Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
PRO HYDRO
WALK BEHIND MOWERS
MID-SIZE
SERIES 0
POWER UNIT
MODELS
SPLH140KW
SPLH170KW
SPLH140KH
SPLH150KH
SPLH160BV
SPLH140KWE
SPLH180KHE
SPLH220KHE
Model SPLH140KW shown
MOWER UNIT
MODELS
SP360
SP480
SPA360
SPA480
SPA520
SPA610
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
IslPILIHI14101KWl
MODE"DES,GNATION/ I ENGINETYPE
MODEL TYPE SERIES DESIGNATION
MODEL OPTION ENGINE HP
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE
S - Snapper Commercial Model
P- Pro Mid Size Model
L - Loop Type Handle Model
H - Hydro Drive System
A- Adjustable Cutting Deck
ENGINE HORSE POWER
14- 14.0 Engine HP
15 - 15.0 Engine HP
16 - 16.0 Engine HP
17 - 17.0 Engine HP
18 - 18.0 Engine HP
22 - 22.0 Enqine HP
CUTTING DECK WIDTH
36 - 36" Cutting Deck
48 - 48" Cutting Deck
52 - 52" Cutting Deck
61 - 61" Cutting Deck
0- Series Designation KW - Kawasaki Engine
KH - Kohler Engine
E - Electric Starting
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your PRO 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!
SNAPPERMcDonough,GA,, 30253 U.S.A.
COPYRIGHT © / 999
SNAPPER INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 4-3799 (REV. 2, 5/17/99)
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 blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or other passengers to ride
on machine or on attachments (even with the
blade OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine.
5. ALLOW only adults or responsible teenagers with
mature judgment under close adult supervision to
operate machine.
6. BE SURE the area is clear of others before
mowing and turn machine OFF if anyone enters
the area.
7. DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. LOOK BEHIND and down for small
children before and when backing.
8. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
(Continued From Previous Column)
4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill
or tires lose traction, turn blade OFF and back
slowly down the slope.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards.
Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from
ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects.
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away
from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The
mower could turn over if an edge caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion slowly and with
caution.
8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance
with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO
NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10
degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass
catcher.
9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to
stabilize the machine.
10. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
11. DO NOT mow under any condition where traction,
steering or stability is doubtful without first test
driving over the terrain with blade OFF.
12. Operator Protective Structures are available for
this machine through your local Snapper dealer.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on
it, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers
or other attachments; these can change the stability
of the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15
degrees (27% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10
degrees (18% grade). Turn blade OFF when
traveling uphill. Use first speed and avoid sudden
or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT mow back and forth across face of
slopes. Mow up and down.
PREPARATION
1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls
are located and practice how to use them before
starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Read and follow Warnings and
Instructions on engine and machine. Read and
follow operator's manual and instructions
furnished with attachments.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate
the machine and only after proper instruction.
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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable
and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved
fuel container. Never 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 BLADE 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. Keep people and pets a safe distance from
machine.
8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade
controls and other safety devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.
11. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
13. 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.
OPERATION
1. Mount and dismount machine from leftside.
2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make
sure blade is OFF and parking brake isset.
3. STOP blade, STOP engine, set parking brake and
remove key when leaving machine.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated
with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).
5. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade
has stopped before removing grass catcher or
unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or
hand.
6. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blade in highest position when mowing over rough
ground.
7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade
underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground
while BLADE isON or machine is in motion.
8. Deflector or entire grass catcher must be in place.
NEVER point discharge at people, passing cars,
windows or doors.
9. Slow down before turning.
10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
11. STOP engine immediately after striking an
obstruction. Inspect machine and repair
damage before resuming operation.
12. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
13. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to
maintain control during speed and directional
changes.
14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.
MAINTENANCE
1. Never 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. Keep engine free of grass, 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. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as
needed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that allcotter pins are in proper position.
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running
engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery
before performing maintenance or service.
Cranking engine could cause injury.
8. Never work under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and make adjustments only when
engine is stopped. 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.
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.
13. NEVER test for spark by grounding spark plug next
to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas
exiting engine.
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer
install any new safety devices.
15. 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
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ................................................................................................. 5
SECTION 2 - CONTROLS ............................................................................................................ 6
Engine Controls .............................................................................................................. 6
Blade and Traction Controls ......................................................................................... 6
TO ROLL MACHINE - Pressure Relief Valve Adjustment ........................................... 6
SECTION 3 -OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................... 7-15
Pre-Start Checklist ......................................................................................................... 7
Before Operating ............................................................................................................ 7
Normal Operating Stop .................................................................................................. 8
Starting and Operating .................................................................................................. 8
Traction Speed Control .................................................................................................. 9
Mowing and Turning on Hillsides ............................................................................... 10
Adjusting Handle Height ......................................................................................... 10-11
Adjusting Cutting Height (Fixed Decks) ..................................................................... 12
Adjusting Caster Wheels (Fixed Decks) ..................................................................... 12
Adjusting Blade on Cutter Spindle (Fixed Decks) ..................................................... 12
Adjusting Mower (Deck) Attachment (Fixed Decks) ................................................. 13
Adjusting Cutting Height (Adjustable Decks) ............................................................ 13
Battery Service & Testing ....................................................................................... 14-15
SECTION 4 - SERVICE - TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................... 16
Section 4 - Service ................................................................................................... 17-23
Covers Troubleshooting, Service Schedule, Lubrication Chart, Hydraulic &
Electric Clutch Adjustments, Belt Removal & Installation as well as Blade Inspection,
Removal, Sharpening, Balancing and Installation.
WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 24
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................... 25-28
See SERVICE - Table of Contents for ALL Service and Adjustments Information
4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
RIGHT HAND
TRACTION
CONTROL
OPERATOR'S PRESENCE
CONTROL(OPC)
NEUTRAL
LATCH
LEVER
KEY
SWITCH
HYDRAULIC
PUMPS(Not
Shown)_
(See Page 20 for
Adjustment)
FUEL SHUT-OFF
VALVE (Not Shown) -_ "_
HYDRAULIC
DRIVE MOTOR
(Behind Each WHEEL
Rear Wheel) ASSEMBLY
FILL/CHECK CAP
(Hydraulic Reservoir)
SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
LEFT HAND
TRACTION
CONTROL
BLADE CLUTCH
CONTROLSWITCH
CONTROL
FILLER CAP
ROPE
FILTER
REAR TIRES
DECK HEIGHT
COVER
RETAINING
KNOBS
DISCHARGE FRONT
CHUTE TIRES
DECK
MUFFLER COVER (48"Shown)
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 NOMENCLATURE
The nomenclature drawing above Figure 1.1 shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER PRO Mid-Size Mowers. It is
recommended that all operators of this equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls, parts and operation of
this machine before operating. Specific details involving the engine are found in the separate Engine Owners Manual.
Study these manuals before operating Mower and keep them both handy for future reference.
1.2 IMPORTANT: Before Starting or Stopping Engine:
Latch left hand and right hand traction controls into the
"NEUTRAL" position. Move blade control switch to the
"OFF" position, Turn Ignition Keyswitch to "STOP" and
remove Ignition Key when it becomes necessary to leave
the machine unattended, This machine features a Light
Touch Traction System, using individual Wheel Pumps
and Motors on each side of the machine.
1.3 LEARN HOW TO USE THESE IMPORTANT
TRACTION CONTROLS & OPERATOR'S PRESENCE
CONTROLS!
This machine is equipped with an "OPERATOR'S
PRESENCE CONTROL" (OPC). Releasing this control
will turn the engine "OFF", if the traction controls are not
latched in the neutral position and or the blade control
switch is in the "ON" position.
5
SECTION 2 - CONTROLS
Before operating, become familiar with all the
controls (See Figure 2.1A) and how to use them.
Know beforehand how to STOP the Right Hand
and Left Hand Traction Wheel Drives, the Mower
Blades, and the Engine in preparation for a
possible emergency.
2,1 ENGINE CONTROLS -
A. Engine Speed Control
B. Keyswitch
C. Operator's Presence Control (OPC)
D. Engine Recoil Starter Handle (Not shown)
WARNING
When the Operator's Presence Control (OPC) is
released, the machine will continue to operate a few
feet. DO NOT use this Operator's Presence Control
(OPC) to rout ne y stop the mach he.
(C) OPERATOR'S PRESENCE
CONTROL (OPC)
(2) RIGHT HAND
TRACTION
CONTROL
(I) BLADECLUTCH
CONTROLSWITCH
2,2 BLADE AND TRACTION CONTROLS
1. BIade Clutch Control Switch
2. R.H. Steering Control
3. L.H. Steering Control
4. Neutral Latch Lever
5. Speed Control/Park Lock Lever
Neutral Latch is not intended to be used as a park
brake. Never park machine on slopes.
(3) LEFT HAND
TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING
FIGURE 2.1A
(4) NEUTRAL
LATCH LEVER
(B) KEY SWITCH
HANDLEBAR
(1) BLADE CLUTCH
CONTROL SWITCH
(5) SPEED
CONTROLLEVER
0
o
IMPORTANT: To roll the machine without the
engine running, turn both pressure relief valves
counter-clockwise 1/2 turn. Turn valves clockwise to
tighten for machine operation.
PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
LEFT HAND
PUMP
VIEW OF CONTROL PANEL
(Rear of Machine) FROM
OPERATOR'S POSITION
PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
SPEED CONTROL
(B) KEY SWITCH
.TO ROLL MACHINE,
TURN BOTH PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVES
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
1/2 TURN
RIGHT
HAND
PUMP
FIGURE 2,1B
6
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 PRE-START CHECKLIST
Make the following checks and perform the services as
required before each start-up.
IMPORTANT: Before starting your SNAPPER Pro
Hydro machine, the hydraulic reservoir and engine
MUST be filled to the proper level with oil.
3.1.1. HYDRAULIC OIL RESERVOIR: Use SAE 10W-
30 oil. Fill reservoir with oil until the leveI comes to
within 3 to 4 inches from the top of the filler neck. See
Figure 3.1.
FILL/CHECK CAP
HYDRAULIC OIL
RESERVOIR
10W-30 OIL
I
WARNING
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.
7. Add fuel to tank after pushing the machine outside
where FUMES can be dissipated. Make sure Fuel
Tank Cap is tightened after refueling. (Refer to
Engine OwneCs Manual for Fuel specifications).
3.1.3. BEFORE OPERATING
Be thoroughly familiar with ALL controls and know how
to use them before operating the mower. Know
beforehand how to STOP the Traction Drive Wheel
Motors, Mower Blades and Engine in preparation for a
possible emergency.
FIGURE 3.1
3.1.2, ENGINE OIL: Add oil as needed to bring up to,
but not over, the FULL mark. Refer to the Engine
Owner's Manual for oil specifications.
1. If required, make cutting height adjustments. Refer
to ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT.
2. Check tires and add air as needed to bring pressure
to 25 psi in front tires and 12-15 psi in rear tires.
3. Check Guards, Deflectors and Belt Covers to make
sure all are in place and secure.
4. Check condition of Cutter Deck Belt(s). If damaged,
replace with original part. Refer to Cutter Deck Belt
removal.
5. Clean Interior and Exterior surfaces of Cutting Deck
and clean Engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass,
oil, etc. Keep Engine Air Intake Screens and Cooling
Fins clear at ALL times.
6. Check Engine Oil Reservoir and add oil as needed to
bring level up to but not over the FULL mark. (Refer
to Engine Owner's Manual for oil specifications).
7
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.2 STOPPING
IMPORTANT: Pulling backward on both Traction Controls
back past Neutral position will cause the machine to back
up.
1. Pull back on both Traction Controls simultaneously
towards handle bar. Manually engage the Neutral
Latch Lever. See Figure 3.2.
LEFT HAND
RIGHT HAND TRACTION
TRACTION CONTROL
CONTROL_ /
L
CHOKE
CONTROL
KNOB
FUEL TANK
& HANDLE
BRACKET
PULL OUT
TO CHOKE
POSITION
OUTLINE OF REAR
WHEEL
(Left Side Shown)
FIGURE 3.3
NEUTRAL LATCH LEVER
FIGURE 3.2
2. Move Blade Clutch Control Switch to OFF position.
3. Move Throttle Control to SLOW (Turtle) Position.
4. Stop Engine by turning Keyswitch to STOP position.
Always park machine on level surface.
3.3 STARTING AND OPERATING
3.3.1. ENGINE - START ENGINE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Turn Fuel Tank Shut-OffValve ON.
2. Move Blade Clutch Control Switch to OFF position.
3. Be sure Right Hand and Left Hand Traction Controls
are latched in NEUTRAL position.
4, Pull Choke Control Knob, if so equipped, (shown
attached to Fuel Tank and Handle Support Bracket on
Left Hand side of machine) all the way out to CHOKE
position. See Figure 3.3.
5. Move Throttle Control to "FAST/CHOKE" position, if so
equipped. See Figure 3.4.
6. (Manual Start Models) Turn Keyswitch to RUN position.
7. (Manual Start Models) Pull Starter Rope until Engine
starts.
8. (Electric Start Models) Turn key to the "START" position
until engine starts. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of
cranking the engine and it does not start, release the
key, make sure the blade switch control is in the OFF
position and traction controls are latched in the neutral
position. Attempt starting again after waiting for
approximately 20 seconds.
9. Push Choke Control Knob all the way in and move
Throttle Control to "FAST" position.
CHOKE
POSITION
THROTTLE
AST
(Rabbit)
POSITION J
SLOW
{Turtle)
POSITION
FIGURE 3.4
WARNING
DO NOT leave machine with the engine running, STOP
engine, STOP blades. Latch both traction controls in
the neutral position, Move speed control to slow,
Remove key,
DO NOT park machine on slopes.
WARNING "1
8
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The SNAPPER Pro Hydro Mowers have a Transport
Speed, which allows the machine to travel forward at a
speed of 6 MPH - it is NOT to be used while walking! Use
the Transport Speed ONLY when the machine is
equipped with a Riding Sulky! NEVER make sharp
turns at high speed! The machine has "zero-turn"
capability; NEVER use "zero-turn" at high speed.
During initial training time with machine, it is advised
that the Operator(s) practice with the Speed Control
Lever in the slowest travel speed position and Blade
Engagement Switch in the OFF position
3.4 TRACTION SPEED CONTROL
3.4.1. FORWARD SPEED
1. Hold Operator's Presence Control (OPC) against
handlebar.
2. Move Blade Control Switch to ON position.
3. Move Speed Control Lever forward slightly, selecting
a slow travel speed.
4. While holding both Traction Controls in the neutral
position, release Neutral Latch Lever by pulling
controls slightly backwards.
5. Simultaneously (and slowly), release both Traction
Controls. Machine will begin to move forward.
6. Adjust Speed Control Lever to a comfortable travel
speed.
7. Proceed to go forward while allowing the machine to
travel in a straight line. If the machine veer towards
the LEFT or RIGHT, it can be brought back to a
straight path by moving the Speed Control Lever in
the desired direction of travel. See Figure 3.5.
8. Squeeze the appropriate Traction Control to turn the
machine either LEFT or RIGHT. If either Traction
Control is squeezed to tightly against the handlebar, it
will cause the machine to quickly spin around or zero
turn to that side - BE CAREFUL!
WARNING I
The tighter the traction controls are squeezed back I
against the handlebar, the faster the machine willl
move in reverse. Use extreme CAUTION when I
reversing machine! I
3.4.2. REVERSE SPEED
1. Hold Operator's Presence Control (OPC) against
handlebar.
2. Move Blade Control Switch to OFF position.
3. To reverse direction of the machine: stop machine travel
by squeezing both Traction Controls and move Neutral
Latch Lever to engage and hold the Traction Controls in
neutral position.
4. To start machine movement, simultaneously squeeze
both Traction Controls SLOWLY back towards the
handlebar, allowing machine to start reverse movement.
See Figure 3.6.
5. To STOP reverse movement of machine, return both
Traction Controls to neutral and engage the Neutral
Latch Lever.
SLOWLY SQUEEZE BOTH TRACTION CONTROLS
AGAINST THE HANDLEBAR AT THE SAME TIME TO
START REVERSE MOVEMENT
MOVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO
THE LEFT OR RIGHT TO ADJUST
MOWER FOR STRAIGHT TRAVEL FIGURE 3.6LEVER
Start mowing with a slow ground speed.
WARNING
3.5 MOWER OPERATION
1. Hold Operator's Presence Control (OPC) against
handlebar.
2. Move Blade Control Switch to ON position.
FIGURE 3.5 3. Move Speed Control Lever forward, selecting a slow
travel speed.
9