SECTION 2 – OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INTRODUCTION
Follow operation and maintenance instructions in the Operator’s Manual provided with the Snapper Lawn Tractor.
2.1 GRASS CATCHER OPERATION
A.Select desired cutting height. Choose a setting that will not attempt to cut off too much at once, overloading the machine.
B.After starting engine and allowing a brief warm up period, move engine speed control to highest setting.
C.Drive machine to cutting area. Engage blades.
D.Select a slow forward ground speed until familiar with conditions. Do not select a speed that is too fast, causing the machine to become overloaded.
E.The weight of the grass catcher and contents will affect the stability and handling of the machine. Avoid sudden starts and sharp turns. Reduce speed on slopes, and DO NOT operate machine on slopes exceeding 10 degrees (18% grade). Operate machine up and down slopes. DO NOT operate machine across the face of slopes. Turn blades off when traveling up slope.
F.Empty grass catcher often to minimize effect on stability and handling. Over filling the catcher will reduce performance and cause clogging of the tube, adapter and deck.
G.Do not operate the machine with the Grass Catcher open. The entire Grass Catcher must be installed, the catcher closed and latched properly before operating.
2.2 EMPTYING GRASS CATCHER
A. Empty Grass Catcher often to avoid overfilling. Overfilling reduces performance and causes clogging of tube, adapter and deck.
B. Turn blades off. Drive machine to location the clippings are to be dumped. DO NOT operate blades in reverse. If you must back machine to dump clippings in desired location, LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets and hazards before and while backing.
C.Shift transmission to Neutral (N). Set Park Brake. Stop engine.
D.Lift up on handle sufficiently to allow all clippings to exit catcher. If the dumped pile is too high to allow the catcher to close, you may be required to use a rake or similar implement to distribute the clippings.
E.After dumping, to maintain peak performance, check the catcher screen located on the inside of the Rear Cover Assembly to make sure it is clean and free of any build up. Clean as required with brush or broom.
F.Close catcher. Push down firmly on handle to insure it is properly latched.
G.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to remove any clogs from deck, adapter, or tube with engine or blade running. STOP engine. STOP blade. SET brake. Remove key. Make sure blade and all rotating components have come to a complete stop before removing any catcher or unclogging any catcher component.
2.3IF THE GRASS CATCHER BECOMES CLOGGED The grass catcher may become plugged if the conditions are too severe, the catcher is overfilled, or the machine is used improperly. If plugging does occur, attempt the following:
1.Empty catcher more often.
2.Clean screen on rear cover assembly.
3.Ground speed too fast – cut at slower speed
4.Removing too much grass – raise cutting height, cut partial width, and cut lawn more frequently.
5.Grass is too wet from rain or dew – allow grass to dry.
6.Blades are dull or worn – inspect blades and replace as necessary. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement blades.
7.Mower equipped with incorrect blade. Catcher operation requires high lift blade. Contact your local SNAPPER dealer for assistance in choosing the correct blade for your application.
8.Deck, adapter, or tube has clipping build up – clean all clippings from all internal surfaces.
2.4 GRASS CATCHER MAINTENANCE
Grass Catcher components are subject to wear and deterioration during normal usage. Inspect all components frequently for signs of wear and deterioration. Replace worn or damaged components immediately.
BEFORE EACH USE
A.Inspect all Catcher components. Replace all worn or damaged parts.
B.Clean grass build up from deck, adapter, grass tube, covers and rear cover screen. To maintain peak performance make sure screen is clean at each dumping.
C.Inspect blade for wear or damage. Replace as needed.
D.Perform
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