Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
REAR ENGINE RIDING MOWER
SERIES 21
MODEL
M250821BE
M280921B
M281021BE
M300921B
M301021BE
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
M 28 10 21 B
E
MIDDLE MARKET
CUTTING WIDTH
ENGINE HP
ENGINE OPTIONS
ENGINE TYPE
SERIES DESIGNATION
M - Middle Market
25 - 25” Cutting Deck
28 - 28” Cutting Deck
30 - 30” Cutting Deck
08 - 8.0 HP Engine
09 - 9.0 HP Engine
10 - 10.0 HP Engine
21 - Series
Designation
B - Briggs Engine E - Electric Start
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 & 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 © 2000
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 7-3539 (I.R. 3/29/00)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
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 devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit
loads to those you can safely control and attach
loads to hitch plate as specified with SNAPPER
attachment instructions.
15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.
Engine
exhaust
gases
contain
carbon
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
monoxide, a deadly poison.
10. Protect yourself when 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.
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.
2. Keep 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.
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.
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or
replace as needed.
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 when cutting grass.
Set blades in highest position when mowing
over rough ground.
7. 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.
8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
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; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized
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.
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.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................... 2-3
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION...................................5
SECTION 4- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR..........18-26
Engine Adjustments & Repair......................................... 18
Mower Deck & Component Adjustments....................... 18
Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ......................................... 18
Blade Brake Adjustment.................................................. 18
Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side Levelness) .. 19-20
Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Levelness) ..... 20
Rear Engine Rider Drive Components ........................... 21
Wheel Brake Adjustment................................................. 21
Mower Blade Replacement.............................................. 22
Blade Sharpening............................................................. 22
Blade Drive Belt Removal/Replacement ........................ 23
Battery Removal, Replacement, Service................... 24-26
SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........... 6-12
Pre-start Checklist .............................................................6
Operator’s Seat Adjustment..............................................6
Starting & Stopping Engine, Blades &
Wheel Drive ................................................................7-10
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades..............................9-10
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive .................................9-10
Parking Brake ...................................................................11
Cutting Height Adjustment..............................................11
Reverse Lockout Mechanism..........................................12
ACCESSORIES ............................................................26
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................27-28
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.......................................29
MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................30
WARRANTY..................................................................31
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE .....................................32-35
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ... 13-17
Service – After First 5 Hours ...................................13
Change Engine Oil............................................................13
Service Engine Air Cleaner..............................................13
Check Mower Blade .........................................................13
Check Blade Drive Belt ....................................................14
Blade Brake.......................................................................14
Service Brake / Park Brake..............................................14
Check Interlock System ...................................................14
Reverse Lockout Mechanism..........................................14
Lubrication – Grease Fittings..........................................15
Service - Every 25 Operating Hours...........................15-16
Battery Fluid Level............................................................15
Mower Deck Levelness....................................................15
Clean Mower Deck............................................................15
Mower Blade Spindle - Lubrication.................................15
Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication ................................15
Front Wheel Bearing - Lubrication..................................15
Rear Axle Bearing – Lubrication.....................................16
Differential / Chain Case - Lubrication ...........................16
Service – Annually............................................................17
Engine ...............................................................................17
Fuel Filter .........................................................................17
Every Two Years...............................................................17
Storage - Out of Season...................................................17
Removing Fuel Tank ........................................................17
4
Section 1 – FAMILIARIZATION+
FUEL
FILLER CAP
VENT
OPERATOR’S
SEAT
FUEL TANK
STEERING
WHEEL
ENGINE
SPEED
CONTROL
REAR
BUMPER
DECK LIFT
LEVER
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
TRANSMISSION
SHIFT LEVER
OVERRIDE
LEVER
MOWER BELT
COVER
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR
BLADE
LEVER
BLADE
PEDALS
PARK BRAKE
LATCH
MOWER
DECK
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
This manual has been prepared for the operator’s of the
SNAPPER Rear Engine 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 & 3 of this manual and All
SAFETY messages on the Rear Engine Rider and its
attachments before operating.
The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows the
essential parts of the SNAPPER Rear Engine 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.
5
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST
OPEN
VENT
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 front and 12 psi in rear
tires.
FUEL
FILLER
CAP
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.
FUEL
TANK
FIGURE 2.2
2.2 OPERATOR’S SEAT ADJUSTMENT
SAFE
LEVEL
AREA
2.2.1. FRONT TO REAR ADJUSTMENT
1. With the engine stopped, loosen the two adjusting
knobs and move seat to desired position. After
adjustment, tighten knobs securely. If seat does not
move after loosening knobs, it may be necessary to
loosen the 5/16” patch lock screws located at the rear
of the seat using a 1/2 inch wrench. See Figure 2.3.
FIGURE 2.1
2.1.4. Adjust seat as needed to most comfortable
position. Refer to Section “OPERATOR’S SEAT
ADJUSTMENT”.
2.1.5. Check blade control to insure it works freely.
If blade pedals are depressed, blade lever can be
moved manually from “ON” to “OFF” to stop
blade.
OPERATOR’S
SEAT
ADJUSTING
KNOBS
2.1.6. Check Reverse Lockout Mechanism. With
blade pedals depressed, shift lever must not go into
reverse.
2.1.7. 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.
2.1.8. Add fuel to tank after pushing the Rear Engine
Rider outside where fumes can dissipate. Make sure
fuel filler cap is tight and vent is open after refueling.
Refer to engine owner’s manual for fuel specifications.
See Figure 2.2.
5/16” PATCH LOCK
SCREWS (DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN)
FIGURE 2.3
6
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.3 STARTING & OPERATION
TO START ENGINE,
PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL ALL THE WAY
DOWN
2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START)
IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to
“START”, the engine will turn over, but will not start
unless the Clutch/Brake pedal is pressed all the way
down, the Blade Lever is in the “Off” position (See
Figure 2.5).The operator should be in the seat. Start
engine as follows:
1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral
position. DO NOT start engine with transmission
shift lever in a drive position.
WARNING
It is possible to start engine with transmission shift
lever in a drive position. Follow starting instructions
carefully.
PARKING
BRAKE
LATCH
2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “Off”
position. See Figure 2.4.
BLADE LEVER
SHOWN IN “OFF”
POSITION
FIGURE 2.5
CHOKE
POSITION
RELEASE
BLADE
PEDALS
ENGINE
SPEED
CONTROL
FIGURE 2.4
FIGURE 2.6
3. Press Clutch/Brake Pedal all the way down and
hold while starting engine. 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 2.2.
KEY
5. Move engine speed control to the choke position to
start a cold engine. See Figure 2.6.
6. Turn key to the “START” position until engine
starts. See Figure 2.7. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of
cranking the engine and it does not start, release the
key, make sure the Clutch/Brake Pedal is fully
depressed and attempt starting again after waiting for
approximately 20 seconds.
7. After engine starts, move engine speed control to
the “FAST” position, allow a brief warm-up until engine
runs smooth.
FIGURE 2.7
(Continued on Next Page)
7
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.3 STARTING & OPERATION
5. Move engine speed control to the choke position
to start a cold engine. See Figure 2.6
6. Turn key to “ON” position. See Figure 2.9.
2.3.1. ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) (Continued)
8. Should the battery be too weak to start the engine,
Refer to Section “ENGINE (MANUAL START)” to
manually start the electric start engines.
2.3.2. ENGINE (MANUAL START)
IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to
“ON”, and the recoil handle is pulled, the engine will
turn over, but will not start unless the Clutch/Brake
Pedal is pressed all the way down with Parking
Brake engaged (See Figure 2.8) and the Blade
Lever is in the “Off” position (See Figure 2.4). Start
engine as follows:
KEY
1. Move transmission shift lever to (N) Neutral
position. DO NOT start engine with transmission shift
lever in a drive position.
WARNING
It is possible to start engine with transmission shift
lever in a drive position. Follow starting instructions
carefully.
FIGURE 2.9
2. Make certain the Blade Lever is in the “Off”
position. See Figure 2.4.
3. Press Clutch/Brake Pedal all the way down,
move Parking Brake Latch over and release the
Clutch/Brake Pedal to set Parking Brake. See
Figure 2.8.
7. Pull starter rope with a smooth, even motion until
engine starts. Always guide the starter rope back
into the recoil housing. Never allow rope to snap
back. After Engine starts, move engine speed
control to the “FAST” position.
8. Allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth.
TO START ENGINE,
PUSH CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL ALL THE DOWN
MOVE
PARKING
BRAKE
LATCH
OVER
FIGURE 2.8
4. Open vent on fuel filler cap by turning
counterclockwise. NOTE: Failure to open vent on
the fuel filler cap can cause engine to stall. See
Figure 2.2.
8
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