Snapper NZMJ23521KH, NZMJ25611KH Operation and maintenance manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER
ZERO TURNING
HYDRO DRIVE
SERIES 1
MODELS
NZMJ23521KH
NZMJ25611KH
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
INI;
MODEL DESIGNATION ._1
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE
MOWER ORIENTATION
ENGINE HP
: I_JI _31_zl , I KHI
IENGINE TYPE
SERIES DESIGNATION
MOWER DECK SIZE
POWER UNIT
N - Model Designation 23 - Engine Horse Power 1- Series Designation KH - Kohler Engine
Z -Zero Turning - Hydro Drive 25- Engine Horse Power
M - Mid Mount Mower 52 - 52" Mower Width
J - Joystick Control 61 - 61" Mower Width
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!
COPYRIGHT © 2003
SNAPPER PRODUCTS INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SNAPPER McOooouoh
GA., 30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL No. 7-5593 (Rev I, 8/5/03)

Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
MOTION CONTROL
LEVER
RIGHT HAND
FUEL TANK
\OPERATOR'S
SEAT
ENGINE
SPEED
LEFT HAND
FUEL TANK
DECK LIFT
LEVER
PARKING
BRAKE LEVER
CONTROL PANEL
(SEE INSET)
DISCHARGE
DEFLECTOR, DECK LIFT PEDAL
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
1.1 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.
1.2 NOMENCLATURE
The nomenclature information above 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.
6

Section 2 - SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS
DANGER !ROTATING PARTS
KEEP AWAY FROM MOVING PARTS
REVERSE
MOTION CONTROLLEVER(JOYSTICK)
MULT-D RECT ONAL
I
I PARKING BRAKE LEVER OPERATION I
IWEARHEAR'NGPROTECT'ON I
TO O_F._AT :
TO gT_z
-_ _ O_ %_ _ F_A_ DO_ _._ _ _E_E U_¸
I WARNING !AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH I
I
STARTING, OPERATION & STOPPING OF MACHINE I

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.
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 to the
desired cutting height. See Figure 3.3.
DECK LIFT
LEVER
RELEASE
LATCH
FOOT
ASSIST PEDAL
INSERT STOP PIN
INTO HOLES FOR
DESIRED CUTTING
HEIGHT
FIGURE 3.2
3.1.6. 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 motion control
lever (joystick). A small movement of this control 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.
allow operation of the machin
personnel.

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ROLL RELEASE: To roll the machine without the
engine running, pressure within the hydraulic pumps
must be released, There is a hydraulic pressure relief
valve on the upper side of each pump that is used to
release the pressure. Use a wrench to rotate both relief
valves counter clockwise two full turns to open, After
rolling machine, both relief valves must be rotated
clockwise to close valves and tighten securely before
operating machine, Machine will not move if relief
valves are open, See Figure 3.3.
WARNING
DO NOT disengage the hydro transmission and coast
down slopes. DO NOT use Roll Release Control to
disengage the hydro transmission unless machine
motion can be controlled and engine is off.
3.2 STARTING & STOPPING - ENGINE, BLADES,
PARKING BRAKE
This machine is equipped with dual hydraulic pumps and
wheel drive motors. Each pump is controlled by a single
motion control lever or joystick. This single control lever
(joystick) controls the direction of motion, Forward and
Reverse, and the speed of motion. Move the joystick
forward to propel the machine forward. Move the control
rearward to propel the machine in reverse. The speed of
motion is continuously variable from neutral (zero) to
maximum. Moving the joystick farther from the neutral
position will cause the speed of motion to increase. To
turn, move the joystick towards the side you want to turn
to. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed or
direction. Always slow machine motion before turning.
To stop the motion of the machine, bring the joystick
back to the neutral position. Engage parking brake.
3.2.1. STARTING ENGINE
When the ignition key is turned the engine will not
start or turn over unless, the blade switch is pushed
in to the "OFF" position, the motion control lever is
in the neutral position with the parking brake
engaged.
1, Complete pre-start checklist.
2, Sit in operator's seat.
3, Push blade switch in to "OFF", blades
disengaged position and engage parking brake.
See Figures 3.2 and 3.7.
4, Move choke control forward to choke position to
start a cold engine. See Figure 3.5.
5, Move engine speed control to the Rabbit "FAST"
position. See Figure 3.5.
6, Turn key to the start position until engine starts.
See Figure 3.6.
ENGINE
CHOKE SPEED KEY
SWITCH
SHOWN FROM OPERATOR'S VIEW POINT
FIGURE 3.5
10

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 pedal
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.
DECK LIFT
LEVER SHOWN IN
HIGH CUTTING
HEIGHT
FIGURE 3.11
6HOLE POSITIONS
FOR STOP PIN
PULL RELEASE
LATCH UP WHEN
CHANGING THE
DECK HEIGHT
FIGURE 3.9
3.4 OPERATION- MOTION CONTROLS
3,4.1, DRIVING MACHINE
1. Start engine. Release parking brake.
2. Move motion control lever gently and with
caution in desired direction.
FORWARD - Move control lever forward.
REVERSE - Move control lever rearward.
LEFT TURN - Move control towards left.
RIGHT TURN - Move control towards right.
ZERO RADIUS TURN - Move control diagonally
from neutral in desired direction.
DECK LIFT
ASSIST PEDAL
FIGURE 3.10
LEVER
SHOWN IN LOW
CUTTING HEIGHT
POSITION 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.
12

Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.4.2. STOPPING MACHINE
1. Return motion control lever to the center
neutral position.
IMPORTANT: Operator must use hand assistance
to bring the motion control lever to the neutral
position
ENGAGE
PARKING
BRAKE
FIGURE 3.12
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. ,&
I_ WARNING 'estV;I
IDO NOT park the machine on slopes. DO NOT
I machine with engine running. Stop engine,
Iblades. Engage parking brake. Remove key.
3.5 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM CHECKS
This machine is equipped with an electrical safety
interlock 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. Parking Brake disengaged OR,
2. 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 Lever in neutral position AND,
3. Parking Brake engaged.
NOTE: The operator should be properly seated
before attempting to start engine.
ENGINE MUST BEGIN TO STOP IF:
1. Operator rises off of seat with Blade Switch in
"ON" blades engaged position OR,
2. 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 and the parking brake engaged
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.
13

Section 4 - MAINTENANCE
4.2.3. CHECK MOWER DRIVE BELT
1. Lower deck to lowest setting.
2. Remove footrest. See Figure 4.3.
3. Removal of footrest will allow access to deck
belt.
4. Check the belt tension. The idler pulleys and
springs provide proper belt tension and require no
adjustments. If belt is frayed, slit, severed or belt
strands exposed, replace belt before operating
mower.
4. Clean Mower Deck
a. Remove key from ignition switch.
b. Remove spark plug wire(s) and secure away
from spark plug(s).
c. Raise mower deck to its highest setting. It may
be necessary to raise mower deck higher using a
hydraulic floor jack. Secure machine with safety
blocks.
d. Clean underside of mower deck, removing all
accumulation of grass clippings and debris.
e. Clean top of deck, removing all grass clippings
and debris.
5. Mower Blade Spindle -Lubrication
a. Remove footrest.
b. Lubricate with Kendall NLGI No. 2 lithium
grease or equivalent, from a grease gun until
grease purges from vent located on spindle
housing underneath deck. See Figure 4.4.
LIFT FOOT REST UP AND OFF POWER UNIT
FRAME TO GAIN ACCESS TO MOWER BELT
FIGURE 4.3
4.3 AFTER EVERY 25 OPERATING HOURS
4.3.1. ENGINE
1. Engine Oil
Change engine oil. Refer to Section "CHANGE
ENGINE OIL". Refer to engine owner's manual for
oil specifications.
2. Air Filter
Refer to engine owner% manual for service
instructions.
4.3.2. MOWER COMPONENTS
1. Mower Drive Belt
No adjustment required. Replace belt as needed.
2. Mower Blade
Check blade for sharpness, wear, damage, and
torque. Refer to Section "MOWER BLADE
REPLACEMENT".
3. Mower Deck Levelness
Check mower deck for proper levelness. Adjust as
required. Refer to Section "MOWER DECK
ADJUSTMENT - LEVELNESS".
LUBRICATE
SPINDLE
ASSEMBLIES
FIGURE 4.4
6. Mower Deck Linkage - Lubrication
Lubricate all mower deck linkage pivot points with a
light coat of motor oil.
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.
15

Section 4 - MAINTENANCE
WARN ING
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 Iine 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 lever 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 eyebolt. 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
WAY FORWARD)
POSITION DECK LIFT LEVER IN HIGHEST CUTTING
POSITION. PLACE WOODEN BLOCKS UNDER FRONT
AND REAR OF DECK, LOWER DECK ONTO BLOCKS
CLAMP FUEL LINE
TO PREVENT LOOSEN DECK
LIFT ASSIST
LINE TO
REMOVE LINE PREVENT
CLAMPS SPILLAGE
FIGURE 4.8
FIGURE 4.9
(Continued On Next Page)
17

Section 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
Ik DANGER
Exercise EXTREME CAUTION when making this I
adjustment, due to close proximity of moving parts. I
5.1 NEUTRAL POSITION ADJUSTMENTS
The motion control lever controls the movement
and stopping of the machine. Move the control
lever to the center or neutral position to stop
machine. Engage the parking brake to lock the
control in the neutral position. The machine should
have no movement.
IMPORTANT: The machine must not creep
when the motion control is in the neutral
position and the parking brake is engaged,
1. Turn key to "OFF" position.
2. Move motion control lever to the neutral position
and engage parking brake. 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
FIGURE 5.1
7. Turn key to start position and start machine.
Move engine speed control to the Rabbit "FAST"
position
8. With operator properly seated, 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.
REMOVE MOTION CONTROL
LEVER CONNECTING ROD
HYDRO PUMP
ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 5.2
MOVE ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY
REARWARD OR
FORWARD TO ACHIEVE
FIGURE 5.3
LOOSEN ACTIVATION
ASSEMBLY RETAINING
SCREW
(Continued On Next Page)
19

Section 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR
Battery Condition Chart
State of Charge
100% Charged w/Sulfate Stop
100% Charged
75% Charged
50% Charged
25% Charged
0% Charged
Syringe Hydrometer
1.280
1.265
1.210
1.160
1.120
Less than 1.100
Digital Voltmeter
12.80v
12.60v
12.40v
12.10v
11.90v
Lessthan 11.80v
Five Ball Hydrometer
Five Balls Floating
Four Balls Floating
Three Balls Floating
Two Balls Floating
One Ball Floating
Zero Balls Floating
5.9.4, BATTERY TESTING
There are two types of battery tests: Unloaded and
Loaded. The unloaded test is the procedure that
will be discussed. It's the simplest and most
commonly used. An unloaded test is made on a
battery without discharging current. To perform
unloaded testing, check charge condition using
either a hydrometer or voltmeter.
1. Using a voltmeter, voltage readings appear
instantly to show the state of charge. Remember
to hook the positive lead to the battery's positive
terminal, and the negative lead to the negative
terminal.
2, A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of
each cell. The specific gravity tells the degree of
charge; generally, a specific gravity of about 1.265
to 1.280 indicates fulI charge. A reading of 1.230
to 1.260 indicates the battery should be charged
before testing. The Battery Condition Chart shows
the charge level as measured by syringe float
hydrometer, digital voltmeter and five-ball
hydrometer.
5.9.5, NEW BATTERY PREPARATION
1. Remove battery from carton.
2, Place battery in a well ventilated area on a Ievel
non-concrete surface.
3. Remove battery cell caps. Fill cells as required
with electrolyte (purchased separately) to proper
level. Filling battery with electrolyte will bring the
battery to 80% charged state.
4, With cell caps removed, connect battery
charger to battery terminaIs; RED to positive (+)
and BLACK to negative (-) terminal.
WARNING AI
DO NOT attempt to service or charge the battery I
while it is installed in the machine. DO NOT use I
"BOOST" chargers on the battery. I
5. Slow charge the battery at 1 amp for 10 hours
to bring the battery to fulI charge.
6. After charging, check level of electrolyte and
add as needed to bring to proper level
7. Reinstall cell caps.
8. Install battery into power unit.
9. Connect positive (+) cable (red) first, from
wiring harness to the positive terminal (+) on
battery using bolt and nut provided in hardware
bag. Connect negative (-) cable (black) last, to
negative terminal (-) on battery using bolt and nut.
Apply a small amount of grease over terminals to
prevent corrosion.
10. Install battery retainer and positive terminal
cover.
WARNING
Shield the positive terminal with terminal cover
located on battery harness. This prevents metal from
touching the positive terminal, which could cause
sparks. Cables must be connected to battery
terminals in the proper position. RED (Positive)
cable must go to the ( + ) terminal. BLACK (Negative)
cable must go to the ( - ) terminal.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT place anything in battery other
than specified electrolyte.
iWARNING
DO NOT OVERFILL!
26

PRIMARY MAINTENANCE
an
illustration of
how dirt can
dama & how
naintenance
can protect it!
Snapper uses the best avail-
able engines and components
In their products In order to _=
provide long, satisfactory
service. However, proper •=
care Is essential In ""
prolonging engine life. Dirt
Is your engine's enemy
number 11
The engine on your Snapper
product spends Its entire life
operaUng close to the ground at
high speed cresting a virtual
storm of dust and dlrtl
33

NOTES
39

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER
ZERO TURNING
HYDRO DRIVE
SERIES 1
IMPORTANT
Snapper products are built using engines that meet or exceed all applicable emissions requirements on the
date manufactured. The labels on those engines contain very important emissions information and critical
safety warnings. Read, Understand, and Follow all warnings and instructions in this manual, the engine
manual, and on the machine, engine and attachments. If you have any questions about your Snapper product,
contact your local authorized Snapper dealer or contact Snapper Customer Service at Snapper, McDonough,
GA. 30253. Phone: [phone]).
_l_ WARNING
BATTERY POSTS, TERMINALS AND RELATED ACCESSORIES CONTAIN LEAD AND LEAD COMPOUNDS,
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER AND BIRTH DEFECTS OR
OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST, SOME OF ITS CONSTITUENTS, AND CERTAIN VEHICLE COMPONENTS CONTAIN OR
EMIT CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
COPYRIGHT © 2003
SNAPPER PRODUCTS INC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SNAPPER .coo°ouo.
GA., 30253 U.S.A.
MANUAL No. 7-5593 (Rev I, 8/5/03)
41