Snapper Mount Mower User Manual

SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS & PRE-OPERATION CHECKLIST

SNAPPER ZERO TURNING Z-RIDER with MID MOUNT MOWER

INTRODUCTION: These instructions cover the set-up of the Snapper Mid Mount Z-Rider Mower. Complete each
of the following steps carefully. Review and complete each item as instructed on the Pre-Operation checklist.
The Snapper Product Registration card must be filled out and sent to Customer Service department at Snapper
when completed.

IMPORTANT: The battery for this unit is maintenance-free. It is filled with acid and is sealed. Do not attempt to
open the battery. Pay close attention to the precautionary statements on the battery and in these instructions.
If charging is needed (see below), you will need an automotive type battery charger to activate the battery for
use.

STEP 1: Remove machine from the container.
STEP 2: Install roll bar protective structure:

A. Install side bars into frame brackets behind fuel

tanks, making sure bars aim up and bend toward
front of machine. See Figure 1. Secure each bar to
its corresponding bracket with two 1/2-13 x 3-1/4”
hex bolts and lock nuts. Do not tighten yet.

SIDE BARS
UPRIGHT WITH
BENDS
FORWARD

ATTACH TO
FRAME
BRACKET

FIGURE 1

B. Attach roll bar to side bars, securing with two

1/2-13 x 3-1/4” hex bolts and lock nuts through the
hinges. See Figure 2. NOTE: Make sure roll bar tilts
backward when folded.
C. Raise roll bar to fully upright position, aligning
locking holes in roll bar with corresponding holes in
side bars. Insert locking pin through each hole, and
secure with connected bridge pin. Install star knobs
into threaded holes in front of roll bar, and tighten
securely. See Figure 2.
D. Tighten hardware securing side bars to frame
brackets, torquing to 60-70 ft-lbs. Tighten roll bar
hardware as well; however, leave loose enough so
that roll bar folds and raises easily.

WARNING

Roll bar protective structure must be installed and all
mounting hardware securely tightened before starting
or operating machine. Do Not modify the structure in
any way before, during or after installation. Modifying
the structure can result in serious injury or death.

ROLL
BAR

INSTALL
PINS

INSTALL
HARDWARE

FIGURE 2

STEP 3: Check the date on the battery label. See

Figure 3. If battery is placed into service after date
shown on label, battery will have to be charged:

A. Remove battery from the battery compartment
before charging.
B. Place battery in a well ventilated area on a level
non-concrete surface.
C. Charge the battery at 6-10 amps for 1 hour to
bring the battery to full charge.

WARNING

Keep all sparks, flame and fire away from area when
charging battery.

STEP 4: Install battery into power unit.
STEP 5: Both bolts are already installed on both

terminals. Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from
wiring harness to the positive terminal (+) on battery
and secure with nut provided in hardware bag. Connect
negative (-) cable (black) last, to negative terminal (-)
on battery and secure with nut also provided. See
Figure 3. Apply a small amount of grease over
terminals to prevent corrosion.

WARNING

Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover
located on battery harness. This prevents metal
from touching the positive terminal, which could
cause sparks.

INSTRUCTION No. 7100083 (I.R. 8/8/2005)

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INSTALL
STAR
KNOBS

RED (POSITIVE) CABLEBLACK (NEGATIVE) CABLE

TERMINAL COVER MUST
SHIELD POSITIVE
TERMINAL AFTER
INSTALLATION

DATE

FIGURE 3

STEP 6: Take the necessary precautions, when

handling fuel. Fill the fuel tank with clean fuel. Check oil
and add oil if needed as stated in Engine Owners
Manual. Move fuel tank selector valve handle to the
desired fuel tank.

WARNING

Handle fuel with care! Use an approved fuel
container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel container
and keep fuel container away from open flame. DO
NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is
running. Allow engine to cool for at least ten
minutes before refilling. Wipe off any spilled fuel
before starting engine. DO NOT run engine indoors.
Before attempting any adjustments, maintenance,
service, or repairs, stop engine and blade, always
remove key from ignition switch, remove spark plug
wire(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

STEP 7: MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT (LEVELNESS)
SIDE to SIDE and FRONT to REAR

Before making deck leveling adjustments, inflate rear tires
to 12 PSI and front tires to 25 PSI. When adjusted
correctly, the deck will be level side to side within 1/8”,
have a low cut setting of approximately 1”, and the blades
pitched approximately 3/16” higher at the rear. If
adjustment is needed:

A. Place machine on a smooth level surface.
B. Check blade tips by rotating blades until tips are

pointing to the sides of the deck. Check the
measurement of outside blade tips to the ground on
both blades. The measurement of each of the outside
blade tips should be within 1/8” of each other. If
measurement of the blade tips is not within 1/8”,
adjustment should be made to the correct
measurement.
C. Move deck lift lever and set the mower deck to the
highest cutting position.
D. Relieve tension on deck lift assist spring by
loosening nut on eyebolt.

E. Place 1” blocks under the front and rear edge of the
mower deck.
F. Move deck lift lever and set the mower deck to a
lower cutting position until deck rests on the 1” blocks.
G. Loosen the nuts and bolts that secure both front
deck support chains. Adjust chains until tight and
retighten bolts and nuts. Torque to 70 ft. lbs.
H. Loosen the nuts that secure both rear deck support
eyebolts. Adjust to remove slack from both rear chains.
Tighten nuts securely.
I. Move deck lift lever and set the mower deck to the
highest cutting position and recheck side to side blade
tip dimensions. The difference between the two should
be 1/8” or less.
NOTE: The deck timing rod (rod that runs from front
deck lift arm to rear deck lift arm) is preset at the factory
and requires no adjustments.
J. The leveling blocks used in Step E should result in a
proper deck pitch. If a pitch adjustment is required, use
the two rear deck support eyebolts. Adjust up or down
as required.
K. Reinstall deck lift assist spring. Place deck in highest
cutting position. Tighten nut on eyebolt until 1 1/4” of
threads protrude past end of nut.

STEP 8: HYDRAULIC OIL RESERVOIRS

Check the level of the fluid in both of the fluid reservoirs. The
reservoirs are located underneath the operator’s seat. Wipe
away all dirt and debris from around reservoir cap before
removing. Oil must remain absolutely clean! Check with
machine on a level surface with engine “OFF”. Fill reservoir
as needed to bring level up. The reservoir is properly filled
when the fluid level is 1-1/2” below the top of the filler neck.
DO NOT OVER FILL. Use clean, fresh premium automotive
oil having a viscosity equivalent to SAE 20W50 API SL. The
fluid should be chemically stable, incorporating rust and
oxidation inhibitors. Make sure funnels, pouring spouts and oil
can are completely clean. Reinstall reservoir cap.

IMPORTANT: Re-check fluid level after operating machine for
several minutes and adjust level as needed. If one or both of
the wheel drive systems is not pulling properly, the hydraulic
system may need to be purged of entrapped air. Refer to
STEP 10, “HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, PURGING”.

STEP 9: TRACKING ADJUSTMENT – TWIN STICK
CONTROLS

Start machine. If the machine does not track straight when
the Motion Control Levers are in the maximum forward speed
position, perform the following adjustment. Rear tire pressure
must be set to 12 PSI before making this adjustment.
A. Loosen bolts that secure adjustment plates and slide

plates all the way forward. Retighten bolts.

B. Start machine and drive in smooth flat open area at

maximum forward speed.

C. If machine tracks to the right, loosen bolts that secure the

left adjustment plate. Move plate rearward to slow the left
wheel. Retighten bolts.

D. If machine tracks to the left, loosen bolts that secure the

right adjustment plate. Move plate rearward to slow the
right wheel down. Retighten bolts. See Figure 4.

E. Drive machine again. Repeat adjustment as necessary

until machine tracks straight.

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