Section 4 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 
 
WARNING 
DO NOT attempt any adjustments, maintenance, 
service or repairs with the engine running. Stop 
engine. Stop blade. Engage parking brake. Remove 
key. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and 
secure away from plug. Engine and components are 
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow all parts to cool 
before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap and Vent 
must be closed securely to prevent fuel spillage. 
 
4.1  ENGINE ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR 
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for those 
adjustments and/or repairs that can be made by the 
owner. 
 
4.2  MOWER DECK & COMPONENT ADJUSTMENTS 
The following mower deck and component 
adjustments and repairs can be made by the owner.  
However, if there is difficulty in achieving these 
adjustments and repairs, it is recommended that 
these repairs be made by an authorized SNAPPER 
dealer. 
 
4.2.1.  MOWER DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT 
(FOR 28" DECKS ONLY) 
1.  Remove mower drive belt cover.  Refer to 
Section “CHECK MOWER DRIVE BELT”. 
2. Move blade lever up and over to the “ON” 
position. 
3. Place deck cutting height in the 3rd position. 
Measure the belt spacing at idler pulley. The 
distance should measure 1-1/4” but no less than 1”. 
See Figure 4.1. 
 
 
 
FIGURE 4.1 
 
4.  If the distance is less than 1”, adjust belt tension. 
5.  Remove hairpin and flat washers from pivot stud.  
See Figure 4.2. 
6. Pull front frame forward until distance between 
belt, with blade lever “ON”, measures 1-1/4”. 
 
 
 
 
 
FIGURE 4.2 
 
7. Install required number of snap-in frame spacers 
behind channel pivot until the 1-1/4” distance between 
belt is maintained. See Figure 4.3. 
 
 
 
FIGURE 4.3 
 
8. Reinstall the required amount of flat washers 
removed in step “5.” and install hairpin. See Figure 
4.2. Retain any remaining spacers for readjustment 
when a new belt is installed. 
 
IMPORTANT: The SNAPPER Rear Engine Rider 
Models with 28” decks are shipped with additional 
spacers specifically designed for the Rear Engine Rider.  
Should additional spacers be required, contact an 
authorized SNAPPER dealer. Snapper Models with 33” 
decks do not require belt tension adjustment. 
 
 
 
 
1-1/4” 
SPINDLE 
PULLEY 
IDLER 
PULLEY 
ENGINE DRIVE 
PULLEY 
ASSEMBLY 
HAIRPIN 
FLAT 
WASHERS 
FRAME 
SPACERS 
SNAP-IN FRAME 
SPACER  
P.N. 2-8395