Snapper YZ13331be, YZ13381BE, YZ145332BE, YZ145382BE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

YARD CRUISER

HYDRO DRIVE

SERIES 1 & 2

MODELS

YZ13331BE YZ13381BE YZ145332BE YZ145382BE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

Y Z 13 33 1 B E

MODEL DESIGNATION ENGINE OPTIONS DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE ENGINE TYPE ENGINE HORSE POWER SERIES DESIGNATION CUTTING WIDTH

Y – Yard Cruiser Z – Zero Turning Radius

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your YARD CRUISER, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 & 3. Remember that all power equipment can be dan gerous if used imp roperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

13 - 13.0 HP Engine 145 - 14.5 HP Engine

33 - 33” Cutting Deck 38 - 38” Cutting Deck

1 - Series Designation 2 - Series Designation

MANUAL No. 4-6359 (REV. 2, 3/13/00)

B - Briggs Engine E - Electric Start

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. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.

2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is operated (even with the blade OFF).

3. DO NOT allow children or other passengers to ride on machine or on attachments (even with the blade OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

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

5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with mature judgment under close adult super vision to operate machine.

6. BE SURE the area is clear of others before mowing and turn machine OFF if anyone enters the area.

7. DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. LOOK BEHIND and down for small children before and when backing.

8. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these can change the stability of the machine.

1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees (27% grade).

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade). Turn blade OFF when traveling uphill. Use first speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3. DO NOT mow back and forth across face of slopes. Mow up and down.

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

(Continued From Previous Column)

4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn blade OFF and back slowly down the slope.

5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.

6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The mower could turn over if an edge caves in.

7. Always begin forward motion in the #1 speed position.

8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade) when equipped with grass catcher.

9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize the machine.

10. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

11. DO NOT mow under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful without first test driving over the terrain with blade OFF.

PREPARATION

1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls are located and practice how to use them before starting for the first time, and at the beginning of each season. Read and follow Warnings and Instructions on engine and machine. Read and follow operator’s manual and instructions furnished with attachments.

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

3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Page)

4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel container. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.

5. Practice operation of machine with BLADE OFF to learn controls and develop skills.

6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

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

8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices frequently for proper operation and location.

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

10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.

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

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

13. Check grass catcher components frequently for signs of wear or deterioration and replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown objects going through weak or worn spots.

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible. Make sure blade is OFF and parking brake is set.

3. STOP blade, STOP engine, set parking brake and remove key when leaving machine.

4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).

5. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade has stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

6. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set blade in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.

8. Deflector or entire grass catcher must be in place. NEVER point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

9. Slow down before turning.

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

11. STOP engine immediately after striking an obstruction. Inspect machine and repair damage before resuming operation.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

12. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.

13. Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain control during speed and directional changes.

14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate as specified with SNAPPER attachment instructions.

MAINTENANCE

1. Never store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.

3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame.

4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as needed.

5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.

6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery before performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could cause injury.

8. Never work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and make adjustments only when engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

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

11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual to prevent controls from binding.

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

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

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................2-3

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

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

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

Pre-start Checklist ..............................................................................................6-7

Starting Engine.......................................................................................................7

Starting & Stopping Engine, Mower Blades............................................................8

Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive............................................................................8

Setting & Releasing Parking Brake ........................................................................8

Adjusting Cutting Height.........................................................................................9

SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ......................................... 10-13

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

Checking Mower Blade.........................................................................................10

Checking Mower Drive Belt..................................................................................11

Checking Belt Tension..........................................................................................11

After Every 25 Operating Hours ...........................................................................11

Check Mower Components..................................................................................11

Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication.........................................................................12

Front Wheel Bearings Lubrication........................................................................12

Front Caster Wheel Pivot Shaft Lubrication .........................................................12

Parking Brake Pivot Bushing Lubrication .............................................................12

Annually (End of Each Season)............................................................................13

Engine...............................................................................................................13

Air Filter.............................................................................................................13

Oil Filter.............................................................................................................13

Engine Oil..........................................................................................................13

Transaxle...........................................................................................................13

Fuel Filter ..........................................................................................................13

Storage - Out of Season.......................................................................................13

SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.............................................. 14-21

Neutral Position Adjustments ...............................................................................14

Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ...............................................................................14

Mower Drive Belt Replacement............................................................................15

Blade Brake Adjustment.......................................................................................15

Mower Blade Adjustment......................................................................................16

Mower Blade Adjustment (Levelness)..................................................................17

Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness)...................................................................18

Mower Deck Timing Rod......................................................................................18

Wheel Brake Adjustment......................................................................................19

Mower Blade Repair/Replacement..................................................................19-20

Battery Removal...................................................................................................20

Battery Installation................................................................................................20

Battery Service & Charging ..................................................................................20

Battery Storage.....................................................................................................20

Battery Testing......................................................................................................21

New Battery Preparation.......................................................................................21

TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................. 22-23

SERVICE SCHEDULE...................................................................................... 24

Maintenance/Replacement Parts ......................................................................24

WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 25

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE.......................................................................... 26-29

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

BUTTON

DISCHARGE

JOYSTICK CONTROL HANDLE

KEY SWITCH

OPERATOR’S SEAT

RIGHT CONSOLE VIEW

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

BLADE SWITCH

BRAKE RELEASE

FUEL TANK

LEFT CONSOLE VIEW

PARKING BRAKE

DECK

FRAME COVER

DECK LIFT HANDLE

FIGURE 1.1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operator’s of the SNAPPER YARD CRUISER. Its purpose, aside from recommending s tandard operating procedures and routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY through the use of accepted operating practices . Read, Unders tand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 and 3 of this m anual and All SAFETY messages on the YARD CRUISER and its attachments before operating. SNAPPER recommends returning the YARD CRUISER to an authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition of any new devices which might upgrade the safety of the mower.

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER YARD CRUISER. 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 - 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 tires and add or release air as needed to bring pressure to 12 psi in front and 12 psi in rear tires.

2.1.2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to mak e sure all are in place and securely tightened.

2.1.3. 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 2.1.

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

SAFE LEVEL AREA

2.1.5. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and

engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling f ins clear at all times.

2.1.6. Add fuel to tank of the YARD CRUISER outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure fuel filler cap is tight and vent is open after refueling. See Figure 2.3. Refer to engine owner’s manual for fuel specifications.

FUEL FILLER CAP

FUEL TANK

OPEN VENT

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.4. Chec k Blade switch to insure it works freely.

Switch is pulled “OUT” into the “ON” position for blade engagement or pushed back “IN” into the “OFF” position for blade disengagement. See Figure 2.2. IMPORTANT: Dis engagement stops the blades rotation.

PULL “OUT” TO ENGAGE

PUSH “IN” TO DISENGAGE

FIGURE 2.2

BLADE SWITCH

FIGURE 2.3

IMPORTANT: This YARD CRUISER is equipped with hydrostatic drive. The forward, rearward and steering movement of the machine is controlled by a joystick lever. Joystick operations should be performed only from the operator’s position in the seat. A small movement of the joystick can cause the machine to move instantly. Move joystick very carefully and slowly.

1. Always move the joystick to the center position to “STOP” machine. IMPORTANT: To stop machine always return the joystick with hand assistance to the neutral position. Always engage parking brake when leaving operator’s seat.

2. Move the joystick forward to propel the machine forward.

3. Move the joystick rearward to propel the machine backward.

4. M ove the joystick to the right to rotate the front of the machine in circular motion to the right, as in turning around to go in a different direction.

5. M ove the joystick to the left to rotate the front of the machine in circular motion to the left, as in turning around to go in a different direction.

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: To roll the machine without the engine running, pressure within the hydraulic pumps must be released. Tilt seat up and mov e control lever down to release pressure. NOTE: Control lever must be in the “UP” position to drive machine. See Figure 2.4.

MOVE CONTROL LEVER UP TO DRIVE MACHINE

CONTROL LEVER

RUN POSITION

JOYSTICK IS IN NEUTRAL POSITION

TURN KEY TO START POSITION

BATTERY

MOVE CONTROL LEVER DOWN TO ROLL MACHINE

DECAL VIEWED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION

FIGURE 2.5

FIGURE 2.4

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.1. ENGINE (ELE CTRIC START)

When the ignition key is turned to “START”, the engine will not turn over unless the parking brak e is engaged and the blade switch is in the “OFF” position!

2.2.2. OPERATION

Be seated on the YARD CRUISER before attempting to start the engine with the key switch.

PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED

1. Make certain the blade switch is in the “OFF”

position.

2. Make certain the joystick lever is in the neutral (N) position as shown in Figure 2.5.

IMPORTANT: The joystick lever has to be m anually moved to propel machine. Always return the joystick with hand assistance to the neutral position to stop machine. The machine will only crank or start if parking brake lever is engaged and the blade switch is in the “OFF” position.

MOVE ENGINE SPEED/CHOKE CONTROL TO CHOKE POSITION. AFTER WARMUP MOVE CONTROL AWAY FROM CHOKE POSITION

3. Make certain the parking brake lever is engaged.

See Figure 2.6.

4. Move choke/engine speed control to the choke position to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.6.

5. Turn key to the start position until engine starts. See Figure 2.5.

6. After engine starts, move choke/engine speed control away from the choke position to the (Rabbit) “Fast“ position.

CONTROL SHOWN IN CHOKE POSITION

7. Allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

FIGURE 2.6

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

POSITION

2.2.3. MOWER BLADE

1. With engine r unning, move engine speed control to

the Rabbit or “fast” position.

2. Pull the blade switch out into the “ON” position to engage the mower blades. See Figure 2.7.

DISENGAGE PARKING BRAKE

PULL BLADE SWITCH OUT TO THE “ON”

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL IN THE “FAST” POSITION

FIGURE 2.7

3. Release the parking brake. See Figure 2.7.

4. Move joystick carefully in the desired direction to

propel the machine. A sm all movem ent of the joystick can cause the machine to move instantly. Move joystick carefully and slowly.

2.3 STOPPING

2.3.1. ENGINE

1. Stop engine by turning key to the “OFF” pos ition.

See Figure 2.8.

TURN KEY TO “OFF” OR STOP POSITION

DECAL VIEWED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION

FIGURE 2.8

Before leaving the Riding Mower, push blade switch in to the “OFF” position to STOP blade, move joystick to neutral and engage the parking brake. Turn key switch to the OFF position. Remove key.

2.3.2. WHEEL DRIVE

1. Stop motion of riding mower by moving joystick

to neutral (N) position. Refer to Figure 2.8.

2.3.3. MOWER BLADE

1. Push the blade switch in to “OFF” position to

disengage or stop the mower blades. Refer to Figure

2.7.

Once blades are disengaged, they should come to a complete stop in 5 seconds. If the blades continue to rotate after 5 seconds, the electric clutch should be checked. Replacement of electric clutch may be necessary. DO NOT continue to operate mower if blades fail to stop in 5 seconds.

2.3.4. PARKING BRAKE

1. Manually position joystick in the neutral position.

2. Engage parking brake by pushing button at the top

of lever and then pulling the parking brake lever slowly back to the “ON” position.

3. Release parking brake by pushing button at the top of lever and moving brak e lever forward to the “OFF” position. Refer Figure. 2.7.

WARNING

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.3.5. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

This machine has seven different cutting height positions. IMPORTANT: When positioning the cutting deck into a higher cutting position, pull up on the deck lift handle only, it is not necessary to pull up on the release lever at the same time. Use the release lever when moving deck cutting height to a lower cutting position.

1. Grasp both handles together to disengage latch.

2. Raise or lower handles to desired height.

3. Release lower handle to engage latch.

See Figure 2.9.

DECK LIFT HANDLE

HIGHEST NOTCH

RELEASE LEVER

CONNECTING BAR OMITTED

IN THIS VIEW FOR CLARITY

DETENT PLATE

FIGURE 2.9

Never park the YARD CRUISER on an incline or embankment.

WARNING

Section 3 - MAINTENANCE

3.1 INTRODUCTION

To retain the quality of the YARD CRUISER, use genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local SNAPPER dealer for par ts and service assistance. For the correct part or inf ormation for a particular mower, always mention the model and serial number.

3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS

WARNING

Before attempting any adjustments or repairs, STOP the engine, remove the key, remove the spark plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from plug(s).

3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Place bricks or wooden blocks under the front

wheels to lower rear of engine.

2. Place a 4 quart minimum capacity container under the end of the oil drain.

3. Loosen or remove oil fill cap on engine.

4. Ins tall the drain hose (Supplied in hardware bag)

onto drain plug nipple and place hose into drain container.

5. Rotate drain plug counter clock wise and pull out to open and allow oil to drain out. See Figure 3.1.

3.2.2. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1. Make sure fuel cap is on tight. Turn fuel shut off

valve (If equipped) to the “CLOSED” position. Start engine and allow it to run until engine runs out of fuel. Close vent on fuel filler cap. See Figure 2.3, Page 6.

2. Apply parking brake.

3. Turn key to “OFF” position and remove key from

ignition switch.

WARNING

Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.

4. Carefully stand YAR D CRUISER on rear bumper.

It may be necessary to have help to stand unit up.

5. Check torque of blade mounting bolts. Torque to: 33” Deck - 30 to 40 ft. lbs. 38” Deck - 80 to 90 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.

6. Check blade for sharpnes s, wear and damage. See Section on BLADE WEAR LIMITS.

TORQUE BLADE MOUNTING BOLTS TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.

INSTALL HOSE ONTO OIL DRAIN NIPPLE

ROTATE 1/4 TURN COUNTERCLOCKWISE AND PULL OUT TO DRAIN ENGINE OIL

FIGURE 3.1

6. After all the oil has drained, close the drain by

pushing in and rotating clockwise to c lose. W ipe up any oil that may have spilled. Dispose of drained oil properly. See Figure 3.1.

7. Change oil filter at every oil change. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for service instructions.

8. F ill engine crank case with new oil. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for oil specifications.

OIL DRAIN

SINGLE BLADE DECK

TORQUE BLADE MOUNTING BOLTS TO 80 TO 90 FT. LBS.

7. Check blade for straightness.

TWIN BLADE DECK

FIGURE 3.2

WARNING

Never use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage. Refer to Section on MOWER BLADE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT for proper blade inspection and service procedures.

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