Snapper YZ20484BVE, YZ16424BVE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

YARD CRUISER

HYDRO DRIVE

SERIES 4

MODELS

YZ16424BVE YZ20484BVE

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

Y Z 16 42 4 B V E

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

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

16 – 16 HP Engine 20 – 20 HP Engine

42 - 42” Cutting Deck 48 - 48” Cutting Deck

4 - Series Designation B - Briggs Engine V – Over Head Valve

E - Electric Start

MANUAL No. 6-3260 (REV. 1, 6/28/02)

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 occu r 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 an d 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 slop es 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 su pplied 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, limb s and other objects that could cau se injury if thrown by blade or interfere with mowing.

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 dev ices frequently for proper operation and location.

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

10. Protect yourself w hen 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 wh en cutting grass. Set blades in highest position when mowing over rough ground.

7. Keep hands an d 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 pu lling loads. Limit loads to those you can safely control and attach loads to hitch plate as specified w ith SNAPPER attachment instructions.

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

MAINTENA NCE

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 enclosu re. Store fuel container out of the reach of children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.

2. Keep en gine free of grass, leaves o r excess grease to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.

3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into a n a pproved container outdoors and away from open fla me.

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; sp ark plug could ignite gas exiting engine.

14. Have machine serviced by an autho rized 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.

16. If battery is removed, DO NOT operate engine without insulating Positive + battery cable terminal with electrical tape, or sp arking from bat tery cables can result.

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 & Stopping Engine, Propelling Mower .............................................7-8

Starting & Stopping 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 Five 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 Engine..............................................................................................11-12

Check Mower Components............................................................................12

Mower Blade Spindle – Lubrication .........................................................12-13

Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication...............................................................13

Front Wheel Bearings - Lubrication..............................................................13

Front Caster Wheel Pivot Shaft .....................................................................13

Parking Brake Pivot Bushings.......................................................................13

Service - Annually...............................................................................................14

Engine ..............................................................................................................14

Air Filter............................................................................................................14

Oil Filter............................................................................................................14

Engine Oil.........................................................................................................14

Transaxle..........................................................................................................14

Fuel Filter.........................................................................................................14

Storage – Out of Season....................................................................................14

SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.............................................................15-22

Engine Adjustments & Repair...........................................................................15

Mower Deck & Components Adjustments.......................................................15

Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ...........................................................................15

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

Belt Removal & Replacement.......................................................................15-16

Blade Brake.........................................................................................................16

Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness - Side to Side 48” Deck)..................16-17

Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Pitch 48” Deck) ...............................17

Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side, 42” & 48” Decks)..............................18

Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Pitch, 42” Decks) ............................19

Mower Deck Timing Rod – (42” Decks)............................................................19

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

Mower Blade Wear Limits..................................................................................20

Blade Sharpening...............................................................................................20

Blade Replacement ............................................................................................20

Battery Removal.................................................................................................21

Battery Installation.............................................................................................21

Battery Service & Charging...............................................................................21

New Battery Preparation...............................................................................21-22

Battery Testing ...................................................................................................22

TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................23-24

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

SERVICE SCHEDULE......................................................................................................25

WARRANTY......................................................................................................................26

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................27-30

PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM.................................................................................31

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

IMPORTANT! The figures and illustrations in

this manual are provided for reference only

and may differ from your specific model.

Contact your Snapper dealer if you have

OPERATOR’S SEAT

PARKING BRAKE

BRAKE RELEASE BUTTON

FUEL TANK

JOYSTICK CONTROL HANDLE

KEY SWITCH

CHOKE CONTROL

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

BLADE SWITCH

DECK LIFT HANDLE

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

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.

questions.

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.

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. Chec k 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. Chec k 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. 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: Dis engagement stops the blades rotation.

PUSH “IN” TO DISENGAGE

PULL “OUT” TO ENGAGE

BLADE SWITCH

FIGURE 2.2

FIGURE 2.3

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.

DO NOT USE CONTROL TO RELEASE PRESSURE AND COAST DOWN SLO PES. R ELEASE PRESSURE ONL Y W HEN MACHINE MOTION CAN BE CONTROLLED AND ENGINE OFF.

MOVE CONTROL LEVER UP TO DRIVE MACHINE

CONTROL LEVER

BATTERY

MOVE CONTROL LEVER DOWN TO ROLL MACHINE

FIGURE 2.4

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: This YARD CRUISER is equipped with hydrostatic drive. The forward, rearward and steering movement of the machin e 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 forw ard to propel the machine forward.

3. M ove 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. 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.

2.2 STARTING & OPERATION

2.2.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to

“START”, the engine will not turn over and will

not start unless the Parking Brake is engaged and the Blade Switch is in the “Off” position. The operator should be in the seat. Start engine as follows:

1. Move joystick lever to ( N) Neutral position. See Figure 2.5.

2. Make certain the blade switch is in the “Off” position. See Figure 2.6.

3. Mak e certain the par king brake is engaged. See Figure 2.5.

4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning counterclockwise. IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent on the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall. See Figure 2.3.

5. Pull choke control up to choke position.

6. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit)

position. See Figure 2.6.

7. Turn key to the “START” position until engine starts. See Figure 2.5. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine and it does not start, releas e the key. Attempt starting again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.

8. After engine starts, push choke control in to the “OFF” position, move engine speed control to the desired speed position, allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.

WARNING

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

RUN POSITION

DECAL VIEWED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION

JOYSTICK IS IN NEUTRAL POSITION

TURN KEY TO START POSITION

FIGURE 2.5

PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED

PULL CHOKE CONTROL OUT TO START ENGINE

MOVE ENGINE SPEED CONTROL TO FAST POSITION

FIGURE 2.6

(Continued on Next Page)

Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.2.2. MOWER BLADE

1. With engine running, m ove engine speed contr ol

to the Rabbit or “Fast” position.

2. Pull the blade switch out into the “ O N” pos ition to engage the mower blades. See Figure 2.7.

DISENGAGE PARKING

PULL BLADE SWITC H OUT TO THE “ON” POSITION

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL IN THE “FAST” POSITION

FIGURE 2.7

3. Release the parking brake. See Figure 2.7.

WARNING

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

4. Move joystick car efully 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.

2.3 STOPPING

2.3.1. ENGINE

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

See Figure 2.8.

TURN KEY TO “OFF” OR STOP POSITION

DECAL VIEWED FROM OPERATOR’S POSITION

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

2.3.2. WHEEL DRIVE

1. Stop m otion of riding mower by moving joystick

to neutral (N) position. See 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.

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 brak e by pushing button at the

top of lever and then pulling the parking brak e lever slowly back to the “ON” position.

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

FIGURE 2.8

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 pos ition, pull up on the deck lift handle only, it is not necessary to pull up on the release lever at the same tim e. Use the release lever when m oving 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

RELEASE LEVER

CONNECTING BAR OMITTED IN THIS VIEW FOR CLARITY

DECK LIFT HANDLE SHOWN IN HIGHEST NOTCH.

FIGURE 2.9

DETENT PLATE

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

DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Set brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool.

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 har dware bag)

onto drain plug nipple and place hose into drain container.

5. Rotate drain plug counter-cloc kwise 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 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

3.2.2. SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER

The engine is equipped with a dual element air cleaner. Both the foam pre-cleaner and cartridge require service. Refer to Engine Owner's Manual for recommended service procedures.

3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1. Make sure fuel cap is on tight. Start engine and

allow it to run until engine runs out of fuel. Close vent on fuel filler cap. See Figure 2.3.

2. Engage 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 or nuts. Torque to: 42” Decks -- 30 to 40 ft. lbs. 48” Decks – 80 to 90 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.

6. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. Refer to Section “BLADE WEAR LIMITS”.

7. Check blade for straightness.

BLADE MOUNTING TORQUE:

42” -- 30 TO 40 FT. LBS. 48” -- 80 TO 90 FT. LBS.

TWIN & TRIPLE BLADE DECK

FIGURE 3.2

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.

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