Snapper ECLP21601RV SERIES 1, ECLP21601RV Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

21" CAST ALUMINUM DECK

WALK BEHIND MOWERS

COMMERCIAL MODEL

SERIES 1

MODELS

ECLP21601RV

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

I E C L P 21 60 ' /! f I

MODEL DESIGNATION
SELF PROPELLED MODEL

CUTTING WIDTH
ENGINE HP

SERIES DESIGNATION
ENGINE TYPE
ENGINE OPTIONS

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Walk Behind, read this manual carefully and pay

particular attention to the "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on Pages 2 & 3. 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.

__m m_ m_m_mmm=

I I

J

1

1

E - European Model

C - Commercial Model
L - Aluminum Deck

P - Self-Propelled Model

21 - 21" Cutting Width
60 - 6.0 HP Engine

1 - Series Designation

R -Robin Engine

V- Over Head Valve

5NAPPERMcDonough,GA., 30253 U.S.A.

COPYRIGHT © 2001
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MANUAL No. 7-4348 (I.R. 2/12/01)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough,
Georgia 30253. Phone: [phone]).

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 and turn machine OFF if anyone
enters the area.

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

4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers
with mature judgment under close adult
supervision to operate machine.

5. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. LOOK and SEE behind

and down for children, pets and hazards before
and while backing.

6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may

obscure vision.

SLOPE OPERATION

1. Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall

accidents, which can result in severe injury. All
slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy
on a slope, DO NOT mow it.

2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down.

Exercise extreme CAUTION when changing

directions on slopes. DO NOT mow steep
slopes or other areas where stability or traction

is in doubt.

3. Use extra care with crass catchers or other
attachments; these affect the handling and the

stability of the machine.

PREPARATION

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and

warnings in this manual and on the mower,
engine and attachments. Know the controls and
the proper use of the mower before starting.

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

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

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 and oil from machine. DO NOT

smoke.

5. 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. Also note the

location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.

6. Keep people and pets out of the mowing area.
Immediately, STOP Blade, Stop engine and Stop
mower if anyone enters the area.

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

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

9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.

DO NOT mow barefooted or with sandals.

10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.

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

12. 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 torn spots.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATION

1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating

parts. Keep clear of discharge area while engine
is running.

2. STOP engine 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. DO NOT operate mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. After striking a foreign object or if mower

vibrates abnormally, STOP the engine,
disconnect and secure spark plug wire. Inspect
the mower for any damage and repair the
damage.

6. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or

embankments. Operator could lose footing or
balance.

7. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden
hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep

away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences
and protruding objects.

8. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Always be sure of

your footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle
and walk, never run. Slipping could cause

injury.

9. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine
running. STOP BLADE and STOP ENGINE

before leaving the operators position for any

reason.

10. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make

certain engine, blade and all moving parts have
STOPPED. Disconnect and secure spark plug
wire away from plug to prevent accidental
starting.

11. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to

complete STOP before removing grass bag
and/or clearing grass.

12. DO NOT operate mower without the entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or

doors.

13. Slow down before turning.

14. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing

roadways.

15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.

Engine exhaust gases contain carbon

monoxide, a deadly poison.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. DO NOT store mower 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 reach of
children in a well ventilated, unoccupied

building.

2. Keep mower and 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. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and
screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins
are in proper position.

5. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain

carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.

6. Service engine and make adjustments only
when engine is stopped. Removed spark plug
wire from spark plug and secure wire away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

7. DO NOT change engine governor speed
settings or overspeed engine.

8. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear
or deterioration to avoid thrown objects and
exposure to moving parts. Replace with new
bag if loose seams or tears are evident. Replace
slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.

9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.

10. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite

gas exiting engine.

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

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

maintained.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................ 2-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 4

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION .............................................................. 5

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................... 6-8

Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 6

Starting & Stopping Engine & Blades ............................................................. 6-7

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive ....................................................................... 7

Handle Height Adjustment .................................................................................. 7

Cutting Height Adjustment ................................................................................. 7

Recycling Operation ............................................................................................ 8

Installation of Grass Catcher .............................................................................. 8

SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .................................. 9-10

Service - After First 5 Hours ................................................................................ 9

Change Engine Oil ............................................................................................ 9

Check Transmission Grease ........................................................................... 9

Check Wheel Drive Control ............................................................................. 9

Check Mower Blade ........................................................................................ 10

Check Engine to Transmission Drive Belt ................................................... 10

Service - Annually .............................................................................................. 10

Engine .............................................................................................................. 10

Air Filter ........................................................................................................... 10

Engine Oil ........................................................................................................ 10

Storage Procedure ............................................................................................. 10

SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR .................................... 11-15

Mower Blade Replacement ............................................................................... 11

Blade Sharpening .............................................................................................. 11

Wheel Drive Control Adjustment ...................................................................... 12

Belt Service ........................................................................................................ 13

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE .................................................................. 15

Maintenance/Replacement Parts ...................................................................... 15

DECAL IDENTIFICATION .................................................................. 16-18

WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 19

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

............WHEEL DRIVE

CONTROL BLADE CONTROL

FAST

ENGINE
SYMBOL

CHOKE
POSITIO

=.

SPEED
CONTROL

ROPE .........

START
HANDLE

GRASS
CATCHER

HANDLEBAR ..................................................

SUPPORT

SINGLE POINT
HEIGHT OF CUT

ADJUST

HANDLE

OIL

........ GROUND

SPEED

.............. CONTROL

POSITION

(TURTLE)
POSITION

GROUND
SPEED

_ENGINE

SPEED
CONTROL

...............DISCHARGE

DOOR

......FUEL CAP

MULCHING/RECYCLING PLUG

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operators of
the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWERS. Its

purpose, aside from recommending operating and
routine service requirements, is to promote safety

through the use of accepted operating practices.

Read, Understand and Follow the "IMPORTANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on Pages 2 & 3 of this

manual and all safety messages on the mower and

attachments before operating the mower.

MOWER DECK

FIGURE 1.1

1.2

NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature information above, Figure 1.1,
shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER WALK

BEHIND MOWER. It is recommended that all
operators of the mower become thoroughly familiar

with the controls, parts and operation of the mower
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 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST

Make the following checks and perform the service

required before each start-up.

2.1.1. Check guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter
and covers to make sure all are in place and securely

tightened.

............OIL

FILL/CHECK

WARNING

DO NOT start or operate this machine without
installing the recycling plug or the entire grass

catcher.

2.1.2. Check blade control and wheel drive control to
insure they work freely. See Figure 2.1.

BLADE

SPEED
CONTROL

HANDLE

2.1.3. Check cutting height. Adjust to desired height.

2.1.4. 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 2.2B.

_GROUND

FIGURE 2.1

FUEL
CAP

FIGURE 2.2B

2.1.5. Add fuel to tank after pushing the mower

outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure
cap is tightened after refueling. Refer to Engine

Owners Manual for specifications.

2.1.6. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and
engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass,

oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling
fins clear at all times.

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.1. ENGINE & BLADE
(Recoil Start)

1. After first completing Pre-start checklist, turn fuel

valve to "On" position. See Figure 2.2A.

2. Move engine speed control to the "CHOKE"
position. See Figure 2.3.

IMPORTANT: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing

the blade control.

BLADE

TO START

/CONTROL

FUEL VALVE

FIGURE 2.2A

FAST

ENGINE
SPEED

CONTROL

CHOKE

FIGURE 2.3

3. Pull blade control against handle.

4. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.

5. After engine starts, move engine speed control to
the "FAST" (Rabbit) position and allow a brief

warm-up until engine runs smooth.

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are

HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool.

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.2. PROPELLING MOWER

1. Move ground speed control to the desired speed

position. See Figure 2.4.

2. Move wheel drive control against handle to
engage wheel drive and propel mower forward.

IMPORTANT: Forward motion of machine must but
stopped before changing position of the ground speed

control. See Figure 2.4.

BLADE

TO START

TO STOP

CONTROL

2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

LOOSEN NUTS

TO ADJUST

HANDLEBAR

1. Pull the cutting height adjusting handle outward

and move to desired cutting height. See Figure 2.6.

FIGURE 2.5

1 SPEED

SPEED

3SPEED

DRIVE
CONTROL

SPEED
CONTROL

FIGURE 2.4

2.3

STOPPING

Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade
control. Stop forward motion of mower by releasing

the wheel drive control.
IMPORTANT: Always turn fuel valve to "OFF" when

not operating mower.

2.4 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The height of the machine handle can be adjusted
as follows:

1. Loosen the lower nuts on each lower handle as
shown in Figure 2.5.

2. Move upper mower handle up or down until the
desired position is achieved.

3. Tighten the nuts on each lower handle bracket to
maintain desired position. Torque nuts to 15 to 25 ft.

Ibs.

HANDLE

HIGH CUT

!

FIGURE 2.6