Snapper SPE150KH, SPE140KW, SPE1250KW Owner’s Manual

Safety Instructions and Operator's Manual for

PRO GEAR EXPRESS

WALK BEHIND MOWERS

MID-SIZE

SERIES 0

POWER UNIT

MODEL

SPE1250KW SPE140KW

SPE150KH

MOWER UNIT

MODEL

SPE361 SPE481

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

t P E 125 0 KW

MODEL DESIGNATION MODEL TYPE

MODEL OPTION

S - Snapper Commercial Model

P- Pro Mid Size Model E- Express Model

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your PRO GEAR 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!

ENGINE HORSE POWER 125- 12.5 Engine HP 140- 14.0 Engine HP

150- 15.0 Engine HP

CUTTING DECK WIDTH

361 - 36" Cutting Deck

481 -48" Cutting Deck

SERIES DESIGNATION

0- Series Designation KW - Kawasaki Engine

ENGINE TYPE

ENGINE HP

KH - Kohler Engine

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

MANUAL No. 7-3683 (I.R. 5/15/00)

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 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.

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.

A IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS A

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.

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.

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.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over

rough ground.

15. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades

underneath deck.

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

discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

17. Slow down before turning.

18. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing

roadways.

19. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.

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

poison.

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.

A IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE (Continued From Previous Page)

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 ................................................................... 7-8

Controls ................................................................................................................. 9

SECTION 3 -OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................ 10-16

Before Operating .......................................................................................................... 10

Stopping Machine ........................................................................................................ 10

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

Starting and Operating ........................................................................................... 11-13

Reverse Operation ........................................................................................................ 13

Traction Lock Operation .............................................................................................. 14

Turning Mower .............................................................................................................. 14

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

Cutting Height Adjustment (Fixed Decks) ................................................................. 15

Adjusting Caster Wheels ............................................................................................. 15

Adjusting Blade on Cutter Spindle ........................................................................ 15-16

Adjusting Fixed Deck Attachment .............................................................................. 16

SECTION 4 - TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................... 17-18

Engine Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 17

Mower Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 17-18

Transmission Troubleshooting ................................................................................... 18

Service & Lubrication ................................................................................................... 18

SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS .............................................................................................. 19-20

Steering and Brakes ..................................................................................................... 19

Traction Levers & Rods ............................................................................................... 19

Handle Height ............................................................................................................... 20

Transmission Shift Lever Adjustment ........................................................................ 20

SECTION 6 - POWER UNIT SERVICE ...................................................................................... 21

Replacement Parts ....................................................................................................... 21

Transmission Parts & Service ..................................................................................... 21

General Transmission Servicing ................................................................................ 21

Transmission/Lube ...................................................................................................... 21

SECTION 7 - MOWER ATTACHMENT SERVICE ................................................................ 22-24

Transmission Belt Removal/Installation .................................................................... 22

Traction Belt Removal/Installation ............................................................................. 22

Cutter Deck Belt Removal/Installation ....................................................................... 22

Cutting Blade Service: Removal, Sharpening, Balancing & Replacement ............. 23

Mower Spindles (Field Serviceable Spindles) Bearing Replacement ..................... 24

ELECTRICAL ......................................................................................................................... 25-26

WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 27

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................... 28-31

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

OPERATOR'S PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC)

TRACTION OPERATOR'S

LOCK KEY CONTROL (OPC)

SWITCH

PRESENCE

LH. TRACTION

R.H. TRACTION

LEVER

CAP

BELT

COVER

COVER RETAINING

KNOBS

LEVER

SPEED

CONTROL

STARTER ROPE

AIR FILTER

MUFFLER

DECK COVER

DECK

(36"SHOWN)

41D...

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

CASTER WHEEL

ASSEMBLY

FIGURE 1.1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operator's of the SNAPPER PRO GEAR WALK BEHIND MOWER• Its

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 GEAR 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.

DECK HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTSPACERS

FRONT TIRES

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

CHOKE BLADES ENGAGED"ON" "STOP .... RUN"

I i i [E"G'NEIIE"°'NE]

I BLADES DISENGAGED"OFF" I

LEFT TRACTION LEVER

SQUEEZE FOR LEFT TURN

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

KEEP CHILDREN AND OTHERS

OUT OF THE MOWING AREA

RIGHT TRACTION LEVER

SQUEEZE FOR RIGHT TURN

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

SECTION 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 2 - CONTROLS

KEY SWITCH SHOWN IN

OPERATOR'S

PRESENCE

CONTROL (OPC)

"STOP" POSITION

BLADE CLUTCH SWITCH

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER

RIGHT HAND TRACTION LEVER

TRACTION LOCK

FIGURE 2.1

NOTE: TRACTION LOCK SHOWN IN THE

TRACTION LEVER "LOCKED" POSITION

To avoid sudden and unexpected turning, both Traction Levers must be moved the same way when stopping or

I _IL WARNING

starting machine motion.

SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 BEFORE OPERATING

Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and how to use

them before operating the machine. Know beforehand

how to STOP the Traction Wheel Drives, Mower Blades

and Engine in preparation for possible emergencies.

3.2 STOPPING MACHINE

1. To STOP forward or reverse motion,

firmly squeeze

both Traction Levers towards the handle and hold. Using your index fingers, pulI right and left Traction

Locks back until both Traction Levers lock in

Traction Locked position. See Figure 3.1.

Make sure that both Traction Locks are in the

Traction Locked position.

Release both Traction Levers slowly and with

caution.

Move Transmission Shift Lever to "Neutral".

Pull Blade Clutch Switch rearward to the OFF position. See Figure 3.1.

Move Engine Speed Control Lever to SLOW (turtle) position. See Figure 3.1.

STOP ENGINE by turning Key Switch to "Stop"

position. Remove key. See Figure 3.1.

ENGINE SPEED

BLADE CLUTCH CONTROL

RIGHT HAND TRACTION

LEVER

SWITCH SHOWN IN OFF

POSITION

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.

WARNING I

TRACTION LOCK

SHOWN IN TRACTION LOCKED POSITION

FIGURE 3.1

SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.3 PRE-START CHECK LIST

Make the following checks and perform the services as required before each start-up:

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 and 12-15 psi in rear tires.

3. Check Guards, Deflector, and Belt Covers to make sure all are in place and secure.

4. Check Condition of Cutter Deck Belt(s). If dam- aged, 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 and add oil as needed to bring level up to (but not over) the FULL mark. (Refer to Engine manual for oil specifications).

7. Add Fuel to tank after pushing the Mower outside

where fumes can be dissipated. Make sure Fuel Tank Cap is tightened after refueling. (Refer to

Engine manual for fuel specifications).

NOTE: DO NOT add fuel while engine is running or hot.

Use fresh, clean, lead-free gasoline. DO NOT use gasoline that has been stored for long periods. Leaded gasoline or gasohot is NOT recommended.

3.4 STARTING & OPERATING

3.4.1. ENGINE: START ENGINE AS FOLLOWS:

3. Place Transmission Shift Lever in NEUTRAL(N)

position. See Figure 3.3.

TRANSMISSION

SHIFT LEVER

FIGURE 3.3

4. Pull Blade Clutch Switch rearward to the OFF position. See Figure 3.4.

Turn Fuel Shut-OffValve ON. See Figure 3.2.

Squeeze both Traction Levers toward the Handle while pulling right and left Traction Locks rearward

until BOTH Traction Levers are LOCKED in the

Traction Locked position. See Figure 3.2.

RIGHT HAND TRACTION

LEVER

TRACTION LOCK SHOWN IN TRACTION

LOCKED POSITION

FUEL SHUT OFF

VALVE SHOWNIN CLOSED POSITION

(ROTATE HANDLE 90

DEGREES TO OPEN)

FIGURE 3.2

BLADE CLUTCH

SWITCH SHOWN

IN OFF

FIGURE 3.4

(Continued on next page)

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