Snapper Lawn Mower NR205012 R204513E R205012 User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
20” STEEL DECK  
WALK MOWERS  
SERIES 12  
MODELS  
R205012  
NR205012  
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION  
PREFIX EXPLANATION  
R - Recycling Mower  
N - California Model  
PREFIX  
BODY  
SUFFIX  
BODY EXPLANATION  
N R 20 50 12  
20 - 20” Cutting Width  
50 - 5.0 HP Engine  
SERIES  
DESIGNATION  
CUTTING  
WIDTH  
SUFFIX EXPLANATION  
12 - Series Designation  
ENGINE  
HP  
SERIES  
DESIGNATION  
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your Walk Behind, read this manual carefully and pay  
particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Page 2. 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 © 1996  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 3-5806 (I.R. 8/96)  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................... 2  
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 3  
FAMILIARIZATION.................................................................................... 4  
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................5-6  
Pre-start Checklist ............................................................................................... 5  
Starting & Operation Engine & Blades .............................................................. 5  
Stopping Engine & Blades.................................................................................. 6  
Adjusting Cutting Height.................................................................................... .6  
Adjusting Front & Rear Axles ............................................................................. 6  
Recycling Operation............................................................................................ 6  
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS............................................................. 7  
Changing Engine Oil............................................................................................ 7  
Annually (End of Each Season).......................................................................... 7  
Engine................................................................................................................ 7  
Air Filter ............................................................................................................. 7  
Engine Oil.......................................................................................................... 7  
Fuel Filter........................................................................................................... 7  
Storage Procedure............................................................................................... 7  
ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR................................................................. 8  
Mower Blade Repair/Replacement..................................................................... 8  
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................. 9  
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 10  
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 11  
3
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION  
BLADE  
CONTROL  
UPPER  
HANDLE  
MID-HANDLE  
BLADE CONTROL  
CABLE CLAMP  
ENGINE  
THROTTLE  
CONTROL  
LOWER  
HANDLE  
(Bracket)  
ROPE START  
HANDLE  
ENGINE  
FOLDING  
HANDLE KNOBS  
MUFFLER  
MOWER  
DECK  
FUEL TANK  
DECK HEIGHT  
ADJUSTMENT  
MOWER DECK  
RECYCLING COVER  
ENGINE PRIMER  
BUTTON (SEE  
ENGINE MANUAL)  
INTRODUCTION  
NOMENCLATURE  
This manual has been prepared for the operators of  
the SNAPPER Series 12, 20” WALK BEHIND  
MOWERS. Its purpose, aside from recommending  
operating and routine service requirements, is to  
promote safety through the use of accepted operating  
practices. Read, Understand and Follow the  
“IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Page 2  
of this manual and all safety messages on the  
mower, engine and attachments before operating the  
machine.  
The nomenclature drawing above, shows the  
essential parts of the SNAPPER Series 12, 20”  
WALK BEHIND MOWERS. It is recommended that  
all operators of the mower become thoroughly  
familiar with the controls, parts and operation of the  
mower 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.  
4
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST  
2.1.6. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and  
Make the following checks and perform the service  
required before each start-up.  
2.1.1. Check guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter  
and covers to make sure all are in place and securely  
tightened.  
engine of any accumulation of spilled fuel, dirt, grass,  
oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling  
fins clear at all times.  
2.2 STARTING & OPERATION  
2.2.1. ENGINE & BLADE  
(Primer Models)  
2.1.2. Check blade control to insure it works freely.  
See Figure 2.1.  
1. Move engine speed control to the “Fast” (Rabbit)  
position. See Figure 2.3.  
2. Push primer button three times to start a cold  
engine. NOTE: Do not use primer button to start  
warm engine.  
3. Pull blade control against handle.  
4. Pull rope start handle to crank engine.  
5. After engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until  
engine runs smooth.  
NOTE: Stop the engine (and blade) by releasing the  
blade control.  
BLADE CONTROL  
(“OFF” POSITION)  
HOLD BLADE  
CONTROL  
AGAINST  
UPPER HANDLE  
FIGURE 2.1  
2.1.3. Check cutting height. Adjust to desired height.  
2.1.4. Check engine oil and add oil as needed to bring  
level up to the full mark. Refer to Engine Owner’s  
Manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.2.  
OIL LEVEL CHECK  
STARTING STANCE  
PULL ROPE  
START HANDLE  
TO START  
FIGURE 2.3  
FIGURE 2.2  
2.1.5. Add fuel to tank after pushing the mower  
outside where fumes can safely dissipate. Make sure  
cap is tightened after refueling. Refer to Engine  
Owners Manual for specifications.  
5
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS  
2.3 STOPPING  
Stop engine and blade by releasing the blade  
control.  
2. Reposition the rear axle by raising the rear  
wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the  
spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket.  
Move to the desired height of cut position (four  
positions are provided) and release the bushing.  
Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle.  
NOTE: Position rear axle bushings in the same  
corresponding position as the front axle to keep  
deck level. Refer to Figure 2.4.  
WARNING  
Stop engine and mower blade by releasing the blade  
control before adjusting cutting height.  
2.4 CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT  
Positioning the axles in the lowest of the four  
adjustment positions in the wheel brackets raises  
the cutting deck to the highest cutting height which  
is 2-1/2 inches. The top position provides the lowest  
cut of 1/2 inch. See Figure 2.4.  
WARNING  
Before attempting any adjustments to the cutting  
height or front baffle, STOP the engine, remove the  
spark plug wire from the spark plug and secure wire  
away from plug. DO NOT make any adjustments with  
engine or blade running. Be extremely careful when  
performing adjustments around engine. Engine is  
extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Wear  
heavy leather gloves when handling or working  
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp  
and can cause severe injury.  
WARNING  
STOP engine and blade BEFORE attempting any  
adjustments, maintenance, service or repairs.  
Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and  
secure spark plug wire away from spark plug.  
Never attempt to adjust the cutting height while the  
engine is running.  
2.6 RECYCLING OPERATION  
2.5 ADJUSTING FRONT & REAR AXLES  
1. Reposition the front axle by raising the front  
wheels off the ground, then pull in on one of the  
spring loaded bushings until it clears the bracket.  
Move to the desired height of cut position (four  
positions are provided) and release the bushing.  
Repeat the same procedure on opposite end of axle.  
See Figure 2.4.  
NOTE: For best recycling results, cut up to a maximum of  
1” from grass and recycle ONLY when grass is dry.  
1. Set all wheels in the highest cutting position.  
2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” (Rabbit)  
position.  
3. Proceed mowing slowly. If grass is very dense,  
lower each rear wheel bushing one notch lower than  
the front wheel bushings to improve recycling  
performance.  
FRONT AXLE SHOWN  
LOWEST  
CUT  
AXLE BUSHING  
HIGHEST  
CUT  
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS  
FIGURE 2.4  
6
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE  
3.1 INTRODUCTION  
3. Place shallow pan underneath the approximate  
center of the oil drain plug.  
4. Loosen with ratchet and short extension, but do  
not remove oil drain plug. Loosen plug until you can  
turn it with your fingers.  
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.  
5. Lower the mower down and place the piece of  
wood under left rear wheel. Reach back under  
mower and remove drain plug and allow oil to drain  
out completely in pan. Some oil will spill onto hands,  
immediately wipe hands clean with cloth rags.  
6. Tilt mower back up and replace drain plug.  
Tighten securely but do not over tighten.  
7. Fill engine with oil as specified in Engine Owner’s  
Manual. Thereafter, change oil after each 25 hours  
of use.  
3.2 SERVICE - AFTER FIRST 5 HOURS  
3.2.1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL  
WARNING  
Before attempting any adjustments or repairs, STOP  
the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the  
spark plug and secure wire away from plug. Engine  
oil is extremely hot and can cause severe burns.  
Allow engine oil to cool before draining to prevent  
injury.  
3.3 ANNUALLY (END OF EACH SEASON)  
Perform all maintenance as described in the maintenance  
schedule.  
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away  
from plug. The items needed to perform oil change  
are: (2) cloth rags, (1) 3/8” drive ratchet with a short  
extension and (1) shallow pan.  
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the  
oil drain plug located underneath the mower deck.  
Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor  
down. See Figure 3.1.  
3.3.1. Engine  
Service engine according to engine owner’s manual.  
3.3.2. Air Filter  
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.  
3.3.3. Engine Oil  
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.  
3.4 STORAGE PROCEDURE  
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for directions  
regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the  
mower for “end of season” storage as follows:  
1. Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until  
all fuel is out of the carburetor.  
2. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire  
away from spark plug before any other  
preparations are made!  
3. Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying  
water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.  
4. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly  
clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower  
with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away  
any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or  
wire brush.  
REMOVE  
OIL PLUG  
5. Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating of  
oil to prevent corrosion.  
6. Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles  
forward, “flexing” the control cables to prevent cable  
damage.  
7. Store the mower in a shed or other dry area,  
protected from weather.  
FIGURE 3.1  
7
Section 4 - REPAIR & ADJUSTMENTS  
WARNING  
BLADE HUB  
(ON ENGINE)  
Before attempting any adjustments or repairs, STOP  
the engine, remove the spark plug wire from the  
spark plug and secure wire away from plug. Wear  
heavy leather gloves when handling or working  
around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp  
and can cause severe injury.  
END VIEW  
BLADE  
4.1 MOWER BLADE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT  
4.1.1. STANDARD BLADE WEAR LIMIT  
1. Inspect blade frequently for signs of excessive wear  
or damage. See Figure 4.1.  
FLANGE  
CONE  
WASHER  
NEW BLADE  
SPECIAL  
RETAING  
CAPSCREW  
FIGURE 4.2  
4. Sharpen blade on a grinding wheel at an angle of  
22 to 28 degrees. The cutting surface should extend  
inward about 3-1/2” from the tip. See Figure 4.3.  
WEAR LIMIT  
(NOTCH STARTS)  
DANGEROUS CONDITION !  
DO NOT USE ON MOWER !  
REPLACE WITH NEW BLADE.  
BLADE  
TIP  
FIGURE 4.1  
2. Replace the blade if it is badly chipped, bent,  
noticeably out of balance or has cracks or notch in  
either tip. See Figure 4.1. Replace with new blade  
Part No. 2-6407.  
4 1/4”  
*PLUS OR MINUS 3  
DEGREES  
WARNING  
FIGURE 4.3  
Never use a cutting blade that shows signs of  
excessive wear or damage. Refer to Section on  
MOWER BLADE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT for proper  
blade inspection and service procedures.  
5. Check blade for balance. If necessary, correct  
balance by grinding heavy end of blade.  
6. Reinstall blade. Refer to Figure 4.1. Check torque  
of blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque  
should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs.  
4.1.2. BLADE SHARPENING  
1. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away  
from plug.  
2. Tilt mower up on its rear wheels. Do not tilt  
mower with spark plug or carburetor down.  
3. Remove blade. See Figure 4.2.  
8
TROUBLESHOOTING  
PROBLEM  
PROBABLE CAUSE  
CORRECTIVE ACTION  
1. Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.  
Engine Will Not Start 1. Fuel tank empty.  
Using Recoil Starter 2. Engine needs priming.  
3. Spark plug wire disconnected.  
2. Push primer bulb three times.  
3. Place spark plug wire onto spark plug.  
Engine Stalls or Stops 1. Blade control is released or is not being held securely 1. Blade control should be held securely against  
After Running  
against handle.  
handle at all times during operation of mower.  
2. Fuel tank empty.  
2. Fill with fuel to proper level.  
3. Engine air pre-cleaner and or air cleaner dirty.  
4. Spark plug defective or gap set improperly.  
5. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system.  
3. Clean free of all debris.  
4. Service spark plug.  
5. Drain and clean fuel system.  
1. Clean or replace filters.  
Engine Loses Power 1. Engine air pre-cleaner or air cleaner dirty  
2. Spark plug faulty.  
2. Service spark plug.  
3. Water, debris or stale fuel in fuel system.  
3. Drain and clean fuel system.  
Engine Backfires When 1. Throttle control set too “FAST”.  
Turned To “STOP”  
1. Set throttle control to “SLOW” and allow engine to  
idle.  
Excessive Vibration 1. Damaged, out of balance or bent mower blade.  
1. Service mower blade.  
2. Loose blade components.  
2. Service and tighten loose parts.  
1. Cutting height too low or high.  
2. Engine speed too slow.  
1. Adjust cutting height.  
Cutting Grass  
Improperly  
2. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position.  
4. Adjust height of cut.  
4. Terraced cut, side to side.  
5. Excessive deck pitch, front to rear.  
6. Cutting blade dull or damaged.  
1. Engine speed too slow.  
5. Adjust height of cut.  
6. Sharpen cutting edges or replace blade.  
1. Move engine speed control to “FAST” position.  
2. Move ground speed control to a slower speed.  
3. Mow when grass is dry.  
Poor Grass Discharge  
2. Forward speed too fast.  
3. Grass is wet.  
4. Excessively worn or damaged blade.  
5. Build up of grass clippings and debris under deck.  
6. Improper blade installed on deck.  
7. Blade installed improperly on deck.  
1. Leaking engine case.  
4. Service mower blade.  
5. Clean deck.  
6. Install proper SNAPPER blade.  
7. Install blades properly.  
Oil Leaking  
1. Contact authorized SNAPPER dealer.  
2. Check and tighten drain plug.  
3. Make sure dip stick or oil filler cap is securely  
in place.  
9
SERVICE SCHEDULE  
ITEM  
SERVICE PERFORMED  
REF.  
Page 8  
EACH  
USE  
5
HRS  
25  
HRS  
50  
HRS  
100  
HRS  
EACH  
SEASON  
Check Oil Level  
Engine Oil  
X
Initial Oil Change  
Periodic Oil Change  
Page 8  
Page 8  
X
X*  
Clean Sponge Element  
Clean or Replace  
Replace  
Engine Manual  
& Page 9.  
Engine Manual.  
Air Pre-Cleaner  
Air Cleaner  
X**  
X**  
Engine Manual.  
Spark Plug  
X
Clean Shroud & Fins  
Engine Manual  
& Page 9  
Engine Cooling  
System  
X**  
Check For Wear, Damage Page 10  
& Replacement  
Mower Blade  
X
X
Clean Debris  
Accumulation  
Page 9  
Mower Deck  
* Change oil every 25 hours when operating under heavy load or high temperatures.  
**Clean more often under dusty conditions or when air debris is present  
10  
10 - 5 - 2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY  
TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX and MOWER DECK - 10 YEARS  
For ten (10) years from purchase date for the original purchaser’s residential non-commercial* use,  
SNAPPER, through any Snapper dealer, will replace or repair free of charge, the mower deck or transmission  
gear box if found upon examination by the factory to be defective in material or workmanship or both.  
COMPONENTS PARTS - 5 YEARS  
For five (5) years from purchase date for original purchaser’s residential non-commercial* use, Snapper,  
through any Snapper dealer will replace free of charge any part or parts found upon examination by the factory  
to be defective in material or workmanship or both.  
ENGINE - 2 YEARS  
The engine on this product is warranted by the engine manufacturer for two (2) years for the original  
purchaser’s non-commercial* use. (See engine manufacturer’s warranty statement for details.)  
BATTERIES  
Batteries are warranted separately and have one (1) year prorated warranty with a ninety (90) day free  
replacement period.  
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES  
Implied warranties including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to five (5)  
years from purchase date for the original purchaser’s residential, non-commercial use, for ninety (90) days from  
purchase date for the original purchaser’s commercial, rental, or other non-residential use, and to the extent  
permitted by law, any 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.  
All transportation cost incurred by the purchaser in submitting material to a SNAPPER dealer for replacement  
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser.  
This warranty does no apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, abuse, improper  
lubrication, normal wear (things such as belts, blades, driven disc or any other normal wear item). This warranty  
does not cover tune-ups or other adjustments required in the normal use of the product.  
There is no other express warranty.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
*Any use other than on the purchaser’s residential lawn constitutes commercial use.  
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, 535 Macon Rd., McDonough, Ga. 30253  
11  
Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
20” STEEL DECK WALK MOWERS SERIES 12  
Models: R205012 & NR205012  
COPYRIGHT © 1996  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 3-5806 (I.R. 8/96)  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
12  

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