Snapper ELT145H33DBV, ELT140H33DBV, ELT125G33DB User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

EUROPEAN

LAWN TRACTOR

HYDROSTATIC &

GEAR DRIVE

SERIES D

MODELS

GEAR

DRIVE

ELT125G33DB ELT140H33DBV

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

E LT 145 H 33 D B V

ENGINE OPTIONS MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE TYPE ENGINE HP SERIES DESIGNATION DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE CUTTING WIDTH

E – European Model 33 – 33” Cutting Width Mower Deck LT – Model Designation D – Series Designation 125 – 12.5 HP (Engine Horse Power) B – Briggs & Stratton Engine 140 – 14.0 HP (Engine Horse Power) V – Over Head Valve Type Engine 145 – 14.5 HP (Engine Horse Power) H – Hydrostatic Transmission Drive System

HYDROSTATIC

DRIVE

ELT145H33DBV

MANUAL No. 3-5950 (Rev. 2, 5/99)

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 occu r 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 ch ildren or ot her p asseng ers to ride on machine or on attachments (even with the blade 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. BE SURE the area is clear of others before mowing and turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.

7. DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. LOOK BEHIND and down for small children before and when backing.

8. 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 tip-over 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 it, DO NOT mow it. Use ext ra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these can change the stability of the machine.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (27% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slop es above 10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blade OFF when traveling uphill. Use first speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT mow back and forth across face of slopes. Mow up and down.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

(Continued From Previous Column)

4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blade OFF and back slowly 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.

6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The mower could turn over if an edge caves in.

7. Always begin forward motion in the #1 speed position.

8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher.

9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the machine.

10. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

11. DO NOT mow under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful without first test driving over the terrain with blade OFF.

PREPARATION

1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls are located and practice how to use them before starting for the first time, and at the beginning of each season. Read and follow Warnings and Instructions on engine and machine. Read and follow operator’s manual and instructions furnished with attachments.

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 mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Page)

4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. Never remove fu el 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 BLADE OFF to learn controls and develop skills.

6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limb s and other objects that could cau se injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

7. Keep people and pets a safe distance from machine.

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, long pants and substantial footwear.

11. Know how to STOP blade 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.

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make sure blade is OFF and parking brake is set.

3. STOP blade, STOP engin e, set parking brake and remove key when leaving machine.

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

5. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade has stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

6. Blade must be OFF except w h en cu tt ing grass. Set blade in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.

8. Deflector or entire grass catcher must b e in place. NEVER 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.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

12. Mow 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 lo ads. Limit load s to those you can safely control and att ach loads to hitch plate as specified w ith SNAPPER attachment instructions.

MAINTENANCE

1. Never 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 contain er 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 frequ ently; 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 indoors. 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. Never 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. NEVER 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............2-3

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

FAMILIARIZATION............................................ 5-6

Location of Controls & Components .....................5

Decals ..................................................................6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ....................... 7-12

Pre-start Checklist ................................................7

Adjusting Operator’s Seat ....................................7

Starting & Stopping Engine....................................8

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive............................9

Starting & Stopping Mower Blades......................10

Setting & Releasing Parking Brake .....................10

Rolling Tractor With Engine Off...........................10

Raising Chute Deflector ......................................11

Adjusting Cutting Height......................................11

Tips on Mowing................................................... 12

ACCESSORIES.................................................. 12

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ...................... 13-14

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ................ 15-34

Service Schedule ...........................................15

Maintenance Parts.........................................15

Hydrostatic Transmission Oil.....................16

To Check Oil Level...........................................16

Changing Engine Oil..................................... 17

Lubrication (Tractor)................................18-19

Front Wheel Bearings......................................18

Axle Spindles ...................................................18

Steering Shaft ..................................................18

Clutch/Brake Pivot............................................18

Steering Sector Gear .......................................18

Steering Drag Link ...........................................19

Steering Tie Rod..............................................19

Park Brake Latch .............................................19

Deck Lift Mechanism........................................19

Blade Engagement Mechanism....................... 19

Engine Service................................................20

Engine Air Pre-Cleaner....................................20

Engine Air Cleaner...........................................20

Spark Plug........................................................20

Fuel Filter.........................................................20

Engine Cooling System....................................21

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS (Conti nued)

Battery Service............................................. 21-22

Battery Electrolyte Check..............................21

Battery Removal...............................................21

Battery Charging...............................................22

Mower Deck Removal/Reinstallation............... 23

Standard Mower Blade Service................... 26-27

Standard Blade W ear Limits .......................26

Blade Removal/Replacement...........................26

Sharpening Standard Blade(s) .................... 27

Ninja Mower Blade Service

Ninja Blade Wear Limits...............................27

Ninja Blade Sharpening ..........................27-28

...............................27-28

Belt Service.................................................. 22-26

Mower Drive Belt Removal/Replacement..... 22

Traction Drive Belt Removal........................24

Traction Drive Belt Replacement.................25

Traction Drive Belt Adjustment...............28-29

Traction Drive Belt Service.....................22-23

Deck Level Adjustment................................ 30-33

Side to Side Level...............................30-31

Front to Rear Level

Sector Plates...............................................31

Front Lift Rod...............................................32

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

Steering Adjustment......................................... 33

Shifter Adjustment............................................ 33

Wheel Brake Adjustment.................................. 34

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM................................. 35- 36

Harness Routing...............................................35

SCHEMATIC, Briggs Engine w/o lights............36

SCHEMATIC, Briggs Engine w/lights...............36

WARRANTY....................................................... 39

FAMILIARIZATION

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

1999

+ 26 hidden pages