Snapper WRPS216517B, WRPS216517BE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

21” STEEL DECK

WALK MOWERS

SWIVEL WHEEL MODEL

SERIES 17

MODELS

WRPS216517B WRPS216517BE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

W R P S 21 65 17 B E

MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE OPTIONS SELF-PROPELLED SERIES DESIGNATION SWIVEL FRONT WHEELS ENGINE HORSE POWER CUTTING WIDTH

W – Model Designation R – Recycling Model 65 – 6.5 HP (Engine Horse Power) P – Self Propelled Model S – Swivel Front Wheel 17 – Series Designation

21 – 21” Cutting Width B – Briggs Engine

E – Electric Start

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Walk Behind, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 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.

MANUAL No. 4-6916 (REV. 1, 6/07/02)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerf ul cutting machine is capab le of amputating hand s and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the follow ing SAFETY instru ctions could resu lt 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. Ch ildren 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 mach ine is operated and turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.

3. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine.

4. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judgment under close adult supervision to operate machine.

5. DO NOT pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. LOOK BEHIND and dow n for small children before and when backing.

6. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other object s 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 cau tion. 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. DO NOT mow steep slopes or other areas where stability or traction is in doubt.

PREPARATION

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the mower and with attachments. Know the controls and the proper use of the mower before starting.

2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the machine and only after proper instruction.

3. Data indicates that o perators age 60 and abov e, are involved in a large percentage of mowerrelated injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

PREPARATION

4. Handle fuel wit h ext ra care. Fuels are flammab le 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 and oil from machine. DO NOT smoke. DO NOT run engine indoors.

5. 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 mo win g. Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible hazards.

6. Keep people and pets a safe distance from machine.

7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety dev ices frequently for proper operation and location.

8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. Replace if damaged.

9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, long pants and substantial footwear. DO NOT mow barefooted or with sandals.

10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in preparation for emergencies.

11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck.

OPERATION

1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge area wh ile engine is running.

2. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard.

3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

4. DO NOT operate mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and secu re spark plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATION

6. Watch for holes, ruts or bump s. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

7. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or embankments. Operator could lose footing or balance.

8. DO NOT mow on wet grass Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run. Slipping could cause injury. STOP blade and engine w henever you leav e the operating position behind the handle for any reason, including clearing grass, emptying grass bag and making wheel height adjustments, repairs, or inspections.

9. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make certain blade and all moving parts have STOPPED. Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

10. STOP engine and wait un til the blade comes to complete STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing grass.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

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 reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

2. Keep mower and engine free of g rass, 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.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

4. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cott er pins are in proper position.

5. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Removed spark plug wire from spark p lu g an d secu re w ire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

6. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed engine.

7. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or deterioration to avoid thrown objects and exposure to moving parts. Replace with new bag if loose seams or tears are ev ident. Rep lace slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.

8. Mower bl ades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them.

9. NEVER test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

10. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices.

11. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to assure that original standards are maintained.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The figures and illustrations in this manual are provided for reference only and may

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .....................................................................2 & 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... 4

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ...................................................................................... 5

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................. 6-9

Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 6

Starting & Stopping Engine & Blades............................................................. 6-7

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive ....................................................................... 7

Adjusting Handle Height..................................................................................... 7

Adjusting Cutting Height..................................................................................... 8

Locking and Unlocking Swivel Wheel ............................................................... 8

Recycling Operation............................................................................................ 8

Grass Catcher Installation .................................................................................. 9

Adapter Plug Installation..................................................................................... 9

SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................ 10-11

Changing Engine Oil.......................................................................................... 10

Checking Transmission Grease.................................................................. 10-11

Checking Mower Blade ..................................................................................... 11

Checking Engine Drive Belt.............................................................................. 11

Checking Transmission Poly-V Belt ................................................................ 11

Annually (End of Each Season)........................................................................ 11

Engine.............................................................................................................. 11

Air Filter........................................................................................................... 11

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

Storage Procedure............................................................................................. 11

SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.............................................................12-18

Mower Blade Repair/Replacement................................................................... 12

Wheel Drive Control Adjustment...................................................................... 13

Driven and Drive Disc Service.......................................................................... 13

Cleaning Drive Disc and Driven Disc............................................................ 14

Drive Spring Repair/Replacement................................................................. 14

Driven Disc Adjustment................................................................................. 14

Driven Disc Replacement............................................................................... 15

Driven Disc Bearing Replacement................................................................ 16

Hex Shaft Bearing Replacement ................................................................... 16

Belt Service ........................................................................................................ 16

Engine Drive Belt Replacement ............................................................... 16-17

Transmission Poly-V Belt Replacement....................................................... 17

Battery Service................................................................................................... 18

TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 19

SERVICE SCHEDULE...................................................................................................... 20

MAINTENANCE/REPLA CEMENT PARTS...................................................................... 20

WARRANTY..................................................................................................................... 21

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE......................................................................................... 22-25

PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM ................................................................................ 26

differ from your specific model. Contact your Snapper dealer if you have questions.

IMPORTANT

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

ROPE START HANDLE

GROUND SPEED CONTROL

KNOB

LOWER HANDLE

REAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER

ENGINE AIR FILTER COVER

REAR WHEEL

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepar ed for the operators of the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWERS. Its purpose, aside from recommending operating 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 mower and attachments before operating the mower.

WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL

BLADE CONTROL

UPPER HANDLE

SWIVEL LOCK CONTROL

GRASS BAG ADAPTER

FRONT WHEEL

FIGURE 1.1

MID HANDLE

FUEL FILLER CAP

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWERS. It is recommended that all operators of the mower become thoroughly familiar with the controls, parts and operation of the mower before operating. Specific details involving the engine are found in the separate engine owner’s manual. Study these manuals befor e operating and keep both handy for future reference.

ENGINE PRIMER

SWIVEL LOCK LATCH

MOWER DECK

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST

Make the following checks and perform the service required before each start-up.

2.1.1. Check guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter and covers to mak e sure all are in place and securely tightened.

2.1.2. Chec k blade control and wheel drive control to insure they work freely. See Figure 2.1.

CHECK BLADE CONTROL

CHECK WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.3. Check cutting height. Adjust to desired height.

2.1.4. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring

level up to the full mark. Refer to Engine Owner’s Manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.2.

2.1.6. Add fuel to tank after pushing the mower outside where fumes can saf ely dissipate. Make sure cap is tightened after refueling. Refer to Engine Owners Manual for specifications.

2.1.7. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass , oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling fins clear at all times.

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.1. ENGINE & BLADE (Primer Models) (Electric Start)

When the ignition key is turned to “START”, the engine will crank over but will not start unless the blade c ontr ol is engaged!

1. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit) position. See Figure 2.3.

2. Push primer button three times to start a cold engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start warm engine.

NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the

blade control.

3. Pull blade control against handle.

4. Turn key to the start position until engine starts.

See Figure 2.3.

NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine does not start, release the key and attempt starting again af ter waiting for approximately 20 seconds.

5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

TURN KEY SWITCH TO RUN

PULL BLADE CONTROL UP AGAINST HANDLE

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (SHOWN IN FAST POSITION)

FIGURE 2.2

2.1.5. The battery should be removed fr om its carton

and filled with electrolyte. See Section on Battery Service for battery preparation.

CATCHER MODEL SHOWN (ROPE START MOUNTED ON LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)

FIGURE 2.3

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WHEEL DRIVE

2.2 STARTING & OPERA TION (Continued)

2.2.2. ENGINE & BLADE (Primer Models) (Recoil Start)

If the battery is dead or to weak to crank engine use the recoil backup. When the ignition key is turned the to “RUN” position, the engine will crank over using the recoil backup. But, will not start unless the blade control is engaged!

1. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit) position. See Figure 2.4.

2. Push primer button three times to start a cold engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start warm engine.

NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the

blade control.

3. Pull blade control against handle.

4. Turn key to the run position. Pull rope start

handle until engine starts. See Figure 2.4.

5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

PULL ROPE START HANDLE TO START ENGINE

TURN KEY SWITCH TO RUN POSITION

BLADE CONTROL

CATCHER MODEL SHOWN (ROPE START MOUNTED ON LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)

FIGURE 2.4

2.2.3. PROPELLING MOWER (Self Propelled Models)

1. Move ground s peed control to the desired speed

position. See Figure 2.5.

2. Move wheel drive control against handle to engage wheel drive and propel mower forward. Forward speed can be adjusted while the mower is moving by changing position of the ground speed control. See Figure 2.5.

MOVE GROUND SPEED CONTROL TO DESIRED POSITION

BLADE CONTROL

WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL

2.3 STOPPING

1. Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade

control or turning key switch to the off position. Stop forward motion of mower by releasing the wheel drive control.

Stop engine and mower blade before adjusting handle height.

2.4 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The height of the mo wer handle can be adjusted as follows:

1. Loosen the lower nuts on each lower handle as shown in Figure 2.6.

LOWER HANDLE

2. Move upper mower handle up or down until the

desired position is achieved.

3. Tighten the lower nuts on each lower handle to maintain desired position.

CATCHER MODEL SHOWN (ROPE START MOUNTED ON LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)

(FAST) SIX SPEED POSITION

(SLOW) ONE SPEED POSITION

MOVE CONTROL AGAINST HANDLE TO ENGAGE

FIGURE 2.5

WARNING

HIGHER

LOOSEN LOWER NUTS ON EACH LOWER HANDLE

FIGURE 2.6

LOWER

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CUTTING HEIGHT

HEIGHT

4 5

CUTTING HEIGHT SETTINGS

WARNING

Before attempting any adjustments to the cutting height, STOP the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and secure wire away from plug. DO NOT make any adjustments with engine or blade running. Be extremely careful when performing adjustments around engine. Engine is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.

2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

1. Fixed Wheel Models: Pull the height adjusting

latch outward and move to desired cutting height. See Figure 2.7.

2. Swivel Wheel Models: Remove hair pin and clevis pin install in highest hole for lowest cutting

height and lowest hole for highest cutting height. IMPORTANT: Move rear height adjus tment latch for rear wheel adjustment to correspond with raising or lowering the front wheels to maintain the level of the deck.

REMOVE HAIR PIN & CLEVIS PIN

SWIVEL WHEEL MODEL

SHOWN IN LOWEST

HIGHEST CUTTING HEIGHT

2.6 SWIVEL WHEEL LOCK and UNLOCK (Swivel Wheel Models Only)

IMPORTANT: Engage the lock on the swivel wheel to

maintain better control of machine when operating on slopes.

1. Stand in the operator’s position. Push machine forward until swivel wheel is positioned in the forward direction. Wheel must be positioned in a forward direction to engage swivel wheel lock.

2. Push wheel lock lever forward to lock swivel wheel in place. Swivel wheel will stay in the forward direction position. See Figure 2.9.

3. Pull wheel lock lever rearward to unlock swivel wheel. In the unlocked position, the s wivel wheel will rotate 360 degrees.

PUSH LOCK LEVER FORWARD TO

SWIVEL LOCK SHOWN IN LOCKED POSITION

SWIVEL LOCK SHOWN IN UNLOCKED POSITION

FIXED WHEEL MODEL

1 LOWEST

CUTTING HEIGHT

LATCH

6 HIGHEST

CUTTING

FIGURE 2.7

3. Set all wheels at the same cutting height. The

highest cutting position is Notch 6. The lowest

cutting position is Notch 1. See Figure 2.8.

LATCH POSITIONS

FIGURE 2.8

FRONT WHEEL MUST BE IN FORWARD POSITION BEFORE ENGAGING SWIVEL LOCK

FIGURE 2.9

2.7 RECYCLING OPERATION NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a m axim um of

1/3 of grass blade length and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.

1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position

(Notch 6).

2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” (Rabbit) position.

3. Move ground speed control to slowest speed setting.

4. Proceed mowing slowly. If grass is very dense, lower

each rear wheel latch one notch lower than the front wheel latches to improve recycling performance.

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

ADAPTER

CONNECTOR

ADAPTER

PLUG

WARNING

Before attempting any adjustments to the cutting height, front baffle or installing or removing grass catcher, STOP the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and secure wire away from plug. DO NOT make any adjustment s with engine or blade running. Be extremely careful when performing adjustments around engine. Engine is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.

2.8 INSTALLATION of (Optional) GRASS CATCHER

Install grass catcher by sliding connector over f lange

of adapter. See Figure 2.10. Attach grass bag hook s

over middle handle cross bar. See Figure 2.11.

POSITION BAG BETWEEN HANDLES

SLIDE CONNECTOR DOWN OVER BAG ADAPTER FLANGE

BAG

MIDDLE HANDLE CROSS BAR

ATTACH BAG HOOKS OVER MIDDLE HANDLE

FIGURE 2.10

MIDDLE HANDLE CROSS BAR

FIGURE 2.11

2.9 INSTALLATION of RECYCLING PLUG (Optional Accessory on Some Models) STEP 1: Once adapter has been inst alled, recycling may

be desired. Insert recycling plug completely and securely into adapter. Install grass bag. See Figure 2.12.

INSERT RECYCLING PLUG COMPLETELY AND SECURELY INTO ADAPTER. INSTALL GRASS BAG.

FIGURE 2.12

+ 19 hidden pages