New Snapper Owner

[AMacris]

Hi folks, just purchased what I believe to be a series 6, 1987 model snapper RER. My first. It has an 11hp electric start B&S engine and has the parking brake lever as opposed to the second pedal.

It seems to run and cut just fine. The drive train seems pretty tight, although I did have some issues going up a slight hill. The wheel wasn't spinning, just not moving. I also had a case where the blade got jammed by some rather heavy grass and smoke came up from underneath. Happily, I found out it was just one of the blade pulleys that was burning the stuck belt.

I'm wondering - if you guys who know purchased a model such as mine, would you replace a few things right away given what I said? The belt to me seems to be quite loose. But I'm not certain if that's normal. Has anyone on here taken the time to make any helpful maintenance videos or tutorials for newbies? Apologize in advance if they're easily found on this forum! I haven't done a thorough search.

Also, the only model number I've found is stamped onto the engine. Does anyone know where else I could check?

 

[AMacris]

Oh, and one other thing. Short of torching it, how in the world do you get the plastic shield off where the belts are?

 

[Duffer72]

Sounds like it needs a new drive disc, located under the body below the engine, that should take care of your drive problem, To get the belt cover off remove all 4 screws/bolts holding it down, drop the deck to the lowest cutting position pull the cover towards the rear of the mower and turn it to the right side at the same time, not real easy but it does come off, as far as belt tension , easy way to chack it is to engage the blade handle ( with the engine off) you will see the idler pulley move over, with the blade engaged you should be able to put two fingers side by side between the the 2 sides of the belt just ahead of the idler pulley, if the gap is too small then you need to adjust it, look under the seat at the end of the tube that runs from the front end, you will see a ring type clamp with a 1/2 " nut on it, loosen this clamp, set the parking brake, then yank on the front end of the unit until the tube slides out some about 1" tighten the clamp and recheck belt tension and go from there. There should be a model number sticker un the side of the battery area facing the front of the mower on series 6 which should be correct for an 86 model, 11 hp would lead me to believe it is a 33 insh cut in which case the model shoulld be a 33116BE.
Here is a link for parts manual the drive disc I am talking about is on pg 80 I think, your model uses a smooth start disc.
http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=aheruJvLlSZk

 

[AMacris]

Thanks Duffer72,

I appreciate your help and advice.

The blade width appears to be a 28 according to my measuring tape. Maybe it's not an original engine. No telling.

If there's no videos, maybe I should start a series.

I hadn't thought of dropping the deck to get the shield off. Brilliant. I knew I was missing something.

Upon closer examination, it looks like at some time in the past, someone has painted the area beneath the battery black. The sticker has been painted over. But it's there. I'll see if I can reveal the numbers this weekend. Incidentally, under the seat on the other side, there's an outdoor power equipment safety standards sticker that has the date 1986 on it.

One other follow-up question. Are there different size belts for all the various models and years?

 

[Duffer72]

somewhat on the years and size, you need a 1-0749 snapper belt for yours, also you don't need to drop the deck just lower it to the lowest cutting height.

 

[Duffer72]

here is a link for series specific parts and owners manual for model you have

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=ahersJvLlSZk

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=bgiqsJvLlSZk

 

[AMacris]

A little mineral spirits later...

Model 28106S
Serial # 83038036

From my interpretation, it would seem the 11hp motor is not original, and is quite possibly older than the mower itself. I believe the number stamped on the engine started with 81. Oh well, it runs great.

I'll be trying to replace the belt and disc this weekend. May have a follow up question, but it seems pretty straightforward.

thanks again.

 

[twall]

Ahh, good - someone to take over the Snapper stuff.

Lost my Snapper, along with my woman, and my house, and most of my stuff. Nosy neighbors are a b*tch.

Oh, well. Wouldn't be the first time I had to rebuild from nothing. Lesser men would have hung themselves. (not that it hasn't crossed my mind) :biggrin: