SafetyInstructions& Operator'sManual for
21" VARIABLESPEED
REARDISCHARGE
WALKBEHIND
MOWERS
\
SPV21675(7800179)
SPV21675E (7800195)
NSPV21675 (7800231)
NSPV21675E (7800232)
Models
J
NOTE:Specifications are correct attime of printing and are subjectto changewithout notice.
* Actualsustained engine power will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. Please refer to 'Engine Power Rating Information' for
further details.
Manual No. 7101301(I.R. 11/29/2007)
TP 100-5270-1R-WB-N
ThankYoufor purchasingthis quality-built Snappermower. We're pleasedthat you placedyour
confidenceinthe Snapperbrand.Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingto the instructions in this
manual,your Snappermower will provide manyyears of dependableservice.
Thismanualcontainssafety information to makeyou awareof the hazardsand risks associatedwith the
machineandhow to avoidthem. This machineis designedand intendedonlyfor finish cutting of
establishedlawns and is not intendedfor anyother purpose. It is importantthat you read and understand
theseinstructions thoroughly beforeattemptingto start or operatethis equipment.Savethese
instructions for future reference.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
IMPORTANT: KEEPTHIS INFORMATION FOR YOUR PERSONAL RECORDS
(Complete the following information on your Snapper purchase)
Date of Purchase
Retailer
Retailer'sPhoneNumber
Equipment
Model Number
Serial Number
Engine
Model .Type. Trim
It is veryimportantthatyouregisteryourpurchasewith Snapperto ensurewarrantycoverage.Please
mail yourproductregistrationcardto:
Snapper at P.O. Box777, McDonough, Georgia 30253.
Oryou may registeronline at www.snapper.com.
Youcan contactusat ourwebsite,or ifyouwouldlike to speakwith a CustomerService
Representative,call usat the SnapperCustomerRelationsCenterat 1-800-317-7833. Forfaster
servicepleasehaveyourSerial NumberandModelNumberavailable.
SNAPPERis a trademarkof
SimplicityManufacturing,Inc.
PortWashington,WI, USA.
Briggs& StrattonYardPower Products Group
Copyright© 2007, Briggs& StrattonCorporation
Milwaukee, WI, USA. All RightsReserved.
Tableof Contents
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Operator Safety ................................................ 2
Important OperatorSafety Instructions .................................. 2
Featuresand Controls ........................................... 4
Operation .................................................... 5
Pre-Start Checklist .................................................. 5
Starting & Stopping Engine& Blade..................................... 5
Propelling Mower ................................................... 6
HandleHeightAdjustment ............................................ 6
Cutting HeightAdjustment ............................................ 7
Recycling Operation ................................................. 7
Installing the DischargeDeflector ....................................... 8
Removingthe Recycling Plug .......................................... 8
Installing the Grass Bag .............................................. 8
Maintenance .................................................. 9
ChangeEngine Oil ................................................... 9
CheckMower Blade ................................................. 9
CheckEngineDriveBelt .............................................. 9
Service- Periodic ................................................... 9
Engine ............................................................ 9
Air Filter .......................................................... 9
Engine Oil ......................................................... 9
Wheel DriveComponents ............................................ 10
Storage Procedure ................................................. 10
Mower Blade Replacement ........................................... 11
BladeSharpening .................................................. 11
Wheel DriveControl Adjustment ....................................... 12
Belt Service ....................................................... 13
Engine Drive Belt Replacement ........................................ 13
Battery Service .................................................... 14
RearCoverRemoval& Installation ..................................... 15
Service Schedule................................................... 16
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Troubleshooting............................................... 17
Warranty .................................................... 18
Slope Guide ................................................. 19
WARNING
Batteryposts,terminals and relatedaccessoriescontain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
Californiato cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductiveharm. Wash handsafter handling.
WARNING
Engineexhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to causecancer or other reproductive
harm.
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IMPORTANTOPERATORSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:This powerful cutting machine is capableof amputating handsandfeet and canthrow objects
that can cause injury and damage! Failureto comply with the following SAFETYinstructions could result in
serious injury or deathto the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these
instructions andmust allow only persons who understandthese instructions to operate machine.Each
personoperating the machinemust be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any
substance,which might impair vision, dexterityor judgment. If you haveany questions pertaining to your
machinewhich your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service
Departmentat SNAPPER,IVIcDonough,Georgia30253. Phone:(1-800-317-7833).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
Tragic accidents canoccur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children. Children are often attracted to the
machine andthe mowing activity. Neverassumethat
children will remain whereyou last saw them.
1. KEEPchildren out of the mowing area and under the
watchful careof aresponsibleadult other than the operator.
2. DO NOTallow children in yard when machine is operated
andturn machine OFFif anyone enters the area.
3. DO NOTallow pre-teenagechildren to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagerswith mature
judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOTpull mower backwards unless absolutely
necessary.LOOKand SEEbehindanddown for children,
pets and hazards beforeandwhile backing.
6. USEEXTRACAREwhen approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
SLOPE OPERATION
1. Slopes are a major factor relatedto slip andfall
accidents,which can result in severeinjury. All slopes
require extra caution. Ifyou feel uneasyon aslope, DONOT
mow it.
2. Mow across slopes, neverup-and-down. Exercise
extremeCAUTIONwhen changing directions on slopes. DO
NOTmow steep slopes or other areas where stability or
traction is in doubt. Referto the Slope Guideat the back of
this manual.
3. Useextra care with grass catchersor other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
PREPARATION
1. Read,understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manualandon the mower, engine and attachments.
Knowthe controls andthe proper useof the mower before
starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operatethe
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 andabove,are
involved in a large percentageof mower-related injuries.
Theseoperators should evaluatetheir ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselvesand others
from serious injury.
4. Handlefuel with extra care. Fuelsareflammable and
vapors are explosive. Useonly an approved fuel container.
DONOTremovefuel capor add fuel with engine running.
PREPARATION
(ContinuedFromPreviousColumn)
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel and oil from machine. DO NOTsmoke.
5. Checkthe areato be mowed and removeall objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown bybladeor interfere with mowing.
Also notethe location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
6. Keeppeople and pets out of the mowing area.
Immediately,STOPBlade,Stop engine and Stop mower if
anyone enters the area.
7. Checkshields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safetydevicesfrequently for proper operation and
location.
8. Makesureall safety decals are clearly legible. Replaceif
damaged.
9. Protectyourself when mowing andwear safety glasses,
long pants and substantial footwear. DONOTmow
barefootedor with sandals.
10. Know how to STOPbladeand engine quickly in
preparationfor emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
12. Checkgrass catcher components frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replaceas neededto prevent
injury from thrown objects going through weakor torn
spots.
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Toavoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme
care in handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremely flammable
and the vapors areexplosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
2. Useonly an approvedfuel container.
3. DONOTremovefuel cap or addfuel with the engine
running. Allow the engineto cool before refueling.
4. DONOTrefuelthe machine indoors.
5. DONOTstorethe machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a
water heateror other appliances.
6. DONOTfill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.Always placethe
containers on the ground awayfrom the vehicle before
filling.
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IMPORTANTOPERATORSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS(Continued)
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
(ContinuedFromPrevious Page)
7. Remove gas-poweredequipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuelit on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuelequipment using a portablecontainer, rather
than a gasolinedispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOTstart gas powered equipment in enclosed
vehicles or trailers.
9. Keepthe nozzlein contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. DO
NOTuseanozzlelock-opendevice
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
11. DO NOToverfill a fuel tank. Replacefuel cap and tighten
securely.
OPERATION
1. DO NOTput handsor feet near or under rotating parts.
Keepclearof discharge areawhile engine is running.
2. STOPenginewhen crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads, and under anyconditions where thrown objects
might be a hazard.
3. Mow only indaylight or good artificial light.
4. DONOToperatemower while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
5.After striking a foreign object or if mowervibrates
abnormally,STOPthe engine, disconnect and secure spark
plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damageand repair the
damagebeforestarting.
6. DO NOTmow near drop offs, ditches or embankments.
Operatorcould lose footing or balance.
7. STAYALERTfor holes and other hidden hazards.Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keepawayfrom ditches,
washouts, culverts, fencesand protruding objects.
8. DO NOTmow on wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing. Keepa firm hold onthe handleand walk, neverrun.
Slipping could causeinjury.
9.ALWAYSstay behind handlewhen engine (motor) is
running.
10. DO NOTleavethe machinewith the engine running.
STOPBLADEand STOPENGINEbeforeleavingthe
operators position for any reason.
11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain
engine,bladeandall moving parts haveSTOPPED.
Disconnectandsecurespark plug wire awayfrom plug to
prevent accidentalstarting.
12. STOPengineand wait until the bladecomes to
completeSTOPbeforeremoving grass bag and/or clearing
grass.
13. DO NOToperatemower without the entire grass
catcher,or guards in placedischarge guard, rearguard or
other safety devicesin place and working. DONOTpoint
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
OPERATION
(ContinuedFromPreviousColumn)
14. DO NOTdischarge material against a wall or
obstruction. Materialmay ricochet back towards the
operator.
15. Slow down beforeturning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17. DO NOToperateenginein enclosedareas. Engine
exhaust gasescontain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
18. Only use accessories approvedby the manufacturer.
See manufacturer'sinstructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories.
MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE
1. DO NOTstore mower or fuel container inside where
fumes mayreachan open flame, spark or pilot light such as
in awater heater,furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in
an enclosure.Store fuel container out of reachof children
in awell ventilated, unoccupied building.
2. Keepmower and engine free of grass, leavesor excess
greaseto reducefire hazardand engine overheating.
3. Whendraining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved
container outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Keepall bolts, especially bladebolts, nuts and screws
properlytight. Checkthat all cotter pins are in proper
position.
5. Alwaysprovide adequate ventilation when running
engine. Engineexhaust gasescontain carbon monoxide, a
deadly poison.
6. Serviceengine and makeadjustments only when engine
is stopped. Removedsparkplug wire from spark plugand
secure wire awayfrom spark plugto preventaccidental
starting.
7. DONOTchangeengine governor speedsettings or
overspeed engine.
8. Checkgrass bagassemblyfrequently for wear or
deterioration to avoidthrown objects and exposure to
moving parts. Replacewith new bag if loose seamsor tears
are evident. Replaceslider or bag adapterif brokenor
cracked.
9. Mower bladesaresharp and can cut. Wrap the bladesor
wear heavy leather gloves and useCAUTIONwhenhandling
them.
10. DO NOTtest for sparkby grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
11. Havemachineserviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once ayear and havethe dealerinstall any
newsafetydevices.
12. Use only genuine SNAPPERreplacementparts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
IMPORTANT
The figures andillustrations in this manual are provided
for referenceonly and may differ from your specific model,
Contactyour Snapperdealer if you havequestions.
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FeaturesandControls
A. Oil Fill Capand Dipstick
B. FuelFillerCap
C. RecyclingCover
D. Battery Box
E. Height Adjustment Lever
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BladeControl
RopeStart Handle
Drive WheelControl
RearDischargeDoor
Grass Bag
Pre-StartCheckList
Make the following checksandperform the service required
before each start-up.
1. Checkthe guards,deflectors, grass bag,and coversto
make sure all are in placeandsecurelytightened.
2. Checkthe bladecontrol (A, Figure 1) and wheeldrive
control (B) to insure they work freely.
Figure 1: Mower controls
3. Checkthe cutting height.Adjust to the desired height.
Refer to the Section 'Cutting Height Adjustment'.
4. Checkthe engineoil andaddoil as neededto bring the
level up to the full mark (A, Figure 2). Referto the
Engine Owner'sManual for oil specifications.
StartingandOperation
Engine and Blade
1. Pullthe blade control (A, Figure 3) againstthe handle.
2. Start the mower:
Manual Start Models: Pullthe rope start handle (B)
to crank the engine.
Electric Start Models: Insertthe key(C) into the
ignition switch (D), located on the right side of the
handle abovethe rope guide. Turnthe keyto crank
the engine.
3. After the enginestarts, allow a brief warm-up until the
engine runs smooth before beginning mower operation.
NOTE:Tostop the engine (and blade), releasethe blade
control.
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Figure2: Checkingengine oil
5. Addfuel to the tank after pushing the mower outside
wherefumes cansafely dissipate. Fill thetank to 1-1/2
inches belowthe top of the filler neck (to allow for fuel
expansion). Makesure the cap is tightened after fueling.
Refer to the EngineOwners Manual for fuel
specifications.
6. Cleanthe exterior surfacesof the cutting deck and
engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass,
oil, etc. Keepthe engine air intakescreen and cooling
fins clear at all times.
Figure3: Starting the mower
StartingandOperation(Continued)
Propelling the Mower
1. Startthe engine.Referto the Section entitled"Starting
and Operation- EngineandBlade".
2. Beginsqueezingthe wheel drive control (A, Figure 4)
back toward the handle to engagethe wheel drive and
propel the mowerforward. Forwardspeedcan be
increased by squeezingthe wheeldrive control further
back toward the handle.
HandleHeightAdjustment
Theheight of the mower handlecan be adjusted asfollows:
1. Turnthe two locking cams(A, Figure 5) a quarter-turn
to unlockthe handleassembly (B).
2. Align the handle assemblywith one of the three handle
height adjustment holes (C) in the mounting brackets.
3. Return the locking cams to their original position to lock
the handle.
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Figure4: Wheeldrive control
(Components removed for clarity)
Figure5. Adjusting the handleheight
Stopping
1. Stop forward motion of the mower by releasingthe
wheeldrive control.
2. Stop the engine and blade by releasingthe blade
control.
DONOTattempt anymaintenance, adjustments or service
with engine and bladerunning. STOPengine and blade.
Disconnectspark plug wire and secureaway from spark
plug. Engineand components are HOT.Avoid serious
burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool.
WARNING
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