Snapper Lawn Mower GP216512RV User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
21” STEEL DECK  
WALK MOWERS  
COMMERCIAL MODEL  
SERIES 12  
PUSH  
MODELS  
PROPELLED  
MODELS  
C216012RV CP214012R2  
CP216012RV  
CP216512RV  
CP215512KWV  
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION  
C
P
21  
55  
12  
KW  
V
MODEL DESIGNATION  
SELF-PROPELLED  
CUTTING WIDTH  
ENGINE OPTIONS  
ENGINE TYPE  
SERIES DESIGNATION  
ENGINE HORSE POWER  
C – Commercial Model  
21 – 21” Cutting Width  
P – Self Propelled Model  
12 - Series Designation  
KW – Kawasaki Engine  
R – Robin Engine  
40 – 4.0 HP (Engine Horse Power)  
60 – 6.0 HP (Engine Horse Power)  
55 – 5.5 HP (Engine Horse Power)  
65 – 6.5 HP (Engine Horse Power)  
V – Over Head Valve Engine  
2 – 2 Cycle Engine  
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. 3-5725 (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.  
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.  
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.  
15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.  
Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide,  
a deadly poison.  
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.  
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  
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive ....................................................................... 7  
Handle Height Adjustment.................................................................................. 7  
Cutting Height Adjustment ................................................................................ .7  
Recycling Operation............................................................................................ 8  
Installation of Grass Catcher.............................................................................. 8  
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS..................................9-12  
Change Engine Oil............................................................................................... 9  
Check Transmission Grease............................................................................. 10  
Check Mower Blade........................................................................................... 10  
Check Engine Drive Belt ................................................................................... 10  
Check Transmission Poly-V Belt...................................................................... 10  
Service – Annually ............................................................................................. 11  
Engine.............................................................................................................. 11  
Air Filter ........................................................................................................... 11  
Engine Oil........................................................................................................ 11  
Storage Procedure............................................................................................. 11  
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR....................................12-18  
Mower Blade Replacement ............................................................................... 12  
Blade Sharpening .............................................................................................. 12  
Wheel Drive Control Adjustment...................................................................... 13  
Driven and Drive Disc Service..................................................................... 13-17  
Cleaning Drive Disc and Driven Disc............................................................ 14  
Drive Spring Repair/Replacement................................................................. 14  
Driven Disc Adjustment ............................................................................ 14-15  
Driven Disc Replacement.......................................................................... 15-16  
Driven Disc Bearing Replacement................................................................ 16  
Hex Shaft Bearing Replacement ................................................................... 17  
Belt Service ................................................................................................... 17-18  
Engine Drive Belt Replacement ............................................................... 17-18  
Transmission Poly-V Belt Replacement....................................................... 18  
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 19  
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 20  
Maintenance/Replacement Parts...................................................................... 20  
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 21  
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................22-25  
4
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION  
ENGINE  
SPEED  
DECAL  
WHEEL DRIVE  
CONTROL  
WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL -  
RELEASE TO STOP  
FORWARD MOTION  
BLADE CONTROL -  
RELEASE TO STOP  
BLADE AND ENGINE  
ENGINE SPEED  
CONTROL  
“CHOKE”  
“FAST”  
BLADE  
CONTROL  
GROUND  
GROUND  
SPEED  
CONTROL  
FAST  
SPEED  
CONTROL  
“SLOW”  
ENGINE  
SPEED  
CONTROL  
SLOW  
UPPER  
HANDLE  
ROPE START HANDLE  
FUEL FILLER CAP  
BAG  
SLIDER  
MID  
HANDLE  
OIL FILL CAP &  
DIPSTICK  
GRASS  
BAG  
KAWASAKI 4-CYCLE  
OHV ENGINE  
LOWER  
HANDLE  
REAR HEIGHT  
ADJUSTMENT LATCH  
MUFFLER  
CATCHER MODEL SHOWN  
(ROPE START MOUNTED ON  
LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)  
GRASS BAG  
CONNECTOR  
FRONT HEIGHT  
ADJUSTING LATCH  
ENGINE AIR  
BREATHER COVER  
BAG ADAPTER  
MOWER DECK  
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.  
5
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.  
1. Move engine speed control to the “choke”  
position. See Figure 2.3.  
WHEEL DRIVE  
CONTROL  
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the  
BLADE  
CONTROL  
blade control.  
CATCHER MODEL SHOWN  
(ROPE START MOUNTED ON  
LEFT SIDE OF HANDLE)  
BLADE  
CONTROL  
FIGURE 2.1  
WHEEL DRIVE  
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 CHOKE POSITION)  
FIGURE 2.3  
2. Pull blade control against handle.  
3. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.  
4. After engine starts, move engine speed control  
away from the choke position to the “Fast” (Rabbit)  
position. See Figure 2.3.  
FULL MARK  
(DO NOT OVER FILL)  
5. 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.  
6
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
2.2.2. PROPELLING MOWER  
2. Move upper mower handle up or down until the  
desired position is achieved.  
(Self Propelled Models)  
1. Move ground speed control to the desired  
speed position. See Figure 2.4.  
3. Tighten the lower nuts on each lower handle to  
maintain desired position.  
2. Move wheel drive control against handle to  
engage wheel drive and propel mower forward.  
Forward speed can be adjusted while the mower is  
moving by changing position of the ground speed  
control. See Figure 2.4.  
WARNING  
STOP engine and mower blade by releasing the  
blade control before adjusting cutting height or  
handle height.  
MOVE CONTROL  
MOVE GROUND  
AGAINST HANDLE  
SPEED CONTROL  
TO DESIRED  
POSITION  
(FAST)  
SIXTH SPEED  
POSITION  
TO ENGAGE  
WHEEL DRIVE  
2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT  
1. Pull the height adjusting latch outward and  
move to desired cutting height. See Figure 2.6.  
LOWEST CUTTING  
1
SIXTH  
LATCH  
HEIGHT  
WHEEL DRIVE  
CONTROL  
FIRST  
BLADE  
CONTROL  
(SLOW)  
FIRST SPEED  
POSITION  
1
2
3
4
FIGURE 2.4  
HIGHEST  
CUTTING  
HEIGHT  
5
6
2.3 STOPPING  
6
Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade  
control. Stop forward motion of mower by releasing  
the wheel drive control.  
FIGURE 2.6  
2.4 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT  
The height of the mower handle can be adjusted  
as follows:  
2. Set all wheels at the same cutting height. The  
highest cutting position is Notch 6. The lowest  
cutting position is Notch 1. See Figure 2.7.  
1. Loosen the nuts on each lower handle as  
shown in Figure 2.5.  
HIGHER  
LOWER  
HANDLE  
LATCH  
POSITIONS  
LOWER  
CUTTING HEIGHT SETTINGS  
LOOSEN LOWER  
NUTS ON EACH  
LOWER HANDLE  
FIGURE 2.7  
FIGURE 2.5  
7
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
HOOK BAG  
WARNING  
HANDLE OVER  
LOWER HANDLES  
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or  
service with engine and blade running. STOP  
engine and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and  
secure away from spark plug. Engine and  
components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow  
sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear  
heavy leather gloves when handling or working  
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp  
and can cause severe injury.  
2.6 RECYCLING OPERATION - OPTIONAL  
ACCESSORY  
Recycling operation requires optional accessory.  
SLIDE CONNECTOR  
OVER END OF  
ADAPTER FLANGE  
NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a maximum  
of 1/3 of grass blade length and recycle ONLY when  
grass is dry.  
FIGURE 2.9  
1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position  
(Notch 6).  
WARNING  
2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” (Rabbit)  
position.  
3. Move ground speed control to slowest speed  
setting.  
4. Proceed mowing slowly. If grass is very dense,  
lower each rear wheel latch one notch lower than  
the front wheel latches to improve recycling  
performance.  
DO NOT operate without entire Grass Catcher or  
guard in place. Grass Catcher components are  
subject to deterioration during normal use. Inspect  
frequently and replace worn or damaged  
components immediately.  
2.7 INSTALLATION of GRASS CATCHER  
Position grass bag between handles. See Figure 2.8.  
Install grass catcher by sliding connector over flange  
of adapter. Attach grass bag hooks over middle  
handle cross bar. See Figure 2.9.  
LOWER HANDLES  
HANDLE  
BAG CONNECTOR  
ADAPTER  
FLANGE  
FIGURE 2.8  
8