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.
SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tip- over accidents, which can result in severe injury or death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not operate on it.
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SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION 10 DEGREES MAX. WARNING: To avoid serious injury, operate your unit up and down the face of slopes, never across the face. Do not operate on slopes greater prevent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
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. 4.
SAFETY & OPERATION 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 information while you...
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS When contacting the service center for replacement parts, service, or information you MUST have these numbers. Record your model name/number, manufacturer’s identification numbers, and engine serial numbers in the space provided for easy access. The identification tag is located on the underside of the seat.
Ground Speed Levers - Ground Speed Levers - DRIVE Positons START/PARK Positons Parking Brake Lever - Parking Brake Lever - ENGAGE Positon DISENGAGE Positon CONTROL FUNCTIONS The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences.
Mower Cutting Height Switch To increase the mower cutting height (raise the mower deck), press the top of the yellow cutting height switch. To decrease mower cutting height (lower the mower deck), press the bottom of the switch. Mower cutting height range is approximately 3-3/4”...
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING • Check that the crankcase oil is filled to full mark on dipstick (see CHECK ENGINE OIL in the Maintenance section). • Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS For daily operation: Use only unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
EMERGENCY STOPPING 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 AND ENGINE.
DRIVING PRACTICE - BASIC DRIVING WARNING: Never operate on slopes greater than 17.6% (10°). See SLOPE OPERATION in the safety section. Zero turn riders operate differently from other four- wheeled vehicles. The drive wheels are also your steering wheels. If you cannot drive the unit on a hill, you will not be able to steer the unit on it.
Practice Turning Around a Corner While traveling forward allow one handle to gradually return back toward neutral. Practice several times before mowing. NOTE: To prevent damaging your lawn by pivoting directly on the tire tread, it is best to keep both wheels going at least slightly forward.
MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - 33” DECKS NOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. WARNING After lowering the mower cutting height, engage parking brake, turn off the mower blades, turn the ignition switch to STOP, and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower.
MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - 42” DECKS NOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. WARNING After lowering the mower cutting height, engage parking brake, turn off the mower blades, turn the ignition switch to STOP, and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower.
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MOWER DECK REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - 52” DECKS NOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on a hard, level surface such as a concrete floor. WARNING After lowering the mower cutting height, engage parking brake, turn off the mower blades, turn the ignition switch to STOP, and remove key before attempting to install or remove the mower.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE The following schedules should be followed for normal care of your rider and mower. RIDER MAINTENANCE, All Models Clean Debris from Rider and Engine Compartment * Clean Debris from Engine Cooling Areas & Air Filter * Check Tire Pressure Lubricate Rider &...
Rider Maintenance Items WARNING Move the ground speed levers to START/PARK positions, engage the parking brake, turn the mower blades OFF, turn the ignition switch OFF, and wait for all moving parts to stop before accessing the engine compartment or performing any maintenance procedures.
LUBRICATION Service Interval: 25 hours. Lubricate the unit at the locations shown in Figures 19 through 25 as well as the following lubrication points. Grease: • front wheel grease fittings • front wheel bushings • mower pivots • mower arbors Use grease fittings when present.
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CLEAN DECK & CHECK / REPLACE MOWER BLADES Service Interval: 25 hours or as required. WARNING For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper handling of blades may result in serious injury.
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Figure 29. Blade Installation - 33” Deck A. Blade B. Blade Mounting Bolts C. Lockwashers D. Hex Nuts Figure 30. Blade Installation - 42” Deck A. 4x4 Wood Block C. Blade Nut B. Spring Washers D. Lift Wings Figure 31. Blade Installation - 52” Deck A.
CLEAN THE BATTERY AND CABLES Service Interval: 100 Hours WARNING Be careful when handling the battery. Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames and sparks away from the battery. When removing or installing battery cables, disconnect the negative cable FIRST and reconnect it LAST.
CHECK / ADJUST PTO CLUTCH WARNING To avoid serious injury, perform adjustments only with engine stopped, key removed and tractor on level ground. Service Interval: 200 Hours. The Power Take Off (PTO) clutch drives the mower blades. The PTO clutch is engaged and disengaged by the mower blade switch.
Engine Maintenance Items CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL Service Interval: Before each use, and every 8 hours. 1. Turn the engine off, and set the parking brake lever to ENGAGE. 2. Clean the area around the dip stick (C, Figure 36). 3.
SERVICE AIR FILTER & PRE-CLEANER - 18.5 & 21 HP ENGINES NOTE: Air filter configuration may differ from shown. Consult engine manual for further information. Interval: Pre-Cleaner: Every 25 hours or as required. Air Filter: Every 50 hours or as required. Replacement Interval: Pre-Cleaner: As required.
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Figure 39. Air Filter Cover A. Air Filter Cover Screws SERVICE AIR FILTER - 26HP ENGINES NOTE: Air filter configuration may differ from shown. Consult engine manual for further information. Service Interval: Every 25 hours or as required. 1. Loosen the air filter cover screws (A, Figure 39) and remove the air filter cover.
Pre-Cleaner Service NOTE: Replace a worn or damaged pre-cleaner. 1. Figure 42. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. 2. Squeeze the pre-cleaner dry and saturate with engine oil. Remove all excess oil by squeezing the pre-cleaner in an absorbent cloth. Air Filter Service NOTE: Replace a worn or damaged air filter.
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS GROUND SPEED CONTROL LEVER ADJUSTMENT The control levers have three adjustments: To Adjust Control Lever Height: Pull the levers in across the operator’s lap to their DRIVE positions. Loosen the mount bolts (D, Figure 44) and raise or lower the levers to the desired position.
BRAKE ADJUSTMENT 1. Stop the unit, turn the ignition OFF, set the ground speed levers to START/PARK positions, set the parking brake lever to the ENGAGE position, and wait for all moving parts to stop. 2. Locate the brake rod (A, Figure 46) and adjustment nut (B).
MOWER DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING Before inspecting or adjusting the mower, turn the mower blades OFF, turn the ignition switch OFF, and allow all moving parts to stop. Remove ignition key, then disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. Side to Side Leveling - 33”...
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MOWER DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING Before adjusting the mower, turn the mower blades OFF, turn the ignition switch OFF, remove the key, and allow all moving parts to stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. Side to Side Leveling - 42”...
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Figure 53. Orient Blades Front-to-Back Front To Back Leveling - 33” Deck If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling. Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause an uneven cut. See CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. 1. Turn the blade front-to-back as shown in Figure 53. Measure the distance from the ground to front tip of blade, and from ground to rear tip of blade (Figures 53).
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42” Deck 52” Deck Figure 55. Orient Blades Front-to-Back Front To Back Leveling - 42” & 52” Decks If the cut is uneven, the mower may need leveling. Unequal or improper tire pressure may also cause an uneven cut. See CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. 1.
MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT WARNING Before inspecting or servicing the mower, turn the mower blades OFF, turn the ignition switch OFF, and allow all moving parts to stop. Remove ignition key, then disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it away from the spark plug. Mower Drive Belt Replacement - 33”...
Mower Drive Belt Replacement - 52” Decks 1. Park the rider on a level surface. Disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and set the ground speed control levers to PARK. Remove the key. 2. Remove belt covers. 3. Insert ratchet into 3/8” (9.5 mm) square hole in idler pulley arm (A, Figure 59) and pull to release belt tension.
STORAGE Before Storage Before you store your unit for the off-season, read the Maintenance and Storage instructions in the Safety Rules section, then perform the following steps: • Turn the mower blades OFF, set the ground speed control levers to START / PARK, set the parking brake lever to ENGAGE, and remove the key from the ignition switch.
While normal care and regular maintenance will extend the life of your equipment, prolonged or constant use may eventually require that service be performed to allow it to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting guide below lists the most common problems, their causes and remedies.
Engine runs, but Transmission release levers in PUSH rider will not positions. drive. Drive belt slips. Belt is broken. Parking brake is not fully released. Parking brake Parking brake is incorrectly adjusted. will not hold. Rider steers or Improper tire inflation. handles poorly.
NOTE: Specifications are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. ENGINE (18.5HP): Make Briggs & Stratton Model Horsepower 18.5 @ 3600 rpm Displacement 30.59 Cu. in (500cc) ENGINE (21HP): Make Briggs & Stratton Model Horsepower 21 @ 3600 rpm Displacement 30.59 Cu.
Replacement Parts Replacement parts are available from your authorized dealer. Always use genuine Simplicity or Snapper Service Parts. Maintenance Items Many convenient and helpful service and maintenance items are available from you authorized dealer. Some of these items include: Engine Oil Tire Sealant Touch-Up Paint Degrimer/Degreaser...
HOW AND WHEN TO WATER, FERTILIZE & AERATE Most lawns are watered too often, but with too little water. However too much water can allow develop- ment of diseases with your lawn. It is best to water the lawn only when necessary, and then to water it slowly, evenly, and deeply—imitat- ing a slow, soaking rain.
Lawn Care & Mowing Information PROPER MOWING SPEED ENGINE SPEED & GROUND SPEED Always operate the engine at full throttle when mowing. If you hear the engine slowing down, you are mowing too fast—maintaining a slower ground speed will improve the cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many com- mon cutting problems.