Snapper MR216015B - User Manual

The SNAPPER 21" Steel Deck Walk Mowers are designed for residential, non-commercial use, primarily for cutting grass. These are walk-behind mowers, with both push and self-propelled models available. The self-propelled models feature a wheel drive system to assist in forward motion. The mowers are equipped with a cutting blade for grass cutting and a recycling deck cover for mulching operations.

Important Technical Specifications

The manual details specific model numbers and their configurations:

Model Series: "M" Model Series 15
Deck Material: 21" Steel Deck
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Engine Horse Power: 6.0 HP (indicated by "60" in model numbers)
Engine Types:
- B: Briggs Engine (e.g., MR216015B, MRP216015B)
- T: Tecumseh Engine (e.g., MR216015T)
- V: Overhead Valve Engine (e.g., MRP216015BV)
Model Designation:
- M: Middle Market
- R: Recycling Model
- P: Self Propelled Model
Blade Retaining Cap Screw Torque: 30 to 40 ft. lbs.
Wheel Drive Control Clearance: 1/16" to 1/8" between spring hook and clutch cable eye (for self-propelled models).
Blade Sharpening Angle: 22 to 28 degrees.
Transmission Grease: Snapper "00" Grease (Part No. 2-9443).
Engine Drive Belt (Stretch Type): Part No. 4-6784 (for models without idler pulleys).
Wheel Drive Pulley to Transmission Pulley Belt: Part No. 1-2354.
Rubber Drive Tire: Part No. 4-1855.
Cutter Blade (Mulching): Part No. 4-1939.
Cutter Blade (Ninja - Quad Edge): Part No. 2-6407.
Blade Control Cables:
- MRP216515BV: Part No. 7-2933
- MR216015T: Part No. 4-1971
Clutch Pull Cable (Propelled Models): Part No. 7-2932.

Usage Features

Starting:
- For cold engines, push the primer bulb three times.
- Pull the blade control against the handle.
- Pull the rope start handle to crank the engine.
- Allow a brief warm-up after starting.
Stopping: Release the blade control to stop the engine and blade. Release the wheel drive control to stop forward motion (self-propelled models).
Self-Propelled Operation (P models):
- Adjust ground speed by moving the ground speed control to the desired position (after stopping the engine and blade).
- Move the wheel drive control against the handle to engage the wheel drive and propel the mower forward.
Handle Height Adjustment: Loosen lower nuts on each lower handle, adjust the upper handle to the desired height, and then tighten the nuts.
Cutting Height Adjustment: Pull the height adjusting latch outward and move it to the desired cutting height. The highest cutting position is Notch 6, and the lowest is Notch 1. For optimal deck level, the rear height adjustment latch should correspond with the front wheel adjustments.
Recycling Operation:
- For best results, cut a maximum of 1/3 of grass blade length.
- Recycle only when grass is dry.
- Set all wheels to the highest cutting position (Notch 6).
- Move engine speed control to "FAST" (Rabbit) position.
- Move ground speed control to the slowest setting.
- Mow slowly. If grass is dense, lower each rear wheel latch one notch lower than the front wheel latches to improve recycling performance.
Safety: The manual emphasizes "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on pages 2 & 3, covering protection for children, slope operation, preparation, and general operation. It warns against operating the mower under the influence of alcohol or drugs, mowing on wet grass, or leaving the machine unattended with the engine running.

Maintenance Features

Pre-Start Checklist: Before each start-up, check guards, deflectors, grass bag, adapter, and covers for secure tightening. Ensure blade and wheel drive controls work freely. Check cutting height and adjust as needed. Check engine oil and add if necessary. Add fuel outdoors with the engine stopped and cool. Clean exterior surfaces of the cutting deck and engine.
After First 5 Hours:
- Change Engine Oil: Refer to the Engine Manual for specifications. For easiest change, tilt the mower up on its lower handle and drain oil through the dipstick tube.
- Check Transmission Grease: Remove the transmission fill plug. If liquid grease is not visible on the input gear, add Snapper "00" grease until the gear is covered.
Every 25 Hours:
- Check engine oil (if operating under heavy load or high temperatures).
- Check transmission grease.
- Check engine drive belt and poly-v belt for wear and tension.
- Check drive disc for wear and damage.
Annually:
- Service the engine, air filter, and engine oil according to the engine owner's manual.
- Replace the spark plug.
- Clean the engine shroud and fins.
Mower Blade:
- Inspection: Frequently inspect the blade for excessive wear, damage, chips, bends, cracks, or notches. Replace if worn beyond limits (e.g., notch starts, cracks on tip).
- Sharpening: Disconnect the spark plug wire. Tilt the mower on its rear wheels. Remove the blade. Sharpen the blade on a grinding wheel at a 22 to 28-degree angle, but do not sharpen beyond the original cutting edge. Check blade balance and grind the heavy end if necessary. Reinstall the blade, ensuring the blade hub is seated between flanges, and tighten the cap screw to 30-40 ft. lbs.
Transmission Service (Self-Propelled Models):
- Driven Disc Service: If the mower does not propel properly, check for grease on the drive disc, broken drive spring, driven disc adjustment, worn driven disc rubber ring, or worn poly-v/engine drive belts.
- Cleaning Drive Disc & Driven Disc: Wipe away oil/grease with a clean cloth, use solvent or soapy water, rinse, and dry.
- Drive Spring Repair/Replacement: Reconnect loose springs or replace broken ones.
- Driven Disc Adjustment: Place ground speed control in the number six speed position. Remove the driven disc spring and loosen the connector hex nut. Slide the driven disc assembly to 1/8" from the outside edge of the drive disc, maintaining this measurement and removing linkage looseness. Retighten the hex nut. Recheck the 1/8" measurement. Reinstall the spring.
- Replacing Rubber Driven Disc Ring: Remove the clip from the transfer rod, then remove the transfer rod and speed control rod. Unhook the drive spring and slide the driven disc assembly off the hex shaft. Remove retaining rings and the old rubber ring. Install a new rubber ring with retaining rings. Reassemble.
- Replacing Bearing in Driven Disc Assembly: Remove the driven disc assembly. Remove snap rings and slide the rubber driven disc hub out of the bearing. Drive out the existing bearing. Install a new bearing and secure it with four retaining screws. Reassemble.
Belt Service (Self-Propelled Models):
- Engine Drive Belt Replacement (Stretch Type Belts): Empty the fuel tank. Note the belt routing (no idler pulley). Remove the driven disc, blade, and blade hub. Remove the belt cover. Lift the drive disc and remove the old belt. Loop the new belt over the engine pulley and through the deck slot, then around the pulley on the bottom of the drive disc. Reinstall hardware, ensuring the square shoulder of the drive disc bolt fits into the bushing's square hole and the bushing's square end fits into the bracket slot. Reinstall the belt cover, blade hub, and cutter blade.
- Transmission Poly-V Belt Replacement: Remove the driven disc. Note the routing of the old belt. Place the new belt over the hex shaft and onto the driven pulley. Work the belt onto the idler pulley. Twist the belt sideways and pull it upward between the differential bracket and drive pulley, then down into the pulley groove, ensuring it's above the belt guide.
Storage Procedure: Refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine storage. Drain the fuel tank and run the engine until all fuel is out of the carburetor. Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire. Tape all openings. Clean the underside of the deck. Lubricate exposed metal. Loosen wing nuts on the ground speed control rod (self-propelled models) and handle knobs to fold handles. Store in a dry, protected area.
General Maintenance: Keep the mower and engine free of grass, leaves, or excess grease. Keep all bolts, nuts, and screws tight. Provide adequate ventilation when running the engine. Check the grass bag assembly frequently for wear. Use heavy leather gloves when handling blades. Have the machine serviced annually by an authorized SNAPPER dealer. Use only genuine SNAPPER replacement parts.

The manual also includes a Troubleshooting section to address common problems like engine not starting, engine stalling, loss of power, excessive vibration, mower not moving, improper grass cutting, poor grass discharge, and oil leaks, along with probable causes and corrective actions.