burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool.
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B
Figure 4: Mower drive controls
A
B
A
Operation
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9
Cutting Height Adjustment
1. Pull the height adjusting latch (A, Figure 6) outward and
move to the desired cutting height.
2. Set all wheels at the same cutting height. The highest
cutting position is Notch 7 (Figure 7). The lowest
cutting position is Notch 1.
Mulching (Recycling) Operation
Note:
For best results, cut up to a maximum of 1/3 of grass
blade length and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.
1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position (Notch 7).
Refer to the Section entitled “Cutting Height
Adjustment”.
2. Move the engine speed control to the fast (Rabbit)
position.
3. Move the ground speed control to the slowest speed
setting.
4. Proceed mowing slowly. If the grass is very dense,
lower each rear wheel latch one notch lower than the
front wheel latches to improve mulching performance.
Note:
The mulching cover should remain on the machine at
all times, unless alternate discharge operations are desired,
such as side discharging or bagging.
Removing the Mulching Cover
1. Remove the nuts (A, Figure 8) securing the mulching
cover (B) to the mower deck.
2. Remove the cover.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service
with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade.
Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark
plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious
burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool.
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WARNING
Stop engine and mower blade by releasing the blade
control before adjusting cutting height.
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4.00 in1.25 in
Figure 7: Cutting height settings (approximate)
Figure 8: Removing the mulching cover
A
B
Figure 6: Adjusting cutting height
A
Operation
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