Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER
ZERO TURNING
HYDRO DRIVE
SERIES 1
MODELS
NZM19481KWV
NZM21521KWV
NZM25611KWV
NZM27611KH
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
N
Z
M
19 48
1 KWV
MODEL DESIGNATION
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE
MOWER ORIENTATION
ENGINE HP
ENGINE TYPE
SERIES DESIGNATION
MOWER DECK SIZE
POWER UNIT
N – Model Designation
19.0 – Engine Horse Power
21.0 -- Engine Horse Power
25.0 – Engine Horse Power
27.0 – Engine Horse Power
48 – 48” Mower Width
1 – Series Designation
KW – Kawasaki Engine
KH – Kohler Engine
V – Over Head Valve
Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive
M – Mid Mount Mower
52 – 52” Mower Width
61 – 61” Mower Width
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 - 4. 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 © 2003
SNAPPER PRODUCTS INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 7-1762 (I.R. 11/25/03)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate or extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
service the machine and only after proper instruction extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive
and training. The owner is responsible for training the 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
operators. Further, the owner/operator can prevent
sources of ignition.
and/or is responsible for accidents or injuries 2. Use only an approved fuel container.
occurring to themselves, other people or property.
3. Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are
involved in a large percentage of mower-related
3. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling.
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability 4. DO NOT refuel the machine indoors.
to operate the mower safely enough to protect 5. DO NOT store the machine or fuel container inside
themselves and others from serious injury.
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as on a water heater or other appliances.
and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved 6. DO NOT fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add
fuel with engine running. Add or drain fuel
outdoors only with engine stopped and cool.
Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF
to learn controls and develop skills.
truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always
place the containers on the ground away from the
vehicle before filling.
7. Remove gas-powered equipment from the vehicle
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not
possible, then refuel equipment using a portable
container, rather than a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other 8. DO NOT start gas powered equipment in enclosed
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blades
or interfere with mowing.
7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what
accessories and attachments are needed to
properly and safely perform the job. Only use
vehicles or trailers.
9. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete. DO NOT use a nozzle lock-open
device
accessories and attachments approved by 10. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing
SNAPPER. immediately.
8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. 11. DO NOT overfill a fuel tank. Replace fuel cap and
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and
STOP machine if anyone enters the area.
9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields,
deflectors, switches, blade controls and other
safety devices are in place and functioning
properly.
tighten securely.
OPERATION
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.
2. Start engine from operator's seat. Make sure
blades are OFF and parking brake is set. Use seat
belts if provided.
10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop
engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove key.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated
with feet on foot rests or pedal(s).
5. DO NOT operate machine while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck,
engage parking brake and make sure engine and
blades have stopped before removing grass
catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to
hands or feet.
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear
appropriate clothing including safety glasses,
long pants, ear protection, hardhat and
substantial footwear with good traction. Long
hair, loose clothing or jewelry may get tangled in
moving parts.
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
14. 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.
7. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass.
Set blades in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
MAINTENANCE
(Continued From Previous Column)
8. 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.
9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or
doors.
10. Slow down before turning.
11. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
12. STOP engine immediately after striking an
object or if an abnormal vibration occurs.
Remove key. Remove and disconnect the
sparkplug wire. Make necessary repairs before
resuming operation.
13. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
14. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to
maintain control during speed and directional
changes.
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine. Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
7. Disconnect
battery
before
performing
maintenance or service. Cranking engine could
cause injury. Disconnect negative (black) cable
from battery first and positive (red) cable last.
Reconnect positive first and negative last. Charge
battery in an open, well ventilated area away from
spark and flames. Unplug charger before
connecting or disconnecting from battery. Wear
protective clothing and insulated gloves.
8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work
under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only
when engine and blades are 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. DO NOT make adjustments
with the engine running.
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. Never straighten
or weld blades, only replace them.
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
15. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply. Attach loads to
approved
hitch
point
only
following
manufacturer’s instructions.
16. On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control. When
towing travel slowly and allow extra distance to
stop.
17. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.
Engine
exhaust
gases
contain
carbon
14. Carefully release pressure from components with
stored energy.
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
15. Have machine serviced by an authorized
SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have
the dealer install any new safety devices. Never
allow untrained personnel to service machine.
16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
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.
Shut off fuel (when equipped with valve) while
storing or transporting machine.
2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers,
drives and cutting units to help prevent
overheating and fires. Clean up fuel, oil and
excess grease.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an
approved container outdoors and away from
open flame.
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace
as needed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................2-4
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ...................................................................................... 6
SECTION 2 –SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS....................................................7-8
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ...............................................................9-13
Pre-start Checklist.................................................................................................9-10
Starting & Stopping Engine, Blades & Parking Brake.....................................10-11
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades ........................................................................ 11
Parking Brake ........................................................................................................... 11
Cutting Height Adjustment...................................................................................... 12
Driving & Stopping Machine...............................................................................12-13
Safety Interlock System Check ............................................................................... 13
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................14-18
Change Engine Oil.................................................................................................... 14
Check Mower Blade ................................................................................................. 14
Check Mower Drive Belt .......................................................................................... 15
Check Belt Tension .................................................................................................. 15
Service – After every 25 Hours (Engine Components)......................................... 15
Service – After every 25 Hours (Mower Components) ......................................... 15
Lubrication................................................................................................................ 15
Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication...................................................................... 15
Mower Deck Linkage Lubrication ...................................................................... 15
Front Wheel Bearings Lubrication..................................................................... 16
Hydro Pump Lubrication..................................................................................... 16
Other Lubrication................................................................................................. 16
Before Operating Machine....................................................................................... 16
Annually - End of Season ...................................................................................16-17
Engine Service.......................................................................................................... 16
Fuel Filter Replacement........................................................................................... 17
Deck Removal......................................................................................................17-18
Hydraulic Fluid Filters.............................................................................................. 18
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR ............................................................19-27
Neutral Position Adjustments............................................................................19-20
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness)................................................................20-21
Parking Brake Adjustment ...................................................................................... 21
Traction Belt Tension & Replacement.................................................................... 22
Blade Brake/Electric Clutch Adjustment ............................................................... 22
Tracking Adjustment................................................................................................ 23
Mower Drive Belt Removal & Replacement........................................................... 23
Engine Adjustments & Repair................................................................................. 24
Mower Blade Replacement...................................................................................... 24
Mower Blade Sharpening ........................................................................................ 24
Battery Removal ....................................................................................................... 25
Battery Installation ................................................................................................... 25
Battery Service & Charging................................................................................25-26
Battery Testing ......................................................................................................... 26
New Battery Preparation.......................................................................................... 26
Mower Spindle Bearing Replacement.................................................................... 27
Hydraulic System, Purging...................................................................................... 28
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................29-30
SERVICE SCHEDULE ..................................................................................................... 31
Maintenance/Replacement Parts ....................................................................... 31
WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................... 32
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................33-36
PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM ................................................................................ 37
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: Operator Protective Structures are available as optional kits for the Mid-Mount and Out-Front Z-Rider
machines. These structures, when installed and used properly can offer additional security to the operator
against serious injury in the event of a tip over accident. Operator Protective Structures may be required by local
ordinances. Discuss your mowing application and ordinances with your local Snapper Dealer.
5
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
HOUR
METER
KEY
SWITCH
BLADE
SWITCH
CHOKE
CONTROL
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL
MOTION CONTROL
LEVER
OPERATOR’S
SEAT
LEFT HAND
FUEL TANK
RIGHT HAND
FUEL TANK
MOTION CONTROL
LEVER
DECK LIFT
LEVER
PARKING
BRAKE LEVER
CONTROL PANEL
(SEE INSET)
IMPORTANT
The figures and illustrations in this manual
are provided for reference only and may
differ from your specific model. Contact
your Snapper dealer if you have questions
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR
DECK LIFT PEDAL
FIGURE 1.1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
The nomenclature information above, Figure 1.1,
shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER MID
MOUNT Z-RIDER. It is recommended that all operators
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. For the nearest SNAPPER
dealer in your area, check the yellow pages under the
heading LAWN MOWERS. For engine parts and
service, look for the engine manufacturer’s dealers
under the heading, ENGINES - gasoline.
This manual has been prepared for the operator’s of
the SNAPPER MID MOUNT Z-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
thru 4 of this manual and All SAFETY messages on the
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER and its attachments before
operating. SNAPPER recommends returning the MID
MOUNT Z-RIDER to an authorized SNAPPER dealer
annually for inspection and addition of any new devices
which might upgrade the safety of the mower.
6
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