Snapper YZ145332BVE, YZ145382BVE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

YARD CRUISER

HYDRO DRIVE

SERIES 2

MODELS

YZ145332BVE

YZ145382BVE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

Y

Z

145

33

2

B

V

E

MODEL DESIGNATION

ENGINE OPTIONS

DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE

ENGINE TYPE

ENGINE HORSE POWER

SERIES DESIGNATION

CUTTING WIDTH

Y – Yard Cruiser	145 - 14.5 HP Engine	33 - 33” Cutting Deck	2 - Series Designation	B - Briggs Engine	E - Electric Start
Z – Zero Turning Radius		38 - 38” Cutting Deck		V – Over Head Valve

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 dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

COPYRIGHT © 1999

SNAPPER INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MANUAL No. 5-8721 (I.R 8/24/99)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: [phone]).

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 others to ride on machine or on attachments (even with the blades OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.

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

5.ALLOW only responsible adults & 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.

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 the slope, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these affect the handling and 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 blades OFF when traveling uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns.

3.DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes with blades off.

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

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS

(Continued From Previous Column)

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 machine could turn over if an edge caves in.

7.Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution.

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 operate machine on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

11.DO NOT operate machine under any condition where traction, steering or stability is doubtful.

PREPARATION

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

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

3.Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are involved in a large percentage of mowerrelated 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.

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

(Continued From Previous Page)

7.Keep people and pets out of mowing area. Immediately STOP blades, STOP engine, and STOP machine if anyone enters the area.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPERATION

1.Mount and dismount machine from left side.

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

3.DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine, STOP blades, SET brake, and Remove key before leaving operators position of any reason.

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

5.STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure blades have stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or hand.

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

7.Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.

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

12.Operate machine only in daylight or with good artificial light.

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

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

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.

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

MAINTENANCE

1.DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8.DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

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

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

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

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

13.DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

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

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

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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
Rolling Machine w/o Engine Running ................................................................	6
Starting Engine .....................................................................................................	7
Starting & Stopping Engine, Mower Blades ......................................................	8
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive ........................................................................	8
Setting & Releasing Parking Brake.....................................................................	8
Cutting Height Adjustment ..................................................................................	9
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................	10-13
Service - After First 5 Hours ..............................................................................	10
Change Engine Oil ..........................................................................................	10
Check Mower Blade ........................................................................................	10
Check Mower Drive Belt .................................................................................	11
Check Transaxle Drive Belts..........................................................................	11
Service - Every 25 Operating Hours .................................................................	11
Check Mower Components .......................................................................	11-12
Mower Blade Spindle - Lubrication ...............................................................	12
Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication ...............................................................	12
Front Wheel Bearings - Lubrication ..............................................................	12
Front Caster Wheel Pivot Shaft - Lubrication ..............................................	12
Parking Brake Pivot Bushings - Lubrication ................................................	13
Service – Annually..............................................................................................	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
Engine Adjustments & Repair ...........................................................................	14
Mower Deck & Component Adjustments .........................................................	14
Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ...........................................................................	15
Mower Drive Belt Removal & Replacement ................................................	15-16
Blade Brake.........................................................................................................	16
Adjusting Mower Blade.................................................................................	16-17
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness) Side to Side .........................................	18
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness) Front to Rear .......................................	19
Mower Deck Timing Rod....................................................................................	19
Wheel Brake Adjustment ...................................................................................	20
Mower Blade Replacement...........................................................................	20-21
Blade Wear Limits ...........................................................................................	20
Blade Sharpening............................................................................................	20
Blade Replacement ............................................................................................	21
Battery Removal .................................................................................................	21
Battery Installation .............................................................................................	21
Battery Service & Charging ...............................................................................	21
Battery Storage...................................................................................................	21
Battery Testing ...................................................................................................	22
New Battery Preparation....................................................................................	22
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................	23-24
SERVICE SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................	25
Maintenance/Replacement Parts ......................................................................	25
WARRANTY......................................................................................................................	26
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................	27-30

4

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

ENGINE

SPEED

JOYSTICK CONTROL

CONTROL

HANDLE

KEY

SWITCH

BLADE

SWITCH

OPERATOR’S SEAT

BRAKE RELEASE

BUTTON

FUEL TANK

RIGHT CONSOLE VIEW

DECK

DISCHARGE

FRAME

COVER

LEFT CONSOLE VIEW

PARKING BRAKE

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 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 and 3 of this manual 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 operators 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.

5

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1PRE-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 P.S.I. in front and 12 P.S.I. in rear tires.

2.1.2.Check guards, deflectors and covers to make 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 fins 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	OPEN
CAP	VENT
FUEL
TANK

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.4. Check 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: Disengagement stops the blades rotation.

PULL “OUT” TO

ENGAGE

FIGURE 2.3

IMPORTANT: To roll the machine without the engine running, pressure within the hydraulic pumps must be released. Tilt seat up and move 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

PUSH “IN” TO	BLADE	CONTROL
DISENGAGE	SWITCH	LEVER

BATTERY

MOVE CONTROL LEVER

DOWN TO ROLL

MACHINE

FIGURE 2.4

FIGURE 2.2

6

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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.Move 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.Move 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.

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START)

When the ignition key is turned to “START”, the engine will not turn over unless the parking brake 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.

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 manually 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 is engaged and the blade switch is in the “OFF” position.

3.Make certain the parking brake lever is engaged. See Figure 2.6.

4.Move 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 engine speed control away from the choke position to the (Rabbit) “Fast“ position.

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

JOYSTICK IS IN

NEUTRAL POSITION

	RUN	TURN KEY
	POSITION
		TO START
		POSITION

DECAL VIEWED FROM

OPERATOR’S POSITION

FIGURE 2.5

PARKING

BRAKE

ENGAGED

MOVE ENGINE SPEED/CHOKE

CONTROL TO CHOKE POSITION.

AFTER WARMUP MOVE CONTROL

AWAY FROM CHOKE POSITION

TO (RABBIT) “FAST” POSITION.

CONTROL SHOWN IN

CHOKE POSITION

FIGURE 2.6

WARNING

DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine. STOP blades. Engage park brake. Remove key. DO NOT park machine on slopes.

7

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.

2.2.3. MOWER BLADE

1.With engine running, 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”

POSITION

TURN KEY TO “OFF” OR STOP POSITION

DECAL VIEWED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION

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 small movement of the joystick can cause the machine to move instantly. Move joystick carefully and slowly.

2.3STOPPING

2.3.1.ENGINE

1. Stop engine by turning key to the “OFF” position. See Figure 2.8.

FIGURE 2.8

WARNING

Blades must stop rotating in 5 seconds or less after blades have been turned off. DO NOT operate machine until blade brake has been repaired and functioning properly. Contact your SNAPPER dealer for assistance.

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 brake lever forward to the “OFF” position. See Figure. 2.7.

WARNING

DO NOT park machine on slopes.

WARNING

DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine. STOP blades. Engage park brake. Remove key. DO NOT park machine on slopes.

2.3.2. WHEEL DRIVE

1. Stop motion of riding mower by moving joystick to neutral (N) position. See 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. See Figure 2.7.

8

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

9

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 parts and service assistance. For the correct part or information for a particular mower, always mention the model and serial number.

3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS

WARNING

DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage.

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.Install the drain hose (Supplied in hardware bag) onto drain plug nipple and place hose into drain container.

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

INSTALL HOSE

ONTO OIL DRAIN

NIPPLE

ROTATE 1/4 TURN

COUNTERCLOCKWISE

AND PULL OUT TO DRAIN OIL DRAIN

ENGINE OIL

FIGURE 3.1

6.After all the oil has drained, close the drain by pushing in and rotating clockwise to close. Wipe 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.Fill engine crankcase with new oil. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for oil specifications.

3.2.2. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1.Make sure fuel cap is on tight and vent is closed. Turn fuel shut off valve (If equipped) to the “CLOSED” position. Start engine and allow it to run until engine runs out of fuel. See Figure 2.3.

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 YARD 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 sharpness, wear and damage. Refer to Section “BLADE WEAR LIMITS”.

TORQUE BLADE MOUNTING

BOLTS TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.

SINGLE BLADE DECK

TORQUE BLADE MOUNTING

BOLTS TO 80 TO 90 FT. LBS.

TWIN BLADE DECK

FIGURE 3.2

7. Check blade for straightness.

WARNING

DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage. Refer to Section “MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT” for proper blade inspection and service procedures.

10