SafetyInstructions& Operator'sManualfor
21" VARIABLESPEED
REARDISCHARGE
WALKBEHIND
MOWERS
\
SPV21675FC (7800265)
SPV21675EFC (7800266)
Models
NOTE:Specifications are correctattime of printing andare 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.
Manual No. 7101688 (Rev. '-', 4/7/2008)
McDonough, GA,, 30253 U.S_A,
TP100-5387---WB-N
ThankYoufor purchasingthis quality-built Snappermower.We're pleasedthat you placedyour
confidencein the Snapperbrand.Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingto the instructions in this
manual,your Snappermowerwill provide manyyearsof dependableservice.
Thismanualcontainssafety information to makeyou awareof the hazardsand risks associatedwith the
machineand how to avoidthem. This machineis designedand intendedonlyfor finish cutting of
establishedlawnsand is not intendedfor any other purpose. It is important that you readand 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 is veryimportantthat youregister yourpurchasewithSnapperto ensurewarrantycoverage.Please
mail yourproductregistrationcardto:
Snapper at P.O. Box 1379, IVlcDonough,Georgia 30253.
Youcancontactusat ourwebsite(www.snapper.com),orif youwouldlike tospeakwith a Customer
ServiceRepresentative,call usat the SnapperCustomerRelationsCenterat 1-800-317-7833. For
faster service please haveyourSerial 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
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OperatorSafety ................................................ 2
Important OperatorSafety Instructions .................................. 2
Featuresand Controls ........................................... 4
Operation .................................................... 5
Pre-Start Checklist .................................................. 5
Starting & Stopping Engine& Blade ..................................... 5
Propelling Mower ................................................... 6
HandleHeight Adjustment ............................................ 6
Cutting HeightAdjustment ............................................ 7
Recycling Operation ................................................. 7
Installing the Discharge Deflector ....................................... 8
Removingthe Recycling Plug .......................................... 8
Installing the Grass Bag .............................................. 8
Maintenance .................................................. 9
ChangeEngine 0il ................................................... 9
CheckMower Blade ................................................. 9
CheckEngine Drive Belt .............................................. 9
Service- Periodic ................................................... 9
Engine ............................................................ 9
Air Filter .......................................................... 9
Engine Oil ......................................................... 9
Wheel Drive Components ............................................ 10
Storage Procedure ................................................. 10
Mower Blade Replacement ........................................... 11
BladeSharpening .................................................. 11
Wheel Drive Control Adjustment ....................................... 12
Belt Service ....................................................... 13
Engine Drive Belt Replacement ........................................ 13
Battery Service .................................................... 14
RearCover Removal & Installation ..................................... 15
Service Schedule................................................... 16
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Troubleshooting............................................... 17
Warranty .................................................... 18
SlopeGuide ................................................. 19
WARNING
Batteryposts, terminals and related accessoriescontain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to 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 capable of amputating handsand feet 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 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
machinewhich your dealer cannot 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. 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 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 under close adult supervision to operate machine.
5. DO NOTpull mower backwardsunless 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.
SLOPE OPERATION
1. Slopes are a major factor relatedto slip and fall
accidents,which can result in severeinjury. All slopes
require extra caution. If you feel uneasyon a slope, DONOT
mow it.
2. Mow across slopes, never up-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 back of
this manual.
3. Useextra carewith grass catchersor other attachments;
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
PREPARATION
1. Read,understand, and follow instructions andwarnings
in this manual and on the mower, engine and attachments.
Knowthe controls and the 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 and above,are
involved in a large percentageof mower-related injuries.
Theseoperators should evaluatetheir ability to operate the
mower safely enough to protect themselves and others
from serious injury.
4. Handlefuel with extra care. Fuelsareflammable and
vapors are explosive. Useonly an approvedfuel container.
DONOTremovefuel capor add fuel with engine running.
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean
spilled fuel and oil from machine. DONOTsmoke.
5. Checkthe areato be mowed and removeall objects such
as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could
cause injury if thrown by bladeor interfere with mowing.
Also notethe location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
6. Keeppeopleand 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 and wear safety glasses,
long pants and substantial footwear. DONOTmow
barefootedor with sandals.
10. Know how to STOPbladeand enginequickly in
preparationfor emergencies.
11. Use extra carewhen 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 HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Toavoid personal injury or property damage, useextreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasolineis extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.
2. Useonly an approved fuel container.
3. DONOTremovefuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engineto cool before refueling.
4. DONOTrefuelthe machine indoors.
5. DONOTstore the 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
(ContinuedFromPreviousPage)
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
NOTusea nozzle lock-open device
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 engineis running.
2. STOPenginewhen crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads, and under any conditions 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 mower vibrates
abnormally,STOPthe engine,disconnect andsecure spark
plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damageand repairthe
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, fences and protruding objects.
8. DO NOTmow on wet grass. Always be sure of your
footing. Keepa firm hold onthe handleand walk, neverrun.
Slipping could cause injury.
9.ALWAYSstay behind handlewhen engine (motor) is
running.
10. DO NOTleavethe machinewith the engine running.
STOPBLADEandSTOPENGINEbeforeleavingthe
operators position for any reason.
11. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain
engine,blade and all moving parts haveSTOPPED.
Disconnectand secure spark plugwire awayfrom plug to
prevent accidentalstarting.
12. STOPengineandwait until the bladecomes to
completeSTOPbefore removing grass bag and/or clearing
grass.
13. DO NOToperatemower without the entire grass
catcher,or guards in placedischarge guard, rearguard or
other safety devices in place and working. DONOTpoint
discharge at people,passing cars, windows or doors.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
14. DO NOTdischarge material against a wall or
obstruction. Material may ricochet back towards the
operator.
15. Slow down beforeturning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or 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 proper operation and
installation of accessories.
MAINTENANCEAND STORAGE
1. DO NOTstore mower or fuel containerinside 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 andaway 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. Serviceengineand makeadjustments only when engine
is stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark plug and
secure wire awayfrom spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.
7. DONOTchangeengine governor speedsettings or
overspeed engine.
8. Checkgrass bagassembly frequently 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 bladesare sharp and can cut. Wrap the bladesor
wear heavy leathergloves and useCAUTIONwhen handling
them.
10. DO NOTtest for spark by grounding spark plug nextto
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.
11. Havemachine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once ayear and havethe dealerinstall any
newsafety devices.
12. Use only genuine SNAPPERreplacementparts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
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IMPORTANT
The figures and illustrations in this manualare provided
for referenceonly and may differ from your specific model,
Contactyour Snapperdealer if you have questions.
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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
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Pre-StartCheckList
Make the following checks and perform the service required
before each start-up.
1. Checkthe guards, deflectors, grass bag,and coversto
make sure all are in placeand securelytightened.
2. Checkthe blade control (A, Figure1) andwheeldrive
control (B) to insure they work freely.
Figure 1: Mower controls
3. Checkthe cutting height. Adjust to the desiredheight.
Refer to the Section 'Cutting Height Adjustment'.
4. Checkthe engineoil and add oil as neededto bring the
level up to the full mark (A, Figure2). Referto the
Engine Owner'sManualfor oil specifications.
StartingandOperation
Engine and Blade
1. Pull the blade control (A, Figure 3) againstthe handle.
2. Start the mower:
Manual Start Models: Pull the 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 moweroperation.
NOTE.To stop the engine (and blade), releasethe blade
control.
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Figure2: Checkingengine oil
5. Add fuel to the tank after pushing the mower outside
wherefumes cansafely dissipate. Fill the tank 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 EngineOwnersManual for fuel
specifications.
6. Cleanthe exterior surfaces of 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.
7. Perform battery service. Referto the Section 'Battery
Service'.
Figure3: Starting the mower
StartingandOperation(Continued)
Propelling the Mower
1. Start the engine.Referto the Section entitled "Starting
and Operation- Engine and Blade".
2. Begin squeezingthe wheel drive control (A, Figure 4)
back toward the handle to engagethe wheel drive and
propel the mower forward. Forward speed can be
increased by squeezingthe wheeldrive control further
back toward the handle.
®
HandleHeightAdjustment
Theheight of the mower handle can 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.
,w
Figure4: Wheeldrive control
(Components removed for clarity)
Figure5: Adjusting the handleheight
Stopping
1. Stop forward motion of the mower by releasing the
wheeldrive control.
2. Stop the engine and blade by releasingthe blade
control.
DONOTattempt any maintenance, adjustmentsor service
with engine and bladerunning. STOPengineand blade.
Disconnectspark plug wire and secureawayfrom spark
plug. Engineandcomponents areHOT.Avoid serious
burns, allow sufficient time for all componentsto cool.
WARNING
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