SNAPPER Series O R20500, NR20500 walk behind mower User manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
SNAPPER
20” WALK BEHIND
MOWER
SERIES O
Models R20500
NR20500
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER product! Before operating your mower, read
this manual carefully and pay particular attention to the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS on Page 2. Remember that mowers and all power equipment can
be dangerous if used improperly and keep in mind that safety requires careful use
in accordance with the instructions and common sense.
SNAP p ERaMcDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL No. 2-8483 (1.R. 11/94)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: 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 operatlng 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 judgement.
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: (404) 954-2500.
OPERATION
TRAINING
1,
Read this Manual carefully and question your dealer if
something Is not clear. Should the dealer be
unavallable or unable to answer to your satisfaction,
write or call our Customer Service Department at the
factory. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and
proper use of the equipment.
DO NOT allow children In yard when mower is operatéd.
DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate mower.
Allow only responsible teenagers with mature
judgement to operate mower and only under close
supervision,
Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly small
children, and pets.
PREPARATION
1.
10.
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 п
good repalr, and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these devices are questionable, they must
be repalred or replaced before using the mower.
Thoroughly Inspect the area where the mower is to be
used and remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones and
other forelgn objects. Also note the location of holes,
stumps, and other possible hazards.
DO NOT operate mower when barefoot or wearing open
sandals. Always wear substantial footwear and long
pants.
Fill gasoline tank before starting engine. Use approved
gasoline container. DO NOT smoke near open gasoline
container. DO NOT fili gasoline tank indoors or when
engine 15 running. Allow engine to cool for at least ten
minutes before refilling. Wipe off any spilled gasoline
before starting engine. DO NOT run engine indoors,
Make sure that traction drive clutch control 18
disengaged before starting engine.
Never attempt to make a cutting height ad]ustment'
while the engine is running.
When mowing over rough ground or in tall grass,
mower must be set at highest cutting position.
Mow only in daylight or I'n good artificlal light.
Never operate mower In tall grass. Always be sure of
your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run!
DO NOT operate mower without the grass bag, side
chute or plug in place.
1.
DO NOT change englne governor settlngs or overspeed /
engine.
DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge area while engine is running.
Stop engine when crossing gravel drives, walks, or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown objects
might be a hazard.
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. |
Stop blade and engine whenever you leave the
operating position behind the handie for any reason,
including clearing grass, emptying grass bag and
making any adjustments, repalrs, or inspections.
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.
Stop engine and walt until the blade comes to complete
stop before removing grass bag and/or clearing grass.
‘Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise
CAUTION when changing directions on slopes. DO NOT
mow steep siopes or other areas where stability or
traction is in doubt.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1.
2.
Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure mower
Is In safe operating condition.
Never store mower with gasoline т tank inside of a
buliding where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure, -
To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease.
Check grass bag assembly frequently for wear or
deterioration. Replace with new bag if loose seams or
tears are evident. Replace slider or bag adapter if
broken or cracked.
Have your mower inspected and serviced each year by
an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine И апу
additional devices are avallable which might upgrade
the safety of your mower.
Factory specified Snapper replacement parts must be
used to assure adequate protection against Injury.
FAMILIARIZATION
BLADE CONTROL
ENGINE
THROTTLE
CONTROL
FOLDING
HANDLE
— START
HANDLE
FUEL TANK
UPPER HANDLE
MID-HANDLE
BLADE CONTROL
' CABLE CLAMP
7 (Bracket)
ENGINE
. MUFFLER
DECK HEIGHT
MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT
RECYCLING
COVER
ENGINE PRIMER
BUTTON (SEE
ENGINE MANUAL)
| FIGURE 1
INTRODUCTION NOMENCLATURE
This manual has been prepared for the operators of the
SNAPPER Series 0, 20" WALK BEHIND MOWERS. lts
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 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS on Page 2 of
this manual and all safety messages on the mower and
engine before operating the machine.
The nomenclature drawing above (Figure 1) shows the
essential parts of the SNAPPER Series 0, 20" WALK
- BEHIND MOWERS. 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
_ inthe separate Engine Owner's Manual. Study these
- Manuals before operating and keep both handy for future
reference.
BEFORE OPERATING:
Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and how to use
them before operating your mower. Know before-
hand how to STOP the engine and mower blade
in preparation for possible emergencies.
STOPPING
e ENGINE: STOP ENGINE by releasing the BLADE
CONTROL. See Figure 2.
e MOWER BLADE: STOP MOWER BLADE by
releasing the BLADE CONTROL.
_ -
BLADE CONTROL
(“OFF” POSITION)
FIGURE 2
— PRE-START CHECK LIST
Make the following checks and perform the service as
required before each startup.
e 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.
e CHECK ENGINE OIL and add oil as needed to bring
level up to (but not over) the full mark. See Figure 3.
OIL LEVEL CHECK
— OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
© ' CHECK BLADE CONTROL to insure it works freely.
CHECK CUTTING HEIGHT. Adjust as required.
CHECK DEFLECTOR or RECYCLING COVER to
- insure that it is tightened securely.
® CHECK FUEL LEVEL in tank after pushing mower
- outdoors where fumes are safely dissipated.
STARTING ENGINE
1. Move the THROTTLE LEVER to the “START”
— position.
2. Pushthe PRIMER BUTTON “IN” 3 times if starting
the engine cold (See Engine Manual).
- 3. Hold the BLADE CONTROL firmiy against the
upper handle. See Figure 4.
HOLD BLADE
CONTROL AGAINST
UPPER HANDLE
PULL ROPE START
HANDLE TO START
ENGINE
FIGURE 4
- Pull the ROPE START HANDLE until the engine
starts. Guide rope slowly back into engine shroud
- to prevent rope breakage which could result if the
rope handle is allowed to snap back. Continue
holding the BLADE CONTROL while moving around
- behind the UPPER HANDLE to the Operator's position.
A warnne A
— Be certain to read Engine Owner's
- Manual before starting engine. Fill
_ fuel tank with clean, fresh unleaded
- gasoline. DO NOT rely on old fuel
- that may have been left in tank.
— OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Positioning the AXLES in the lowest of the four adjust-
- ment positions in the Wheel Brackets raises the Cutting
Deck to the highest cutting height which is about 3". The
top position provides the lowest cut of about 1”. Reposi-
tioning into the next height of cut position changes cutt-
ing height about 3/4ths of an inch. See Figure 5.
FRONT AXLE SHOWN
LOWEST
CUT | —
AXLE
“ BUSHING
HIGHEST
CUT
| CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
FIGURE 5
Readjust cutting height with engine shut off as follows:
To reposition FRONT AXLE, raise 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 proce-
dure on bushing on other side of axle. When reposition-
ing REAR AXLE, lift handles to raise one of the rear
wheels off ground, then change axle position using same .
procedure as used on FRONT AXLE. Repeat same pro-
cedure on other rear wheel. NOTE: Make sure axle
bushings are firmly engaged and in the same height of
cut position in the brackets on both sides of axle.
Never attempt to adjust the mowers cutting
height while the engine is running!
RECYCLING MOWER OPERATION
For best results when recycling, set the cutting height in
the highest blade setting and mow with the ENGINE
THROTTLE LEVER set at fastest speed setting. Push
the mower at a slow ground speed to allow fine chopping
of the clippings or leaves. The grass must be dry. If the
grass is extremely dense, set the front height adjusters
one notch lower than the rear adjusters to raise the front
of the deck. Experiment with deck settings to achieve
best recycling. -
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Your SNAPPER mower requires very little service. How-
ever, 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, only use genuine
SNAPPER Replacement Parts.
By returning your mower to an authorized SNAPPER
Dealer on a yearly basis for inspection and addition of any
new devices to upgrade your mower, the reliability of the
unit's functions will be assured.
Check the yellow pages under LAWN MOWERS for the
nearest SNAPPER Dealer. Always mention the model
and serial number of your mower when contacting the
dealer for information, parts, or service.
LUBRICATION
FIRST 5§ HOURS (NEW UNIT)
e ENGINE: Change oil in crankcase. Refer to Engine
Owner’s Manual and Changing Engine Oil Instructions
as follows:
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Drain gasoline from tank.
3. Tilt mower onto its LEFT side and remove the
OIL PLUG as shown in Figure 6.
REMOVE
OIL PLUG
S —
- FIGURE 6
SERVICE
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 badiy chipped, bent, out of balance, or
as soon as notch starts wearing in the tip between the
flat surface and upturned lift as depicted in Figure 7.
This type wear pattern occurs more rapidiy under sandy
soul condition.
” B- WEAR LIMIT:
CUTTING EDGE
WORN
C- DANGEROUS CONDITION;
DO NOT USE ON MOWER!
FIGURE 7
A DANGER A
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.
Sharpen Blade when the cutting edges become dull if
the blade is in otherwise good condition. When dull,
the grass cut ends wilt be ragged and usually turn
brown soon after mowing. For best results, remove the
blade and sharpen it on a grinding wheel at an angle of
22 to 28 degrees. The cutting surface should extend in
about 4 1/4" from the tips Check the blade after sharpen-
ing to determine that it is still balanced. It will cause ex-
cessive vibration if unbalanced. See Figure 8
X PLUS OR MINUS |
3 DEGREES
FIGURE 8
A CAUTION A}
Avoid cutting yourself on cutting blade!
Protect your hands from cuts while
handling blade.
Hemstall sharpened blade and components as shown in
- Figure S.
BLADE HUB
(ON ENGINE)
END VIEW
_:/BLADE >
й | |
/ CONE
@ WASHER
SPECIAL
- RETAINING
/ CAPSCREW
FIGURE 9
Tighten the special Blade Retaining Capscrew to 30
FOOT POUNDS TORQUE.
STORAGE PROCEDURE
Refer to the Engine Manual for directions regarding engine
storage preparations.
Prepare the mower for “end of season” storage as follows:
1. Remove fuel from fuel tank. Run engine until
- carburetor bowl is empty.
A CAUTION À
Disconnect the spark plug wire before any
other preparations are made!
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.
SERVICE
5. Drain oil and refill with new oil.
6. Change air filter.
7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,
protected from weather.
, UPPER HANDLE
—
BLADE CONTROL
LOWER
HANDLES
FIGURE 10
NOTE!
Handles may be folded for storage. To
fold handles, loosen ail four (4) knobs, _
push lower handles forward over mower, _
then pull upper handle back over mower.
Use care not to “kink” the Blade Control
Cable. See Figure 10.
.Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
SNAPPER
20” WALK BEHIND. MOWERS SERIES O Models: R20500 & NR20500
SNAPPER WALK BEHIND MOWER ACCESSORIES
PART NO. DESCRIPTION MODELS USED ON
6-1410_. … GRASS CATCHER (w/Adapter) (Kwik-N-Ezy) 19" SERIES 5, 7, 9 & 20" SERIES 0
6-0422. GRASS CATCHER (Slider Door) 19" SERIES 0, 1
6-0738. — — GRASS CATCHER (Kwik-N-Ezy) ' 19" SERIES 0, 1
6-1166. GRASS CATCHER (Kwik-N-Ezy) _ 19” (OPP Models Only!)
6-1029 _ … RECYCLING/MULCHING KIT (Cover) __ 19" & 20" MODELS
6-1033__ RECYCLING/MULCHING KIT (Plug) 19” & 20" MODELS
6-0450. — SNAPPERIZER KIT ___19” & 20" MODELS
6-0956 __ SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE KIT _ 19” & 20" MODELS
6-1152_. … CROSS BAR KIT (Grass Catcher) 19” (OPP Models Only!)
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SNAPPER.
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For two (2) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use, SNAPPER,
through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon examination by the factory
at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
For ninety (90) days from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial, rental, or other non-residential
use, SNAPPER, through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon :
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting materiai to a SNAPPER dealer for replacement
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply 10 engines and their components, or, Peerlesse Transaxles, as these items are
warranted separately by their manufacturers. This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by
accident, alteration, abuse, improper lubrication, normal wear, or other cause beyond our control.
There is no other express warranty.
Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two (2)
years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use [ninety (90) days from
purchase for the original purchaser's commercial, rental or other non-residential use], and to the extent permitted
by law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for consequential
damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
ARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY IMPAIR
THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY
SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:
SNAPPER, McDONOUGH, GEORGIA 30253
EXTEEEEERNEREE NEE ENEN ENEN EENR EN EEENEREEEE
s…P P ER@McDonough. GA., 30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL No. 2-8483 (I.R. 11/94) / Printed in U.S.A.
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