Snapper Lawn Mower GM2516BVG User Manual

OPERATOR’S  
MANUAL  
Fielnd BruMower  
SIMPLICITY  
Mfg. No.  
1694240  
1694204  
1694205  
Description  
13HP Hnda d Brush Mower  
13Had Brush Mower  
13ki WBehind Brush Mower  
FERRIS  
Mfg. No.  
1694249  
1694251  
Descriptio
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (BC25BE)  
13HP Honda Walk-Behind Brush Mower (BC25H)  
GIANT-VAC  
Mfg. No.  
3070980  
3070101  
3070103  
3800017  
Description  
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2513BS)  
13HP Honda Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2513H)  
15HP Kawasaki Walk-Behind Brush Mower (GM2515KAW)  
16HP Briggs Walk-Behind BrushMower (GM2516BVG)  
SNAPPER  
Mfg. No.  
Description  
1694378  
13HP Briggs Walk-Behind Brush Mower (FB13250BV)  
1696096  
16HP Briggs Walk- Behind Brush Mower (GM2516BVG)  
1723519  
Rev: E  
Safety Rules & Information  
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of  
unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This  
mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signi-  
fies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.  
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR  
WALK-BEHIND MOWERS  
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and  
feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the follow-  
ing safety instructions could result in serious injury or  
death.  
GENERAL OPERATION  
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the  
machine and in the manual(s). Be thoroughly familiar  
with the controls and the proper use of the mower  
before starting.  
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,  
or roads.  
• Shut off the engine (motor) whenever you leave the  
equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging  
the chute.  
• Do not put hand or feet near or under rotating parts.  
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.  
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade  
comes to a combefore removing grass  
catcher.  
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar  
with the instructions, to operate the mower.  
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, tys,
bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up
thrown by the blade.  
• Mow onin dyligt or good artificial light.  
• Do not oate he mower while under the influence  
of hol odrugs.  
• Be sure the area is clear of other pfore mow-  
ing. Stop mower if anyone enters
rate mower in wet grass. Always be sure  
footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and  
never run.  
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing  
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.  
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive  
clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the  
engine (motor).  
• Do not pull mower backwards unlss absely
essary. Look down and behind before
moving backwards.  
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,  
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for  
the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trou-  
ble.  
• Do not operate the mower without proper gards,  
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective  
devices in place.  
• See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation  
and installation of accessories. Use only accessories  
approved by the manufacturer.  
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with  
side shields when operating mower.  
2
Safety Rules and Information  
SLOPE OPERATION  
SERVICE  
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other  
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are explosive.  
WARNING  
Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6 percent  
(10°) which is a rise of 3-1/2 feet (106 cm) vertically in  
20 feet (607 cm) horizontally.  
a) Use only an approved container.  
b) Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine  
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do  
not smoke.  
Select slow ground speed before driving onto slope.  
In addition to front and rear weights, use extra caution  
when operating on slopes with rear-mounted grass  
catcher.  
c) Never refuel the machine indoors.  
d) Never store the machine or fuel container inside  
where there is an open flame, such as a water  
heater.  
Mow UP and DOWN the slope, never across the  
face, use caution when changing directions and DO  
NOT START OR STOP ON SLOPE.  
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.  
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci-  
dents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes  
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do  
not mow it.  
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine  
(motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and  
keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acciden-  
tal starting.  
Do  
• Keep all nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment  
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.  
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.  
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on  
slopes.  
• Never tampeafety devices. Check their prop-  
er operation .  
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree lim
• Keep owef grass, leaves, or other debris  
build-up. Cleaup oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower  
to cobefostoring.  
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall ade  
obstacles.  
op annspect the equipment if you strike an  
ct. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.  
Do Not  
er attempt to make wheel height adjustments  
hile the engine (motor) is running.  
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embank-  
ments. The operator could lose footing or bala
• Always disconnect electric mowers (live operated)  
before cleaning, repairing, or adjusting.  
Do not mow excessively steep slope
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-  
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving  
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check  
components and replace with manufacturer’s recom-  
mended parts, when necessary.  
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduceould  
cause slipping.  
CHILDREN  
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to  
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to  
the unit and the mowing activity. Never assume that chil-  
dren will remain where you last saw them.  
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the  
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when  
servicing them.  
• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-  
speed the engine.  
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the  
watchful care of another responsible adult.  
* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.  
• Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.  
EMISSIONS  
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind and  
down for small children.  
• Engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals  
known, in certain quantities, to cause cancer, birth  
defects, or other reproductive harm.  
• Never allow children to operate the mower.  
• Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and  
Air Index information on the engine emissions label.  
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners,  
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure  
vision.  
3
Safety Rules & Information  
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine  
running unless specified otherwise in the engine man-  
ufacturer's manual.  
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE  
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.  
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.  
a) Use only an approved container.  
• Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot  
as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line  
clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip  
hoses firmly over the filter after installation.  
• Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol  
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline addi-  
tives, or white gas because engine/fuel system dam-  
age could result.  
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the  
engine running. Allow engine to cool before refu-  
eling. Do not smoke.  
c) Never refuel the unit indoors.  
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but  
move the machine away from the area of spillage and  
avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors  
have dissipated.  
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the  
blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when  
servicing them.  
• Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps  
securely.  
• Check blade brake operation frequently. Adjust and  
service as required.  
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed  
with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on  
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.  
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or  
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possi-  
ble, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a  
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dis-  
penser nozzle.  
• Use only factory authorized replacement parts when  
making repairs.  
• Always comply with factory specifications on all set-  
tings and adjustments.  
• Only authorized service locations should be utilized  
for major service and repair requirements.  
• Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit  
unless you have been properly trained. Improper ser-  
vice procedures can result in hazardous operation,  
equipment damage d voiding of manufacturer's  
warranty.  
• Keep nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or  
container opening at all times until fueling is com-  
plete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.  
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-  
ately.  
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels s  
necessary.  
• Never run a unit in an enclosed area.  
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attac
bolts, tight and keep equipment in god condn.  
• Never tamper with safety devices. Ck their oper  
operation regularly and make necepairs if  
they are not functioning properly.  
• Keep unit free of grass, lees, or bris build-  
up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage.  
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an  
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.  
• Do not change eernor settings or over-  
speed the engiating the engine at excessive  
speed can inreathe hazard of personal injury.  
isengae drivatachments, stop the engine,  
reove tkey, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)  
bee: cleattachment blockages and chutes,  
ping service work, striking an object, or if the  
s abnormally. After striking an object,  
he machine for damage and make repairs  
e restarting and operating the equipment.  
All DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION and instructional  
messages on your mower should be carefully read and  
obeyed. Personal bodily injury can result when these  
instructions are not followed. The information is for your  
safety and it is important! All of the safety decals below  
are on your mower. See Figure 2.  
SAFETY DECALS  
This unit has been designed and manufactured to pro-  
vide you with the safety and reliability you would expect  
from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment  
manufacturing.  
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions  
it contains will provide you with the necessary basic  
knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effec-  
tively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to  
remind you of this important information while you are  
operating your unit.  
If any of these decals are lost or damaged, replace them  
at once. See your local dealer for replacements.  
These labels are easily applied and will act as a constant  
visual reminder to you, and others who may use the  
equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for  
safe, effective operation.  
4
Identification Numbers  
Decal - Blade Control, Engine Key Switch (7028349)  
Models - All mowers  
Decal - Traction Drive / Freewheel Lever (1725229)  
Models - All mowers  
Decal - Warning (7028490)  
Important Safety Operating Instructions. Read and  
understand before operating machine  
Caution - Open Belt Drive (707359)  
ting blades and other parts can cause serious injury.  
eep hands and feet away.  
Decal - Engine Throttle Control (767)  
Models - All mowers  
DANGER  
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY  
Decal - Danger: Dismemberment (7013010)  
This mower deck can amputate limbs. Keep hands and  
feet away from blades.  
Decal - Danger: Flying Objects (7073647)  
This machine is capable of throwing objects and debris.  
Keep bystanders away.  
EAR EYE BREATHING PROTECTION  
Decal - Speed Adjustn (1725230) Models - All mowers  
Decal - Personal Protection (7075893)  
Make sure to wear Hearing, Eye and Breathing protec-  
tion.  
5
Features & Controls  
Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with  
the name, location, and function of these controls so  
that you will better understand the safety and operat-  
ing instructions provided in this manual.  
CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
The information below briefly describes the function of  
individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mow-  
ing require the combined use of several controls applied  
in specific sequences. To learn what combination and  
sequence of controls to use for various tasks see the  
OPERATION section.  
Fuel Tank  
To remove cap, turn counterclockwise (CCW). To open  
the fuel valve, located at the botton of the tank, turn knob  
CCW.  
PTO Engagement Lever  
The PTO Engagement Lever engages ad disenges  
the mower blade. To engage the mowee push the  
lever forward to the fully engaged and osition.  
To disengage the mower bladpsh out of the  
locked position, slightly to the left and pull backwards to  
the disengaged position.  
. Brush Mower Controls  
When the PTO engagement lever is n the Ee
position, the Engine Kill system is activate
Engine On/Starter  
Rotate this key switch to the ON position before pulling  
on the starter rope.  
Engine Kill Bar  
This control deactivates the engine kill system. With the  
PTO Engagement Lever in the Engaged position, the  
Engine Kill system will shut the engine off if the opera-  
tors' hands leave the handle bar, releasing the Engine  
Kill Bar.  
If the mower is equipped with the optional electric start-  
ing system, rotate the key past the ON position to  
engage the starter. When the engine starts, release the  
key.  
Traction Drive Engagement Bar  
Throttle Control  
Two hand grips, Forward Travel and Reverse Travel, are  
within easy reach of the main handle bar. The traction  
drive engagement bar to the front of the main handle  
engages reverse travel. The traction drive engagement  
bar below the main handle engages forward travel.  
The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle to  
the right to increase engine speed, and to the left to  
lower engine speed. When mowing, always operate the  
engine at FULL throttle.  
To set the choke for starting a cold engine, move the  
throttle lever past the FULL speed position. As soon as  
the engine starts, move the control to the FULL position.  
6
Operating the Mower  
To Shut Engine Down:  
STARTING THE ENGINE  
• Allow engine to idle for 2-3 minutes before shutting  
down.  
NOTE - The procedures outlined within this section are  
general guidelines, and are in no way meant to replace  
or supercede engine manufacturer's operating instruc-  
tions. In order to obtain optimum performance from your  
engine, refer to your engine manual.  
• Set throttle control down to “SLOW” position.  
• Turn key to “OFF” position.  
NOTE: If you experience problems with your engine that  
cannot be satisfactorily resolved by following the instruc-  
tions contained within the engine manual, contact your  
local engine dealer. All engine service, warranty or oth-  
erwise, is required to be performed by a manufacturer-  
authorized service center.  
Before Starting Engine:  
• Be sure that the unit is completely assembled, all fas-  
teners are tightened securely, and all safety guards  
and components are in place.  
• Be sure to check engine's oil and gasoline*. (See  
engine manual for recommended oil and gasoline  
specifications.) Never check the engine while it is  
running or while you are smoking. Check only when  
engine is cold.  
ENGAGING THE TRANSMISSION  
Your Field & Brush mower is equipped with a rugged  
hydrostatic transmission. The mower can be operated at  
variable speeds iforward and reverse directions.  
Please read the instructions in order to  
acquaint youe mowers controls for safe oper-  
ation.  
*All machines are shipped without oil or gasoline  
unless otherwise noted.  
To Start Engine:  
Recoil Start -  
he tracon dre system is engaged or disengaged  
thugh tTraction Drive control lever (Figure 4), locat-  
the right side of the machine, when standing at the  
s Controls.  
• Open fuel valve, located at bottoof fuel tnk by  
turning knob counterclockwise.  
• Set throttle control past the “Ssition (fully  
Right to the double lines) to enghoke.  
gage the traction drive by moving the control lever  
o the DRIVE position. The brush mower can now be  
moved using the Traction Drive Controls.  
• Turn key on dash panel to “RUN” position.  
• Grasp recoil handle and pull ord bris(Y
have to pull several times before es. I
engine fails to start within a reasonaber o
attempts, discontinue and check enginmanual for  
further instructions.)  
NOTE: Be sure recoil cord retracts fully into recoil unit. A  
slack recoil cord can cause serious personal injury  
and/or damage to unit.  
Electric Start - (Optional)  
• Open fuel valve, located at bottom of fuel tank by  
turning knob counterclockwise.  
• Set throttle control past the “START” position (fully  
Right to the double lines) to engage choke.  
Figure 4 - Traction Drive / Freewheel Control  
• Turn ignition key on dash panel past “RUN” position  
to “START” to engage starter. (If engine fails to start  
within a reasonable period of time - generally 2-3  
attempts of 5-6 seconds cranking time each, discon-  
tinue and check engine manual for further instruc-  
tions.)  
7