Snapper SG 5000 Operator's manual

SAFETY INSTRUCTION AND OPERATORS MANUAL FOR
SMAPPEtt
SG 5000
SHREDDER-
GRINDER-
CHIPPER
THANK YOU for buying a SNAPPER product! Your
SNAPPER SHREDDER-GRINDER-CHIPPER was designed
and built to provide long and satisfactory service. Keep in
mind that it, like any other mechanical device, can be
potentially dangerous if used improperly and that no accident
prevention program can be successful without the
wholehearted cooperation of the person responsible for the
operation of the equipment. Study this Operator’s Manual
carefully to learn about operation of all controls and pay
particular attention to the Important Safety Precautions on
Page 2-4. Following these instructions will help you
continue to enjoy the trouble-free operation expected of a
SNAPPER product.
SNAPPER.
(sMcDonough, GA.,30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL #1-7628 (8/95)

WARNING
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
THIS MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF INFLICTING SERIOUS INJURY IF
OPERATED IMPROPERLY — READ WARNINGS & CAUTION.
TRAINING AND PREPARATION
Before operating this shredder-chipper-grinder, read and understand this manual completely. Become familiar with
it for your own safety. To fail to do so may cause serious injury. Do not allow anyone to operate your machine
who has not read this manual.
INTENDED USE
Never use your shredder-chipper-grinder for any other purpose than shredding and chipping gardening products.
It is designed for this use only and any other use may cause injury.
DANGER
DANGER:
Rotating cutting blades.
Keep hands and feet out of discharge opening while machine is running.
DANGER:
Rotating cutting blades.
Keep hands out of inlet opening while machine is running.
DANGER:
This machine can CRUSH, GRIND, CUT, and SEVER parts of your body if they
enter the inlet or discharge area of your shredder-chipper.

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY
Never allow children to operate your shredder-chipper-grinder, nor adults lacking the proper instructions.
Keep children, pets, and bystanders a minimum of 20 feet away from your work area. Flying chips can
be hazardous.
Never run this machine in an enclosed area since the exhaust from the engine contains carbon monoxide
which is an odorless, tasteless, and deadly poisonous gas.
Never run this machine on cement or blacktop. This machine should be operated ONLY on a level
earthen surface.
Never put your hands, feet, face, or any other part of your body in the feed hopper or discharge area.
Never remove the plastic shield attached to the shredding hopper. This device prevents flyback and
must be intact at all times. This is a protective guard.
Never operate your shredder-chipper-grinder while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
A clear mind is essential for safety.
Never allow a person who is tired or otherwise not alert to operate this machine.
SAFETY WEAR
Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught by moving parts of your shredder-chipper-grinder
and pull you into it. Keep all clothing away from moving parts. Wear proper head gear to keep hair away
from moving parts.
Always wear safety glasses or goggles, and work gloves at all times while operating your shredder-
chipper-grinder. A chip could fly out and hit you in the eye. Be sure your glasses fit properly and your
gloves do not have loose cuffs or draw strings.
Always wear ear protectors at all times while operating your shredder-chipper-grinder. The noise of this
machine could result in hearing loss.
OPERATING PROCEDURE
Only operate your shredder-chipper-grinder from the operator zone.
'Discharge
Area
Discharge Area
3
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{
8
/
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)

Know how to turn the unit off.
Never clear discharge area with hands, feet, or any other part of your body.
Never clear discharge area while unit is running. After shredder-chipper is shut off, then use a long
handle tool to clear area.
Never move your shredder-chipper or leave it unattended with the engine running.
OPERATE IN SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Never operate your shredder-chipper on slippery, wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. Safe footing is
essential in preventing accidents.
Only operate on level ground.
Keep work area clean and clear of debris so that you don’t stumble over it.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SAFETY
Never operate your shredder-chipper in poor mechanical condition or when in need of repair.
Periodically check that all nuts, bolts, screws, and belts are tightened to specifications. Be sure all
safety guards and shields are in the proper position. These safety devices are for your protection.
Don’t service or repair your shredder-chipper without removing the spark plug wire.
Replace old, damaged or worn parts such as bolts or guards immediately.
Follow engine owners manual for engine maintenance and repair.
OPERATION
Whenever you operate your shredder-chipper, wearing gloves and safety glasses is required. If
necessary to push material into shredding chamber, use a wood stick, never hands or steel
implements. At the end of this section we offer additional cautions. Read and observe them.
As the engine ignition begins, the engine operates under no load until approximately 1200-1400 rpm
at which speed the centrifugal clutch engages and begins driving the rotor. Proper rotor speed is in
the 2100 rpm range with a plus or minus tolerance of 200 rpm. At this speed you have four rows of
hammers literally cutting or beating material until it is small enough to pass through the 1" screen.
The 1" screen retains the material within the grinding chamber long enough for the free-swinging
hammers to do their job. The number of cuts by the hammers retention time within the chamber
varies with each organic material and the size of the opening in the screen.

When viewed from the pulley side, the rotor runs counterclockwise. This action tends to pull materials
into the shredding chamber. Short stalks (bean plants), cobs, sod and similar materials should be fed
into the hopper by garden spade or pitchfork. Long stalks like corn or trimmings can be best fed by hand
slowly to avoid having the rotor pull in the complete stalk, wrap it and stall. When feeding stalks or
trimmings by hand, be certain to keep your hands away from the rotor and hammers. Remember, a
technique and understanding is required to successfully shred or grind the great variety of materials
which may be available to you for compost.
Branches are fed into the side chute for chipping. One at a time if they are thicker than 1", several
together if of smaller diameter. Since the throat opening is 2" x 3" some side shoots or side branches
may have to be trimmed from the main stalk before chipping. Short stubs of branches may be pushed
through the chipper section with the next branch. Never assume you know where the blade is, and try
to push short branches in by hand, you don’t know where it is. Be safe, keep your hands away from
the chipping blade.
(1) When feeding material into this equipment be careful that pieces of metal, glass, rocks, cans or
other non-organic or foreign objects are not included.
(2) Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to build up under the discharge of the
shredder-chipper-grinder as this can prevent following shredded material to discharge and will
result in clogging. Use a long handled stick or spade to remove processed material build-up. DO
NOT USE YOUR HAND OR FOOT. Always shut the unit off before clearing build-up.
(3) Never allow your hands or any part of your body or clothing inside the feed hopper or discharge
area of the shredder-chipper-grinder. Use a wood stick to push material down the hopper.
(4) Keep all protective guards on the machine in place and in good working condition.
(5) Always stand clear of the discharge area when the shredder is running.
(6) Keep your face and body away from the feed hopper to avoid being struck by any material that
may bounce back. Do not overreach, keep proper balance and footing.
(7) Do not transport the shredder while the engine is running.
(8) Do not refuei engine while it is hot, warm, or running.
(9) Do not cover the machine while the muffler is still hot.
5

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
If the cutting mechanism strikes any foreign object or if your machine should start making an unusual noise
or vibrating, stop the engine, disconnect spark plug wire from the spark plug. Allow the engine to cool
before:
(a) . Inspect for obvious damage.
(b) Check for loose parts, bolts, or rods. Examine rotor visuaiiy for any obvious defects.
(1) Check the bearing coiiar set screws regularly to be sure they are tight.
(2) After every 100 hours of use, reiubricate the bearings (item no. 27) on both ends of the shaft with
a lithium base grease or a grease that is suitabie for ball bearings. Usuaily one or two pumps of
grease is adequate.
(3) When not in use, your machine should be stored out of the reach of children. Be sure there are no
gasoline fumes in the storage area. For long periods of storage (over winter), gasoiine should be
drained from the tank or add a gas stabilizer (ie. Stabii). Always allow the engine to cool before
storing.
(4) When the hard steel hammers become dull or round on the cutting edge, they may be reversed.
First remove the belt guard (item #26 on page 13) to expose the hammer rod access holes. One
hammer rod at a time can be removed through this side hoie and the hammers reversed as the rotor
is reassembied. Each rod is held in place by a pin (see page 17 for more information on removal
and reinstallation of pin). Extreme care must be taken to reinstall the spacers (items 6,7, & 8) in
exactly the same order as shown on the drawing. We emphasize this point. The spacers and
hammers must be reinstalled in exactly their original order (See page 14).
(5) You will find inciuded information referring to operation and maintenance of the shredder engine.
Look it over carefully. BE CERTAIN TO PUT OIL IN THE ENGINE BEFORE YOU START IT.
(6) When the steel chipping knife (item #9 page 14) needs repiacing or sharpening, remove the access
door (item 26) on the chipper side of the machine by removing (1) nut (item 40). Rotate rotor until
knife (item 9) is in the access opening. Use a 3/16" alien wrench to hold the flat head screw (item
10) on the knife side. Use 1/2" open end or box end wrench to remove the three Grip-co lock nuts
(item 25). To reinstali the knife reverse the above procedure.
(7) Care must be exercised when sharpening the blade to maintain the correct bevel and a straight
cutting edge.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADJUSTING CLEARANCE ON SG 5000 CHIPPER KNIFE
(1) Remove spark plug wire.
(2) Remove beit guard and screen.
(3) Loosen set screws in bearing on the engine shaft side of machine.
(4) Loosen set screws in bearing on the chipper side of machine.
(5) Working from the bottom of machine, insert a 1/16 gauge between square chipper tube and the
chipper knife (see Figure 3, page 7).
(6) With a soft hammer or use a block of wood, tap the rotor shaft toward chipper tube and snug up
against the gauge.
(7) Replace belt guard.
(8) Replace screen.
(9) Replace spark plug wire.
WHEN CHANGING HAMMERS, KNIVES, OR BEARINGS, THE ABOVE STEPS MUST BE FOLLOWED.
6

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS MODEL: SG 5000
Your Snapper shredder-chipper has been shipped with the basic unit compietely assembled, leaving only the
handles, wheels, and foot to assemble. Before beginning assembly, make sure all parts have been received
and are in good condition. If there are shortages or damages, file a claim with the delivery company
immediately.
(NOTE: In the following instructions, the "item” number refers to the part number on page 13. Also
note for exact hardware sizes check the drawing on page 15, drawing number 800-0035 will help prevent any
incorrect use of hardware in assembly.)
(1) Stand the basic shredder on its discharge end and install the axle assembly (item #33) using the two
bolts (item #36), nuts (item #40) and the 8" hex head bolt (item #37). The 8" hex head bolt is installed
in rear hole with pipe spacer (item #20) located between side plates (see drawing). DO NOT
TIGHTEN YET.
(2) Install the wheels (item #48) on the axle using cotter pin (item #54) for each. Now tighten all bolts
securely.
(3) Install the foot (item #32) using the two bolts (item #36), nuts (item #40), and the 8" hex bolt (item
#37). The pipe spacer (item #20) is located between the sides of the shredder with the 8" hex head
' bolt (item #37) going through the pipe spacer (see drawing). The rod goes through the fonward holes.
Secure with nut (item #40). Stand basic shredder on wheels and foot.
(4) Attach handles (item #45) to the hopper (item #31) as shown using bolts (item #38) and nuts (item
#40). Slip handle grips (item #46) onto handles (item #45). Note; a little soapy water or cleaner like
Fantastik or Formula 409 will help the handle grips slide on easier.
(5) Service the engine as recommended by the manufacturer.
(6) Read the Operating Instructions carefully before using your shredder-chipper-grinder.
For future reference - Figures 1 and 2 are the correct adjustment of the belt.
r—CLUTCH DRUM
—ROTOR PULLEY
l_l_
1 1
BELT
STRAIGHT EDGE
— 1/0 TO 3/10
Figure 1
Figure 2
7

REPLACEMENT OF HOPPER VITH VIBRATION DAMPENERS
(1) Take the hopper (item #31) and push the vibration dampeners up into the holes, see drawing 800-0000
page 12 and Fig. A below.
(2) Place the hopper with the vibration dampeners on the unit. NOTE: the slanted side of the hopper is
over the discharge end. Align the holes of the side plates with the hopper.
(3) With the 5/16-18 x 1 1/4 bolts (item #38) and 5/16-18 x 1 1/2 bolts (item #39) thread the bolt up
through the shredder side plate and into the vibration dampener. NOTE; the 1 1/4 bolts are used on
the side of the hopper opposite the engine, and 1 1/2 bolts are used on the engine side.
(4) Oontinue to tighten the bolt until the distance from the top of the vibration dampener to the top
surface of the hopper angle is 5/8" (see Fig. A below). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
FIGURE A

SHREDDING TIPS (TECHNIQUE):
You will need to run your shredder-chipper-grinder several times to learn how different types of material
shred and how fast K will handle each.
(1) Generally you can use your basic shredder-chipper-grInder with the 1" screen for most materials, either
green or dry. For wet soggy materials you may be better without any screen.
(2) When grinding green or damp material such as cornstalks, potato vines, tomato vines, green or fresh pulled
plants, use the optional bar screen or use no screen at all. Direct the shredder to discharge into a compost
pile or against a wall, large board or other obstruction. Feed cornstalks by hand, slowly, several at a time
until the last 18" remain in your hand - then let go. This will give you a coarsely shredded product several
inches long. With a garden spade or pitchfork refeed ttiis material into the shredder until it reaches the
consistency you want. A cornstalk that has been processed this way, just one time, wili organically break
down within a day or two in your compost heap. For green materials such as tomato or potato vines, you
may first have to snap off extending side shoots. Place vine in the hopper and prod further with a rugged
stick (never your hands).
(3) For grinding dry leaves, use the 1" perforated screen and dump leaves into the top feed hopper by the
basket, bag, or pitchfork. If bridging occurs, use a stick or stir leaves into the shredding chamber. Freshly
fallen leaves should be processed through a bar screen or no screen. Soggy partly decomposed leaves
process very well. Again, remove the screen. Dump in pitchfork loads and prod through with a stick.
(4) For green hedge prunings, small diameter wood prunings (with leaves), rose or flower trimmings, process
with the bar screen installed. Feed bunches at a time through the top feed hopper. Experience will tell
you how much your machine can handle at one time.
(5) To process branches, dry or green, use the side chipping chute. The screen may be left installed, but it
serves no practical purpose when chipping. It is best to clip off side twigs or limbs from the main branch.
Feed one at a time if they are 1" or more in diameter. Green branches process more quickly and easier
than dry branches and, of course, soft wood easier than hard wood. Push the branch in at an angle to the
chute. Never allow your hands to enter the chute. As the branch being chipped gets shorter, finish
chipping the stub by shoving in with the next branch to be chipped.
Only your operator experience will tell you which screen to use, how fast to feed and how to process
difficult materials. There is such a magnitude of possible materials that we cannot discuss each individually. Some
naturally are easier to work with than others, but most all common organic products available to a gardener can
be processed by using your shredder-chipper-grinder and common sense.
TROUBLE SHOOTING - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
(1) My machine stalls as soon as I put anything in it.
This could be a problem of a slow engine or loose belt. When you say it stalls, do you mean the engine
or the rotor or both? If the rotor stops but the engine keeps running, you may have a loose belt, slipping
clutch or some of each. If the engine stalls, it can be a carburetor problem or it is running too slow. These
engines should run at top speed (factory set by Briggs & Stratton). The rotor pulley should be driving at
2100 rpm with a plus or minus tolerance of 200 rpm.
(2) My machine vibrates too much.
First, you should never run your shredder-chipper-grinder on a concrete or blacktop surface. Always have
it resting on sod or soft earth. Vibrations can come from poor engine ignition or unbalanced rotor. Visually
check the rotor to be certain all hammers are still intact and wearing evenly. Remove the drive belt and
start the engine. If vibration is unchanged, then you have an engine problem. Discuss this with an
authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer or repair shop.
(3) My shredder-chipper-grinder worked fine iast year but now I cant chop anything.
This is probably due to excessive wear on the hammers. If you have processed sand, soil or phosphate
rock, your hammer tips will round off and wear away. Paragraph 4 on page 6 discusses replacement or
reversing the hammers.
9
o
«
1-7628
(^
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)

(4) My centrifugal clutch smokes and burns the belt.
In all probability the inner shoes of the rotor assembly are worn. A view of the clutch pulley is given on
page 11. VYou may also have a loose drive belt. If you attempt starting your shredder with heavy material
in the grinding chamber, the rotor may refuse to turn when the engine comes up to rpm, thus burning the
clutch. Check the shredding chamber for cleanliness.
(5) My rotor pulley comes loose and falls off.
The pulley hub has two set screws, one directly over a key. Be certain the key is still in place. In all
probability it is not. Apply E.V. grade Loc-tite to each set screw and tighten down hard. Be certain the
rotor pulley lines up with the drive pulley to prevent undue belt wear and to prevent the belt from rolling
over or slipping off.
RIGHT WAY WRONG WAY
Do clear discharge area of machine with spade. Don't clear discharge with hands. Never place
rake or long handle tool. any part of your body in discharge area.

RIGHT WAY
WRONG WAY

CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE
The centrifugual clutch on this machine is permanently lubricated and does not require
oil or grease. If after long periods of use, the pulley assembly wobbles excessively, check the
bushing in the pulley assembly. This assembly may need replacement.
REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY
(1) Loosen set screws and remove clutch from the engine crankshaft.
(2) Remove retaining ring and slide off rotor assembly.
REASSEMBLY
(1) Reassemble the pulley assembly w/bushing to the rotor assembly, secure with retaining ring.
(2) Slide clutch over engine crankshaft. NOTE: Make sure the built-in key in the rotor assembly is lined up
with the keyway in the engine crankshaft, secure witii set screws.
(3) (2)
(D
CLUTCH PARTS LIST, 3/4" BORE - 5 HP ENGINE
Complete Part #40827
Key No.
Part No.
Description
Quantity
1
40875
Pulley Assembly w/Bushing
1
2
40876
Rotor Assembly
1
3
77681
Set Screw
2
4
40877
Retaining Ring
1
12

13
SG
5000

oateIsymI
revision
record
Ior.Ick
IZ-W SNINOiia
15
ASSEMBLY
HARDWARE
"i
drawing
number
-4-07
A-800-0035

PARTS LIST FOR SG 5000
Item No. Part No.
Description
Quantity
1 40811
Rotor Weldment
1
4
40810
Hammer Rod
4
5
40802
Hammer
12
6
40805
Spacer - 5/16" LG
8
7
40804 Spacer - 5/8" LG
4
8
40803
Spacer - 7/8" LG
16
9
40807
Chipper Knife
1
10
40848
5/16-18 X 1" Flat Hd. Socket Cap Screw
3
11
40806 Groove Pin
4
12
40812
Chipper Side Plate
1
13
40813
Drive Side Plate
1
14
40814
Top Plate
1
15
40815
Scroll
1
16
40816
Screen 1"
1
17
40817
Bar Screen (Optional)
1
18
40818
Baffle Plate
1
19
40819
Screen & Baffle Rod
4
20
40820
Pipe Spacer
2
21
11773
Hair Cotter - 3/32"
4
22
40854
5/16-18 X 8 Hex Hd. Cap Screw BIk.
1
23
90636
5/16-18 X 1-1/4 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Bik.
8
24
76934
5/16-18 X 3/4 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Bik.
4
25
90194
5/16-18 Grip-Co Lock Nut Bik.
20
26
40809
Cover Plate
1
27
40821 Bearing
2
28
90636
5/16-18 X 1 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Bik.
4
29
90692
5/16 Flatwasher
7
30
40851
1" Retaining Ring
1
31
40822
Hopper
1
32
40823
Front Foot
1
33
40824 Axie
Assembly
1
34
40825
1" ID 14 GA Machinery Bushing
1
35
40799
Vibration Dampener
4
36
76934
5/16-18 X 3/4 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Pltd.
4
37
40854
5/16-18 X 8 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Pitd.
2
38
90636
5/16-18 X 1-1/4 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Pltd.
6
39
76935
5/16-18 X 1-1/2 Hex Hd. Cap Screw Pltd.
6
40
90194
5/16-18 Grip-Co Lock Nut Pltd.
22
41
40826
5 HP Engine
1
42
40827
Clutch
1
43
40828
Hopper Flex Guard
1
44
40801
Push Type Tie Button
3
45
40829
Handle
2
46
40800
Handle Grip
2
47
40798
Belt Guard
1
48
40830
8x1.75 Wheel
2
49
40831
Sheave A550 X 1"
1
50
40832
V-Belt 4L-410
1
51
13250
1/4" Sq. X 1" LG Shaft Key
1
52
77681
1/4-28 X 1/4 Set Screw
2
53
90201
5/16-18 X 5/16 Set Screw
2
54
90042
1/8 X 1-1/4 LG Cotter Pin
2
16

REMOVAL AND RE-INSTALLATION OF GROOVE PINS
(1) Remove hopper. (Item #3)
(2) Turn rotor until hammer rod (Item #4) is facing up — See sketch.
(3) Turn hammer rod (Item #4) until small end of groove pin (Item #11) is facing up.
(4) Use a 3/16 Dia. punch and drive groove pin out of hammer rod.
(5) When installing groove pin be sure you put the end without groove in hole first, then drive pin in to
hammer rod until it stops.
(6) Re-install hopper.
17

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. 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.
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
McDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A.