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, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER,
McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).
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.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is
operated (even with the blades OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on
machine or on attachments (even with the blade
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine. Local regulations may restrict the age of
the operator.
5. ALLOW only adults or responsible 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
(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. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects. 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. DO NOT operate machine under any condition
where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
12. Operator Protective Structures are available for
this machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.
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 and turf
conditions 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 slopes 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.
PREPARATION
1. Read, understand and follow instructions and
warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine
and attachments. Know the controls, the safety signs
and the proper use of the machine before starting. If
the operators or mechanics cannot read English, it is
the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to
them.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate or
service the machine and only after proper instruction
and training. The owner is responsible for training the
operators. Further, the owner/operator can prevent
and/or is responsible for accidents or injuries
occurring to themselves, other people or property.
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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
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 or drain 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, limbs and other
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blades
or interfere with mowing.
7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what
accessories and attachments are needed to
properly and safely perform the job. Only use
accessories and attachments approved by
SNAPPER.
8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and
STOP machine if anyone enters the area.
9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields,
deflectors, switches, blade controls and other
safety devices are in place and functioning
properly.
10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear
appropriate clothing including safety glasses,
long pants, ear protection, hardhat and substantial
footwear with good traction. Long hair, loose
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving
parts.
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
14. 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. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set. Use seat
belts if provided.
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop
engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove key.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated
with feet on foot rests or pedal(s).
5. DO NOT operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck,
engage parking brake and make sure engine and
blades have stopped before removing grass
catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to
hands or feet.
7. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass.
Set blades in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
8. 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.
9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
10. Slow down before turning.
11. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
12. STOP engine immediately after striking an object
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Remove key.
Remove and disconnect the sparkplug wire. Make
necessary repairs before resuming operation.
13. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
14. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain
control during speed and directional changes.
15. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.
16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an
odorless and 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 out of the reach of children in a well
ventilated, unoccupied building. Shut off fuel (when
equipped with valve) while storing or transporting
machine.
2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers, drives
and cutting units to help prevent overheating and
fires. Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.
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. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE
(Continued From Previous Page)
7. Disconnect battery before performing maintenance
or service. Cranking engine could cause injury.
Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery first
and positive (red) cable last. Reconnect positive
first and negative last. Charge battery in an open,
well ventilated area away from spark and flames.
Unplug charger before connecting or
disconnecting from battery. Wear protective
clothing and insulated gloves.
8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work under
machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only
when engine and blades are 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. DO NOT make adjustments with
the engine running.
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. Never straighten or
weld blades, only replace them.
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
14. Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
15. Have machine serviced by an authorized
SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the
dealer install any new safety devices. Never allow
untrained personnel to service machine.
16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
WARNING
Front Weight Kit #6-3180 must be installed before
operating machine with the Clamshell Grass Catcher.
4
DECALS
_
_
NEW DECAL
-____
24773
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .....................................................................2-4
This section covers installation of the Snapper
Commercial Grass Catcher Blower Kit for Snapper Mid
Mount Z-Rider mowers. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF
WITH THIS PRODUCT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
INSTALLATION. See Sections for the PARTS
ILLUSTRATIONS and PARTS LISTS. Study these
pages. Become familiar with the parts, their method of
assembly, and also, their location.
Open the Hardware Bag and separate the nuts, bolts,
washers, etc. according to their size. Put the separated
fasteners into different bags/containers. This will speed
assembly time.
Read the following installation instructions carefully.
When you begin installation, make certain that you
follow the steps in sequence - as presented - this also
will save you time.
1.1 BLOWER DRIVE BELT INSTALLATION (All Models)
Install the blower drive belt as follows:
A. Depress belt idler and remove the inside
(forward) clutch drive belt. See Figure 1.1.
REMOVE INSIDE
CLUTCH DRIVE BELT
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine running. STOP blades. STOP
engine. Set brake. Remove key. DO NOT operate
machine without entire grass catcher, deflector or
guards in place.
IMPORTANT: Some models are equipped with a single
belt drive. To install the catcher on these models, the
single groove pulley P/N 4-6969 must be replaced with
dual groove pulley P/N 7-2388. The idler pulley P/N 18573 must also be replaced with P/N 3-5867. On MZM
Models only, do not use existing P/N 5-8209 belt.
Replace with P/N 3-5543.
B. Install blower drive belt on inside (forward) pulley
of electric clutch. Stretch belt out to the right hand
side and lay it over the frame rail.
C. Place the other belt in storage for later use.
1.2 DISCHARGE ADAPTER INSTALLATION
NOTE: The adapter kits are sold separately based
on the size deck on your machine.
61” Decks require Kit No. 6-3076.
52” Decks require Kit No. 6-3077.
Disconnect the battery cables. Remove the negative
(Black) cable first. Remove the positive (Red) cable
last.
Remove the deflector as follows:
A. Remove cotter pin.
B. Remove deflector hinge pin and spring.
C. Remove deflector and store it, along with the
other parts, for later use. See Figure 1.2.
WIRING
HARNESS
CONNECTOR
ELECTRIC CLUTCH
CONNECTOR
FIGURE 1.1
IMPORTANT: The grass catcher kit includes two
different length blower drive belts. Carefully check the
part numbers to insure you install the correct belt on
your machine.
1) Belt Part No. 7-2738 fits ZMT and machines with the
# 6-3165 Drive Shaft Lowering Kit installed.
2) Belt Part No. 4-6249 fits all other Mid-Mount
machines.
REMOVE COTTER PIN, HINGE
PIN, SPRING & DEFLECTOR
SPRING
DEFLECTOR
7
COTTE
PIN
HINGE PIN
FIGURE 1.2
SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION
K
R
D. Install the discharge adapter. See Figure 1.3.
SECURE WITH
COTTER PIN
LIP
FASTEN HOO
OVER LIP ON
DECK. PUSH DOWN
TO SECURE IN
PLACE.
HOOK
FIGURE 1.3
INSERT PIN
THRU HOLE
DISCHARGE
ADAPTER
1.3 BLADE INSTALLATION - 61” DECKS ONLY
NOTE: Blade Part No. 2-9251 is included in Adapter
Kit Part No. 6-3076 for 61” Decks.
A. Apply parking brake.
B. Use a hydraulic floor jack or hoist to raise machine
high enough to gain access to the underside of deck.
Secure machine with safety blocks.
D. Use blade hardware previously removed to install
new kit blade to discharge-side cutter spindle. Refer
to Figure 1.4.
1.4 FRONT WEIGHT KIT INSTALLATION
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance,
repairs, service, and unclogging grass tube or deck
adapter with the engine running. STOP engine.
STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key
from ignition switch. Remove spark plug wire(s) and
secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s). Engine,
muffler and surrounding areas are extremely hot.
Allow components to cool down before installing kit.
Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or
working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely
sharp and can cause severe injury. Grass Catchers
affect handling & stability of all machines. Exercise
extreme caution when operating on slopes. DO NOT
operate machine on slopes greater than 10 degrees.
DO NOT mow across slopes - mow up & down. DO
NOT park machine on slopes.
A. Remove top nuts and top flat washers on both sides of
axle. Place all weights on top of axle. The 1/4” thick plate
must be at the top. See Figure 1.5.
WARNING
Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and
can cause severe injury.
C. Remove discharge-side cutter blade and store for
later use. See Figure 1.4.
DISCHARGE
ADAPTER
(SEE FIG. 1.3)
TORQUE BLADE
BOLT 70 TO 80
FT. LBS.
DISCHARGE - SIDE CUTTE
SPINDLE (61” DECKS ONLY)
NEW BLADE
PART No. 2-9251
AXLE
1/4” PLATE MUST
BE ON TOP
PLACE WEIGHTS ON
TOP OF AXLE
FIGURE 1.5
(Continued On Next Page)
FIGURE 1.4
8
SECTION 1 – INSTALLATION
SECU
Y
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance,
repairs, service, and unclogging grass tube or deck
adapter with the engine running. STOP engine.
STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key
from ignition switch. Remove spark plug wire(s) and
secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s). Engine,
muffler and surrounding areas are extremely hot.
Allow components to cool down before installing
kit. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or
working around cutting blades. Blades are
extremely sharp and can cause severe injury. Grass
Catchers affect handling & stability of all machines.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.
DO NOT operate machine on slopes greater than 10
degrees. DO NOT mow across slopes - mow up &
down. DO NOT park machine on slopes.
INSTALL ALL WASHERS
AND NUTS. TIGHTEN
REL
1.4 FRONT WEIGHT KIT INSTALLATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
B. Place end brackets on top of weights and front axle.
See Figure 1.5A.
C. Install all four flat washers and top nuts and tighten
securely. See Figure 1.5B.
END
BRACKETS
FIGURE 1.5B
PLACE END BRACKETS
ON TOP OF WEIGHTS AND AXLE
FIGURE 1.5A
9
SECTION 1 - INSTALLATION
(4)
R
R
R
R
R
R
1.5 MOUNTING THE BLOWER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
1. Place blower support assembly into position on
the right rear corner of the frame.
2. Align the blower support assembly with the four
(4) holes in the side of the frame and secure with
four (4) 5/16-18 x 3/4” carriage bolts and Nyloc nuts.
3. Install the idler pulley assembly as shown in
Figure 1.6.
4. Remove the 5/16-18 Nyloc nuts from the
appropriate blower assembly bolts as shown in
Figure 1.7.
5. Attach the blower assembly to the support as
shown in Figure 1.7. Leave room for adjustment.
COTTE
PIN
BUSHINGS
IDLE
SPRING
FLAT
WASHER
IDLE
PULLEY
LOCKNUT
IDLE
PIVOT SHAFT
MOVE BLOWE
& SUPPORT TO
ALIGN BELT
SELF-TAPPING
SCREWS
BLOWE
PULLEY
FIGURE 1.8
IDLER PULLEY
ENGINE
DRIVE
PULLEY
BELT GUARD
LOOSEN NUTS
FROM ONE
BLOWER BOLT ON
EACH SIDE.
RETIGHTEN NUTS
AFTER GUARD IS IN
PLACE.
FIGURE 1.6
BLOWER BRACE
BLOWER SUPPORT
SLOTTED
NUTS
P/N 72399 ATTACHES FROM BLOWER SUPPORT TO
GEAR BOX MOUNT USING
HOLES
BLOWER ASSEMBLY
P/N 91508 & (4) P/N 91298
FIGURE 1.7
6. Install belt onto idler and blower pulleys as shown
in Figure 1.8. Align idler pulley, blower pulley, and
engine drive pulley using belt.
7. Once aligned, tighten the blower assembly to the
support.
8. Install belt guard. Refer to Figure 1.9.
9. Mount the left hand brace to the left hand side of
frame. See Figure 1.10. Check pulley and belt
alignment. Tighten all nuts and bolts securely.
97-9944SCREW, 3/8-16 x 5-1/2” Hex Head Cap, Grade 5 (10)
109-0160SCREW, 3/8-24 x 1” Hex Head Cap, Grade 5
119-1298NUT, 5/16-18 Hex Nyloc (18)
129-1299NUT, 3/8-16 Hex Nyloc (2)
139-1320WASHER, 3/8” x 11/16” x 3/32” Slotted Lock
149-1328SCREW, 3/8-16 x 1-1/4” Hex Head Cap, Grade 5 (2)
159-1331WASHER, 13/32” x 1-1/2” Flat
169-1508BOLT, 5/16-18 x 3/4” Short Neck Carriage, Grade 5 (8)
179-1802SCREW, 5/16 x 5/8” Hex Socket Head Set (4)
189-1803KEY, 3/16 x 1-1/2” Square
199-1823KEY, 5/32 x 5/8” Woodruff
202-4773DECAL, Danger Hand
212-2522DECAL, Caution
BLOWER KIT
15
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's use, SNAPPER, through any authorized
SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applicable), any part or parts found upon
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
SNAPPER FIELD SERVICEABLE SPINDLES and their components used on SNAPPER PRO® Mid Size walks
and SNAPPERZRIDER® ride on commercial equipment have a three (3) year limited warranty against defects
in material or workmanship or both.
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for
replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to engines and their components, and batteries, as these items are warranted
separately. This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse,
improper lubrication, normal wear, or other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This warranty does not
cover any machine or component that has been altered or modified, changing safety, performance, or durability.
Batteries have a one (1) year prorated warranty period with free replacement if required during the first ninety
(90) days from the original purchase date. SNAPPER will not be responsible for any installation cost incurred.
The battery warranty only covers original equipment batteries and does not cover damage to the battery or
machine caused by neglect or abuse, destruction by fire, explosion, freezing, overcharging, improper
maintenance, or use of improper electrolyte.
There is no other express warranty.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's use, and up to the extent permitted by law
and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for consequential
damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state.
WARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY
IMPAIR THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY
SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:
Snapper’s Product Registration Center, P.O. Box 1379, McDonough, Georgia. 30253
16
Safety Instructions, Installation & Operator’s Manual For