SafetyInstructions& Operator'sManualfor
22" WALKBEHIND
MOWERS
Models
$2265FC(7800262)
SP2265FC (7800263)
SPV22675HWFC (7800264)
J
NOTE:Specifications are correctattime ofprinting and are subjectto changewithout notice.
* Actual sustained engine power will likely be lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors. Please refer to 'EnginePower Rating Information' for
further details.
SNAPPER.cooooo_..o_,_o_o_
Manual No. 7101687 (Rev. '-', 4/7/2008)
TP100-5386---WB-N
ThankYoufor purchasingthis quality-built Snappermower.We're pleasedthat you placedyour
confidencein the Snapperbrand.When operatedand maintainedaccordingto the instructions in this
manual,your Snappermowerwill provide manyyears of dependableservice.
Thismanualcontainssafetyinformation to makeyou awareof the hazardsand risksassociatedwith the
machineand how to avoidthem. This machineis designedand intendedonlyfor finish cutting of
establishedlawnsand is not intendedfor any other purpose. It is importantthat you read and understand
theseinstructions thoroughly beforeattemptingto start or operatethis equipment.Savethese
instructions for future reference.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
IMPORTANT:KEEPTHISINFORMATIONFORYOURPERSONALRECORDS
(CompletethefollowinginformationonyourSnapperpurchase)
Dateof Purchase
Retailer
Retailer's Phone Number
Equipment
Model Number
SerialNumber
Engine
Model .Type. Trim
It isveryimportantthatyouregister yourpurchasewithSnapperto ensurewarrantycoverage.Please
mail yourproductregistrationcardto:
Snapper at P.O. Box 1379, IVlcDonough,Georgia 30253.
Youcancontactusat ourwebsite(www.snapper.com),or ifyouwouldlike tospeakwith a Customer
ServiceRepresentative,call usat the SnapperCustomerRelationsCenterat 1-800-317-7833. For
fasterservicepleasehaveyourSerial NumberandModel Numberavailable.
SNAPPERis a trademarkof
Briggs& StrattonPowerProductsGroup,LLC
Jefferson,WI, USA.
Briggs& StrattonYardPower Products Group
Copyright© 2008, Briggs& StrattonCorporation
Milwaukee, WI, USA. All RightsReserved.
Table of Contents
OperatorSafety ................................................ 2
Important OperatorSafety Instructions .................................. 2
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Preparation ................................................... 4
Unpacking ......................................................... 4
Handle ............................................................ 4
HandleHeight ...................................................... 5
Grass Bag ......................................................... 6
Side Discharge Deflector.............................................. 8
Mulching Tips ...................................................... 9
How to Preparethe Engine ............................................ 9
Final Preparation .................................................... 9
Operation ................................................... 10
Engine Stop Lever .................................................. 10
Front Wheel DriveSystem (Self-Propelled Units) .......................... 10
Stopping the Engine ................................................ 10
Starting the Engine ................................................. 11
Rules for SafeandEffectiveOperation .................................. 11
Maintenance ................................................. 12
Engine Maintenance ................................................ 12
EngineTipping .................................................... 12
Cleaningthe Mower Housing ......................................... 12
Lubrication ....................................................... 12
Adjusting the Height of Cut ........................................... 12
Removingthe Drive Belt ............................................. 13
Adjusting the Drive Cable ............................................ 14
BladeService ..................................................... 15
Removingthe Blade ............................................. 15
Sharpeningthe Blade ............................................ 15
Checkingthe Levelof Cut ......................................... 15
Preparing the Mower for Storage ...................................... 16
Troubleshooting............................................... 17
Warranty .................................................... 18
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WARNING
Batteryposts, terminals and relatedaccessoriescontain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to causecancer and birth defectsor other
reproductiveharm. Wash handsafter handling.
WARNING
Engineexhaust,some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals knownto
the State of California to causecanceror other reproductive
harm.
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IMPORTANTOPERATORSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating handsandfeet andcanthrow objects
that can cause injury anddamage! Failureto comply with the following SAFETYinstructions could result in
serious injury or death to the operator or other persons.The owner of the machinemust understand these
instructions andmust allow only personswho understandthese instructions to operate machine. Each
personoperating the machinemust be of sound mind andbody and must not beunder the influence of any
substance,which might impair vision, dexterityor judgment. If you haveany questions pertaining to your
machinewhich your dealercannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service
Departmentat SNAPPER,McDonough, Georgia30253. Phone:(1-800-317-7833).
Protection for Children
Tragic accidents canoccur if the operator is not alert to the
presenceof children. Childrenare often attracted to the
machine andthe mowing activity. Neverassumethat
children will remain where you lastsaw them.
1. KEEPchildren out of the mowing area and under the
watchful careof aresponsible adult other than the operator.
2. DO NOTallow children in yard when machine is operated
andturn machine OFFif anyoneenters the area.
3. DO NOTallow pre-teenagechildren to operate machine.
4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagerswith mature
judgment underclose adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOTpull mower backwards unless absolutely
necessary.LOOKand SEEbehind and down for children,
pets and hazards beforeand while backing.
6. USEEXTRACAREwhen approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
SlopeOperation
1. Slopes are a major factor relatedto slip and fall acci-
dents,which can result in severe injury. All slopes require
extra caution. If you feel uneasyon a slope, DONOTmow
it.
2. Mow across slopes, neverup-and-down. Exercise
extremeCAUTIONwhen changing directions on slopes. DO
NOTmow steep slopes or other areaswhere stability or
traction is in doubt. Referto the Slope Guideat the end of
this manual.
3. Useextra carewith grass catchers or other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Preparation
1. Read,understand, and follow instructions andwarnings
in this manualand on themower, engine andattachments.
Knowthe controls andthe proper useof the mower before
starting.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operatethe
machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Data indicatesthat operators age 60 andabove,are
involved in a large percentageof mower-related injuries.
Theseoperators should evaluatetheir ability to operatethe
mower safely enoughto protectthemselvesand others
from serious injury.
Preparation
(ContinuedFromPreviousColumn)
4. Handlefuel with extra care.Fuelsareflammable and
vapors are explosive. Useonly anapproved fuel container.
DONOTremovefuel capor addfuel with engine running.
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel and oil from machine. DONOTsmoke.
5. Checkthe areato bemowed and removeall objectssuch
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs andother objects that could
cause injury if thrown by bladeor interferewith mowing.
Also notethe location of holes, stumps, andother possible
hazards.
6. Keeppeople and pets out of the mowing area.
Immediately,STOPBlade,Stop engine and Stopmower if
anyone enters the area.
7. Checkshields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safetydevicesfrequently for proper operation and
location.
8. Makesureall safetydecals are clearly legible. Replaceif
damaged.
9. Protectyourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, a
dust mask, long pants, and substantial footwear. DONOT
mow barefooted or with sandals.
10. Know how to STOPbladeand engine quickly in
preparationfor emergencies.
11. Use extracarewhen loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
12. Checkgrass catchercomponents frequently for signs of
wear or deterioration and replaceas neededto prevent
injury from thrown objects going through weak or torn
spots.
Safe Handlingof Gasoline
Toavoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme
care in handlinggasoline. Gasolineis extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
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 machineindoors.
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.
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ImportantOperatorSafetyInstructions(Continued)
Safe Handling of Gasoline
(ContinuedFromPreviousPage)
6. DONOTfill fuel containers inside a vehicleor on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner.Always place the contain-
ers on the ground awayfrom thevehicle beforefilling.
7. Removegas-poweredequipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel equipment using aportable container, rather
than a gasolinedispenser nozzle.
8. DONOTstart gas powered equipmentin enclosedvehi-
cles or trailers.
9. Keepthenozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at alltimes until fueling is complete. DO
NOTusea nozzlelock-open device
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, changeclothing
immediately.
11. DO NOToverfill a fuel tank. Replacefuel capand tight-
en securely.
Operation
1. DONOTput hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keepclearof dischargeareawhile engineis running.
2. STOPengine when crossing gravel drives, walks,or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects
might be a hazard.
3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
4. DONOToperatemower while underthe influence of
alcohol or drugs.
5. After striking a foreign objector if mower vibrates
abnormally,STOPthe engine, disconnect and secure spark
plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damageand repair
the damage beforestarting.
6. DONOTmow near drop offs, ditches or embankments.
Operatorcould lose footing or balance.
7. STAYALERTfor holes and other hiddenhazards. Tall
grass can hideobstacles. Keepawayfrom ditches,
washouts, culverts, fencesand protruding objects.
8. DONOTmow on wet grass. Always besure of your
footing. Keepa firm hold on the handleand walk, never
run. Slipping could causeinjury.
9. ALWAYSstay behindhandlewhen engine (motor) is
running.
10. DO NOTleavethe machinewith the engine running.
STOPBLADEandSTOPENGINEbefore leaving the opera-
tors position for any reason.
11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting makecertain
engine,blade and all moving parts haveSTOPPED.
Disconnectand securespark plug wire away from plug to
prevent accidentalstarting.
12. STOPengine and wait until the blade comes to com-
pleteSTOPbefore removing grass bagand/or clearing
grass.
Operation
(ContinuedFromPreviousColumn)
13. DO NOToperatemower without the entire grass catch-
er, or guards in placedischarge guard, rearguard or other
safety devicesin placeandworking. DONOTpoint dis-
charge at people,passing cars, windows or doors.
14. DO NOTdischarge material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.
15. Slow down beforeturning.
16. Watch out for traffic when nearor crossing roadways.
17. DO NOToperateengine in enclosedareas. Engine
exhaust gasescontain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
18. Only use accessoriesapprovedby the manufacturer.
See manufacturer'sinstructions for properoperation and
installation of accessories.
MaintenanceandStorage
1. DO NOTstore mower or fuel container inside where
fumes mayreachan openflame, spark or pilot light such as
in awater heater,furnace, clothes dryer or other gasappli-
ance. Allow engineto coolbefore storing machine in an
enclosure. Store fuel container out of reachof children in a
well ventilated, unoccupiedbuilding.
2. Keepmower andengine free of grass, leavesor excess
greaseto reducefire hazardand engine overheating.
3. Whendraining fuel tank, drain fuel into anapproved
container outdoors and away from open flame.
4. Keepall bolts,especially bladebolts, nuts and screws
properly tight. Checkthat all cotter pins are in proper
position.
5. Alwaysprovide adequateventilation when running
engine. Engineexhaust gasescontain carbon monoxide, a
deadly poison.
6. Serviceengine and makeadjustments only when engine
is stopped. Removedspark plug wire from spark plug and
secure wire awayfrom spark plugto preventaccidental
starting.
7. DONOTchangeengine governor speed settings or
overspeed engine.
8. Checkgrass bag assembly frequently for wear or
deterioration to avoidthrown objects and exposure to
moving parts. Replacewith new bag if loose seams or tears
are evident. Replaceslider or bag adapterif brokenor
cracked.
9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the bladesor
wear heavy leathergloves and use CAUTIONwhen handling
them.
10. DO NOTtest for spark by grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
11. Havemachine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at leastonce ayear and havethe dealerinstall any
newsafety devices.
12. Use only genuine SNAPPERreplacementparts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
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Preparation
WARNING:Beforedoinganyassemblyor
maintenancetothe mower,removethe wire
from the sparkplug.
NOTE.In this instruction book, left andright describethe
location of a part with the operator standing behind the
handle.
Unpacking
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The mower wasfully assembledatthe factory.When the
mower was put inthe carton, the handlewas put inthe
storage position. Toput the handlein the operating position,
follow the steps below.
Figure 1: Unfolding the lower handle
Handle
1. Removethe mower from the carton.
2. Removeall packingmaterial from the mower and the
handle.
3. Turnthe knobs (A, Figure 1) on either sideof the lower
handle (B) to retractthe locking pins. Raisethe lower
handle,aligning it with one of the three sets of holes in
the handle brackets(C). Turnthe knobsto releasethe
locking pins and securethe lower handle.
4. Put the upper handle(A, Figure 2) in the operating
(upright) position. Tighten the wingnuts (B).
NOTE.Theheight of the handle canbe set for operator
comfort. See "HandleHeight".
CAUTION:Becareful whenyou fold or raisethe handle. Do
not damagethe cables. A cablethat is bentwill not work
correctly. Beforeyou use the unit, replacea bent or damaged
cable.
,
Hold the engine stop leveragainstthe handle. (Refer to
section entitled 'EngineStop Lever'.) Slowly pull the
recoil-start grip (A, Figure3). To attach the recoil-start
grip to the rope guide (B), twist the rope through the
rope guide mounted on the right sideof the handle.
Figure2: Unfoldingthe upper handle
Figure3: Attaching the recoil-start grip
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Preparation(Continued)
Handle Height
1. Turnthe knobs (A, Figure 4) on either sideof the lower
handle (B) to retractthe locking pins. Align the lower
handle with the desired setof holesin the handle
brackets (C). Turnthe knobsto releasethe locking pins
and secure the lower handle.
Note. Do not removethe lower setof bolts and nuts securing
the lower handle.
Figure4: Adjusting the handle height
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Preparation(Continued)
AssemblingtheGrassBag
Note: On somemodels, the side mounted discharge deflector
is temporarily attached (for shipping purposes) to the rear of
the mower. Beforeassembly of thegrass bag, remove the
side mounted dischargedeflector.
.
Slide the frame assembly (A, Figure5) into the grass
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bag (B).
,
Make surethe handle(A, Figure 6) is on the outsideof
the grass bag.
Figure5: Installing the frame assembly
.
First, attachthe clips (B, Figure 6) to the sideof the
frame assembly (C). Next, attach the clipsto the top and
bottom of the frame assembly.
Figure6: Installing the bag clips
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