Snapper Lawn Mower FM7300 User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
73” FINISHING MOWER  
CATAGORY ONE  
3 POINT HITCH  
MODEL  
FM7300  
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your finishing mower, read this manual carefully  
and pay particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 & 3. The “IMPORTANT  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on pages 2 & 3 of this manual provide general safe operating practices and warnings  
for operating powered lawn mowers. You must refer to your tractor manual for specific operating instructions  
and warnings for your tractor. 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 © 1998  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 7-2074 (I.R. 11/16/98)  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
PREPARATION  
(Continued From Previous Page)  
OPERATION  
(Continued From Previous Column)  
5. Check the area to be mowed and remove all  
objects such as toys, wire, rocks, limbs and other  
objects that could cause injury if thrown by blade  
or interfere with mowing.  
9. DO NOT pull loads when mower is attached to  
tractor.  
10. This mower attachment can affect the handling  
and stability of the tractor it is mounted on. Refer  
to your tractor manual or contact your tractor  
dealer or tractor manufacturer for SAFETY  
information and requirements for counter weights.  
11. DO NOT operate mower unless all guards, shields  
and defectors are in place.  
6. Keep people and pets a safe distance from  
machine.  
7. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade  
controls and other safety devices frequently for  
proper operation and location.  
8. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.  
Replace if damaged.  
12. Rotating driveline contact can cause injury or  
death. DO NOT operate mower without all driveline  
9. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety  
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.  
10. Know how to STOP blade and engine quickly in  
preparation for emergencies.  
&
mower shields in place and functioning  
properly.  
13. DO NOT operate mower if driveline shielding is  
damaged or does not rotate freely.  
11. Use extra care when loading or unloading the  
mowing equipment into a trailer or truck.  
12. Check grass catcher components frequently, if  
applicable, for signs of wear or deterioration and  
replace as needed to prevent injury from thrown  
objects going through weak or worn spots.  
13. Attach mower to tractor hitch using proper hitch  
pins and retainers. If mower separates from  
tractor during operation, serious injury or death  
can result.  
14. Adjust stabilizer bars on tractor hitch to prevent  
driveline contact with tires during turns and keep  
mower in proper position behind tractor.  
15. Mower caster wheels must be on the ground and  
support mower before turning blades on. DO NOT  
operate mower at any time with casters off the  
ground. Blades must stop rotating before lifting or  
transporting mower to avoid dangerous driveline  
condition.  
14. Make sure all motion has stopped (traction,  
blades, etc.) and mower is parked in position to  
prevent movement before approaching mower for  
any reason.  
15. DO NOT transport mower with mower blades  
rotating.  
16. DO NOT exceed the recommended operating  
speed of mower driveline.  
17. DO NOT stand on mower or driveline.  
18. DO NOT exceed the safe working angle of the  
driveline. Make sure blades have stopped rotating  
before lifting mower.  
19. DO NOT enter the area between the tractor and the  
mower until all rotating parts have stopped. STOP  
tractor. STOP engine. STOP blades. Set brake.  
Remove key.  
20. DO NOT allow children or others to stand sit or  
ride on finishing mower.  
21. DO NOT lift people or objects with the finishing  
mower.  
OPERATION  
1. Follow Tractor Manual Instructions for proper  
tractor operation.  
2. STOP BLADE and ENGINE and make sure blade  
has stopped before removing grass catcher, if  
applicable, or unclogging mower to prevent loss  
of fingers or hand.  
3. Blade must be OFF except when cutting grass. Set  
blade in highest position when mowing over  
rough ground.  
4. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blade  
underneath deck. NEVER place foot on ground  
while BLADE is ON or machine is in motion.  
5. Deflector or entire grass catcher, if applicable,  
must be in place. NEVER point discharge at  
people, passing cars, windows or doors.  
6. Slow down before turning.  
MAINTENANCE  
1. Keep all bolts, nuts and screws properly tight.  
Check that all cotter pins are in proper position.  
2. Lubricate mower at intervals specified in manual.  
3. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the  
blades or wear heavy leather gloves and use  
CAUTION when handling them.  
4. Have mower serviced by an authorized SNAPPER  
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer  
install any new safety devices.  
5. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts on  
finishing mower to assure that original safety  
standards are maintained.  
6. DO NOT work under the mower when lifted unless  
it has been securely blocked to prevent the mower  
from falling or moving. Disconnect driveline from  
tractor before doing any work on mower.  
7. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing  
roadways.  
8. STOP engine immediately after striking an  
obstruction. Inspect mower and repair damage  
before resuming operation.  
9. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.  
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................2-3  
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 4  
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION ............................................................. 5  
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS.................................................6-7  
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................8-9  
Mower Preparation ........................................................................................................ 8  
Tractor Preparation ....................................................................................................... 8  
Mower Attachment ........................................................................................................ 8  
Setting Cutting Height................................................................................................ 8-9  
Starting & Stopping Mower .......................................................................................... 9  
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ................................... 10  
Service - After First 5 Hours....................................................................................... 10  
Checking Mower Blade......................................................................................... 10  
Checking Mower Drive Shaft ............................................................................... 10  
Lubricating Mower Components................................................................................ 10  
Mower Gear Box Lubrication............................................................................... 10  
Service - Every 25 Hours ............................................................................................ 10  
Service - Annually ....................................................................................................... 10  
SECTION 5- ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR.....................................11-13  
Mower Belt Replacement............................................................................................ 11  
Mower Blade Replacement/Sharpening .................................................................... 11  
Mower Spindles Bearing Replacement ..................................................................... 12  
Driveline Repair ...................................................................................................... 12-13  
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 14  
IMPORTANT  
The IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS on pages 2 & 3 of this manual provide  
safe operating instructions and warnings for powered lawn mowers. You must  
refer to your tractor manual for safe operating instructions and warnings for your  
tractor.  
4
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION  
DRIVESHAFT GUARD  
REAR HITCH BARS  
GEAR BOX  
TOP HITCH  
LINKS  
BELT/SPINDLE  
COVER  
FRONT HITCH  
BARS  
DEFLECTOR  
PIVOTING  
HITCH  
DRIVELINE  
MOWER  
DECK  
COUPLING  
RING  
LYNCH PIN  
CUTTING  
HEIGHT  
SPACERS  
CASTER  
WHEEL  
1.1 INTRODUCTION  
1.2 NOMENCLATURE  
This manual has been prepared for the operators of the  
SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. 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 and 3 of this manual, ALL  
Safety messages on the 73” Finishing Mower and all  
Safety messages which accompany and are attached  
to your tractor.  
The nomenclature information above, shows specific  
components of the SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. It is  
recommended that all operators of this equipment  
become thoroughly familiar with the controls,  
components, and operation of the mowing equipment  
before operating the mower. Driveline information is  
also found in the separate driveline owner’s manual.  
Study all equipment manuals before operating the  
mower and keep all manuals handy for future  
reference.  
5
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SNAPPER 73” FINISHING MOWER  
REMOVE BREATHER/FILLER  
PLUG TO CHECK FLUID LEVEL  
Set-Up Instructions  
The following instructions cover the initial set up of the  
SNAPPER 73” Finishing Mower. Read and follow each  
step carefully.  
WARNING  
Read entire manual before attempting to set up or  
GEAR BOX  
operate this mower.  
This mower is designed for a Category 1 hitch and  
540 rpm Power Take Off (PTO). Only attach this  
mower to tractors compatible with Category 1 hitch  
requirements.  
DO NOT modify mower attachment in any way.  
DRIVESHAFT  
STOP tractor. STOP engine. SET Brake. REMOVE key.  
Allow all moving parts to stop before attempting any  
adjustments, maintenance or service to the mower.  
GUARD (SERVICE  
POSITION)  
FIGURE 2  
STEP 1: Remove the mower and components from the  
shipping carton.  
WARNING  
STEP 2: Assemble front & rear hitch bars and hitch link  
as shown in Figure 1. Tighten all hardware securely.  
NOTE: When assembled properly, hitch link should  
Driveshaft guard must be down and securely attached  
before operating mower.  
pivot on hitch bolt sleeve.  
TOP HITCH LINKS  
B. Mower Spindle Housings. Locate the grease  
fitting on the front of each of the three spindle  
housings. Add grease (Kendall NLGI No. 2 Lithium  
grease) using grease gun until grease purges out of  
spindle housing vent. NOTE: The spindle housing  
vent is located on the housing below the mower  
deck surface. See Figure 3.  
FRONT  
HITCH  
BARS  
REAR HITCH BARS  
C. Idler Arm Pivot. Locate grease fitting on idler  
arm. Add 1 to 3 shots of grease as needed from the  
grease gun. See Figure 3.  
IDLER ARM  
PIVOT  
FIGURE 1  
STEP 3: Check all lubrication points and gear box fluid  
level.  
A. Gear Box Fluid. The gear box holds 20 fluid  
ounces of SAE 90 EP gear lubricant. To check the  
level, remove the breather/filler plug located on the  
top of the gear box. If lubricant is needed, the  
driveshaft guard covering the gear box will have to  
be removed. Add fluid as needed to fill. Install  
breather/filler plug and driveshaft guard. See Figure  
2.  
SPINDLE  
HOUSING  
GREASE  
FITTING  
IDLER  
ARM  
FIGURE 3  
6
SECTION 2 - SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SNAPPER 73” FINISHING MOWER  
D. Caster Bushings & Wheel Bearings. Locate  
the four caster bushing grease fittings. Add 1 to 3  
shots of grease as needed from the grease gun.  
Locate grease fittings in hub of caster wheels. Add  
1 to 3 shots of grease as needed from the grease  
gun. See Figure 4.  
GEAR BOX  
CASTER  
BUSHING  
GREASE  
FITTING  
COUPLING RING  
CASTER  
WHEEL  
DRIVELINE  
TWIST COUPLING  
RING & SLIDE ONTO  
GEAR BOX SHAFT  
DRIVESHAFT GUARD NOT SHOWN  
FIGURE 5  
IMPORTANT: The tractor end of the driveline is  
identified on the driveline shield. DO NOT install  
tractor end of driveline to mower.  
B. With the coupling ring twisted, slide the drive-  
line onto the gear box shaft. Release coupling ring.  
C. Tug aggressively on driveline to insure it is fully  
seated and securely locked onto gear box shaft.  
HUB  
GREASE  
FITTING  
FIGURE 4  
STEP 4. Remove driveline from shipping carton.  
Carefully inspect driveline for any signs of damage.  
Driveline shields must turn freely.  
STEP 6. Inspect the mower to insure that all guards  
and shields have been installed. Check all  
hardware to insure that it has been securely  
tightened. The discharge deflector must be  
attached and in the down or closed position before  
operating.  
The driveline is supplied with an Operator’s and Safety  
Instruction Manual. Read this manual carefully.  
Lubricate U-joint bearings, shield bearings, telescoping  
tubes, and locking collars as described in driveline  
manual before attaching to mower.  
WARNING  
DO NOT attempt to operate driveline without all  
guards and shields in place and functioning properly  
on tractor, driveline & mower.  
STEP 5. Attach driveline to mower gear box.  
A. Twist the knurled coupling ring on the U-joint.  
See Figure 5.  
7
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
The operator must be familiar with the contents of this  
manual before attempting to attach or operate this  
mower. There may be specific operating and safety  
instructions with the tractor that are not covered in this  
manual. Read and follow the Instructions and Warnings  
in the tractor manual before operating mower.  
2.3.3. Attach lower tractor hitch arms to the pins  
on the mower pivoting hitch. Secure with Lynch  
pins.  
2.3.4. Attach the top hitch link to the top hitch  
link on the mower. Adjust the length of the link  
and insert the pin. Secure pin with Lynch pin.  
Tighten locking device on top hitch link.  
2.3.5. Adjust stabilizer bars on lower hitch arms.  
Refer to tractor manual for proper adjustment  
procedure.  
2.3.6. Attach driveline to tractor Power Take Off  
(PTO). Twist coupling ring and slide driveline onto  
tractor PTO shaft. Tug aggressively on driveline  
yoke and insure that it is securely locked into  
position.  
2.1 MOWER PREPARATION  
Read and follow mower set up instructions and  
inspect mower to insure mower has been  
properly set up.  
2.1.1. Check guards, shields, covers and  
deflectors to make sure all are in place, securely  
tightened and functioning properly.  
2.1.2. Check lubrication points and gear box  
fluid level for proper lubrication.  
2.1.3. Inspect driveline. Driveline must be  
securely attached to the mower gear box. All  
driveline shields must be in place and rotate  
freely.  
2.1.4. Inspect mower blades for damage and  
wear. Replace damaged or worn blades before  
operating.  
WARNING  
Tractor Power Take Off (PTO) shield must be in place  
before operating mower. Driveline must be securely  
locked to tractor and mower to prevent dangerous  
disconnect condition.  
2.1.5. Verify that the discharge deflector is  
attached and in the down/closed operating  
position.  
2.3.7. Verify the minimum and maximum  
working lengths of the driveline. The telescoping  
tubes must overlap at least 1/3 of the length while  
in use. The driveline must not bottom out or  
disengage during transport. Verify driveline length  
before engaging Power Take Off (PTO).  
2.2 TRACTOR PREPARATION  
The following are general guidelines.  
Refer to the tractor manual or the tractor  
manufacturer for specific instructions about the  
preparation and operation of the tractor.  
WARNING  
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance or  
service to mower with engine running. STOP tractor.  
STOP engine. Set Brake. REMOVE key. Allow all  
moving parts to stop before approaching mower.  
WARNING  
The tractor may require counter weights and the  
addition of an Operator Protective Structure when this  
mower is attached. Follow the Safety Instructions  
provided by the tractor manufacturer.  
2.4 SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT.  
2.4.1. Use tractor hitch to lift mower until all four  
casters are off the ground.  
2.2.1. Remove tractor drawbar, if necessary, to  
prevent interference and damage to the driveline.  
2.4.2. STOP engine. Remove key. Make sure  
all moving parts have stopped. Support mower  
securely to prevent it from falling.  
2.3 ATTACHING MOWER TO TRACTOR  
This mower is designed to attach to a tractor  
equipped with a standard Category 1 three (3)  
point hitch and 540 rpm Power Take Off (PTO).  
2.3.1. Place tractor and mower on level surface.  
Lower tractor 3 point hitch.  
2.4.3. Adjust cutting height by moving the  
spacers located on the mower casters. Placing  
more spacers on the bottom will increase the  
cutting height. Removing spacers from the bottom  
will lower the cutting height. Each caster has a  
total of 6 (1/2”) slotted spacers to adjust the  
height of the deck. There must always be 6  
spacers installed.  
2.3.2. STOP tractor. STOP engine. Set parking  
brake. REMOVE key.  
A. To remove spacers, first remove the Lynch  
pin and washer from the top of the caster.  
B. Raise cutting height by sliding spacer(s) off  
of top and installing on bottom. Align slotted  
end of spacer with the two flats on the caster  
shaft. Slide spacer across flats. Repeat as  
needed to raise height.  
WARNING  
DO NOT get between the tractor and mower when  
the engine is running. STOP tractor. STOP engine.  
Set Brake. REMOVE key. Allow all moving parts to  
stop before leaving the operators position.  
8
SECTION 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
C. Push up on caster to remove slack between  
spacers. Install washer and Lynch pin.  
D. Reverse procedure to lower cutting height.  
NOTE: All casters should have the same  
number of spacers installed below the caster  
tube when the cutting height adjustment is  
completed.  
2.5 STARTING & OPERATING THE MOWER  
Refer to the tractor Operator’s Manual for starting  
and operating instructions for the tractor. Be  
familiar with all controls. Know how to stop the  
tractor & mower quickly in case of an emergency.  
WARNING  
DO NOT operate mower in transport position. All  
mower caster wheels must be in contact with the  
ground before blades are engaged.  
2.5.1. Transport tractor & mower with blades off  
to area to be cut.  
2.5.2. Lower mower until all four caster wheels  
are on the ground.  
2.5.3. Select a slow ground speed until you  
become familiar with the operation of the mower.  
Adjust forward speed, if desired, within safe  
cutting conditions.  
2.5.4. Engage tractor Power Take Off (PTO)  
slowly to engage mower blades. 540 rpm Power  
Take Off (PTO) speed is required.  
WARNING  
DO NOT exceed 540 RPM Power Take Off (PTO)  
speed.  
2.6 STOPPING MOWER  
Refer to tractor manual for details on the  
operation of the PTO.  
2.6.1. Stop tractor. Bring engine to idle.  
2.6.2. Disengage tractor PTO.  
WARNING  
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP  
engine. STOP blades. Set brake. REMOVE key. Allow  
all moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s  
position. Place mower on ground. DO NOT leave in  
transport position.  
2.6.3. Stop engine. Set tractor brake. Remove  
key. Allow all machinery to stop before leaving  
the operators position.  
WARNING  
DO NOT park mowing equipment on slopes.  
9
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE  
3.2.4.2. Lubricate U-joint bearings. Rotate  
flexible cone shield to align access hole with  
grease fitting. Apply 2 to 3 shots of General  
Purpose grease from a grease gun.  
3.2.4.3. Lubricate driveline shield bearings.  
Locate grease fitting on flexible cone shield.  
Apply 2 to 3 shots of General Purpose grease  
from a grease gun.  
WARNING  
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments, or  
service with the engine or blades running. STOP  
engine. STOP blades. SET brake. REMOVE key. Allow  
all machinery to stop before leaving operators  
position or approaching mower.  
3.2.4.4. Lubricate driveline telescoping tubes.  
Slide driveline apart. Wipe male surface of tube  
with grease. Carefully insert tubes, making sure  
that the driveline shields are aligned and not  
binding.  
3.1 INTRODUCTION  
Proper maintenance is extremely important.  
Failure to perform the following maintenance can  
adversely affect the performance of the mower,  
decrease the life of the mower, and can cause  
the mower to be unsafe to operate. Perform the  
following steps at the recommended intervals.  
Inspect the mower frequently for loose, missing,  
damaged and worn components. Fix or replace  
those components immediately. To retain the  
original quality of the FM7300 Finishing Mower,  
use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts.  
Contact a local SNAPPER Dealer for parts &  
service assistance. SNAPPER recommends  
returning the mower to an authorized SNAPPER  
Dealer annually for inspection and addition of any  
new devices which might upgrade the safety of  
the mower.  
3.2.5. LUBRICATE MOWER COMPONENTS  
3.2.5.1. Mower spindle housings. Apply 2 to 3  
shots of grease (Kendall NLGI No. 2 Lithium  
grease).  
NOTE: The spindle housings are equipped with a  
grease purge valve. The valve is located on the  
housing below the deck. The spindle housing has  
been properly lubricated when grease exits the  
purge valve.  
3.2.5.2. Mower Caster Bushings. Apply 1 to 2  
shots at each of the four locations.  
3.2.5.3. Mower Caster Wheel Bearing. Apply 1  
to 2 shots at each of the four locations.  
3.2.5.4. Mower Belt Idler Arm. Apply  
shots of grease at idler arm pivot.  
1 to 2  
3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS  
3.2.1. Inspect mower. Carefully inspect entire  
mower for loose, missing, damaged and worn  
components. All guards, shields and deflectors  
must be in place. Repair and replace as required.  
3.2.2. Inspect mower blades. Check blades  
for flatness, sharpness, wear and damage. See  
section “Mower Blade Repair/Replacement” for  
blade wear limits, sharpening and replacement  
instructions.  
3.2.5.5. Mower Gear Box. Check fluid level in  
gear box. Remove breather/filler plug located on  
top of gear box. The gear box holds 20 ounces of  
SAE 90 EP gear lube. Reinstall plug. DO NOT  
over tighten.  
3.3 SERVICE - EVERY 25 HOURS  
Perform all inspections, and lubricate all items as  
specified in the section “Service - After First 5  
Hours”. The 25 hour service interval is the  
maximum interval recommended between  
services. Certain applications will require more  
frequent service intervals. Inspect mower before  
each use.  
3.2.3. Inspect mower belt. The mower belt  
does not require adjustment. Visually check belt  
for signs of deterioration. Replace as required.  
See section "Mower Belt Replacement” for  
instructions.  
3.2.4. Inspect and lubricate driveline.  
3.4 SERVICE - ANNUALLY  
WARNING  
In addition to the regular maintenance the  
following components of the finishing mower  
should be carefully inspected for wear or  
damage. Replace worn or damaged parts with  
genuine SNAPPER replacement parts available  
from an authorized SNAPPER Dealer.  
3.4.1. Caster Bushings  
Contact with rotating driveline can cause death. A  
high percentage of driveline injuries occur when  
safety shielding is missing or not functioning  
properly.  
Frequent  
inspections  
and  
proper  
maintenance is essential for the safety of the operator  
and others. STOP engine. STOP blades. REMOVE key.  
Allow all machinery to stop before approaching.  
3.4.2. Caster wheel bearings.  
3.4.3. Mower spindle housing bearings.  
3.4.4. Driveline U-joint bearing.  
3.4.5. Driveline rotating shield bearings.  
3.2.4.1. Inspect driveline, tractor and mower  
shields. All shielding must be in place and  
functioning properly. Be sure the driveline  
shielding is not damaged and that shields rotate  
freely on the driveline. See section “Driveline  
Repair” for instructions.  
10  
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR  
4.2.2 Blade Sharpening.  
WARNING  
1. Inspect blades. If the blade has not been  
damaged and it has not worn beyond the wear  
limit it may be sharpened. See Figure 4.2.  
2. Remove blade by removing the nut from  
the blade bolt. Allow the blade bolt, blade  
washer, blade and four blade spacers to drop  
down out of the spindle housing. See Figure  
4.3.  
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments, or  
service with the engine or blades running. STOP  
engine. STOP blades. SET brake. REMOVE key. Allow  
all machinery to stop before leaving operators  
position or approaching mower.  
4.1 MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT  
1. Remove belt cover from mower.  
NOTE: Belt routing diagram is located on the deck.  
2. Carefully roll belt out of groove and off left spindle  
pulley.  
FOUR  
BLADE  
SPACERS  
3. Remove old belt.  
WARNING  
Use CAUTION removing old belt. Belt is under spring  
tension.  
BLADE  
WASHER  
4. Route new belt as shown in Figure 4.1, leaving belt  
off of left spindle pulley.  
5. Remove all slack from belt and pull towards left  
pulley. At same time, rotate clockwise allowing belt  
to roll onto the groove on the pulley.  
BLADE  
BOLT  
FIGURE 4.3  
3. Remove bolt, washer and spacers from  
blade. Sharpen existing cutting edge only at an  
angle of 22 to 28 degrees. DO NOT sharpen  
beyond existing cutting edge. See Figure 4.4.  
FIGURE 4.1  
22º - 28º  
4.2 MOWER  
BLADE  
SHARPENING  
&
REPLACEMENT  
4.2.1.  
Blade Wear Limits  
ORIGINAL CUTTING EDGE  
1. Inspect blades before each use for signs of  
excessive wear or damage. See Figure 4.2.  
WARNING  
FIGURE 4.4  
DO NOT use a blade that has worn beyond the wear  
limit. Blades are sharp and can cause severe injury.  
Wear heavy gloves when handling or working around  
blades.  
4. Check the balance of the blade after  
sharpening. Correct as required by removing  
material from the end (not cutting edge) of the  
blade.  
5. Install blade paying close attention to the  
assembly sequence shown in Figure 4.3.  
6. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.  
NEW BLADE  
4.2.3. MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT  
1. If blades are worn beyond the limit or have  
been damaged, they must be replaced. See  
Figure 4.2.  
WEAR LIMIT  
(NOTCH STARTS)  
2. Remove blade as instructed in “Mower  
Blade Sharpening” above.  
3. Install new blade following assembly  
sequence carefully. See Figure 4.3.  
DANGEROUS CONDITION!  
DO NOT USE ON MOWER!  
REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.  
FIGURE 4.2  
4. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.  
11  
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR  
4.3 MOWER  
SPINDLES  
(Field  
Serviceable  
NOTE: The bearing is sealed/shielded on one side  
only. The bottom bearing must be installed with  
the sealed/shielded side DOWN.  
7. Insert spindle shaft up through the bottom  
bearing. Slide spacer down over spindle shaft.  
8. Install new top bearing. Install the top bearing  
with the seal/shield UP.  
9. Slide circular retaining ring down spindle shaft  
until it fully locks into groove on shaft.  
10. Place spindle pulley and spacer on top of  
spindle shaft.  
11. Reinstall blade bolt, washer, blade and four  
spacers.  
Spindles) BEARING REPLACEMENT  
In the event that a spindle bearing requires  
replacement, the SNAPPER Field Serviceable  
Spindles have been designed so that no special  
tools or presses are required.  
1. Remove belt. Loosen blade nut and remove.  
Allow blade bolt, washer, blade and four spacers  
to drop down out of the spindle housing. See  
Figure 4.5.  
REMOVE NUT  
REMOVE BELT  
FROM SPINDLE  
12. Torque blade bolt and nut to 60 to 75 ft. lbs.  
IMPORTANT: Spindle housing must be filled  
with grease before operating mower. Failure to  
fill housing will cause premature bearing  
failure.  
13. Pump grease into spindle housing until grease  
purges from vent on housing.  
14. After the first 5 hours of operation, grease  
spindle housing to insure it is full, then every 25  
hours.  
REMOVE BLADE  
BOLT  
FIGURE 4.5  
2. Remove spindle pulley from spindle shaft.  
3. Locate circular retaining ring on spindle shaft at  
top bearing. Remove retaining ring. Allow spindle  
shaft to drop out of housing.  
4. Top and bottom bearings are now removable.  
Pull out on inner race to slide bearing from  
housing. See Figure 4.6.  
4.4 DRIVELINE REPAIR  
The driveline shielding system is critical to the  
safety of the operator and others. Inspect the  
driveline shield and mower shield. If the driveline  
guard does not rotate freely from the shaft,  
displays signs of deterioration or damage, or the  
safety signs are missing or illegible, parts must be  
repaired or replaced.  
4.4.1.  
Driveline Shield.  
The driveline shields will have to be removed to  
replace shield components, shield bearings, or U-  
joint bearings.  
PULLEY  
1. Disconnect driveline from tractor and mower.  
Slide driveline apart. Work on one end at a time.  
NOTE: Tractor end flexible cone, shield bearings  
and plastic tubes are different from those on the  
mower end.  
BEARING  
SEAL UP  
RETAINING RING  
BEARING  
2. Locate three locking tabs in flexible cone. While  
pushing down on cone, press in the three locking  
tabs. Slide cone down on plastic tube when  
unlocked. See Figure 4.7.  
SPINDLE  
HOUSING  
3 LOCKING TABS  
INNER RACE  
BEARING  
PLASTIC TUBE  
SHIELD BEARING  
LOCATED AROUND  
SMALL END OF CONE  
BEARING SEAL  
DOWN  
SPINDLE  
SHAFT  
TRACTOR  
END  
FIGURE 4.6  
FLEXIBLE  
CONE  
FIGURE 4.7  
(Continued on next page)  
5. Thoroughly clean all parts removing all old  
contaminated grease.  
6. Install new bottom bearing first.  
12  
SECTION 5 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR  
4.4 DRIVELINE REPAIR  
(Continued from previous page)  
3. Remove cone, tube, and the shield bearing  
from the yoke. Discard worn or damaged  
components. Replace  
with  
new genuine  
SNAPPER replacement parts.  
4. Apply liberal amount of grease to the shield  
bearing and place in groove on yoke.  
5. Slide plastic tube over drive shaft. Align slots in  
plastic tube with tabs on plastic bearing.  
6. Slide flexible cone onto plastic tube. Carefully  
align cone with plastic bearing while keeping  
bearing in yoke groove and bearing tabs in plastic  
tube slots.  
7. Pull up and tap on cone until all three locking  
tabs have locked.  
8. Verify that locking tabs are fully seated and  
locked.  
9. The shield should rotate freely from shaft.  
IMPORTANT: When replacing a driveline guard,  
make sure that it has the “DANGER ROTATING  
DRIVELINE” safety label in place before operating.  
See Figure 4.8.  
10. Lubricate after re-assembly.  
FIGURE 4.8  
13  
1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY  
For one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's commercial or other non-residential use,  
SNAPPER, through any SNAPPER dealer will replace, free of charge (except for taxes where applicable), any  
part or parts found upon examination by the factory at McDonough, Georgia, to be defective in material or  
workmanship or both.  
All transportation costs incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer under this  
warranty must be paid by the purchaser.  
This warranty does not cover any mower or component part that has been damaged as a result of accident,  
alteration, abuse, improper lubrication, normal wear, or any other cause beyond the control of SNAPPER. This  
warranty does not cover any machine or component that has been altered or modified, changing safety,  
performance, or durability.  
There is no other express warranty.  
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY  
Implied warranties, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to  
one (1) year from purchase date for the original purchaser's use, and up to the extent permitted by law  
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  
SNAPPER ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SUCH PARTS.  
IMPORTANT: Please fill out the attached SNAPPER Product Registration Card immediately and mail to:  
Snapper’s Product Registration Center, P.O. Box 777, McDonough, Georgia. 30253  
14  
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
73” FINISHING MOWER  
CATEGORY ONE  
3 POINT HITCH  
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State  
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
WARNING:  
COPYRIGHT © 1998  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 7-2074 (I.R. 11/16/98)  
15  

Bolens Lawn Mower 112 170A User Manual
Craftsman Lawn Mower 28035 User Guide
Hubbell Lawn Mower K 18 User Guide
Land Pride Lawn Mower AFM4522 User Guide
Ryobi Lawn Mower RY34001 User Guide
Snapper Lawn Mower 306RD User Manual
Snapper Lawn Mower 7800918 00 User Manual
Snapper Lawn Mower W36120K User Manual
Troy Bilt Lawn Mower C3X D3X User Guide
White Outdoor Lawn Mower 138 786 190 User Guide