Starting The Engine; Stopping The Rider & Engine; Mowing; Pushing The Rider By Hand - Snapper 18HP, 19HP Operator's Manual

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 to operate the rider without first
becoming familiar with the location and function
of ALL controls.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. While sitting in the operator's seat, engage the park-
ing brake and make sure the PTO switch is disen-
gaged and the ground speed control handles are
locked in the NEUTRAL position.
2. Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle posi-
tion. Then fully close the choke. NOTE: A warm
engine may not require choking.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to
START.
4. After the engine starts, gradually open the choke.
Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO switch or driving the rider.
5. After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the
unit at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.
In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to
STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations.
For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given
in STOPPING THE RIDER.
STOPPING THE RIDER & ENGINE
1. Returning the ground speed control levers to the mid-
dle position will stop rider movement. Pivot the levers
outward and lock them in NEUTRAL.
2. Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO
switch.
3. Engage the parking brake by pulling the handle back
until it locks into position.
4. Move the throttle control to idle position and turn the
ignition key to OFF Remove the key.

MOWING

1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO
switch is disengaged, the ground speed control han-
dles are locked in the NEUTRAL position and the
operator is in the seat.
2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
3. Set the mower cutting height.
4. Set the throttle to FULL.
5. Engage the PTO by pulling up on the switch.
6. Disengage the parking brake.
7. Move the ground speed control levers from neutral
position to operating position (in toward the operator).
8. Begin mowing. See Lawn Care Section for tips on
mowing patterns, lawn care, and trouble shooting
information.
9. When finished, shut off the PTO.
10. Stop the engine (see STOPPING THE RIDER AND
ENGINE).

PUSHING THE RIDER BY HAND

1. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn
the ignition OFF, remove the key, and wait for all mov-
ing parts to stop.
2. Lift the seat plate to gain access to the battery com-
partment and transmission pumps.
3. To disengage the pumps (free-wheel position), turn
the hydraulic release valves (A, Figure 2) located on
the pumps COUNTER-CLOCKWISE a maximum of 2
full turns.
4. Disengage the parking brake.
The rider can now be pushed by hand.
5. After moving the rider, re-engage the pumps (drive
position) by turning the release valves CLOCKWISE
and tighten to 80-120 in. lbs.
DO NOT TOW RIDER
Towing the unit will cause hydraulic pump
and wheel motor damage. Do not use
another vehicle to push or pull this unit.
A
Figure 2. Transmission Release Valves
A. Hydraulic Release Valve (On Each Pump)
11
Operation