background image

 

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 

 

WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that 
can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in serious 
injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these instructions 
and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each person operating 
the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which 
might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your machine which your 
dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, 
McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: (1-800-935-2967).  
 

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN  

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the 
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the 
machine and the mowing activity. Children who have been 
given rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing 
area for another ride and be run over or backed over by the 
machine. Never assume that children will remain where you 
last saw them. 
1.  KEEP children out of the mowing area and under the 

watchful care of a responsible adult other than the 
operator.  

2.  DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is 

operated (even with the blade OFF).  

3.  DO NOT allow children or others to ride on machine, 

attachments or towed equipment (even with the blades 
OFF). They may fall and be seriously injured.  

4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate 

machine. 

5.  ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with 

mature judgment under close adult supervision to 
operate machine.  

6.  DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP BLADES. 

LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and 
hazards before and while backing. 

7.  USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind corners, 

shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.  

 

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS  

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip-
over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. 
All slopes require extra CAUTION. If you cannot back up 
the slope or if you feel uneasy on the slope, DO NOT mow 
it. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments; 
these affect the handling and the stability of the machine.  
1.  DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 

degrees (27% grade). 

2.  Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 

degrees (18% grade). Turn blades OFF when traveling 
uphill. Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp 
turns.  

3.  DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face 

of slopes. Operate up and down. Practice on slopes 
with blades off. 

4.  AVOID starting, stopping or turning on slopes. If 

machine stops going uphill or tires lose traction, turn 
blades OFF and back slowly straight down the slope.  

 
 
 

PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS  

(Continued From Previous Column) 
5.  STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards. Tall 

grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from ditches, 
washouts, culverts, fences and protruding objects.  

6.  KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away from 

edge of ditches and other drop offs. The machine 
could turn over if an edge caves in.  

7.  Always begin forward motion slowly and with caution. 
8.  Use weights or a weighted load carrier in accordance 

with instructions supplied with a grass catcher. DO 
NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees 
(18% grade) when equipped with grass catcher. 

9.  DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to stabilize 

the machine.  

10. DO NOT operate machine on wet grass. Reduced 

traction could cause sliding.  

11.  Chose a low enough speed setting so that you will not 

have to stop or shift on a slope. Tires may lose traction 
on slopes even though the brakes are functioning 
properly. 

12.  DO NOT operate machine under any condition where 

traction, steering or stability is doubtful. 

13. Always keep the machine in gear when going down 

slopes. DO NOT shift to neutral (or actuate hydro roll 
release) and coast downhill. 

 

PREPARATION 

1. Read, understand, and follow instructions and 

warnings in this manual and on the machine, engine 
and attachments. Know the controls and the proper 
use of the machine before starting. 

2.  Only mature, responsible persons shall operate the 

machine and only after proper instruction.  

3.  Data indicates that operators age 60 and above, are 

involved in a large percentage of mower-related 
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability 
to operate the mower safely enough to protect 
themselves and others from serious injury. 

4.  Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable and 

vapors are explosive. Use only an approved fuel 
container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add fuel with 
engine running. Add 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. 

 

 

Summary of Contents for 23 Series

Page 1: ...ries Designation B Briggs Engine K Kohler Engine H Honda Engine V Over Head Valve 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 thru 4 Remember that all power equipment can be dangerous if used improperly Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use ...

Page 2: ...machine 1 DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15 degrees 27 grade 2 Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10 degrees 18 grade Turn blades OFF when traveling uphill Use a slow speed and avoid sudden or sharp turns 3 DO NOT operate machine back and forth across face of slopes Operate up and down Practice on slopes with blades off 4 AVOID starting stopping or turning on slopes If machine st...

Page 3: ...m of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete DO NOT use a nozzle lock open device 10 If fuel is spilled on clothing change clothing immediately 11 Never overfill a fuel tank Replace fuel cap and tighten securely OPERATION 1 Mount and dismount machine from left side Keep clear of discharge opening at all times 2 Start engine from operator s seat if possible Make su...

Page 4: ...ll 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 e...

Page 5: ...ness 17 Clean Mower Deck 17 Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication 17 Mower Deck Linkage Lubrication 17 Front Wheel Bearing Lubrication 17 Shift Lever Lubrication 17 Rear Axle Bearing Lubrication 18 Differential Chain Case Lubrication 18 Service Annually 18 Engine 19 Fuel Filter 19 Every Two Years 19 Storage Out of Season 19 Removing Fuel Tank 19 SECTION 4 ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR 20 28 Engine Adjustments ...

Page 6: ...1 shows the essential parts of the SNAPPER Rear Engine 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 FUEL TANK TRANSMI...

Page 7: ...als 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...

Page 8: ...l 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 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 cr...

Page 9: ... 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 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 F...

Page 10: ...control to FAST position 2 Depress clutch brake pedal See Figure 2 11 3 Place transmission shift lever in notch for first speed See Figure 2 12 4 Release clutch brake pedal to begin desired ground speed 5 During forward motion the transmission shift lever may be placed in any desired forward speed without depressing the clutch brake pedal NOTE For best cutting results move the transmission shift l...

Page 11: ...o a complete stop in 3 seconds or less If the blade continues to rotate after 3 seconds the blade brake must be adjusted Refer to Section BLADE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT for adjustment procedures or return machine to an authorized SNAPPER dealer for adjustment DO NOT CONTINUE to operate machine until blade brake is adjusted and functioning properly 2 4 3 MOWER BLADE 1 Stop mower blade by releasing blade pe...

Page 12: ...ease park brake by pushing down on the clutch brake pedal parking brake latch will move to the OFF position unassisted See Figure 2 17 FIGURE 2 17 2 5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 1 Adjust cutting height as desired to any one of five positions using deck lift lever Move deck lift lever up or down to desired cutting height and then move over to secure in the height of cut notch See Figure 2 18 FIGURE ...

Page 13: ...re is an override lever provided This lever can be pushed and held before starting the blade and will allow reverse operation until the blade pedals are released at which time the system will return to its Reverse Lockout mode This feature should never be selected unless you are absolutely sure that no children or others are present in the mowing area and that all children are away and supervised ...

Page 14: ...engine 3 Loosen oil drain plug 4 Place a 2 quart minimum capacity container under the end of the oil drain Open oil drain See Figure 3 1 for oil drains used on the Rear Engine Riders FIGURE 3 1 5 After all the oil has drained close the drain and wipe up any oil that may have spilled See Figure 3 1 Dispose of used oil properly 6 Fill engine crankcase with new oil Refer to your engine owner s manual...

Page 15: ...quires the engine and blades to be operated Exercise extreme caution Clear area of loose parts tools first Only operate blades when seated in the operator s seat IMPORTANT The blade drive belt on 33 decks does not require tension adjustment If the belt becomes worn or slack it must be replaced Refer to Section BLADE DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT FIGURE 3 4 3 2 5 BLADE BRAKE 1 Check blade brake for proper...

Page 16: ...se grease NLGI No 2 with a grease gun 1 Front Wheel Bearings Refer to Section FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS LUBRICATION 2 Rear Axle Bearing Refer to Section REAR AXLE BEARING LUBRICATION 3 Mower Blade Spindle Refer to Section MOWER BLADE SPINDLE LUBRICATION 4 Shift Lever Refer to Section SHIFT LEVER LUBRICATION 3 3 SERVICE EVERY 25 OPERATING HOURS Perform all service required after the first 5 hours of ope...

Page 17: ...roceed to next step 3 Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper 4 Clean underside of mower deck removing all accumulation of grass clippings and debris 5 Clean top of deck removing all grass clippings and debris 3 3 5 MOWER BLADE SPINDLE LUBRICATION 1 Follow WARNING statement found on this page 2 Check fuel level in tank If over 3 4 full remove tank Refer to Section FUEK TANK REMOVAL If 3 4...

Page 18: ...ear are visible IMPORTANT If the Rear Engine Rider will be on its rear bumper for longer than two hours remove the battery Refer to Section BATTERY REMOVAL 2 To check lubricant remove fill level plug and visually inspect for lubricant on the internal parts of the differential If no lubricant is visible on the internal parts of the differential add transmission grease as needed See Figure 3 8 IMPOR...

Page 19: ...replacement parts available from an authorized SNAPPER dealer 3 5 1 All bushings and pivot areas 3 5 2 Check both front wheel king pins 3 5 3 Transmission shift lever and detent 3 5 4 Clutch disc 3 5 5 Clutch Yoke 3 5 6 Mower deck linkage and pivot areas 3 6 STORAGE OUT OF SEASON If desired the Rear Engine Rider can be stored on the rear bumper Perform the following procedures to insure the Rear E...

Page 20: ...ytime the blades are disengaged by moving blade lever to the OFF position or by releasing the Blade Pedals When the Blade Brake is properly adjusted there should be 3 to 3 1 4 clearance between the Blade Engagement Lever and the edge of the Latch Plate Check this by disengaging the Blade Lever as shown in Figure 4 1 Perform the following measurement and adjustment 1 With the blade engagement lever...

Page 21: ... blade tips are within 1 8 of each other See Figure 4 3 8 Tighten shoulder bolt nut loosened in Step 6 Recheck both sides of deck for correct levelness 9 Readjust rear hanger chain pivots to align with holes in support brackets See Figure 4 4 10 Remove angle iron pipe or similar object and proceed to check front to rear levelness 4 2 3 MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT Front to Rear Levelness 28 33 Decks With...

Page 22: ... with 33 decks do not require belt tension adjustment But if front frame assembly clamp is loosened for any reason recheck belt spacing between idler pulley and belt With blade lever in the ON position the distance should measure 1 3 4 9 When belt adjustment is complete it will be necessary to check Clutch Brake Cable slack 10 Disengage parking brake and allow pedal to remain in the engaged wheel ...

Page 23: ... WARNING statement found on this page Check fuel level in tank Refer to Section REMOVING FUEL TANK If over 3 4 full remove tank 2 If 3 4 or less proceed to next step 3 Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper 4 Depress clutch brake pedal all the way down Move and hold the park brake lever in the ON position and release the clutch brake pedal to lock the park brake See Figure 4 8 FIGURE 4 8...

Page 24: ...lades Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage 4 4 2 BLADE SHARPENING 1 Follow WARNING statement found on this page 2 Check fuel level in tank If over 3 4 full remove tank Refer to Section REMOVING FUEL TANK If 3 4 or less proceed to next step 3 Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper 4 Remove blade See ...

Page 25: ...ew belt through engine belt guide up to engine pulley See Figure 4 14 FIGURE 4 14 5 Move transmission shift lever to the neutral N position 6 Rotate clutch yoke clutch yoke shown in Figure 4 9 out with your hand and work belt between drive disc and rubber driven disc 7 To clear the primary chain case move transmission shift lever to the 5 position Route belt around drive disc and into drive pulley...

Page 26: ...rst Retain mounting bolts and nuts CAUTION If battery is removed DO NOT operate engine without insulating Positive battery cable terminal with electrical tape or sparking from battery cables can result FIGURE 4 18 WARNING Cables must be connected to battery terminals in the proper position as show in Figure 4 18 DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the Rear Engine Rider DO NOT use B...

Page 27: ...connect battery charger to battery terminals RED to positive and BLACK to negative terminal WARNING DO NOT attempt to charge battery while installed on the Riding Mower DO NOT use BOOST chargers on the battery DO NOT OVERFILL 5 Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 2 hours to bring the battery to full charge 6 After charging check level of electrolyte and add as needed to bring level to 3 16 above ...

Page 28: ... All 41 42 Deck Rear Engine Riders 7060946 Twin Bag Catcher All 28 33 Deck Rear Engine Riders 7060947 Bag N Wagon All 28 33 Deck Rear Engine Riders 7060948 Thatcherizer All Series 7 Newer Riders 7060964 Wagon Cover All 28 33 Deck Rear Engine Riders 7061190 Weight Front All Series 7 Newer Riders 7060959 Dozer Blade 36 Blade All Rear Engine Riders 7060357 Tire Chains Tires 16 x 6 50 8 All Rear Engin...

Page 29: ...arter cable loose broken or disconnected 12 Connect starter cable If broken replace with new starter cable 13 Electrical wiring harness disconnected or broken 13 Connect or replace with new wiring harness Engine Stalls After 1 Operator not in seat 1 Sit in operator s seat Running 2 Choke control in the CHOKE position 2 Move choke control to OFF position 3 Fuel tank empty 3 Fill fuel tank with fres...

Page 30: ...o low or high 2 Adjust cutting height 3 Engine speed too slow 3 Move throttle control to FAST position 4 Forward speed too fast 4 Move transmission shift lever to a slower speed 5 Terraced cut side to side 5 Adjust side to side level 6 Excessive deck pitch front to rear 6 Adjust front to rear pitch 7 Cutting blade s dull or damaged 7 Sharpen cutting edges or replace blade s 8 Mower belt slipping 8...

Page 31: ... X X Battery Charge Battery Page 26 27 X Tires Check Pressures Page 7 X Drive Belts Check For Wear And Tension Pages 15 25 X X Mower Blades Check For Wear And Damage Pages 24 X Mower Deck Clean Debris Accumulation Page 14 16 X X X Lubrication Points Grease or Oil Pages 16 18 X X Lubricate Chain Case Transmission Check Grease Level Pages 17 18 X X Blade Brake Stopping Time Check blade stopping for ...

Page 32: ...16980 28 Cutter Blade Ninja Quad Edge 7026453 30 Cutter Blade Standard Not Air Lift Compatible N A 30 Cutter Blade Standard Air Lift Compatible 7018069 30 Cutter Blade Ninja Quad Edge 7026565 33 Cutter Blade Standard Not Air Lift Compatible 7034168 33 Cutter Blade Standard Air Lift Compatible 7019523 33 Cutter Blade Mulching 7016982 33 Cutter Blade Ninja Quad Edge 7024741 Air Lift Kit 28 33 Decks ...

Page 33: ...iginal purchase date SNAPPER will not be responsible for any installation cost incurred The battery warranty only covers original equipment batteries and does not cover damage to the battery or machine caused by neglect or abuse destruction by fire explosion freezing overcharging improper maintenance or use of improper electrolyte There is no other express warranty DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY Implied w...

Page 34: ...34 PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ...

Page 35: ...35 PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ...

Page 36: ...36 PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ...

Page 37: ...37 PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ...

Page 38: ..._____________________________ Retailer s Phone Number____________________________________________________ It is very important that you register your purchase with Snapper to ensure warranty coverage Please mail your product registration card to Snapper at P O Box 777 McDonough Georgia 30253 Or you may register on line at www snapper com You can contact us at our web site or if you would like to s...

Page 39: ...___ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________...

Page 40: ...ions about your Snapper product contact your local authorized Snapper dealer or contact Snapper Customer Service at Snapper McDonough GA 30253 Phone 1 800 935 2967 COPYRIGHT 2005 SNAPPER A DIVISION OF SIMPLICITY MFG INC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED MANUAL No 7100310 I R 7 14 2005 WARNING ENGINE EXHAUST SOME OF ITS CONSTITUENTS AND CERTAIN VEHICLE COMPONENTS CONTAIN OR EMIT CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF C...

Reviews: