Snapper E251023BVE, E281223BVE, E281323BVE, E331523KVE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

EUROPEAN

REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER

SERIES 23

MODEL

E251023BVE E281223BVE E281323BVE E331523KVE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

E 33 15 23 K V E

EUROPEAN MODEL ENGINE OPTIONS CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE TYPE ENGINE HP SERIES DESIGNATION

E – European Model

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your machine, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 thru 4. Remember that all power equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

25 – 25” Cutting Deck 28 - 28” Cutting Deck 33 – 33” cutting Deck

10 – 10.0 hp 12 - 12.0 HP 13 – 13.0 HP

15 – 15.0 HP 23 – Series

Designation

B - Briggs Engine K – Kohler Engine

MANUAL No. 7-5573 (I.R. 6/30/03)

V – Overhead Valve E - Electric Start

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerf ul cutting machine is capab le of amputating hand s and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the follow ing SAFETY instru ctions could resu lt 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, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).

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. 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.

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 AGA INST TIPOVERS

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover accidents, which can result in severe inju ry 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.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on ALL slopes. Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT operate machin e back and forth across face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with blades off.

4. AVOID starting, stopping and 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 AGA INST 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 a nd with caution.

8. Use weights or a w eighted 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. Chose a low enough ground 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 the hydro roll release) and coast downhill.

PREPARA TION

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 instr uction.

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 mo wed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs an d ot her o bject s t hat could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Page)

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 dev ices frequently for proper operation and location.

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

10. Protect yourself w hen mowing and wear safety glasses, 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 lockopen device

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

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

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

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 b e OFF except w hen cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands and feet away from ro tating 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. 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. Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.

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

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

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE

1. DO NOT store machine or fu el 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 o ut 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.

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. Mow er 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 SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.

15. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to assure that original standards are maintained.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................2-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................5

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION....................................................................................6-8

Decals / Symbols.........................................................................................................7-8

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................9-15

Pre-start Checklist .........................................................................................................9

Operator’s Seat Adjustment..........................................................................................9

Starting & Stopping Engine, Blade & Wheel Drive ..............................................10-14

Starting & Stopping Mower Blades.......................................................................12-13

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive...........................................................................12-13

Parking Brake ...............................................................................................................14

Cutting Height Adjustment..........................................................................................14

Reverse Lockout Mechanism......................................................................................15

SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................16-21

Service – After First 5 Hours.......................................................................................16

Change Engine Oil....................................................................................................16

Service Engine Air Cleaner......................................................................................16

Check Mower Blade..................................................................................................16

Check Blade Drive Belt.............................................................................................17

Check Blade Brake....................................................................................................17

Service Brake / Park Brake.......................................................................................17

Check Interlock System............................................................................................18

Reverse Lockout Mechanism ..................................................................................18

Lubrication – Grease Fittings..................................................................................18

Service – Every 25 Operating Hours .....................................................................18-21

Battery Fluid Level....................................................................................................19

Mower Deck Levelness.............................................................................................19

Clean Mower Deck ....................................................................................................19

Mower Blade Spindle – Lubrication ........................................................................19

Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication.........................................................................19

Front Wheel Bearing – Lubrication .........................................................................20

Rear Axle Bearing – Lubrication..............................................................................20

Differential / Chain Case – Lubrication...................................................................20

Service – Annually........................................................................................................21

Engine........................................................................................................................21

Fuel Filter...................................................................................................................21

Every Two Years...........................................................................................................21

Storage - Out of Season ..............................................................................................21

Removing Fuel Tank....................................................................................................21

SECTION 4- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR............................................................22-309

Engine Adjustments & Repair.....................................................................................22

Mower Deck & Component Adjustments...................................................................22

Blade Brake Adjustment..............................................................................................22

Mower Drive Belt Adjustment –28” Decks.................................................................23

Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side Levelness)...................................................24

Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Levelness).................................................24

Wheel Brake Adjustment.............................................................................................25

Mower Blade Replacement..........................................................................................26

Blade Sharpening.........................................................................................................26

Blade Drive Belt Removal/Replacement ....................................................................27

Battery Removal, Replacement, Service...............................................................28-30

ACCESSORIES.................................................................................................................30

TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................31-32

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...........................................................................................33

MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS.......................................................................34

WARRANTY......................................................................................................................35

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

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

FUEL TANK

SWITCH

BLADE L

EVER

DEFLECTOR

BLADE PEDALS

STEERING WHEEL

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

OVERRIDE CONTROL

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

IGNITION

CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL

PARK BRAKE LATCH

DISCHARGE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepar ed for the operator’s of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider. Its purpose, aside from recommending standard operating procedures and routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY through the use of acc epted operating practices. Read, Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 thru 4 of this manual and All SAFETY messages on the Rear Engine Rider and its attachments before operating.

FIGURE 1.1

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, s hows the essential parts of the SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider. It is recommended that all operators of this equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls, components, and operation of this machine before operating. Specific details involving the engine are found in the separate engine owner’s manual. Study these manuals before operating and keep both handy for future reference.

Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS

“OFF”

OFF

22841

SYMBOLS

BLADE ENGAGED POSITION

BLADE LEVER

POSITION

BLADE DISENGAGED POSITION

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL SYMBOLS

CHOKE POSITION

RABBIT “FAST”

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

TURTLE “SLOW”

GUARD WARNING 29784

DO NOT operate without entire Grass

Catcher or Guard in place

WARNING

ROTATING BLADE

KEY SWITCH

POSITION

SYMBOLS

SERIAL NUMBER

FUEL CAUTION

29113

EUROPEAN

COMMUNITY

29776

EUROPEAN NOISE

CONTROL 74135

PATENT NUMBERS

2-9470

START ENGINE

Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION – DECALS / SYMBOLS

CUT

SLOW

FAST

NEUTRAL

REVERSE

BATTERY CAUTION DECAL - 15691

AUTOMATIC BLADE STOP DECAL - 24072

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SYMBOLS

MACHINE FRONT

MACHINE REAR

LOWEST HEIGHT OF

HIGHEST HEIGHT OF

HEIGHT OF CUT DECAL - 46218

BATTERY STORAGE

DECAL - 29948

SAFETY INSTRUCTION DECAL - 35974

BATTERY CAUTION

DECAL - 29947

CLUTCH/BRAKE, PARKING BRAKE, BLADE OPERATION

DEFLECTOR CAUTION

DECAL 29839

TRACTION CLUTCH

PARK BRAKE

CLUTCH/BRAKE DECAL - 2-8514

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

KNOBS

OVERTIGHTEN)

KNOBS

2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST

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

2.1.1. Chec k tires and add or release air as needed to bring pressure to 12 PSI in front and 12 PSI in rear tires.

2.1.2. Chec k guards, deflectors and covers to mak e sure all are in place and securely tightened.

2.1.3. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring level up to the FULL mark. Refer to engine owner’s manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.1.

SAFE LEVEL AREA

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.4. Check blade c ontrol to insure it work s f reely.

If blade pedals are depressed, blade lever can be moved manually from “ON” to “OFF” to stop blade.

2.1.5. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake s c reen and c ooling f ins clear at all times.

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

2.1.7. Add fuel to tank after pushing the Rear Engine Rider outside where fumes can dis sipate. Make sure fuel filler cap is tight and vent is open after refueling. Refer to engine owner’s manual fo r fuel s pecif ications. See Figure 2.2.

FUEL FILLER CAP

FUEL TANK

OPEN VENT

FIGURE 2.2

2.2 OPERATOR’S SEAT ADJUSTMENT

2.2.1. FRONT TO REAR ADJUSTMENT

1. W ith the engine stopped, loosen the two adjusting

knobs and move seat to desired position. After adjustment, tighten knobs securely. If seat does not move after loosening knobs, it may be necessary to loosen the 5/16” patch lock screws or hex nuts located at the rear of the seat. See Figure 2.3.

ADJUSTING

5/16” PATCH LOCK SCREWS (DO NOT

OPERATOR’S SEAT

HEX NUTS (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN)

OPERATOR’S SEAT

ADJUSTING

FIGURE 2.3

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PEDALS

2.3 STARTING & OPERA TION

2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to

“START”, the engine will turn over, but will unless the Clutch/Brake pedal is pr essed all the way down, the Blade Lever is in the “Off” position (See Figure 2.5).The operator should be in the seat. Start engine as follows:

1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral position. DO NOT start engine with transmission shift lever in a drive position.

WARNING

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

2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “Off”

position. See Figure 2.4.

BLADE LEVER IN “OFF”

not start

PARKING BRAKE LATCH

TO START ENGINE , PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

FIGURE 2.5

RELEASE BLADE

FIGURE 2.4

3. Press Clutch/Br ake Pedal all

the way down and

hold while starting engine. See Figure 2.5.

4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning counterclockwise. IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent on the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall. See Figure 2.2.

5. Move engine speed control to the choke position to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.6.

6. Turn key to the “START” position until engine starts. See Figure 2.7. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine and it does not start, releas e the key, make sure the Clutch/Brake Pedal is fully depressed and attempt starting again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.

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

CHOKE POSITION

FAST

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

SLOW

FIGURE 2.6

KEY

FIGURE 2.7

(Continued on Next Page)

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OVER

2.3 STARTING & OPERA TION

2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) (Continued)

8. Should the battery be too weak to start the engine,

Refer to Section “ENGINE (MANUAL START)” to manually start the electric start engines.

2.3.2. ENGINE (MANUAL START) IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to

“ON”, and the recoil handle is pulled, the engine will turn over, but will

not start unless the Clutch/Brake Pedal is pressed all the way down with Parking Brake engaged (See Figure 2.8) and the Blade Lever is in the “Off” pos ition (See Figure 2.4). Start engine as follows:

1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral position. DO NOT start engine with transm ission shift lever in a drive position.

WARNING

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

2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “Off”

position. See Figure 2.4.

3. Press Clutch/Brake Pedal all move Parking Brake Latch over and release the Clutch/Brake Pedal to set Parking Brake. See Figure 2.8.

TO START ENGINE, PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN

MOVE PARKING BRAKE LATCH

FIGURE 2.8

4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning

counterclockwise. NOTE: Failure to open vent on the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall. See Figure 2.2.

the way down,

5. Move engine speed control to the c hoke position to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.6

6. Turn key to “ON” position. See Figure 2.9.

7. Pull starter rope with a smooth, even mo tion until

engine starts. Always guide the starter rope back into the recoil housing. Never allow rope to snap back. After Engine starts, move engine speed control to the “FAST” position.

8. Allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

KEY

FIGURE 2.9

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Once blade is disengaged, it should come to a complete stop in 3 seconds or less. If the blade continues to rotate after 3 seconds, the blade brake must be adjusted. Refer to Section “ BLADE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT” for adjustment procedures or return machine to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for adjustment. DO NOT CONTINUE to operate machine until blade brake is adjusted and functioning properly.

2.3 STARTING & OPERA TION

2.3.3. MOWER BLADE

1. W ith engine running, m ove engine speed c ontrol

to the “FAST” position.

2. Move blade lever forward to the “ON” position, then depress blade pedals to hold blade lever in the “ON” position. See Figure 2.10.

BLADE LEVER SHOWN IN “ON” POSITION

BLADE PEDAL SHOWN DEPRESSED

WARNING

DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.

DEPRESS CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL

FIGURE 2.11

FIGURE 2.10

2.3.4. WHEEL DRIVE

1. With engine running, adjust engine speed control to “FAST” position.

2. Depress clutch/brake pedal. See Figure 2.11.

3. Place transmission s hift lever in the notch for 1

speed. See Figure 2.12.

4. Release clutch/brake pedal to begin desired ground speed.

5. During forward motion, the transmission shift lever may be placed in any desired forward speed without depressing the clutch/brake pedal.

NOTE

: For best cutting results, m ove the transmission

shift lever into a slow forward speed and the engine speed control to a fast position. This combination will allow the mower blades to lift the grass while cutting smoothly and evenly.

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER (MOVE TO DESIRED SPEED)

FIGURE 2.12

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