Snapper Lawn Mower ZF2501KH ZF5201M ZF6101M User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
OUT FRONT Z-RIDER  
ZERO TURNING  
HYDRO DRIVE  
SERIES 1  
POWER UNIT MODELS  
ZF2501KH  
MOWER UNIT MODELS  
ZF5201M  
ZF6101M  
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION  
Z
F
25  
01 KH  
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE  
MOWER ORIENTATION  
ENGINE TYPE  
SERIES DESIGNATION  
ENGINE HP  
POWER UNIT  
Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive  
F – Out Front Mower  
25– Engine Horse Power  
01 – Series Designation  
01 – Series Designation  
KH – Kohler Engine  
MOWER UNIT  
52 – Mower Cutting Width  
61 – Mower Cutting Width  
Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive  
F – Out Front Mower  
M – Mower Deck  
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Z-RIDER, read this manual carefully and pay  
particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 - 4. Remember that all power  
equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in  
accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!  
COPYRIGHT © 2001  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 7-3699 (REV. 2, 8/29/01)  
1
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
PREPARATION  
(Continued From Previous Page)  
OPERATION  
(Continued From Previous Column)  
4. Handle fuel with extra care. Fuels are flammable 6. STOP MACHINE on level ground, lower deck,  
and vapors are explosive. Use only an approved  
fuel container. DO NOT remove fuel cap or add  
fuel with engine running. Add or drain fuel  
outdoors only with engine stopped and cool.  
Clean spilled fuel from machine. DO NOT smoke.  
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES OFF  
to learn controls and develop skills.  
engage parking brake and make sure engine and  
blades have stopped before removing grass  
catcher or unclogging mower to prevent injury to  
hands or feet.  
7. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass.  
Set blades in highest position when mowing over  
rough ground.  
6. Check the area to be mowed and remove all 8. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades  
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other  
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blades  
or interfere with mowing.  
underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground  
while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.  
9. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass  
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point  
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or  
doors.  
7. Evaluate the terrain to determine what accessories  
and attachments are needed to properly and safely  
perform the job. Only use accessories and  
attachments approved by SNAPPER.  
10. Slow down before turning.  
8. Keep people and pets out of mowing area. 11. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing  
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and  
STOP machine if anyone enters the area.  
9. DO NOT operate machine unless all shields,  
deflectors, switches, blade controls and other  
safety devices are in place and functioning  
properly.  
roadways.  
12. STOP engine immediately after striking an object  
or if an abnormal vibration occurs. Remove key.  
Remove and disconnect the sparkplug wire. Make  
necessary repairs before resuming operation.  
13. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.  
10. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible. 14. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to maintain  
Replace if damaged. control during speed and directional changes.  
11. Protect yourself when mowing and wear 15. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT  
appropriate clothing including safety glasses, long  
pants, ear protection, hardhat and substantial  
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack  
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.  
footwear with good traction. Long hair, loose 16. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas. Engine  
clothing or jewelry may get tangled in moving  
parts.  
exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an  
odorless and deadly poison.  
12. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly in  
preparation for emergencies.  
13. Use extra care when loading or unloading the  
machine into a trailer or truck.  
14. Check grass catcher components frequently for  
signs of wear or deterioration and replace as  
needed to prevent injury from thrown objects  
going through weak or worn spots.  
MAINTENANCE  
1. DO NOT store machine or fuel container inside where  
fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light  
such as in a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or  
other gas appliance. Allow engine to cool before  
storing machine in an enclosure. Store fuel container  
out of the reach of children in a well ventilated,  
unoccupied building. Shut off fuel (when equipped  
with valve) while storing or transporting machine.  
2. Clean grass and debris from engine, mufflers, drives  
and cutting units to help prevent overheating and  
fires. Clean up fuel, oil and excess grease.  
OPERATION  
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.  
2. Start engine from operator's seat. Make sure  
blades are OFF and parking brake is set. Use seat  
belts if provided.  
3. When draining fuel tank, drain fuel into an approved  
container outdoors and away from open flame.  
4. Check brakes frequently; adjust, repair or replace as  
needed.  
5. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight. Check  
that all cotter pins are in proper position.  
6. Always provide adequate ventilation when running  
engine. Engine exhaust gases contain carbon  
monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.  
3. DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop  
engine. Stop blades. Set brake. Remove key.  
4. DO NOT operate machine unless properly seated  
with feet on foot rests or pedal(s).  
5. DO NOT operate machine while under the  
influence of alcohol or drugs.  
3
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
MAINTENANCE  
(Continued From Previous Page)  
7. Disconnect battery before performing maintenance  
or service. Cranking engine could cause injury.  
Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery first  
and positive (red) cable last. Reconnect positive  
first and negative last. Charge battery in an open,  
well ventilated area away from spark and flames.  
Unplug  
charger  
before  
connecting  
or  
disconnecting from battery. Wear protective  
clothing and insulated gloves.  
8. Park machine on level ground. DO NOT work under  
machine without safety blocks.  
9. Service engine and clean, adjust or repair only  
when engine and blades are stopped. Remove  
spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) and secure  
wire(s) away from spark plug(s).  
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or  
overspeed engine. DO NOT make adjustments with  
the engine running.  
11. Lubricate machine at intervals specified in manual  
to prevent controls from binding.  
12. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the  
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use  
CAUTION when handling them. Never straighten or  
weld blades, only replace them.  
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug  
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas  
exiting engine.  
14. Carefully release pressure from components with  
stored energy.  
15. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER  
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer  
install any new safety devices. Never allow  
untrained personnel to service machine.  
16. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to  
assure that original standards are maintained.  
17. If battery is removed, DO NOT operate engine  
without insulating Positive  
+
battery cable  
terminal with electrical tape, or sparking from  
battery cables can result.  
4
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................ 2-4  
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................5  
SECTION 1 – FAMILIARIZATION .............................................................6  
SECTION 2 – SAFETY MESSAGES AND SYMBOLS.......................... 7-9  
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................................... 10-13  
Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 10  
Starting & Stopping Engine, Blades & Parking Brake..................................... 11-12  
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades ...................................................................... 12  
Parking Brake ...................................................................................................... 12  
Cutting Height Adjustment .................................................................................. .12  
Driving & Stopping Machine................................................................................. 13  
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS .............................. 14-17  
Change Engine Oil............................................................................................... 14  
Check Mower Blade............................................................................................. 14  
Check Mower Drive Belt ...................................................................................... 15  
Check Belt Tension.............................................................................................. 15  
Service - After every 25 Hours (Engine) .............................................................. 15  
Service – After every 25 Hours (Mower Components) ........................................ 15  
Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication ..................................................................... 15  
Mower Deck Linkage Lubrication...................................................................... 15  
Front Wheel Bearings Lubrication .................................................................... 16  
Transaxle Lubrication ....................................................................................... 16  
Power Transfer Shaft Lubrication..................................................................... 16  
Other Lubrication .............................................................................................. 16  
Before Operating Machine................................................................................... 16  
Annually - End Of Season............................................................................... 16-17  
Fuel Filter Replacement....................................................................................... 17  
Deck Removal...................................................................................................... 17  
Power Transfer Shaft Removal............................................................................ 17  
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.................................... 18-23  
Neutral Position Adjustments............................................................................... 18  
Mower Deck & Component Adjustments............................................................. 18  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness) ............................................................. 18-19  
Parking Brake Adjustment ................................................................................... 19  
Engine Adjustments & Repair.............................................................................. 19  
Mower Blade Replacement.................................................................................. 20  
Blade Sharpening................................................................................................. 20  
Mower Drive Belt & Engine Belt Removal & Replacement............................. 20-21  
Battery Removal................................................................................................... 21  
Battery Installation................................................................................................ 21  
Battery Service & Charging............................................................................. 21-22  
Battery Testing..................................................................................................... 22  
New Battery Preparation...................................................................................... 22  
Mower Spindles (Field Serviceable Spindles) Bearing Replacement.................. 23  
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................... 24-25  
SERVICE SCHEDULE.............................................................................26  
Maintenance/Replacement Parts......................................................................... 26  
WARRANTY.............................................................................................27  
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE................................................................ 28-31  
IMPORTANT  
NOTICE: Operator Protective Structures are available as optional kits for the Mid-Mount and Out-Front Z-Rider  
machines. These structures, when installed and used properly can offer additional security to the operator  
against serious injury in the event of a tip over accident. Operator Protective Structures may be required by  
local ordinances. Discuss your mowing application and ordinances with your local Snapper Dealer.  
5
 
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION  
CONTROL PANEL  
AMP METER  
BLADE SWITCH  
DECK LIFT  
SWITCH  
OPERATOR’S SEAT  
LIGHT  
SWITCH  
HOUR  
METER  
KEYSWITCH  
FUEL TANK  
MOTION  
CONTROL  
(JOYSTICK)  
CHOKE CONTROL  
ENGINE SPEED  
CONTROL  
PARKING BRAKE  
DECK COVER  
CONTROL  
PANEL  
(SEE INSET)  
CASTER  
WHEEL  
BRACKET  
DECK HEIGHT OF  
CUT DECAL  
IMPORTANT.  
The  
figures  
and  
illustrations in this manual are  
provided for reference only and may  
differ from your specific model.  
Contact your Snapper dealer if you  
DISCHARGE  
DEFLECTOR  
FIGURE 1.1  
1.1 INTRODUCTION  
1.2 NOMENCLATURE  
The nomenclature information above, Figure 1.1, shows  
the essential parts of the SNAPPER OUT FRONT Z-  
RIDER. It is recommended that all operator’s of this  
equipment become thoroughly familiar with the controls,  
components, and operation of this machine before  
operating. 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. 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.  
This manual has been prepared for the operator’s of the  
SNAPPER OUT FRONT Z-RIDER. Its purpose, aside  
from recommending standard operating procedures and  
routine service requirements, is to promote SAFETY  
through the use of accepted operating practices. Read,  
Understand and Follow the IMPORTANT SAFETY  
INSTRUCTIONS on Pages 2 thru 4 of this manual and All  
SAFETY messages on the OUT FRONT Z-RIDER and its  
attachments before operating. SNAPPER recommends  
returning the OUT FRONT Z-RIDER to an authorized  
SNAPPER dealer annually for inspection and addition of  
any new devices which might upgrade the safety of the  
mower.  
6