Snapper ZMT2500KH SERIES 0, ZM5201M SERIES 0, ZM6101M SERIES 0, ZMT2500KH, ZM5201M Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for

MID MOUNT Z-RIDER

ZERO TURNING

HYDRO DRIVE

SERIES 0

DRIVE DESIGNATION
MOWER OPERATION

CONTROL DESIGNATION

Z - Zero Turnina -Hvdro Drive
M - Mid Mount Mower
T- Twin Control Levers

Z - Zero Turnina -Hvdro Drive
M - Mid Mount Mower

I POWER UNIT MODELS

I MOWER UNIT MODELS

ZM5201M I ZM6101M

MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION

I ZIMIT 1__ 1 O0IKHI

I I

POWER UNIT

26 - Enaine Horse Power 00 - Series Desianation

MOWER UNIT

52 - Mower Cuttina Width 01 - Series Desianation

61 - Mower Cutting Width

ZMT2500KH

ENGINE TYPE

SERIES DESIGNATION

ENGINE HP

KH - Kohler Enaine

M - Mower Deck

Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your machine, 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!

SNAPPER, McDonough,GA.. 30253 U.S.A.

COPYRIGHT © 2000
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MANUAL No. 7-3704 (I.R. 5/16/00)

A IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause

injuryand 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.
Ifyou 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 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 the 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 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 and turf
conditions 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. 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 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.

12. Operator Protective Structures are available for this

machine through your local SNAPPER dealer.

PREPARATION

1. Read, understand
warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine

and attachments. Know the controls, the safety signs
and the proper use of the machine before starting. If
the operators or mechanics cannot read English, it is
the owner's responsibility to explain this material to

them.

.

Only mature, responsible persons shall operate or
service the machine and only after proper instruction
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 people or property.

.

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.

and follow instructions and

A 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 injury if thrown by blades

or interfere with mowing.

7. Evaluate the terrain to determine 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 wire. 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.

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. Shut off fuel (when equipped

with valve) while storing or transporting machine.

2. Clean grass and debris from engine, 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 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. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon

monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.

A IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE

(Continued From Previous Page)

7. Disconnect battery before performing
maintenance or service. Cranking engine could

cause injury. Disconnect negative (black) cable
from battery 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
adjustments with 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 could ignite
gas exiting engine.

14. Carefully release pressure from components

with stored energy.

15. Have machine serviced by an authorized

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.

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

Starting & Stopping Mower Blades ....................................................................... 11

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

Cutting Height Adjustment .................................................................................... 13

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

SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ............................... 14-18

Service - After First 5 Hours ................................................................................. 14

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

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

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

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

Service - After Every 25 Hours (Engine Components) ........................................ 15

Service - After Every 25 Hours (Mower Components) .................................... 15-16

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

Engine Service ...................................................................................................... 16

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

Deck Removal ................................................................................................. 17-18

Power Transfer Shaft Removal ............................................................................ 18

SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR .................................... 19-24

Neutral Position Adjustments ............................................................................... 19

Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness) .............................................................. 19-20

Parking Brake Adjustment .................................................................................... 21

Engine Adjustments & Repair ............................................................................... 21

Mower Blade Replacement ............................................................................. 21-22

Mower Blade Sharpening ..................................................................................... 22

Mower Drive Belt Removal & Replacement ......................................................... 22

Battery Removal ................................................................................................... 23

Battery Installation ................................................................................................ 23

Battery Service & Charging ............................................................................. 23-24

Battery Testing ...................................................................................................... 24

New Battery Preparation ....................................................................................... 24

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................ 25-26

SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................. 27

Maintenance/Replacement Parts ......................................................................... 27

WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 28

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 29-32

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 Structures may be required by local
ordinances. Discuss your mowing application and ordinances with your local Snapper Dealer.

IMPORTANT

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

AUXILIARY FUEL
TANK

BLADE

SWITCH

KEY SWITCH

PARKING BRAKE
LEVER

OPERATOR'S SEAT

DECK LIFT LEVER WITH
RELEASE BUTTON

.................................................................................................................FUEL TANK

ENGINESPEED CONTROL
(INSIDE LEVER)

CHOKE CONTROL
(OUTSIDE LEVER)

MOTION CONTROL
LEVERS

DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR

FIGURE 1.1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operator's of the
SNAPPER MID MOUNT 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 manual and All SAFETY messages

on the MID MOUNT Z-RIDER and its attachments before
operating. SNAPPER recommends returning the MID

MOUNT 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 information above, Figure 1.1, shows
the essential parts of the SNAPPER MID MOUNT Z-

RIDER. 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 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

1

[

CHOKE

"ON"

CHOKE

RABBIT

"FAST"

ENGINE

SPEED

1

]
1

Section 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

MOTION CONTROL

MULTIDIRECTIONAL

BLADES ENGAGED "ON" I

I BLADES DISENGAGED "OFF" I

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL BEFORE

OPERATING MACHINE

KEEP CHILDREN AND OTHERS OUT OF MOWING

I DANGER! ROTATING BLADES I

I DANGER! ROTATING BLADES I

AREA

Section 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS

MOVE MOTION CONTROLS GENTLY AND WITH CAUTION IN
DESIRED DIRECTION:
FORWARD- Move both controls forward.
REVERSE- Move both controls to the rear.

LEFT TURN- Move left control towards neutral position.
RIGHT TURN- Move right control towards neutral position.

ZERO RADIUS TURN- Move one control forward of neutral and one

rearward of neutral.

Section 3 -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 drive tires. Pressure in

front deck caster wheels should be 25 psi.

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.

SAFE LEVEL
AREA

FIGURE 2.1

2.1.4. Check Blade switch to insure it works freely.
Switch is pulled "OUT" for blade engagement or
pushed back "IN" for blade disengagement. See
Figure 2.2. IMPORTANT: Disengagement stops

blades.

2.1.8. Place mower in desired cutting height
setting. Grasp deck lift lever and depress release
button located at tip of lever. Move lever to desired
setting, 1 thru 7, and release latch. See Figure 1.1.

IMPORTANT: This machine is equipped with
hydrostatic drive. The direction of motion and the

speed of motion is controlled by the left and right

motion control levers. A small movement of these
controls can cause the machine to move instantly. DO

NOT attempt to operate the machine until you read this
manual and become familiar with it's operation.
Practice with the blades "OFF" disengaged, engine

speed at a slow setting and in an open area away from

obstacles.

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 the pressure.

Rotate lever counter clockwise and secure in that
position. See Figure 2.3

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE
RELEASE LEVERIN"RUN"
POSITION

BLADE SWITCH

FIGURE 2.2

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 machine outside

where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure fuel
filler cap is tight. Refer to engine owner's manual for
fuel specifications.

2.1.7. Adjust position of operator's seat. The seat
is mounted on slides. Locate latch lever beneath

the seat. Move lever towards the left and slide seat
to the desired position. Release latch.

FIGURE 2.3

10

Section 3 -OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.2 STARTING & STOPPING - ENGINE, BLADES,
PARKING BRAKE

This machine is equipped with dual hydrostatic wheel
drive transmissions. Each transmission is controlled by

a separate motion control lever. The left lever controls
the left wheel drive transmission and the right lever

controls the right wheel drive transmission. These levers
control the direction of motion, Forward & Reverse, and

the speed of motion. Move both levers forward to propel
the machine forward. Move both controls rearward to

propel the machine in reverse. The speed of motion is

continuously variable from neutral (zero) to the

maximum. Moving the control farther from the neutral
position will cause the speed of motion to increase. To

turn, move the lever on the side to which you want to turn
slightly rearward of the other lever. Move controls slowly

and carefully. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed
or direction. Always slow machine motion before turning.

To stop the motion of the machine bring both motion
control levers to the neutral position. Engage parking

brake.

2.2.1. STARTING ENGINE
When the ignition key is turned the engine will not

start or turn over unless the parking brake is
engaged and the blade switch is pushed in to

"OFF".

1. Complete pre-start checklist.

2. Sit in operator's seat.

3. Push blade switch in to "OFF", blades
disengaged position and engage parking brake.
See Figures 2.2 and 2.6.

4. Move choke control forward to choke position to
start a cold engine. See Figure 2.4.

5. Move engine speed control to the Rabbit "FAST"
position. See Figure 2.4.

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

CHOKE ENGINE
CONTROL SPEED

CONTROL

"STOP"

POSITION

KEY SHOWN IN "ON" POSITION

FIGURE 2.5

NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine
does not start, release the key. Attempt starting

again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.

7. After engine starts, move the choke control to
the "OFF" or no choke position. Allow a brief warm-

up until engine runs smooth.

2.2.2. STOPPING ENGINE

1. Stop engine by turning key to "STOP" position.

Move engine speed to the Turtle "SLOW" position
and turn key to "STOP". See Figures 2.4 and 2.5.

WARNING I

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

2.2.3. STARTING MOWER BLADES

1. Start engine and set engine speed control to the

Rabbit "FAST" position. See Figure 2.4.

2. Pull the Blade Switch out to the "ON" position to
engage the mower blades. See Figure 2.2.

2.2.4. STOPPING MOWER BLADES

1. Push Blade Switch in to "OFF" position to

disengage the blade.

CHOKE
POSITION

FIGURE 2.4

FASTPOSITION

\

Once blades are disengaged, they should come to a
complete stop in 7 seconds. If the blades continue to
rotate after 7 seconds, the electric clutch should be
checked. Replacement of electric clutch may be
necessary. Return the machine to an authorized
Snapper dealer for replacement. DO NOT CONTINUE

to operate mower if blades fail to stop in 7 seconds.

2. Move engine speed control to the Turtle "SLOW"

position. Turn key to "STOP" position. Engage
parking brake.

11