I just purchased a new Snapper 11.5 hp rear engine rider. Model number: 2811524BV. I am not very experienced with mowers or anything mechanical, for that matter, so I wanted to ask a few questions of you guys to help me keep this mower in good condition and working for the 20+ years that I hear Snappers will run. Some of these questions may seem petty, but please bear with me. I'd appreciate all the help I can get.
First, I have a question about the blade. I bought my snapper from mowersdirect.com. It was shipped to me, and I put it together using the instructions in the manual sent with the mower. There were no specific instructions regarding the blade. I looked at it, and couldn't tell if it was sharpened or not. The blade that came on it was red, which took me back because most mower blades that I have seen or dealt with were black. It has an angle on it, but it wasn't razor sharp or anything. I cut my yard with this blade, and found the cut to be uneven and not quite what I was accustomed to. I still question whether it was shipped with a ready to cut blade. I cannot seem to find anyone who can answer this for me. Maybe someone here can. I tried to take it off and take it to someone who might be able to look at it for me and tell me, but I couldn't break the bolts holding it on without some type of air ratchet, which I do not have access to. I figured before I went as far as to try to find an air ratchet, I'd ask here.
Second, I noticed that the exhaust on the mower got very hot very fast when the mower was running. Is this normal? I expected it to get hot, but I was floored at how hot it became. If you can shed some light on this for me, I'd appreciate it.
Once again, I know that these may seem like elementary issues, but I have no mechanical knowledge and just want to make sure that I can make my mower last. I am very proud of it, and would like to maximize it's life span. Thanks alot guys!!
#2
Popeye
Most of the OEM Snapper blades i bought were red. Get an impact rather than an air ratchet. Mower blades should not be knife sharp. Thin edges break or roll over. Most blades from factory don't need to be sharpen. Exhaust is usually hot. Never had one that blew cold.
I suggest you find a service manual. You can probably find one on-line for free. Save it as a pdf to your computer for future reference. If the mower is not cutting evenly, you may need to make some adjustment to the deck. The manual will show you how.
#4
JNewkirk77
Incognito,
Welcome! I'll second what Monk and Popeye have stated, especially with regard to the service manual. It will be your best friend when it comes to fixing issues that pop up from time to time, as well as general maintenance. (My Snapper's an older model and I have already made good use of the manuals I was given!)
Fresh-out-of-the-box (or in your case, shipping crate!?) blades should cut well. It's entirely possible that you'll need to make some adjustments. How to do that can be found on pages 26 & 27 of the owner's manual, and if you don't have a paper copy of that, here's a link: http://www.mowersdirect.com/manuals/7800784_manual.pdf
Hope this info helps ... and once again, welcome! Hope you enjoy your Snapper as much as I do mine!
