Lady Garden

TM

BY S n a p p e r

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS &

OPERATOR’S MANUAL for

19” WALK BEHIND

MOWER

MODEL 82354

MODEL 82355

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

MODEL 82354: 19” Steel Deck Walk Behind Mower 4-1/2 HP 120 Volt Electric Start

MODEL 82355: 19” Steel Deck Walk Behind Mower 4-1/2 HP Manual Recoil Start

Thank you for buying a Lady Garden Product! Before operating your power equipment, read this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on page 2. Remember that all power equipment can be dangerous if used improperly and keep in mind that safety requires careful use in accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!

MANUAL No. 2-9478 (I.R. 2/96)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the operator or other persons. The owner of the mower must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate mower. Each person operating the mower must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance which might impair vision, dexterity, or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your mower which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253. Phone:

(770) 954-2500.

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

1. DO NOT allow children in area when mower is

OPERATION

2. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down.

Exercise CAUTION when changing directions on being operated.

2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate mower.

3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with mature judgment to operate mower and only under close supervision.

4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

1. Never operate mower without proper guards, plates, safety switches, or other safety protective devices in place and properly connected. Inspect to determine that these safety devices are installed properly, are in good repair, and operate properly. If the condition or operation of these devices are questionable, they must be repaired or replaced before using the mower. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the equipment.

2. Avoid thrown objects. Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and other foreign objects. Also note the location of holes, stumps, and other possible hazards.

3. DO NOT operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear and long pants.

4. Fill fuel tank before starting engine. Use approved fuel container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run engine indoors.

5. Never attempt to make a cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.

6. When mowing over rough ground or in tall grass, mower must be set at highest cutting position.

7. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.

8. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk; never run!

9. DO NOT operate mower without the grass bag

(and adapter), side chute, mulch cover or adapter plug in place.

OPERATION

1. Look behind you before pulling the mower backwards to avoid falling. slopes. DO NOT mow steep slopes or other areas where stability or traction is in doubt.

3. DO NOT change engine governor settings or over speed engine.

4. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge area while engine is running.

5. STOP engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard.

6. After striking a foreign object or if mower vibrates abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and secure spark plug wire. Inspect the mower for any damage and repair the damage.

7. STOP blade and engine whenever you leave the operating position behind the handle for any reason, including clearing grass, emptying grass bag and making any adjustments, repairs, or inspections.

8. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain blade and all moving parts have

STOPPED. Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

9. STOP engine and wait until the blade comes to complete STOP before removing grass bag and/or clearing grass.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure mower is in safe operating condition.

2. Never leave mower unattended with electric power cord attached.

3. Never store mower with fuel in tank inside of a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

4. To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, spilled fuel or excessive grease.

5. Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or deterioration. Replace with new bag if loose seams or tears are evident. Replace bag adapter if broken or cracked.

6. Have your mower inspected and serviced each year. Call: 1-800-762-7737 for the Authorized

Lady Garden Service Center nearest you.

Determine if any additional devices are available which might upgrade the safety of your mower.

6. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts must be used to assure adequate protection against injury.

SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION

ACCESSORIES

6-1847 GRASS CATCHER KIT

FIGURE 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This manual has been prepared for the operators of the

1.2 NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature drawing above (Figure 1) shows the

Lady Garden 19” Walk Behind Mowers. This manuals purpose, aside from recommending operating and routine service requirements, is to promote safety through the use of accepted operating practices. Read,

Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS on page 2 of this manual and all safety messages on the mower, engine and in this manual before operating the machine. essential parts of the Lady Garden 19” Walk Behind

Mowers. You will notice that a few areas of the mower are colored yellow. These are areas in which the operator will have contact with and are areas which require the operators attention either through service or operation. These are the SAFE TOUCH AREAS. It is recommended that all operators of this equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls, parts and operation of this machine before operating. Specific details involving the engine are found in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

Study these manuals before operating and keep both handy for future reference.

SET UP INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing a Lady Garden walk behind lawn mower. With proper care and servicing this product will give you many years of service. This product is completely assembled and requires just a few minutes of your time to prepare it for operation. Please perform the following steps.

1. Open the carton by pulling on one of the two pull tabs located toward the bottom of the carton. Pull tab all the way around the carton.

2. Lift the top portion of the carton over the mower.

1) Remove the four corner posts. 2) Remove protective wrapping on the bail. Remove cardboard from between the handle and lower brackets.

3. Remove the container of oil located in the carton inner pack at the rear of the mower.

4. Lift the cardboard tab from between the deck and trailing shield.

5. Loosen the handle T-knobs and raise the handle to the operating position. Retighten the T-knobs. See

Figure 2.

FIGURE 2

6. Move all four wheels to the highest height of cut (See

Section 2.5 - CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUST-MENT

SECTION)

7. Using the handle push the unit out of the carton lower section.

CAUTION

The cutting blade has sharp edges which can cause severe injury. Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling blade to prevent injury.

8. With the aid of another person tip the mower back until the handle touches the ground. Hold in that position and carefully remove the foam block under the deck. Return the mower to the upright position.

9. Pull the bail down to the handle, grasp the recoil Thandle located at the engine recoil, and pull the rope back and route it thru the rope guide located at the right hand side of the handle. See Figure 3.

FIGURE 3

10. Remove the oil fill dipstick See Figure 4.

FIGURE 4

SET UP INSTRUCTIONS

(Continued)

10. Slowly pour the contents, 20 oz, of the supplied oil into the oil fill tube. Check the oil level after you have added approximately 15 oz and slowly add until the max. mark is reached. See Figure 5.

Reinstall the oil fill dipstick.

CAUTION

Use approved fuel container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run engine indoors.

11. Fill fuel tank outdoors with 1 quart of fresh, clean, unleaded regular gasoline before starting engine.

Use approved fuel container. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine.

FIGURE 5

SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 BEFORE

Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and how to use them before operating your mower. Know beforehand how to STOP the engine and mower blade in preparation for possible emergencies.

2.2 STOPPING

2.2.1. Engine & Mower Blade: Stop engine and mower blade by releasing the Blade

Control. See Figure 6.

FIGURE 6

2.3 PRE-START CHECK LIST

Make the following checks and perform the service as required before each startup.

2.3.1. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screens and cooling fins clear at all times.

2.3.2. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring level up to (but not over) the max. mark.

2.3.3. Check blade control to insure it works freely.

2.3.4. Check cutting height - Adjust as required.

2.3.5. Check recycling cover or deflector to insure that it is installed correctly and that it is tightened securely.

2.3.6. Check fuel level in the tank after pushing mower outdoors where fumes are safely dissipated.

2.3.7. Check handle height. See section 2.6

HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: Be certain to read Engine Owner’s Manual before starting engine. Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh unleaded gasoline.

2.4.1. RECOIL START EQUIPPED MODELS

1. Move the throttle lever, which is located on the engine, to the rabbit or fast position. See Figure 7.

FIGURE 7

2. Push in the primer button, which is located on the left side of the engine, three (3) times. Wait about two (2) seconds between each push. In cold weather push five (5) times. See Figure

8.

IMPORTANT: Excessive priming can cause flooding. Do not use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

FIGURE 8

2.4 PRE-START CHECK LIST (Continued)

3. Stand behind the mower. Using your left hand move the blade control down onto the handle and hold in place. See

Figure 9.

FIGURE 9

4. Use your right hand to pull the rope start

T-handle until the engine starts. Guide rope slowly back to rope guide to prevent rope breakage. Breakage could result if the rope handle is allowed to snap back.

5. NOTE: Blade control must be held in place on the handle for engine to continue operating. Releasing blade control will stop the engine. Allow the engine to warm up until engine runs smoothly.

CAUTION

The 120 volt electric start models are supplied with a

10 foot three-wire power cord. The plug is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. It must be properly grounded at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock which may cause injury to the operator. Follow all instructions carefully as set forth below. Determine that your house wiring system is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are not sure. If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric start mower under any condition. If your system is grounded and a threehole receptacle is not available, one should be installed by a licensed electrician.

2.4.2. If using a power cord other than the one supplied with mower then use a power cord that is heavy enough to carry the correct amount of current to the mower. See chart for correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge cord.

OPTIONAL POWER CORDS

MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD SETS

120 Volt Total Length of Cord in Feet

Rating - Amps 25 ft. 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.

More

Than

Not More

Than

A.W.G.

0 6 18 16 16 14

6 10 18 16 14 12

10 12 16 16 14 12

2.4.3. 120 VOLT ELECTRIC START EQUIPPED

MODELS

1. Move the throttle lever, which is located on the engine, to the rabbit or fast position. Refer to Figure 7.

NOTE: Do not use primer when using the electric starter. Do not use primer to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.

2. Connect power cord to the handle mounted switch box. See Figure 10.

FIGURE 10

3. Plug other end of power cord into a three hole grounded 120 volt, AC receptacle.

2.4 PRE-START CHECK LIST (Continued)

4. Stand behind the mower. Using your left hand move the blade control down onto the handle and hold in place.

CAUTION

To avoid electrical shock or injury, Make sure power cord is away from cutting blade before starting engine.

5. Use the thumb of your right hand to depress the switch box starter button.

When the engine starts, release the button. See Figure 11.

FIGURE 11

6. Carefully disconnect electric cord.

NOTE: If the engine does not start after about five (5) seconds of cranking, stop cranking, repeat instructions found in section 2.4.2. 120 VOLT ELECTRIC START

EQUIPPED MODELS. For your Authorized Lady Garden

Service Center call 1-800-762-7737 or call the

Tecumseh Service Center.

2.5 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Positioning the axles in the lowest of the four adjustment positions in the wheel brackets raises the cutting deck to the highest cutting height which is 3 inches. The top position provides the lowest cut of 1 inch. Repositioning into the next height of cut position changes the height about 3/4 of an inch.

CAUTION

Stop engine and blade before attempting any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs.

Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure

spark plug wire away from spark plug. Never attempt

to adjust the cutting height while the engine is running.

2.5.1. ADJUSTING AXLES

1. Reposition the front axle by raising the front wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket. Move to the desired height of cut position and release the bushing. Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle. See

Figure 12.

FIGURE 12

2. Reposition the rear axle by raising the rear wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket. Move to the desired height of cut position and release the bushing. Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle. See

Figure 13.

FIGURE 13

2.6 HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: A 1/2” wrench will be needed to adjust handle height.

1. The height of the handle can be adjusted by loosening the four nuts located on the lower handle brackets and pivoting the handle up or down. Tighten all nuts securely. This provides

2 inches of adjustment. See Figure 14.

FIGURE 14

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. The recycling cover is fastened in place using two knobs. To remove the cover simply unscrew the two knobs and lift off the cover.

See Figure 15. Note: When reinstalling the cover, the deck side wall should fit between the tab and outside of cover. Tighten knobs securely. See Figure 16.

FIGURE 15

FIGURE 16

CAUTION

DO NOT operate mower without side chute, recycling cover or adapter with grass bag in place.

2.8 SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. The side chute is fastened in place using the same two knobs used to secure the recycling cover. There is also a carriage bolt and nut

(Found in hardware bag) that secures the lower rear portion of chute. Use this bolt and nut on the side chute only. Tighten all bolts, nuts, knobs securely. See Figure 15 & Figure 16.

2.9 RECYCLING MOWER OPERATION

Use the following steps for the best results when recycling.

1. Set the cutting height in the highest blade setting. Refer to Section 2.5 CUTTING

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

2. Mow with the engine throttle lever set at the fastest speed setting.

3. Push the mower at a slow ground speed to allow fine chopping of the clippings or leaves.

NOTE: The grass must be dry. If the grass is extremely dense, set the rear height adjusters one notch lower than the front adjusters to lower the rear of the deck. Experiment with the deck settings to achieve best recycling.

Your Lady Garden mower requires very little service. However, it is important that the engine be serviced at the intervals specified in the Engine

Manual furnished with your mower. To retain the integrity of your mower, use only genuine Lady

Garden Replacement Parts. Return your mower to an authorized Lady Garden Service Center on a yearly basis for inspection. Always add any new devices that will upgrade your mower. To find the location of your nearest Authorized Lady Garden

Service Center call 1-800-762-7737. Always mention the model number and serial number of your mower when contacting the dealer for information, parts, or service.

3.1.1. LUBRICATION

FIRST 5 HOURS (NEW UNIT)

ENGINE: Change oil in crankcase. A 3/4” wrench will be needed to perform this oil change. Refer to the Engine Owner’s

Manual and Oil Cahnge Instructions.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

CAUTION

Use approved fuel container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is running. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Secure wire away from plug.

2. Remove gasoline from tank.

3. Tilt mower onto its right side and remove the oil drain plug as shown in

Figure 17.

FIGURE 17

4. Position drain pan next to mower deck and carefully turn mower back over and allow oil to drain into pan. NOTE:

It may be necessary to loosen the oil fill cap to cause the oil to drain.

5. Reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten securely

6. Refill crankcase with recommended type and quantity of oil. Refer to page

5 - Set-Up Instructions Paragraph 10.

3.1.2. CUTTING BLADE SERVICE

Check at frequent intervals to make sure the blade is securely tightened and that it is in good condition. Replace Blade if badly chipped, bent, out of balance, or as soon as notch starts wearing in the tip between the flat surface and upturned lift.

See Figure 18. This type wear pattern occurs more rapidly under sandy soil condition.

FIGURE 18

CAUTION

Never operate the mower with blade worn to the extent shown in View C as the tip could fly off, causing personal injury or property damage.

3.1.2. CUTTING BLADE SERVICE

(Continued)

Sharpen Blade when the cutting edges become dull if the blade is in otherwise good condition. When dull, the grass cut ends will be ragged and usually turn brown soon after mowing.

CAUTION

The cutting blade has sharp edges which can cause severe injury. Always wear heavy leather gloves when handling blade to prevent injury.

1. Remove the blade by removing the capscrew that secures it to blade hub. Refer to Figure 20.

2. Sharpen it on a grinding wheel at an angle of 22 to 28 degrees. The cutting surface should extend in about 7-1/2 inches from the tips. See

Figure 19.

3. Check the blade after sharpening to determine that it is still balanced. It will cause excessive vibration if unbalanced.

FIGURE 19

4. Reinstall sharpened blade and related components as shown in Figure 20.

FIGURE 20

5. Tighten the special blade retaining cap screw to 25 to 35 foot-pounds torque.

PROCEDURE

Refer to the Engine Manual for directions regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the mower for “end of season” storage as follows:

CAUTION

Use approved fuel container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when engine is running. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting engine. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Secure wire away from plug.

1. Remove fuel from fuel tank. Run engine until carburetor bowl is empty.

2. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.

3. Stand the mower on its rear wheels and thoroughly clean the underside of the deck.

Scrape away any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and/or wire brush, then use a hose to wash down the underside of deck and allow to dry.

4. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating of oil to prevent corrosion.

5. Drain oil and refill with new oil.

6. Change air filter. Refer to the Engine Owners

Manual Air Cleaner D section.

7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area, protected from weather.

NOTE: Handles may be folded for storage. To fold handles, loosen two T-Knobs, and fold the handle over the mower. Use care not to “kink” the Blade Control

Cable or the 110 volt power cable.

MANUAL No. 2-9478 (I.R. 1/96)