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Thank you for purchasing this quality-built product. We’re pleased that you’ve placed your confidence in the Simplicity and Snapper brand. When operated and maintained according to the instructions in this manual, your product will provide many years of dependable service.
Children are often attracted to the unit and mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. If there is a risk that children may enter the area where you are mowing, have another responsible adult watch them. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
Thrown Objects This unit has spinning mower blades. These blades can pick 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.
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Only operate this unit outdoors and away from unventilated areas such as inside garages or enclosed trailers. The engine emits poisonous carbon monoxide gas and prolonged exposure in an enclosed area can result in serious injury or death. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
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Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of unit, severe personal injury or death to you, or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment. This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. The triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed.
2. Look for the relevant Emissions Durability Period and Air Index information on the engine emissions label. IGNITION SYSTEM 1. This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Safe Handling of Gasoline 1. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition. 2. Use only approved gasoline containers. 3. Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
J. Sound Pressure at Operator’s Position in Decibels K. Vibration at the Steering Wheel * L. Vibration at the Seat * This unit complies with European Harmonized Lawn Mower Standard EN 836, European Machinery Directive 98/37/EC, and European EMC Directive 89/336/EC...
SAFETY DECALS This unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing. Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operate this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the unit to remind you of this important...
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. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
Safety Icons The alert symbol is used to identity safety information about hazards that can result in personal injury. A signal word (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) is used with the alert symbol to indicate the likelihood and the potential severity of the injury. In addition, a hazard icon may be used to represent the type of hazard.
Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system. Allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system. START Cranks the engine for starting. NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN position with the engine stopped–this drains the battery. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
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Hour Meter The hour meter measures the number of hours the key has been in the RUN position. Note: The hour meter will register the passage of time when the key is in the RUN position, even if the engine is not running.
This rider has a zero turning radius and the rear wheels could fall off the ramps, or the rider could tip over injuring the operator or bystanders. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
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 tractor without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls.
NOTE: Practice backing up for several minutes before attempting to do so near objects. The rider turns sharply in reverse as well as forward, and backing up straight takes practice. Reverse Travel Figure 5. Reverse Travel www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com Levers Gradually...
Practice Turning Around a Corner While traveling forward bring one handle gradually 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. Executing Turns Figure 6.
M. Roller Bar Connecting Rod (select models) 8. Install the belt as shown in Figure 9. 9. Release tension from the tensioning idler pulley using the belt tension lever (A, Figure 10) and make sure the belt is seated properly in all pulleys. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
MOWING Before mowing, set the cutting height as described in the Troubleshooting, Adjustments & Service section. 1. Engage the parking brake. Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the motion control lever is in the NEUTRAL position. 2. Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE). 3.
HOW MUCH GRASS TO CUT OFF WHEN BROADCASTING Mow when the grass is 3-5 inches long. Do not cut the grass shorter than 2 to 2-1/2 inches. Do not cut off more that 1 inch of grass in a single pass. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
Proper Mulching Mulching consists of a mower deck which cuts and recuts clippings into tiny particles and which then blows them down INTO the lawn. These tiny particles decompose rapidly into by-products your lawn can use. UNDER PROPER CONDITIONS, your mulching mower will virtually eliminate noticeable clippings on the lawn surface.
Hours Hours • • • • • • Before Every 5 Every 25 Every Each Hours Hours Hours • www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com Every Spring & Fall Hours • • • • Every Spring & Fall Hours • • • Every Spring &...
LUBRICATION Lubricate the unit at the following lubrication points shown in Figure 16. Grease: • front caster wheel axles • front caster yokes • roller straps (deck lift pivots) • mower deck idler arm pivot • mower deck arbors Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are not installed.
Figure 17. Loosening the Mower Blade for Removal Figure 18. inspecting the Mower Blade Tips A. Mower Blade Cutting Edge B. Square Corner C. Air Lift D. Wear Measurement - DISCARD Mower Blade If greater than .5” (12,7 mm) www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
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Sharpening the Mower Blade CAUTION Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. • Always wear gloves when handling the mower blades. • Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. 1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener. 2.
Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol, gasoline additives, premium gasoline, or white gas because engine/fuel system damage could result. Figure 24. Maintenance A. Fuel Tank Cap B. Transmission Oil Caps C. Fuel Filter www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
CHANGE ENGINE OIL & FILTER 1. Warm the engine by running for a few minutes. (Refer to the engine operator’s manual for oil & filter replacement instructions) 2. The oil drain hose (A, Figure 25) is located on the left side of the engine. Remove the oil drain hose from its storage position and re-position the oil drain hose over the side of the engine deck and place a small pan beneath it to catch the old...
11. Run the unit for several minutes and check the transmission oil level. IMPORTANT NOTE: Use caution after changing the filter; air in the hydraulic system may affect the responsiveness of the control levers. Repeat step 11 until the air is out of the system. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
BATTERY MAINTENANCE Cleaning the Battery and Cables 1. Disconnect the cables from the battery, negative cable first (B, Figure 28). 2. Clean the battery terminals and cable ends with a wire brush until shiny. 3. Reinstall the battery and reattach the battery cables, positive cable first (see A, Figure 28) 4.
3. Too much oil in crankcase. 1. Dirty air filter. 2. Engine choke control is in closed position. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com REMEDY 1. Engage parking brake. 2. Place in OFF position. 3. If engine is hot, allow it to cool, then refill the fuel tank.
Rider Troubleshooting Continued. PROBLEM Engine runs, but rider will not drive. Rider drive belt slips. Brake will not hold. Rider steers or handles poorly. TROUBLESHOOTING THE MOWER PROBLEM Mower will not raise. Engine stalls easily with mower engaged. Excessive mower vibration. Excessive belt wear or breakage.
2. Blades are worn down too far. 3. Engine speed is too slow. 4. Ground speed is too fast. 5. Deck is plugged with grass. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com REMEDY 1. Sharpen your blades. 2. Replace your blades. 3. Always mow at full throttle.
SEAT ADJUSTMENT The seat and ground speed control levers should be adjusted so that operator’s elbows are supported by the arm rests when his/her hands are on the controls, and the ground speed control levers can be moved through their full range of motion without contacting the operator’s legs.
A. Forward Top Speed Adjustment Bolt B. Control Lever Base C. Reverse Top Speed Adjustment Bolt Figure 32. Cutting Height Adjustment A. Cutting Height Adjustment Pin B. Deck Lift / Cutting Height Lever C. Transport Release Lever www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key from the ignition. 2. Raise the seat plate to gain access to the parking brake components. 3. Measure the distance from the top of the brake spring rod (C, Figure 33) to the top of the lock nut (D) on both sides of the unit.
3. If the mower drive belt does not stop within five (5) seconds, perform the PTO Clutch Adjustment. If the belt still does not stop within five (5) seconds, see your dealer. www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
MOWER DECK LEVELING Perform these adjustments on a flat level surface. SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING 1. With the mower installed, place the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn the front wheels so they are straight. 2. Check for bent blades and replace if necessary. 3.
A. Eccentric and Locknut Figure 42. Release Belt Tension A. Belt Tension Release Lever B. Guard Notch Figure 43. Mower Belt Routing A. Arbor Pulleys B. Back-Side Idler Pulleys C. PTO Pulley D. Belt Tension Release Lever www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...
HYDRAULIC PUMP DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT 1. Park the rider on a smooth, level surface such as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the ignition key. 2. Remove the PTO drive belt (see MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT for removal instructions).
For applicable manuals currently available for your model, contact our Customer Publications Department at 262-284-8519 (Simplicity) / 866-313-6682 (Snapper). Have the model and serial information for your machines available when phoning in your request. Technical manuals can be downloaded from www.simplicitymfg.com | www.snapper.com...