Snapper RT8 sries Operation and maintenance manual

Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual
SNAPPER
MODEL RT8 & RT8S
REAR TINE TILLERS
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER product!
Your Tiller was designed and built to provide
long and satisfactory service. Study this manual
carefully BEFORE operating the Tiller and pay
particular attention to the Important Safety
Instructions below. Keep in mind that a Tiller,
like any other mechanical device, can be poten-
tially dangerous if used improperly. Following
the instructions in this and the engine manual
will help you continue to enjoy the trouble-free
operation expected of a SNAPPER.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
This
tilling
machine
is
capable
of
causing
personal
injury!
Failure
to
observe
the
following
instructions
could
result
in
serious
injury
to
the
operator
or
persons
in
the
operational
area.
CAREFULLY
READ
THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
and
be
sure
to
question
your
SNAPPER
Dealer
if
in
doubt
about
anything.
Should
the
Dealer
not
answer
to
your
satisfaction,
write
or
call
the
SNAPPER
Customer
Service
Department
at
McDonough,
Georgia,
30253
(Phone: (404)
954-2500).
1.
Become
thoroughly
familiar
with
all
controls
and
learn
how
to
STOP
tine
rotation
quickly
in
preparation
for
emergencies.
Never
allow
children
or
immature,
uncoordinated
or
inexperienced
persons
to
operate
your
Tiller.
Keep
everyone
safely
away
from
the
area
being
tilled.
Be
especially
watchful
for
children
and
pets
darting
into
the
area
while
operating.
Wear
protective
clothing
and appropriate
shoes
to
provide
best
footing
on
uneven
terrain.
Persons
under
the
influence
of
alcohol
or
drugs
MUST
NOT
be
allowed
to
operate
your
Tiller.
Stay
alert,
give
complete
and
undivided
attention
to
the
job
on
hand.
Fill
fuel
tank
ONLY
when
engine
is
STOPPED
and
NOT
HOT.
Fill
outside
where
fumes
can
be
safely
dissipated.
9. Make
sure
clutch is disengaged
BEFORE
attempting
to
start.
10.
Keep feet, hands
and
clothing
safely
away
from
tines
at
ALL
times.
11.
Disengage
the
tines
and
STOP
the
engine
BEFORE
making
any
adjustments,
attempting
to
clean
or
clear
the
tines,
or
leaving
the Operator's
position
even momentarily!
12.
Remember.
to
avoid
operating
the
engine
in
any
enclosed
area
where
deadly
exhaust
fumes
could
accumulate.
PNOARWON
SNAPPER...
ca.
20253
us..
MANUAL No. 1-4685 (Rev. 3, 8/93)

ÁA TINE CLUTCH CONTROL
THROTTLE
FIG. 2-PANEL CONTROLS
Q we o Z
FIG. 4--TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER
This manual covers the recommended operating
procedures and routine service requirements for the
Snapper RT8 & RT8S Rear Tine Tillers. The S
designation indicates electric start. 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.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and how to
use them before operating your tiller. Make the
following checks and perform the services as re-
quired before each start up.
PRE-START CHECK LIST
CHECK ENGINE OIL and bring level up to full (refer
to engine manual for oil specifications).
CHECK AIR CLEANER and service according to in-
structions in Engine Manual.
CHECK EXTERNAL SURFACES and remove dirt,
dust accumulation and clean tines as needed.
CHECK GUARDS to make sure all are in proper posi-
tion and securely tightened.
FILL FUEL TANK where fumes will be safely
dissipated. Refer to engine manual for fuel
specifications.
STARTING-STOPPING
Know beforehand how to stop the tines, wheel drive
and engine in preparation for possible emergencies.
The engine is stopped by either moving the ENGINE
IGNITION keyswitch to OFF or by pulling the engine
THROTTLE CONTROL rearward to OFF. Tine rota-
tion is stopped by either shifting the TINE CLUTCH
control to disengaged position or by releasing the
CLUTCH CONTROL which stops both the drive
wheels and tine rotation even with the TINE
cw. in engaged position. Operate engine as
ollows:
STEP 1: Shift the transmission into #1 speed posi-
tion, move the TINE CLUTCH into disengaged posi-
tion and make sure CLUTCH CONTROL is in releas-
ed position.
STEP 2: Insert the key and turn the ENGINE IGNI-
TION switch to RUN POSITION.
STEP 3: On cold starts, move the engine THROTTLE
CONTROL forward into CHOKE position.
STEP 4: Move around to right side of unit and pull
ROPE STARTER on engine in smooth steady motion
until engine starts. To prolong the life of the rope,
quide the starter handle back to the engine rather
than allowing it to snap back.
STEP 5: Allow brief engine warm-up period then
move the engine THROTTLE CONTROL rearward to
the desired FAST or SLOW speed setting. Refer to
TILLING PROCEDURE section on next page.
STEP 6: To stop the engine, move the ENGINE IGNI-
TION switch to OFF or pull the engine THROTTLE
CONTROL rearward io OFF.

HANDLE BAR ADJUSTMENT
The
handle
bar
can
be
moved
horizontially
from
the
center
position
to
two
positions
on
each
side
by
pull-
ing
the
HANDLE
RELEASE
control
rearward
and
sw-
inging
the
handle
bar
to
the
desired
position.
Push
the
HANDLE
RELEASE
toward
the
panel
to
lock
in
position.
The
handle
bar
can
be
raised
or
lowered
by
loosening
the
bolts
with
a
9/16”
wrench
as
shown
in
figure
6.
Securely
tighten
the
bolts
after
adjusting
TRANSPORTING TO SITE
To avoid gouging the lawn or pavement, raise the
tines to clear the surface before transporting the
unit to the tilling site. Release the CLUTCH CON-
TROL and lift the rear of the tiller to take the weight
off the skid arm then push it downward into the
notch setting which will allow the tines to clear the
surface. Pull the CLUTCH CONTROL back to the
handle bar to engage the wheel drive and transport
to the tilling site. Transport with TINE CLUTCH in
disengaged position.
TILLING PROCEDURE
The tiller is initially set-up in the forward tine rota-
tion mode which is best for cultivating and seed bed
preparation. Tine rotation can be quickly changed by
following the instructions on page 4. Prepare for till-
ing as follows.
1. SET HANDLE BAR in desired position before
engaging CLUTCH CONTROL.
2. SET SKID ARM in highest position for deepest
tilling depth and intermediate notches for
lesser depth. NOTE: If you are familiar with
front tine tillers, this is opposite of the skid arm
setting recommendations.
3. SET SPEEDS to begin tilling by shifting the
transmission into #1 speed and moving the
engine THROTTLE CONTROL to fast.
4. _ BEGIN TILLING by pushing TINE CLUTCH con-
trol to engaged position and pulling CLUTCH
CONTROL back to handle. At the end of the
row, disengage the TINE CLUTCH but hold the
CLUTCH CONTROL to handle bar to continue
the wheels driving while turning.
5. TILLING HINTS: Let the tiller do the work! Do
not try to hold it back. A slight down pressure
on the handle bar is usually all that is required
to keep the tines firmly in the ground.
6.
ROUGH
TERRAIN
HINT:
if
tilling
over
very
rough,
uneven
ground,
till
at
light
depth
setting
on
the
first
path
to
smooth
the
surface.
On
especially
rough
terrain,
the
tiller
could
hang
up
underneath
with
the
wheels
spinning
free.
Under
this
condition
the
transmission
will
be
hard
to
shift.
Rather
than
attempting
to
force
the
shift
lever
into
reverse,
lift
the
handle
bar
then
turn
the
tiller
diagonally
across
the
rise
to
gain
traction.
FIG. 7--BELT COVER SWUNG AWAY

TO REVERSE
TO FORWARD (A)
GUIDE PIN“
TO FORWARD (B)
FIGURE
8
—
TINE
ROTATION
BELT
CHANGES
TINE ROTATION SELECTION
As
received,
the
tiller
is
set-up
for
forward
rotation
which
is
best
for
cultivating
and
seed
bed
prepara-
tion.
In
this
mode,
the
tines
rotate
in
the
same
direc-
tion
as
the
driving
wheels.
The
direction
of
tine
rota-
tion
is
easily
changed
to
reverse
rotation
when
desired
for
breaking
sod
or
new
ground.
CHANGE TINE ROTATION with engine off as
follows: Remove the wing-nut and washer on the
front stud of the belt cover, pull the cover outward
over this stud then swing the cover rearward and out
of the way over the belt pulley. With the clutch con-
trol released, there is sufficient slack to slip the belt
off the pulley for changing the arrangement as
shown in figure 8.
TO CHANGE FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE: TAKE
BELT OFF TOP OF BIG PULLEY, PULL TOWARD
YOU AND HOLD. LIFT BELT FROM BOTTOM AND
PUT IN TOP OF PULLEY.
TO
CHANGE
FROM
REVERSE
TO
FORWARD:
TAKE
BELT
OFF
BOTTOM
OF
BIG
PULLEY.
PULL
TOWARD
YOU
AND
HOLD
IN
LEFT
HAND.
REMOVE
BELT
FROM
TOP
AND
PULL
DOWN.
PLACE
BELT
(HELD
BY
LEFT
HAND)
UNDER
LITTLE
PULLEY
AND
OVER
BIG
PLULLEY.
>) CITT p=
Fry N]
FIG.
9
-
TILLER
ON
END
@
MAKE
SURE
BELT
IS
RUNNING
TRUE
UNDER
LIT-
TLE
PULLEY,
AROUND
BIG
PULLEY,
AND
ABOVE
GUIDE
PIN.
@SWING BELT COVER FORWARD & INSTALL
WINGNUT.
SNAPPER
two
way
tines
are
sharpened
on
both
edges
and
are
self-adjusting
to
till
in
forward
or
reverse
rotation
without
switching
the
tines
from
one
side
to
the
other.
They
pivot
on
slots
in
the
tine
hub
to
enter
the
ground
at
proper
angle
to
provide
maximum
penetration.
SERVICE
SERVICE PARTS & ASSISTANCE
To retain the original quality of your Tiller, use only
genuine Snapper replacement parts. Specify the
model and serial number as found on the nameplate
of your Tiller when contacting your Snapper Dealer
for parts or service assistance. Only numbers of cer-
tain routine service parts are listed in this manual.
Your Snapper Dealer has a complete listing of all
components. For engine parts, look for the engine
manufacturer’s dealers under the heading
ENGINES-gasoline in the yellow pages of your
telephone directory. Snapper Dealers are listed
under LAWN MOWERS.
FIG. 10 - TINE DETAIL

STANDING TILLER ON END
Many of the services described in the following
specify standing the tiller on end for easy access to
components on the underside of the frame. The
Tiller may also be stored during the off-season on
the front stand-up bar. If the fuel tank is less than
half full the fuel should not leak out of the filler cap.
Take necessary steps to prevent fuel leakage before
standing on end. If the tiller is stored on end for any
length of time, check for oil leakage. CAUTION:
Never stand the tiller on end with the engine runn-
ing! Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire to prevent accidental starting before standing
on end.
TILLER TINES
TINE SERVICE: Snapper two-way tines are sharpen-
ed on front and rear edges to cut in either directon.
Check periodically for freedom of movement of the
tine blades and for loose or missing fasteners. The
tine blades must be free to pivot on the hub plates.
Replace tine blades when badly worn or damaged.
Use Snapper #3-2424 tines and #1-4981 Shoulder
bolts and 9-0524 locknuts for replacement purpose
or order complete tine assembly #5-1513. The same
assembly is used on both sides of the chain case.
The tines are bolted securely to the tine shaft witha
special shear boit (Snapper #1-4586) and locknut
(9-0289) on each side. Keep spares on hand in case a
bolt shears off or becomes lost while tilling.
FIG. 11--CHAIN CASE OIL CHECK
SERVICE NOTE: Since a tiller normally operates
under extremely dusty or dirty conditions, the air
cleaner, engine oil and cooling fins must be serviced
as specified in the engine manual at frequent inter-
vals. The Tiller itself should be serviced as follows:
LUBRICATION-TILLER
CHAIN CASE: Check the level of the oil in the chain
case each time the engine oil is changed. Check by
removing the check plug and washer located just
above the tine shaft. The level should be up to the
edge of the opening. To add oil, remove the plastic
plug on upper side of case, add Snapper OO grease
as needed to bring level up to bottom edge of the
check plug opening. The total capacity of the case is
about 1 U.S. standard quart -- do not exceed this
amount. Reinstall plugs and washer after checking.
REDUCTION GEAR CASE: This unit is pre-lubricated
with Snapper 00 grease and will not normally require
additional lubrication.
MOVING POINTS: Grease shift lever, roller and cam
on traction clutch yoke and other moving surfaces
twice a year.
FIG. 12--CHAIN CASE OIL FILL
BELT ADJUSTMENT & REPLACEMENT
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT: Stand tiller on end
and swing belt cover up to provide access to belt
and idler. Pull clutch control to handle bar and
observe where idler arm is positioned under the tiller
frame. With the belt tight, the idler arm should be ap-
proximately parallel to the cross member. If at an
angle, adjust idler at driven pulley by loosening
capscrew and shifting position of idler until arm is
pulled parallel to cross member when belt is tight.
Retighten capscrew on idler after adjustment.
BELT REPLACEMENT: To replace belt, stand
tiller on end, swing belt cover up to provide access
to belt and idler, move shift lever between position R
and 1. Remove capscrew, washer and lockwasher
from the V idler under frame then slide idler down
bolt to allow slipping belt on and off the pulley.
Remove belt by slipping off pulleys and pull out of
the frame. To install replacement belt, thread belt
thru opening in back of frame, route belt around
engine pulley, idlers and belt guide then slide V idler
back and secure with the fasteners removed earlier.
Use care to insure that belt is kept straight over tiller
pulley and idler and in desired tilling mode. Readjust
belt tension as required.

FIG. 13--CLUTCH LOWER ADJUSTMENTS
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
To check clutch adjustment, stand tiller on front
end. Measure the length of both springs at the end of
the control cables then move the CLUTCH CON-
TROL up to the handle bar and measure the extend-
ed length of both springs. When properly adjusted
the springs should extend 1/4 to 1/2 inches when
clutch is engaged. If adjustment is required, reposi-
tion the jam-nuts on the threaded ends of the cable
conduits. One end of the conduit is located under
the handle bar center panel and the others on the
right side of the frame. The one in back is for tine
rotation and the center is for wheel traction.To in-
crease spring extension, turn the jam-nuts toward
the end of cable or to decrease closer to the cable
fittings. Additional clutch adjustment can be made if
necessary at the idler under the belt cover--refer to
BELT TENSION adjustment for this procedure.
CLUTCH TEST: Return tiller to wheels, start engine
and pull CLUTCH CONTROL to handle bar then
release and observe tines and wheel drive which
should stop--if tines or wheels continue after clutch
control is released, the clutch spring extension is
too great. Readjust using the foregoing procedure.
mE
QB
N
SYS
Cio oom
a
FIG. 14--CLUTCH UPPER ADJUSTMENTS
DRIVEN
COC
DRIVE
DISC
#1 FORWARD REVERSE
Nb
4
i
4
FIG. 15--DISC FORWARD & REVERSE POSITIONS
DRIVEN DISC SERVICE
If the wheels loose traction, stand the tiller on end
and check the rubber driven disc. Poor traction
could be caused by an excessively worn driven disc
or by improper positioning of the disc. If the rubber
disc appears in good condition, shift the transmis-
sion into reverse then into #1 forward position. In
both settings, the rubber disc should be located out-
side of the indentation in the center of the metal
drive disc. If the rubber disc rides on the edge of in-
dentation in either setting, loosen the screws
holding the shift detent to the frame then tilt the de-
tent until the rubber disc is outside the edge of the
indentation. Securely tighten the detent screws. The
disc should be about equal distance from the outer
edge of the indentation in both reverse and #1 posi-
tions when properly adjusted.
Replace
the
driven
disc
if
worn
unevenly
or
if
worn
down
to
the
point
where
it
no
longer
makes
firm
con-
tact
with
the
drive
disc.
To
replace,
remove
the
three
flange
nuts,
slip
the
old
disc
off
the
hub
then
install
ue
replacement
and
secure
with
the
three
flange
nuts.
PRIMARY (REDUCTION)
GEAR CASE
DRIVEN DISC
FIG. 16--DRIVEN DISC DETAIL

OFF-SEASON STORAGE
Thoroughly clean all external surfaces and tines
before storing the Tiller. The Tiller may be stored on
end, however, the following steps must be taken.
1. Drain gasoline from fuel system and drain the
engine crankcase oil (refer to engine manual for
details). 3
2. After standing the Tiller on end, check the plugs in
the chain case for leakage. After extended period,
some grease may seep thru upper bearing races.
3. At the start of the new season, replenish engine
crankcase oil and add gasoline to the fuel tank after
returning the Tiller to its wheels.
4. Before starting, move the ENGINE CONTROL to
OFF and pull rope starter slowly several times. If ex-
cessive resistance is felt, remove the spark plug and
pull rope starter rapidly to spin the engine and clear
oil from the cylinder. Clean and reinstall the spark
plug before attempting to start the engine.
SERVICE NOTES
SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERY
This battery can usually be placed in service as
received. However, it may be of benefit to give it a
short (3 hour) charge before use. Use a charger rated
at 2 amps or less unless the charger is an automatic
or voltage regulated charger, in which case the
charger can be rated as high as 6 amps. Do not
charge for more than 24 hours.
When making electrical connections, make sure the
red wire is connected to the positive terminal and
‘the black to the negative. When tightening the ter-
minal bolts, be careful not to overtighten and break
the battery terminals. Always connect the positive
terminal first.
MAINTENANCE
Charge the battery before long periods of storage
and every 3 months thereafter. Remove the negative
lead from the battery when the batterv is being
stored to prevent the battery from discharging. Coat
the terminals and connectors with grease to reduce
corrosion.
CAUTION This battery contains sulfuric acid which
may leak if case is broken. If any acid comes in con-
tact with skin or clothing, follow these instructions:
EXTERNAL CONTACT -Immediately flush
skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Call a physician immediately.
INTERNAL - Drink large quantities of tap
water or milk. Take milk of magnesia or whites of
eggs. Do not give emetics. Call a physician
immediately.
HEX HEAD
SCREW
Vee,
EXT.
TOOTH
LOCKWASHER
NEGATIVE
GROUND
WIRE
PRECAUTIONS: Keep cigarettes, sparks, flames
away from the battery at all times as it may vent ex-
plosive gases while being charged. Keep the battery
out of reach of children. Do not puncture the case of
the battery as it contains acid which can burn skin
and injure eyes.

SNA PPER TRACTOR CONVERSION & ACCESSORIES
Your Tiller can be converted to an even more versatile
garden tool with the addition of the optional Cultivator or
Hiller/Furrower Kits. In addition, removal of the tiller |
head unit (simply disconnect belt and pull clevis pin |
securing the head to tractor frame) allows using Hauling
Tray when tractor unit is fitted with a No. 6-0567 Hitch
Adapter. The front mounted Dozer Blade does not
require the Hitch Adapter. Refer to the list below for
available garden tool kits.
CULTIVATOR, 4-Shank Shovel - - - - - - - - - - No. 6-0730
HILLER/FURROWER - - --------------- No. 6-0731
DOZER BLADE --------------------Ś No. 6-0606
HAULING TRAY - -------------------- No. 6-0559 `|
Contact your SNAPPER Dealer for complete information
on these and other kits.
SNAPPER.
2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
For two (2) years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use, SNAPPER,
through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon examination by the factory
at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
For ninety (90) days from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial, rental, or other non-residential
use, SNAPPER, through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge, any part or parts found upon <
examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or workmanship or both.
52 RESINS
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer for replacement
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.
This warranty does not apply to engines and their components, or, Peerlesse Transaxles, as these items are
warranted separately by their manufacturers. This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by
accident, alteration, abuse, improper lubrication, normal wear, or other cause beyond our control.
There is no other express warranty.
implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to two (2)
years from purchase date for the original purchaser's residential, non-commercial use [ninety (90) days from
purchase for the original purchaser's commercial, rental or other non-residential use], and to the extent permitted
by. law, any and all implied warranties are excluded. This is the exclusive remedy. Liabilities for consequential
: damages, under any and all warranties are excluded.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
WARNING: THE USE OF REPLACEMENT PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE SNAPPER PARTS MAY IMPAIR +
THE SAFETY OF SNAPPER PRODUCTS AND WILL VOID ANY LIABILITY AND WARRANTY BY i
SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:
SNAPPER, McDONOUGH, GEORGIA 30253
SHORTER IRORSWORORORSRORSE SHOR SR SN OROR OR OR Ok Sh Oh Ob Ok Oh ORORORONOROROROM OW ONO ORORONOW
SNAPPER... 01.30253 u.s..
s a ig eli i e cel
MANUAL No. 1-4685 (Rev. 3, 8/93) Printed in U.S.A.