Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
3.1INTRODUCTION
To retain the quality of the mower, 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 mower, always mention model and serial number.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or service with the engine or blade running. STOP blade. STOP engine. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure wire away from spark plug. Engine and components can be extremely hot. Avoid burns by allowing engine and components sufficient time to cool.
3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS
3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL
The easiest and cleanest method to drain the engine oil requires the machine to be tipped, RIGHT side up. The oil can then be quickly drained from the engine oil filler tube. Tipping the machine can produce fuel leakage. To avoid the fire and explosion hazards of spilled fuel the tank must be empty or carefully drained before tipping machine.
WARNING
Before tipping machine, run engine until fuel tank is empty or drain fuel tank. Fuels are flammable and vapors are explosive. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved container outdoors and away from open flame and all sources of ignition.
1.Run engine until fuel tank is empty or drain fuel tank. When cool, remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure away from spark plug.
2.Tip machine with right side of machine up.
3.Place shallow 2 quart drain pan below the oil dip stick cap.
4.Remove dip stick and allow engine oil to drain into pan.
5.Move pan so that it is below the engine oil filter.
6.Remove oil filter and allow oil to drain into pan.
7.Install new oil filter. Refer to Engine Operator’s manual for specifications.
8.Place machine back on four wheels.
9.Fill engine crankcase to proper level. Refer to Engine Operator’s manual for proper oil specifications.
10.Install dip stick and tighten cap.
11.Dispose of drained oil properly.
12.Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
NOTE: Wipe up any spilled oil off machine before operating.
3.2.2. SERVICE ENGINE
Service engine air cleaner. Refer to engine owner’s manual for proper air filter specification and maintenance procedure.
3.2.3.GREASE FRONT CASTER BUSHINGS
Grease front caster bushing with three shots of general purpose grease from a grease gun.
3.2.4.GREASE DECK/BLADE SPINDLE
Grease deck/blade spindle with three shots of general purpose grease from a grease gun.
WARNING
The blade should come to a complete stop in 3 seconds or less after the blade control is released. If the blade continues to rotate after 3 seconds, the blade brake must be adjusted. DO NOT operate machine if blade brake is not functioning properly.
3.2.5. CHECK BLADE BRAKE
Check blade brake for proper function. Blade should stop in 3 seconds or less after releasing blade control. Refer to Section “BLADE BRAKE ADJUSTMENT” in this manual for adjustment procedure.
3.2.6. CHECK ENGINE to DECK BELT
Visually check engine to deck belt for cracking, fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. Replace belt before operating mower. Verify proper belt tension. Refer to Section "ENGINE TO DECK BELT SERVICE" in this manual for belt tension adjustment and engine to deck belt replacement.
3.2.7. CHECK WHEEL DRIVE BELTS
Visually check belts for cracking, fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. Replace belts before operating mower. Verify proper belt tension. Refer to Section “WHEEL DRIVE BELT SERVICE" for belt tension adjustment and wheel drive belt replacement instructions.
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