Safety Instructions &
Operator's Manual for
SNAPPER
— LIGHT WEIGHT —
HI-VAC -- SERIES 9
DLW359T
DLW409R-2
LW359T2
LW359T
RLW359T
WALK
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!
This manual covers SNAPPER "LIGHT WEIGHT" HI-VAC SERIES 9 (last numeral in the five digit model
designation) walk behind mowers. A letter "D" prefix designates side discharge models. Models with an "R"
prefix are recycling mowers. "LW" identifies "LIGHT WEIGHT" models. The "T" suffix identifies Tecumseh
engines; a -2 denotes a 2-cycle engine. Differences are pointed out wherever pertinent, throughout the manual.
. SNAPPER POWER EQUIPMENT E/T [rudua
I” ; — McDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A. ME
… #2-2663 (Rev. 1, 2/92) … — В | a Le oo ae cs
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 the 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
judgement. If you have any questions pertaining to your mower which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfac-
tion, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER POWER EQUIPMENT, McDonough, Georgia
30253 (Phone 404-957-9141).
TRAINING
1. Read this manual carefully and question your
dealer if something is not clear. Should the dealer be
unavailable 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.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when mower is
operated. | -
3. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
mower.
4. Allow only responsible teenagers with mature
judgement to operate mower and only under close
supervision.
5. 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 ques-
tionable, they must be repaired or replaced before
using the mower.
2. 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 gasoline tank before starting engine. Use ap- |
proved gasoline container. Do not smoke near open
gasoline container. Do not fill gasoline tank indoors
or when engine is 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. | |
5. Never attempt to make a cutting height adjust-
ment while the engine is running.
6. When mowing over rough ground or in tall grass,
mower must be set in 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. | |
à
$
Ë
"19. Do not operate mower without the grass bagand “1”
7 tadapter or the side discharge chute in place. 4-2
OPERATION |
1. Do not change engine governor settings or
overspeed engine.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge area while engine is
running. |
3. Stop engine when crossing gravel drives, walks or
roads, and under any conditions where thrown ob-
jects might be a hazard.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make
certain blade and ail moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away from
plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. Stop engine and wait until the blade comes to
complete stop before removing the grass bag and /or
clearing grass.
8. Mow across slopes, never up-and-down. Exercise
~ caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not
mow steep slopes or other area where stability or
. traction is in doubt.
- MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
mower is in safe operating condition.
2. Never store mower with gasoline in the tank inside
of a building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
3. To reduce fire hazard keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or excessive grease.
4. Gheck grass catcher 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.
5. Have your mower inspected and serviced each
‚ year by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if
any additional devices are available which might
I
|
upgrade the safety of your mower.
6. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts
must be used to assure adequate protection against
injury.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
BLADE CONTROL” =
RELEASE TO STOP ENGINE —
HOLD AGAINST HANDLE TO
OPERATE ENGINE
FIG. 1-- LOCATION OF BLADE CONTROL
AIR CLEANER
FIG. 2 -- LOCATION OF ENGINE CONTROLS
==
FIG. 3 -- STARTING STANCE (LEFT SIDE)
eB, WLIO DenRA O NAM era ATT aOR rn ri. nse rm er
-3
— PRESTART CHECKS |
Make the following checks and perform the stated
services as required before each start-up.
CHECK to make sure all guards, grass bag and
adapter or side discharge chute are in proper place
and securely tightened.
CHECK external surfaces of mower and engine and
remove any accumulation of dust, dirt, dried grass
clippings, etc. Keep space between finned area of
cylinder head and top of cutting deck clear and |
clean at all times.
CHECK oil level in engine (if 4 cycle) and add oil of
weight and grade specified in engine manual to
bring level up to full.
CHECK cutting height and readjust to desired height
before starting. Refer to CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUST-
- MENT on page 4 for procedure.
FILL fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline after
pushing mower outdoors where fumes can be safety
dissipated. On model with 2 cycle engine, mix oil in
proper ratio to gasoline before filling.
“OPERATING PROCEDURE
For easier starting, move mower to an area where
grass is short enough not to interfere with rotation
of cutting blade. Before starting, (especially for the
first time) know how to stop the engine quickly in the
event of emergency. To stop the engine, release the
BLADE CONTROL. NOTE: Your mower is equipped
with an interlock to prevent starting if the grass bag -
adapter or side discharge chute is not properly in-
stalled on the mower - check this if engine will not
start.
STARTING & STOPPING: Release BLADE CONTROL
to stop engine. Use the following procedure to start the
engine. The 2-cycle & 4-cycle engine has a primer
button --refer to the engine owners manual for priming
instructions for these models. Refer to figure 3 for
starting stance.
"For units equipped with WISCONSIN ROBIN engines,
refer to accompanying “Starting/Operating" instructions.
1. Move Engine Control toward HI on 4 cycle models or
toward FAST on 2 cycle models (See figure 2).
2. Hold BLADE CONTROL against handle, place LEFT -
foot on tire with toe forward and bend at waist to reach
starter rope with your LEFT hand. The RIGHT foot &
RIGHT hand combination can also be used.
3, Keep a firm grip on the handle and push foot
against tire to prevent mower from rolling backward,
pull rope as you straighten up to use your back more ı
than your arm.
4. Repeat pulling rope until engine starts, guide rope
slowly back to the engine and, holding blade control,
move behind handle.
_ 9. Push mower at a ground speed that is comfortable
——-. but slow enough to allow even cutting. To STOP,
‚release BLADE CONTROL!
SET LEVEL
(9) 1(2FRONT TO REAR} ©)
i
—_—
FIG. 4 -- MOWER DECK SETTING
WARNING: To prevent injury, always STOP ENGINE
by releasing the BLADE CONTROL before changing
cutting height.
FIG. 6--INSTALLING GRASS CATCHER
- 4 -
OPERATION (continued)
MOWING HINTS: The cutting deck should be level.
As a general rule, never cut more than 1/3 off the
height of the grass. If you want the grass shorter,
wait a few days then recut to the lower height. If cut
too. short, the grass will use more energy for
development of new leaf structure and less for a
healthy root system and will be more subject to bur-
ning. On the other hand, if allowed to grow too long,
the lower portion will be shaded and, as a result will
discolor. In dry periods, allow the grass to grow
longer than you normally would. Change your mow-
ing pattern from time to time for a smoother cut
lawn.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Positioning the axles in the lowest of the four adjust-
ment positions in the wheel brackets raises the cut-
‘ting deck to the highest cutting height which is
about 3”. The top position provides the lowest cut of
about 1”. Repositioning into the next height of cut
position changes cutting height about 2/3rds of an
inch. | - |
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 un-
til it clears the bracket, move to the desired height of
cut position and release the bushing. Repeat pro-
cedure on bushing on other side of axle. When
repositioning 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 procedure 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. |
RECYCLING MOWER OPERATION
For best results when recycling, set the cutting height in
the «highest blade setting; and mow with the engine
~ speed control in fastest speed setting. Operate the
‘mower at the slowest 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.
WARNING: DO NOT operate mower without the
recycling cover installed on the mower deck! If the
cover is removed for side discharging or bagging,
always install the proper side discharge chute or
bag adapter and grass bag. The special blade provid-
ed on the recycling models does not have to be
replaced for side discharging or bagging grass.
GRASS CATCHER
To install the grass catcher on the mower, slide the
connector down over the adapter flange then lower
the support frame hooks onto the middle handle (see
figure 6). When the catcher becomes full, stop
engine and lift the support hooks up over the handle
then lift the connector off and continue lifting while
moving the catcher forward until the bag clears the
mower (see figure 7). To empty the bag, raise the
connector end up and release the handle of the door
flap. Shake the catcher back and forth to dump the
(continued on page 5)
chute in place. |
EMPTY INTO TRASH BAG: Use the following pro-
OPERATION
- GRASS CATCHER (continued)
clippings. If the bag is too heavy to lift between
handles, lower it to ground. If your mower does not
have the grass catcher bag, it is available in kit form.
Refer to the accessory section on the last page of
this manual.
WARNING: To prevent injury, never operate mower
without grass bag and adapter or the side discharge
cedure to empty clippings into trash bag. After remov-
ing catcher from mower, place connector end on
ground, open door flap, slip trash bag over the cat-
cher, turn catcher over so that large opening is down *
inside bag, lift catcher by connector and door
handles and shake until clippings are dumped in the
trash bag. |
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Handle height is adjustable to any point within a
range of about five inches to provide the most com-
fortable position for you. With the engine stopped,
set the cutting height in the position which you an-
ticipate using during most of your mowing. Loosen
the upper nut on each side, which secures the middle
handle to the wheel brackets, then move the handle
to desired position and securely tighten the two nuts.
ADAPTER-SIDE CHUTE CHANGES
When changing from bagging to side discharge,
remove the three locknuts and washers securing
adapter to deck, pry the rear lower edge of the
adapter away from the deck unit clear then remove
adapter. Guide side chute into position over bolt on
side of deck then over bolt extending from top of
deck ensuring side chute slides under and lifts the
interlock. Secure with two locknuts. Reverse pro-
cedure to remove side chute. To install adapter,
guide adapter over stud on the rear side of deck,
push adapter in from side over stud on top of the
deck, then downward until adapter snaps into place
over front side stud. NOTE: Flange of adapter must
slide between interlock spring and deck to lift interlock “
contact point off deck (See figure 9). Secure with three
locknuts and washers.
STORAGE PROCEDURE |
Take the following steps to prepare your mower for
storage at the end of the mowing season. Refer to the
engine manual for directions for preserving the engine.
‚ With the spark plug wire disconnected from plug and the
mower laying on the RIGHT wheels, thoroughly clean
underside of deck. Scrape away accumulations of grass
with putty knife and/or wire brush first, then wash down
with water from a hose. CAUTION: Avoid spraying water
into exhaust or air intake of engine while washing deck - .
tape openings closed to prevent this. Clean external
~ surfaces of mower and allow to dry, then lubricate all
exposed metal surfaces with a light coat of oil to prevent =
corrosion. Make sure grass bag is completely emptied to
prevent decay and formation of mold inside the bag = |
while in storage. The grass bag may be washed in
detergent but allow it to dry thoroughly after washing.
Store mower during off season in storage shed or dry .
area protected from weather.
SA CTR ERREGER NOAA AMAT eae iain
7 UPPER NUT
CARRIAGE BOLT
7
FIG. 8 - HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
a
FIG. 9-- INTERLOCK DETAIL
AER
SERVICE
The mower itself requires very little service, however, it is very important that the engine be serviced at the intervals
specified in the engine manual furnished with your mower. When performing any service on the mower, always
disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent unintentional starting. When tipping the mower to work on
the underside, always tilt to the left side to prevent flooding the engine with gasoline or oil which would cause hard
SERVICE ASSISTANCE-REPLACEMENT PARTS
starting after servicing. NOTE: If engine will not start, check bag adapter or side chute to determine that either item is
positioned on mower. Ce . | ‘ |
To maintain the original quality of your mower, use
Genuine SNAPPER Replacement Parts only. To ob- — |
tain the correct part for your particular mower,
always specify model and serial number as found on O
name plate. Contact your SNAPPER Dealer for parts (A) NEW BLADE
and service assistance. We recommend returning
your mower to an authouized SNAPPER Dealer once
each year for inspection and addition of any new
devices which might upgrade the safety of your
mower. For the nearest SNAPPER Dealer, check the
Yellow Pages of your telephone directory under the
heading LAWN MOWERS. For engine parts or ser-
vice, check for the engine dealer under the heading
ENGINES-- gasoline.
DECK SERVICE
To prolong the life and efficiency of your mower,
keep the underside of deck clean and free of ac-
cumulated grass clippings by washing it down with
a hose and/or scraping with a wire brush and
scraper. Make sure this is done at the end of the cut-
ting season before placing the mower in storage.
a
O WEAR LIMIT
NOTCH
STARTS
CUTTING BLADE SERVICE N
CAUTION: Before checking or doing any work on the
blade, disconnect the spark plug wire and secure it TSS
away from the plug to prevent unintentional starting. DANGEROUS
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 FIG. 10 - BLADE WEAR PATTERNS
between the flat surface and upturned lift as |
depicted in View B, Figure 10. This type wear pattern
occurs more rapidly under sandy soil conditions.
CAUTION: Never operate the mower with blade worn
to the extent shown in View C as the tip could fly off
causing peronal injury or property damage.
SHARPEN blade when the cutting edges become -+——BLADE HUB
dull if the blade is in otherwise good condition. (ON ENGINE)
When dull .the grass cut ends will be ragged and ==
the tips. Check the blade after sharpening to deter-
usually turn brown soon after mowing. For best , BLADE
results, remove the blade and sharpen it on a grin- ed |
ding wheel at an angle of 22 to 28 degrees. The cut- | ЗЕ
ting surface should extend inward about 2% ” from S -
mine that it is still balanced. It will cause excessive
vabration if unbalanced. BE CAREFUL TO AVOID FLANGE
CUTTING YOURSELF ON SHARP BLADE! cone
INSTALL sharpened or replacement blade with com- WASHER
ponents in same sequence as removed. The widest Da
part of the cone washer goes next to the underside SPECIAL RETAINING
of blade. Make sure the blade flanges fit over the CAPSCREW
edges of the blade drive hub when installing. Do not
substitute any components here. Tighten the blade
retaining capscrew to 20-30 foot pounds torque
valve. o FIG. 11--BLADE RETENTION DETAIL
%
VA nessun
FOLDING HANDLES _ OTHER
The handles of your mower may be folded for:
storage or for transporting in a confined space (such
as the trunk of your car). To fold, loosen the two up- | | ®
per knobs which secure the upper handle to the mid- „©
dle handle. Flex both handle "legs” OUTWARD and PRODUCTS Co.
then swing the upper handle forward. Next, loosen
the two lower knobs which secure the middle handle
to both rear wheel brackets. Flex both lower handle
"legs” outward and pivot the handle forward over
the engine and mower.
CAUTION: Be Careful DO NOT "kink' cable” on
models so equipped when folding handles.
NOTE: The grass bag and adaptor, on mowers so р
equipped, DO NOT have to be removed to fold #7
handles. Side chutes do not interfere with the *
folding process. ;
HUBCAP REMOVAL/INSTALLATION-
ON PLASTIC WHEEL
To remove the hubcap, slip a small flat blade
screwdriver under the hubcap lip and gently pry the
hubcap from the wheel hub.
Reinstall the hubcap by aligning the four ribs with the
corresponding notches in the wheel hub and then press
the hubcap into place. |
SERVICE NOTES
It's A Snap With A Snapper.
POPULAR ACCESSORIES
available. from your SNAPPER Dealer.
ging with the grass catcher.
RECYCLING KIT: Converts mower into effective
recycling mower to cut and chop the grass before
blowing clippings directly into the lawn as nutritive
RECYCLING mulch.
GRASS CATCHER BAG KIT: If your mower is equip-
_ ped with side discharge chute, it can be converted
for bagging operation whenever desired with a grass
ED bag kit.
ZE CD) SIDE CHUTE KIT: If your mower is equipped with the
Ai Ne HiT "NL КИА" grass catcher, it can be quickly converted to side
discharge with a side chute kit to broadcast clipp-
ings and eliminate bagging whenever desired, and
to quickly convert back to bagging operation.
MANUFACTURER'S 2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For two (2) Years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use
[ninety (90) days from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial, rental, or other non-
residential use], SNAPPER POWER EQUIPMENT, 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 cost incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer for
replacement under this warranty must be borne by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to engines and their components, as these items are warranted
separately by their manufacturers, and does not apply to batteries which are covered separately.
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 ex-
clusion 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. | |
WARNING: 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 POWER EQUIPMENT, McDONOUGH, GEORGIA 30253
_ #2-2663 (Rev. 1, 2/92). …
Ё
Depending on how your mower is originally equip- ~~
ped, it can be converted to perform other lawn care
duties with the kits described below. These kits are |
SNAPPERIZER KIT: Converts mower into an outdoor
vacuum and shredder to broadcast shredded clipp-
ings and leaves with side discharge chute or for bag-
—. SNAPPER Printed In USA.
">
