Snapper Lawn Mower ZM5200M ZM2501KH ZM6100M User Manual

Safety Instructions & Operator’s Manual for  
MID MOUNT Z-RIDER  
ZERO TURNING  
HYDRO DRIVE  
SERIES 1  
POWER UNIT MODELS  
ZM2501KH  
MOWER UNIT MODELS  
ZM5200M  
ZM6100M  
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION  
Z
M
25  
01 KH  
DRIVE SYSTEM TYPE  
MOWER ORIENTATION  
ENGINE TYPE  
SERIES DESIGNATION  
ENGINE HP  
POWER UNIT  
Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive  
M – Mid Mount Mower  
25 – Engine Horse Power  
01 – Series Designation  
KH – Kohler Engine  
MOWER UNIT  
Z – Zero Turning – Hydro Drive  
M – Mid Mount Mower  
52 – Mower Cutting Width  
61 – Mower Cutting Width  
00 – Series Designation  
M – Mower Deck  
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your machine, read this manual carefully and pay  
particular attention to the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on Pages 2 & 3. 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 © 1999  
SNAPPER INC.  
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  
MANUAL No. 7-2902 (REV. 1, 8/20/99)  
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
PREPARATION  
(Continued From Previous Page)  
OPERATION  
(Continued From Previous Column)  
5. Practice operation of machine with BLADES  
OFF to learn controls and develop skills.  
6. 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 blades or interfere with mowing.  
7. Keep people and pets out of mowing area.  
Immediately, STOP blades, STOP engine, and  
STOP machine if anyone enters the area.  
8. Check shields, deflectors, switches, blade  
controls and other safety devices frequently for  
proper operation and location.  
11. STOP engine immediately after striking an  
obstruction. Inspect machine and repair  
damage before resuming operation.  
12. Mow only in daylight or with good artificial light.  
13. Move motion control levers SLOWLY to  
maintain control during speed and directional  
changes.  
14. Exercise CAUTION when pulling loads. DO NOT  
pull loads greater than 300 pounds. Avoid jack  
knifing. DO NOT turn sharply.  
15. DO NOT operate engine in enclosed areas.  
Engine  
exhaust  
gases  
contain  
carbon  
9. Make sure all safety decals are clearly legible.  
Replace if damaged.  
monoxide, a deadly poison.  
10. Protect yourself when mowing and wear safety  
glasses, long pants and substantial footwear.  
11. Know how to STOP blades and engine quickly  
in preparation for emergencies.  
12. Use extra care when loading or unloading the  
machine into a trailer or truck.  
13. 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.  
2. Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excess grease  
to reduce fire hazard and engine overheating.  
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.  
7. Disconnect negative (black) cable from battery  
before performing maintenance or service.  
Cranking engine could cause injury.  
OPERATION  
1. Mount and dismount machine from left side.  
2. Start engine from operator's seat, if possible.  
Make sure blades are OFF and parking brake is  
set.  
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 feet rests or pedal(s).  
5. STOP BLADES and ENGINE and make sure  
blades have stopped before removing grass  
catcher or unclogging mower to prevent loss of  
fingers or hand.  
8. DO NOT work under machine without safety blocks.  
9. Service engine and make adjustments only when  
engine is stopped. Remove spark plug wire(s) from  
spark plug(s) and secure wire(s) away from spark  
plug(s).  
6. Blades must be OFF except when cutting grass.  
Set blades in highest position when mowing  
over rough ground.  
7. Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades  
underneath deck. DO NOT place foot on ground  
while BLADES are ON or machine is in motion.  
8. DO NOT operate machine without entire grass  
catcher or guards in place. DO NOT point  
discharge at people, passing cars, windows or  
doors.  
10. DO NOT change engine governor speed settings or  
overspeed engine.  
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.  
13. DO NOT test for spark by grounding spark plug  
next to spark plug hole; spark plug could ignite gas  
exiting engine.  
14. Have machine serviced by an authorized SNAPPER  
dealer at least once a year and have the dealer  
install any new safety devices.  
15. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts to  
assure that original standards are maintained.  
9. Slow down before turning.  
10. Watch out for traffic when near or crossing  
roadways.  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
SECTION 1 - IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..........................2-3  
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 4  
SECTION 1 – FAMILIARIZATION............................................................. 5  
SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................6-9  
Pre-start Checklist .................................................................................................6  
Starting & Stopping Engine, Blades & Parking Brake ............................................7  
Starting & Stopping Mower Blades.........................................................................7  
Parking Brake.........................................................................................................8  
Adjusting Cutting Height.........................................................................................9  
Driving & Stopping Machine ...................................................................................9  
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ...............................10-14  
Change Engine Oil................................................................................................10  
Check Mower Blade .............................................................................................10  
Check Mower Drive Belt.......................................................................................11  
Checking Belt Tension..........................................................................................11  
Service – After every 25 Hours (Engine Components).........................................11  
Service – After every 25 Hours (Mower Components).........................................11  
Lubrication.......................................................................................................11-12  
Mower Blade Spindle Lubrication......................................................................11  
Mower Deck Linkage Lubrication......................................................................11  
Front Wheel Bearings Lubrication.....................................................................12  
Transaxle Lubrication........................................................................................12  
Power Transfer Shaft Lubrication......................................................................12  
Other Lubrication...............................................................................................12  
Before Operating Machine....................................................................................12  
Annually - End of Season ................................................................................12-13  
Engine Service......................................................................................................12  
Fuel Filter Replacement .......................................................................................13  
Deck Removal.................................................................................................13-14  
Power Transfer Shaft Removal ............................................................................14  
SECTION 4 - ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIR....................................15-20  
Neutral Position Adjustments ...............................................................................15  
Mower Deck Adjustment (Levelness)..............................................................15-16  
Parking Brake Adjustment....................................................................................17  
Engine Adjustments & Repair...............................................................................17  
Mower Blade Replacement .............................................................................17-18  
Mower Drive Belt Removal & Replacement .........................................................18  
Battery Removal...................................................................................................19  
Battery Installation ................................................................................................19  
Battery Service & Charging ..................................................................................19  
Battery Testing......................................................................................................20  
New Battery Preparation.......................................................................................20  
TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................21-22  
SERVICE SCHEDULE ............................................................................ 23  
Maintenance/Replacement Parts .........................................................................23  
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 24  
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................25-28  
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.  
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