Snapper 285Z User Manual

Operator’s Manual

285Z Series Zero Turn Rider

Mfg. No. Description
7800578 RZT27460, 27HP Snapper Zero-Turn Rider with 46” Mower

Manual No. 7104442 (Rev ‘A’, 6/14/2010)

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Thank You for purchasing this quality-built SNAPPER mower. 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 mower 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.

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.

When contacting your authorized dealer for replacement parts,
service, or information you MUST have these numbers.

Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification
numbers, and engine serial numbers in the space provided for
easy access. These numbers can be found in the locations
shown.

NOTE: For location of engine identification numbers, refer to
the engine owner’s manual.

SAMPLE

ENGINE REFERENCE DATA

Model Description Name/Number

Unit MFG

Number

PRODUCT REFERENCE DATA

Unit SERIAL Number

Dealer Name

Date Purchased

Engine Make

Engine Type/Spec

Engine Model

Engine Code/Serial Number

Mower Deck MFG Number

Mower Deck SERIAL

Number

Identification Numbers

Unit ID Tag

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Product Identification Tag

Model / Modèle / Model XXXXXXX

Serial / Série / Serie XXXXXXXXX

USA 800-935-2967

WWW.SNAPPER.COM

Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC

Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA

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Table of Contents

Adjustments and Service ..............................................22

Seat Adjustments............................................................22

Ground Speed Lever Adjustment....................................22

Speed Balancing Adjustment..........................................22

Cutting Height Adjustment..............................................23

Mower Removal and Installation ....................................23

PTO Clutch Adjustment ..................................................25

Blade Brake Check ..........................................................25

Mower Deck Leveling .....................................................26

Servicing the Mower Blades ...........................................27

Lubrication......................................................................28

Battery Maintenance .......................................................29

Battery Charging.............................................................29

Troubleshooting............................................................30

Troubleshooting the Rider ..............................................30

Troubleshooting the Mower ............................................31

Warranty .......................................................................32

Specifications................................................................36

NOTE: In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as seen
from the operating position.

Operator Safety...............................................................4

Features & Controls......................................................12

Control Functions ...........................................................12

Operation ......................................................................14

General Operating Safety ................................................14

Checks Before Starting ...................................................14

Starting the Engine .........................................................15

Stopping the Rider & Engine ..........................................15

Mowing...........................................................................15

Pushing the Rider by Hand.............................................15

Zero Turn Driving Practice ..............................................16

Attaching a Trailer...........................................................18

Maintenance .................................................................19

Maintenance Chart..........................................................19

Check Tire Pressures......................................................20

Checking/Adding Fuel .....................................................20

Fuel Filter........................................................................20

Engine Maintenance........................................................20

Check Transmission Oil Levels .......................................20

Mower Deck Washout Port.............................................21

Storage ...........................................................................21

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Operator Safety

Operating Safety

Congratulations on purchasing a superior-quality piece of lawn and gar­den equipment. Our products are designed and manufactured to meet or
exceed all industry standards for safety.

Do not operate this machine unless you have familiarized yourself with
it. Reading and understanding this operator’s manual is a way to do
just that.

Power equipment is only as safe as the operator. If it is misused, or not
properly maintained, it can be dangerous! Remember, you are responsi­ble for your safety and that of those around you.

Use common sense, and think through what you are doing. If you are
not sure that the task you are about to perform can be safely done with
the equipment you have chosen, ask a professional: contact your local
authorized dealer.

Read the Manual

The operator’s manual contains important safety information
you need to be aware of BEFORE you operate your unit as
well as DURING operation.

Safe operating techniques, an explanation of the product’s fea­tures and controls, and maintenance information is included
to help you get the most out of your equipment investment.

Be sure to completely read the Safety Rules and Information
found on the following pages. Also completely read the
Operation section.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur with children. Do not
allow them anywhere near the area of operation.
Children are often attracted to the unit and mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them. If there is a risk that chil­dren may enter the area where you are mowing,
have another responsible adult watch them.

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Operator Safety

3.5

Slope Operation

Operation on slopes can be dangerous. Using the unit on a
slope that is too steep where you do not have adequate wheel
traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control,
and possible rollover. You should not operate on a slope greater
than a 3.5 foot rise over a 20 foot length (10 degrees).

Always mow up and down slopes, not across, and avoid sudden
turns or rapid speed changes. Reduce speed and use extreme
caution on ALL slopes.

Also, note that the surface condition you are on can greatly
impact your ability to safely operate this machine. Operating on
wet or slippery slopes can cause sliding and loss of steering and
control. Do not operate on slopes that are slippery, wet, or have
soft soil conditions.

If you feel unsure about operating the unit on a slope, don’t do it.
It’s not worth the risk.

Thrown Objects

This unit has spinning mower blades. These blades can pick up and throw
debris that could seriously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean up the area to
be mowed and remove objects that could be thrown by the blade BEFORE you
start mowing.

Do not operate this unit without the entire grass catcher or discharge guard
(deflector) in place.

Also, do not allow anyone in the area while the unit is running! If someone
does enter the area, shut the unit off immediately until they leave.

Moving Parts

This equipment has many moving parts that can injure you or
someone else. However, if you stay in the operator zone (stay
seated in the seat), and follow the safety rules in this operator’s
manual, the unit is safe to operate.

The mower deck has spinning mower blades that can amputate
hands and feet. Do not allow anyone near the unit while it is
running! Keep safety devices (guards, shields, and switches) in
place and working.

To help you, the operator, use this equipment safely, it is
equipped with an operator-present safety system. Do NOT
attempt to alter or bypass the system. See your dealer immedi­ately if the system does not pass all the safety interlock system
tests found in this manual.

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Fuel and Maintenance

Always disengage all drives, shutoff the engine, and remove the
key before doing any cleaning, refueling, or servicing.

Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Do not smoke
while operating or refueling. Do not add fuel while engine is hot
or running. Allow engine to cool for at least 3 minutes prior to
adding fuel.

Do not add fuel indoors, in an enclosed trailer, garage, or any
other enclosed area that is not well ventilated. Gasoline spills
should be cleaned up promptly and before operation begins.

Gasoline should be stored only in sealed containers approved for
fuel.

Proper maintenance is critical to the safety and performance of
your unit. Keep the unit free of grass, leaves, and excess oil. Be
sure to perform the maintenance procedures listed in this manu­al, especially periodically testing the safety system.

Retaining Walls, Drop-offs, and Water

Retaining walls and drop-offs around steps and water are a common hazard. Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of
clearance around these hazards and hand-trim with a walk behind mower or string trimmer. Wheels dropping over retaining walls,
edges, ditches, embankments, or into water can cause rollovers, which may result in serious injury, death, or drowning.

Enclosed Areas

Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unven­tilated areas such as inside garages or enclosed trail­ers. The engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide
gas and prolonged exposure in an enclosed area can
result in serious injury or death.

Operator Safety

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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.

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. Children who have been given rides in
the past may suddenly appear in the mowing area for another
ride and be run over or backed over by the machine. 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
(even with the blade OFF).

3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,
attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.

5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate
machine.

6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK
and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards
before and while backing.

7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

Protection Against Tipovers
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over
accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes
require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if
you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care
with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the han­dling and the stability of the machine.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees
(18% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on all slopes. Turn blades OFF
when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden
or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of
slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with
blades off.

4. AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine
stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF
and back slowly straight down the slope.

5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass
can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, cul­verts, fences and protruding objects.

Protection Against Tipovers
(Continued From Previous Column)

6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of
ditches and other drop offs. The machine could turn over if
an edge caves in.

7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.

8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with
instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate
machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade)
when equipped with grass catcher.

9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the
machine.

10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.

11. Chose a low enough speed setting so that you will not
have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on
slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where trac­tion, steering or stability is doubtful.

13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down slopes.
DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll release) and
coast downhill.

Preparation

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in
this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments.
Know the controls and the proper use of the machine
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.

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 from machine. DO NOT smoke.

5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to learn
controls and develop skills.

Operator Safety

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Preparation
(Continued From Previous Page)

6. 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.

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.Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in prepara­tion for emergencies.

12.Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.

13.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 worn
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.

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.Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.

Operation

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep clear of
discharge opening at all times.

2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set.

3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine,
STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key before leaving
operators position of any reason.

4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with feet
on feet rests or pedal(s).

5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades have
stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging
mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blades
in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades underneath
deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while BLADES are ON
or machine is in motion.

8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or
guards in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.

9. Slow down before turning.

10.Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.

11.STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction.
Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming oper­ation.

12.Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial
light.

13.Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain control
during speed and directional changes.

14.Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to those
you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate as
specified with attachment instructions.

15.On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control. When towing, travel
slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

16.DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust
gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.

17.DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back towards the operator.

18.Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer. See
manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and instal­lation of accessories.

Emissions

1. Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.

2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air
Index information on the engine emissions label.

Ignition System

1. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-

002.

Operator Safety

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Towing

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for tow­ing. DO NOT attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.

2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight lim­its for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. DO NOT allow children or others on towed equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

Maintenance

1. DO NOT store machine 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 the reach of chil­dren in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

2. Keep 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. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as need­ed.

5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that
all cotter pins are in proper position.

Maintenance
(Continued From Previous Column)

6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine.
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly poison.

7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before
performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could
cause injury.

8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is
stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s)
and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

10.DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or over­speed engine.

11.Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to
prevent controls from binding.

12.Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or
wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling
them.

13.DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

14.Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least
once a year and have the dealer install any new safety
devices.

15.Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.

16.Use only genuine replacement parts to assure that original
standards are maintained.

WARNING

Grass Catcher bags used on this product are made of woven
fabric, and are subject to deterioration and wear during
normal usage. Check condition of bags before each use.
Immediately replace worn or damaged catcher bags with only
bags recommended by the manufacturer. The Grass Catcher is
optional equipment on some models.

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.

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.

Operator Safety

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Safety and Instructional Decals

This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you
with the safety and reliability you would expect from an
industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.

Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it
contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge
to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed
several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important
information while you are operating your unit.

All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your rider and mower should be carefully read
and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when these
instructions are not followed. The information is for your safety
and it is important! The safety decals below are on your rider
and mower.

If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them at
once. See your local dealer for replacements.

These decals are easily applied and will act as a constant visual
reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment, to
follow the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective
operation.

Decal, Warning
Part No. 7104223

Decal, Warning
Part No. 7104225

Decal, Danger
Part No. 7104224

Decal, Instructional
Part No. 7104228

Decal, Danger
Part No. 1704276

Decal, Danger
Part No. 1704277

Decal, Warning
Part No. 1734273

Decal, Caution
Part No. 7104393

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Decal, Control Panel, LH
Part No. 7104229

Decal, Control Panel, RH
Part No. 7104230

Decal, Ground Speed
Lever, LH
Part No. 7104226

Decal, Ground Speed
Lever, RH
Part No. 7104227

Decal, Transmission Release
Part No. 7104231

Decal, Weight Limit
Part No. 7101940

Operator Safety

Safety Interlock System

This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches. These
safety systems are present for your safety; do not attempt to
bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices.
Check their operation regularly.

Operational SAFETY Checks

TEST 1 — ENGINE SHOULD NOT CRANK IF:

• PTO switch is engaged, OR

• Parking brake is disengaged, OR

• Ground speed levers are not locked in their START/PARK
positions.

TEST 2 — ENGINE SHOULD CRANK IF:

• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND

• Parking brake is engaged, AND

• Ground speed levers are locked into their
START/PARK positions.

TEST 3 — ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:

• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR

• Operator rises off seat with parking brake disenaged, OR

• Operator rises off seat with ground speed levers not
locked in their START/PARK positions.

TEST 4 — BLADE BRAKE CHECK

The mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after the electric PTO
switch is turned off (or operator rises off seat). If mower
drive belt does not stop within five seconds, see your dealer.

NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, the PTO switch must be
turned off, the parking brake must be engaged, and the
ground speed levers must be locked in their START/PARK
positions in order to start the engine.

WARNING

If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not operate it. See
your authorized dealer. Under no circumstance should you
attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety interlock system.

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7104229

7104226

7104227

7104230

7104231