Snapper LT-200 SPX Series Lawn Tractor User Manual

Snapper LT-200 SPX Series Lawn Tractor

Table of Contents

Safety Rules & Information

Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to obey these rules could result in loss of control of the unit, severe personal injury or death to you or bystanders, or damage to property or equipment.

This mowing deck is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

GENERAL OPERATION

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the unit before starting.
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate the unit (local regulations can restrict operator age).
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s).
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop the unit if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless necessary. Always look down and behind before and while travelling in reverse.
Never direct discharge material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate the machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard (deflector), or other safety devices in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running unit unattended. Always disengage the PTO, set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove keys before dismounting.
Disengage blades (PTO) when not mowing. Shut off the engine and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.
Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the unit while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the unit into a trailer or truck.
Always wear eye protection when operating this unit.
Data indicates that operators aged 60 years and above are involved in a large percentage of power equipment-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the equipment safely enough to protect themselves and others from injury.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights.
Keep in mind that the operator is responsible for accidents occurring to other people or property.
All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practical instruction.
Always wear substantial footwear and trousers. Never operate when barefoot or wearing sandals.
Before using, always visually check that the blades and blade hardware are present, intact, and secure. Replace worn or damaged parts.
Disengage attachments before refueling, removing an attachment, or making adjustments (unless the adjustment can be made from the operator’s position).
When the machine is parked, stored, or left unattended, lower the cutting means unless a positive mechanical lock is used.
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, engage the parking brake (if equipped), disengage the PTO, stop the engine, and remove the key.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the unit free of grass, leaves, & excess oil. Do not stop or park over dry leaves, grass, or combustible materials.
It is a violation of California Public Resources Code Section 4442 to use or operate the engine on or near any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting any applicable local or state laws. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

When transporting the unit on an open trailer, make sure it is facing forward, in the direction of travel. If the unit is facing backwards, wind lift could damage the unit.
Always observe safe refueling and fuel handling practices when refueling the unit after transportation or storage.
Never store the unit (with fuel) in an enclosed, poorly ventilated structure. Fuel vapors can travel to an ignition source (such as a furnace, water heater, etc.) and cause an explosion. Fuel vapor is also toxic to humans and animals.
Always follow the engine manual instructions for storage preparations before storing the unit for both short and long-term periods.
Always follow the engine manual instructions for proper start-up procedures when returning the unit to service.
Never store the unit or fuel container inside where there is an open flame or pilot light, such as in a water heater. Allow the unit to cool before storing.

Safety Rules & Information

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Safe Handling of Gasoline

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Use only approved gasoline containers.
Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
Never fuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as near a water heater or other appliance.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck bed with a plastic bed liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
Never overfill the fuel tank. Replace the gas cap and tighten securely.
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are flammable, and the vapors are explosive.
If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
Replace all fuel tank caps and fuel container caps securely.

Service & Maintenance

Never run the unit in an enclosed area where carbon monoxide fumes may collect.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly and make necessary repairs if they are not functioning properly.
Keep the unit free of grass, leaves, or other debris buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. And remove any fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before storage.
If you strike an object, stop and inspect the machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with the manufacturer’s recommended
parts when necessary.
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as required.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
Do not remove the fuel filter when the engine is hot, as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do not spread fuel line clamps further than necessary. Ensure clamps grip hoses firmly over the filter after installation.
Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline additives, or white gas becauseof engine/fuel system damage could result.
If the fuel tank must be drained, it should be drained outdoors.
Replace faulty silencers/mufflers.
Use only factory-authorized replacement parts when making repairs.
Always comply with factory specifications on all settings and adjustments.
Only authorized service locations should be utilized for major service and repair requirements.
Never attempt to make major repairs on this unit unless you have been properly trained. Improper service procedures can result in hazardous operation, equipment damage, and voiding of the manufacturer’s warranty.
On multiple-blade mowers, take care as rotating one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Do not change engine governor settings or overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at excessive speed can increase the risk of personal injury.
Disengage drive attachments, stop the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) before clearing attachment blockages and chutes, performing service work, striking an object, or if the unit vibrates abnormally. After striking an object, inspect the machine for damage and make repairs before restarting and operating the equipment.
Never place hands near the moving parts, such as a hydro pump cooling fan, when the tractor is running. (Hydro pump cooling fans are typically located on top of the transaxle.)
Units with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors: WARNING: Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If foreign fluid is injected into the skin, it must be surgically removed within a few hours by a doctor familiar with this form of injury, or gangrene may result. Keep body and hands away from pin holes or nozzles that eject hydraulic fluid under high pressure. Use paper or cardboard, and not your hands, to search for leaks. Make sure all hydraulic fluid connections are tight and all hydraulic hoses and lines are in good condition before applying pressure to the system. If leaks occur, have the unit serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Stored energy device. Improper release of springs can result in serious personal injury. Springs should be removed by an authorized technician.
Models equipped with an engine radiator: WARNING: Stored energy device. To prevent serious bodily injury from hot coolant or steam blow-out, never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is running. Stop the engine and wait until it is cool. Even then, use extreme care when removing the cap.

Features & Controls

Control Functions

The information below briefly describes the function of individual controls. Starting, stopping, driving, and mowing require the combined use of several controls applied in specific sequences.

Throttle Control

The throttle controls engine speed. Move the throttle forward to increase engine speed and back to decrease engine speed. Always operate at FULL throttle.

Choke

Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Move the lever forward to close the choke.

Headlights

The light switch turns the tractor headlights on and off.

Hour Meter (Select Models)

The hour meter measures the number of hours the key has been in the RUN position.

Reverse Mowing Option (RMO)

The Reverse Mowing Option allows for mowing (or use of other PTO driven attachments) while traveling in reverse. If you choose to mow in reverse, turn the RMO key after the PTO is engaged. The L.E.D. light will illuminate, and the operator can then mow in reverse. Each time the PTO is engaged, the RMO needs to be reactivated if desired.

PTO Switch

The PTO (Power Take-Off) switch engages and disengages attachments that use the PTO. To engage the PTO, pull UP on the switch. Push DOWN to disengage. Note that the operator must be seated firmly in the tractor seat for the PTO to function.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch starts and stops the engine, it has three positions:

OFF stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system.
RUN allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system.
START Cranks the engine for starting.

NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN position with the engine stopped. This drains the battery.

Ground Speed Pedals

The tractor’s forward ground speed is controlled by the forward ground speed control pedal. The tractor’s reverse ground speed is controlled by the reverse ground speed control pedal.

Depressing either pedal will increase ground speed. Note that the further down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will travel.

Cruise Control

The cruise control is used to lock the ground speed control in forward. The cruise control has six lock positions.

Mower Height of Cut Adjustment

The mower cutting height adjustment lever controls the mower’s cutting height. The mower cutting height can be set to one of seven positions between 1-1/4” and 4.”

Seat Adjustment Lever

The seat can be adjusted forward and back. Move the lever, position the seat as desired, and release the lever to lock the seat into position.

Transmission Release Valve Lever

The transmission release valve lever deactivates the transmission so that the tractor can be pushed by hand.

Fuel Tank

To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise.

Power Outlet (Select Models)

The power outlet is 12V-DC. Accessories must be rated at 9 amps or less.

Fuel Level Gauge

Displays the fuel level in the tank.

Parking Brake

The parking brake knob is used to lock the parking brake when the tractor is stopped. Fully depressing the brake pedal and pulling up on the knob engages the parking brake.

Brake Pedal

Depressing the brake pedal applies the tractor brake.

Parking Brake Function

Applying the Parking Brake: To lock the parking brake, release the ground speed pedals (A), fully depress the brake pedal (B), pull UP on the parking brake knob (C), and then release brake pedal.

Releasing the Parking Brake: To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal (B).

A. Ground Speed Pedals

B. Brake Pedal

C. Parking Brake Knob

D. Cruise Control Knob

E. Hourmeter

F. 12V Power Adapter

Cruise Control Operation

TO ENGAGE:

Pull up on the cruise control knob (D).
Depress the forward ground speed pedal (A).
Lift up the cruise control knob (D) when desired speed is reached. The cruise control will lock in one of its six locking positions.

TO DISENGAGE:

Depress the brake pedal (B).
Depress the forward ground speed pedal (A).

General Operating Safety

Adding Fuel

To add fuel:

Remove the fuel cap.
Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave room in the tank for fuel expansion. Refer to your engine manual for specific fuel recommendations.
Install and hand-tighten the fuel cap.

Starting the Engine

While sitting in the operator’s seat, fully depress the brake pedal or set the parking brake.
Make sure that your feet are not depressing the ground speed control pedals and that the cruise control lever is in neutral.
Disengage the PTO clutch.
Set the throttle to FULL.
Close the choke. NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
Insert the ignition key and turn it to START.
After the engine starts, move the engine throttle control to half speed. Warm up the engine by running it for at least 30 seconds.
Set throttle to FULL.

Stopping the Tractor & Engine

Return the ground speed control(s) to neutral.
Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to stop.
Briggs & Stratton Models: Move the throttle control to the SLOW position and turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove the key.

Kohler Models: Move the throttle control to the FAST position and turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove the key.

Driving the Tractor

Sit in the seat and adjust the seat so that you can comfortably reach all the controls and see the dashboard display.
Engage the parking brake.
Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
Start the engine (see “Starting the Engine”).
Disengage the parking brake and release the brake pedal.
Depress the forward ground speed control pedal to travel forward. Release the pedal to stop. Note that the further down the pedal is depressed, the faster the tractor will travel.
Stop the tractor by releasing the ground speed control pedals, setting the parking brake, and stopping the engine (see “Stopping the Tractor & Engine”).

Pushing the Tractor by Hand

Disengage the PTO and turn the engine off.
Pull the transmission release (B) back approximately 2-3/8” (6 cm) to lock into the released position.
The tractor can now be pushed by hand.

Parts & Accessories

Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are available from your authorized dealer. Always use genuine Snapper Service Parts.

Technical Manuals

Additional copies of this manual are available, as well as fully illustrated parts lists. These manuals show all of the product’s components in exploded views (3D illustrations which show the relationship of parts and how they go together) as well as part numbers and quantities used.

Important assembly notes and torque values are also included.

Technical manuals can be downloaded from www.snapper.com

For more Manuals by Snapper, visit ManualsLibraryy

Snapper LT-200 SPX Series Lawn Tractor User Manual