Snapper SPA611-SERIES 3, SPA521-SERIES 3, SPA361-SERIES 3 Owner’s Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

PRO HYDRO

WALK BEHIND MOWERS

MID-SIZE

SERIES 3

POWER UNIT MOWER UNIT

MODELS MODELS

SPLHI53KW SPA361 SPLH173KW SPA481

SPA521 SPA611

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

I islPI LIHIlSl 3 IK_Vl

MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE TYPE 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 - Adiustabte Cuttin 9 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 - 4. 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!

* Actual sustained equipment horsepower will likelybe lower due to operating limitations and environmental factors.

ENGINE HORSE POWER

15 - 15.0 Engine HP 17 - 17.0 Engine HP

CUTTING DECK WIDTH

36 - 36" Cutting Deck

48 - 48" Cutting Deck 52 - 52" Cutting Deck 61 - 61" Cuttin,q Deck

3 -Series Designation KW - Kawasaki Engine

SNAPPERMcDonough,GA., 30253 U.S.A.

MANUAL No. 7100390 (I.R. 10/14/2005)

TP IO0-5125-1R-CW-N

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. 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. 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

learncontrols 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 bySNAPPER

8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.

Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and Stop machine ifanyone 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.

Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if

damaged.

A IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS A

PREPARATION (Continued From Previous Page)

10. 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.

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.

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 aforeign 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,

12. 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.

13. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set

blades in highest position when mowing over rough

ground.

14. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades

underneath deck.

15. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge

at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

16. Slow down before turning.

17. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing roadways.

18. Move motion control levers SLOWLYto maintain control during speed and directional changes.

19. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a deadly

poison.

A 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................. 2-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... 5

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ................................................................................................ 6

SECTION 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES, SYMBOLS AND CONTROLS .................................... 7-10

Safety Messages and Symbols .................................................................................. 7-9

Engine Controls ........................................................................................................... 10

Blade and Traction Controls ....................................................................................... 10

TO ROLL MACHINE - Pressure Relief Valve Adjustment ........................................ 10

SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................... 11-17

Pre-Start Checklist ....................................................................................................... 11

Hydraulic Oil Reservoir ............................................................................................... 11

Engine Oil ..................................................................................................................... 11

Before Operating .......................................................................................................... 11

Safety Interlock System Checks ................................................................................. 11

Stopping ........................................................................................................................ 12

Starting and Operating ................................................................................................ 12

Traction Speed Control ............................................................................................... 13

Reverse Speed ............................................................................................................. 13

Mower Operation ..................................................................................................... 13-14

Mowing and Turning on Hillsides .............................................................................. 14

Handle Height Adjustment ..................................................................................... 14-16

Cutting Height Adjustment (Fixed Decks) ................................................................. 16

Adjusting Caster Wheels (Fixed Decks) .................................................................... 16

Adjusting Blade on Cutter Spindle (Fixed Decks) .................................................... 16

Adjusting Fixed Deck Attachment ............................................................................. 17

Cutting Height Adjustments for Adjustable Deck Attachments ............................. 17

SECTION 4 - SERVICE ......................................................................................................... 18-23

Engine Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 18

Service & Lubrication Information ........................................................................ 19-20

Maintenance Replacement Parts ................................................................................ 20

Electric Clutch Adjustment ......................................................................................... 21

Hydraulic Systems Adjustments & Service .............................................................. 21

Pump/Motor Replacement ........................................................................................... 21

Hydraulic Pump Belt Removal & Installation ....................................................... 21-22

Replacement Parts ....................................................................................................... 22

Machine Speed Control Ranges ................................................................................. 22

Traction Control Neutral Adjustment ......................................................................... 23

SECTION 6 - MOWER ATTACHMENT SERVICE ............................................................... 24-26

36" CUTTING DECK

Cutting Deck Belt Removal & Installation ................................................................. 24

48" I 62" I & 61" CUTTING DECK

Cutting Deck Belt Removal & Installation ................................................................. 24

Cutting Deck Spindle Belt Removal & Installation .............................................. 24-26

CUTTING BLADE SERVICE

Blade Inspection .......................................................................................................... 26

Blade Removal & Sharpening ..................................................................................... 26

MOWER SPINDLES

Field Serviceable Spindles, Bearing Replacement .................................................. 26

SECTION 6 - BATTERY SERVICE & TESTING ................................................................... 27-28

WARRANTY and PRODUCT REGISTRATION ................................................................... 29-30

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................... 31-34

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

RIGHT HAND TRACTION

LEVER

OPERATOR'S PRESENCE

CONTROL(OPC)

NEUTRAL

LATCH

KEY SWITCH

HYDRAULIC

PUMPS (Not Shown)

FUEL SHUT-OFF J VALVE (Not Shown)

HYDRAULIC DRIVE MOTOR (Behind Each Rear Wheel)

FILL/CHECK CAP (Hydraulic Reservoir)

SPEED CONTROL

LEVER

LEFT HAND TRACTION

LEVER

BLADE CLUTCH CONTROLSWITCH

CONTROL

FILLER CAP

FUELTANK

STARTER ROPE

AIR FILTER

REARTIRES

DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTING

CRANK

COVER RETAINING

KNOBS

CASTER WHEEL

ASSEMBLY

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

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 thru

4 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 owner's 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 manufacturer's dealers under the heading, ENGINES - gasoline.

SECTION 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

! IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS !

READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN

THIS MANUAL, AND ON THE MACHINE, ENGINE AND ATTACHMENTS.

SECTION 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

I BLADES ENGAGED"ON" I

1 LEFT TRACTION LEVER 1 [ BLADES DISENGAGED''OFF''SQUEEZEFOR LEFT TURN

"STOP .... RUN"

ENGINE ] [ ENGINE

iLATC"_OI_, /

FORWARD

SPEED RANGE

SETTING

RIGHT TRACTION LEVER

SQUEEZE FOR RIGHT TURN

NEUTRAL LATCH

USE TO LATCH

TRACTION

LEVERS IN

NEUTRAL

READ

OPERATOR'S

MANUAL

SPEED

RANGE

SETTING

SECTION 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

KEEP CHILDREN AND OTHERS OUT OF MOWING AREA

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

ENGINE AND COMPONENTS ARE HOT. ALLOW ALL PARTS TO COOL BEFORE ADJUSTING OR WORKING ON MACHINE

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)

When the Operator's Presence Control (OPC) is

released, the machine will continue to operate a few

_Ik WARNING

feet. DO NOT use this Operator's Presence Control

(OPC) to rout ney stop the mach ne.

(AT REAR HANDLEBAR)

(2) RIGHT HAND TRACTION LEVER

(1) BLADE CLUTCH CONTROL SWITCH

2.2 BLADE AND TRACTION CONTROLS

1. Blade Clutch Control Switch

2. R.H. Traction Lever

3. L.H. Traction Lever

4. Neutral Latch

5. Speed Control Lever

Neutral Latch is not intended to be used as a park

_ WARNING

brake. DO NOT park machine on slopes.

_k, WARNING

To avoid sudden and unexpected turning, both Traction Controls must be moved the same way

when starting or stopping machine motion.

(3) LEFT HAND TRACTION LEVER

(4) NEUTRALLATCH

(B) KEY SWITCH

HANDLEBAR

(1) BLADE CLUTCH

CONTROL SWITCH

(5) SPEED CONTROLLEVER

In \"_"

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.

(A)ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

VIEW OF CONTROL PANEL

(Rear of Machine) FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION

(B) KEY SWITCH

PRESSURE RELIEF"

VALVE

FIGURE 2.1B

SECTION 3 -OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

allow operation of the machin

personnel.

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.

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).

WARNING

3.1.1, HYDRAULIC OIL RESERVOIR: Use SAE 10W-

30 oil. Flit 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

-- LINE

HYDRAULIC OIL

RESERVOIR

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 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 before operating machine. 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).

IMPORTANT: FLUID LEVEL MUST

BE ABOVE TOP OF BAFFLE. RESERVOIR CAPACITY IS ONE (1)

GALLON. DO NOT OVERFILL.

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 possibleemergency.

3,2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM CHECKS

This machine is equipped with an electrical safety interlock system that is provided for the safety of the operator and

others. All safety devices must be in place and functioning properly beforeoperating the machine. Perform the following

interlock system checks periodicallyduring the operating season. Contact your authorized Snapper dealer if you have

questions.

Ij , WARNING

DO NOT operate machine if any safety interlock or safetyI device is not in place and functioning properly. DO NOT I

attempt to defeat, modify or remove any safety device. I

1. Place right and left Traction Levers inthe "Neutral"

position and latch. Move the Blade Clutch Switch to the "Off' position. Refer to Section "Starting and Operation".

Start engine.

2. Hold OperatoCs Presence Control against handle. DO NOT move the Traction Levers to the "Unlatched"

position.

3. Move Blade Clutch Switch to the "On" position. Release OperatoCsPresence Control. The engine and blades

must begin to stop. Move Operator's Presence Control against handle before engine and blades come to a

complete stop.

4. Move Blade Clutch Switch to the "Off' position.

5. In anopen area, with blades "Off', move Speed Control Lever selecting a slowforward speed. Drive machine forward. Refer to Section, "TRACTION SPEED

CONTROL".

6. Release Operator's Presence Control. Engine and machine must begin to stop. Move OperatoCs Presence

Control against handle before engineand machine comes to a complete stop. Latch Traction Levers in

"Neutra!".

7. Tum Key Switch to"Stop" position. Engine must die.

+ 25 hidden pages