Snapper SFH13320KW User Manual
5023224
Rev. No. 00
Rev. Date: 08/2003
TP 100-7133-00-HC-N
McDonough, GA 30253 USA
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
TRANSAXLE DRIVE
WALK-BEHIND MOWER
MOWER UNIT MODEL
SFH13320KW
© Copyright 2003 Snapper Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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 1 - 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!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that
can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result 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 (even with the blades OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on
machine, attachments, or towed equipment (even
with the blades OFF). They may fall and be
seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate or
service the machine. Local regulations may
restrict the age of the operator.
5. ALLOW only adults or responsible teenagers with
mature judgment under close adult supervision to
operate machine.
6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP
BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind and down for
children, pets and hazards before and while
backing.
7. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects 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 and slow speed. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, DO NOT mow it.
2. Exercise extreme CAUTION when changing
directions on slopes. Practice operation of
machine on slopes with blades off.
3. Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments: these affect the handling and the
stability of the machine.
4. DO NOT use tow behind attachments on slopes.
5. AVOID uphill starts.
6. Turf conditions can affect the machine’s stability.
DO NOT operate machine under any condition
where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
7. Chose a low enough ground speed setting so that
you will not have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires
may lose traction on slopes even though the
brakes are functioning properly.
SLOPE OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
8. Always keep the machine in gear when going down
slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate the hydro
roll release) and coast down hill.
PREPARATION
1. Read, understand and follow instructions and
warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine,
and attachments. Know the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting. If the operators or
mechanics cannot read English, it is the owner’s
responsibility to explain this material to them.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the
machine and only after proper instruction. The owner
is responsible for training the operators. Further, the
owner/operator can prevent and/or is responsible for
accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other
people or property.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability
to operate the mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable 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 from machine. DO
NOT smoke.
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF to
learn controls and develop skills.
6. 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
mowing.
7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories and
attachments are needed to properly and safely perform
the job. Only use accessories and attachments
approved by SNAPPER
8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields, deflectors,
switches, blade controls and other safety devices are
in place and functioning properly.
10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace
if damaged.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear appropriate
clothing including safety glasses, long pants, ear
protection, hardhat and substantial footwear with
good traction. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry
may get tangled in moving parts.
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
14. 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 worn spots.
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive
1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
2. Use only an approved fuel container.
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such
as on a water heater or other appliances.
6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
the containers on the ground away from the vehicle
before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel equipment using a portable
container, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed
vehicles or trailers.
9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open device
10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
immediately.
11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and
tighten securely.
OPERATION
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge area while the
engine is running.
2. BEFORE STARTING ENGINE, blades must be OFF
and Traction Levers LOCKED in the Traction Lock
position.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
3. Stop Blades when crossing gravel drive, walks, and
under any conditions where thrown objects might be
a hazard.
4. DO NOT raise deck with the blades running.
5. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure
vision.
7. DO NOT operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. After striking a foreign object or if the mower vibrates
abnormally, STOP the blades and engine. Remove the
key. Disconnect and secure the spark plug wire.
Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the
damage.
9. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, washouts culverts, fences and
protruding objects. STAY ALERT for holes and other
hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing while operating machine,
especially while backing up. Keep a firm grip on the
handle. Walk: never run. Slipping and falling could
cause injury.
11. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine running.
STOP BLADES, STOP ENGINE and REMOVE KEY
before leaving the operator position for any reason.
10. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting make certain
blades, engine and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Remove key and secure spark plug wire away from
spark plug key to prevent accidental starting.
11. STOP MACHINE on level ground, engage parking
brake (if equipped) and make sure engine and blades
have stopped before leaving the operator’s position
for any reason including removing grass catcher or
unclogging mower to prevent injury to hands or feet.
12. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blades in highest position when mowing over rough
ground.
13. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades
underneath deck.
14. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge
at people, passing cars, windows or doors.
15. Slow down before turning.
16. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.
17. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain
control during speed and directional changes.
18. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly
poison.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTENANCE
1. Shut off fuel while storing or transporting. DO
NOT 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 the reach of children in a well
ventilated, unoccupied building.
2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers,
drives and cutting units to help prevent fires.
Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an
approved container outdoors and away from open
flame.
4. Check brakes frequently (if equipped); adjust,
repair or replace as needed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine. Exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison
7. Disconnect battery before performing
maintenance or service. Cranking engine could
cause injury. Disconnect negative (black) cable
from battery first and positive (red) last.
Reconnect positive first and negative last. Charge
battery in an open well ventilated area, free from
spark and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear
protective clothing and insulated gloves.
8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work
under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only
when engine and blades are stopped. Remove
key. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s)
and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings
or overspeed engine. DO NOT make adjustments
with the engine running.
11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual
to prevent controls from binding.
12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them. DO NOT
straighten or weld blades, only replace them.
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
14. Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
15. Have machine serviced by an authorized
SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the
dealer install any new safety devices. DO NOT
allow untrained personnel to service the machine.
16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
3
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Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions .........................1-3
Table of Contents ................................................5
Features & Controls............................................6
Control Functions....................................................6
Safety Interlock System ..........................................7
Safety Decals .......................................................8
Operating the Walk Behind Mower ....................9
General ...................................................................9
Checks Before Starting...........................................9
Starting the Engine .................................................9
Driving the Mower...................................................9
Operating On A Slope...........................................10
Stopping the Mower..............................................10
Mowing..................................................................10
Pushing the Mower by Hand.................................10
Storage..................................................................11
Starting After Long Term Storage .........................11
Regular Maintenance ........................................12
Maintenance Schedule .........................................12
Checking Tire Pressure.........................................12
Checking/Adding Fuel...........................................13
Fuel Filter ..............................................................13
Oil & Filter Change ...............................................13
Check / Change Air Filter......................................13
Lubrication ............................................................14
Servicing the Mower Blades .................................15
Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service .......16
Troubleshooting the Mower...................................16
Troubleshooting the Mower Deck..........................17
Cutting Height Adjustment ....................................18
Deck Leveling Adjustment.....................................19
Belt Removal and Replacement ...........................20
Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment.............21
PTO Clutch Adjustment ........................................22
Lawn Care & Mowing Information.............LC—1
NOTE: In this manual, “left” and “right” are referred to as
seen from the operating position.
WARNING
Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
You must read, understand and comply with all safety
and operating instructions in this manual before
attempting to set-up and operate your machine.
Failure to comply with all safety and operating
instructions can result in loss of machine control,
serious personal injury to you and / or bystanders,
and risk of equipment and property damage. The
triangle in the text signifies important cautions or
warnings which must be followed.
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6
Features
& Controls
A. Motion Control Levers
These levers control the ground speed and direction of
motion of the mower. The left and right levers are tied
together so you can operate either lever to control the
mower’s ground speed and forward or reverse direction.
Moving a lever forward increases the FORWARD speed
of the mower, and pulling back on a levers increases the
REVERSE speed.
Note: The further a lever is moved away from the neutral
position the faster the mower will travel.
Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with the name, location, and function of
these controls so that you will better understand the safety and operating instructions
provided in this manual.
F
Figure 1. Control Locations
A. Motion Control Levers
B. Engine Ignition Switch
C. Throttle Control
D. Choke Control
E. PTO Engagement Switch
F. Operator Presence / Parking Brake Handles
G. Cutting Height Adjust Handle
H. Fuel Tank Cap
B. Engine Ignition Switch
Rotate the key switch to the ON position before pulling
on the starter rope.
C. Throttle Control
The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease
engine speed. Always operate at FULL throttle.
D. Choke
Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once
the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Pull the knob up to close the choke.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing
require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences. To learn what combination and sequence
of controls to use for various tasks see the OPERATION section.
G
E
A
F
C
B
D
A
H
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Features & Controls
SAFETY
INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and
other safety devices. These safety systems are present
for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their
operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with an operator presence switch
safety system. Check the operator presence switch
operation every fall and spring with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine WILL NOT start if:
• PTO switch is engaged.
Test 2 — Engine WILL start if:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged.
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator releases the operator presence / parking
brake handles with PTO engaged.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned off (or operator releases operator presence handles). If mower drive belt does not stop within
five seconds, see your dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, PTO switch must
be turned off in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.
E. PTO Engagement Switch
The PTO Engagement Switch engages and disengages
the mower blades.
To engage the mower blades, pull up on the switch. To
disengage the mower blades, push down on the switch.
When the PTO engagement lever or switch is in the
Engaged position, the Engine Kill system is activated.
F. Operator Presence / Parking Brake
Handles
This control deactivates the engine kill system and disengages the parking brake when depressed. Release
the handles to activate the engine kill system and
engage the parking brake. The engine will shut off if the
operator releases the handles with the PTO engaged.
G. Cutting Height Adjust Handle
The cutting height adjust handle controls the mower cutting height. To adjust the mower cutting height, turn the
crank handle clockwise to raise the cutting height. Turn
the crank handle counterclockwise to lower the cutting
height. Observe the cutting height indicator on the left
side of the mower deck.
H. Fuel Tank Cap
To remove cap, turn counterclockwise.
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SAFETY DECALS
This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment
manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to
remind you of this important information while you are
operating your unit.
All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional
messages on your rider and mower should be carefully
read and obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when
these instructions are not followed. The information is for
your safety and it is important!
If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them
at once. See your local dealer for replacements.
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use
the equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation.
Decal - Danger
Part No. 1704276
Decal - Danger
Part No. 1704277
Decal - Dash Panel
Part No. 5049066
Decal - Hot
Part No. 1704473
Features & Controls
Decal - Danger
Part No. 7013010
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Operating
the Walk Behind Mower
WARNING
If you do not understand how a specific control
functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the
FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now.
Do NOT attempt to operate the machine without
first becoming familiar with the location and
function of ALL controls.
GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY
Before first time operation:
• Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this
machine.
• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to
stop the unit.
• Drive in an open area without mowing to become
accustomed to the unit.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position for any
reason, disengage the PTO, stop the engine and
remove the key.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and mower
free of grass, leaves and excess grease. Do not
stop or park machine over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when the
engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not
allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area.
Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING
• Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick.
See the engine Operator’s Manual for instructions
and oil recommendations.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in
place and tight.
• Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Refer to engine
manual for fuel recommendations.
• Make sure fuel shut off valve is in the ON position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle position. Then fully close the choke by pulling the knob
OUT fully.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
• Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to
RUN.
• Grasp recoil handle and pull cord briskly. (You may
have to pull several times before engine starts. If
engine fails to start within a reasonable number of
attempts, discontinue and check engine manual for
further instructions.)
NOTE: Be sure recoil cord retracts fully into recoil unit.
A slack recoil cord can cause serious personal injury
and/or damage to unit.
• After the engine starts, gradually open the choke
(push knob down fully).
Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO lever/switch or driving the
mower.
After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the unit
at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.
In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to
STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations.
For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given
in STOPPING THE MOWER.
DRIVING THE MOWER
• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
• Set the throttle control to FULL.
• Grasp the operator presence / parking brake handles
and the handle bar grips at the same time to deactivate engine kill system and disengage the parking
brake.
• With your thumbs, pressing the ground speed control
levers forward will move the mower forward. Pulling
them back will move the mower backwards. The farther the levers are pushed or pulled will result in a
faster ground speed.
• To slow the mower, gently release your thumb pressure on the ground speed control levers.
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10
OPERATING ON A SLOPE
While it is not recommended, traveling up and down
slopes may be required from time to time. These guide
lines are listed for your safety.
Traveling Up a Slope
Since the hill climbing ability of the machine will probably
far exceed any other machine you may have operated,
caution should be observed.
• Never make abrupt speed or directions changes on a
slope.
• Never push down on the handle bars while going up
a grade. A slight lifting pressure is recommended to
keep the front wheels on the ground.
Traveling Down a Slope
A very slow ground speed should always be used when
traveling down a slope. This can be accomplished by
GENTLY moving the ground speed control levers
towards the reverse direction.
MOWING
• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
• Set the throttle control to FULL.
• Grasp the operator presence / parking brake handles
and the handle bar grips at the same time to deactivate engine kill system and disengage the parking
brake.
• Engage the PTO by pulling up on the PTO switch.
• Begin mowing. See Lawn Care Section in the back
of this manual for tips on mowing patterns, lawn
care, and trouble shooting information.
• When finished, disengage the PTO.
• Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE MOWER).
PUSHING THE MOWER BY HAND
• Disengage the PTO, turn the ignition OFF, and
remove the key.
• Slide the hydraulic release rod forward and lock into
the top of the “T” slot. See Figure 2.
• Grasp the operator presence / parking brake handles
and the handle bar grips at the same time to disengage the parking brake.
The mower can now be pushed by hand.
• After moving the mower, re-engage the transmission
(DRIVE position) by releasing the rod from the “T”
and sliding the release handle towards the rear of
the machine.
DO NOT TOW MOWER
Towing the unit will cause hydraulic transmission damage. Do not use another vehicle to push or pull this unit.
Figure 2. Hydraulic Release Rod
NEUTRAL POSITION
DRIVE POSITION
STOPPING THE MOWER
• Returning the ground speed control levers to the
neutral position will stop movement.
• Disengage the PTO.
• Release the operator presence / parking brake handles to engage the parking brake.
• Move the throttle control to mid-throttle position and
turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove the key.
Operating the Walk Behind Mower
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