Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
21” STEEL DECK
WALK MOWERS
SERIES 12 & 14
MODELS
PUSH MODELS
215012
PROPELLED MODELS
P216012
215014
EP216012
R215012
NP216012
N215012
RP215012
NR215012
FR215012
FR215014
RP216012
RP215012T2
FRP216012
NRP215012
NFRP216012
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
R
P
21
50
12
T
2
MODEL DESIGNATION
SELF-PROPELLED
ENGINE OPTIONS
ENGINE TYPE
CUTTING WIDTH
SERIES DESIGNATION
ENGINE HORSE POWER
R – Recycling Model
P – Self Propelled Model
E – European Model
F – Flange Type Deck
N – California Model
21 – 21” Cutting Width
12 - Series Designation
14 – Series Designation
T – Tecumseh Engine
2 – Two Cycle Engine
50 – 5.0 HP (Engine Horse Power)
60 – 6.0 HP (Engine Horse Power)
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Walk Behind, 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. 3-5743 (REV. 2, 9/2/99)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area while engine is
running.
1. DO NOT store mower 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 reach of
2. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown
objects might be a hazard.
3. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
4. DO NOT operate mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
5. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and
secure spark plug wire. Inspect the mower for any
damage and repair the damage.
6. DO NOT mow near drop offs, ditches or
embankments. Operator could lose footing or
balance.
7. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden
hazards. Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep
away from ditches, washouts, culverts, fences
and protruding objects.
children in
building.
a
well ventilated, unoccupied
2. Keep mower and 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. Keep all bolts, especially blade bolts, nuts and
screws properly tight. Check that all cotter pins
are in proper position.
5. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, a deadly poison.
8. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing. Keep a firm hold on the handle
and walk, never run. Slipping could cause
injury.
9. DO NOT leave the machine with the engine
running. STOP BLADE and STOP ENGINE
before leaving the operators position for any
reason.
10. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting make
certain engine, blade and all moving parts have
STOPPED. Disconnect and secure spark plug
wire away from plug to prevent accidental
starting.
11. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to
complete STOP before removing grass bag
and/or clearing grass.
12. DO NOT operate mower without the entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
13. Slow down before turning.
14. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
6. Service engine and make adjustments only
when engine is stopped. Removed spark plug
wire from spark plug and secure wire away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. DO NOT change engine governor speed
settings or overspeed engine.
8. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear
or deterioration to avoid thrown objects and
exposure to moving parts. Replace with new
bag if loose seams or tears are evident. Replace
slider or bag adapter if broken or cracked.
9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.
10. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
11. Have machine serviced by an authorized
SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have
the dealer install any new safety devices.
12. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts
to assure that original standards are
maintained.
15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.
Engine
exhaust
gases
contain
carbon
monoxide, a deadly poison.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.............................................2 & 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION.............................................................. 5
SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................6-8
Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 6
Starting & Stopping Engine & Blade............................................................... 6-7
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive ....................................................................... 7
Handle Height Adjustment.................................................................................. 7
Cutting Height Adjustment
Recycling Operation............................................................................................ 8
Baffle Adjustment ................................................................................................ 8
Installation of Grass Catcher.............................................................................. 8
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS..................................9-10
Change Engine Oil............................................................................................... 9
Check Transmission Grease.......................................................................... 9-10
Check Mower Blade........................................................................................... 10
Check Engine Drive Belt ................................................................................... 10
Check Transmission Poly-V Belt...................................................................... 10
Service - Annually.............................................................................................. 10
Engine.............................................................................................................. 10
Air Filter ........................................................................................................... 10
Engine Oil........................................................................................................ 10
Storage Procedure............................................................................................. 10
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR....................................11-17
Mower Blade Replacement ............................................................................... 11
Blade Sharpening ......................................................................................... 11-12
Wheel Drive Control Adjustment...................................................................... 12
Driven and Drive Disc Service.......................................................................... 13
Cleaning Drive Disc and Driven Disc............................................................ 13
Drive Spring Repair/Replacement................................................................. 13
Driven Disc Adjustment ............................................................................ 13-14
Driven Disc Replacement.......................................................................... 14-15
Driven Disc Bearing Replacement................................................................ 15
Hex Shaft Bearing Replacement ................................................................... 16
Belt Service ........................................................................................................ 16
Engine Drive Belt Replacement ............................................................... 16-17
Transmission Poly-V Belt Replacement....................................................... 17
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 18
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 19
Maintenance/Replacement Parts...................................................................... 19
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 20
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................21-24
4
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
This manual has been prepared for the operators of
the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWERS. Its
purpose, aside from recommending operating 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 & 3 of this
manual and all safety messages on the mower and
attachments before operating the mower.
The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows
the essential parts of the SNAPPER WALK BEHIND
MOWERS. It is recommended that all operators of
the mower become thoroughly familiar with the
controls, parts and operation of the mower 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.
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Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST
2.1.6. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and
Make the following checks and perform the service
required before each start-up.
2.1.1. Check guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter
and covers to make sure all are in place and securely
tightened.
engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass,
oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling
fins clear at all times.
2.2 STARTING & OPERATION
2.2.1. ENGINE & BLADE
2.1.2. Check blade control and wheel drive control to
insure they work freely. See Figure 2.1.
(Primer Models)
1. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit)
position. See Figure 2.3.
RECYCLING MODEL SHOWN
(ROPE START MOUNTED ON
RIGHT SIDE OF HANDLE)
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the
blade control.
CATCHER MODEL SHOWN
(ROPE START MOUNTED
ON LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)
BLADE
CONTROL
WHEEL DRIVE
BLADE
CONTROL
CONTROL
WHEEL
DRIVE
FIGURE 2.1
CONTROL
2.1.3. Check cutting height. Adjust to desired height.
2.1.4. 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 2.2.
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
(SHOWN IN FAST
POSITION)
FIGURE 2.3
2. Push primer button three times to start a cold
engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start
warm engine.
3. Pull blade control against handle.
4. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.
5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until
engine runs smooth.
FIGURE 2.2
2.1.5. Add fuel to tank after pushing the mower
outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure
cap is tightened after refueling. Refer to Engine
Owners Manual for specifications.
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