Grass Catcher Operation - Snapper 6-3317 Installation Instructions Manual

Your Grass Catcher equipped SNAPPER machine will keep your lawn cleaner than it would be by raking or using any
other vacuum method. The Hi-Vac models, which feature a patented rolled-lip deck design, will do an excellent job of
vacuuming and bagging grass clipping, leaves, litter, and even hard to pick-up pine straw. Following are some hints for
using the grass catcher.
•
Grass clippings and litter are picked up by the vacuum created by the cutter blade and blown into the bag by the air
blast coming from the blade. The vacuum and air blast must be sufficient to handle the material you want to collect.
•
Light, dry clippings may be put into the bag by using the standard cutter blade and mowing at normal speeds.
•
Heavier, more lush material will require more suction and air blast. Run engine faster and slow down the forward
speed of the mower.
•
Very heavy, lush grass, matted leaves or pine straw will require the entire vacuum and blast you can give it. Run the
engine at top speed and the mower at its slowest forward speed. Take less than a full swath under most severe
conditions.
•
For maximum lift, the cutter unit should be set about 2 1/2" to 3" high. The heavier the litter to be picked up, the
higher the unit should be set. Make more than one pass over the area to be cleaned, if needed.
•
Normally, it is best to mow or clean by operating in a clockwise direction. However, if litter is matted and heavy,
make the first pass in a counterclockwise direction. As material is picked up on the left side of the cutter unit, it will
more easily enter the chute and go into the bag.
•
The vacuum action of the blade will pick up dust unless the grass is very thick or the ground is wet. Be prepared for
this dust storm. You can minimize it if you learn to operate the cutter blade at the lowest speed that will put the
clippings and litter in the bag. Because of the dust, your engine air cleaner should be serviced more frequently than
usual.
•
Never fertilize with dry-type fertilizer just before mowing. The vacuum action will pick up most of the fertilizer and put
it in the bag, where it will do very little good for your lawn.
•
DO NOT be afraid to experiment with different blade speeds, cutter unit heights, and forward speeds until you have
learned how to make your SNAPPER machine operate best under YOUR conditions.
Some mower operator's prefer to place a rigid piece of cardboard or plywood in the bottom of the bag for additional
ground clearance and easier handling. If you desire this feature, the dimensions should be 1/8" to 3/8" thick, 15" wide by
35" long with a 4" radius on the corners.
COPYRIGHT © 2003
SNAPPER PRODUCTS INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
INSTRUCTION NO. 7-5437 (I.R. 1/29/03)

GRASS CATCHER OPERATION

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Printed in U.S.A.