Snapper R205012, R204513E, NR205012 User Manual

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.

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.

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

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.

+ 8 hidden pages