Snapper LT120G30DB Operation and maintenance manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for
SNAPPER,
LAWN TRACTOR
HYDROSTATIC &
GEAR DRIVE
SERIES D
MODELS
GEAR DRIVE
HYDROSTATIC
DRIVE
LT120G30DB
NLT120G30DB
LT125G38DB
LT140H33DBV
LT145H33DBV
LT145H38DBV
NLT145H38DBV
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
LT 145
H 38 D B V
MODEL DESIGNATION'
ENGINE HP-
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE-
CUTTING WIDTH-
-ENGINE TYPE
-ENGINE MODEL
SERIES DESIGNATION
I LT - Lawn Tractor Model Designation |
120 -12.0 HP Engine Horse Power
125 -12.5 HP Engine Horse Power
140 -14.0 HP Engine Horse Power
145 -14.5 HP Engine Horse Power
H - Hydrostatic Transmission G - Gear Drive Transmission
30 - 30” Cutting Width Mower
D - Series Designation
B - Briggs & Stratton Engine
V - Over Head Valve Type Engine
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER productl Before operating the Lawn Tractor, read and follow the
“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on pages 2 & 2A, all other instructions contained in this manual and
the accompanying booklet “About Power Mower Safety”. 'Lawn mowers and all power equipment can be
potentially dangerous if used improperly. REMEMBER: SAFETY REQUIRES CAREFULL USE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH INSTRUCTIONS AND COMMON SENSE!.
COPYRIGHT 61998
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 3-5576 (REV. 2, 6/98)

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This powerful cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that
can cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following SAFETY instructions could result in
serious injury or death to the operator or other persons. The owner of the machine must understand these
instructions and must allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate machine. Each
person operating the machine must be of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any
substance which might impair vision, dexterity or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your
machine which your dealer cannot answer to your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department
at SNAPPER , McDonough, Georgia 30253. Phone: [phone]).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
1. KEEP children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult.
2. DO NOT allow children in yard when machine is
operated (even with the blade OFF).
3. DO NOT allow children or other passengers to
ride on machine or on attachments (even with the
blade OFF). They may fall and be seriously
injured.
4. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
machine.
5. ALLOW only responsible adults & teenagers with
mature judgment under close adult supervision to
operate machine.
6. BE SURE the area is clear of others before
mowing and turn machine OFF if anyone enters
the area.
7. DO NOT mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. LOOK BEHIND and down for small
children before and when backing.
8. USE EXTRA CARE when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control
and tip-over accidents, which can result in severe
injury or death. All slopes require extra CAUTION. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on
it, DO NOT mow it. Use extra care with grass catchers
or other attachments; these can change the stability
of the machine.
1. DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 15
degrees (27% grade).
2. Exercise EXTREME CAUTION on slopes above 10
degrees (18% grade). Turn blade OFF when
traveling uphill. Use first speed and avoid sudden
or sharp turns.
3. DO NOT mow back and forth across face of
slopes. Mow up and down.
PROTECTION AGAINST TIPOVERS
(Continued From Previous Column)
4. AVOID uphill starts. If machine stops going uphill
or tires lose traction, turn blade OFF and back
slowly down the slope.
5. STAY ALERT for holes and other hidden hazards.
Tall grass can hide obstacles. Keep away from
ditches, washouts, culverts, fences and
protruding objects.
6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE (at least 3 feet) away
from edge of ditches and other drop offs. The
mower could turn over if an edge caves in.
7. Always begin forward motion in the #1 speed
position.
8. Use weights or a weighted load carrier in
accordance with instructions with a grass catcher
on slopes above 10 degrees (18% grade).
9. DO NOT put your foot on the ground to try to
stabilize the machine.
10. DO NOT mow on wet grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
11. DO NOT mow under any condition where traction,
steering or stability is doubtful without first test
driving over the terrain with blade OFF.
PREPARATION
1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls
are located and practice how to use them before
starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Read and follow Warnings and
Instructions on engine and machine. Read and
follow operator’s manual and instructions
furnished with attachments.
2. Only mature, responsible persons shall operate
the machine and only after proper instruction.
3. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable
and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved
fuel container. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel
with engine running. Add fuel outdoors only with
engine stopped and cool. Clean spilled fuel from
machine. DO NOT smoke.
4. Practice operation of machine with BLADE OFF to
learn controls and develop skills.
(Continued on Next Page)
2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
(Continued From Previous Page)
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade
or interfere with mowing.
6. Keep people and pets a safe distance from
machine.
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade
controls and other safety devices frequently for
proper operation and location.
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.
Replace if damaged.
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in
preparation for emergencies.
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
12. Check grass catcher components frequently for
signs of wear or deterioration and replace as
needed to prevent injury from thrown objects
going through weak or worn spots.
OPERATION
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.
2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible.
Make sure blade is OFF and parking brake is set.
3. STOP blade, STOP engine, set parking brake and
remove key when leaving machine.
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated
with feet on feet rests or pedal(s).
5. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade
has stopped before removing grass catcher or
unclogging mower to prevent loss of fingers or
hand.
6. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass.
Set blade in highest position when mowing over
rough ground.
7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade
underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground
while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.
8. Deflector or entire grass catcher must be in place.
NEVER point discharge at people, passing cars,
windows or doors.
9. Slow down before turning.
10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing
roadways.
11. STOP engine immediately after striking an
obstruction. Inspect machine and repair damage
before resuming operation.
12. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.
13. Move joystick (if equipped) SLOWLY to maintain
control during speed and directional changes.
14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. Limit
loads to those you can safely control and attach
loads to hitch plate as specified with SNAPPER
attachment instructions.
MAINTENANCE
1. Never store machine or fuel container inside
where fumes may reach an open flame, spark or
pilot light such as in a water heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliance. Allow
engine to cool before storing machine in an
enclosure. Store fuel container out of the reach of
children in a well ventilated, unoccupied building.
2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess
grease to reduce fire hazard and engine
overheating.
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an
approved container outdoors and away from open
flame.
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace
as needed.
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when
running engine indoors. Exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery
before performing maintenance or service.
Cranking engine could cause injury.
8. Never work under machine without safety blocks.
9. Service engine and make adjustments only when
engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s)
from spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from
spark plug(s).
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings
or overspeed engine.
11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in
manual to prevent controls from binding.
12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use
CAUTION when handling them.
13. NEVER test for spark by grounding spark plug
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite
gas exiting engine.
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized
SNAPPER dealer at least once a year and have the
dealer install any new safety devices.
15. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to
assure that original standards are maintained.
2A

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.2 & 2A
TABLE OF CONTENTS.3
FAMILIARIZATION.4-5
Serial & Model Number Location.4
Controls.5
Components.5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.6-11
Pre-start Checklist.6
Adjusting Operator’s Seat.6
Starting & Stopping Engine.7
Starting & Stopping Wheel Drive.8
Setting & Releasing Parking Brake.9
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades.9
Adjusting Cutting Height.10
Raising Chute Deflector.10
Rolling Tractor With Engine Off.9-10
Tips on Mowing.11
ACCESSORIES.11
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.12-13
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .14-35
Service Schedule.14
Maintenance Parts.14
Hydrostatic Transmission Oil.15
To Check Oil Level.15
Changing Engine Oil.16
Lubrication (Tractor).17-18
Front Wheel Bearings.17
Axle Spindles.17
Steering Shaft.17
Clutch/Brake Pivot.17
Steering Sector Gear.17
Steering Drag Link.18
Steering Tie Rod.18
Park Brake Latch.18
Deck Lift Mechanism.18
Blade Engagement Mechanism.18
Engine Service.19
Engine Air Pre-Cleaner.19
Engine Air Cleaner.19
Spark Plug.19
Fuel Filter.19
Engine Cooling System.20
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
Battery Service.20-21
Battery Electrolyte Check.20
Battery Charging.21
Mower Deck Removal/Reinstallation.22-23
Standard Mower Blade Service.26-28
Standard Blade Wear Limits.26
Blade Removal/Replacement.26-27
33" Mower Blade.26
38" Mower Blade.27
Sharpening Standard Blade(s).28
Ninja Mower Blade Service.28
Ninja Blade Wear Limits.28
Ninja Blade Sharpening.29
Belt Service.21-25
Mower Drive Belt Removal/Replacement 25
33" & 38” Deck Drive Belt.25
Traction Drive Belt Service.21-24
Traction Drive Belt Removal.23
Traction Drive Belt Replacement.24
Traction Drive Belt Adjustment.29-30
Deck Level Adjustment.31-33B
Side to Side Level.31-32 & 33A-33B
Front to Rear Level.32-33 & 33B
Sector Plates.32
Front Lift Rod.33 & 33A
Shifter Adjustment.34
Steering Adjustment.34
Wheel Brake Adjustment.35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.36-37
Wiring Harness Routing.36
DIAGRAMS, Briggs Engine w/o lights.37
DIAGRAMS, Briggs Engine w/lights.37
WARRANTY.38
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE.39-42
3

FAMILIARIZATION
SERIAL & MODEL NUMBER LOCATION
The serial and model number of the SNAPPER Series D
Lawn Tractor are located on the rear face of the tractor
frame as shown in Figure 1. Record these numbers in the
space provided. They will be useful in ordering parts or
accessories for the tractor.
SERIAL NUMBER
FIGURE 1
NOTE: STEERING WHEEL & OPERATOR’S SEAT NOT SHOWN IN THIS VIEW.
All operator's should be acquainted with the operator's
controls before attempting start-up or operation of the
Series D Lawn Tractor. See Figure 2.
ROLL RELEASE LEVER
(HYDRO ONLY)
FIGURE 2
SPEED
CONTROL
LEVER

FAMILIARIZATION
COMPONENTS
The nomenclature drawings, Figures 2 & 3, illustrate the
essential components of the SNAPPER Series D Lawn
Tractor. It is recommended that all operators of this
equipment become thoroughly familiar with the compo¬
nents and their operation BEFORE OPERATING. Spe¬
cific details involving the engine are found in the separate
Engine Owners’ Manual. Study the Important Safety
Instructions, this Operators’ Manual and Engine Owners’
Manual before operating this machine. Keep these
manuals available for future reference.
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
- OPERATOR'S
SEAT
-CHOKE
FAST
SLOW
CONTROL
STEERING
WHEEL
DASHBOARD
CONTROLS
BATTERY
(UNDER SEAT)
FUELTANK
(UNDER HOOD)
HOOD
HEADLIGHTS
CHUTE
MOWING DECK
(33" SHOWN)
1 — ENGINE
FIGURE 3
5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PRE-START CHECKLIST
Make the following checks and perform service as re¬
quired before each start-up.
Check tires and add air as needed to bring pressure to
12psi in front tires and 10 psi in rear tires. If guards are
missing or damaged, Replace BEFORE using mower.
Check guards, deflectors and covers to make sure all are
in place and securely tightened.
Check engine oil. Add oil as needed to bring up to, but not
over, the full mark. Referto the engine owner's manual for
oil specifications.
Check operator's seat adjustment. Adjust as necessary.
Check blade engagement lever to insure it operates
properly. The blade engagement lever must be moved
manually from "ON’' to "OFP to stop blade.
Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck, engine and tractor
from any accumulation of grass clippings and debris.
Keep engine air intake screens and cooling fins clean at all
times.
With engine "OFF" move the tractor outside and add fuel
to the fuel tank. Securely tighten fuel cap after refueling.
See Figure 4. Refer to engine owner's manual for fuel
specifications.
ADJUSTING OPERATOR S SEAT
FRONT TO REAR ADJUSTMENT
With engine "OFF", raise operator's seat and loosen the
two adjusting knobs on the seat support. See Figure 5.
Lower the seat.
Sit in the operator's seat and slide the seat forward or
backward until the clutch/brake pedal can be fully de¬
pressed comfortably.
Raise seat and tighten the adjusting knobs to secure seat
in position.
FIGURE 5
6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING & STOPPING ENGINE
STARTING ENGINE
Take a comfortable position in seat of riding mower, look
around to make sure that the area you are going to mow
is clear of people, children and pets. Take note of any
stationary obstacles!
NOTE:
The interlock system will prevent the engine from starting
if the blade engagement lever is in the "ON" (up) position.
If the interlock system ever fails to work, DO NOT OPER¬
ATE the tractor until the interlock has been repaired.
Push blade engagement lever down to the "OFF" position.
See Figure 6.
Depress the clutch/brake pedal fully. See Figure 7.
NOTE:
The seat interlock will shut off the engine if the operator
gets off the seat without setting the parking brake lever or
if the blade is running. If the interlock everfails to work, DO
NOT OPERATE the tractor until the interlock has been
repaired.
Choke engine for cold starting by moving engine speed
control to "CHOKE" position. Little or no choking will be
needed when restarting a warm engine. See Figure 8.
Insert key in switch.
Turn key to "START" position to crank engine and hold
until engine starts, then release key.
NOTE:
DO NOT crank engine for more than five seconds at a
time. This will help prevent the starter from overheating
anchor running down the battery. If cranking time is more
than five seconds, locate and correct cause of starting
problem.
After engine starts, release key, move the engine speed
control to the "FAST" position and allow engine to warm up
before proceeding. See Figure 8.
STOPPING ENGINE
Turn key to "STOP". See Figure 8.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 8
7

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING & STOPPING WHEEL DRIVE
STARTING WHEEL DRIVE OF HYDRO MODELS
Shift speed control lever to neutral.
Start engine.
Release brake pedal.
Slowly shift speed control leverforward forforward motion
or to the rear for reverse motion. See Figure 9.
STOPPING WHEEL DRIVE
Fully depress clutch/brake pedal to stop wheel drive.
Shift speed control lever to neutral. See Figure 10.
NOTE: (HYDRO DRIVE MODELS ONLY)
When the tractor is moving forward and the clutch/brake
pedal is pushed all the way down, the speed control
handle will automatically return to approximately 1 /3 of full
forward speed. Move handle to desired position after
releasing brake pedal.
STARTING WHEEL DRIVE OF GEAR MODELS
Shift speed control lever to neutral.
Start engine.
Fully depress clutch/brake pedal.
Move speed control handle forward to First speed.
See Figure 11.
Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to begin motion.
NOTE: (GEAR DRIVE MODELS ONLY)
The clutctybrake pedal must be fully depressed when
changing speed.
FIGURE 11
8

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING & STOPPING MOWER BLADE
STARTING MOWER BLADE
Start engine.
Raise blade engagement lever to "ON". See Figure 12.
STOPPING MOWER BLADE
Move blade engagement lever to "OFF". See Figure 12.
SETTING & RELEASING PARK BRAKE
SETTING PARK BRAKE
Fully depress clutch/brake pedal.
Move park brake lever up into slot. See Figure 13.
Release clutch/brake pedal.
RELEASING PARK BRAKE
Fully depress clutch/brake pedal. The park brake lever
will release automatically.
FIGURE 13
ROLLING TRACTOR WITH ENGINE OFF
ROLLING HYDRO MODELS
With engine "OFF", move to rear of tractor.
Move the roll release control to the right and down. This
disengages the hydro transmission. See Figure 14.
Move tractor to desired location.
Move roll release control up and to the left to engage hydro
transmission
Set park brake.
NOTE:
The transmission will not propel the tractor if it is left in the
"ROLL" position.
FIGURE 14
9