Snapper 7600005, 7600004, 7600003 Owner’s Manual

Actual product may differ from product pictured above

Manual No. 7011299 (I.R. 03/11/05)

Modelscovered:

Includes Clamshell, Blower

and Weight Kits

48" Kit PIN 7600003
52" Kit PIN 7600004
61" Kit PIN 7600005

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You have just purchased one of the finest pieces of outdoor power equipment on the market today. If properly cared for,
your new Z-Vac Grass Catcher Kit will provide years of dependable service. Please read and follow this instruction man-
ual carefully in order to get the most out of your new equipment.

As you carefully unpack your unit, you will find the following items:

1 Blower Kit (48" PIN 3071107, 52" PIN 3071108, 61" PIN 3063348)
1 Clamshell Catcher Kit (All, 7063382)
1 Weight Kit (All, 3071110)
1 Package containing operating manuals and warranty registration

Each product leaves our factory in excellent condition; occasionally, however, some damage may occur during shipment.
If any such damage is found upon initial inspection, immediately notify the transport carrier who delivered your machine,
as they are solely responsible for such damage, as well as any subsequent adjustments necessary.

Before assembly, please take a moment and record your model number and serial number below for future reference (both
numbers are located on the serial tag attached to the blower):

Model number

Serial number

Also be sure to promptly fill out and return the warranty registration enclosed in your manual packet.

Your new unit requires very little assembly. Simply follow the instructions contained within this manual to begin enjoying
the benefits of your new unit.

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TRAINING

-- Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the man-

ual and on the unit before starting. If the operator(s) or
mechanic(s) can not read English it is the owner's responsi-
bility to explain this material to them.

-- Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.

--All operators and mechanics should be trained. The
owner is responsible for training the users.

-- Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the unit.

-- Never let children or untrained people operate or service
the equipment. Local regulations may restrict the age of the

operator.

-- The owner/user can prevent and is responsible for acci-
dents or injuries occurring to themselves, other people or

property.

PREPARATION

-- Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and

attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the

job. Use only accessories and attachments approved by

the manufacturer.

-- Wear appropriate clothing including safety shoes, safety
glasses and ear protection. Long hair, loose clothing or jew-
elry may get tangled in moving parts.

-- Inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and
remove all objects such as rocks, toys and wire, which can
be thrown by the machine.

-- Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine run-
ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel or drain the machine indoors.

-- Check that operator's presence controls, safety switches
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate unless they are functioning properly.

OPERATION

-- Never run an engine in an enclosed area.

-- Operate only in the daylight or with good artificial light,
keeping away from holes and hidden hazards.

-- Be sure of your footing while using pedestrian controlled
equipment, especially when backing up. Walk, don't run.

-- Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

Always look down and behind before and while traveling in

reverse.

-- Be aware of the blower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the blower without hose
and bagger hood in place.

-- Never leave a running unit unattended. Always stop

engine before leaving unit.

-- Never operate with guards not securely in place. Be sure
all safety features are attached, adjusted properly and func-
tioning properly.

-- Never operate with the hose or cover removed or altered.

-- Do not change the engine governor setting or over speed
the engine.

-- Stop on level ground, shut off engine before leaving the
operator's position for any reason.

-- Stop equipment and inspect impeller blades after striking
objects or abnormal vibration occurs. Make necessary
repairs before resuming operations.

-- Keep hands and feet away intake and discharge areas.

-- Keep pets and bystanders away.

-- Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs.

-- Use caution when crossing roads and sidewalks. Stop
engine if not blowing.

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

-- Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure vision.

SLOPE OPERATION

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 it, do not drive on it.

Do

-- Mow up and down slopes, never across face.

-- Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

-- Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the unit. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

-- Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

Do Not

-- Do not start or stop on a slope. If tires lose traction, pro-
ceed slowly straight down the slope.

-- Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

-- Do not use near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
operator could lose footing or balance or blower could sud-
denly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch,
or if an edge caves in.

-- Do not operate on slopes with wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing or traction could cause sliding.

-- Do not operate machine on slopes in excess of 10
degrees (18% grade) when equipped with a grass catcher.

-- Do not operate machine without weight kit installed when
equipped with a grass catcher.

CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the unit

and its activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.

-- Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.

-- Do not allow children or others to ride on the machine,
attachment, or towed equipment (even with the blades off).

-- Be alert and turn unit off if children enter the area.

-- Before and during reverse operation, look behind and
down for small children.

-- Never allow children to operate the unit.

-- Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

EMISSIONS

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

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

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

--Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices
when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.

-- Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage
preparations before storing the unit for both short and long
term periods.

--Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper
start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.

-- Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as in a water heater. Allow unit

to cool before storing.

-- Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. Do not store fuel
near flames or drain indoors.

-- Keep all hardware tight and keep all parts in good work-
ing condition. Replace all worn or damaged decals.

-- Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

-- Clean leaves and debris from mufflers and engine to pre-
vent fires. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.

-- Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

-- Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine run-
ning unless specified otherwise.

-- Park machine on level ground. Never allow untrained per-
sonnel to service machine.

-- Carefully release pressure from components with stored
energy. (e.g. springs)

-- Only replace impellers. Never straighten or weld them.

-- Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

-- Frequently check components and replace with manufac-
turer's recommended parts, when necessary.

-- Use only factory authorized replacement parts when mak-
ing repairs.

-- Always comply with factory specifications on all settings
and adjustments.

-- Only authorized service locations should be utilized for
major service and repair requirements.

-- Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless
you have been properly trained. Improper service proce-
dures can result in hazardous operation, equipment dam-
age and voiding of manufacturer's warranty.

BLOWER KIT INSTALLATION

STEP 1: Remove pin, rod and spring securing dis-

charge deflector to mower deck, and remove
deflector. Set rod and pin aside for future assem-

bly step. Store deflector for future use. IMPOR-
TANT: Never operate mower without discharge
deflector or grass catcher securely in place.

STEP 2: Remove two bolts securing right deck pul-
ley guard to mower deck and remove guard. Set
bolts aside for future assembly step. Store guard

for future use. IMPORTANT: Never operate mower
without a pulley guard securely in place.

STEP 3: Lift off and set aside foot rest/center deck
cover to expose senter blade deck. Pull blade belt

deck idler arm in direction indicated to relieve belt
tension, and slip blade belt off of right blade drive

pulley.

NOTE: Assistance may be needed for removal of
blade belt.

REMOVE PIN,
ROD AND SPRING

STEP 4: Remove nut securing pulley to blade
spindle, and install supplied blower pulley on top of
existing pulley. Replace nut, and torque to 70-80 ft-
Ibs. Replace deck belt onto groove of bottom pul-
ley.

NOTE: Nut secures blade bolt in place. Support
bolt from beneath while installing pulley.

IMPORTANT: Use gloves when working under
deck. Sharp blades can cause injury.

STEP 5: Set blower against deck discharge. Align
holes in blower mount with holes in deck discharge
tabs, and secure blower with discharge deflector
rod removed in Step 1, securing with pin. NOTE:
Do not reinstall the deflector spring when installing

the rod.

STEP 6: Pull back on idler tension release handle,
and install blower belt around top groove of deck

pulley. NOTE: Make sure belt is not rolled or
twisted when installing.

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REMOVE BOLTS,

HEN REMOVE

OVER

STEP6a:Removeboltssecuringimpellerpulley
covertoblower,andremovecover.

STEP 6b: Check to see that blower belt is routed
around impeller pulley and idler pulleys after belt is

installed onto deck pulley. Replace cover, tighten-
ing bolts securely. IMPORTANT: Never operate
any mower without a pulley guard securely in

place.

STEP 7: Slip tube of locking pin bracket into blow-
er mount, and secure with T-handle pin, making
sure pin goes through both upper and lower holes
in blower mount. Then align base of pin bracket
parallel with rear of deck, and, using bracket as a
template, drill two 7/16" holes through deck. Insert
two 3/8-16 x 1" hex bolts up through deck and
bracket, securing with hex flange lock nuts.
Tighten securely. IMPORTANT: Use gloves when
working under deck. Sharp blades can cause
injury.

STEP 8: Lay supplied pulley guard onto deck,
aligning holes in guard with holes in deck. Install
with bolts securing original guard, tightening
securely.

NOTE: 48" deck shown; 52" and 61" deck guard
configurations may differ.

6

STEP9: Installbeltguardbetweenpulleyguard
andbeltguardsupportcliponfrontpartofblower
mount.Securewith two 5/16nylonwingnuts.
Tightennutssecurely.

WEIGHT KIT INSTALLATION

!! Warning: Weight kit must be installed prior to

installing clamshell kit. Failure to do so may
result in Iongitudal tipping of unit.

STEP 10: Lay weight mount channel, with installed

weights, across front end of machine as shown.
Secure to machine with two clamp plates, one

under each caster arm, each held on with two 3/8-

16 x 4" hex bolts and lock nuts. See Inset. Tighten

securely.

WING NUTS

WEIGHT

MOUNT

CHANNEL

CLAMSHELL KIT INSTALLATION

STEP 11: Install bumper mount standoffs onto rear

bumper of machine, utilizing existing hardware on
machine. NOTE: Invert hardware when installing
standoffs, installing bolts out through bumper with
nuts facing out.

NOTE: When installing standoffs, be sure that the
bumper mount plate mounting holes along the

back bar of both standoffs are oriented towards the
right side of the machine. Refer to the Parts List

section of the manual.

STEP 12: Install bumper mount plate onto stand-
offs with four 5/16-18 x 3/4 hex bolts, securing with
four 5/16-18 hex flange lock nuts. Tighten secure-
ly.

7

STEP13:Hookbottomof clamshellmountonto
pinsinbottomof bumpermountplate,thenraise

clamshellassemblyupagainstbumpermount.
IMPORTANT: Assistanceis requiredwhen

installingclamshellunit.

STEP14:Slidehitchrodthroughalignedholesin
clamshellmountandbumpermountplate,secur-

ingwithhairpin.
IMPORTANT: Assistanceis requiredwhen

installingclamshellunit.

STEP15:Hookthe largeholeofeachactuating
armontothehookoneachsideoftherearcover.

Thensecuretheotherend of the armontothe
insideofeachsideof the handleweldmentwith

one3/8-16x 2" hexboltandnylocnut. Tighten
snugly.NOTE:Makesurebendofarmis up.

Pushhandledowntolockcover.

8