Snapper 500ZB2648 (5900731) Owner’s Manual

Safety/nstructions& Operator'sManualfor

ZERO-TURNRIDINGMOWER

500Z Series

26HP Zero-Turn Riders

Mtg, No, Description 8900731 800ZB2648 Snapper 26HP 5OOZZero-Turn Rider with 48" Mower

5101453

Revision IR

Rev. Date: 1/2008

TP 100-7367-1R-ZT-N

Thankyoufor purchasingthis quality-built Snapperproduct. We'repleasedthat you've

placedyour confidencein the Snapperbrand. Whenoperatedand maintainedaccording

to the instructions in this manual,your Snapperproduct will providemanyyearsof dependableservice.

This manual containssafetyinformationto makeyou awareof the hazardsand

risksassociatedwith this machineand howto avoidthem. Thismachineis designedand intendedto beusedand maintainedaccordingto the manualfor finish cutting of

establishedlawnsand is not intendedfor any other purpose. It is importantthat you read and understandtheseinstructionsthoroughly beforeattemptingto start or operatethis equipment

Unit Model Number

MowerDeck ModelNumber

DealerName

EngineMake EngineModel

EngineType/Spec EngineCode/SerialNumber

SeeFeaturesand Controls for the location of Identification Numbers

DATEPURCHASED

Unit SERIALNumber

Mower DeckSERIALNumber

DatePurchased

,I WARNIN6

Engine exhaustfrom this productcontains chemicals known, in certainquantities, to causecancer, birth

defests, or other reproductive hare].

TheSnapperlogo is a trademark of Briggs & Stratton Corporation Milwaukee,WI, USA.

Contact Information: Snapper Products

535 Macon St. McDonough, GA30253 www.snapper.com

Table of Contents

Operator Safety ..................................................... 2

SafetyRulesand Information...........................................2

SafetyDecals....................................................................8

SafetyInterlockSystem....................................................9

Features& Controls.............................................. 19

IdentificationNumbers ...................................................10

Control Functions ...........................................................11

Operation........................................................... 13

General...........................................................................13

ChecksBeforeStarting...................................................13

CheckingTire Pressures.................................................14

SeatAdjustment .............................................................14

Mowing Height Adjustment ............................................15

Foot PedalAdjustment....................................................15

Starting tbe Engine.........................................................16

Stoppingthe Rider..........................................................16

Pusbingtbe Riderby Hand.............................................16

Zero Turn Driving Practice..............................................17

Mowing...........................................................................19

Mowing Reccomendations.............................................19

Mowing Methods............................................................20

Attaching aTrailer...........................................................21

Regular Maintenance ............................................ 22

MaintenanceSchedule....................................................22

Checking/AddingFuel.....................................................23

FuelFilter........................................................................23

Oil & FilterChange..........................................................23

Lubrication......................................................................24

CheckTransmission Oil Level.........................................25

Transmission Oil Filter Cbange.......................................25

Servicingtbe Mower Blades...........................................26

Ground SpeedControl LeverAdjustment .......................28

SpeedBalancingAdjustment..........................................28

NeutralAdjustment .........................................................28

ParkingBrakeAdjustment ..............................................29

Returnto NeutralAdjustment.........................................30

DeckRodTiming Adjustment.........................................31

DeckLevelingAdjustment ..............................................31

Mower Belt Replacement................................................32

Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt Replacement........................33

Battery Maintenance.......................................................34

BatteryService...............................................................35

Storage...........................................................................37

Starting After Long Term Storage...................................37

Troubleshooting ................................................... 38

Troubleshootingthe Rider ..............................................38

Troubleshootingthe Mower............................................39

Troubleshooting Common Cutting Problems..................40

Specifications ...................................................... 41

Slope identificationGuide....................................... 42

NOTE,"In this manual, "left" and "right" are referred to as seen from the operatingposition.

OperatorSafety

SafetyRules and Information

Congratulationson pumhaeinga superior-qualitypieceoflawnand gardenequipment.Ourproductsaredesignedandmanufacturedtomeet orexceedallindustrystandardsforsafety.

Do notoperatethismachineunlessyouhavebeentrained.Readingand understandingthisoperator'smanualisa way totrainyourself.

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 aroundyou.

Use common sense,andthink through what you are doing. If you are not surethat the task you are about to perform can be safely done with the equipment you havechosen ask a professional: contact your local

authorized dealer.

READ THE MANUAL

Theoperator's manualcontains important safety information you needto be awareof BEFOREyou operateyour unit as well as DURINGoperation.

Safeoperatingtechniques, anexplanationof the product's features andcontrols, and maintenanceinformation is included to helpyou get the most out of your equipment

investment.

OPERATINGSAFETY

Be sureto completely readthe Safety Rulesand Information found on the following pages. Also completely readthe Operationsection.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur with children. Do not

allowthem anywherenear the areaof operation. Childrenareoften attractedto the unit and mowing activity. Neverassume that children will remain

where you last saw them. Ifthere is a risk that

children may enterthe areawhere you are mowing, haveanother responsibleadult watch them.

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Operator$alety

SLOPEOPERATION

Operationonslopescan be dangerous. Using theunit on a slopetbat is

too steepwhere you do not haveadequatewheel traction (and control) can cause sliding, loss of steering, control, and possiblerollover. You should

not operate on a slope greater than a 5.4 foot rise over a 20 foot length (15

degrees). Always mow across slopes, not up anddown (to maintaintraction on the

wheels) and avoid sudden turns or rapid speed changes. Reducespeed and

useextremecaution onALL slopes.

Also, notethat the surface condition you are on can greatly impact your ability to safelyoperatethis machine.Operatingon wet or slippery slopes can causesliding and loss of steering and control. Do not operate on slopes that are slippery, wet, or havesoft soil conditions.

If you feel unsureabout operating the unit on a slope, don't do it. It's not

worth the risk.

THROWNOBJECTS

This unit has spinning mower blades. Theseblades can pick up and throw debris that could seriously injure a bystander. Be sure to clean up the areato be mowed and remove objects that could bethrown by the blade BEFOREyou start mowing.

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

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

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 hasspinning mower bladesthat can amputate hands and feet. Do not allow anyonenear the unit while it is

running! Keepsafetydevices (guards, shields, and switches) in placeandworking.

Tohelpyou, the operator, usethis equipment safely, it is equippedwith an operator-presentsafety system. Do NOT attempt to alter or bypassthe system. Seeyour dealer immediately if the system does not passall the safety interlock system tests found in this manual.

IVIOVINGPARTS

OperatorSafety

RETAiNiNGWALLS,DROP-OFFS,ANDWATER

Retainingwalls anddrop-offs around stepsand water are a comrnon hazard.Giveyourself a rninimurn of two mower widths of clearancearound thesehazardsandhand-trim with a walk behind moweror string trimmer. Wheelsdropping over retainingwalls, edges, ditches, embankments,or intowater car/cause rollovers,which may resultin serious injury,death, or drowning.

FUELANDIVlAINTENANCE

Always disengageall drives, shutoff the engine, and remove the key beforedoing anycleaning, refueling, or servicing.

Gasolineandits 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 enclosedtrailer, garage, or any other enclosed areathat is not well ventilated. Gasolinespills

should be cleanedup promptly and beforeoperation begins. Gasolineshould be stored only in sealedcontainers approvedfor

fuel.

Proper maintenanceis critical to the safety and performance of your unit. Keepthe unit free of grass, leaves,and excess oil. Be sureto perform the maintenance procedures listed in this manual, especially periodicallytesting the safety system.

i i

ii [i

ENCLOSEDAREAS

Only operatethis unit outdoors and away from

unventilatedareassuch as inside garagesor enclosed

trailers. The engine emits poisonous carbon

monoxide gas and prolonged exposure in an enclosed

area can result in serious injury or death.

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Operator$a(ety

Readthese safety rules and follow them closely. Failureto obeythese rulescould result in loss of control of unit,

severe personal injury or deathto you, or bystanders, or damageto property or equipment. This mowinq deck is capableof amputating handsand feet and throwingobjects. Thetriangle _ in text

signifies important cautions or warningswhich must be followed.

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read,understand,and follow all instructions in the manualandon the unit beforestarting.

2. Do not put hands or feet nearrotating parts or underthe machine. Keepclear of the discharge opening at all

times.

3. Onlyallow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operatethe unit (local regulations can

restrict operator age).

4. Clearthe area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,

which could be picked upand thrown by the blade(s).

5. Besure the area is clear of other peoplebeforemowing. Stopthe unit if anyoneentersthe area.

6. Nevercarry I_assengers.

7. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

Always look down and behind beforeandwhile travelling

in reverse.

8. Neverdirect dischargematerial toward anyone. Avoid

discharging material against a wall or obstruction.

Materia/may ricochetback toward the operator. Stop

the blade(s)when crossing gravelsurfaces.

9. Do not operate the machine without the entire grass

catcher, discharge guard (deflector), or other safety devices in placeandoperational.

10. Slow down before turning.

11. Neverleavearunning unit unattended.Always disengage the blades(PTO),set parking brake, stop engine,and

remove keysbefore dismounting.

12. Disengageblades(PTO)when not mowing. Shut off engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop

beforecleaningthe machine,removing the grass

catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.

13. Operatethe machine only in daylight or good artificial

light,

14. Do not operate the unit while underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.

15 Watch for traffic when operatingnearor crossing

roadways.

16. Useextra carewhen loadingor unloadingthe unit into a trailer or truck.

17. Always wear eyeprotection when operating this unit.

18. Dataindicatesthat operators, age60 years and above, are involved in a large percentageof power equipment-

relatedinjuries. Theseoperators should evaluatetheir

ability to operatethe equipment safelyenoughto protect themselves and others from injury.

19. Follow the manufacturer's recommendationsfor wheel weights or counterweights.

20. Keepin mind the operator is responsible for accidents occurring to other people or property.

21. All drivers should seekand obtain professional and practical instruction.

22. Always wear substantial footwear and trousers. Never operatewhen barefoot or wearing sandals.

23. Beforeusing, always visually checkthat the bladesand blade hardwarearepresent, intact, and secure. Replace

worn or damagedparts.

24. Disengageattachments before: refueling, removingan

attachment, making adjustments (unless the adjustment can be madefrom the operator's position).

25. When the machine is parked,stored, or left unattended, lowerthe cutting means unless a positive mechanical

lock is used.

26. Beforeleavingthe operator's position for any reason,

engagethe parking brake(if equipped), disengagethe

blades(PTO),stop the engine, andremove the key.

27. To reduce fire hazard,keepthe unit free of grass, leaves, & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves,grass.

or combustible materials.

28. It is a violation of California Public ResourceCode Section4442 to use or operatethe engine on or near

any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered

land unless the exhaustsystem is equipped with a spark

attester meeting any applicablelocal or state laws.

Otherstatesor federalareas may havesimilar laws.

29. OSHAregulations may require the use of hearing protection when exposedto sound levelsgreaterthan 85

dBA for an 8 hour time period.

CAUTION

This machine produces sound levels in

excess of 85 dBAat the operator'sear and

cancausehearing lossthroughextended periodsof exposure.

Wear hearing protectionwhenoperating this machine.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

1. When transportingthe unit on an open trailer, make sure it isfacing forward, inthe direction oftravel. If the unit

is facing backwards, wind lift could damagethe unit.

2. Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refuelingthe unit after transportation or

storage.

3. Neverstore the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed poorly

ventilated structure. Fuelvapors can travel to an ignition source such as a furnace, water heater,etc. andcause

an explosion. Fuelvapor is alsotoxic to humans and animals.

4. Always follow the engine manualinstructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both

short and long term periods.

5. Always follow the engine manualinstructions for proper start-up procedureswhen returning the unitto service.

6. Neverstore the unit or fuel container inside where there

is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a waterheater.

Allow unit to cool before storing.

OperatorSa(ety

SLOPEOPERATION

Slopesare a majorfactor relatedto loss-of-control and tip- overaccidents,which canresult in severeinjury or death.

Operationon all slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyou cannot backup the slopeor ifyou feel uneasyon it. do not operateon

it. Control of awalk-behindor ride-on machinesliding on a slope

will not beregainedby theapplicationof the brake. Themain reasonsfor loss of control are: insufficienttire grip onthe ground,speedtoo fast, inadequatebraking,the type of

machineis unsuitablefor its task, lackof awarenessof the ground conditions, incorrecthitchingandloaddistribution.

1. Mow across slopes, not up and down.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneventerrain could overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Choosea slow speedso that you will not have to stop or

changespeedswhile on the slope.

4. Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may loosetraction.

5. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning onaslope. If tires losetraction (i.e. machine stops forward motion on a

slope), disengagethe blade(s) (PTO)anddrive slow off the slope.

6. Keepall movementon slopes slow andgradual. Do not makesudden changes in speed or direction, which could

cause the machine to rollover.

7. Useextra care while operating machines with grass

catchers or other attachments;they can affectthe stability of the unit. Do not use on steepsslopes.

8. Do not try to stabilizethe machine by putting your foot on the ground (ride-on units).

9. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.

The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edgeof a cliff or ditch, or if an edgecavesin.

10. Do not use grass catchers on steepslopes.

11. Do not mow slopes if you cannot back up them.

12. Seeyour authorizeddealer/retailerfor recommendations of wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.

13. Removeobstaclessuch as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

14. Useslow speed.Tiresmay losetraction on slopes even

though the brakes are functioning properly.

15. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,andthen, turn

slowly and gradually uphill, if possible. Nevermow down slopes.

TOWEDEQUIPMENT(RIDE-ONUNITS)

1. Tow only with a machinethat hasa hitch designedfor towing. Do not attachtowed equipment except atthe

hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturer's recommendationsfor weight

limit for towed equipmentandtowing on slopes. See

.WARNiNG

Never operate on slopes greater than 15° whichisa rise of 5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in 20 feet (6 m) hoNzontally.

Select slow ground speedbeforedriving onto slope.

Useextra cautionwhen operatingon slopeswith rear- mounted grass catchers.

Mow across theface of slopes, not up and down,use caution when changingdirections and DO NOTSTART

ORSTOPONSLOPE.

attaching a trailer under OPERATION.

3. Neverallow children or others in or ontowed equipment.

4. Onslopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and lossof control.

5. Travelslowly and allow extra distanceto stop.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill.

CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurif the operator is notalertto the presenceof children.Childrenareoftenattractedto the unit andthe mowing activity. Neverassumethat childrenwill remainwhereyou lastsawthem.

1. Keepchildren out of the mowing areaandunderthe watchful care of another responsible adult.

2. Bealert and turn unit off if children enter the area.

3. Beforeandduring reverseoperation, look behind and down for small children.

4. Nevercarry children, evenwith the blade(s)off. They

may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with

safe unit operation. Childrenwho havebeen given rides

in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing areafor

another ride and be run overor backedover by the

machine.

5. Neverallow children to operatethe unit.

6. Useextra care when approachingblind corners, shrubs. trees, or other objectsthat may obscure vision.

EMISSIONS

1. Engineexhaustfrom this product contains chemicals

known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth

defects, or other reproductive harm.

2. Lookfor the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air

Index information onthe engine emissions label.

IGNITIONSYSTEM

1. Thisspark ignitionsystem complies with Canadian

ICES-O02.

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OperatorSafety

SERVICEAND MAINTENANCE

Safe Handling ofGasoline

1. Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

2. Useonly approvedgasolinecontainers.

3. Neverremove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engineto cool before refueling.

4. Neverfuel the machine indoors.

5. Neverstore the machine or fuel container where there is

an open flame, spark, or pilot light such as near a water

heateror other appliance.

6. Neverfill containers insideavehicle or on atruck bed

with a plastic bed liner. Always placecontainers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

7. Removegas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer

and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then

refuelsuch equipment on a trailer with a portable

container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

8. Keepnozzlein contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

container opening at all times until fueling is complete.

Do not use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

9. If fuel is spilled on clothing, changeclothing immediately.

10, Neverover-fill the fuel tank. Replacegas cap and tighten

securely.

11, Useextra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They

are flammable and vapors are explosive.

12, If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but

move the machine awayfrom the area of spillage and

avoid creating anysource of ignition until fuel vapors

havedissipated.

13, Replaceall fuel tank caps and fuel container caps

securely.

Service & Maintenance

1. Neverrun the unit in anenclosedareawhere carbon monoxide fumes may collect.

2. Keepnuts andbolts, especially bladeattachment bolts.

tight and keepequipment ingood condition.

3. Nevertamper with safety devices. Checktheir proper operation regularly and make necessaryrepairs if they

are not functioning properly.

4. Keepunit free of grass, leaves,or other debris build-up. Cleanup oil or fuel spillage, and removeanyfuel-soaked

debris. Allow machineto cool before storage.

5. If you strike an object, stop andinspect the machine. Repair,if necessary,before restarting.

6. Nevermake adjustments or repairs with the engine running.

7. Checkgrass catchercomponents and the discharge

guard frequently and replacewith manufacturer's

recommendedparts, when necessary.

8. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear

gloves, and useextracaution when servicing them.

9. Checkbrake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.

10. Maintain or replacesafety and instructions labels,as necessary.

11. Do not remove the fuel filter whenthe engine is hot as

spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spreadfuel line clamps further than necessary. Ensureclamps grip

hosesfirmly over the filter after installation.

12. Do not use gasolinecontaining METHANOL,gasohol

containing more than 10% ETHANOL,gasolineadditives,

or white gas becauseengine/fuel system damagecould result.

13. If the fuel tank must bedrained, it should be drained outdoors.

14. Replacefaulty silencers/mufflers,

15. Maintain or replacesafety and instruction labelsas necessary.

16. Useonly factory authorized replacementpartswhen making repairs.

17. Always comply with factory specifications on all settings

and adjustments.

18. Onlyauthorizedservice locations should be utilized for major service and repair requirements.

19. Neverattempt to make major repairs on this unit unless

you havebeenproperlytrained. Improper service

procedures canresult in hazardous operation, equipment

damageandvoiding of manufacturer's warranty.

20. On multiple blade mowers, take care as rotating one bladecan cause other bladesto rotate.

21. Do not change engine governor settings or over-speed

the engine. Operatingthe engine at excessivespeedcan

increasethe hazardof personalinjury.

22. Disengagedrive attachments,stop the engine, remove

the key,and disconnectthe spark plug wire(s) before: clearing attachment blockages and chutes, performing

service work, striking an object, or if the unit vibrates abnormally. After striking an object, inspect the machine

for damageand make repairs before restarting and

operatingthe equipment.

23. Neverplace handsnearthe moving parts, such as a hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running.

(Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top of

the transaxle),

24. Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses,or motors:

WARNING:Hydraulicfluid escaping under pressure may

havesufficient force to penetrateskin and causeserious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin it must be

surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury or gangrenemay result.

Keepbody and hands awayfrom pin holes or nozzles

that eject hydraulicfluid under high pressure. Usepaper

or cardboard, and not hands,to search for leaks. Make

sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all

hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before

applying pressureto the system. If leaks occur, havethe

unit serviced immediately byyour authorized dealer.

25. WARNING:Stored energydevice. Improper release of

springs can result inserious personal injury. Springs should be removed by an authorizedtechnician.

26. Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING: Storedenergy device. To prevent serious bodily injury

from hot coolant or steam blow-out, neverattempt to

removethe radiator capwhile the engine is running. Stopthe engine andwait until it is cool. Eventhen. use

extreme care when removing the cap.

,OperstorSslety

Safety Decals

Thisunithasbeendesignedandmanufacturedto provide youwiththesafetyandreliabilityyouwouldexpectfroman industryleaderin outdoorpowerequipmentmanufacturing.

Although reading this manualand the safety instructions it contains will provideyou with the necessary basic

knowledge to operatethis equipment safely and effectively, we have placedseveralsafetylabelson the unit to remind

you of this important information while you are operating your unit.

All DANGER,WARNING, CAUTIONand instructional messageson your rider and mower should be carefully read and obeyed. Personalbodily injury can result when these instructions are not followed. The information is for your safety and it is important! Thesafetydecalsbelow are on your rider and mower.

If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replacethem at

once. Seeyour local dealerfor replacements. Theselabelsare easilyapplied and will act as a constant

visual reminderto you, and others who mayusethe equipment,to follow the safety instructions necessaryfor safe,effective operation.

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SafetyInterlockSystem

this unit isequippedwith safety interlockswitches. These ;afetysystems arepresentfor your safety,do not attempt :o bypass safety switches, andnevertamper with safety Jevices. Checktheir operation regularly.

Operator$alety

Safety icons

Thealert symbol '_ isusedto identitysafety inforrnation about bazardsthatcan result in personalinjury. A signal

word (DANGER,WARNING,or CAUTION)is usedwitb tbe alert symbol to indicatethe likelihood and the potential severity of the injury. In addition, a hazardicon may be usedto represent the type of hazard. An explanation of

hazardlevelsandicons are asfollows:

Operational SAFETYChecks

Fast1 -- Engine should NOTcrank if:

,, PTOswitch is engaged,OR ,, Parking brakeis not engaged,OR ,, Ground speed control levers are not in the NEUTRAL

position.

Fast2 -- EngineSHOULDcrankit:

,, PTOswitch is NOTengaged,AND ,, Parking brakeis engaged,AND

,, Ground speed control levers are locked in the NEUTRAL

position.

Fast3 -- Engineshould SHUTOFFif:

,, Operator rises off seatwith PTOengaged, OR ,, Operator rises off seatwith parking brake disengaged. ,, Operator movesground speedcontrol levers out of

their neutral positions before disengagingparking

brake.

rest4 -- Blade Brake Check _ower bladesand mower drive belt should come to a

:;ompletestop within seven (7) seconds after electric PTO ;witch is turned off (or operator rises off seat). If mower

Jrive belt does not stop within seven (7) seconds,seeyour Jealer.

_IOTE:Oncethe enginehas stopped, PTOswitch must be

turned off, parking brake must be engaged,and the motion

_ontml handlesmust be locked in the NEUTRALposition _fter the operator returns to theseatin order to start the 9ngine.

,Ji WARNING

if theunit does notpassa safetytest, do notoperate

it. See yourauthorized dealer. Underno circumstanceshould you attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety interlocksystem.

DANGER

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, will resultin seriousinjury or death.

,A WARNING

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, could resultin serial injury or death.

CAUTION

This indicatesa hazardwhich, if not avoided, might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTIONor NOTICE

Thesemessages presentedwithout tbe alert symbol indicate a situation wherethe unit or property could be damaged.

NorthAmerican Safety Icons

Hazard

Alert

ToxicFumes

Read the Manual

OpenFlame Hazard

Fire Hazard

Amputation Rotating

Parts Amputation

Hand in Blade

Rollover Hazard

Safety icon

Hazard

Amputation

Foot in Blade

Thrown

Objects

Maintain a Safe Distance

Keep

Children

Away Hot Surface

Wear

Protective Gear

Pinch Point

Overhead Obstacles

Safety icon

,JbIIIIId)()in,

.FeaturesandControls

Featuresand Controls

Identification Numbers

Whencontactingyourauthorized dealer for replacement parts, service, or informationyou MUSThavethese

numbers.

Recordyour part number, serial number and engine serial

numbers in the space provided on the inside front cover for easyaccess. These numbers can be found in the locations

shown in Figure1.

NOTE,Forlocationof engineidentification numbers, refer to theengineowner's manual.

Figure 1. IdentificationNumbers A. Identification Tag

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FesturesandCefltrols

Figure2, Control Locations

Control Functions

Theinformation below briefly describes the timction of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, andmowing require thecombined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. Tolearn whatcombination and sequenceof controls to

usefor various tasks seethe OPERATIONsection.

Ground Speed Control Levers

Theseleverscontrol the ground speed of the rider, The left lever controls the left reardrive wheel andthe right lever controls the right rear drive wheel.

Moving a leverforward increasesthe FORWARDspeed of the associatedwheel,and pulling back on a lever increases the REVERSEspeed.

Note: Thefurther alever is moved away from the neutral

position the faster the drive wheel will turn.

Seethe Operationsection for proper steering instructions.

Seat Adjustment Lever

Theseatcan be adjusted forward and back.Movethe lever towards the left, position the seat as desired, and releasethe

leverto lock the seat in position.

ignition Switch

The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it hasthree positions:

r_OFF

RUN Allows the engineto run and

_'_ START Cranksthe enginefor starting.

NOTE.Neverleavethe ignition switch in the RUNposition

with the enginestopped-ttiis drains thebattery,

Stops the engineand shuts off the electrical system.

powers

the electrical system.

Features& Controls

ParkingBrake

DISENGAGE Releasesthe parking brake.

m ENGAGE Locks the parking brake.

Pullthe parking brake leverupto engagethe parking brake. Pushthe lever down to disengage the parking brake. NOTE,

Tostart the unit theparking brakemust be engaged.

PTO (Power Take Off) Switch

The PTOswitch engagesand disengagesthe mower. Pull UP on the switch to engage,and push DOWNto disengage.

m_ Deck Lift Pedal, Cutting Height

='='='_='-"_Adjustment Pin & Deck Lift Lock

Lever

Thesecontrol the cutting height of the mower deck. Depressthe pedal until it locks into the 4-1/2" (11,47 cm)

position. Placethe adjustment pin in the desired cutting height and releasethe lift lock lever.

Fuel Tank Cap

Toremovethe cap, turn counterclockwise.

Fuel LevelGauge

Displays the fuel level in the tank.

LL_JTransmission Oil Fill

This unit is equipped with two transmission oil reservoirs. Thetransmission oil reservoirs arelocated beneaththe

operator's seat and in front of the engine. Transmission oil is added through the transmission oil reservoirs. It also

servesas extra holding capacity as thetransmissions heat up andthe oil expands. SeeCHECKTRANSMISSIONOIL

LEVELfor oil levelcheckandfill procedures.

Throttle Control

Thethrottle controls engine speed, Movethe throttle forward to increaseenginespeedand backto decrease engine speed. Always operateat FULLthrottle,

_ Choke

Closethe choke for cold starting. Openthe choke oncethe engine starts. A warm engine may not requirechoking. Pull

the knob UP to close the choke. Pushto knob DOWNto open the choke.

B Hour Meter / Maintenance Reminder

Measuresthe time of the PTObeing engaged, The hour meter measuresthe number of hoursthe PTO hasbeen

engaged. The hour meter will flash an initialoil change indicator at 5 hours, and a lubrication reminder every 50

hours. Thesereminders display for approximately two hours andwill automatically reset themselves.

Note: Thehour meter will register the passageof time only whenthe PTOis engaged. Thehour meter has a self

containedpower source so the total hours are always visible.

12 www.Snapper.com

Operation

GeneralOperatingSafety

Beforefirst time operation:

,, Besure to read all information in the Safety and

Operationsections before attempting to operate this

tractor and mower.

,, Becomefamiliar with all of the controls and how to stop

the unit.

,, Drive in an open areawithout mowing to become

accustomedto the unit.

WARNING

Neverallow passengers to ride an the unit. Beforeleavingthe operator'spositionfor any reason,

engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO,stopthe engine and remave thekey.

Toreducefire hazard, keepthe engine, tractorand

mower free of grass, leavesand excessgrease. Donot

stopor park tractor over dry leaves, grass or

combustiblematerials.

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled

with care. Neverfill the tankwhen the engineis still

hotfrom recent operation.Donet allow open flame,

smokingor matches in the area. Avoid over-fillingand wipe up any spills.

WARNING

AWARNING

Never operateon slopesgreater than (15°) whichisa

rise of5.4 feet (1,6 m) vertically in 20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.

Select slow ground speedbeforedriving ontoa slope.

Useextracautionwhenoperatingonslopeswith a rear-mountedgrass catcher.

Mow across theface ofslopes, net up anddown, use cautionwhenchangingdirections and DO NOTSTART ORSTOPONSLOPE.

Checks Before Starting

,, Checkthat crankcaseis filled to full mark on the engine

oil dipstick (A, Figure3). Seethe engine Operator's Manualfor instructions and oil recommendations.

,, Fill the fuel tanks with fresh fuel. Referto engine manual

for fuel recommendations.

,, Makesure all nuts, bolts, screws andpins are in place

and tight.

,, Makesure the fuel selector valve (B) is in the "ON"

position. ,, Checkthe tire pressures. See Check TirePressures. ,, Adjust the seat position, and make certain you canreach

all controls from operator's position. SeeSeat

Adjusflnent

,, Adjust the height ofthe mower deck to the desired

position. SeeMowing Height Adjustment.

Donotloadthis zero-turnrider on a trailer or truck using two separateramps. Onlyuse a singlerampthat

isat least onefootwiderthan the width of the rear

wheels of this rider. Thisriderhasa zero turning

radius and therear wheels couldfail offthe ramps, or

the rider couldtip over injuringthe operatoror

bystanders.

Figure3. ChecksBefore Starting A. Engine0il Dipstick

B. Fuel ValveSelector

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