Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
73” FINISHING MOWER
CATAGORY ONE
3 POINT HITCH
MODEL
FM7300
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your finishing mower, read this manual carefully
and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 & 3. The “IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on pages 2 & 3 of this manual provide general safe operating practices and warnings
for operating powered lawn mowers. You must refer to your tractor manual for specific operating instructions
and warnings for your tractor. 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 © 1998
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 7-2074 (I.R. 11/16/98)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Column)
5. 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 blade
or interfere with mowing.
9. DO NOT pull loads when mower is attached to
tractor.
10. This mower attachment can affect the handling
and stability of the tractor it is mounted on. Refer
to your tractor manual or contact your tractor
dealer or tractor manufacturer for SAFETY
information and requirements for counter weights.
11. DO NOT operate mower unless all guards, shields
and defectors are in place.
6. Keep people and pets a safe distance from
machine.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade
controls and other safety devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
12. Rotating driveline contact can cause injury or
death. DO NOT operate mower without all driveline
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
&
mower shields in place and functioning
properly.
13. DO NOT operate mower if driveline shielding is
damaged or does not rotate freely.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
mowing equipment into a trailer or truck.
12. Check grass catcher components frequently, if
applicable, for signs of wear or deterioration and
replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown
objects going through weak or worn spots.
13. Attach mower to tractor hitch using proper hitch
pins and retainers. If mower separates from
tractor during operation, serious injury or death
can result.
14. Adjust stabilizer bars on tractor hitch to prevent
driveline contact with tires during turns and keep
mower in proper position behind tractor.
15. Mower caster wheels must be on the ground and
support mower before turning blades on. DO NOT
operate mower at any time with casters off the
ground. Blades must stop rotating before lifting or
transporting mower to avoid dangerous driveline
condition.
14. Make sure all motion has stopped (traction,
blades, etc.) and mower is parked in position to
prevent movement before approaching mower for
any reason.
15. DO NOT transport mower with mower blades
rotating.
16. DO NOT exceed the recommended operating
speed of mower driveline.
17. DO NOT stand on mower or driveline.
18. DO NOT exceed the safe working angle of the
driveline. Make sure blades have stopped rotating
before lifting mower.
19. DO NOT enter the area between the tractor and the
mower until all rotating parts have stopped. STOP
tractor. STOP engine. STOP blades. Set brake.
Remove key.
20. DO NOT allow children or others to stand sit or
ride on finishing mower.
21. DO NOT lift people or objects with the finishing
mower.
OPERATION
1. Follow Tractor Manual Instructions for proper
tractor operation.
2. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade
has stopped before removing grass catcher, if
applicable, or unclogging mower to prevent loss
of fingers or hand.
3. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set
blade in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
4. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade
underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground
while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.
5. Deflector or entire grass catcher, if applicable,
must be in place. NEVER point discharge at
people, passing cars, windows or doors.
6. Slow down before turning.
MAINTENANCE
1. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
2. Lubricate mower at intervals specified in manual.
3. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.
4. Have mower serviced by an authorized SNAPPER
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer
install any new safety devices.
5. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts on
finishing mower to assure that original safety
standards are maintained.
6. DO NOT work under the mower when lifted unless
it has been securely blocked to prevent the mower
from falling or moving. Disconnect driveline from
tractor before doing any work on mower.
7. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
8. STOP engine immediately after striking an
obstruction. Inspect mower and repair damage
before resuming operation.
9. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................2-3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ............................................................. 5
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS.................................................6-7
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................8-9
Mower Preparation ........................................................................................................ 8
Tractor Preparation ....................................................................................................... 8
Mower Attachment ........................................................................................................ 8
Setting Cutting Height................................................................................................ 8-9
Starting & Stopping Mower .......................................................................................... 9
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ................................... 10
Service - After First 5 Hours....................................................................................... 10
Checking Mower Blade......................................................................................... 10
Checking Mower Drive Shaft ............................................................................... 10
Lubricating Mower Components................................................................................ 10
Mower Gear Box Lubrication............................................................................... 10
Service - Every 25 Hours ............................................................................................ 10
Service - Annually ....................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 5- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.....................................11-13
Mower Belt Replacement............................................................................................ 11
Mower Blade Replacement/Sharpening .................................................................... 11
Mower Spindles Bearing Replacement ..................................................................... 12
Driveline Repair ...................................................................................................... 12-13
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 14
IMPORTANT
The IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on pages 2 & 3 of this manual provide
safe operating instructions and warnings for powered lawn mowers. You must
refer to your tractor manual for safe operating instructions and warnings for your
tractor.
4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
DRIVESHAFT GUARD
REAR HITCH BARS
GEAR BOX
TOP HITCH
LINKS
BELT/SPINDLE
COVER
FRONT HITCH
BARS
DEFLECTOR
PIVOTING
HITCH
DRIVELINE
MOWER
DECK
COUPLING
RING
LYNCH PIN
CUTTING
HEIGHT
SPACERS
CASTER
WHEEL
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
This manual has been prepared for the operators of the
SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. 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 and 3 of this manual, ALL
Safety messages on the 73” Finishing Mower and all
Safety messages which accompany and are attached
to your tractor.
The nomenclature information above, shows specific
components of the SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. It is
recommended that all operators of this equipment
become thoroughly familiar with the controls,
components, and operation of the mowing equipment
before operating the mower. Driveline information is
also found in the separate driveline owner’s manual.
Study all equipment manuals before operating the
mower and keep all manuals handy for future
reference.
5
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SNAPPER 73” FINISHING MOWER
REMOVE BREATHER/FILLER
PLUG TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL
Set-Up Instructions
The following instructions cover the initial set up of the
SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. Read and follow each
step carefully.
WARNING
Read entire manual before attempting to set up or
GEAR BOX
operate this mower.
This mower is designed for a Category 1 hitch and
540 rpm Power Take Off (PTO). Only attach this
mower to tractors compatible with Category 1 hitch
requirements.
DO NOT modify mower attachment in any way.
DRIVESHAFT
STOP tractor. STOP engine. SET Brake. REMOVE key.
Allow all moving parts to stop before attempting any
adjustments, maintenance or service to the mower.
GUARD (SERVICE
POSITION)
FIGURE 2
STEP 1: Remove the mower and components from the
shipping carton.
WARNING
STEP 2: Assemble front & rear hitch bars and hitch link
as shown in Figure 1. Tighten all hardware securely.
NOTE: When assembled properly, hitch link should
Driveshaft guard must be down and securely attached
before operating mower.
pivot on hitch bolt sleeve.
TOP HITCH LINKS
B. Mower Spindle Housings. Locate the grease
fitting on the front of each of the three spindle
housings. Add grease (Kendall NLGI No. 2 Lithium
grease) using grease gun until grease purges out of
spindle housing vent. NOTE: The spindle housing
vent is located on the housing below the mower
deck surface. See Figure 3.
FRONT
HITCH
BARS
REAR HITCH BARS
C. Idler Arm Pivot. Locate grease fitting on idler
arm. Add 1 to 3 shots of grease as needed from the
grease gun. See Figure 3.
IDLER ARM
PIVOT
FIGURE 1
STEP 3: Check all lubrication points and gear box fluid
level.
A. Gear Box Fluid. The gear box holds 20 fluid
ounces of SAE 90 EP gear lubricant. To check the
level, remove the breather/filler plug located on the
top of the gear box. If lubricant is needed, the
driveshaft guard covering the gear box will have to
be removed. Add fluid as needed to fill. Install
breather/filler plug and driveshaft guard. See Figure
2.
SPINDLE
HOUSING
GREASE
FITTING
IDLER
ARM
FIGURE 3
6
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SNAPPER 73” FINISHING MOWER
D. Caster Bushings & Wheel Bearings. Locate
the four caster bushing grease fittings. Add 1 to 3
shots of grease as needed from the grease gun.
Locate grease fittings in hub of caster wheels. Add
1 to 3 shots of grease as needed from the grease
gun. See Figure 4.
GEAR BOX
CASTER
BUSHING
GREASE
FITTING
COUPLING RING
CASTER
WHEEL
DRIVELINE
TWIST COUPLING
RING & SLIDE ONTO
GEAR BOX SHAFT
DRIVESHAFT GUARD NOT SHOWN
FIGURE 5
IMPORTANT: The tractor end of the driveline is
identified on the driveline shield. DO NOT install
tractor end of driveline to mower.
B. With the coupling ring twisted, slide the drive-
line onto the gear box shaft. Release coupling ring.
C. Tug aggressively on driveline to insure it is fully
seated and securely locked onto gear box shaft.
HUB
GREASE
FITTING
FIGURE 4
STEP 4. Remove driveline from shipping carton.
Carefully inspect driveline for any signs of damage.
Driveline shields must turn freely.
STEP 6. Inspect the mower to insure that all guards
and shields have been installed. Check all
hardware to insure that it has been securely
tightened. The discharge deflector must be
attached and in the down or closed position before
operating.
The driveline is supplied with an Operator’s and Safety
Instruction Manual. Read this manual carefully.
Lubricate U-joint bearings, shield bearings, telescoping
tubes, and locking collars as described in driveline
manual before attaching to mower.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to operate driveline without all
guards and shields in place and functioning properly
on tractor, driveline & mower.
STEP 5. Attach driveline to mower gear box.
A. Twist the knurled coupling ring on the U-joint.
See Figure 5.
7
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The operator must be familiar with the contents of this
manual before attempting to attach or operate this
mower. There may be specific operating and safety
instructions with the tractor that are not covered in this
manual. Read and follow the Instructions and Warnings
in the tractor manual before operating mower.
2.3.3. Attach lower tractor hitch arms to the pins
on the mower pivoting hitch. Secure with Lynch
pins.
2.3.4. Attach the top hitch link to the top hitch
link on the mower. Adjust the length of the link
and insert the pin. Secure pin with Lynch pin.
Tighten locking device on top hitch link.
2.3.5. Adjust stabilizer bars on lower hitch arms.
Refer to tractor manual for proper adjustment
procedure.
2.3.6. Attach driveline to tractor Power Take Off
(PTO). Twist coupling ring and slide driveline onto
tractor PTO shaft. Tug aggressively on driveline
yoke and insure that it is securely locked into
position.
2.1 MOWER PREPARATION
Read and follow mower set up instructions and
inspect mower to insure mower has been
properly set up.
2.1.1. Check guards, shields, covers and
deflectors to make sure all are in place, securely
tightened and functioning properly.
2.1.2. Check lubrication points and gear box
fluid level for proper lubrication.
2.1.3. Inspect driveline. Driveline must be
securely attached to the mower gear box. All
driveline shields must be in place and rotate
freely.
2.1.4. Inspect mower blades for damage and
wear. Replace damaged or worn blades before
operating.
WARNING
Tractor Power Take Off (PTO) shield must be in place
before operating mower. Driveline must be securely
locked to tractor and mower to prevent dangerous
disconnect condition.
2.1.5. Verify that the discharge deflector is
attached and in the down/closed operating
position.
2.3.7. Verify the minimum and maximum
working lengths of the driveline. The telescoping
tubes must overlap at least 1/3 of the length while
in use. The driveline must not bottom out or
disengage during transport. Verify driveline length
before engaging Power Take Off (PTO).
2.2 TRACTOR PREPARATION
The following are general guidelines.
Refer to the tractor manual or the tractor
manufacturer for specific instructions about the
preparation and operation of the tractor.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or
service to mower with engine running. STOP tractor.
STOP engine. Set Brake. REMOVE key. Allow all
moving parts to stop before approaching mower.
WARNING
The tractor may require counter weights and the
addition of an Operator Protective Structure when this
mower is attached. Follow the Safety Instructions
provided by the tractor manufacturer.
2.4 SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT.
2.4.1. Use tractor hitch to lift mower until all four
casters are off the ground.
2.2.1. Remove tractor drawbar, if necessary, to
prevent interference and damage to the driveline.
2.4.2. STOP engine. Remove key. Make sure
all moving parts have stopped. Support mower
securely to prevent it from falling.
2.3 ATTACHING MOWER TO TRACTOR
This mower is designed to attach to a tractor
equipped with a standard Category 1 three (3)
point hitch and 540 rpm Power Take Off (PTO).
2.3.1. Place tractor and mower on level surface.
Lower tractor 3 point hitch.
2.4.3. Adjust cutting height by moving the
spacers located on the mower casters. Placing
more spacers on the bottom will increase the
cutting height. Removing spacers from the bottom
will lower the cutting height. Each caster has a
total of 6 (1/2”) slotted spacers to adjust the
height of the deck. There must always be 6
spacers installed.
2.3.2. STOP tractor. STOP engine. Set parking
brake. REMOVE key.
A. To remove spacers, first remove the Lynch
pin and washer from the top of the caster.
B. Raise cutting height by sliding spacer(s) off
of top and installing on bottom. Align slotted
end of spacer with the two flats on the caster
shaft. Slide spacer across flats. Repeat as
needed to raise height.
WARNING
DO NOT get between the tractor and mower when
the engine is running. STOP tractor. STOP engine.
Set Brake. REMOVE key. Allow all moving parts to
stop before leaving the operators position.
8
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
C. Push up on caster to remove slack between
spacers. Install washer and Lynch pin.
D. Reverse procedure to lower cutting height.
NOTE: All casters should have the same
number of spacers installed below the caster
tube when the cutting height adjustment is
completed.
2.5 STARTING & OPERATING THE MOWER
Refer to the tractor Operator’s Manual for starting
and operating instructions for the tractor. Be
familiar with all controls. Know how to stop the
tractor & mower quickly in case of an emergency.
WARNING
DO NOT operate mower in transport position. All
mower caster wheels must be in contact with the
ground before blades are engaged.
2.5.1. Transport tractor & mower with blades off
to area to be cut.
2.5.2. Lower mower until all four caster wheels
are on the ground.
2.5.3. Select a slow ground speed until you
become familiar with the operation of the mower.
Adjust forward speed, if desired, within safe
cutting conditions.
2.5.4. Engage tractor Power Take Off (PTO)
slowly to engage mower blades. 540 rpm Power
Take Off (PTO) speed is required.
WARNING
DO NOT exceed 540 RPM Power Take Off (PTO)
speed.
2.6 STOPPING MOWER
Refer to tractor manual for details on the
operation of the PTO.
2.6.1. Stop tractor. Bring engine to idle.
2.6.2. Disengage tractor PTO.
WARNING
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
engine. STOP blades. Set brake. REMOVE key. Allow
all moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s
position. Place mower on ground. DO NOT leave in
transport position.
2.6.3. Stop engine. Set tractor brake. Remove
key. Allow all machinery to stop before leaving
the operators position.
WARNING
DO NOT park mowing equipment on slopes.
9
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE
3.2.4.2. Lubricate U-joint bearings. Rotate
flexible cone shield to align access hole with
grease fitting. Apply 2 to 3 shots of General
Purpose grease from a grease gun.
3.2.4.3. Lubricate driveline shield bearings.
Locate grease fitting on flexible cone shield.
Apply 2 to 3 shots of General Purpose grease
from a grease gun.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments, or
service with the engine or blades running. STOP
engine. STOP blades. SET brake. REMOVE key. Allow
all machinery to stop before leaving operators
position or approaching mower.
3.2.4.4. Lubricate driveline telescoping tubes.
Slide driveline apart. Wipe male surface of tube
with grease. Carefully insert tubes, making sure
that the driveline shields are aligned and not
binding.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Proper maintenance is extremely important.
Failure to perform the following maintenance can
adversely affect the performance of the mower,
decrease the life of the mower, and can cause
the mower to be unsafe to operate. Perform the
following steps at the recommended intervals.
Inspect the mower frequently for loose, missing,
damaged and worn components. Fix or replace
those components immediately. To retain the
original quality of the FM7300 Finishing Mower,
use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts.
Contact a local SNAPPER Dealer for parts &
service assistance. SNAPPER recommends
returning the mower to an authorized SNAPPER
Dealer annually for inspection and addition of any
new devices which might upgrade the safety of
the mower.
3.2.5. LUBRICATE MOWER COMPONENTS
3.2.5.1. Mower spindle housings. Apply 2 to 3
shots of grease (Kendall NLGI No. 2 Lithium
grease).
NOTE: The spindle housings are equipped with a
grease purge valve. The valve is located on the
housing below the deck. The spindle housing has
been properly lubricated when grease exits the
purge valve.
3.2.5.2. Mower Caster Bushings. Apply 1 to 2
shots at each of the four locations.
3.2.5.3. Mower Caster Wheel Bearing. Apply 1
to 2 shots at each of the four locations.
3.2.5.4. Mower Belt Idler Arm. Apply
shots of grease at idler arm pivot.
1 to 2
3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS
3.2.1. Inspect mower. Carefully inspect entire
mower for loose, missing, damaged and worn
components. All guards, shields and deflectors
must be in place. Repair and replace as required.
3.2.2. Inspect mower blades. Check blades
for flatness, sharpness, wear and damage. See
section “Mower Blade Repair/Replacement” for
blade wear limits, sharpening and replacement
instructions.
3.2.5.5. Mower Gear Box. Check fluid level in
gear box. Remove breather/filler plug located on
top of gear box. The gear box holds 20 ounces of
SAE 90 EP gear lube. Reinstall plug. DO NOT
over tighten.
3.3 SERVICE - EVERY 25 HOURS
Perform all inspections, and lubricate all items as
specified in the section “Service - After First 5
Hours”. The 25 hour service interval is the
maximum interval recommended between
services. Certain applications will require more
frequent service intervals. Inspect mower before
each use.
3.2.3. Inspect mower belt. The mower belt
does not require adjustment. Visually check belt
for signs of deterioration. Replace as required.
See section "Mower Belt Replacement” for
instructions.
3.2.4. Inspect and lubricate driveline.
3.4 SERVICE - ANNUALLY
WARNING
In addition to the regular maintenance the
following components of the finishing mower
should be carefully inspected for wear or
damage. Replace worn or damaged parts with
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts available
from an authorized SNAPPER Dealer.
3.4.1. Caster Bushings
Contact with rotating driveline can cause death. A
high percentage of driveline injuries occur when
safety shielding is missing or not functioning
properly.
Frequent
inspections
and
proper
maintenance is essential for the safety of the operator
and others. STOP engine. STOP blades. REMOVE key.
Allow all machinery to stop before approaching.
3.4.2. Caster wheel bearings.
3.4.3. Mower spindle housing bearings.
3.4.4. Driveline U-joint bearing.
3.4.5. Driveline rotating shield bearings.
3.2.4.1. Inspect driveline, tractor and mower
shields. All shielding must be in place and
functioning properly. Be sure the driveline
shielding is not damaged and that shields rotate
freely on the driveline. See section “Driveline
Repair” for instructions.
10
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
4.2.2 Blade Sharpening.
WARNING
1. Inspect blades. If the blade has not been
damaged and it has not worn beyond the wear
limit it may be sharpened. See Figure 4.2.
2. Remove blade by removing the nut from
the blade bolt. Allow the blade bolt, blade
washer, blade and four blade spacers to drop
down out of the spindle housing. See Figure
4.3.
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments, or
service with the engine or blades running. STOP
engine. STOP blades. SET brake. REMOVE key. Allow
all machinery to stop before leaving operators
position or approaching mower.
4.1 MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Remove belt cover from mower.
NOTE: Belt routing diagram is located on the deck.
2. Carefully roll belt out of groove and off left spindle
pulley.
FOUR
BLADE
SPACERS
3. Remove old belt.
WARNING
Use CAUTION removing old belt. Belt is under spring
tension.
BLADE
WASHER
4. Route new belt as shown in Figure 4.1, leaving belt
off of left spindle pulley.
5. Remove all slack from belt and pull towards left
pulley. At same time, rotate clockwise allowing belt
to roll onto the groove on the pulley.
BLADE
BOLT
FIGURE 4.3
3. Remove bolt, washer and spacers from
blade. Sharpen existing cutting edge only at an
angle of 22 to 28 degrees. DO NOT sharpen
beyond existing cutting edge. See Figure 4.4.
FIGURE 4.1
22º - 28º
4.2 MOWER
BLADE
SHARPENING
&
REPLACEMENT
4.2.1.
Blade Wear Limits
ORIGINAL CUTTING EDGE
1. Inspect blades before each use for signs of
excessive wear or damage. See Figure 4.2.
WARNING
FIGURE 4.4
DO NOT use a blade that has worn beyond the wear
limit. Blades are sharp and can cause severe injury.
Wear heavy gloves when handling or working around
blades.
4. Check the balance of the blade after
sharpening. Correct as required by removing
material from the end (not cutting edge) of the
blade.
5. Install blade paying close attention to the
assembly sequence shown in Figure 4.3.
6. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.
NEW BLADE
4.2.3. MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT
1. If blades are worn beyond the limit or have
been damaged, they must be replaced. See
Figure 4.2.
WEAR LIMIT
(NOTCH STARTS)
2. Remove blade as instructed in “Mower
Blade Sharpening” above.
3. Install new blade following assembly
sequence carefully. See Figure 4.3.
DANGEROUS CONDITION!
DO NOT USE ON MOWER!
REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.
FIGURE 4.2
4. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.
11
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
4.3 MOWER
SPINDLES
(Field
Serviceable
NOTE: The bearing is sealed/shielded on one side
only. The bottom bearing must be installed with
the sealed/shielded side DOWN.
7. Insert spindle shaft up through the bottom
bearing. Slide spacer down over spindle shaft.
8. Install new top bearing. Install the top bearing
with the seal/shield UP.
9. Slide circular retaining ring down spindle shaft
until it fully locks into groove on shaft.
10. Place spindle pulley and spacer on top of
spindle shaft.
11. Reinstall blade bolt, washer, blade and four
spacers.
Spindles) BEARING REPLACEMENT
In the event that a spindle bearing requires
replacement, the SNAPPER Field Serviceable
Spindles have been designed so that no special
tools or presses are required.
1. Remove belt. Loosen blade nut and remove.
Allow blade bolt, washer, blade and four spacers
to drop down out of the spindle housing. See
Figure 4.5.
REMOVE NUT
REMOVE BELT
FROM SPINDLE
12. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.
IMPORTANT: Spindle housing must be filled
with grease before operating mower. Failure to
fill housing will cause premature bearing
failure.
13. Pump grease into spindle housing until grease
purges from vent on housing.
14. After the first 5 hours of operation, grease
spindle housing to insure it is full, then every 25
hours.
REMOVE BLADE
BOLT
FIGURE 4.5
2. Remove spindle pulley from spindle shaft.
3. Locate circular retaining ring on spindle shaft at
top bearing. Remove retaining ring. Allow spindle
shaft to drop out of housing.
4. Top and bottom bearings are now removable.
Pull out on inner race to slide bearing from
housing. See Figure 4.6.
4.4 DRIVELINE REPAIR
The driveline shielding system is critical to the
safety of the operator and others. Inspect the
driveline shield and mower shield. If the driveline
guard does not rotate freely from the shaft,
displays signs of deterioration or damage, or the
safety signs are missing or illegible, parts must be
repaired or replaced.
4.4.1.
Driveline Shield.
The driveline shields will have to be removed to
replace shield components, shield bearings, or U-
joint bearings.
PULLEY
1. Disconnect driveline from tractor and mower.
Slide driveline apart. Work on one end at a time.
NOTE: Tractor end flexible cone, shield bearings
and plastic tubes are different from those on the
mower end.
BEARING
SEAL UP
RETAINING RING
BEARING
2. Locate three locking tabs in flexible cone. While
pushing down on cone, press in the three locking
tabs. Slide cone down on plastic tube when
unlocked. See Figure 4.7.
SPINDLE
HOUSING
3 LOCKING TABS
INNER RACE
BEARING
PLASTIC TUBE
SHIELD BEARING
LOCATED AROUND
SMALL END OF CONE
BEARING SEAL
DOWN
SPINDLE
SHAFT
TRACTOR
END
FIGURE 4.6
FLEXIBLE
CONE
FIGURE 4.7
(Continued on next page)
5. Thoroughly clean all parts removing all old
contaminated grease.
6. Install new bottom bearing first.
12
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
4.4 DRIVELINE REPAIR
(Continued from previous page)
3. Remove cone, tube, and the shield bearing
from the yoke. Discard worn or damaged
components. Replace
with
new genuine
SNAPPER replacement parts.
4. Apply liberal amount of grease to the shield
bearing and place in groove on yoke.
5. Slide plastic tube over drive shaft. Align slots in
plastic tube with tabs on plastic bearing.
6. Slide flexible cone onto plastic tube. Carefully
align cone with plastic bearing while keeping
bearing in yoke groove and bearing tabs in plastic
tube slots.
7. Pull up and tap on cone until all three locking
tabs have locked.
8. Verify that locking tabs are fully seated and
locked.
9. The shield should rotate freely from shaft.
IMPORTANT: When replacing a driveline guard,
make sure that it has the “DANGER ROTATING
DRIVELINE” safety label in place before operating.
See Figure 4.8.
10. Lubricate after re-assembly.
FIGURE 4.8
13
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial or other non-residential use,
SNAPPER, through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applicable), any
part or parts found upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or
workmanship or both.
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer under this
warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not cover any mower or component part that has been damaged as a result of accident,
alteration, abuse, improper lubrication, normal wear, or any other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This
warranty does not cover any machine or component that has been altered or modified, changing safety,
performance, or durability.
There is no other express warranty.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's use, and up to the extent permitted by law
and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for consequential
damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
WARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY
IMPAIR THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY
SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:
Snapper’s Product Registration Center, P.O. Box 777, McDonough, Georgia. 30253
14
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
73” FINISHING MOWER
CATEGORY ONE
3 POINT HITCH
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING:
COPYRIGHT © 1998
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 7-2074 (I.R. 11/16/98)
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