Snapper Lawn Mower YZ16424BVE YZ20484BVE User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
YARD CRUISER  
HYDRO DRIVE  
SERIES 4  
MODELS  
YZ16424BVE  
YZ20484BVE  
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION  
Y
Z 16 42 4  
B
V
E
MODEL DESIGNATION  
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE  
ENGINE HORSE POWER  
CUTTING WIDTH  
ENGINE OPTIONS  
ENGINE TYPE  
ENGINE MODEL  
SERIES DESIGNATION  
Y – Yard Cruiser  
Z – Zero Turning Radius  
16 – 16 HP Engine  
20 – 20 HP Engine  
42 - 42” Cutting Deck  
48 - 48” Cutting Deck  
4 - Series Designation B - Briggs Engine  
V – Over Head Valve  
E - Electric Start  
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your YARD CRUISER, 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 © 2002  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 6-3260 (REV. 1, 6/28/02)  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
PREPARATION  
(Continued From Previous Page)  
OPERATION  
(Continued From Previous Column)  
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 monoxide, a deadly  
poison.  
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.  
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.  
Replace if damaged.  
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.  
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.  
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).  
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.  
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.  
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.  
16. If battery is removed, DO NOT operate engine  
without insulating Positive + battery cable terminal  
with electrical tape, or sparking from battery cables  
can result.  
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 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................6-9  
Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................6-7  
Rolling Machine w/o Engine Running................................................................6  
Starting & Stopping Engine, Propelling Mower .............................................7-8  
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades ....................................................................8  
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive........................................................................8  
Setting & Releasing Parking Brake.....................................................................8  
Cutting Height Adjustment..................................................................................9  
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................10-13  
Service – After First Five Hours........................................................................10  
Change Engine Oil ..........................................................................................10  
Check Mower Blade ........................................................................................10  
Check Mower Drive Belt .................................................................................11  
Check Transaxle Drive Belts..........................................................................11  
Service - Every 25 Operating Hours .................................................................11  
Check Engine..............................................................................................11-12  
Check Mower Components............................................................................12  
Mower Blade Spindle – Lubrication .........................................................12-13  
Mower Deck Linkage – Lubrication...............................................................13  
Front Wheel Bearings - Lubrication ..............................................................13  
Front Caster Wheel Pivot Shaft .....................................................................13  
Parking Brake Pivot Bushings.......................................................................13  
Service - Annually...............................................................................................14  
Engine ..............................................................................................................14  
Air Filter............................................................................................................14  
Oil Filter............................................................................................................14  
Engine Oil.........................................................................................................14  
Transaxle..........................................................................................................14  
Fuel Filter .........................................................................................................14  
Storage – Out of Season....................................................................................14  
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR .............................................................15-22  
Engine Adjustments & Repair...........................................................................15  
Mower Deck & Components Adjustments.......................................................15  
Mower Drive Belt Adjustment ...........................................................................15  
Mower Drive Belt Replacement.........................................................................15  
Belt Removal & Replacement.......................................................................15-16  
Blade Brake.........................................................................................................16  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness - Side to Side 48” Deck)..................16-17  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Pitch 48” Deck) ...............................17  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Side to Side, 42” & 48” Decks)..............................18  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Front to Rear Pitch, 42” Decks) ............................19  
Mower Deck Timing Rod – (42” Decks)............................................................19  
Wheel Brake Adjustment ...................................................................................19  
Mower Blade Wear Limits..................................................................................20  
Blade Sharpening...............................................................................................20  
Blade Replacement ............................................................................................20  
Battery Removal .................................................................................................21  
Battery Installation .............................................................................................21  
Battery Service & Charging...............................................................................21  
New Battery Preparation...............................................................................21-22  
Battery Testing ...................................................................................................22  
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................23-24  
Maintenance/Replacement Parts ......................................................................24  
SERVICE SCHEDULE......................................................................................................25  
WARRANTY......................................................................................................................26  
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................27-30  
PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM.................................................................................31  
5
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION  
PARKING  
BRAKE  
BRAKE  
RELEASE  
BUTTON  
OPERATOR’S  
SEAT  
CHOKE  
CONTROL  
FUEL  
TANK  
ENGINE  
SPEED  
CONTROL  
JOYSTICK  
CONTROL  
HANDLE  
BLADE  
SWITCH  
KEY  
SWITCH  
DECK LIFT  
HANDLE  
DISCHARGE  
DEFLECTOR  
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.  
FIGURE 1.1  
1.1 INTRODUCTION  
1.2 NOMENCLATURE  
The nomenclature drawing above, Figure 1.1, shows the  
essential parts of the SNAPPER YARD CRUISER. 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 YARD CRUISER. 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 and All SAFETY messages  
on the YARD CRUISER and its attachments before  
operating. SNAPPER recommends returning the YARD  
CRUISER to an authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for  
inspection and addition of any new devices which might  
upgrade the safety of the mower.  
6
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
2.1.5. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and  
2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST  
engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc.  
Keep engine air intake screen and cooling fins clear  
at all times.  
2.1.6. Add fuel to tank of the YARD CRUISER  
outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make  
sure fuel filler cap is tight and vent is open after  
refueling. See Figure 2.3. Refer to engine owner’s  
manual for fuel specifications.  
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 P.S.I. in front and 12 P.S.I. in  
rear tires.  
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  
FILLER  
CAP  
OPEN  
VENT  
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK  
SAFE LEVEL  
AREA  
FUEL  
TANK  
FIGURE 2.1  
FIGURE 2.3  
2.1.4. Check Blade switch to insure it works freely.  
Switch is pulled “OUT” into the “ON” position for  
blade engagement or pushed back “IN” into the  
“OFF” position for blade disengagement. See  
Figure 2.2. IMPORTANT: Disengagement stops the  
blades rotation.  
IMPORTANT: To roll the machine without the engine  
running, pressure within the hydraulic pumps must be  
released. Tilt seat up and move control lever down to  
release pressure. NOTE: Control lever must be in the  
“UP” position to drive machine. See Figure 2.4.  
DO NOT USE CONTROL TO RELEASE PRESSURE AND  
COAST DOWN SLOPES. RELEASE PRESSURE ONLY WHEN  
MACHINE MOTION CAN BE CONTROLLED AND ENGINE OFF.  
PUSH “IN” TO  
DISENGAGE  
PULL “OUT”  
TO ENGAGE  
MOVE CONTROL  
LEVER UP TO  
DRIVE MACHINE  
BLADE  
SWITCH  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
BATTERY  
MOVE CONTROL LEVER  
DOWN TO ROLL MACHINE  
FIGURE 2.4  
FIGURE 2.2  
7