Snapper Hi-Vac RER Drive Disk Problem

15 years ago

Bought a new RER in July 2006 which is still under warranty. Took it in for routine service early this spring for tune-up, new mulch blade, drive disk, etc. Since that service, I have returned it to the selling dealer twice for an operational problem that only happens after the mower is hot. When I finish mowing my backyard, I have to exit the mower to open a gate for another section of the yard. When I get back on the mower and restart it and shift into any forward speed, there is no forward motion and no reverse either. However, repeated shifting into reverse usually works although it is at a slower speed. The selling dealer did not find any problems during two followup visits. The mower is now at a larger dealership and they cannot get the drive issue to duplicate. Snapper Tech Support is now involved but in spite of the 40+ year knowledge base, neither Snapper nor the third dealer can diagnose the problem. When the mower is cold, none of these operational problems happen. All technical assistance is welcome. Thanks.

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Comments (7)

canguy
15 years ago
The drive disc is slipping, they should be setting the neutral clearance with the proper tool from Snapper although it can be done by trial and error.
walt2002
15 years ago
The proper clearance for the metal drive disc of RER Snapper is 3-7/8" from the engine mounting face of the frame to the face of the metal drive disc that the rubber drive wheel runs on. Four inch will work OK, if over this, there will be a problem with clearance in removing the belt for one thing.

Why this only happens after the machine has been run for some time then stopped, is a mystery. Since this is a new machine still under warranty, best let them solve it.

Walt Conner
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rustyj14
15 years ago
Are you mowing wet grass? That would/might get water on the drive disc, and make it slip.
back44
Original Author
15 years ago
The grass is dry. I always mow in late morning after the morning dew has evaporated.
I spoke to the shop concerning the installation of the last drive disk and they stated that the clearances were met. My guess is that the drive disk which seems to be made from plastic and not rubber may be part of the problem. When the mower had the symptoms last, I stood the mower on end and the rotor disk was very hot and the drive disk was very pliable. Maybe the contact material on the drive disk is getting too hot to have enough friction on the spinning rotor.
walt2002
15 years ago
At any rate, it should not do this, it is a warranty item and they should take care of it. Those parts will get hot of course. I have had a hundred Snapper RERs as I used to trade in them.

Walt Conner
back44
Original Author
15 years ago
The drive problem has recurred since my June visit to a different Snapper dealer. The problem occurs only after everything is hot; if the mower cools down, everything works again. Took it back to the selling dealer on 8/25/08. Picked it up on 8/29/08 and problem continues; however, I no longer have any reverse drive when the problem manifests. Dealer and Snapper tech Support can't figure it out. I plan to take it back to the dealer on 9/8/08 since my Tech Support case remains open. Am considering trading up for an LT 200.
walt2002
15 years ago
"Dealer and Snapper tech Support can't figure it out. "

Tell them if they want to make it worth my while, I will come and fix it.

Walt Conner

Snapper Hi-Vac RER Drive Disk Problem

Comments (7)

canguy

walt2002

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Snapper Hi-Vac RER Drive Disk Problem

Comments (7)

canguy

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