MODEL DESIGNATION SERIES DESIGNATION
CUTTING WIDTH ENGINE HORSE POWER
R – Recycling Model 15 - Series Designation
19 – 19” Cutting Width 45 – 4.5 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.
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 mach ine 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 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 cau tion. 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 o perators age 60 and abov e,
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.
4. Handle fuel wit h ext ra care. Fuels are flammab le
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 mo win g. 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 dev ices 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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharg e 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 t he 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 an d 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 g rass, 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, n uts and
screws properly tight. Check that all cott er 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 p lu g an d secu re w ire 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 ev ident. Rep lace
slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.
9. Mow er 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.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................2-3
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................4
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.
5
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
6
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 maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for
all components to cool.
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
7
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for
all components to cool. 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. 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
8
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
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for
all components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves
when handling or working around cutting blades.
Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe
injury.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or
spark plug down. Oil f rom crankcase 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 f rom crankcase 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 damage.
Refer to Section “Blade Wear Limits”.
BLADE
RETAINING
SCREW
DRAIN PLUG
FIGURE 3.1
3. Place shallow pan underneath the approxim ate
center of the oil drain plug.
To avoid spilling fuel, empty engine gas tank before
tilting mower.
9
CHECK TORQUE OF BLADE
RETAINING SCREW.TORQUE
TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.
FIGURE 3.2
WARNING
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
3.3 SERVICE - ANNUALLY
Perform all maintenance as described in the “Service
Schedule” section of this manual.
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.
10
Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when
handling or working around cutting blades. Blades
are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.
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
WEAR LIMIT
(NOTCH STARTS)
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
BLADE TIP
DANGEROUS CONDITION !
DO NOT USE ON MOWER !
REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.
FIGURE 4.1
WARNING
DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of
excessive wear or damage. Refer to Section
“MOWER BLADE 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 occ ur, the air f ilter will have to be
replaced.
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels.
3. Remove blade. See Figure 4.2.
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. See Figure 3.2. Check torque of
blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque
should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
11
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 choking or priming. 2. Choke/Prime. Check Engine Manual for
3. Make sure dipstick or oil filler cap is securely in
place.
12
ITEMSERVICE PERFORMED
Engine Oil
Check Oil Level Page 6
SERVICE SCHEDULE
REF. EACH
USE 5 HRS
X
25
HRS
50
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
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
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
13
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 authorized SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for
replacement under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to engines and their components , and batteries, as these item s are warranted separately.
This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, improper lubrication,
normal wear, or other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This warranty does not cover any machine or com ponent
part that has been altered or modified changing safety, performance, or durability.
Batteries have a one (1) year prorated warranty period with free replacement if requir ed during the first ninety (90) days
from the original purchas e date. SNAPPER will not be responsible for any installation cost incurred. T he battery warranty
only covers original equipment batteries and does not cover dam age to the battery or machine caused by neglect or
abuse, destruction by fire, explosion, freezing, overcharging, improper maintenance, or use of improper electrolyte.
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 products are built using engines that meet or exceed all applicable emissions requirements on
the date manufactured. The labels on those engines contain very important emissions information and
critical safety warnings. Read, Understand , and Follow all warnings and instructions in this manual, the
engine manual, and on the machine, engine and attachments. If you have any questions about your
Snapper product, contact your local authorized Snapper dealer or contact Snapper Customer Service at
Snapper, McDonough, GA. 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).