Snapper NZM21520KWV Operation and maintenance manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER
ZERO TURNING
HYDRO DRIVE
SERIES 0
MODELS
NZM19480KWV
NZM21520KWV
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
INI ;
MODEL DESIGNATION "_
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE
MOWER ORIENTATION
ENGINE HP
'- III 11_1481 _IKWVI
I
I
POWER UNIT
ENGINE TYPE
SERIES DESIGNATION
MOWER DECK SIZE
N - Model Designation
Z - Zero Turning - Hydro Drive
M - Mid Mount Mower
19.0 - Engine Horse Power
21.0 -- Engine Horse Power
48 - 48" Mower Width
52 - 52" Mower Width
0 - Series Designation KW - Kawasaki Engine
V - Over Head Valve
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your machine, read this manual carefully and pay
particular attention to the "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on Pages 2 - 4. Remember that all power
equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in
accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!
SNAPPERMcDonough,GA., 30253 U.S.A.
COPYRIGHT @2003
SNAPPER PRODUCTS INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED MANUAL No. 7-5277 (Rev I, 1/27/03)

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
HOUR
METER SWITCH
MOTION CONTROL
LEVER
RIGHT HAND
FUEL TANK
CHOKE
CONTROL
\
BLADE
SWITCH ENGINE
SPEED
LEFT HAND
FUELTANK
MOTION CONTROL
LEVER
DECK LIFT
LEVER'
PARKING
BRAKE LEVER
CONTROLPANEL
(SEEINSET)
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR,-- DECK LIFT PEDAL FIGURE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared for the operator's of the
SNAPPER MID MOUNT Z-RIDER. Its purpose, aside
from recommending standard operating procedures and
routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY
through the use of accepted operating practices. Read,
Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 thru 4 of this manual and
All SAFETY messages on the MID MOUNT Z-RIDER
and its attachments before operating. SNAPPER
recommends returning the MID MOUNT Z-RIDER to an
authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection
and addition of any new devices which might upgrade
the safety of the mower.
1.1
IMPORTANT
The figures and illustrations in this manual
are provided for reference only and may
differ from your specific model, Contact
your Snapper dealer if you have questions
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
The nomenclature information above, Figure 1.1, shows
the essential parts of the SNAPPER MID MOUNT Z-
RIDER. It is recommended that all operators of this
equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls,
components, and operation of this machine before
operating. Specific details involving the engine are
found in the separate engine owner's manual. Study
these manuals before operating and keep both handy
for future reference. For the nearest SNAPPER dealer
in your area, check the yellow pages under the heading
LAWN MOWERS. For engine parts and service, look
for the engine manufacturer's dealers under the
heading, ENGINES - gasoline.
7

Section 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS
DANGER ! ROTATING PARTS
KEEP AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS
I MOTION CONTROL LEVER OPERATION I
I PARKING BRAKE LEVER OPERATION I
I WEAR HEARING PROTECTION I
IWARNING !AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH I
I
I
STARTING, OPERATION & STOPPING OF MACHINE
8

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST
Make the following checks and perform the service
required before each start-up.
3.1.1. Check tires and add or release air as needed
to bring pressure to 12 psi in drive tires. Pressure in
front caster wheels should be 25 psi.
3.1.2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to make
sure all are in place and securely tightened.
3.1.3. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to
bring level up to the FULL mark. Refer to engine
owner's manual for oil specifications. See Figure 3.1.
FIGURE 3.1
3.1.4. Check Blade Switch to insure it works freely.
1. Pull the Blade Switch up to the "ON" position to
engage or turn "ON" the mower blades.
2, Push Blade Switch down to the "OFF" position to
disengage or turn "OFF" the blades.
BLADESWITCH
FIGURE 3.2
3.1.8. Place mower in desired cutting height
setting. Grasp deck lift lever and depress release
latch located underneath the lever. Move lever to
desired cutting height setting and release latch.
Insert stop pin to desired cutting height.
IMPORTANT: There is a foot assist pedal located
to the right front side of the footrest. Always use this
assist pedal to raise or lower the deck for the
desired cutting height. See Figure 3.3.
DECK LIFT
LEVER
RELEASE
LATCH
FOOT
ASSIST PEDAL
INSERT STOP PIN
INTO HOLES FOR
DESIRED CUTTING
HEIGH1
3.1.5, Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck,
engine and pumps of any accumulation of dirt,
grass, oil, etc. Keep engine and pump air intake
screens and cooling fins clear at all times.
3.1.6, Add fuel to both tanks of the machine
outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make
sure both fuel filler caps are tight. Note the fuel tank
selector valve. Refer to engine owner's manual for
fuel specifications.
3.1.7. Adjust position of operator's seat. The seat
is mounted on slides. Locate latch lever beneath the
seat. Move lever towards the left and slide seat to
the desired position. Release latch.
FIGURE 3.3
IMPORTANT: This machine is equipped with
hydrostatic drive, The direction of motion and the
speed of motion are controlled by the left and right
motion control levers. A small movement of these
controls can cause the machine to move instantly. DO
NOT attempt to operate the machine until you read this
manual and become familiar with its operation. Practice
with the blades "OFF" disengaged, engine speed at a
slow setting and in an open area away from obstacles.
DO NOT allow operation of the machin
untra ned personne.
10

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3,2,1, STARTING ENGINE
NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine
does not start, release the key. Attempt starting
again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.
7. After engine starts, move the choke control to
the "OFF" or no choke position. Allow a brief
warm-up until engine runs smooth.
3,2,2, STOPPING ENGINE
1. Stop engine by turning key to "STOP" position.
Move engine speed to the Turtle "SLOW" position
and turn key to "STOP". See Figure 3.6.
SHOWN FROM OPERATOR'S VIEW POINT
FIGURE 3.6
j , WARNING AI
DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP blades. I
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets,
and hazards before and while backing. I
3.2,3, STARTING MOWER BLADES
1. Start engine and set engine speed control to the
Rabbit "FAST" position. See Figure 3.5.
2. Pull the Blade Switch up to the "ON" position to
engage or turn "ON" the mower blades.
See Figure 3.2.
3.2,4, STOPPING MOWER BLADES
1. Push Blade Switch down to "OFF" position to
disengage or turn "OFF" the blades.
2. Move engine speed control to the Turtle
"SLOW" position. Turn key to "STOP" position.
WARNING
Once blades are disengaged, they should come to a
complete stop in 7 seconds. If the blades continue
to rotate after 7 seconds, the electric clutch should
be checked. Adjustment or replacement of electric
clutch may be necessary. Return the machine to an
authorized Snapper dealer for replacement. DO NOT
CONTINUE to operate mower if blades fail to stop in
7 seconds.
3,2,5. PARKING BRAKE
1, Engage parking brake by pulling the parking
brake lever back to the engaged position. See
Figure 3.7.
NOTE: Engaging parking brake prior to placing
motion control levers in the neutral lock position
will cause engine to die. See Figure. 3.7.
3, Release parking brake by pushing parking
brake lever forward to the released position. See
Figure 3.8.
PARKING BRAKE
LEVER IN ENGAGED
"ON" POSITION
LEVER SHOWN IN
THE NEUTRAL
LOCK POSITION
FIGURE 3.7
FIGURE 3.8
PARKING BRAKE
LEVERIN RELEASED
"OFF'POSITION
WARNING
DO NOT park the machine on slopes. DO NOT
machine with engine running. Stop engine. stopI
blades. Engage parking brake. Remove key. |
12

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.3 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
1. Adjust cutting height, as desired, to any position,
using deck lift lever. The release latch should be
pulled up when lowering the deck. When raising the
deck, the release latch does not have to be pulled
up. IMPORTANT: There is a foot assist pedaJ
located to the right front side of the footrest. Always
use this assist pedal to raise or lower the deck to the
desired cutting height. See Figure 3.9 & 3.10.
2. If a specific deck height is desired each time the
machine is used, insert the stop pin to desired
cutting height. See Figure 3.11.
NOTE: The engine does not have to be running to adjust
cutting height.
FIGURE 3.9
DECK LIFT
LEVER SHOWN
IN HIGH CUTTING
HEIGHT
PULL RELEASE
LATCH UP WHEN
CHANGING THE
DECK HEIGHT
6HOLE POSITIONS
FOR STOP PIN
FIGURE 3.11
3.4 OPERATION- MOTION CONTROLS
3,4.1, DRIVING MACHINE
1. Start engine. Release parking brake.
2, Move motion control levers gently and with
caution in desired direction. See Figure 3.12.
FORWARD - Move both control levers forward.
REVERSE -Move both control levers rearward.
LEFT TURN - Move left control rearward or move
right control lever forward.
RIGHT TURN - Move left control forward or move
right control lever rearward.
ZERO RADIUS TURN - Move one control lever
forward and move the other control lever rearward
simultaneously.
LEVER
SHOWN IN LOW
CUTTING HEIGHT
POSITION
DECK LIFT
ASSIST PEDAL
FIGURE 3.10
WARNING
DO NOT make turns at high speed. Slow machine
motion. Move motion control lever gently and with
caution. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or
direction.
13
FIGURE 3.12

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.4,2, STOPPING MACHINE
1. Return motion control lever to the neutral
position & the neutral lock position.
IMPORTANT: Operator must use hand assistance
to bring both motion control levers to the neutral
position & the neutral lock position.
MOTION
CONTROL
LEVER--
NEUTRAL
LOCK
POSITION
FIGURE 3.13
2. Engage parking brake.
3. Push Blade Switch down to the "OFF" position
to disengage or turn "OFF" the blades.
4. Stop engine. Move engine speed control to
turtle "SLOW" position. Turn key to stop position.
5. Remove key.
WARNING
DO NOT park the machine on slopes. DO NOT
machine with engine running. Stop engine.
blades. Engage parking brake. Remove key.
3.5 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM CHECKS
This machine is equipped with an electrical safety
interIock system that is provided for the safety of the
operator and others. All safety devices must be in place
and functioning properly before operating the machine.
Perform the following interlock system checks
periodically during the operating season. Contact your
authorized Snapper dealer if you have questions.
WARNING
DO NOT operate machine if any safety interlock or
safety device is not in place and functioning
properly. DO NOT attempt to defeat, modify or
remove any safety device.
ENGINE MUST NOT START IF:
1. Motion Control Lever(s) are not in the neutral
lock position OR,
2. Parking Brake disengaged and Operator not
seated in the Operator's Seat OR,
3. Blade Switch in the "ON" blades engaged
position.
ENGINE SHOULD START IF:
1. Blade Switch in the "OFF" blades disengaged
position AND,
2. Motion Control Levers are both in the neutral
lock position AND,
3. Operator properly seated in the Operator's Seat
OR,
4. Parking Brake engaged.
NOTE: The engine can be started with the parking
brake disengaged only if conditions in 1, 2 and 3
have been met.
ENGINE MUST BEGIN TO STOP IF:
1. Motion Control Levers are moved from the
neutral lock position with Parking Brake engaged
OR,
2. Operator rises off of seat with Blade Switch in
"ON" blades engaged position OR,
3. Operator rises off of seat with Parking Brake
disengaged.
IMPORTANT: Engine and blades will continue to run
if Operator becomes reseated prior to engine coming
to a complete stop. After coming to a complete stop,
the blade switch must be moved to the "OFF"
position before engine can be restarted. Engine and
blades must come to a complete stop within 7
seconds after the operator rises off the seat or the
blade switch is moved to the "OFF" position.
14

Section 4 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Allow engine to cool for at least ten minutes before
performing service or maintenance. DO NOT smoke
near fuel components when performing service or
maintenance. DO NOT perform service and
maintenance near an open flame. Wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run
engine indoors.
4.5 ANNUALLY (END OF EACH SEASON)
(Continued from previous Page)
4,5,2, FUEL FILTER
Service fuel filter as instructed below. Turn key to
"OFF" position. Engine MUST be stopped and MUST
be cold before removing filter. Clamp fuel line to
prevent fuel spillage or perform filter change when
fuel tank and fuel line are empty.
1. Remove fuel line clamps from fuel filter.
2. Remove fuel lines from filter. Discard filter.
3. Install new fuel filter. IMPORTANT: Some fuel
filters are fuel flow directional. Check for arrow that
shows fuel flow direction. Reinstall fuel line clamps.
See Figure 4.8. LEFT SIDE OF
MACHINE
4.6 DECK REMOVAL
Move power unit!mower deck to an area where the
mower deck is to be disconnected. Turn engine
"OFF" and remove key from switch. Remove spark
plug wire(s) and secure away from spark plug(s).
Move motion control levers to the neutral position.
Engage parking brake.
1. Move deck lift lever and set the mower deck to
the highest cutting position. See Figure 4.9.
2, IMPORTANT - STORED ENERGY. Relieve
tension on deck lift assist spring by backing off nut
on eyebott. Failure to relive tension could result in
personal injury. See Figure 4.9.
3. Place a wooden block under the front and rear
edge of the mower deck.
4, Move deck lift lever and set the mower deck to a
lower cutting position until deck rests on wooden
blocks. Position the deck to where there is no
tension on the deck hanger chains. See Figure 4.9.
LOWEST CUTTING
POSITION (ALL THE
WAY FORWARD)
POSITION DECK LIFT LEVER IN HIGHEST CUTTING
POSITION. PLACE WOODEN BLOCKS UNDER
FRONT AND REAR OF DECK. LOWER DECK ONTO
CLAMP FUEL LINE
TO PREVENT
LOOSEN DECK
LIFT ASSIST
FUEL
LINE TO
REMOVE LINE PREVENT
CLAMPS SPILLAGE
FIGURE 4.8
18
FIGURE 4.9
(Continued On Next Page)

Section 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
DANGER _1
Exercise EXTREME CAUTION when making this I
adjustment, due to close proximity of moving parts, I
5.1 NEUTRAL POSITION ADJUSTMENTS
The motion control levers control the movement
and stopping of the machine. Move the control
levers to the center or neutral position to stop
machine.
IMPORTANT: Always return both motion control
levers with hand assistance to the neutral
position. If machine does not come to a
complete stop or machine has movement when
control levers are moved to the neutral lock
position, adjustment must be made,
1. Turn key to "OFF" position.
2. Move motion control levers to the neutral lock
position. Refer to Figure 3.7.
3. Raise both rear wheels off the ground. Secure
machine with safety blocks.
4. Remove cover screen to expose top of hydro
pumps and linkages. See Figure 5.1.
5. Remove both fans from top of hydro pumps.
6. Disconnect motion lever connecting rods from
hydro pump activation assembly. See Figure 5.2.
IREMOVESCREEN
REMOVE MOTION CONTROL
LEVER CONNECTING ROD
HYDRO PUMP
ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 5.2
FIGURE 5.3
MOVE ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY
REARWARDOR
FORWARD TO ACHIEVE
LOOSEN ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY RETAINING
SCREW
FIGURE 5.1
7. Turn key to start position and start machine.
Move engine speed control to the Rabbit "FAST"
position
8. Disengage parking brake.
9. Both wheels should not have any movement, not
rotating.
10. If wheel(s) are rotating, loosen the hydro pump
activation assembly retaining screw. Move activation
assembly forward or rearward to stop rotation of wheel.
Retighten retaining screw. Repeat this step for other
hydro pump. See Figure 5.3.
11. Stop engine.
(Continued On Next Page)
20

Section 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine running. STOP engine. STOP
blades. Set brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug
wires and secure away from spark plugs. Engine and
components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow
sufficient time for all parts to cool.
5.3 TRACTION BELT TENSION
The traction drive belt tension does not require
adjustment. If the belt is slipping, it will have to be
replaced.
JAM NUT
FIGURE 5.9
5.4 TRACTION BELT REPLACEMENT
1. Remove clutch to deck belt. See Figure 5.10
2. Loosen jam nut on J-Bolt and turn both nuts out to
the end of J-Bolt, reducing spring tension. Unhook
traction idler spring from bolt in frame. See Figure 5.9
3. Remove anti-rotation bracket. See Figure 5.10
4, Disconnect the electric clutch from main wire
harness.
5, Remove traction belt from around engine pulley
and hydro pumps.
6, Install new belt and route around engine pulley
and hydro pump pulleys.
7, Reconnect electric clutch to main wire harness.
8, Reinstall anti-rotation bracket and tighten nuts
securely.
9, Reattach traction idler spring. Run both nuts all
the way to the end of the threads on the J-Bolt.
Tighten jam nut securely. See Figure 5.10.
10. Reinstall electric clutch to deck belt onto electric
clutch.
UNHOOK TRACTION
DRIVE IDLER SPRING REMOVE ANTI-
ROTATION BRACKET
REMOVE CLUTCH
TO DECK BELT
5.5 BLADE BRAKE/ELECTRIC CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
The blade switch engages the electric clutch when
pulled out to the "ON" position. When the blade
switch is in the "ON_'position the cutting blade(s)
are engaged. The blade switch disengages the
electric clutch when the blade switch is pushed in to
the "OFF" position. When the blade switch is in the
"OFF" position the cutting blade(s) are disengaged.
The electric clutch is adjustable. The blades should
stop rotation in 7 seconds or less. If the electric
clutch fails to stop the blades rotation in 7 seconds,
adjustment is necessary.
1, Insert a feeler gauge into the three slots on the
electric clutch.
2, Check gap through all three slots in the side of
the clutch. The gap should be set at .015.
3, If gap is incorrect rotate nuts in or out to achieve
the correct gap. See Figure 5.11.
NOTE: Electric Clutch is shown removed from the
machine. Removal is not necessary for adjustment.
S
GAP SHOULD BE .015
ROTATE NUTS
IN OR OUT
TO ACHIEVE
CORRECTGAP
FIGURE 5.11
23