Snapper 7800787, 7800786, 7800785, 7800784 User Manual

Operator's Manual

Manual No. 7104742 (Rev. ‘-’)

REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER

SERIES 24

Model No.Description

7800784 2811524BV
7800785 2812524BVE
7800786 3014524BVE
7800787 3317524BVE

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Thank You for purchasing this quality-built Snapper product. We’re pleased that you placed your
confidence in the Snapper brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this
manual, your Snapper product will provide many years of dependable service.

This manual contains safety information to make you aware of the hazards and risks associated with the
machine and how to avoid them. This machine is designed and intended only for finish cutting of
established lawns and is not intended for any other purpose. It is important that you read and understand
these instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this equipment. Save these original
instructions for future reference.

Complete the following information on your purchase.

Date of Purchase__________________________________________________________________

Retailer_________________________________________________________________________

Retailer's Phone Number___________________________________________________________

Equipment

Model Number______________________________________________________________

Serial Number ______________________________________________________________

Engine

Model_________________________Type__________________Code___________________

SNAPPER is a trademark of
Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, LLC
Milwaukee, WI, USA.

Copyright © 2011, Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Milwaukee, WI, USA. All Rights Reserved.

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Table of Contents

Operator Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Before Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Operator Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Starting Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Engaging Mower Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Engaging Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Stopping Engine, Wheel Drive, Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Setting Park Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Cutting Height Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Reverse Lockout Mechanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Maintenance Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Engine Adjustments and Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Mower Deck and Component Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Rear Engine Rider Drive Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Mower Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Mower Drive Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Slope Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer or other reproductive
harm.

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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, contact Customer Service (1-800-935-2967
or www.snapper.com).

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. Children who have been
given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing
area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the
machine. 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 other than the operator.

2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated
(even with the blade OFF).

3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine,
attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.

5. ALLOW only responsible adults & 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

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip­over 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 affect the handling and the stability of the machine.
Refer to the Slope Guide at the end of this manual.

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 starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If machine
stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and
back slowly straight down the slope.

5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches,
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.

Protection against Tipovers

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. 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. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not
have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction on
slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly.

12. DO NOT operate machine under any condition where
traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll
release) and coast downhill.

Preparation

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings
in this manual and on the machine, engine and attach­ments. Know the controls and the proper use of the
machine before starting.

2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine and only after proper instruction.

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.

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 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 blade or interfere with mowing.

Operator Safety

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Protection against Tipovers

(Continued From Previous Column)

7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately
STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if anyone
enters the area.

8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and
other safety devices frequently for proper operation and
location.

9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if
damaged.

10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses,
a dust mask, long pants and substantial footwear.

11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in prepa­ration for emergencies.

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

13. 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.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.

1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources
of ignition.

2. Use only an approved fuel container.

3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine run­ning. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.

4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.

5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as on a
water heater or other appliances.

6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place the contain­ers on the ground away from the vehicle before filling.

7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel equipment using a portable container, rather
than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed vehi­cles or trailers.

9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. DO
NOT use a nozzle lock-open device

10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediate­ly.

11. Never overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and tighten
securely.

Operation

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side. Keep clear
of discharge opening at all times.

2. Start engine from operator’s seat, if possible. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set.

3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key before
leaving operators position of any reason.

4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with
feet on feet rests or pedal(s).

5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades have
stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging
mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blades in highest position when mowing over rough
ground.

7. 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.

8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or
guards in place and working. DO NOT point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.

9. Slow down before turning.

10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.

11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction.
Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming opera­tion.

12. Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial
light.

13. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to
those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate
as specified with attachment instructions.

14. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control. When towing,
travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.

16. DO NOT discharge material against a wall or obstruc­tion. Material may ricochet back towards the operator.

17. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and
installation of accessories.

Operator Safety

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Towing

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. DO NOT attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.

2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. DO NOT allow children or others on towed equipment.

4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

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.

2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to
reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.

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.

Maintenance

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running
engine. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odor­less and deadly poison.

7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before
performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could
cause injury.

8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine
is 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.

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.

13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to
spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

14. Have machine serviced by an authorized dealer at least
once a year and have the dealer install any new safety
devices.

15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as nec­essary.

16. Use only factory authorized replacement parts or like
parts when making repairs.

Operator Safety

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Operator Safety

Remove Battery - 7101109

Safety Panel - 7101111

Before Starting - 7101112

Spark Arrestor - 7102746

Height of Cut - 703440

Danger Thrown Objects - 7101110

Decal Identification

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Amputation and thrown objects hazard

• Keep hands and feet away from deck.

• Do not operate mower unless discharge
chute or entire grass catcher is in its proper
place.

7101110

WARNING

Fire Hazard. Operation of this equipment
may create sparks that can start fires around
dry vegetation. A spark arrestor may be
required. The operator should contact local
fire agencies for laws or regulations relating
to fire prevention requirements.

7102746

7103440

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Operator Safety

Reverse Lockout - 7104796

7104796

Parking Brake - 7103219

Non-Spillable Battery - 7105102

Battery Warning - 7105103

Fuel Tank - 7104797

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Use only rechargeable valve regulated (sealed)
non-spillable batteries in this product. Battery
must be factory approved part or equivalent.

Do not overcharge.

IMPORTANT

7103219

7105102

CAUTION

Fire Hazard

•

Do not overfill tank.

•

Empty tank before
standing unit on end.

7104797

WARNING

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

Read Operator’s Manual before
working with battery.
Always wear goggles when
working near battery.
Keep children, open flames and
sparks away from battery.
Use only constant voltage battery

+

chargers made for valve regulated

-

(sealed) non-spillable batteries.

CV

(3.6 amps max.)

7105103

9

IMPORTANT

The figures and illustrations in this manual are provided
for reference only and may differ from your specific
model. Contact your dealer if you have questions.

Features and Controls

A. Engine Speed Control
B. Cutting Height Lever
C. Ignition Switch
D. Clutch/Brake Pedal
E. Park Brake Latch

F. Blade Pedal
G. Blade Lever
H. Steering Wheel
I. Transmission Shift Lever
J. Fuel Tank

C

E

G

D

A

H

Features and Controls

B

F

I

J

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Before Starting

Make the following checks and perform the service required
before each start-up:

1. Check the tire pressure; add or release air as needed to
bring pressure to 15 PSI in front and 12 PSI in rear.

2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to make sure all are
in place and securely tightened.

3. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring level up
to the FULL mark (A, Figure 1). Refer to the engine
manual for oil specifications.

4. Adjust the seat (A, Figure 3) as needed to the most
comfortable position. Refer to the Section entitled
“OPERATOR’S SEAT ADJUSTMENT”.

5. Check the blade control to insure it works freely. If the
blade pedals are depressed, the blade lever can be
moved manually from “ON” to “OFF” to stop the blade.

6. Check the Reverse Lockout Mechanism. With the blade
pedals depressed, the shift lever must not go into
reverse.

7. Clean the exterior surfaces of the cutting deck and
engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep
the engine air intake screen and cooling fins clear at all
times.

8. Add fuel to the fuel tank after pushing the Rear Engine
Rider outside where fumes can dissipate. Make sure the
fuel filler cap (A, Figure 2) is tight after refueling. Refer
to the engine manual for fuel specifications.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill. (See statement below.)

Operator Seat Adjustment

1. With the engine stopped, loosen the two adjusting

knobs (A, Figure 3) and move the seat to the desired
position. After adjustment, tighten the knobs securely.

NOTE: If the seat does not move after loosening the knobs, it
may be necessary to loosen the 5/16” patch lock screws or
hex nuts

(B)

located at the rear of the seat.

Figure 3: Operator seat adjustment

A

Figure 1: Engine oil ‘Full’ mark

Figure 2: Fuel filler cap

Operation

B

A

A

IMPORTANT

To avoid damaging the emissions system:

• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Stop filling the tank when

fuel collects in the filler neck.

• Empty the fuel tank before standing the machine on its

rear bumper.

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Starting and Operation

Engine (Electric Start)

IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to “START”,

the engine will turn over, but will not start unless the
Clutch/Brake pedal is pressed all the way down, and the
Blade Lever is in the “OFF” position. The operator should be
in the seat.

Start the engine as follows:

1. Move the transmission shift lever to the (N) Neutral
position. Refer to the section entitled “Wheel Drive”.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT start the engine with the transmission
shift lever in a drive position.

2. Make certain the Blade Lever (A, Figure 4) is in the
“OFF” position.

3. Press the Clutch/Brake Pedal (A, Figure 5) all the way
down and hold while starting the engine.

4. Move the engine speed control (A, Figure 6) to the
choke position (B) to start a cold engine.

5. Turn the ignition key (A, Figure 7) to the “START”
position until the engine starts.

NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine does not
start, release the key, make sure the Clutch/Brake Pedal is
fully depressed, and attempt starting again after waiting for
approximately 20 seconds.

6. After the engine starts, move the engine speed control
to the “FAST” position and allow a brief warm-up until
engine runs smooth.

(Continued on Next Page)

Figure 4: Blade lever (in ‘Off’ position)

A

Operation

WARNING

It is possible to start the engine with the transmission
shift lever in a drive position. Follow starting instructions
carefully.

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Figure 5: Engaging the clutch/brake pedal

A

Figure 6: Engine speed control

A

B

Figure 7: Ignition key

A

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