Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
PRO HYDRO
WALK BEHIND MOWERS
MID-SIZE
SERIES 1
POWER UNIT MOWER UNIT
MODELS MODELS
SPLH141KW SP360
SPLH171KW SP480
SPLH151KH SPA360
SPLH141KWE SPA480
SPLH221KHE SPA520
SPA610
Model SPLH141 KW shown
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
IslPll
MODE'OES,GNAT,ONJ I
MODEL TYPE
MODEL OPTION
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
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!
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 Engine HP
II II1 IKWl
I ENGINE TYPE
CUTTING DECK WIDTH
36 - 36" Cutting Deck
48 -48" Cutting Deck
52 - 52" Cutting Deck
61 - 61" Cutting Deck
1 - Series Designation KW - Kawasaki Engine
SERIES DESIGNATION
ENGINE HP
KH - Kohler Engine
E- Electric Starting
COPYRIGHT © / 999
SNAPPER INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SNAPPERMcDonough,GA., 30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL No. 7-3071 (I.R. 8/20/99)
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 blades OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or others to ride on
machine or on attachments (even with the blades
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. 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. 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. 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. DO NOT operate machine under any condition
where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.
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.
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.
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. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
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 blades 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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS A
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. Stop Blades when crossing gravel drive, walks,
and under any conditions where thrown objects
might be a hazard.
3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
4. DO NOT operate the machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. 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.
6. DO NOT operate machine 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 operate machine on wet grass. Always
be sure of your footing: keep a firm grip on the
handle and walk: never run. Slipping could
cause injury.
9. 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 BLADES and ENGINE and make sure
blades have stopped before removing grass
catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of
fingers or hand.
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.
MAINTENANCE
1. 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. 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 (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 negative (black) cable from battery
(if equipped) before performing maintenance or
service. Cranking engine could cause injury.
8. DO NOT work under machine without safety
blocks.
9. Service engine and make adjustments only
when engine is 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.
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. DO NOT 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 arid Traction Controls ......................................................................................... 8
TO ROLL MACHINE - Pressure Relief Valve Adjustment ........................................... 6
SECTION 3- OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................... 7-15
Pre-Start Checklist ......................................................................................................... 7
Hydraulic Oil Reservoir .................................................................................................. 7
Engine Oil ........................................................................................................................ 7
Before Operating ............................................................................................................ 7
Stopping .......................................................................................................................... 8
Starting and Operating .................................................................................................. 8
Traction Speed Control .................................................................................................. 9
Reverse Speed ................................................................................................................ 9
Mower Operation ....................................................................................................... 9-10
Mowing and Turning on Hillsides ............................................................................... 10
Handle Height Adjustment ...................................................................................... 10-11
Cutting Height Adjustment (Fixed Decks) ................................................................. 12
Adjusting Caster Wheels (Fixed Decks) ..................................................................... 12
Adjusting Blade on Cutter Spindle (Fixed Decks) ..................................................... 12
Adjusting Fixed Deck Attachment .............................................................................. 13
Cutting Height Adjustments for Adjustable Deck Attachments .............................. 13
SECTION 4 - SERVICE .......................................................................................................... 14-19
Engine Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 14
Service & Lubrication Information ......................................................................... 15-16
Maintenance Replacement Parts ................................................................................ 16
Electric Clutch Adjustment .......................................................................................... 17
Hydraulic Systems Adjustments & Service ............................................................... 17
Pump/Motor Replacement ........................................................................................... 17
Hydraulic Pump Belt Removal & Installation ........................................................ 17-18
Replacement Parts ....................................................................................................... 18
Machine Speed Control Ranges ................................................................................. 18
Traction Control Neutral Adjustment ......................................................................... 19
SECTION 5 - MOWER ATTACHMENT SERVICE ................................................................ 20-22
36" CUTTING DECK
Cutting Deck Belt Removal & Installation .................................................................. 20
48" I 62" I & 61" CUTTING DECK
Cutting Deck Belt Removal & Installation .................................................................. 20
Cutting Deck Spindle Belt Removal & Installation .............................................. 20-21
CUTTING BLADE SERVICE
Blade Inspection ........................................................................................................... 21
Blade Removal & Sharpening ..................................................................................... 21
Mower Spindles (Field Serviceable Spindles) Bearing Replacement ..................... 22
SECTION 6 - BATTERY SERVICE & TESTING .................................................................. 23-24
WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 25
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................... 26-29
4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
RIGHT HAND
TRACTION
CONTROL
OPERATOR'S PRESENCE
CONTROL(OPC)
NEUTRAL
LATCH
LEVER
KEY
SWITCH
HYDRAULIC
PUMPS(Not
Shown)_
FUEL SHUT-OFF
VALVE (Not Shown)
HYDRAULIC
DRIVE MOTOR
(Behind Each
Rear Wheel)
FILL/CHECK CAP
(Hydraulic Reservoir)
SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER
LEFT HAND
TRACTION
CONTROL
BLADE CLUTCH
CONTROLSWITCH
SPEED
FILLER CAP
FILTER
REAR TIRES
DECK HEIGHT
COVER
RETAINING
KNOBS
WHEEL
ASSEMBLY
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTO
R
MUFFLER
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared for the operator's of the
SNAPPER PRO HYDRO WALK BEHIND MOWER. It's
purpose, aside from recommending standard operating
procedures 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 PRO HYDRO WALK
BEHIND MOWER and its attachments before operating.
SNAPPER recommends returning the machine to an
authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and
addition of any new devices which might upgrade the
safety of the mower.
FRONT
TIRES
COVER
DECK
(48"Shown)
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
It is recommended that all operator's of this equipment
become thoroughly familiar with the controls,
components, and operation of this machine before
operating. Specific details involving the engine are found
in the separate engine owneCs manual. Study these
manuals before operating and keep both handy for future
reference. For the nearest SNAPPER dealer in your area,
check the yellow pages under the heading LAWN
MOWERS. For engine parts and service, look for the
engine manufactureCs dealers under the heading,
ENGINES - gasoline.
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 ney stop the roach ne.
(C) OPERATOR'S PRESENCE
CONTROL(OPC)
(AT REAR HANDLEBAR)
(1)BLADE CLUTCH
CONTROLSWITCH
2.2 BLADE AND TRACTION CONTROLS
1. Blade 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 I
(2) RIGHT HAND
TRACTION CONTROL
(4) NEUTRALLATCH
LEVER
(B) KEY SWITCH
HANDLEBAR
(1) BLADE CLUTCH
CONTROL SWITCH _,
(5) SPEED
CONTROLLEVER
n
FIGURE 2.1A
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.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
VIEW OF CONTROL PANEL
(Rear of Machine) FROM
OPERATOR'S POSITION
(B) KEY SWITCH
©
I
TURN BOTH PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVES
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE
II2TURN
PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE '_
LEFT HAND
PUMP
PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
RIGHT
HAND
PUMP
FIGURE 2,1B
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 level comes to
within 1-1/2 inches from the top of the filler neck.
Check on level surface with engine off. See Figure 3.1.
OIL FILL 1-1/2
LINE
HYDRAULIC OIL
RESERVOIR
FIGURE 3.1
IMPORTANT: FLUID LEVEL MUST
BE ABOVE TOP OF BAFFLE.
RESERVOIR CAPACITY IS ONE (1)
GALLON. DO NOT OVERFILL.
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 Owner's 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.
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 Section "CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT".
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 Section "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).
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 /
NEUTRAL LATCH LEVER
CHOKE
CONTROL
KNOB
FUEL TANK
& HANDLE
BRACKET
PULLOUT
TO CHOKE
POSITION
OUTLINE OF REAR
WHEEL
(Left Side Shown)
FIGURE 3.3
FIGURE 3.2
2. Move Blade Clutch Control Switch to OFF position.
3. Move Engine Speed 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 Engine Speed Control to "FAST/CHOKE"
position, ifso 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) Hold Operators Presence
Control against handlebar. 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
Engine Speed Control to "FAST" position.
CHOKE
POSITION
ENGINE
CONTROL
AST
(Rabbit)
POSITION /
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.
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! DO NOT make sharp
turns at high speed! The machine has "zero-turn"
capability; DO NOT 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 Speed Control Lever forward slightly, selecting
a slow travel speed.
3. While holding both Traction Controls in the neutral
position, release Neutral Latch Lever by pulling
controls slightly backwards.
4. Simultaneously (and slowly), release both Traction
Controls. Machine will begin to move forward.
5. Adjust Speed Control Lever to a comfortable travel
speed.
6. Proceed to go forward while allowing the machine to
travel in a straight line. Ifthe machine tracks 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.
7. Squeeze the appropriate Traction Control to turn the
machine either LEFT or RIGHT. If either Traction
Control is squeezed to tightly against the handiebar, it
will cause the machine to quickly spin around or zero
turn to that side - BE CAREFUL!
MOVE SPEED CONTROL LEVER TO
ADJUST
MOWER FOR STRAIGHT TRAVEL
WARNING
The tighter the traction controls are squeezed backI
against the handlebar, the faster the machine will
move in reverse. Use extreme CAUTION when l
reversing machine! I
3.4.2, REVERSE SPEED
1. Hold OperatoCs 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
FIGURE 3.5
DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP blades. LOOK
and SEE behind and down for children, pets and
hazards before and while backing.
WARNING
NEUTRAL
LATCH
LEVER
FIGURE 3.6
Start mowing with a slow ground speed.
3.5 MOWER OPERATION
1. Hold Operator's Presence Control (OPC) against
handlebar.
2, Move Engine Speed Control to the FAST (Rabbit)
position. See Figure 3.4.
3. Move Blade Control Switch to ON position.
4. Move Speed Control Lever forward, selecting a slow
travel speed.
9
WARNING
I
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.5 MOWER OPERATION (Continued from
Previous Page)
5. While holding both Traction Controls in the neutral
position, release Neutral Latch Lever by pulling
controls slightly backwards.
6. Simultaneously (and slowly), release both Traction
Controls. Machine will begin to move forward.
7. Adjust Speed Control Lever to a comfortable travel
speed.
8. Proceed to go forward while allowing machine to
travel in a straight line. If the machine has a tendency
to track towards the LEFT or RIGHT, it can be
brought back to a straight path by moving Speed
Control Lever in the desired direction of travel. See
Figure 3.5.
9. Squeeze the appropriate Traction Control to turn the
machine either LEFT or RIGHT.
10. If either Traction Control is squeezed tightly against
the handlebar, it will cause the corresponding wheel
to reverse direction and "zero-turn" the machine. BE
CAREFUL!
DO NOT use Rider Attachment (Sulky) on slopes! DO
WARNING
NOT park machine on slopes.
3.6 MOWING AND TURNING ON HILLSIDES
1. Always mow hillsides starting at bottom of hill. Mow
across slopes, never up and down. Exercise
CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. DO
NOT MOW STEEP SLOPES. See Figure 3.7.
2. Hillside mowing is accomplished by squeezing
Traction Lever on the UPHILL SIDE of machine. This
helps prevent side slipping of mower.
3. When turning mower on hillsides, always turn toward
the UPHILL SIDE of mower for better control and
balance.
SQUEEZE TRACTION CONTROL
LEVER ON UP-HILL SIDE OF
MOWER
3.7 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
For operator comfort the height of the handlebars are
adjustable to five different positions. The handle height
adjustment procedure is sensitive and the following
procedures and WARNINGS must be followed very
carefully.
WARNING
Several steps of the handle bar height adjustment
procedure require that the engine be started.
Exercise extreme CAUTION when making
adjustments while the engine is running to avoid
HOT engine components, rotating components, run
over or entrapment types of injuries•
IMPORTANT: To complete this procedure, a steel rod
5/16" diameter and 20" long will be required. DO NOT
begin this procedure without it.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with the engine running. Stop engine• Stop
blades. Latch Traction Controls in neutral. Move
Speed Control lever to SLOW• Remove key.
Disconnect spark plug wires from spark plugs and
secure wires away from spark plugs• Engine and
components are HOT. Avoid serious burns by
allowing all parts sufficient time to cool before
working on machine•
STEP 1: Move machine to smooth level place. Raise
rear of machine just high enough for drive wheels to
clear the floor and be able to rotate freely. Block machine
securely to prevent it from falling.
STEP 2: Place traction control levers in the Neutral
position and engage Neutral Latch. See Figure 3.8.
TRACTION NEUTRAL SELF LOCK
CONTROL LATCH
ARMS COTTER PIN
JAM NUT
* ALWAYS START AT BOTTOM OF HILL!
* ALWAYS MOW ACROSS HILL - NEVER
UP & DOWN, ALWAYS TURN
MOWER TOWARD
HILL
FIGURE 3.7
TRACTION CONTROL
RODS
FIGURE 3.8
(Continued on Next Page)
10