Snapper R194014 User Manual

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Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

19” STEEL DECK

WALK MOWERS

SERIES 14

MODELS

R194014

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

R 19 40 14

MODEL DESIGNATION SERIES DESIGNATION CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE HORSE POWER

R – Recycling Model 14 Series Designation 19 – 19” Cutting Width 40 – 4.0 HP (Engine 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.

MANUAL No. 7-2302 (I.R. 11/16/99)

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 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 BEHIND and down for small children before and when backing.

6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other object s 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.

PREPARATION

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the mower and with 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.

3. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approv ed 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 and

oil from machine. DO NOT smoke. DO NOT run engine indoors.

PREPARATION

4. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could cause in jury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing. Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible hazards.

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

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

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

8. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, long pants and substantial footwear. DO NOT mow barefooted or with sandals.

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

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

OPERATION

1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge area wh ile 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. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

7. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. Operator could lose footing or balance.

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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATION

9. STOP blade and engine whenever you leav e the operating position behind the handle for any reason, including clearing grass, emptying grass bag and making wheel height adjustments, repairs, or inspections.

10. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain blade and all moving parts have STOPPED. Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

11. STOP engine and w ait until the blade comes to complete STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing grass.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

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 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.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

4. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cott er pins are in proper position.

5. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark p lu g an d secu re w ire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

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

7. 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 ev ident. Rep lace slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.

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

9. NEVER test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

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

11. 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

Adjusting Handle Height............................................................................................ 7

Adjusting Cutting Height........................................................................................... 8

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

Recycling Cover Installation/Removal ..................................................................... 8

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

Changing Engine Oil.................................................................................................. 9

Checking Mower Blade.............................................................................................. 9

Annually (End of Each Season)..............................................................................10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 12

SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 13

Maintenance/Replacement Parts ............................................................................ 13

WARRANTY............................................................................................ 14

PRIMARY MANTENANCE.................................................................15-18

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

(TURTLE)

CAP

HANDLE

RECOIL ROPE GUIDE

ROPE START

FUEL FILLER

PRIMER

RECYCLING COVER

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operator s 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.

BLADE CONTROL

KNOBS

FIGURE 1.1

CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT BUSHINGS

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature information above, Figure 1.1, shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWERS. It is recommended that all operators of the mower becom e 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.

FAST (RABBIT)

OIL FILL CAP & DIPSTICK

AIR CLEANER

MUFFLER

SLOW

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

CUTTING DECK

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 mak e sure all are in place and securely tightened.

2.1.2. Check blade control to insure it works freely. See Figure 2.1.

BLADE CONTROL

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.

2.1.5. 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)

The engine speed control is located on the f ront of the engine, adjacent to the primer button. Move the engine speed control to fast (rabbit) position prior to starting engine. For optimum mowing performance, always operate mower with the engine speed set at the f ast (rabbit) position.

1. Push primer button three times to start a cold engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start warm engine. See Fi g u re 2 . 3 .

IMPORTANT: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing

the blade control.

PUSH PRIMER BUTTON THREE TIMES

FIGURE 2.3

2. Pull blade control against handle.

3. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.

4. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until

engine runs smooth.

CHECK ENGINE OIL

FIGURE 2.2

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.3 STOPPING

Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade control. See Figure 2.6.

BLADE CONTROL

RELEASE BLADE CONTROL TO STOP ENGINE & BLADE

LOOSEN NUTS TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT

FIGURE 2.6

WARNING

DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.

2.4 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

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

1. Loosen the two nuts on the inside of each of the lower handles as shown in Figure 2.7.

2. Move the handle up or down to the desired height.

3. Retighten all nuts securely after adjustment.

FIGURE 2.7

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

1. FRONT WHEELS: Reposition the front axle by

raising the front wheels off the ground, then pull in the spring loaded bushings until they clear the brackets. Move bushings to the desired height of cut position and release the bushings. See Figure 2.8.

2. REAR WHEELS: Reposition the rear axle by raising the rear wheels off the ground, then pull in the spring loaded bushings until they clear the brackets. Move bushings to the desired height of cut position and releas e the bushings. Position the rear bushings in to the same notches corresponding with notches for the front wheels to maintain the level of the deck. See Figure 2.8.

NOTE: T here are four c utting height adjustment notc hes on each wheel. The top notch is the lowest cutting height and the lowest notch is the highest.

1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position (Notch

4).

2. 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.

2.7 RECYCLING COVER (REMOVAL/INSTALLATION)

1. REMOVAL: The recycling cover is secured in

place with two knobs. To remove the cover, unscrew the two knobs and lift off the cover. See Figure 2.9.

2. INSTALLATION: When reinstalling the cover, the deck sidewall should fit between the tab and outside of cover. Tighten knobs securely. See Figure 2.10.

KNOBS SECURE COVER

RECYCLING COVER

FIGURE 2.9

DECK BRACKET

TAB FITS BEHIND DECK EDGE

SPRING LOADED BUSHING

TAB

FIGURE 2.8

2.6 RECYCLING OPERATION NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a m aximum

of 1/3 of grass blade length and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.

FIGURE 2.10

MAKE CERTAIN TAB FITS TO INSIDE OF DECK

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 ser vice 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

1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away

from plug. The item s needed to perform oil change are: cloth rags, (1) 3/8” drive ratchet with a short extension and (1) shallow pan.

2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the oil drain plug located underneath the mower deck. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.1.

5. Lower the mower down and place the piece of wood under left rear wheel. Reach under mower and remove drain plug and allow oil to drain out completely in pan. Some oil may spill onto hands, immediately wipe hands clean with cloth rags.

6. Tilt mower back up and replace drain plug. Tighten securely but do not over tighten.

7. Fill engine with oil as specified in Engine Owner’s Manual. Thereafter , change oil after each 25 hours of use.

8. Check air cleaner and perform air filter maintenance as specified in the Engine Owner’s Manual.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or spark plug down, oil from crank case will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occ ur, the air f ilter will have to be replaced.

3.2.2 CHECK MOWER BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away

from plug.

2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the blade cap screw. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.2.

3. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.

4. Check blade for sharpness, wear and dam age. See Section on Blade Wear Limits.

BLADE

DRAIN PLUG

FIGURE 3.1

3. Place shallow pan underneath the approxim ate

center of the oil drain plug.

4. Loosen with ratc het and short extension, but do not remove oil drain plug. Loosen plug until you can turn it with your fingers.

RETAINING SCREW

To avoid spilling fuel, empty engine gas tank before tilting mower.

CHECK TORQUE OF BLADE RETAINING SCREW.TORQUE TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.

FIGURE 3.2

WARNING

Section 3 - MAINTENANCE

3.3 ANNUALLY (END OF EACH SEASON)

Perform all m aintenance as described in the maintenance schedule.

3.3.1. Engine

Service engine according to engine owner’s manual.

3.3.2. Air Filter Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.

3.3.3. Engine Oil Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.

3.4 STORAGE PROCEDURE

Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for directions regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the mower for “end of season” storage as follows:

1. Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until all fuel is out of the carburetor.

2. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire away from spark plug before any other preparations are made!

3. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying

water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.

4. T ilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly clean the underside of the deck . Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or wire brush.

5. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating of oil to prevent corrosion.

6. Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles forward, “flexing” the c ontro l cables to pr event cable damage.

7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area, protected from weather.

Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR

WARNING

4.1 MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT

4.1.1. STANDARD BLADE WEAR LIMIT

1. Inspect blade frequently for signs of exce ssive wear

or damage. See Figure 4.1.

NEW BLADE

BLADE

REMOVE BLADE RETAINING SCREW

FIGURE 4.2

4. Sharpen blade on a grinding wheel at an angle of 22

to 28 degrees. DO NOT sharpen blade beyond original cutting edge. See Figure 4.3.

NOTE: DO NOT SHARPEN BEYOND ORIGINAL CUTTING EDGE.

22-28º

WEAR LIMIT (NOTCH STARTS)

DANGEROUS CONDITION ! DO NOT USE ON MOWER ! REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.

FIGURE 4.1

WARNING

Never use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage. Refer to Section on MOWER BLADE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT for proper blade inspection and service procedures.

4.1.2. BLADE SHARPENING

1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away

from plug.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or spark plug down, oil from crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.

2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels.

3. Remove blade. See Figure 4.2.

BLADE TIP

END

ORIGINAL CUTTING EDGE

VIEW OF BLADE

FIGURE 4.3

5. Check blade for balance. If necessary, correct

balance by grinding heavy end of blade.

6. Reinstall blade. Refer to Figure 3.2. Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. Recom mended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION

Engine Will Not Start

Using Recoil Starter

Engine Stalls or Stops

After Running

Engine Loses Power

Excessive Vibration

Cutting Grass

Improperly

Poor Grass Discharge

Oil Leaking

1. Fuel tank empty. 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.

2. Engine needs priming. 2. Push primer three times.

3. Spark plug wire disconnected. 3. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug.

4. Spark plug faulty. 4. Replace with new spark plug.

1. Blade control is released or is not being held

securely against handle.

1. Blade control should be held securely against

handle at all times during operation of mower.

2. Fuel tank empty. 2. Fill with fuel to proper level.

3. Engine air pre-cleaner and or air cleaner dirty. 3. Clean free of all debris.

4. Spark plug defective or gap set improperly. 4. Service spark plug.

5. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system. 5. Drain and clean fuel system.

1. Engine air pre-cleaner or air cleaner dirty 1. Clean or replace filters.

2. Spark plug faulty. 2. Service spark plug.

3. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system. 3. Drain and clean fuel system.

1. Damaged, out of balance or bent mower blade. 1. Service mower blade.

2. Loose blade components. 2. Service and tighten loose parts.

3. Loose or missing air lift (if equipped). 3. Replace air lifts. Tighten to proper torque.

1. Cutting height too low or high. 1. Adjust cutting height.

2. Engine speed too slow. 2. Contact authorized SNAPPER Dealer.

3. Forward ground speed too fast. 3. Walk at slower pace.

4. Terraced cut, side to side. 4. Adjust height of cut with height adjust bushings.

5. Excessive deck pitch, front to rear. 5. Adjust height of cut with height adjust bushings.

6. Cutting blade dull or damaged. 6. Sharpen cutting edges or replace blade.

1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Contact authorized SNAPPER Dealer.

2. Grass is wet. 2. Mow when grass is dry .

3. Excessively worn or damaged blade. 3. Service mow er blade.

4. Build up of grass clippings and debris under deck. 4. Clean deck.

5. Improper blade installed on deck. 5. Install proper SNAPPER blade.

6. Blade installed improperly on deck. 6. Install blade properly.

1. Leaking engine case. 1. Contact authorized SNAPPER dealer.

2. Check and tighten drain plug.

3. Make sure dipstick or oil filler cap is securely in

place.

ITEM SERVICE PERFORMED

Engine Oil

Check Oil Level Page 6

SERVICE SCHEDULE

REF. EACH

USE 5 HRS

HRS

100

HRS

EACH

SEASON

Air Pre-Cleaner

Air Cleaner

Spark Plug

Mower Blade

Mower Deck

* Change oil every 25 hours when operating under heavy load or high temperatures. **Clean more often under dusty conditions or when air debris is present

4.2. MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS

Initial Oil Change Page 9 Periodic Oil Change Page 9

Clean Sponge Element Engine Manual

& Page 10.

Clean or Replace Engine Manual. Replace Engine Manual. Check For Wear, Damage

& Replacement Clean Debris Accumulation

Page 9-11 Page 10

X X*

X**

X X

MAINTENANCE PARTS

Blade Control Cable 3-5808 Cutter Blade (Mulching) 1-7167 Parts Manual for 19” Steel Deck Walk Behind Mower Series 14 & 15 06066

3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

For three (3) years from pur chase date f or the original pur chaser 's res idential, non-com m erc ial use, SNAPPER, through any authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applic able), any part or parts found upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.

For ninety (90) days from purchase date for the or iginal purchaser's commercial, rental, or other non-residential use, SNAPPER, through any SNA PPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts f ound upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.

All transportation costs inc urred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer for replacem ent under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.

This warranty does not apply to engines and their components, hydro transmissions, gear drive transmissions and batteries, as these items are warranted separately. This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, im proper lubrication, normal wear, or other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This warranty does not cover any machine or component part that has been altered or modified changing safety, performance, or durability.

There is no other express warranty .

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to three (3) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential or other non-commercial use, and ninety (90) days from purchase for the original purchaser's commercial, rental or other non-residential use, and to the extent permitted by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for consequential damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

WARNING: THE USE OF REPL ACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.

IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:

Snapper’s Product Registration Ce nter, P.O. Box 777, McDonough, Georgia 30253

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

An illustration of how

dirt can damage your

engine & how

reasonable maintenance

Snapper uses the

best available

engines and

components in

their products in

order to provide

long, satisfactory

service. However,

proper care is

essential in

prolonging engine

life. Dirt is your

engine’s enemy

The engine on your Snapper

product spends its entire life

operating close to the ground at

reating a virtual

can protect it!

number 1!

high speed c storm of dust and dirt!

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

clogged

air cleaner will:

The engine must gulp about 12,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel used. Because of its working environment, the air available to your Snapper engine is heavily saturated with airborne dirt particles.

As the dirt particles are stopped, they build up and begin to clog the outside of the air filter. This reduces the amount of air available to the engine and causes an over-rich fuel mixture which results in the following adverse effects:

An improperly serviced, dirt

1. Increase fuel

consumption.

2. Cause power loss.

3. Result in hard

starting.

4. Create smoke from

unburned fuel.

5. Produce carbon

build-up internally.

6. Foul spark plug

electrodes.

7. Score cylinder walls.

8. Burn valves.

9. Wear out the engine

pre-maturely.

10. COST YOU MONEY!

Knowing the dirt will quickly ruin an engine, manufacturers equip their engine with extremely efficient air cleaners to filter out the harmful dirt.

Damage caused by a poorly serviced air cleaner is not covered under the engine warranties. So, save yourself unnecessary expenses and undue aggravation by keeping the air cleaner properly serviced at the intervals specified in the engine owner’s manual.

It doesn’t take long to service an air cleaner. Follow the specific instructions in the engine owner’s manual for the type filter used. Prevent dirt from falling into the carburetor intake when servicing your air cleaner. Make sure components are installed in correct sequence after servicing to prevent unfiltered air from entering the engine. Some servicing hints on several common types ar e:

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

such as:

Air is also needed to keep your engine cool. Dirt, dust & debris build up restricts and clogs cooling air intake screens and fins. Clean screens and fins at frequent intervals. The engine blower housing and shrouds should be removed at least once each season or more often under dry, dusty conditions for a thorough cleaning of fins.

Generally, wash foam-type filters in a dishwashing detergent and water solution. Rinse and wring dry, then saturate with oil and squeeze out excess. Failure to re-oil this type filter will ruin the engine.

Clean paper elements by tapping lightly. Blowing with air will rupture paper elements.

Use a flashlight to detect clogged or torn paper elements – replace if damaged in any way.

Dirt can also be introduced into an engine in dirty fuel from a contaminated container. Always use clean fresh fuel from a clean container to guard against dirt, sludge and water contamination.

Failure to keep external surfaces clean not only presents fire hazards, but causes overheating and resulting engine damages

1. Distorted valve guides.

2. Sticking Valves.

3. Scuffed, scored cylinder walls.

4. Over-speeding.

5. Loss of power.

6. Complete failure of engine.

Be aware that fuel breaks down in storage and forms gummy compounds which will block carburetor passages. Never use fuel more than 3 months old. Drain tank then run the engine out of fuel before storing during the off-season.

An engine must also have proper lubrication. All engines use some oil. On 4-cycle engine, CHECK OIL LEVEL BEFORE EACH START-UP. Wipe area clean around the oil check plug or dipstick opening to keep dirt from falling into the engine when checking the oil. Always check with the machine on a level surface. On engines with dipstick, keep the level up to, but not over, the FULL mark. When adding oil, allow time for all of the oil to flow down the fill tube to prevent a false full reading when the level could actually be low and result in engine damage.

overflowing at the

engine owner’s manual for oil details.

Read and follow all

safety instructions in

safety booklets and

your engine’s

both internally and externally!

Internally, dirt will quickly ruin an engine

and externally it will cause overheating and

resulting internal damages. Damage caused

by improper lubrication, poor air cleaner

to dirt cannot be

covered under warranty.

It only takes a few moments to service the engine

(and equipment) on a routine basis but the rewards

will be a quick starting, responsive engine that will

y service with minimum

start checklist in the next

column and instructions in your Snapper Operator’s

Manual are designated to help you keep your Snapper

On 4-cycle engines with an oil level plug, don’t be fooled onto thinking the engine has sufficient lubricating oil if you can see “some” oil in the opening – the level should always be brought up to the point of top of the fill hole.

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE

On 2-cycle engines, lubrication must be provided by an exact mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil. A 2-cycle engine that is mistakenly run on straight gasoline will be ruined in less than 5 minutes! If you keep straight gasoline in addition to pre-mixed 2-cycle engine fuel, be sure the containers are clearly marked to avoid mix-up. Snapper 2-cycle engines require a 32 to 1 mixture of gasoline and BIA certified TC-W oil such as Snapper’s 2-cycle engine oil. Many of the 2-cycle engine oils on the market today make fantastic claims, but for the best performance and long engine life, always use Snapper 2-cycle oil. Pre-mix the fuel and always shake the container before filling the tank.

Change oil at regular intervals using a high quality oil such as Snapper’s small engine formulated 4-cycle engine oil. Refer to the

1. Engine Oil To full level (4-cycle). Properly mixed with gas (2- cycle).

2. Air Cleaner Clean and properly ser viced. Full fresh clean gasoline.

3. Fuel Tank Fuel valve open. Cap vent open. Inline filter clean.

4. Choke Operating properly.

5. Primer (on Used properly.

some engines)

6. Safety Interlock In proper position.

Switches All wires properly connected.

7. Switch & Blade Switch On.

Control Blade control properly positioned on walk mower.

8. Spark Plug Wire connected.

Good connection.

9. Throttle Control Start Position.

10. Blade Properly installed and

torqued. Sharpened.

11. Muffler Good condition.

Not clogged. Grass & leaves cleaned away.

manuals.

Keep in mind that dirt is

enemy #1

service or overheating due

provide long satisfactor maintenance cost. The pre-

SERVICE NOTES

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Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

19” STEEL DECK WALK BEHIND MOWERS SERIES 14 & 15

WARNING:

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

MANUAL No. 7-2302 (I.R.11/16/99)

Snapper R194014 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual