Section 3 - Maintenance Instructions; Service - After First 5 Hours; Change Engine Oil; Service Engine Air Cleaner - Snapper M250819BE, M280919B, M281019BE, M300919B, M301019BE Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance,
service or repairs with the engine running. STOP
engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove
key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and
secure away from plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool
before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent
must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage.
3.1 INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the Rear Engine Rider, use
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a
local SNAPPER dealer for parts and service
assistance. For the correct part or information for a
particular Rear Engine Riding Mower, always mention
the model and serial number. SNAPPER recommends
returning the Rear Engine Rider to an authorized
SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition
of any new devices which might upgrade the safety of
the Rear Engine Rider. For the nearest SNAPPER
dealer in your area, check the yellow pages under the
heading LAWN MOWERS. For engine parts and
service, look for the engine manufacturer's dealers
under the heading, ENGINES - gasoline.

3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS

Routine maintenance is important to the performance
and life of your Rear Engine Rider. Service performed
properly and at the recommended interval is essential.
Refer to Section "MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE" in this
manual and in the Engine Owner's Manual. Carefully
complete all of the recommended service procedures.

3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL

1. Place bricks or wooden blocks under the front
wheels to lower rear of engine.
2. Loosen or remove oil fill cap on 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
REMOVE OIL
PLUG TO ALLOW
OIL TO DRAIN
12
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 for oil specifications.

3.2.2. SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER

The engine is equipped with a dual element air
cleaner. Both the foam pre-cleaner and cartridge
require service. Refer to Engine Owner's Manual for
recommended service procedures.

3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE

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.
WARNING
Remove the battery if the Rear Engine Rider will be
left standing on the rear bumper for longer than 2
hours. See Section on BATTERY REMOVAL. DO
NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of
excessive wear or damage on the Rear Engine Rider.
Refer to Section on MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT
for proper blade inspection and service procedures.
4. Check torque of blade mounting bolts. As
necessary, torque to 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.
5. Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage.
See Section on BLADE WEAR LIMITS.
FIGURE 3.2
6. Check blade for straightness. Refer to Section
on ADJUSTING MOWER BLADE.
TORQUE BLADE
BOLTS TO 30 TO
40 FT. LBS.