Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
21" STEEL DECK
WALK MOWERS
"M" MODEL
SERIES 14
MODELS
PUSH MODELS PROPELLED MODELS
MR215014B MRP216014B
MCRS215014KWV MRP216014T
MCRP215014KWV
EMRP216014B
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
IMIClRI I
MODEL DESIGNATION
SELF-PROPELLED
CUTTING WIDTH
ENGINE HORSE POWER
M - Middle Market | C - Commercial Model
R - Recycling Model [ P - Self Propelled Model
E - European Model S - Swivel Front Wheels
21 - 21" Cutting Width
50 - 5.0 HP (Engine Horse Power)
60 - 6.0 HP IEn_line Horse Power !
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.
COPYRIGHT ©1999 _ii_wRA_F_P_ER) McDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A.
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
I I I
,_iHa iRma
,1211 .' Nlvl
14 - Series Designation
T - Tecumseh Engine I B - Briggs Engine
KW - Kawasaki Engine
V - Over Head Valve Engine
MANUAL No. 4-1936 (REV. 3, 9/20/99)
I
ENGINE OPTIONS
ENGINE TYPE
SERIES DESIGNATION
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: (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 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
Adjusting Handle Height ............................................................................................ 7
Adjusting Cutting Height ........................................................................................... 8
Locking and Unlocking Swivel Wheel ...................................................................... 8
Recycling Operation ................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .................................. 9-10
Changing Engine Oil .................................................................................................. 9
Checking Transmission Grease ........................................................................... 9-10
Checking Mower Blade ............................................................................................ 10
Checking Engine Drive Belt .................................................................................... 10
Checking Transmission Poly-V Belt ....................................................................... 10
Annually (End of Each Season) .............................................................................. 10
Engine ................................................................................................................... 10
Air Filter ................................................................................................................ 10
Engine Oil ............................................................................................................. 10
Storage Procedure ................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR .................................... 11-19
Mower Blade Repair/Replacement ..................................................................... 11-12
Wheel Drive Control Adjustment ............................................................................ 12
Driven and Drive Disc Service ................................................................................ 13
Cleaning Drive Disc and Driven Disc ................................................................. 13
Drive Spring Repair/Replacement ...................................................................... 13
Driven Disc Adjustment ................................................................................. 13-14
Driven Disc Replacement (Commercial Models) ......................................... 14-15
Driven Disc Replacement (Non Commercial Models) ...................................... 15
Driven Disc Bearing Replacement (Commercial Models) ............................... 16
Driven Disc Bearing Replacement (Non Commercial Models) ....................... 16
Hex Shaft Bearing Replacement ........................................................................ 17
Belt Service .......................................................................................................... 17-19
Engine Drive Belt Replacement .................................................................... 17-19
Transmission Poly-V Belt Replacement ............................................................ 19
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 20
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 21
Maintenance/Replacement Parts ............................................................................ 21
WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 22
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 23-26
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
WHEEL DRIVE BLADE
CONTR_ CONTROL UPPERHANDLE
,,
. ENGINE
', SPEED ;
', CONTROL ',
i._ ........ i
ROPE MID-
START .
HANDLE
KNOB
FUEL
KNOB
FILLER
CAP
-- r .....
|
LOWER
HANDLE
OIL FILL CAP & DIPSTICK
ENGINE AIR
FILTER COVER
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER
REAR WHEEL
RECYCLING DECK
COVER
FRONT WHEEL
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.
FIGURE 1.1
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
MOWER DECK
FRONT HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
L_V_R
PRIMER
BULB
The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows
the essential parts of the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND
MOWERS. 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.
2.1.2. Check blade control and wheel drive control to
insure they work freely. See Figure 2.1.
FIGURE 2.1
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 2.2.
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
(Primer Models)
(Push & Non Commercial Self-Propelled)
1. Primer models do not have an adjustable engine
speed control. The engine speed is fixed in the "Fast"
position and can not be changed.
2. Push primer button three times to start a cold
engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start
warm engine. See Figure 2.3.
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the
blade control.
FORENG NES
EQUIPPED
WITH PRIMER
BULB
PUSH PRIMER
THREE TIMES
TO START COLD
ENGINE
FIGURE 2.3
J
!
FIGURE 2.2
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.
3. Pull blade control against handle.
4. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.
5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until
engine runs smooth.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.2 STARTING & OPERATION
2.2.2. ENGINE & BLADE
(Choke Models)(Commercial Only)
1. Move choke/engine speed control to the "Choke"
position. See Figure 2.4.
GROUND SPEED
CONTROL
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the
blade control.
f
ENGAGE
WHEEL DRIVE
CONTROL
FIGURE 2.4
NOTE: Do not use choke to start warm engine.
FASTSPEED
FIGURE 2.5
2.3
STOPPING
Stop eng ne and blade by releasing the blade
control. Stop forward motion of mower by releasing
the wheel drive control.
2.4
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The height of the mower handle can be adjusted as
follows:
1. Loosen the lower nuts on each lower handle as
shown in Figure 2.6.
2. Pull blade control against handle.
3. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.
4. After engine starts, move choke/engine speed
control away from the choke position to the "Fast"
(Rabbit) position and allow a brief warm-up until
engine runs smooth.
WARNING
Stop engine and mower blade by releasing the blade
control before adjusting ground speed.
2.2.3. PROPELLING MOWER
(Self Propelled Models Only)
1. Stop engine and mower blade by releasing
the blade control before adjusting ground
speed. Move ground speed control to the desired
speed position. See Figure 2.5.
2. Follow starting engine procedure found in
Section 2.2. Starting & Operation - Engine & Blade.
3. Move wheel drive control against handle to
engage wheel drive and propel mower forward. See
Figure 2.4.
HIGHER
LOWER
HANDLE
LOWER
LOWER HANDLE
FIGURE 2.6
2. Move upper mower handle up or down until the
desired position is achieved.
3. Tighten the lower nuts on each lower handle to
maintain desired position.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
Before attempting any adjustments to the cutting height,
STOP the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the
spark plug and secure wire away from plug. DO NOT make
any adjustments with engine or blade running. Be
extremely careful when performing adjustments around
engine. Engine is extremely hot and can cause severe
burns. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or
working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp
and can cause severe injury.
2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
1. Fixed Wheel Models: Pull the height adjusting
latch outward and move to desired cutting height.
See Figure 2.7.
2. Swivel Wheel Models: Remove hair pin and
clevis pin install in highest hole for lowest cutting
height and lowest hole for highest cutting height.
IMPORTANT: Move rear height adjustment latch for rear
wheel adjustment to correspond with raising or lowering
the front wheels to maintain the level of the deck.
2.6 SWIVEL WHEEL LOCK and UNLOCK
(Swivel Wheel Models Only)
IMPORTANT: Engage the lock on the swivel wheel to
maintain better control of machine when operating on
slopes.
1. Stand in the operator's position. Push machine
forward until swivel wheel is positioned in the
forward direction. Wheel must be positioned in a
forward direction to engage swivel wheel lock.
2. Push wheel lock lever forward to lock swivel
wheel in place. Swivel wheel will stay in the forward
direction position. See Figure 2.9.
3. Pull wheel lock lever rearward to unlock swivel
wheel. In the unlocked position, the swivel wheel will
rotate 360 degrees.
PUSH LOCK
LEVER
FORWARD TO
LOCK POSITION
HI=IG_HT
HIGHEST CUTTING
6 HIGHEST
6 CUTTING FRONT WHEEL MUST BE IN
HEIGHT A FORWARD POSITION
FIGURE 2.7 FIGURE 2.9
3. Set all wheels at the same cutting height. The
highest cutting position is Notch 6. The lowest
cutting position is Notch 1. See Figure 2.8.
LATCH
POSITIONS
5
4
6
FIGURE 2.8
SHOWN IN
BEFORE ENGAGING
SWIVEL LOCK
2.7 RECYCLING OPERATION
NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a maximum of
1/3 of grass blade length and recycle ONLY when grass is
dry.
1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position (Notch 6).
2. Move engine speed control to "FAST" (Rabbit)
position.
3. Move ground speed control to slowest speed setting.
4. Proceed mowing slowly. If grass is very dense, lower
each rear wheel latch one notch lower than the front
wheel latches to improve recycling performance.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
3.1
INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the mower, use genuine
SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local
SNAPPER dealer for parts and service assistance.
For the correct part or information for a particular
mower, always mention model and serial number.
3.2
SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS
3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL
WARNING
Before attempting any adjustments or repairs, STOP
the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the
spark plug and secure wire away from plug. Engine
oil is extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
Allow engine oil to cool before draining to prevent
injury.
1. Refer to Engine Manual for proper oil
specifications and procedures.
2. For simplest/cleanest oil change, loosen lower
handle wing nuts and stand mower up on lower
handle as shown in Figure 3.1. Drain oil through
dipstick tube into a container.
3.2.2. CHECK GREASE LEVEL IN TRANSMISSION
1. Remove transmission fill plug. See Figure 3.2.
2. Ifliquid grease IS NOT visible on the input gear (the
small gear below the plug hole), add an amount, to
cover gear, of Snapper "00" grease. See Figure 3.2.
/
t
'ILL PLUG
FIGURE 3.2
FIGURE 3.1
NOTE: Snapper "00_'Grease (Part No. 2-9443) is available
at your SNAPPER dealer.
(Continued on Next Page)