Pre-Start Checks; Operating Procedure - Snapper 21351 Manual

PRE-START CHECKS
Before each start-up, check the following and/or perform
the service specified as needed.
• CHECK guards, grass bag and adapter or side discharge
chute to make sure these items are in proper position and
securely tightened. NOTE: The tab on inside rear edge of
the adapter or side chute must push the interlock spring in
toward the center of the mower. If improperly installed, the
engine cannot be started.
oCLEAN surfaces to remove dust, dirt, clippings par-
ticularly from cooling air intake screen on engine to pre-
vent overheating.
• CHECK oil level in 4-cycle engine and add oil as needed
to bring the level up to, but not over, full mark.*
(_1. ENGINE CONTROL
2. BLADE CONTROL
3. WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL
4. GROUND SPEED CONTROL
5. ELECTRIC START KEYSWlTCH
FIGURE 1 - LOCATION OF CONTROLS
OPERATING PROCEDURE
Keep the important safety instructions in mind when
operating the mower. For easier starting, move the mower
to an area where the cutting blade can turn free of tall
grass. Know beforehand how to stop the mower in prepara-
tion for possible emergencies. The engine (and blade) is
stopped by releasing the BLADE CONTROL or by pulling
the ENGINE CONTROL rearward to STOP position. For-
ward motion of self.propelled models is stopped by releas-
ing the WHEEL DRIVE control. Refer to figure 1 for location
of these controls.
• CHECK cutting height and adjust, as needed, to suit
prevailing grass conditions before starting(Refer to height
adjusting procedure on page 4).
• FILL FUEL TANK after pushing mower outdoors where
fumes will be safely dissipated. On 2-cycle engine, use the
correct fuel to oil ratio.*
*See engine manual for fuel & oil specifications.
STARTING-STOPPING ENGINE
Stop engine (& blade) by releasing the BLADE CONTROL
or pulling the ENGINE CONTROL rearward to STOP posi-
tion.
ROPE START: Since the engine cannot be started unless
the BLADE CONTROL is held against the upper handle,
use the following steps to rope start the engine. If the
engine is cold, push primer button if so equipped. Also turn
fuel valve on beforehand on engines so equipped.
1. Set ENGINE CONTROL in START or CHOKE position.
2. Place foot with toe pointing forward on top of rear tire.
3. Hold BLADE CONTROL firmly to handle.
4. Bend at waist to reach ROPE STARTER.
5. Pull rope as you straighten up to use your back more
than arm muscles.
6. Repeat pulling until engine starts, guide rope slowly
back to engine (the rope may break if allowed to snap
back), continue holding Blade Control and move behind
handles to operator's position.
ELECTRIC START: The keyswitch on electric start models
has two positions which are RUN and START. The engine
cannot be stopped at the keyswitch. Stopping is ac-
complished by either releasing the BLADE CONTROL or by
moving the ENGINE CONTROL to STOP position. To start
the engine electrically, proceed as follows: If the engine is
cold, push primer button if so equipped. Also turn fuel
valve on beforehand on engines so equipped.
1. Move ENGINE CONTROL to START or CHOKE position.
2. Hold BLADE CONTROL firmly to handle.
3. Insert key and turn KEYSWITCH to START position and
hold until engine starts then release.
FIG 2 - MANUAL START PROCEDURE
NOTE: To avoid depleting battery energy and/or
overheating the starting motor, do not crank the engine
continously for more than 5 seconds at a time. Allow brief
period between cranking attempts. It the battery charge is
too low for cranking the engine, use the rope starter. The
electric start engines have alternators to maintain suffi-
cient battery charge when the mower is used frequently.
See charging instructions on next page.
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