Snapper ZF5201M, ZF2501KH, ZF6101M User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for

OUT FRONT Z-RIDER

ZERO TURNING

HYDRO DRIVE

SERIES 1

POWER UNIT MODELS

ZF2501KH

MOWER UNIT MODELS

ZF5201M ZF6101M

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

Z F 25 01 KH

DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE ENGINE TYPE MOWER ORIENTATION SERIES DESIGNATION

ENGINE HP

POWER UNIT

Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive 25– Engine Horse Power 01 – Series Designation KH – Kohler Engine F – Out Front Mower

MOWER UNIT

Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive 52 – Mower Cutting Width 01 – Series Designation M – Mower Deck F – Out Front Mower 61 – Mower Cutting Width

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Z-RIDER, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 - 4. Remember that all power equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

MANUAL No. 7-3699 (REV. 2, 8/29/01)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerful cuttin g machine is capable of amputat ing hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with th e follow ing SAFETY instructio ns could result in serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if t he operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

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

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

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

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate machine. Local regulations may restrict th e age of the operator.

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

6. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BL ADES. 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 ext ra care with grass catchers or other attachments; these and turf conditions affect the handling and the stability of the machine.

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

2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes ab ove 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. DO NOT operate machine near drop offs, ditches, embankments, washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects. 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 sl owly and with caution.

8. Use weights or a w eighted 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.

12. Operator Protective Structures are available for this machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.

PREPARA TION

1. Read, understand and follow instructions and warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine and attachments. Know the controls, the safety signs and the proper use of the mach ine before starting. If the operators or mechanics cannot read English, it is the owner’s responsibility to explain this material to them.

2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate or service the machine and only after proper in struction and training. The owner is responsible for training the operators. Further, the owner/operator can prevent and/or is responsible for accidents or injuries occurring to themselves, other pe ople or property .

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

involved in a large percentage of mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

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. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with engine running. Add or drain 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 inju ry if t hro wn by blades or interfere with mowing.

7. Evaluate the terrain to det ermine what accessories and attachments are needed to properly and safely perform the job. Only use accessories and attachments approved by SNAPPER.

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

9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields, deflectors, switches, blade controls and other safety devices are in place and functioning properly.

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

11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear appropriate clothing including safety glasses, long pants, ear protection, hardhat and substantial footwear with good traction. Long hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving parts.

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

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

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

OPERATION

1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.

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

3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove key.

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

5. DO NOT operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

OPERATION

(Continued From Previous Column)

6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck, engage parking brake and make sure engine and blades have stopped before removing grass catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to hands or feet.

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

8. 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.

9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point discharge at people, passing cars, windows or doors.

10. Slow down before turning.

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

12. STOP engine immediately after striking an object or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Remove key. Remove and disconnect the sparkplug w ire. Make necessary repairs before resuming operation.

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

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

15. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.

16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

MAINTENA NCE

1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot lig ht such as in a water heater, furn ace, 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. Shut off fuel (when equipped with valve) while storing or transporting machine.

2. Clean grass and debris from eng ine, mufflers, drives and cutting units to help prevent overheating and fires. Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.

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

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

5. Keep all bolt s, nu ts an d screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENA NCE

(Continued From Previous Page)

7. Disconnect battery before performing maintenance or service. Cranking engine could cause injury. Disconnect negative (black) cable from b attery first and positive (red) cable last. Reconnect positive first and negative last. Charge battery in an open, well ventilated area away from spark and flames. Unplug charger before connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear protective clothing and insulated gloves.

8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.

9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only when engine and blades are stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark plug(s).

10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or overspeed engine. DO NOT make adjustment s w ith the engine running.

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

12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use CAUTION when handling them. Never straighten or weld blades, only replace them.

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

14. Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy.

15. Have machine serviced by an auth oriz ed SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the dealer install any new safety devices. Never allow untrained personnel to service machine.

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

17. If battery is removed, DO NOT operate engine without insulating Positive + battery cable terminal with electrical tape, or sparking from battery cables can result.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................ 2-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................5

SECTION 1 – FAMILIARIZATION .............................................................6

SECTION 2 – SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS.......................... 7-9

SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................................... 10-13

Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 10

Starting & Stopping Engine, Blades & Parking Brake.....................................11-12

Starting & Stopping Mower Blades ...................................................................... 12

Parking Brake ...................................................................................................... 12

Cutting Height Adjustment .................................................................................. .12

Driving & Stopping Machine................................................................................. 13

SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .............................. 14-17

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

Check Mower Blade............................................................................................. 14

Check Mower Drive Belt ...................................................................................... 15

Check Belt Tension.............................................................................................. 15

Service - After every 25 Hours (Engine).............................................................. 15

Service – After every 25 Hours (Mower Components) ........................................ 15

Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication ..................................................................... 15

Mower Deck Linkage Lubrication...................................................................... 15

Front Wheel Bearings Lubrication.................................................................... 16

Transaxle Lubrication ....................................................................................... 16

Power Transfer Shaft Lubrication ..................................................................... 16

Other Lubrication .............................................................................................. 16

Before Operating Machine...................................................................................16

Annually - End Of Season...............................................................................16-17

Fuel Filter Replacement....................................................................................... 17

Deck Removal...................................................................................................... 17

Power Transfer Shaft Removal............................................................................ 17

SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.................................... 18-23

Neutral Position Adjustments............................................................................... 18

Mower Deck & Component Adjustments.............................................................18

Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness) ............................................................. 18-19

Parking Brake Adjustment................................................................................... 19

Engine Adjustments & Repair..............................................................................19

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

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

Mower Drive Belt & Engine Belt Removal & Replacement.............................20-21

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

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

Battery Service & Charging............................................................................. 21-22

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

New Battery Preparation...................................................................................... 22

Mower Spindles (Field Serviceable Spindles) Bearing Replacement..................23

TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................... 24-25

SERVICE SCHEDULE.............................................................................26

Maintenance/Replacement Parts......................................................................... 26

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

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Operator Protective Structures are available as optional kits for the Mid-Mount and Out-Front Z-Rider machines. These structures, when installed and used properly can offer additional security to the operator against serious injury in the event of a tip over accident. Operator Protective Struct ures may be required by local ordinances. Discuss your mowing application and ordinances with your local Snapper Dealer.

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

OPERATOR’S SEAT

CONTROL PANEL

AMP METER

KEYSWITCH

HOUR METER

FUEL TANK

BLADE SWITCH

DECK LIFT SWITCH

LIGHT SWITCH

MOTION CONTROL (JOYSTICK)

CONTROL PANEL (SEE INSET)

DECK HEIGHT OF CUT DECAL

DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

CHOKE CONTROL

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

PARKING BRAKE

DECK COVER

CASTER WHEEL BRACKET

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

FIGURE 1.1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared f or the operator’s of the SNAPPER OUT FRONT Z-RIDER. Its purpose, aside from recommending standard operating procedures and routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY through the use of accepted operating practices. Read, Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 thru 4 of this m anual and All SAFETY messages on the OU T FRON T Z-RIDER and its attachments before operating. SNAPPER recommends returning the OUT FRONT Z-RIDER 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 inform ation above, F igure 1.1, s hows the essential parts of the SNAPPER OUT FRONT ZRIDER. It is recommended that all operator’s of this equipment become thoroughly fam iliar with the c ontrols , 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. F or the nearest SNAPPER dealer in your area, check the yellow pages under the heading LAWN MOW ERS. For engine parts and service, look for the engine manufacturer’s dealers under the heading, ENGINES - gasoline.

Section 2 – SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

CHOKE

“ON”

CHOKE

“OFF”

RABBIT “FAST”

ENGINE SPEED

AND CHOKE

CONTROLS

TURTLE “SLOW”

Section 2 – SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

“START” ENGAGE “ON”

“RUN”

“STOP”

KEY SWITCH

MOTION CONTROL

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL

HOUR METE

BLADE

DISENGAGE “OFF”

LIGHT SWITCH

“ON”

“

”

Section 2 – SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

KEEP CHILDREN AND OTHERS OUT OF MOWING AREA

DANGER! ROTATING BLADES

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

)

3.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST

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

3.1.1. Check tires and add or releas e air as needed to bring pressure in drive tires to: 12 psi (Turf Type Tires), 5 psi (All T errain T ype Tires) and 25 psi in rear caster tire. Pressure in front deck caster wheels should be 25 psi.

3.1.2. Check guards, deflector s and covers to make sure all are in place and securely tightened.

3.1.3. 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 3.1.

FULL MARK

OIL DIP STICK

IMPORTANT: This Out Front Z-Rider is equipped with hydrostatic drive. The forward and rearward movement of the mower is contro lled 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 in stantly. Move joystick very carefully and slowly.

ROLL RELEASE: To roll the machine without the engine running, pressure within the hydraulic pumps must be released. There is one lever on the upper right side of each pump that is used to release th e pressu re. Rotate lever counter clockwise and secure in that position. See Figure 3.3.

PRESSURE RELEASE LEVER

FIGURE 3.1

3.1.4. Check Blade switch to insure it works freely.

Switch is pulled “UP” for blade engagement or pushed back “IN” for blade disengagement. See Figure 3.2. IMPORTANT: Disengagement stops blades.

3.1.5. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling fins c lear at all times.

3.1.6. Add fuel to tank of the Out Front Z-Rider outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure fuel filler cap is tight. Ref er to engine owner’s manual for fuel specifications.

PULL UP TO ENGAGE BLADE. PUSH DOWN TO DISENGAGE BLADE.

BLADE SWITCH

LEVER IS IN POSITION FOR PROPELLING RIDER UNDER ITS OWN POWER (RIDER WILL NOT ROLL WITH LEVER IN THIS POSITION

PRESSURE RELEASE LEVER

LEVER IS ROTATED COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND LATCHED IN A SECURED POSITION FOR ROLLING RIDER (RIDER WILL NOT PROPEL ITSELF WITH LEVER IN THIS POSITION

FIGURE 3.3

IMPORTANT: This machine is equipped with a

WARNING beeper . The beeper will sound when engine oil pressure is low or engine tem perature is high. If this beeper sounds, stop operation immediately. Do not resume operation until the cause has been determined and proper action taken. Beeper function can be ver ified (with engine stopped) by turning key to “RUN” position.

FIGURE 3.2

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