Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
20” STEEL DECK
WALK MOWERS
SERIES 12
MODELS
R205012
NR205012
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
PREFIX BODY SUFFIX
N R 20 50 12
ENGINE SERIES
HP DESIGNATION
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 Page 2. 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.
COPYRIGHT © 1996
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SERIES CUTTING
DESIGNATION WIDTH
PREFIX EXPLANATION
R - Recycling Mower
N - California Model
BODY EXPLANATION
20 - 20” Cutting Width 50 - 5.0 HP Engine
SUFFIX EXPLANATION
12 - Series Designation
MANUAL No. 3-5806 (I.R. 8/96)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury
and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the operator or other
persons. The owner of the mower must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must allow only persons who
understand these instructions to operate mower. Each person operating the mower 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 mower which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer
Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253. Phone: (770) 954-2500.
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
1. DO NOT allow children in area wh en mow er is being
operated.
2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
mower.
3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with
mature judgment to operate mower and only under
close supervision.
4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly small
children, and pets.
PREPARA TION
1. Never operate mower without proper guards, plates,
safety switches, or other saf ety protectiv e devices in
place and properly connected. Inspect to determine
that these safety devices are installed properly, are in
good repair, and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these devices are questionable, they
must be repaired or replaced before using the
mower. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
proper use of the equipment.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones
and other foreign objects. Also note the location of
holes, stumps, and other possible hazar ds.
3. DO NOT operate mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear and
long pants.
4. Fill fuel tank before starting engine. Use approved
fuel container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel
container. 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.
5. Make sure that the wheel drive clutch control is
disengaged before starting engine.
6. Nev er attempt to make a cutting height adjustmen t
while the engine is running.
7. When mowing over rough ground or in tall grass,
mower must be set at highest cutting position.
8. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
9. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and
walk; never run!
10. DO NOT operate mower without the grass bag (and
adapter), side chute, mu lch cover or adapter plug in
place.
OPERATION
1. DO NOT change engine governor settings or over
speed engine.
2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area while engine is
running.
3. STOP engine w hen crossing grav el drives, w alks, or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown
objects might be a hazard.
4. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and secure
spark plug wire. Inspect the mo wer for any damage
and repair the damage.
5. STOP blade and engine whenever you leave the
operating position behind the handle for any reason,
including clearing grass, emptying grass bag and
making any adjustments, repairs, or inspections.
6. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain blade and all mo ving parts have STOPPED.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from
plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to
complete STOP before removing grass bag and/or
clearing grass.
8. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise
CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. DO
NOT mow steep slopes or other areas where stability
or traction is in doubt.
MAINTENA NCE A ND STORA GE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
mower is in safe operating condition.
2. Never store mower with fuel in tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, spilled fuel or excessive grease.
4. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace with n ew bag if loose seams
or tears are evident. Replace slider or bag adapt er if
broken or cracked.
5. Have your mow er inspected and serviced each year
by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if any
additional devices are available which might upgrade
the safety of your mower.
6. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts must
be used to assure adequate protection against injury.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................ 3
FAMILIARIZATION.................................................................................... 4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................5-6
Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 5
Starting & Operation Engine & Blades ..............................................................5
Stopping Engine & Blades.................................................................................. 6
Adjusting Cutting Height.................................................................................... .6
Adjusting Front & Rear Axles ............................................................................. 6
Recycling Operation............................................................................................ 6
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................. 7
Changing Engine Oil............................................................................................ 7
Annually (End of Each Season).......................................................................... 7
Engine................................................................................................................ 7
Air Filter............................................................................................................. 7
Engine Oil.......................................................................................................... 7
Fuel Filter........................................................................................................... 7
Storage Procedure............................................................................................... 7
ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR................................................................. 8
Mower Blade Repair/Replacement..................................................................... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................. 9
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................10
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 11
3
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
CONTROL
HANDLE KNOBS
BLADE
ENGINE
THROTTLE
CONTROL
FOLDING
FUEL TANK
MOWER DECK
RECYCLING COVER
INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepar ed for the operators of
the SNAPPER Series 12, 20” 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 INST RUCTIONS” on Page 2
of this manual and all safety messages on the
mower, engine and attachments bef ore operating the
machine.
UPPER
HANDLE
ROPE START
HANDLE
MID-HANDLE
BLADE CONTROL
CABLE CLAMP
LOWER
HANDLE
(Bracket)
ENGINE
MUFFLER
MOWER
DECK
DECK HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
ENGINE PRIMER
BUTTON (SEE
ENGINE MANUAL)
NOMENCLATURE
The nomenclature drawing above, shows the
essential parts of the SNAPPER Series 12, 20”
WALK BEHIND MOW ERS. It is recommended that
all operators of the mower become thoroughly
familiar with the contr ols, 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.
4
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
UPPER HANDLE
TO START
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
(“OFF” POSITION)
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.
2.1.6. 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
(Primer Models)
1. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit)
position. See Figure 2.3.
2. Push primer button three times to start a cold
engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start
warm engine.
3. Pull blade control against handle.
4. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.
5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until
engine runs smooth.
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the
blade control.
HOLD BLADE
CONTROL
AGAINST
OIL LEVEL CHECK
FIGURE 2.2
2.1.5. Add fuel to tank after pushing the mower
outside where fumes can saf ely dissipate. Make sure
cap is tightened after refueling. Refer to Engine
Owners Manual for specifications.
STARTING STANCE
PULL ROPE
START HANDLE
FIGURE 2.3
5
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CUT
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
2.3 STOPPING
Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade
control.
WARNING
Stop engine and mow er blade by releasing the blade
control before adjusting cutting height.
2.4 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Positioning the axles in the lowest of the four
adjustment positions in the wheel brackets raises
the cutting deck to the highes t cutting height which
is 2-1/2 inches. The top position provides the lowest
cut of 1/2 inch. See Figure 2.4.
WARNING
STOP engine and blade BEFORE attempting any
adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs.
Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and
secure spark plug wire away from spark plug.
Never attempt to adjust the cutting height while the
engine is running.
2.5 ADJUSTING FRONT & REAR AXLES
1. Reposition the front axle by raising the front
wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the
spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket.
Move to the desired height of cut position (four
positions are provided) and release the bushing.
Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle.
See Figure 2.4.
FRONT AXLE SHOWN
LOWEST
AXLE BUSHING
HIGHEST
FIGURE 2.4
6
2. Reposition the rear axle by raising the rear
wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the
spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket.
Move to the desired height of cut position (four
positions are provided) and release the bushing.
Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle.
NOTE: Position rear axle bushings in the same
corresponding position as the front axle to keep
deck level. Refer to Figure 2.4.
WARNING
Before attempting any adjustments to the cutting
height or front baffle, STOP the engine, remove the
spark plug wire from th e spark plug and secure wire
away from plug. DO NOT make any adjustments with
engine or blade running. Be extremely careful when
performing adjustments around engine. Engine is
extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Wear
heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp
and can cause severe injury.
2.6 RECYCLING OPERATION
NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a m axim um of
1” from grass and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.
1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position.
2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” (Rabbit)
position.
3. Proceed mowing slowly. If grass is very dense,
lower each rear wheel bushing one notch lower than
the front wheel bushings to improve recycling
performance.
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
OIL PLUG
3.1 INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the mower, use genuine
SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local
SNAPPER dealer for parts and service 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
Before attempting any adjustments o r repairs, STOP
the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the
spark plug and secure wire aw ay from plug. Engine
oil is extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
Allow engine oil to cool before draining to prevent
injury.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away
from plug. The item s needed to perform oil change
are: (2) 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.
REMOVE
FIGURE 3.1
7
3. Place shallow pan underneath the approximate
center of the oil drain plug.
4. Loosen with ratchet 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 back under
mower and rem ove drain plug and allow oil to drain
out completely in pan. Some oil will 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 spec ified in Engine Owner’s
Manual. Thereafter, change oil after each 25 hours
of use.
3.3 ANNUALLY (END OF EACH SEASON)
Perform all maintenance 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 f uel 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. Tilt m ower 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 gr ass 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 k nobs. Carefully fold the handles
forward, “flexing” the control cables to prevent cable
damage.
7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,
protected from weather.
Section 4 - REPAIR & ADJUSTMENTS
NEW BLADE
(NOTCH STARTS)
WARNING
Before attempting any adjustments o r repairs, STOP
the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the
spark plug and secure wire away from plug. Wear
heavy leather gloves when handling or working
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp
and can cause severe injury.
4.1 MOWER BLADE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
4.1.1. STANDARD BLADE WEAR LIMIT
1. Inspect blade frequently for signs of excessive wear
or damage. See Figure 4.1.
WEAR LIMIT
4. Sharpen blade on a grinding wheel at an angle of
22 to 28 degrees. The cutting s urf ace should ex tend
inward about 3-1/2” from the tip. See Figure 4.3.
BLADE HUB
(ON ENGINE)
END VIEW
BLADE
FLANGE
CONE
WASHER
SPECIAL
RETAING
CAPSCREW
FIGURE 4.2
DANGEROUS CONDITION !
DO NOT USE ON MOWER !
REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.
FIGURE 4.1
2. Replace the blade if it is badly chipped, bent,
noticeably out of balance or has cracks or notch in
either tip. See Figure 4.1. Replace with new blade
Part No. 2-6407.
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 s park plug wire and sec ure end away
from plug.
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels. Do not tilt
mower with spark plug or carburetor down.
3. Remove blade. See Figure 4.2.
BLADE
TIP
4 1/4”
*PLUS OR MINUS 3
DEGREES
FIGURE 4.3
5. Check blade for balance. If necessary, correct
balance by grinding heavy end of blade.
6. Reinstall blade. Refer to Figure 4.1. Check torque
of blade retaining cap screw. Recom mended torque
should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
8
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Engine Will Not Start 1. Fuel tank empty. 1. Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.
Using Recoil Starter 2. Engine needs priming. 2. Push primer bulb three times.
3. Spark plug wire disconnected. 3. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug.
Engine Stalls or Stops
After Running
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.
Engine Loses Power 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.
Engine Backfires When
Turned To “STOP”
Excessive Vibration 1. Damaged, out of balance or bent mower blade. 1. Service mower blade.
2. Loose blade components. 2. Service and tighten loose parts.
Cutting Grass
Improperly
Poor Grass Discharge
Oil Leaking
1. Blade control is released or is not being held securely
against handle.
1. Throttle control set too “FAST”. 1. Set throttle control to “SLOW” and allow engine to
1. Cutting height too low or high. 1. Adjust cutting height.
2. Engine speed too slow. 2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position.
4. Terraced cut, side to side. 4. Adjust height of cut.
5. Excessive deck pitch, front to rear. 5. Adjust height of cut.
6. Cutting blade dull or damaged. 6. Sharpen cutting edges or replace blade.
1. Engine speed too slow. 1. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position.
2. Forward speed too fast. 2. Move ground speed control to a slower speed.
3. Grass is wet. 3. Mow when grass is dry.
4. Excessively worn or damaged blade. 4. Service mower blade.
5. Build up of grass clippings and debris under deck. 5. Clean deck.
6. Improper blade installed on deck.
7. Blade installed improperly on deck. 7. Install blades properly.
1. Leaking engine case.
1. Blade control should be held securely against
handle at all times during operation of mower.
idle.
6. Install proper SNAPPER blade.
1. Contact authorized SNAPPER dealer.
2. Check and tighten drain plug.
3. Make sure dip stick or oil filler cap is securely
in place.
9
ITEM SERVICE PERFORMED
Engine Oil
Check Oil Level Page 8
SERVICE SCHEDULE
REF. EACH
USE 5 HRS
X
25
HRS
50
HRS
100
HRS
EACH
SEASON
Air Pre-Cleaner
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug
Engine Cooling
System
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
Initial Oil Change Page 8
Periodic Oil Change Page 8
Clean Sponge Element Engine Manual
& Page 9.
Clean or Replace Engine Manual.
Replace Engine Manual.
Clean Shroud & Fins Engine Manual
& Page 9
Check For Wear, Damage
& Replacement
Clean Debris
Accumulation
Page 10
Page 9
X
X*
X**
X**
X
X**
X
X
10
10 - 5 - 2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX and MOWER DECK - 10 YEARS
For ten (10) years from purchase date for the original purchaser’s residential non-commercial
SNAPPER, through any Snapper dealer, will replace or repair free of charge, the mower deck or transmission
gear box if found upon examination by the factory to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
COMPONENTS PARTS - 5 YEARS
For five (5) years from purchase date for original purchaser’s residential non-commercial
through any Snapper dealer will replace free of charge any part or parts found upon examination by the factory
to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
ENGINE - 2 YEARS
The engine on this product is warranted by the engine manufacturer for two (2) years for the original
purchaser’s non-commercial* use. (See engine manufacturer’s warranty statement for details.)
BATTERIES
Batteries are warranted separately and have one (1) year prorated warranty with a ninety (90) day free
replacement period.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRA NTIES
Implied warranties including those of m er chantability and fitness f or a partic ular purpos e, are limited to five (5)
years from purchase date for the original purchaser’s residential, non-commercial use, for ninety (90) days from
purchase date for the original purchas er’s comm ercial, 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.
All transportation cost incurred by the purchaser in s ubm itting m aterial to a SNAPPER dealer for replacement
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does no apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, improper
lubrication, normal wear (things such as belts, blades, driven disc or any other normal wear item). This warranty
does not cover tune-ups or other adjustments required in the normal use of the product.
There is no other express warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
*Any use other than on the purchaser’s residential lawn constitutes commercial use.
WARNING: THE USE O F REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER TH AN GENUIN E SNAPPER PARTS M AY
IMPAIR THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY
SNAPPER ASSOCIA TED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:
SNAPPER, 535 Macon Rd., McDonough, Ga. 30253
* use,
* use, Snapper,
11
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
20” STEEL DECK WALK MOWERS SERIES 12
Models: R205012 & NR205012
COPYRIGHT © 1996
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 3-5806 (I.R. 8/96) PRINTED IN U.S.A.
12
Loading...