Snapper 3314518BVE, 301318BE, 281318BE, 331518KVE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER

SERIES 18

MODELS

281318BE 301318BE 3314518BVE 331518KVE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

33 145

CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE OPTIONS ENGINE HP ENGINE TYPE SERIES DESIGNATION ENGINE MODEL

28 - 28” Cutting Deck 30 - 30” Cutting Deck 33 - 33” Cutting Deck

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your machine, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 & 3. Remember that all power equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

13 - 13.0 HP Engine 145 - 14.5 HP Engine 15 - 15.0 HP Engine

18 - Series Designation B - Briggs Engine

18 B V E

K - Kohler Engine

V - Over Head Valve

MANUAL No. 4-7008 (REV. 1, 8/20/99)

E - Electric Start

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerf ul cutting machine is capab le of amputating hand s and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the follow ing SAFETY instru ctions could resu lt 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, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occu r 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.

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 or on attachments (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. STO P BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind an d 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 15 degrees (27% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slop es above 10 degrees (18% grade). 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 uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and back slowly down the slope.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

(Continued From Previous Column)

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

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

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 mowerrelated 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.

6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limb s and other objects that could cau se injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(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 dev ices frequently for proper operation and location.

9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.

10. Protect yourself w hen 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.

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

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 an d 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. 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.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

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

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

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 o ut 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.

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. Mow er 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 SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................2-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................... 4

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ....................................................................... 5

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.................................................6-11

Pre-start Checklist .........................................................................................................6

Operator’s Seat Adjustment..........................................................................................6

Starting & Stopping Engine, Blade & Wheel Drive ................................................7-10

Starting & Stopping Mower Blades.........................................................................9-10

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive.............................................................................9-10

Parking Brake ...............................................................................................................11

Cutting Height Adjustment..........................................................................................11

SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ......................................... 12-16

Service – After First 5 Hours.......................................................................................12

Change Engine Oil....................................................................................................12

Service Engine Air Cleaner......................................................................................12

Check Mower Blade.............................................................................................12-13

Check Blade Drive Belt.............................................................................................13

Blade Brake ...............................................................................................................13

Service Brake / Park Brake.......................................................................................13

Check Interlock System............................................................................................13

Lubrication – Grease Fittings..................................................................................14

Service – Every 25 Operating Hours ..........................................................................14

Battery Fluid Level....................................................................................................14

Mower Deck Levelness.............................................................................................14

Clean Mower Deck ....................................................................................................14

Mower Blade Spindle - Lubrication.........................................................................14

Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication.........................................................................14

Front Wheel Bearing - Lubrication..........................................................................14

Rear Axle Bearing – Lubrication..............................................................................15

Differential / Chain Case – Lubrication...................................................................15

Service – Annually........................................................................................................16

Engine........................................................................................................................16

Fuel Filter...................................................................................................................16

Every Two Years...........................................................................................................16

Storage – Out of Season..............................................................................................16

Removing Fuel Tank....................................................................................................16

SECTION 4- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR............................................... 17-25

Engine Adjustments & Repair.....................................................................................17

Mower Deck & Component Adjustments...................................................................17

Blade Brake Adjustment..............................................................................................17

Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side Levelness)...................................................18

Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Levelness).................................................18

Cutting Height Adjustment..........................................................................................19

Rear Engine Rider Drive Components.......................................................................19

Wheel Brake Adjustment........................................................................................19-20

Mower Blade Replacement..........................................................................................21

Blade Sharpening.........................................................................................................21

Mower Drive Belt Removal/Replacement ..................................................................22

Battery Removal, Replacement, Service...............................................................23-25

ACCESSORIES................................................................................................ 25

TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................. 26-27

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE............................................................................ 28

MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS........................................................29

WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 30

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE.......................................................................... 31-34

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

(See Insert)

FUEL

FUEL TANK

FILLER CAP

VENT

STEERING WHEEL

REAR BUMPER

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

DECK LIFT LEVER

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

CONTROL PANEL

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

MOWER DECK

IGNITION SWITCH

OPERATOR’S SEAT

CONTROL PANEL

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL

BLADE LEVER

MOWER BELT COVER

BLADE PEDALS

PARK BRAKE LEVER

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepar ed for the operator’s of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider. Its purpose, aside from recommending standard operating procedures and routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY through the use of acc epted operating practices. Read, Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 & 3 of this manual and All SAFETY messages on the Rear Engine Rider and its attachments before operating.

FIGURE 1.1

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, s hows the essential parts of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider. It is recommended that all operator’s of this equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls, components, and operation of this machine before operating. Specific details involving the engine are found in the separate engine owner’s manual. Study these manuals before operating and keep both handy for future reference.

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. Chec k 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. Chec k guards, deflectors and covers to mak e 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.

SAFE LEVEL AREA

2.2 OPERATOR’S SEAT ADJUSTMENT

2.2.1. FRONT TO REAR ADJUSTMENT

1. W ith the engine stopped, loosen the two adjusting

knobs and move seat to desired position. After adjustment, tighten knobs securely. If seat does not move after loosening knobs, it may be necessary to loosen the 5/16” patch lock s crews located at the rear of the seat using a 1/2 inch wrench. See Figure 2.3.

ADJUSTING KNOBS P.N. 2-3191

OPERATOR’S SEAT

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.4. Adjust seat as needed to most comfortable

position. Refer to Section “OPERATOR’S SEAT ADJUSTMENT”.

2.1.5. Chec k blade control to ins ure it works f reely. If blade pedals are depressed, blade lever can be moved manually from “ON” to “OFF” to stop blade.

2.1.6. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake s c reen and c ooling f ins clear at all times.

2.1.7. Add fuel to tank af ter pushing the Rear Engine Rider outside where fumes can dis sipate. Make sure fuel filler cap is tight and vent is open after refueling. Refer to engine owner’s manual fo r fuel s pecif ications. See Figure 2.2.

OPEN FUEL FILLER CAP

FUEL TANK

VENT

FIGURE 2.2

5/16” PATCH LOCK SCREWS (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN)

FRONT OF SEAT

5/16” PATCH LOCK SCREWS (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN)

ADJUSTING KNOBS P.N. 2-8659

FIGURE 2.3

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

RUN

START

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 pr essed 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.

WARNING

It is possible to start engine w ith transmission shift lever in a drive position. Follow starting instructions carefully.

2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “OFF”

position. See Figure 2.4.

BLADE LEVER IN “OFF” POSITION

TO APPLY BRAKES, PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

FIGURE 2.5

RELEASE BLADE PEDALS

FIGURE 2.4

3. Press Clutch/Br ake Pedal all

the way down and

hold while starting engine. See Figure 2.5.

4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning counterclockwise. IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent on the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall. See Figure 2.6.

5. Move engine speed c ontrol to the chok e position to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.7.

6. Turn key to the “START” position until engine starts. See Figure 2.7. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine and it does not start, releas e the key, make sure the Clutch/Brake Pedal is fully depressed and attempt starting again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.

7. After engine starts , move engine speed control to the “FAST” position, allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

OPEN FUEL FILLER CAP

FUEL TANK

VENT

FIGURE 2.6

KEY

OFF

MOVE ENGINE SPEED CONTROL TO CHOKE POSITION

FIGURE 2.7

(Continued on Next Page)

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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.

9. On Model 331418BVE, the engine is equipped with a fuel shut-off solenoid. If the battery is dead, the engine can be started with the recoil back -up starter if the throttle control is in the choke position (HOT engine or COLD engine).

2.3.2. ENGINE (MANUAL START) IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to

“RUN”, and the recoil handle is pulled, the engine will turn over, but will

not start unless the Clutch/Brake Pedal is pressed all the way down with Parking Brake engaged (See Figure 2.8) and the Blade Lever is in the “Off” pos ition (See Figure 2.4) . Start engine as follows:

1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral position. DO NOT start engine with transm ission shift lever in a drive position.

WARNING

It is possible to start engine w ith transmission shift lever in a drive position. Follow starting instructions carefully.

2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “OFF”

position. See Figure 2.4.

3. Press Clutch/Brake Pedal all Parking Brake Lever and release the Clutch/Brake Pedal to set Parking Brake. See Figure 2.8.

PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

FIGURE 2.8

4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning

counterclockwise. NOTE: Failure to open vent on the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall.

the way down, lift

MOVE PARK BRAKE LEVER TO “ON”

5. Move engine speed control to the chok e position

to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.7.

6. Turn key to “RUN” position. See Figure 2.9.

KEY

7. Pull starter rope with a smooth, even motion until

engine starts. Always guide the starter rope back into the recoil housing. Never allow rope to snap back. After Engine starts, move engine speed control to the “FAST” position.

8. Allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

RUN

OFF

FIGURE 2.9

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

REVERSE GROUND SPEED

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.

2.3 STARTING & OPERATION

2.3.3. MOWER BLADE

1. With engine running, m ove engine speed contr ol

to the “FAST” position.

2. Move blade lever forward to the “ON” position, then depress blade pedals to hold blade lever in the “ON” position. See Figure 2.10.

IMPORTANT: You cannot engage the blade lever if the blade pedal is depressed first.

BLADE LEVER SHOWN IN “ON” POSITION

BLADE PEDAL SHOWN DEPRESSED

WARNING

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

FIGURE 2.11

2.3.4. WHEEL DRIVE

1. With engine running, adjust engine speed control to “FAST” position.

2. Depress clutch/brake pedal. See Figure 2.11.

3. Place transmission shift lever in notch for first

speed. See Figure 2.12.

4. Release clutch/brake pedal to begin desired ground speed.

5. During forward motion, the transmission shift lever may be placed in any desired forward speed without depressing the clutch/brake pedal.

: For best cutting results, m ove the transmission

NOTE

shift lever into a slow forward speed and the engine speed control to a fast position. This combination will allow the mower blades to lift the grass while cutting smoothly and evenly.

FIGURE 2.10

THERE ARE FIVE DIFFERENT FORWARD GROUND SPEEDS AND ONE

SHIFT LEVER SHOWN IN NEUTRAL POSITION

FIGURE 2.12

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

RUN

START

WARNING

DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running. STOP Blade. STOP engine. Shift to neutral and

engage park brake. Remove key.

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.

OFF

KEY

TO APPLY BRAKES, PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

FIGURE 2.14

BLADE LEVER IN “OFF” POSITION

FIGURE 2.13

2.4.2. WHEEL DRIVE

1. Stop motion of Rear Engine Rider by pushing

clutch/brake pedal all the way “DOWN” to apply brake. See Figure 2.14.

WARNING

2.4.3. MOWER BLADE

1. Stop mower blade by releasing blade pedals or

moving blade lever rearward to the “OFF” position. See Figure 2.15.

RELEASE BLADE PEDALS

FIGURE 2.15

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

“DOW N” and m oving the park brak e lever to the “ON” position. While holding the park brake lever “ON”, release clutch/brake pedal to set park brake. See Figure 2.16.

PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

MOVE PARK BRAKE LEVER TO “ON”

FIGURE 2.16

2. Release park brake by pushing down on the

clutch/brake pedal to release park brake lever. See Figure 2.17.

PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

2.5. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

1. Adjust cutting height as desired to any one of six

positions using deck lift lever. When in desired height of cut, release latch, then try to move deck lift lever to ensure lift lever latch is fully engaged. See Figure 2.18.

LIFT LEVER LATCH

DECK LIFT LEVER

FIGURE 2.18

WARNING

DO NOT park machine on slopes.

FIGURE 2.17

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