Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs with the engine running. STOP engine. STOP blade. Engage parking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and vent must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage.
3.1INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the Rear Engine Rider, use genuine SNAPPER replacement parts only. Contact a local SNAPPER dealer for parts and service assistance. For the correct part or information for a particular Rear Engine Riding Mower, always mention the model and serial number. SNAPPER recommends returning the Rear Engine Rider to an authorized SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition of any new devices which might upgrade the safety of the Rear Engine Rider. 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.
3.2SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS
Routine maintenance is important to the performance and life of your Rear Engine Rider. Service performed properly and at the recommended interval is essential.
Refer to Section “MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE” in this manual and in the Engine Owner’s Manual. Carefully complete all of the recommended service procedures.
3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL
1.Place bricks or wooden blocks under the front wheels to lower rear of engine.
2.Loosen or remove oil fill cap on engine.
3.Loosen oil drain plug.
4.Place a 2 quart minimum capacity container under the end of the oil drain. Open oil drain. See Figure 3.1 for oil drains used on the Rear Engine Riders.
REMOVE OIL
PLUG TO ALLOW
OIL TO DRAIN
FIGURE 3.1
5.After all the oil has drained, close the drain and wipe up any oil that may have spilled. See Figure 3.1. Dispose of used oil properly.
6.Fill engine crankcase with new oil. Refer to your engine owner’s manual for oil specifications.
3.2.2. SERVICE ENGINE AIR CLEANER
The engine is equipped with a dual element air cleaner. Both the foam
3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE
1.Follow WARNING statement found on this page.
2.Check fuel level in tank. If over 3/4 full, remove tank. Refer to Section “REMOVING FUEL TANK”. If 3/4 or less, proceed to next step.
3.Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper.
WARNING
Remove the battery if the Rear Engine Rider will be left standing on the rear bumper for longer than 2 hours. See Section on BATTERY REMOVAL. DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage on the Rear Engine Rider. Refer to Section on MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT for proper blade inspection and service procedures.
4.Check torque of blade mounting bolts. As necessary, torque to 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.
5.Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. See Section on BLADE WEAR LIMITS.
TORQUE BLADE BOLTS TO 30 TO 40 FT. LBS.
FIGURE 3.2
6.Check blade for straightness. Refer to Section
“ADJUSTING MOWER BLADE”.
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