10
SECTION 2 – OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INTRODUCTION
Follow operation and maintenance instructions in
the Operator’s Manual provided with the Snapper
Lawn Tractor.
2.1 GRASS CATCHER OPERATION
A.
Select desired cutting height. Choose a setting that
will not attempt to cut off too much at once,
overloading the machine.
B.
After starting engine and allowing a brief warm up
period, move engine speed control to highest
setting.
C.
Drive machine to cutting area. Engage blades.
D.
Select a slow forward ground speed until familiar
with conditions. Do not select a speed that is too
fast, causing the machine to become overloaded.
E.
The weight of the grass catcher and contents will
affect the stability and handling of the machine.
Avoid sudden starts and sharp turns. Reduce
speed on slopes, and DO NOT operate machine on
slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade).
Operate machine up and down slopes. DO NOT
operate machine across the face of slopes. Turn
blades off when traveling up slope.
F.
Empty grass catcher often to minimize effect on
stability and handling. Over filling the catcher will
reduce performance and cause clogging of the
tube, adapter and deck.
G.
Do not operate the machine with the Grass Catcher
open. The entire Grass Catcher must be installed,
the catcher closed and latched properly before
operating.
2.2 EMPTYING GRASS CATCHER
A.
Empty Grass Catcher often to avoid overfilling.
Overfilling reduces performance and causes
clogging of tube, adapter and deck.
B.
Turn blades off. Drive machine to location the
clippings are to be dumped. DO NOT operate
blades in reverse. If you must back machine to
dump clippings in desired location, LOOK and SEE
behind and down for children, pets and hazards
before and while backing.
C.
Shift transmission to Neutral (N). Set Park Brake.
Stop engine.
D.
Lift up on handle sufficiently to allow all clippings to
exit catcher. If the dumped pile is too high to allow
the catcher to close, you may be required to use a
rake or similar implement to distribute the clippings.
E.
After dumping, to maintain peak performance,
check the catcher screen located on the inside of
the Rear Cover Assembly to make sure it is clean
and free of any build up. Clean as required with
brush or broom.
F.
Close catcher. Push down firmly on handle to
insure it is properly latched.
G.
Re-start engine and drive machine to cutting area.
Set engine speed to highest setting, engage blades
and resume operation.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to remove any clogs from deck,
adapter, or tube with engine or blade running.
STOP engine. STOP blade. SET brake. Remove key.
Make sure blade and all rotating components have
come to a complete stop before removing any
catcher or unclogging any catcher component.
2.3 IF THE GRASS CATCHER BECOMES CLOGGED
The grass catcher may become plugged if the
conditions are too severe, the catcher is overfilled, or
the machine is used improperly. If plugging does occur,
attempt the following:
1.
Empty catcher more often.
2.
Clean screen on rear cover assembly.
3.
Ground speed too fast – cut at slower speed
4.
Removing too much grass – raise cutting height,
cut partial width, and cut lawn more frequently.
5.
Grass is too wet from rain or dew – allow grass to
dry.
6.
Blades are dull or worn – inspect blades and
replace as necessary. Use only genuine SNAPPER
replacement blades.
7.
Mower equipped with incorrect blade. Catcher
operation requires high lift blade. Contact your local
SNAPPER dealer for assistance in choosing the
correct blade for your application.
8.
Deck, adapter, or tube has clipping build up – clean
all clippings from all internal surfaces.
2.4 GRASS CATCHER MAINTENANCE
Grass Catcher components are subject to wear and
deterioration during normal usage. Inspect all
components frequently for signs of wear and
deterioration. Replace worn or damaged components
immediately.
BEFORE EACH USE
A.
Inspect all Catcher components. Replace all worn
or damaged parts.
B.
Clean grass build up from deck, adapter, grass
tube, covers and rear cover screen. To maintain
peak performance make sure screen is clean at
each dumping.
C.
Inspect blade for wear or damage. Replace as
needed.
D.
Perform pre-start check list and maintenance as
instructed in the SNAPPER Lawn Tractor
Operator’s Manual and Engine Owner’s Manual
included with the machine.
