Briggs & Stratton SNAPPER 5900731 User manual

Not for
Reproduction
Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
15101454
Rev: K
Additional information concerning functional tests,
general adjustment procedures, and the location
of normal lubrication points are included in these
instructions.
Although all required lubrication and normal adjustments on
factory-assembled components are done at the factory, this
additional information is provided to assist you in ensuring that
each unit is delivered to the customer in proper working order.
Dealer Setup & Adjustment Instructions
Quick Setup List
Sections and items denoted by the Setup symbol
provide the information necessary to fully assemble,
test, and prepare the units described above for
delivery to your customers.
A Quick Setup List is provided on page 2 of this booklet
to help you identify and check that the items have been
performed.
ATTENTION SETUP PERSONNEL:
The safety warnings provided in this guide and
in the operator’s manual included with the unit
contain important information that must be obeyed
when assembling, setting-up, operating, servicing,
transporting, or storing the unit.
These warnings are highlighted by the safety alert triangle
symbol shown above, which signifies that an important safety
message is being provided.
You must read, understand, and follow these warnings and
instructions, and use safe shop and work practices at all
times while working on or around this unit and all other
outdoor power equipment.
Page Setup
Procedure Steps to Perform
2Uncrating
Remove crate & banding.
Disengage transmission release levers
Release parking brake and roll tractor
forward off skid.
Engage transmission release levers.
2Connect Battery
Connect battery.
3Unit Assembly
Assemble the ground speed control
levers.
Assemble the seat.
4Check Fluid Levels
Check tire pressures.
Check engine oil level.
Check hydraulic oil level.
5Check the Mower Assembly
Check the mower blade mounting bolt
torque.
Check & Adjust deck lift rod timing.
Check & level the mower deck.
Check deck drive belt.
Page Setup
Procedure Steps to Perform
9Lubrication & Fuel Preparation
Add fuel.
Lubricate & grease all points.
Start the engine.
10 SAFETY CHECKS
Check for LOOSE HARDWARE.
Check all OPERATOR CONTROLS.
Perform SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
CHECK.
Register Product
To register the product: log onto
www.thepowerportal.com, select
the appropriate brand, click “My
Resources,” then select the “Product
Registration and Rebate” icon and
then the “New Product Registration /
Rebate” tab. Fill out and submit the
online product registration form.
Products covered by this manual:
5900731 (500ZB2648), 5900532 (500ZB2748), 5900528 (400ZB2748), 5900506 (ZT3500B2448), 5900521 (ZT3500B2748), 5900503
(2900B2748), 5900529 (2900B2748), 5901253 (400ZB2748 ANSI-EXP), 5901274 (ZT3500B2548), 5901275 (400ZB2548), 5901276 (2900B2548),
5901277 (2900B2548 ANSI-EXP), 5901407 (ZT, 48”, 25, MF, 2900, 49ST, DOM), 5901408 (ZT, 48”, 25, SMI, ZT3500, 49ST, DOM), 5901409 (ZT,
48”, 25, SNP, 400Z, 49ST, DOM), 5901406 (ZT, 48”, 21.5, SNP, 400Z, 49ST, DOM)

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
2
Left side
shown.
A
B
C
1
2
3D
A
B
C
Uncrating
1. Pull both transmission release levers (A, Figure 1)
back and then down to lock the transmission release
levers in the disengaged (free-wheel) position. (B)
2. Push down the parking brake lever (C) to release the
parking brake.
3. After ensuring there are no nails or sharp objects on
the bottom skid to puncture the unit’s tires, roll the
unit forward off the bottom skid.
4. After moving the tractor, re-engage the transmissions
by pulling the transmissions release levers up and
forward to the engaged (drive) position (D).
Connect Battery
1. Connect the red positive battery cable (A, Figure 2)
to the positive battery post. Make sure that the cable
boot completely covers the positive terminal, so that
the terminal cannot cover the insulator pad (B).
2. Connect the black negative battery cable (C) to the
negative battery post.
WARNING
BATTERY SAFETY RULES
• Battery acid causes severe burns. Avoid contact
with skin.
• Wear eye protection while handling the battery.
• To avoid an explosion, keep flames and sparks
away from the battery, especially while charging.
• When installing the battery cables,
CONNECT THE POSITIVE (+) CABLE FIRST and
the negative (-) cable last. If not done in this
order, the positive terminal can be shorted to the
frame by a tool.
Figure 1 - Uncrating the Mower
Figure 2 - Connect the Battery

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
3
Unit Assembly
Install Ground Speed Control Levers
There is a LEFT-HAND (A, Figure 3) and a RIGHT-
HAND control lever (B). When assembled to the base,
the lever base should be pointing towards the front as
shown in Figure 3.
1. Install the ground speed control levers onto the
control lever base (C) using the 5/16-18 x 3/4” bolts,
5/16” lock washers and 5/16” flat washers (D, E & F).
Prior to tightening the bolts, align the handles with
each other.
A
B
C
D
E
CF
B
Figure 3 - Install Ground Speed Control Levers
Ground Speed Control Lever Adjustment
The ground speed control levers can be adjusted in three
ways. The alignment of the control levers, the height of
the levers, and the placement of the levers (how close
the ends are to one another) can be adjusted.
HANDLE ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen the mounting hardware (D, E & F) and pivot
the ground speed control lever(s) (A & B) forward or
back to align with one another.
2. Once alignment is achieved, re-tighten the mounting
hardware.
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
1. Remove the mounting hardware.
2. Reposition the ground speed control lever either up
or down from its original position and reinstall the
mounting hardware.
3. Perform the Handle Height Adjustment procedure.
HANDLE PLACEMENT ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen the placement bolt jam nut (A, Figure 4).
2. Turn the handle placement bolt (B) in or out to adjust
the amount of distance between the end of the
ground speed control levers.
A
Figure 4 - Handle Placement Adjustment
Install the Seat
There are two sets of holes in the seat mount plate (A,
Figure 5) for mounting the seat to the unit. Use the
forward holes for shorter operators or the aft holes for
taller operators.
1. Install the seat onto the seat mount plate and secure
with the 5/16-18 nylock flange nuts (B).
2. Connect the wire harness (C) to the seat switch (D)
that is located in the bottom of the seat.
B
B
D
A
C
Figure 5 - Install the Seat

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
4
Check Fluid Levels
Check the Engine Oil Level
1. Use the engine oil dipstick (A, Figure 8) to check the
engine oil level. If necessary add engine oil. Check
the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the oil
recommendations.
A
C
B
Tire Pressure
Front 25 psi (1,72 bar)
Rear 15 psi (1,03 bar)
SEAT POSITION ADJUSTMENT
In addition to the two sets of holes in the seat mount
plate, the seat can also be adjusted forward or back
using the seat adjustment lever (A, Figure 6) on the
seat.
To adjust the seat:
Move the seat adjustment lever twoards the left, position
the seat as desired, and release the seat adjustment
lever to lock the seat into position.
A
Check / Fill Transmission Oil
Oil Type: 20W-50 conventional detergent motor oil
1. Check the oil level when the unit is cold. Raise the
seat plate to gain access to the transmission oil
reservoirs (B, Figure 8). The oil should be up to the
“FULL COLD” mark (C). If the oil is below this level,
proceed to step 2.
2. Before removing the reservoir cap, make sure
the area around the reservoir cap and fill neck of
the reservoir is free of dust, dirt and other debris.
Remove the transmission oil caps.
3. Add oil up to the “FULL COLD” mark.
4. Reinstall the reservoir cap.
Figure 8 - Check Fluid Levels
Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure should be checked periodically, and
maintained at the levels shown in the chart (Figure 7).
Note that these pressures may differ slightly from the
“Max Inflation” stamped on the side-wall of the tires. The
pressures shown provide proper traction, improve the cut
quality, and extend the tire life.
Figure 6 - Seat Position Adjustment
Figure 7 - Check Tire Pressure

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
5
1
2
DA
B
Check the
Mower Assembly
Check Mower Blade Mounting Bolt Torque
1. Park the machine on a flat, level surface and engage
the parking brake.
2. Lock the deck lift pedal in the 4-1/2” (11,47 cm)
position.
3. Check that blades are installed with the tabs pointing
up (D, Figure 9) toward the deck as shown in Figure
9.
4. Check that the blade mounting bolts (A) are torqued
to 70 ft.lbs. (94 N.m.). Tighten the blade mounting
bolts if necessary. A 4 X 4 wooden block (D) placed
between the mower deck housing and the blade will
prevent the blade from turning while you tigthen the
blade mounting bolts.
WARNING
Mower blades are sharp. For your personal
safety, do not handle mower blades with bare
hands. Careless or improper handling of blades
may result in serious injury. Blade mounting
bolts must each be installed with a flat washer
then securely tightened. Torque blade mounting
bolts to 70 ft.lbs. (94 N.m.)
Figure 9 - Check Mower Blade Mounting Bolt Torque
Check Deck Lift Rod Timing
1. Park the machine on a flat level surface. Disengage
the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking
brake. Check tires for proper inflation. See Check
Tire Pressure.
2. To check the deck lift rod timing, measure and record
the distance between the lift pivots
and the rod pivots.
Figure 10 - Check Deck Lift Rod Timing
Repeat the process for the other side of the machine.
2. If the measurements for the rods are equal, no further
adjustment is required. If the measurements are
NOT equal (greater than 1/8” (3,17 mm) difference),
adjustment is required, perform Deck Lift Rod
Timing Adjustment.
Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment
1. Lock the deck lift pedal in the 4-1/5” (11,47 cm)
position. Remove the cutting height adjustment pin
and lower the mower deck.
2. To ensure that the deck is in the lowest position,
push the pedal by hand towards the rear of the
machine and install the height adjustment pin in the
3” (7,6 cm) position to hold in place.
3. Block up the mower deck until all hanger chains are
slack.

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
6
A
B
C
D
B
C
D
Figure 13 - Hanger Chain Adjustment
Figure 12 - 2 x 4 Locations
4. Loosen the jam nut (A, Figure 11) on the clevis.
5. Remove the clevis pin (B) and cotter pin (C) that
fasten the clevis (D) to the lift pivot arm.
6. Turn the clevis clockwise to shorten the distance
between the rod pivots or
counter-clockwise to lengthen the distance between
the rod pivots.
7. Reinstall the clevis on the lift pivot arm and secure
with 1/2” clevis pin and cotter pin.
8. Retighten the jam nut against the clevis.
9. Remove the blocks from under the mower deck.
10.Remove the cutting height adjustment pin from
in front of the deck lift pedal arm. Lift the mower
deck and reinstall the adjustment pin in the desired
mowing height.
Figure 11 - Deck Lift Rod Timing Adjustment
Deck Leveling Adjustment
Before adjusting the deck level, the deck lift rod timing
must be checked and/or adjusted.
1. Park the machine on a flat, level surface. Disengage
the PTO, stop the engine and engage the parking
brake. Check tires for proper inflation.
2. Lock the deck lift pedal in the 4-1/2” (11,47 cm)
position. Place the deck height adjustment pin in the
4” position and lower the deck lift pedal until the arm
contacts the pin.
3. Place the 2 x 4 blocks under each corner of the
mower deck with the 3-1/2” sides being vertical.
Place a 1/4” (0,64 cm) thick spacer on top of the rear
2 x 4’s. See Figure 12.
4. Adjust the front eyebolts until the chains are tight and
the deck is still resting on the 2 x 4’s. Tighten the
jam nuts. See Figure 13.
5. Loosen the nuts and allow the rear of the deck to
rest on the 2 x 4’s and 1/4” spacers. Slide the chains
down in the slots until the chains are tight and tighten
the nuts. See Figure 13.
6. Remove all the 2 x 4’s and spacers from under the
mower deck.

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
7
WARNING
Use extreme caution when rotating the idler arm
with the breaker bar, due to the increased tension
in the spring as the idler arm is being rotated.
Injury may result if the breaker bar is prematurely
released while the spring is under tension.
Figure 16 - Re-seating the Deck Drive Belt
Figure 15 - Deck Drive Belt Routing
A
7. For your safety, DO NOT handle mower blades
with bare hands. Position the outside mower blades
so that they face front-to-back. See Figure 14.
8. Measure from the front tip of the blade from the
cutting edge to the ground.
Measure from the rear tip of the blade from the
cutting edge to the ground. Repeat this process for
the other side of the machine.
The front measurements should be 4” (10,2 cm), the
back measurements should be 4-1/4” (10,8 cm). If
the measurements are greater than 1/8” (3,17 mm) of
what they should be adjust the deck height until they
are correct.
A
AA
Figure 14 - Measuring the Blade Height
Check Deck Drive Belt
1. Lower the mower deck to its lowest cutting position.
2. Remove the mower deck guards.
3. Make sure the V-side of the belt runs in the pulley
grooves. See Figure 15.
4. If the belt is not properly seated, use a 1/2” breaker
bar, and place the square end in the square hole
located in the end of the idler arm (A, Figure 16).
Carefully rotate the breaker bar CLOCKWISE, which
will relieve the tension on the belt exerted from the
idler arm.
5. Re-seat belt and carefully release the tension on the
breaker bar.
6. Reinstall the mower deck guards.

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
8
CHECK THE MOWER BELT IDLER TENSIONER SPRING
LENGTH
1. Park the machine on a smooth level surface such
as a concrete floor. Disengage the PTO, engage the
parking brake, turn off the engine and remove the
ignition key.
2. Lower the mower deck to its lowest cutting position.
3. Measure the coil length of the mower belt tensioner
spring (A, Figure 17). The measurement should
equal 7” (17,8 cm). If the measurement does not
equal 7” (17,8 cm), adjust the anchor eyebolt (B).
ADJUSTING THE MOWER BELT IDLER SPRING LENGTH
1. Loosen the jam nut (C).
2. Turn the adjustment nut (D) until a measurement of
7” (17,8 cm) is achieved.
3. Retighten the jam nut.
7”
(17,8 cm)
DC
B
A
Figure 17 - Adjusting the Mower Belt Idler Spring
Length
Adding Fuel
To add fuel:
1. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 18).
2. Fill the tank to about 1-1/2” (3,81 cm) of the bottom of
the filler neck. This will allow for fuel expansion.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Refer to your engine manual for
specific fuel recommendations.
3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
Figure 18 - Adding Fuel
A. Fuel Cap
A

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
9
Lubrication
Lubricate the unit at the locations shown below as well
as the following lubrication points.
Grease (A, Figure 19):
• front caster wheel axles and yokes
• deck lift pivot blocks
• Mower deck spindles
• mower deck idler arm
Use grease fittings when present. Disassemble parts to
apply grease to moving parts when grease fittings are
not installed.
Not all greases are compatible. Red grease (p/n
5022285) is recommended, automotive-type high-
temperature, lithium grease may be when this is not
available.
Oil (B):
• control handle pivots
• seat plate pivots
• deck lift pivots
• discharge chute hinge
Generally, all the moving metal parts should be oiled
where contact is made with other parts. Keep oil
and grease off belts and pulleys. Remember to wipe
the fittings and surfaces clean both before and after
lubrication.
Lubricating the Front Casters:
Interval: Annually.
1. Remove the 1/4-28 bolt (C) screwed into the front
caster and install a 1/4-28 grease fitting.
2. Grease the front caster.
3. Remove the 1/4-28 grease fitting and reinstall the
1/4-28 bolt.
4. Repeat the process for the other side of the machine.
Key
Figure 19 - Lubrication

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Zero-Turn Riding Mower - 48” Mower Deck
10
Starting
the Engine
1. While sitting the operator’s seat, engage the parking
brake and make sure the PTO switch is disengaged
and the ground speed control levers are locked in the
NEUTRAL position.
2. Set the engine throttle control to FULL throttle
position. Then fully close the choke by pulling the
knob OUT fully.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to
START.
4. After the engine starts, gradually open the choke
(push knob down fully). Reduce to half throttle speed
and allow to warm up.
Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO switch or driving the rider.
5. After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the unit
at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.
SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEM
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches.
These safety systems are present for your safety, do
not attempt to bypass the safety switches, and never
tamper with the safety devices. Check their operation
regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:
• PTO switch is engaged, OR
• Parking brake is not engaged, OR
• Ground speed control levers are not in the
NEUTRAL position.
Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank if:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged, AND
• Parking brake is engaged, AND
• Ground speed control levers are locked in the
NEUTRAL position.
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged, OR
• Operator rises off seat with parking brake
disengaged.
• Operator moves ground speed control levers out of
their neutral positions before disengaging parking
brake.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and the mower drive belt should come to
a complete stop within five (5) seconds after the electric
PTO switch is turned off (or the operator rises off seat).
If the mower drive belt does not stop within five (5)
seconds, see your dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, PTO switch must
be turned off, parking brake must be engaged, and
the ground speed control levers must be locked in the
NEUTRAL position after the operator returns to the seat
in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.
Perform
the Safety Checks
Functional Tests
1. Check the tractor for loose bolts, screws, nuts, etc.
2. Start the engine and check all the controls for proper
operation: ground speed control levers, parking
brake, throttle cable, electric PTO clutch, etc.
3. Stop the engine and check for fluid leaks: oil, fuel and
hydraulic oil.
4. If any control fails to operate properly during testing
or seems to be out of adjustment, check and
readjust it according to the following Adjustments
Procedures section.
5. Perform the operational safety checks as detailed in
the Safety Interlock Section.
WARNING
Disengage the PTO, stop the engine, set the parking
brake, and wait for moving parts to stop before
leaving operator’s position for any reason.
If the tractor does not pass the test, do not
operate tractor. Under no circumstance should
you attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety
system.