Snapper R194515B User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

19” STEEL DECK

WALK MOWERS

SERIES 15

MODELS

R194515B

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

R 19 40 15

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.

MANUAL No. 7-3134 (I.R. 8/20/99)

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 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.

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.

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

Handle Height Adjustment.........................................................................................7

Cutting Height Adjustment........................................................................................ 8

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

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

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

Change Engine Oil...................................................................................................... 9

Check Mower Blade ................................................................................................... 9

Service - Annually.....................................................................................................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

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