Snapper Z1202B Operation and maintenance manual

Safety Instructions & Operators Manual
SNAPPER .
ZERO TURN RADIUS MOWER
MODELS Z1202B, Z1402K, Z1802K, Z2002K,
Z1203B, Z1403K, Z1803K, Z2003K,
Z1404K, Z1804K, Z2004K
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER product. Your snapper Zero Turning Radius Mower 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 no accident prevention
program can be successful without the wholehearted co-operation of the person responsible for the
operation of the equipment. Study this manual and pay particular attention to the important Safety
Precautions on pages 1-3. Following these instructions will help you continue to enjoy the trouble
free performance expected of a snapper product.
SNAPPER
McDonough, GA 30253
MANUAL #62059
(1-95)
P-10618

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS
1. Mower frame serial number is located on right rear side of frame beside engine.
2. Deck serial number is located on left front side of mower deck housing.
3. Engine code number is located on back center of 12 h.p. engine, right side of blower housing on 14 h.p.
engine, and front left of blower housing on 18 and 20 h.p. engines.
RECORD OF PURCHASE
DATE PURCHASED ___MOWER MODEL
MOWER PURCHASED FROM___
Dealer name and phone number
MOWER FRAME SERIAL NUMBER__
MOWING DECK SERIAL NUMBER__
ENGINE CODE NUMBER___
ii

I. O WNER INFORMATION
II. S AFETY
Accident Patterns- 1
Safety Instructions and Recommendation- 1
Safety Interlock Systems- 3
III. S TART UP AND OPERATION
Checklist Before Operation- 4
Control Locations- 5
Operation- 5
Mowing Recommendations- 8
t
5 IV. SPECIFICATIONS- 8
V. MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Instructions- 1 1
Trouble-shooting Checklist- 17
Wiring Schematic 12 h.p. Model- 19
Wiring Schematic 14, 18, & 20 h.p. Model- 20
#
iii

SAFETY
ACCIDENT PATTERNS TO AVOID
I. CONTACT WITH THE ROTATING BLADE --This accident usually happens when the operator is
clearing the discharge chute of grass, (especially when the grass is wet), or when the operator
adjusts the machine without turning it off and waiting for the blades to completely stop.
II. PROPELLED OBJECTS --Sticks, rocks, wires, and other objects can be propelled out through the
discharge chute or from under the mower housing. Bystanders are particularly vulnerable.
III. GRASS CATCHER OR GUARD --The mower shall not be operated without either the entire grass
catcher or guard in place.
IV. OVERTURNING --This happens when riding mowers are used on steep slopes, embankments or hills.
The operator in these cases can come in contact with the blades or sustain injuries during a fall.
V. MOWER RUNNING OVER THE VICTIM -This usually happens when a riding mower is driven in
reverse. The accident victims are most often young children whom, unseen by the operator of the
mower, were in the area being mowed.
AT SNAPPER, WE SHARE YOUR DESIRE TO PROTECT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR
FRIENDS AND YOUR NEIGHBORS FROM ACCIDENTAL INJURY, OBSERVING AND
ENFORCING THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WILL HELP TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF
EVERYONE.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. PEOPLE WHO OPERATE, SERVICE, OR ARE OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED with the Snapper
Zero Turning Radius Mower should be trained in its proper use and warned of its dangers. Before
operating, adjusting, or servicing the Snapper Zero Turning Radius Mower they should read and
understand this entire manual and the owner's engine manual.
2. AVOID CONTACT WITH MOVING PARTS. Keep hands and feet from under mowing deck and away
from blades at all times. Turn engine (motor) off if you must unclog the chute.
3. AVOID HILLS AND SLOPES. Use extreme caution when mowing up or down slopes. NEVER mow
across the face of a slope. If a slope must be ascended, back up the slope; drive forward when
descending. Reduce speed and use caution to start, stop and maneuver. To prevent loss of control
on a slope avoid sharp turns, sudden changes in direction, and sudden stops and starts.
5. DISENGAGE POWER TO MOWER BEFORE BACKING UP. Do not mow in reverse unless
ABSOLUTELY necessary and then only after turning around and observing the entire area behind the
mower. Go slowly. Most "running over victim" accidents occur in reverse.
1

6. BEGINNING OPERATORS SHOULD LEARN HOW TO STEER the Snapper Zero Turning Radius
Mower before attempting to mow. Start with slow engine speed and drive without the blades engaged
in open area until comfortable with the machine.
7. KNOW HOW TO STOP QUICKLY. Know the location and operation of every control, especially how
to brake and how to disengage the mower blades.
8. DO NOT MOVE THE JOYSTICK CONTROL LEVER from forward position to reverse position rapidly.
The speed and/or direction of travel is affected instantly by movement of the Joystick.
9. DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO OPERATE MOWER. Do not allow others who have not had
instruction to operate mower.
10. ALWAYS TURN ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY before leaving mower to prevent children and
inexperienced operators from starting the engine. Never leave the mower unattended with engine
running. Always wait for all moving parts and all sounds to stop before leaving operator's seat.
Always set the parking brake on an unattended mower.
11. WEAR STURDY, ROUGH-SOLED WORK SHOES AND CLOSE-FITTING SLACKS and shirts. Never
operate mower in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
12. NEVER CARRY PASSENGERS.
13. KNOW THE AREA YOU ARE TO MOW. Watch for hidden dangers such as rocks, roots, sticks,
holes, bumps, and drop-offs, etc. Before mowing, pick up all debris in area to be mowed. Sharp and
hard objects can be propelled at a high speed and can act like shrapnel. Walk through tall grass
BEFORE MOWING to make sure there are no hidden dangers. Mow higher than desired in tall grass
to expose any hidden objects and/or obstacles, clean the area, and then mow to the desired height.
14. NEVER REFUEL A MOWER INDOORS. Allow the engine time to cool before refueling. Unseen
vapors may be ignited by a spark. Always clean up spilled gasoline. Never run the engine indoors in
a garage or any other closed building. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. The
engine exhaust and gasoline fumes are dangerous.
15. NEVER REMOVE THE FUEL CAP or add gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that has
not been allowed to cool for several minutes after running. Always make sure the gas cap is in place.
16. DO NOT SMOKE AROUND THE MOWER or the gasoline storage container. Gasoline fumes can
easily ignite.
17. KEEP GASOLINE IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA away from your living quarters and in tightly-
capped safety cans. Never store mower with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may
reach open flame or spark.
18. DISENGAGE BLADE, STOP ENGINE AND REMOVE IGNITION KEY before any servicing. Be sure
all moving parts and all sounds have stopped. Let engine cool and disconnect the spark plugs so the
engine cannot start by accident. A SLIGHT ROTATION OF THE BLADES COULD START THE
ENGINE.
19. KEEP ALL NUTS, BOLTS, AND SCREWS TIGHT to be sure equipment is in safe working condition,
especially blade mounting bolts.
2

20. VEHICLE SHOULD BE STOPPED AND INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE after striking a foreign object
and the damage should be repaired before restarting and operating the equipment. Stop immediately
and check for damage or loose parts if mower should start vibrating.
21. DISENGAGE BLADES BEFORE DRIVING ACROSS WALKS or projecting objects.
22. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES AND GUARDS IN PLACE. If any of the safety switches become
inoperable, have them repaired immediately.
23. DO NOT STEP OR STAND ON THE MOWER HOUSING. Step or stand only on the foot deck.
24. WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC near roadways and when crossing roads.
25. THIS MACHINE IN NOT MEANT FOR HIGHWAY OR STREET USE. It is not a recreational vehicle
and it should not be operated as such.
26. DO NOT USE MOWER WHEN GRASS IS WET OR SLIPPERY.
28. MOW ONLY DURING DAYLIGHT.
29. ALWAYS DISENGAGE THE MOWER BLADE CLUTCH when transporting.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Your Snapper Zero Turning Radius Mower is equipped with switches interlocked for your safety.
1. The mower blades must be disengaged before the engine will start.
2. The Joystick control lever must be in neutral "DOWN" position before the engine will start.
3. The engine will stop if the mower blade clutch is engaged when the operator leaves the driver's seat.
4. The engine will stop if the Joystick control lever is not in the neutral "DOWN" position when the
operator leaves the driver’s seat.
5. The. engine will stop if the brake is "SET" and the Joystick control lever is moved to the "UP" position.
6. The engine will stop if the brake is "SET" and the mower blade clutch is engaged.
DO NOT OPERATE MOWER IF SAFETY
SWITCHES ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY
3

CHECKLIST BEFORE OPERATION
1. M ake sure fuel tank is full. Use regular unleaded gasoline (see engine owner's manual for more
details).
A warning A
HANDLE GASOLINE WITH CARE-IT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
DO NOT SMOKE. ENGINE SHOULD BE OFF AND COOL. USE
APPROVED GAS CONTAINER. NEVER FILL TANK INDOORS.
WIPE UP ANY SPILLS. REPLACE CAP TIGHTLY
2. Make sure dirt and foreign matter is kept out of gas tank. Use a clean funnel and gas can.
3. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
4. Do not use white, high test or premium gasoline. Do not use de-icers, carburetor cleaners, or other
such additives.
5. Check the crankcase oil level. Make sure the engine is off. The mower should be parked on a level
area. Do not overfill, (see your engine manual for more detailed instructions.)
6. Check the hydrostatic transmission oil level, (see "Maintenance" section of this manual.)
7. Check battery fluid level.
8. Inspect V-belts.
Check tire pressure:
Front tires Rear tires
Models Z1202B, Z1203B-
-10" 24 psi
18"
12 psi
Models Z1402K, Z1802K, Z2002K-
-13" 20 psi
20" 24 psi
Models Z1403K, Z1803K, Z2003K--
-13" 20 psi
20" 24 psi
Models Z1404K, Z1804K, Z2004K--
-13- 16 psi
20" 16 psi
10. Make sure underside of mower deck is free of grass.
11. Make sure mower blades are sharp and secured tightly.
12. Clean the air intake screen on the engine if necessary.
13. Perform any other maintenance as it becomes necessary.
(see the "Maintenance" section of this manual.)
IMPORTANT: Before cutting grass, clutch must be broken-in as follows: With engine at full RPM engage
deck until blades come to full speed and then disengage until blades come to a complete
stop. Repeat 10 times to seat clutch properly.
4

CONTROL LOCATIONS
Ignition Key - On front, of Seat Support Panel, towards RH side.
Engine Throttle - On right hand control console.
Joystick Steering/Speed Control Lever - On right hand control console.
Blade Clutch Switch - On left hand control console.
Parking Brake Lever - On right hand control console.
Blade Height Adjust lever - Left side on foot deck.
Choke - On left hand control console. On Choke-A-Matic models, choke is at full throttle position
of throttle.
Transmission Unlock - Slidiing actuators are located behind the seat in front of the engine under
the engine mount plate on each side.
WARNING A
AVOID INHALING EXHAUST FUMES- CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IS COLORLESS AND ODORLESS, AND
CAN CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS, AND IS POTENTIALLY .LETHAL. DO NOT RUN LAWN MOWER IN
_ GARAGE OR OTHER CONFINED AREA.
OPERATION
MOVE JOYSTICK CONTROL LEVER TO neutral "DOWN" position by centering it and pushing
down.
2. SET PARKING BRAKE. Pull rearward to set.
3. DISENGAGE MOWER BLADE CLUTCH by moving clutch switch to "OFF" (right) position.
4. SET ENGINE CHOKE CONTROL for cold starts to full position.
5 SET ENGINE THROTTLE TO 1/2 throttle. (For combined choke/throttle, use choke setting.)
6. TURN IGNITION KEY to "START" position and release to "RUN" as soon as engine starts.
Note: Prolonged cranking will damage starter motor and shorten the battery life.
7. ADJUST ENGINE THROTTLE AND CHOKE for desired engine smoothness and speed.
Note: When mowing, always run engine at full throttle.
8. RELEASE PARKING BRAKE. Push brake lever forward to release.
5

IMPORTANT: If the operator is inexperienced with the Joystick zero turning radius steering/speed control,
he/she should follow these recommendations: Disengage the mower blades. Go very slowly
until thoroughly familiar with the machine. Keep away from fences, buildings, and other
obstructions. While becoming familiar with the machine, move the Joystick Control Lever
smoothly and slowly. Practice until operation is smooth and efficient.
9. T O DRIVE move the Joystick steering/speed control lever to the "UP" position. Move the Joystick
forward to move forward. Increasing forward movement of the Joystick will increase the speed of
travel. To reverse the direction, pull the Joystick slightly back. To turn, move the joystick toward the
direction you want to turn. To turn on a zero radius axis, go slowly and move the Joystick to the side
you wish to turn and slightly to the rearward at the same time.
A caution A
FOR SMOOTH, SAFE OPERATION, MOVE THE JOYSTICK IN A
GENTLE, SLOW MOTION. NEVER PULL OR PUSH THE
JOYSTICK RAPIDLY, ESPECIALLY ON GRADES.
10. BRAKING: To brake mower, gently move the Joystick in the direction opposite to travel. If the
parking brake is engaged with the Joystick in the "UP" position the engine will stop.
11. CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Move the Cut Height Adjust Lever to the left to clear the peg
holes. Adjust "HIGHER" by moving the lever rearwards. Adjust "LOWER" by pushing the lever
forward. Reset the Cut Height Lever in the peg hole.
12 ENGAGE MOWER BLADE CLUTCH by pulling up on the blade clutch switch lever then moving the
lever to "ON" (left) position. The engine will not start if the blade clutch is engaged. If the operator is
not in the seat, the engine will stop if the clutch is engaged.
A caution A
AVOID HILLS AND SLOPES. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
MOWING UP OR DOWN SLOPES. NEVER MOW ACROSS THE FACE
OF A SLOPE. IF A SLOPE MUST BE ASCENDED, BACK UP THE
SLOPE; DRIVE FORWARD WHEN DESCENDING
6

13. TO STOP:
A. Move Joystick to neutral position and then to the "DOWN" position.
B. Set the parking brake.
C. Disengage the mower blade clutch by moving the clutch to the "OFF" (right) position.
D. Slow engine speed with throttle to slowest position.
E. Turn ignition key to "OFF" (left) position.
F. R emove the key and wait for all movement and all sound to cease before dismounting.
CAUTION
WHEN LEAVING THE MOWER UNATTENDED, ALWAYS REMOVE THE
KEY AND SET THE PARKING BRAKE, EVEN IF JUST FOR A FEW
MOMENTS. HELP PROTECT CHILDREN AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED
PERSONS FROM ACCIDENTS.
14. UNLOCK TRANSMISSION: The transmission release levers are located on each side of the
mower behind the seat in front of the engine and below the engine mounting plate. Lift the levers
slightly, push them to the rear and down to release the transmissions for free wheeling. To engage
the transmissions lift the levers slightly, pull them forward and then down.
NOTE: The tractor should never be pulled at more than 2 miles per hour or for any appreciable
distance.
FREEWHEEL LEVER