17
Section 3 - MAINTENANCE 
 
3.2.8.  REVERSE LOCKOUT MECHANISM 
Check function of Reverse Lockout Mechanism with 
engine off. 
1.  Depress and hold blade pedals. 
2.  Depress and hold clutch/brake pedal. 
3.  Shift lever must not go into reverse. 
 
WARNING 
DO NOT operate machine if Reverse Lockout 
Mechanism is not functioning properly. Contact your 
SNAPPER dealer immediately for assistance. 
 
3.2.9.  LUBRICATION – GREASE FITTINGS 
The following components on the Rear Engine 
Rider are equipped with grease fittings and 
require periodic lubrication. Apply General 
Purpose grease (NLGI No.2) with a grease gun. 
1.  Front Wheel Bearings. Refer to Section 
“FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS – LUBRICATION”. 
2.  Rear Axle Bearing. Refer to Section “REAR 
AXLE BEARING – LUBRICATION”. 
3.  Mower Blade Spindle. Refer to Section 
“MOWER BLADE SPINDLE – LUBRICATION”. 
 
3.3  SERVICE - EVERY 25 OPERATING HOURS 
3.3.1.  Perform all service required after the first 5 hours 
of operation. Refer to Section “SERVICE – AFTER 5 
HOURS”. 
 
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. 
 
3.3.2.  BATTERY FLUID LEVEL 
 1. Remove battery. Refer to Section “BATTERY 
REMOVAL”. 
 2. Remove battery caps. Check fluid level. 
 3. Add water only to bring fluid to proper level – 
approximately 3/16” above plates.  
  DO NOT OVERFILL. 
 4. Reinstall battery. Refer to Section “BATTERY 
INSTALLATION”. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3.3.  MOWER DECK LEVELNESS 
Check mower deck for proper level.  Adjust as required. 
Refer to Section “MOWER DECK ADJUSTMENT – 
LEVELNESS”. 
 
3.3.4.  CLEAN MOWER DECK 
1.  Follow WARNING statement found on this page. 
2.  Check fuel level in tank.  If over 3/4 full, remove 
tank. Refer to Section “REMOVING FUEL TANK”.  If 
3/4 or less, proceed to next step.  
3.  Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper. 
4. Clean underside of mower deck, removing all 
accumulation of grass clippings and debris. 
5.  Clean top of deck, removing all grass clippings and 
debris.  
 
3.3.5  MOWER BLADE SPINDLE - LUBRICATION 
1.  Follow WARNING statement found on this page. 
2.  Check fuel level in tank.  If over 3/4 full, remove 
tank. Refer to Section “FUEL TANK REMOVAL”. If 3/4 
or less, proceed to next step.  
3.  Carefully stand Rear Engine Rider on rear bumper. 
4. Lubricate spindle with three shots of general 
purpose grease from grease gun. See Figure 3.5. 
 
IMPORTANT:  If the Rear Engine Rider will be on its 
rear bumper for longer than two hours, remove the 
battery. Refer to Section “BATTERY REMOVAL”. 
 
3.3.6.  MOWER DECK LINKAGE - LUBRICATION 
Lubricate all mower deck linkage pivot points with a 
light coat of motor oil. 
 
FIGURE 3.5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPINDLE 
GREASE FITTING