Snapper 1690229 User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
REAR
GRASS
CATCHER
REAR GRASS CATCHER 4
MFG. NO. 1690229 {
REAR GRASS CATCHER •
MFG. NO. 1690657
-
FORM — 1668348
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Specifications
DIMENSIONS
Height: 29 inches (74 cm) {top of cover to bottom of bag)
Width: 39 inches (99 cm) (overall of cover)
Width: 46 inches (107 cm) (left side of tractor to
extreme right of grass catcher)
Length; 36 inches {91cm) (Center of rear tire to back
edge of cover)
Ground Clearance: 6 inches (15 cm)
(ground clearance to bottom of bag)
Weight: 26-1/2 lbs. (12 kg)
Capacity; 5 bushels (0.18 cubic meters) heaped
MATERIAL
Adaptor: Cross linked polyethylene
Tube: Clear low density polyethylene ;
Cover: High density linear polyethylene
Bag: Polyester fabric and vinyl construction
Deflector: No. 20 ga. steel
Frame: Welded steel tubing
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
On slopes over 15 percent (8.5*^ ) use two rear wheel
weights {Mfg, No. 1690555). Always use the front
counterweight with the grass catcher. Never oper¬
ate on slopes greater than 30 percent (16 7°),
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHdUT NOTICE.

IMPORTANT SETUP INFORMATION
To assemble and install the grass catcher for the first time,
perform the “Setup Instructions” at back of manuai. After
initial installalion, the “Setup Instructions” will not be
needed. To remove and reinstall the grass catcher, refer to
“Removal and Installation” at front of manual.
Table of Contents
SPECIFICATIONS ..
SAFETY RULES . . .
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
REMOVAL..
INSTALLATION ................
OPERATION & CARE ...
TROUBLESHOOTING ..
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS .
FASTENER IDENTIFICATION CHART
Inside Front Cover
................ 2
.. 4
........V....... 4
. 5
.. 5
..7
... 8
Inside Back Cover

Safety Rules
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey
these rules could result in loss of control of vehicle, severe
^IQII^ personal Injury to yourself or bystanders, or damage to property
or equipment. The triangle in the text signifies important cautions or
warnings which must be followed.
A ALL WARNING, CAUTION, and instructional
messages on your tractor and attachment
should be carefully read and obeyed. Personal
bodily injury can result when these instruc¬
tions are not followed.
GENERAL
• Read the tractor Operator's Manual and the
grass catcher Operator's Manual carefully. Be
familiar with the proper and safe use of the
equipment.
• Never allow children to operate the machine. Do
not allow adults to operate it without proper
instruction.
• Do not carry passengers.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets.
• When using any attachments, never direct dis¬
charge of material toward the bystanders nor
allow anyone near the vehicle while in opera¬
tion.
• Make sure:
a. tractor and attachments are in good opera¬
ting condition,
b. all safety devices and shields are in place,
c. and in good working condition, and
d. all adjustments, {cutting height, etc.), have
been made.
PREPARATION
• Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flam¬
mable.
a. Use approved gasoline container.
b. Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add
gasoline to a running or hot engine, or fill the
fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled gasoline.
• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes
are dangerous.
• Clear the work area of objects which might be
picked up and thrown.
• Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into
neutral before attempting to start the engine.
• Wear heavy footwear. Do not operate tractor
when barefoot or when wearing open sandals or
canvas shoes.
• Make sure entire unit is installed. Never operate
grass catcher without grass bag, cover, dis¬
charge tube or adaptor.
OPERATION
• Disengage power to attachment(s) and stop the
engine before leaving the operator's position.
• Disengage powerto attachment(s) and stop the
engine before making any repairs or adjust¬
ments.
• Shut the engine off, remove the key and wait for
moving parts to stop before unclogging chute or
emptying grass bag.
• Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other
hidden hazards. Be extra careful when operat¬
ing on wet or slippery surfaces.
• The vehicle and attachments should be stopped
and inspected for damage after striking a foreign
object, and the damage should be repaired
before restarting and operating the equipment.
2

Safety Rules
• Disengage power to attachment(s) when trans¬
porting or not in use.
• When using the vehicle with mower, proceed as
follows:
a. Mow onh/ in daylight or in good artificial light.
b. Never operate the tractor without the mower
clutch safety interlock switch properly at¬
tached and working.
c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper
tightness at frequent intervals.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill
or downhill. Mow up and down the face of steep
slopes; never across the face.
e Reduce speed on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Use extreme
caution when changing direction on slopes.
® Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
• If equipment begins to vibrate abnormally -
disengage power to attachments and stop en¬
gine at once. Inspect for damage and correct
before starting up tractor.
Read carefully and become familiar with the instruc¬
tions on the two safety decals. The instructions are
for your safety and are important. The WARNING
decal is located on the grass catcher cover, and the
CAUTION decal is located on the grass catcher bag
assembly.
A WARNING
1. Disengage mower and turn off engine before removing
cover. Do not remove catcher tube from adapter or
bag while mower is running.
2. When operating on slopes, use front counter weight
{available from your dealer).
3. Never operate mower without the grass catcher unless
mower discharge deflector is installed.
• Limit loads to those you can safely control.
• Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
• Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when
suggested in the operator's manual.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the
vehicle unattended, such as disengaging the
power take off, lowering the attachment(s),
setting the parking brake, stopping the engine
and removing the key.
• Keep the vehicle and attachments in good
operating condition and keep safety devices in
place.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
• Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and
mower free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.
• Never store the equipment with gasoline in the
tank inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or spark. Allow the engineto cool
before storing in any enclosure.
A CAUTION
1. D o not remove bag while engine
is running or operate mower with
bag removed.
2. T h i s bag is subject to
deterioration and wear during
normal usage.
3. Inspect the bag periodically for
tears, holes, or weak spots, and
replace with a new bag or with a
bag meeting manufacturer’s
durability requirements.
3

Removal & Installation
REMOVAL
1. Lift cover (E, figure 1) off bag assembly (D). Clips
on underside of cover will unlock from bag frame
as you lift.
2. Lift bag assembly (D) off hanger, folding bag back
as needed to clear grass discharge tube (A).
Figure 1. Install Bag & Cover
A. Grass Discharge Tube D. Bag Assembly
B. Hanger Tubes E- Cover
C. Bag Tubes
3. Remove spring clip (C, figure 2).
4. Lift hanger (D) off tractor. Then reinstall spring
clip (C) in hole of pin (B) at bottom of hanger.
5. Slide grass discharge tube (E) up and off grass
catcher adaptor (F).
6. Remove nuts, lockwashers and flat washers (B
through G, figure 3). Then remove grass catcher
adaptor (H) from mower.
7. To prevent loss, reinstall nut, lockwasher and flat
washer {E, F and G).
Figure 2. Install Hanger & Discharge Tube
A. Spacers {both sides) D. Hanger
B. Pin E. Grass Discharge Tube
C. Spring Clip F. Grass Catcher Adaptor
8. I f mower is to be used without grass catcher,
install original mower deflector (A) onto mower
using flat washers, lockwashers and nuts (B, C and
D).
Figure 3. Install Grass Catcher Adpator
A. Mower Deflector E. Nut
B. Nut F. Lockwasher
C. Lockwasher G. Flat Washer
D. Flat Washer H. Grass Catcher Adaptor
4

Removal & Installation
INSTALLATION
NOTE
If the grass catcher has not been assembled, refer to
“Setup Instructions” at back of manual to assemble
and install the grass catcher.
1. Remove the deflector (A, figure 3). The deflector
is held in place with two nuts, lockwashers and flat
washers (B, C and D).
2. Remove nut, lockwasher and flat washer (E, F
and G) from bolt on side of mower discharge
opening.
3. Place grass catcher adaptor (H) over bolts at
mower discharge opening. Again install flat wash¬
ers, lockwashers and nuts removed in steps 1 and 2
to hold adaptor in place.
4. Install hanger (D, figure 2) on tractor. Pin (B) at
bottom of hanger fits into hole in tractor while
slots on side of hanger fit over spacers (A).
5. Install a spring clip (C) through hole in end of pin
(B).
6. Install grass discharge tube (E) with its screws on
the bottom (facing down), over discharge tube of
grass catcher adaptor (F).The tube should be
installed so that the edge of tube (at seam)points
away from tractor. This will aid flow of grass thru
tube.
7. (See figure 1.) Install bag assembly (D) by slipping
its tubes (C) over tubes (B) of hanger.
8. Slip grass discharge tube (A) into hole of bag
assembly.
9. Position cover (E) over frame of bag assembly and
push it down firmly so clips on underside of cover
lock onto frame.
10. M a ke sure the front counterweight is installed.
See “Front Counterweight” on page 12. For
operation on slopes, install two rear wheel weights
(one on each rear wheel).
Operation & Care
CHECKS BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check the mower and grass catcher to be sure they
are properly installed and all nuts, bolts and pins
are securely fastened.
A WARNING
Never operate the mower unless the mower deflec¬
tor or the entire grass catcher is completely install¬
ed.
2. Clear the lawn of all sticks, stones, wire and other
debris which may be caught or thrown by the
mower blades.
OPERATING THE GRASS CATCHER
^ WARNING
Do not work around the mower housing or grass
catcher until you are certain that the mower blades
have stopped rotating.
Never operate the unit with the grass bag cover or
discharge tube removed.
Also see warnings on page. 6.
The grass catcher collects grass or leaves as they are
discharged from the mower. It is operated by running the
tractor and mower. Consult the tractor operator’s manual
if you have any questions on tractor and mower opera¬
tion.
During operation, it is necessary to check the bag
contents at intervals. If the bag is full or nearly full, empty
it as described in "Empty the Grass Catcher". Otherwise,
the bag can overfill and quickly cause filling and plugging
of the discharge tube and mower.
Filling of the bag or plugging of the mower is easily
detected if the tube is kept reasonably clean. Simply
watch the flow of grass through the tube (occasionally) as
you mow. Always watch for objects in direction of travel.
Best results will usually be obtained with engine set at full
throttle. When the grass is heavy, run the engine at full
Speed and slow down the tractor ground speed.
Do not try to collect damp or wet grass. Wet grass will
stick to the mower. Wait until dew or rain has evaporated
before mowing.
When collecting leaves or mowing tall grass, raise the
mower to highest cutting height and make one pass over
the area to be cleared. Then lower the mower and make a
second pass to complete the mowing. In extremely tall or
heavy grass, it may also be necessary to cut only half the
width of the mower to prevent clogging of the mower and
discharge tube.
5

Operation & Care
EMPTY THE GRASS CATCHER
A WARNING
Before emptying grass catcher, always stop tractor,
disengage mower PTO drive, apply parking brake,
stop engine and remove key.
To empty the grass catcher, pull up on cover to unsnap
clips. Remove cover and set it aside. Then lift grass bag
assembly off hanger, folding bag back as necessary to
clear discharge tube. Turn bag assembly over to empty it
and then reinstall it on hanger. Tap cover a few times to
remove any material on the inside. Then place cover back
over bag assembly and push it firmly to lock clips to bag
frame.
AFTER EACH USE
After each use, empty the grass catcher as described
above. If the bag is wet, dry it. Store the grass catcher on
or off the tractor in a dry, enclosed area.
A WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 30 percent
(16.7°) which is a rise of three feet vertically in 10
feet horizontally.
£k WARNING
When mowing with the grass catcher, always use
the front counterweight.
A CAUTION
Do not allow gasoline or other petroleum products
to come in contact with the plastic grass discharge
tube. These products will cause the tube to become
brittle and crack.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
To protect your grass catcher, store it in an enclosed dry
area. If stored in a garage, keep the bag assembly on a
shelf or hang it on a wall where the bag will not come in
contact with water or melted snow. Store the cover and
grass discharge tube in a similar manner to prevent
breakage. Clean the unit to remove all grass and dirt.
Coat all bare metal surfaces with paint or a light coat of
oil to prevent rusting.
A WARNING
When operating on slopes that are greater than 15
percent (8.5°) but less than 30 percent use rear
wheel weights (see your dealer). Use slow ground
speeds. Mow up and down the face of slopes and
never across the fact. Use caution when changing
directions and DO NOT STOP OR START.
6

Troubleshooting
CONTENT OF SECTION
This section provides troubleshooting instructions for
the more common and easily corrected problems.
^ WARNING
To avoid serious injury, perform maintenance on
the grass catcher only after stopping the tractor
engine and waiting for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop. Always remove the ignition key
before beginning the maintenance to prevent acci¬
dental starting of the engine.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
Troubleshooting procedures are provided in figure 4. To
use these procedures, first locate the problem description
that best describes the trouble that you have encountered.
Check the possible causes one at a time in the order that
they are listed. Correct any problems that are found and
operate the grass catcher again to verify that you have
eliminated the trouble.
Problem Cause/Remedy
1. Leaves and grass not being completely , A. Engine speed too low. Run at 3/4 to full throttle,
picked up. B. Ground speed too fast. Use lower gear.
C. Mower drive belt slipping. Increase belt tension
per tractor manual.
D. Discharge tube plugged. Stop engine and remove
key. Then remove and unplug discharge tube.
2. Grass catcher discharge tube or mower
plugs easiiy.
Using wrong mower blade. Install blade with
large lift tabs that were sup p l i e d with grass catcher.
Grass or leaves too wet. Wait for drier conditions.
Grass too high. Reduce tractor ground speed,
reduce cutting width or raise mower height for
the first pass, lower it for the second pass.
C. Dump cart full. Empty cart.
D. Screens in grass bag cover are clogged. Remove
cover and clean screens.
E. Using wrong mower blade. Install blade with large
lift tabs that were supplied with grass catcher.
3. Discharge tube works off grass catcher
adaptor on mower.
F. B u i l d - u p of cut grass in mower or adaptor. Clean
thoroughly._
Tube too tight. Increase diameter of tube.
(See figure 12.)
Figure 4. Troubieshooting
7

Setup Instructions
ATTENTION SETUP PERSONNEL:
As setup personnel you have an obligation to know the
product better than the customer. This includes safety
related items. Prior to actual setup, thoroughly familiar¬
ize yourself with the Operator’s Manual. Pay special
attention to all safety warnings. It is possible during setup
to place yourself in a position which is more hazardous
than when the unit is in operation. Remember, it is your
responsibility to set up the product safely and to know it
well enough to be able to instruct a customer in the safe
use of his power unit.
Safety is a matter of common sense ... A matter of
thinking before acting. Most shops have specific safety
practices. Follow them. The precautions listed in the
Operators Manual should not supersede existing prac¬
tices but should be considered as supplemental informa¬
tion.
NOTE
The sizes of the fasteners are indicated in the figure
legends. To help identify a fastener, refer to the
chart on the inside back cover of the manual.
INTRODUCTION
when the grass catcher is received disassembled, follow
these instructions to assemble the grass catcher and
install it on the tractor. After the grass catcher is set up,
these instructions will not be needed again. To remove or
reinstall the grass catcher see "Removal and Installation"
section at front of manual.
INSTALL HANGER & BAG
1. T wo spacers (F, figure 5), one on each side of
tractor rear support frame, must be installed.
Remove existing nuts, lockwashers, and cap¬
screws (A, B and C) from tractor. For access to
nuts on inside of frame, reach up and under the
rear frame panel. Install spacers using longer
capscrews and flat washers (D and E) supplied
with grass catcher and lockwashers and nuts
previously removed from tractor.
2. I n stall hanger (D, figure 6) on tractor. Pin (B) at
bottom of hanger fits into hole in tractor hitch
while slots on side of hanger fit over spacers (A).
3. i n stall spring clip (C) through hole in end of pin
(B).
4. F ully open zipper and place bag inside frame with
discharge tube hole in right of frame support tubes
as shown in figure 7. Pull bag forward and slip
holes nearest edge over frame support tubes (F).
Slip the support tubes (F) over the tubes of the
hanger (D, figure 6). Start and fully close the
zipper to hold bag to frame.
Figure 5. Install Parts On Tractor
^^ut D. Capscrew, 3/8 x 1-1/4
B. Lockwasher E. Flat Washer, 3/8
C. Capscrew (on tractor} F. Spacer
Figure 6. Install Hanger & Discharge Tube
A. Spacers (both sides) C. Spring Clip
B- D. Hanger
8