McDonough Power Equipment 265X User manual

Operator's Manual
THANK YOU FOR BUYING A SNAPPER PRODUCT!
We have designed and built this machine with utmost care, and it is intended
to give you long and satisfactory service.
Any mechanical device can be potentially dangerous if not used properly. No
accident prevention program can be successful without the wholehearted co¬
operation of the person who is directly responsible for the operation of the equip¬
ment. Study this operator's manual to learn the operation of the controls and
observe all safety precautions. Only use this machine for the purpose it is intend¬
ed. By following these instructions and safety precautions you should enjoy the
long and trouble free operation you expect.
Snapper Comet Riding Mower
MODELS 265X - 265XS - 268X - 268XS
308X-308XS
SNAPPER MOWER GUARANTEE
All Snapper Mowers are guaranteed for normal use to the original purchaser against defec¬
tive workmanship and moterial. This guarantee extends for one year from purchase dote on
mowers not used commercially, and for one month on mowers that are used commercially.
We will replace or repair without charge any port or parts returned to us during the
guarantee period, with transportation charged prepaid, that our inspection shows to have been
defective in workmanship or material when shipped from the factory.
This guarantee is void if the ports in question hove been altered or damaged by accident,
abuse neglect, improper odjustment, lack of lubrication or normal wear. This guarantee does
not cover engines, tires, tubes, batteries and belts which ore guaranteed separately by their
manufacturers.
No other guarantee, expressed or implied, is mode by the Compony which retoins the right
to change specifications without notice or obligation.
WARNING: Use of replacement parts other than genuine Snapper parts may impair the
safety of your mower and may void our warranty.
IMPORTANT: This guarantee is void unless the guarontce card attached is filled out com¬
pletely end moiled to the Factory within 10 days of the date mower was purchased.
IT IS THE POLICY OF McDONOUGH POWER EQUIPMENT, INC. TO IMPROVE ITS PRODUCTS WHEN¬
EVER IT IS POSSIBLE AND PRACTICAL TO DO SO. WE RESERVE THE ^'GHT TO MAKE
ADD IMPROVEMENTS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT INCURRING ANY OBLIGATION TO MAKE SUCH
CHANGES ON PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED PREVIOUSLY.
McDONOUGH POWER EQUIPMENT, INC
McDONOUGH, GA., U. S. A., 30253
REV 1, 11/71 MANUAL #06052

Rear
Wheels,
Transmission
and
Variable
Speed
Drive
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3

Spindle, Cutter
Unit and
Lift, 26",
30"
Snapper Comet
No.
Part No.
Description Qty.
No. Port No.
Description
Qty.
No. Part No.
Description
1.
9-0302 1/4-20 X 3/8 Self Tapping 4
32. 1-8069 Cutter Bar, 30" Comet
1
40.
4-7318 Front Lift Arm
2.
1-8040 Spindle Cover, 26'^ Comet 1
32.
1-8068
Cutter Bar, 26" Comet
1
41.
4-7324
Rail Str., 30" Comet
2. 3-7296 Spindle Cover, 30^' Comet
1
33. 9-0392
1/2-20 X 1 HHCS HT.
2 41.
4-7317
Rail Str., 26" Comet
3.
1-0027
Jam Nut
1
34.
9-0278
5/8 Jam Nut
1 42.
4-7254
Idler Handle
4. 1-0935 Washer 14
35.
4-7323
Deck, 30" Comet
1 43.
1-0681
Grip
5.
1-0787 Spindle Pulley
1
35.
4-7325 Deck, 26" Comet
1
44.
1 -0737
Roll Pin
6.
3-0817 Brake Drum 1
36. 1-0739
Retaining Ring
3 45. 1-0741
Tolerance Ring
7.
5-0280
Brake Shoe Ass^y. 1
37.
9-0041
Cotter Pin
1 46.
2-0880 Idler Link
8.
9-0161
3/8-24 X 1-3/4 HHCS 1
38.
2-0882 Support Rod
1 47.
1-0750
Spring
9.
1-1029 Idler Pulley 3/8 Bore
1
39.
9-0365 Cotter Pin
2
48.
3-0813 Idler Arm
10.
9-0122
3/8 Washer 9
49.
2-7184
Spindle
Qty.
Comet
Comet
11. 3-0982 Restrictor
12. 9-0289 3/8-24 L'Nut
13. 1-0740 Retaining Ring
14. 1-0736 Clevis Pin
15. 1-0735 Clevis
16. 2-1157 Timing Rod. 30'
16. 2-1135 Timing Rod. 26'
17. 1-0996 Ring. 26“ Comet
17. 1-0996 Ring. 30" Comet
18. 1-0684 Grip
19. 4-0385 Chain Arm. R. H.
19. 4-0386 Chain Arm. L. H.
(Not Shown)
20. 9-0183 5/8 Washer
21. 9-0364 5/32 x 1 Cotter Pin
22. 4-7295 Lift Handle
23. 4-7319 Rear Lift Arm
24. 9-0055 1/4 SAE Washer
25. 1-1074 Spring. 30" Comet
25. 1-1010 Spring. 26" Comet
26. 9-0292 3/8-24 x 3/4 HHCS
5-0195 Spindle Assembly
27. 4-0273 Housing
28. 1-0696 Bearing
29. 1-0817 Alemite Fitting
30. 3-1182 Spacer
31. 9-0393 1/2-20 Hex Hd. Lock Nut
1-1051
1-0749
3-7334
3-1183
3-1184
6-0173
1-1758
9-0053
9-0101
9-0095
1-1763
1-0819
1-1812
Retaining Ring
Belt
Deflector
Washer
Blode Holder
Height Plate and Decal Kit
Decal
1 /4 Int. Tooth L'Washer
1/4-28 X 3/4 HHCS
1/4-28 Hex Nut
Fender Washer
Washer
"O" Ring
4

Front Wheels, Front End and Steering
No. Part No. Dotcriplion
Oty.
1. 4-9333 Front Axlo 1
2. 1-0776 Rotaining Ring 2
3. 1-1020 Foot Pod 2
4. 1-0746 Rotaining Ring 2
3. 1-0986 Boaring 4
6. 1-0933 Warhor 1
7. 1-1100 Boaring Half 4
8. 4-0361 King Pin, RH 1
8. 4-0362 King Pin, IH (Not Shown) 1
9. 9-0123 3/8 SAE Washor 4
10. 9-0337 3/16 X % Cottor Pin 4
11. 3-1038 Dust Cap 2
12. 3-0618 Whool Asi'y., 268X,
268XS, 308X, 308XS
1-0819 Rim and Hub
1-0820 Tiro
1-0821 Tube, Mfrs. Option
1-1807 Ball Bearing, 1% O. D.
1 0909 Grease Fitting
1-0189 Valve Cap
12. 3-0179 Wheel Assy., 263X, 263XS
1-0819 Rim and Hub
1-0820 Tire
1-0821 Tube, Mfrs. Option
1-0370 Bearing, 1% O. D.
1-1727 Bearing, 1 % O. D.
1-0909 Grease Fitting
1-0189 Valve Cap
Note: When ordering tire specify
tube or tubeless. When ordering
bearing specify O. D.
13. 1 -0933 Spacer
14. 9-0364 3/32 x 1 Cotter Pin
No. Part No. Doecription Oty.
13.
1-1022 Hub Cap 2
16.
3-1179
Felt Washer
2
17.
4-0344 Steering Shaft 1
18. 3-1038 Tie Rod, RH 1
19.
3-1037 Tie Rod, LH 1
21.
9-0033
M Internal Tooth L'Woihor 2
22.
4-7327
Ptdal 1
23.
1-1046
CobU, 30^' Snoppor Comot
1
23. 1-1047 CabU, 26** Snoppor Comot 1
24.
1-0690 Shim Woshor 2
23.
9-0093
%-28 Hox Nut
2
26. 9-0109
Hondlo Scrow 2
27.
3-9340 Stooring Whool 1
1-1091 Docol, 26" Comot
(Not Shown) 1
1-1092 Docoly 30" Comot
(Not Shown)
1
1-0994 Doeot, "Snoppor"
(Not Shown) 1
28.
1-10B9 Podot Pod
1
29. 1-1099
Booring Half
4
30. 1-1079 Spring Woshor
1
31.
1-1078
Shouldor Bolt 1
32.
1-1080
Grip
1
33. 3-1120
Broko Lovor
1
34.
1-1130
Throttio Control
1
33. 1-1131 Pioto
1
36. 9-0363 10/24 X % WFCS ST 2
5

Assembly, OperaHon, Service Manual and Parts List
SNAPPER COMET 26" & 30"
1. ASSEMBLY:
A. Remove top and sides from crate.
B. Install steering wheel using two (2) 1 /4 x 1% bolts.
C. Cut shipping straps and remove mower from crate bottom.
D. On some models it is necessary to reconnect steering link which
has been disassembled due to crating size limitations.
E. FILL ENGINE WITH FUEL AND OIL.
2. GENERAL OPERATION:
A. S TART ENGINE:
1. Make certain shift handle is in neutral and cutter unit out before
attempting to start.
2. Refer to engine manual for throttle control Instructions for
the type used.
3. If engine is also equipped with electric starter, refer to engine
manual for starting procedure. The starter switch is located to
the rear of the battery.
B. F ORWARD MOTION:
1. Disengage clutch and apply brake by depressing pedal to the
end of its travel. NOTE: Excessive pedal pressure detrimental
to easy shifting.
2. Move shift lever, located on right hand side of seat, to the low
speed position (No. 1) and slowly release clutch and brake
pedal.
3. Speeds may now be increased or decreased without the use
of the clutch pedal.
4. Never start by moving shift handle without use of the clutch
pedal as the driven disc life will be shortened.
5. Always begin forward motion in No. 1 speed position.
C. REVERSE MOTION:
Follow same procedure as "B" above, however, there is only
one speed in reverse and shift handle must be held in reverse
position at the end of the slot.
D. STOPS;
1. The mower may be stopped in either forward or reverse motion
by depressing clutch and brake pedal.
2. Always return shift handle to neutral after a stop is made.
3. As a safety precaution, if stops have to be made going up
steep inclines, back down to level ground to re-start.
E. CUTTER UNIT:
1. Cutting height is adjusted by simply changing the position
of the lift handle. There are different positions ranging be¬
tween 1 and 4 inches.
2. Cutter engagement is accomplished by slowly pulling the cutter
handle to the rear until the spring loaded idler takes over.
The spindle brake is automatically released or applied as this
handle is shifted from the "in" or "out" position. Cutter
engagement or release may be accomplished at any cutting
height with the mower moving or at rest.
3. A DJUSTMENTS:
A. C LUTCH:
The clutch linkage has been designed so that with inital factory
adjustment, the driven disc wear is accommodated throughout its
useful life. Replace disc when worn to 1/32 — 1/16 inch rubber
thickness. Do not tamper with linkage if mower does not pull at
this point. Replace driven disc.
In the event someone tempers with the factory adjustment, the
linkage can be checked as follows:
1. Remove driven disc and install adjusting gauge, which can be
made from a driven disc with the ^'as new" radius of 3 inches
on half the circumference and a 2% inch radius ground on the
other half.
2. Depress clutch pedal and shift to second speed.
3. Adjust clutch rod guide until the 2% inch radius clears driving
disc .005/.010 inch,
4. Rotate gauge 180 deg. and fully depress clutch pedal until
brakes are applied. Check to see that the 3 inch radius clears
driven disc by 1 /32 inch minimum with sliding chain case
pushed lightly against yoke lift. This assures that driven disc
will be pulled down from driving disc when clutch is disengaged.
B. C LUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL:
Control cable should have slight amount of slack with clutch and
brake pedal released and with shift handle in neutral. This can
be checked by seeing that the clutch rod slides to the rear end
of slot in the clutch rod guide. Adjust by shifting cable stops as
required through keyhole in brake pedal.
C. P ARKING BRAKE:
To apply — press brake and clutch pedal down firmly, push park¬
ing brake handle down clamping brake cable. To release raise
handle.
D. C UTTER DRIVE BELT:
The spring loaded idler maintains proper belt tension throughout
the effective belt life.
Adjust main tube when idler pulley causes the belt to rub together
behind the spindle pulley. Main tube adjustment Is accomplished
as follows:
1. Loosen clamp under seat spring and pull main tube forward
until inside surface of cutter drive belt has approximately 1"
running clearance measured at the Idler pulley with cutter unit
engaged.
2. Check to see If control cable has a slight amount of slack with
clutch and brake pedal released and with shift handle in neutral
discussed in "D" above.
Belt replacement is accomplished as 'ollows;
1. Remove spindle guard cover and remove belt from pulley.
2. Stand mower on end (refer to "Storage") with shift handle
in neutral.
3. Puli belt from behind drive disc. Reach behind slide and pull
clutch rod for maximum disc clearance. Roll belt between
drive and driven discs. Pull belt between driven disc and
belt guide and remove from transmission case.
4. Reverse procedure to install new belt.
6

E. C UTTER SPINDLE REMOVAL:
If it is necessary to remove and re-assemble spindle housing, the
housing must be plumbed to the cutter deck to obtain an equal
distance between the blade tip and deck. This is accomplished by
locating the housing flange correctly to the deck, using the
clearance holes For the capscrews for alignment. Tighten securely
using self-locking nuts.
F. DECK ADJUSTMENT:
The cutter blade has been factory adjusted for 1 inch minimum
cutting height. After a period of time, wear in the linkage may
require re-adjustment. Correct procedure is as follows — taking
all measurements to the same blade tip:
1. Park mower on level and even floor of surface.
2. Move lift handle to lowest position to remove spindle cover.
3. Adjust blade tip cutting edge to 1 % inch at rear by bending
the swinging chain arms of the rear suspension up or down as
required, maintaining a level blade side to side as this is
adjusted.
4. Swing blade tip to front and adjust to 1 inch by adjusting
timing link that connects the front and rear lift arms. Shortening
this link turn of the rod end raises front end approximately
1 /8 inch.
5. Turn blade to point to the front and rear of machine. The 26”
and 30" blade should be at least V 2 ” higher at rear than
the front.
G. TIRES:
1. Inflate front tires to 20 lbs,
2. Inflate rear tires to 25 lbs.
4. BATTERY INSTALLATION (FOR ELECTRIC STARTER ONLY):
A. Service battery according to instructions supplied with the battery.
B. Remov 2 battery clamping bracket and install battery under left
hand side of seat.
C. Attach battery lead to battery. Check engine manual for positive
or negative ground.
D. Refer to engine manual for operating instructions of the battery
charging system used.
5. STORAGE:
The mower may be set on end for servicing or storage within the
following limitations.
A. For electric starter units, remove battery to prevent acid leakage
and subsequent damage.
B. Gas tank must be practically empty to eliminate fire hazard.
C. For winter storage, always drain oil and gasoline. Refer to engine
manual for proper procedure to follow. Oil or grease any parts
of the mower subject to rust or corrosion.
6. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT;
To increase the usefulness of your Snapper Comet Mower, the
following kits may be obtained as Optional Equipment;
6-0049
Tire Chains, 16 x 4.80 —
8 Tires
6-0119
Tire Chains, 16 x 6.50 — 8 Tires
6-0111 Leaf Mulcher, 26"
6-0118 Leaf Mulcher, 30"
6-0185
Snow Plow Kit
6-0110
Deluxe Seat
6-0183 Grass Catcher Kit
6-0169
Steering Wheel Kit
6-0170 Wheel Brake Kit
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Remember, a careful operator always is the best
insurance against an accident.
Study your operator's manual—become familiar
with the controls and how the mower operates.
Learn to stop the mower quickly.
Never attempt to start engine unless shift handle
is in neutral and idler handle in the out position.
For forward motion, always begin movement
with shift handle in No. 1 speed position.
Before starting clear area of debris.
Operate the engine at the slowest speed that
will cut satisfactorily.
Stop and check for breakage and repair any
damage after striking foreign objects.
Mount mower from left hand side, opposite the
discharge chute.
Keep hands and feet clear of the cutter unit at
all times.
Do not operate mower with guards removed.
Disengage cutter and stop engine before dis¬
mounting.
Do not crank or operate engine where exhaust
fumes can collect.
Never allow children to operate the Snapper
Comet.
Instruct individuals to stay away from the mow¬
er while it is in operation.
Do not let others ride with you on the mower.
Give complete and undivided attention to the
job at hand.
When mowing, never discharge clippings toward
windows and doorways.
Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
Be extra careful when working on hillsides or
rough ground. Watch out for holes or ditches into
which a wheel may drop and cause the mower
to overturn.
If it is necessary to stop when going up steep in¬
clines, back down to level ground to re-start.
When going down inclines, keep in low speed
with clutch and brake pedal out to allow engine
to control speed.
Fill gas tank outdoors, but never while engine is
running or while engine is hot. Avoid spilling.
Always use an approved gasoline can.
7

LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR SNAPPER COMET 26" & 30"
1. Spindle is assembled with sealed precision ball bearings and requires
infrequent lubrication. Lubricate once each season, one shot using
pressure gun. Use Snapper 00 grease. Avoid over-filling under pressure.
This will damage bearing seals.
2. Height adjusting cams: remove spindle guard cover and lubricate
cams with medium cup grease every 10 hours of operation or more
often if dirty service conditions require.
3. While cover is off, lubricate other movable joints, linkages, etc , with
SAE 20 oil.
4. Lubricate idler arm using Snopper 00 greose every 10 hours of
operation.
5. Differential and reduction gearing, right hand wheel bearing, and hex
drive shaft ore lubricated by removing plastic plugs on side of case.
Fill with 14 ozs. of Snapper 00 grease through top hole, or until grease
reaches bottom of hole B.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Check every 10 hours of operation. Check
grease capacity with machine in standing position.
6. The components in the sliding chain case are factory lubricated with
1 to 2 ounces of grease. Check every 10 hours of operation. Remove
plastic inspection plug and with the aid of a flashlight, check for signs
of grease on the chain and sprocket. If no grease is visible, add 1 V 2
ounces of Snapper 00 grease. Do not overfill.
7. Lubricate all other movable joints, linkages, etc., every 10 hours of
operation or more often if dirty service conditions require, usina
SAE No. 20 oil.
8. Lgbricote right bond wheel bearing and shift lever every 10 hours of
operation using Snapper 00 grease in a pressure gun. One shot is
sufficient.
9. Lubricate front wheel bearings with Snapper 00 grease in pressure
gun every 10 hours of operation.
10. Lubricate all other movable joints, linkages, etc., every 10 hours of
operation or more often if dirty service conditions require, usinq
SAE 20 oil.
11. ENGINE: Service and lubricate engine per instructions in engine manual.
NOTE: Snapper 00 grease is available from your Snapper dealer.
Our Part No. 1-1050.
(This is a special compounded grease for this oppiicotion)
8
MANUAL #06052