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Executing an End-Of-Row Zero 
Turn

Your Zero Turn Rider’s unique ability to turn in 
place allows you to turn around at the end of a 
cutting row rather than having to stop and Y-turn 
before starting a new row.

For example, to execute a left end-of row zero 
turn:

 1.  Slow down at the end of the row.

 2.  Move the RIGHT ground speed control 

lever forward slightly while moving the 
LEFT ground speed control lever back to 
center and then slightly back from center.

 3.  Begin mowing forward again.

This technique turns the rider LEFT and slightly 
overlaps the row just cut  —eliminating the need 
to back up and re-cut missed grass.

As you become more familiar and 
experienced with operating the Zero Turn 
rider, you will learn more maneuvers that 
will make your mowing time easier and 
more enjoyable.

Remember, the more you practice, the 
better your control of the Zero Turn will 
be!

Practice Turning Around a Corner

While traveling forward allow one lever to gradually return 
back toward neutral. Repeat several times.

NOTE: To prevent pivoting directly on the tire tread, 
it is best to keep both wheels going at least slightly 
forward.

Figure 12.  Turning Around a Corner

Figure 13.  Turning in Place

Figure 14.  Executing an End-Of-Row Turn

Operation

Practice Turning In Place

To turn in place, “Zero Turn,” gradually move one ground 
speed control lever forward from neutral and one lever back 
from neutral simultaneously. Repeat several times.

NOTE: Changing the amount each lever is pulled—
forward or back, changes the “pivot point” you turn 
on.

Executing
Turns

Turning
In-Place

Not 

for  

Reproduction

Summary of Contents for 400ZB2548

Page 1: ... with 48 Mower 5900532 500ZB2748 Snapper 500Z Zero Turn Rider with 48 Mower 500Z Series Safety Instructions Operator s Manual for ZERO TURN RIDING MOWER Mfg No Description 5900528 400ZB2748 Snapper 400Z Zero Turn Rider with 48 Mower 400Z Series N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n ...

Page 2: ...ad and understand these instructions thoroughly before attempting to start or operate this equipment Save these original instructions for future reference See Features and Controls for the location of Identification Numbers Briggs Stratton Power Products Group LLC Copyright 2012 Briggs Stratton Corporation Milwaukee WI USA All rights reserved SNAPPER is a trademark of Briggs Stratton Corporation M...

Page 3: ... 23 Oil Filter Change 23 Lubrication 24 Check Transmission Oil Level 25 Transmission Oil Filter Change 25 Servicing the Mower Blades 26 Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment 28 Speed Balancing Adjustment 28 Neutral Adjustment 28 Parking Brake Adjustment 29 Return to Neutral Adjustment 30 Deck Rod Timing Adjustment 31 Deck Leveling Adjustment 31 Mower Belt Replacement 32 Hydraulic Pump Drive Belt R...

Page 4: ...tact your local authorized dealer Read the Manual The operator s manual contains important safety information you need to be aware of BEFORE you operate your unit as well as DURING operation Safe operating techniques an explanation of the product s features and controls and maintenance information is included to help you get the most out of your equipment investment Be sure to completely read the ...

Page 5: ... up and throw debris that could seriously injure a bystander Be sure to clean up the area to be mowed and remove objects that could be thrown by the blade BEFORE you start mowing Do not operate this unit without the entire grass catcher or discharge guard deflector in place Also do not allow anyone in the area while the unit is running If someone does enter the area shut the unit off immediately u...

Page 6: ...t Keep the unit free of grass leaves and excess oil Be sure to perform the maintenance procedures listed in this manual especially periodically testing the safety system Retaining Walls Drop offs and Water Retaining walls and drop offs around steps and water are a common hazard Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards and hand trim with a walk behind mower or s...

Page 7: ...ees or other objects that may obscure vision 24 To reduce fire hazard keep unit free of grass leaves excess oil Do not stop or park over dry leaves grass or combustible materials Training 1 Read understand and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting If the operator s or mechanic s can not read English it is the owner s responsibility to explain this material to them 2...

Page 8: ...ause loss of traction and loss of control 5 Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop 6 Do not shift to neutral and coast down hill Children Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children Children are often attracted to the unit and the mowing activity Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them 1 Keep children out of the mowing area and...

Page 9: ... spillage 10 Let engine cool before storing and do not store near flame 11 Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object Repair if necessary before restarting 12 Park machine on level ground Never allow untrained personnel to service machine 13 Use jack stands to support components when required 14 Carefully release pressure from components with stored energy 15 Disconnect battery or remo...

Page 10: ...mation while you are operating your unit 1 3 2 4 1 2 3 4 All DANGER WARNING CAUTION and instructional messages on your rider and mower should be carefully read and obeyed Personal bodily injury can result when these instructions are not followed The information is for your safety and it is important The safety decals below are on your rider and mower If any of these decals are lost or damaged repl...

Page 11: ...andles must be locked in the NEUTRAL position after the operator returns to the seat in order to start the engine WARNING If the unit does not pass a safety test do not operate it See your authorized dealer Under no circumstance should you attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety interlock system Safety Icons The alert symbol is used to identity safety information about hazards that can result ...

Page 12: ...ting your authorized dealer for replacement parts service or information you MUST have these numbers Record your part number serial number and engine serial numbers in the space provided on the inside front cover for easy access These numbers can be found in the locations shown in Figure 1 NOTE For location of engine identification numbers refer to the engine owner s manual Figure 1 Identification...

Page 13: ...l position the faster the drive wheel will turn See the Operation section for proper steering instructions Seat Adjustment Lever The seat can be adjusted forward and back Move the lever towards the left position the seat as desired and release the lever to lock the seat in position Ignition Switch The ignition switch starts and stops the engine it has three positions OFF Stops the engine and shuts...

Page 14: ...edal Cutting Height Adjustment Pin Deck Lift Lock Lever These control the cutting height of the mower deck Depress the pedal until it locks into the 4 1 2 11 47 cm position Place the adjustment pin in the desired cutting height and release the lift lock lever Throttle Control The throttle controls engine speed Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease engine speed Alw...

Page 15: ... reason engage the parking brake disengage the PTO stop the engine and remove the key To reduce fire hazard keep the engine tractor and mower free of grass leaves and excess grease Do not stop or park tractor over dry leaves grass or combustible materials Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with care Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation Do not allow o...

Page 16: ...Checking Tire Pressure Check Tire Pressures Tire pressure should be checked periodically and maintained at the levels shown in the chart Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the Max Inflation stamped on the side wall of the tires The pressures shown provide proper traction improve cut quality and extend tire life A Tire Serial Number Pressure psi bar Front 2013129510 Below 40 2 76 Fr...

Page 17: ...Pin B Deck Lift Foot Pedal C Deck Lift Lock lever A B Mowing Height Adjustment The cutting height adjustment pin A Figure 6 controls the mower cutting height The cutting height is adjustable between 1 1 2 3 37 cm and 4 1 2 11 47 cm in 1 4 0 64 cm increments 1 Depress the deck lift foot pedal B until it locks into the 4 1 2 11 47 cm position 2 Place the cutting height adjustment pin in the desired ...

Page 18: ... in NEUTRAL 2 Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO switch 3 Engage the parking brake by pulling the handle up until it locks into position 4 Move the throttle control to mid throttle position and turn the ignition key to OFF Remove the key WARNING If you do not understand how a specific control functions or have not yet thoroughly read the FEATURES CONTROLS section do so now Do NOT attempt...

Page 19: ...d Forward Travel Practice Gradually move both ground speed control levers evenly FORWARD from neutral Slow down and repeat NOTE Straight forward travel takes practice If necessary top speed can be balance adjusted see the Speed Balancing Adjustment in the Adjustments section near the back of this manual Reverse Travel Practice LOOK DOWN BEHIND then gradually move both ground speed control levers e...

Page 20: ... Zero Turn rider you will learn more maneuvers that will make your mowing time easier and more enjoyable Remember the more you practice the better your control of the Zero Turn will be Practice Turning Around a Corner While traveling forward allow one lever to gradually return back toward neutral Repeat several times NOTE To prevent pivoting directly on the tire tread it is best to keep both wheel...

Page 21: ...mendations can improve the performance and life of your machine Height of Grass Often cutting height is a matter of personal preference Typically you should mow the grass when it is is between three and five inches high The proper cutting height range for a specific lawn will depend upon several factors including the type of grass the amount of rainfall the prevailing temperature and the lawn s ov...

Page 22: ...will improve the cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems Use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness and height of the grass you are cutting 3rd gear or slower for manual gear models If you hear the engine slowing down you are mowing too fast use a slower ground speed Mowing Methods Proper Broadcast Mowing Broadcasting or side discharging disperses fine cli...

Page 23: ...on properly if the grass is wet or if the grass is simply to high to cut Even more than normal mowing mulching requires that the grass be dry and the the appropriate amount is cut Do not use the mower as a mulching mower during the first two or three mowings in the spring The long grass blades quick growth and often wetter conditions are more suitable for broadcasting side discharging or grass bag...

Page 24: ...ours Clean Deck Check Replace Mower Blades Lubricate Rider Mower Check Tire Pressure Every 100 Hours Check Mower Blade Stopping Time Clean Battery Cables Every 250 Hours Change Transmission Oil Filter ENGINE MAINTENANCE Before Each Use Check Engine Oil Level Every 25 Hours Check Clean Cooling Fins Intake Every 50 Hours Check Clean Spark Arrester Refer to Engine Owner s Operator s Manual Service Ai...

Page 25: ...d during normal operation 5 Place an absorbent shop cloth under the engine oil filter Remove the engine oil filter and replace with a new one 6 Remove the engine oil dipstick F that is located on the left side of the engine and refill with new oil Refer to the engine operator s manual for oil recommendations 7 Remove the shop cloth and wipe up any spilled oil Inspect Muffler and Spark Arrester Ins...

Page 26: ...ft pivots discharge chute hinge Generally all moving metal parts should be oiled where contact is made with other parts Keep oil and grease off belts and pulleys Remember to wipe fittings and surfaces clean both before and after lubrication Lubricating the Front Casters NOTE Front casters should be lubricated annually 1 Remove the 1 4 28 bolt A Figure 23 screwed into the front caster and install a...

Page 27: ...film of new oil to the gasket of the new replacement filter After the oil has drained thread the new filter onto the filter base until the gasket makes contact then tighten 3 4 of a turn more 5 Reinstall the filter guard with the three 1 4 filter guard screws 6 Using a hex bit swivel socket or a modified allen wrench remove the top port plug from the transmissions 7 Remove the transmission reservo...

Page 28: ...p or have nicks sharpen the blades See Sharpening the Mower Blades Figure 26 Loosening the Mower Blade for Removal CAUTION Avoid injury Mower blades are sharp Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades DANGER Avoid injury A worn or damaged blade can break and a piece of the mower blade could be thrown into the operator s or bystander s area resulting in serious personal i...

Page 29: ...blade moves downward sharpen the heavy end until the mower blade is balanced See Sharpening the Mower Blades for proper sharpening instructions 4 Repeat the process until the mower blade remains in the horizontal position Reinstalling the Mower Blades 1 Reinstall each mower blade with the air lifts pointing up towards the mower deck as shown in Figure 31 Secure with the mower blade mounting bolt a...

Page 30: ...n the mount bolts A Figure 32 and pivot the lever s B to align with each other To Adjust the Handle Placement Loosen the jam nuts and adjust the placement bolt C Figure 33 in or out to properly adjust the lever end spacing To Adjust the Handle Height Remove the mounting hardware and reposition the handle either up or down from its original position You will need to readjust the handle alignment as...

Page 31: ...ss to the parking brake components 3 Measure the distance from the top of the brake spring rod C Figure 34 to the top of the lock nut D on both sides of the unit The measurement should be 50 1 27 cm If not adjust the locknut to achieve the measurement of 50 1 27 cm 4 Measure the distance between the bottom of the brake shaft weldment G and the top of the set collar F The measurement should be 375 ...

Page 32: ... machine is used to lock the rod in place Loosen the jam nut that locks against the ball joint and turn the linkage rod to adjust If the machine creeps forward turn the linkage rod CLOCKWISE while standing at the rear of the machine facing forward If the machine creeps backward turn the rod COUNTER CLOCKWISE 30 www SnapperPro com Regular Maintenance Figure 35 Return to Neutral Adjustment A Jam Nut...

Page 33: ...or counterclockwise to lengthen the distance between the rod pivots Reinstall the clevis on the lift pivot arm and secure with the 1 2 clevis pin previously removed Tighten the jam nut against the clevis 8 Remove the blocks from the under the mower deck 9 Remove the cutting height adjustment pin from in front of the deck lift pedal arm Lift mower deck and reinstall adjustment pin in desired mowing...

Page 34: ... stationary idler pulley B Carefully release the tension on the breaker bar 7 Reinstall the mower deck guards 8 Run the mower under no load condition for about 5 minutes to break in the new belt WARNING Use extreme caution when rotating the idler arm with the breaker bar due to the increased tension in the spring as the idler arm is being rotated Injury may result if the breaker bar is prematurely...

Page 35: ...ength of the mower belt tensioner spring A Figure 42 The measurement should equal 7 17 8 cm If the measurement does not equal 7 17 8 cm adjust the anchor eyebolt B Adjusting the Mower Belt Idler Spring Length 1 Loosen the jam nut C 2 Turn the adjustment nut D until a measurement of 7 17 8 cm is achieved 3 Retighten the jam nut 7 17 8 cm D C B A Figure 42 Adjusting the Mower Belt Idler Spring Lengt...

Page 36: ...y release the tension WARNING STORED ENERGY DEVICE Improper release of the belt tension spring can result in personal injury Use extreme caution when removing this spring E F G A B C 5 Remove the old belt and replace it with the new one Make sure the V side of the belt runs in the grooves of the crankshaft pulley and the transmission pulleys B C 6 Reinstall the spring anchor eyebolt G into the anc...

Page 37: ... with a wire brush until shiny 3 Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery cables positive red cable first A 4 Coat the cable ends and battery terminals with petroleum jelly or non conducting grease WARNING Be careful when handling the battery Avoid spilling electrolyte Keep flames and sparks away from the battery When removing or installing battery cables disconnect the negative cable FIRST ...

Page 38: ...of a cell once per hour The battery is fully charged when the cells are gassing freely at low charging rate and less than 0 003 change in specific gravity occurs over a three hour period WARNING Keep open flames and sparks away from the battery the gasses coming from it are highly explosive Ventilate the battery well during charging Jump Starting With Auxiliary Booster Battery Jump starting is not...

Page 39: ...tery If ice can be seen or if the electrolyte fluid cannot be seen do not attempt to start with jumper cables as long as the battery remains frozen WARNING For your personal safety use extreme care when jump starting Never expose battery to open flame or electric spark battery action generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive Do not allow battery acid to contact skin eyes fabrics or p...

Page 40: ...a cool dry place and fully charged about once a month If battery is left in unit disconnect the negative cable WARNING Never store the unit with gasoline in engine or fuel tank in a heated shelter or in enclosed poorly ventilated enclosures Gasoline fumes may reach an open flame spark or pilot light such as a furnace water heater clothes dryer etc and cause an explosion Handle gasoline carefully I...

Page 41: ... then refill the fuel tank 5 Engine flooded 5 Move choke control to closed position 6 Fuse blown 6 Replace fuse 7 Battery terminals require 7 Clean the battery terminals cleaning 8 Battery discharged or dead 8 Recharge or replace 9 Wiring loose or broken 9 Visually check wiring replace broken or frayed wires Tighten loose connections 10 Solenoid or starter motor faulty 10 Repair or replace See aut...

Page 42: ...lls easily with 1 Engine speed too slow 1 Set to full throttle mower engaged 2 Ground speed too fast 2 Decrease Ground Speed 3 Cutting height set too low 3 Cut tall grass at maximum cutting height during first pass 4 Discharge chute jamming 4 Cut grass with discharge pointing toward with cut grass previously cut area Excessive mower vibration 1 Blade mounting bolts are loose 1 Tighten to 70 ft lbs...

Page 43: ...rly inflated 3 Blades are damaged 4 Deck shell is damaged 5 Mower spindle is bent or loose 6 Blades are installed incorrectly 1 Level the deck correctly 2 Check and inflate the tires 3 Replace the blades 4 Repair or replace the deck 5 Repair or replace the spindle 6 Reinstall the blades correctly Uneven Cutting 1 Deck is not leveled correctly 2 Blades are dull or worn 3 Blades are damaged 4 Deck i...

Page 44: ...ine may not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of power equipment This difference is due to a variety of factors including but not limited to the variety of engine components air cleaner exhaust charging cooling carburetor fuel pump etc application limitations ambient operating conditions temperature humidity altitude and engine to engine variability Due to manufacturing and ...

Page 45: ...ne pole a fence post or any vertical structure 3 Compare the angle of the fold with the angle of the hill SLOPE INDENTIFICATION GUIDE ALIGN THIS EDGE WITH A VERTICAL SURFACE TREE POLE FENCE POST BUILDING ETC COMPARE THE ANGLE OF THE FOLD TO THE ANGLE OF THE SLOPE 2 3 T H I S I S A 1 0 D E G R E E S L O P E FOLD ALONG APPROPRIATE DOTTED LINE 1 N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n ...

Page 46: ...Notes N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n ...

Page 47: ... is requested the manufacturing date of the product will be used to determine warranty eligibility ABOUT YOUR WARRANTY We welcome warranty repair and apologize to you for being inconvenienced Warranty service is available only through servicing dealers authorized by Briggs Stratton or BSPPG LLC Most warranty repairs are handled routinely but sometimes requests for warranty service may not be appro...

Page 48: ...535 Macon St McDonough GA 30253 www snapper com Safety Instructions Operator s Manual for ZERO TURN RIDING MOWER N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n ...

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