OPERATOR’S MANUAL and DEALER SET-UP for SNAPPER
73” MOWER for OUT FRONT Z-RIDER
INTRODUCTION: These instructions cover set-up of the Snapper 73” Mower for the Out Front Z-Rider.
The linkage on this mower has been designed to allow the use of the electric actuator on the deck to assist in
attaching the mower to the power unit. Follow and complete each step carefully.
WIRING
HARNESS
PLUG
CASTER
WHEELS
CHUTE
PIN
ACTUATOR
INDICATOR
(Shown Fully Extended)
ASSEMBLY
ROLLER
FIGURE 1 - NOMENCLATURE
STEP 1: Remove Mower Unit and Components from
the carton(s).
STEP 2: Adjust Rear Casters to lowest position by
removing Lynch Pins and placing Spacers on bottom
side of Tube. See Figure 2.
STEP 3: Remove the nuts and bolts from the Front
Caster Wheel Support Arms. See Figure 3.
STEP 4: Extend the Front Caster Wheels out until they
are aligned with the last set of holes. Reinstall nuts and
bolts. See Figure 3.
STEP 5: Check pin location at the lower end of the
Deck Stabilizer Channels. It should be in the middle
hole of the bracket. See Figure 4.
STEP 6: Remove contents of hardware bag which
includes (1) #9 Woodruff Key and (2) 3/8”-16 x 3/8” Set
Screws. Place Woodruff Key onto Gear Box Shaft on
mower deck. Slide Power Transfer Shaft over Gear Box
Shaft and make sure Woodruff Key remains in its
position. See Figure 5.
COPYRIGHT © 2001
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ROLLER
TUBE
(ON BOTTOM)
FIGURE 2
MANUAL NO. 7-3720 (Rev. 1, 7/25/01)
LYNCH PIN
REAR CASTER
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 child ren. 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 blades OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on
machine or on attachme nts (even with the blade
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine. Local regulatio ns may restrict the age
of the operator.
5. ALLOW only adults or responsible 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, o r 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 the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with
grass catchers or o ther attachments; thes e and turf
conditions affect the handling and the stability of the
machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding
15 degrees (27% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above
10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when
traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid
sudden or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT operate machine back and f orth across
face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on
slopes with blades off.
4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going
uphill or tires lose traction, turn blades OFF and
back slowly down the slope.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
(Continued Fr om Pr evi ous C olum n)
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. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at
least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other
drop offs. The machin e could turn over if an edge
caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with
caution.
8. Use weights or a weighted 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 sl iding.
11. DO NOT operate machine under any condition
where traction, s teering or sta bility is do ubtful.
12. Operator Protective Structures are available for this
machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.
PREPARATION
1. Read, understand and follow instructions and
warnings in this manual and on the machi ne, engine
and attachments. Know the controls, the safety
signs and the proper use of the machine before
starting . If the oper ators or me chanics ca nnot read
English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain
this material to them.
2. Only mature, re sponsible persons shall operate or
service the machine and only after proper
instruction and training. The owner is responsible
for training the operators. Further, the
owner/operator can prevent and/or is responsible
for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves,
other people or proper ty.
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 ser ious in jury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous P age)
4. Handle fuel with extra car e. Fuels ar e flammabl e
and vapors are explosiv e. Use o nl y an app rov ed
fuel container. DO NOT remov e fuel cap or add
fuel with engine running. Add or drain 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 mowed and remove all
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and
other objects that could cause injury if thrown
by blades or interfere with mowing.
7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what
accessories and attachments are needed to
properly and safely perform the job. Only use
accessories and attachments approved by
SNAPPER.
8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and
STOP machine if anyone enters the area.
9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields,
deflectors, switches, blade controls and other
safety devices are in place and functioning
properly.
10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear
appropriate clothing including safety glasses,
long pants, ear protection, hardhat and
substantial footwear with good traction. Long
hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled
in moving parts.
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly
in preparation for emergencies.
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
14. Check gras s 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. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set. Use
seat belts if provided.
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running.
Stop engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove
key.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly
seated with feet on foot rests or pedal(s).
5. DO NOT operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck,
engage parking brake and make sure engine
and blades have stopped before removing
grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent
injury to hands or feet.
7. Blades must be OFF exce pt w hen cut ting grass.
Set blades in highest position when mowing
over rough ground.
8. Keep hand s and feet awa y from rotating blad es
underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground
while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.
9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
10. Slow down before turning.
11. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
12. STOP engine immediately after striking an
object or if an abnormal vibration occurs.
Remove key. Remove and disconnect the
sparkplug wire. M ake necessary repairs before
resuming operation.
13. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
14. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to
maintain control during speed and directional
changes.
15. Exerci se CAUTION w hen pulling load s. DO NOT
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.
16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.
Engine exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
MAINTENA NCE
1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside
where fume s may reach an open flame, sp ark or
pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace,
clothes dr y er or othe r ga s a p pl iance. Al l o w e n gi ne
to cool before storing machine in an enclosure.
Store fuel container out of the reach of children in
a well ventilated, unoccupied building. Shut off
fuel (when equipped with valve) while storing or
transporting machine.
2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers,
drives and cutting units to help prevent
overheating and fires. Clean up fuel, oil and
excess grease.
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 pr oper posi tion.
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon mono xi de, a n odor less an d dead ly po iso n.