I am 65 yrs old and your videos help me so much. Thank You, I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. I was 42 when I finally got my first Snapper and it was a derelict in the woods. I continue to learn so much from you, thanks from Georgia.
Jim. First off, wow. You helped so many people with your detailed videos. Secondly, I am amazed you answer so many questions and reply to comments. Kudos Sir and thank you from Pennsylvania
Well thank you for being a viewer and I’m sure you’re probably a subscriber also it’s free and it helps me out a lot. And I do answer every email and comment that I get.Jim
I'll be 62 this year. Since I was in my teenage years we've always had a snapper mower. They have always been dependable and fairly easy to work on. Have never tore down a deferential on one but may do it one day. Have old ones I use for parts. I remember the first one we ever had was a comet like you mentioned in this video. It was notorious for popping wheelies... lol Enjoyed the video and keep up the good work.
Big Bill Hi Bill it's Jim it's great to hear your stories of the relationship between a snapper and its owner I feel sorry for someone that has never used a snapper they don't know what they're missing I feel it's one of the top machines for picking up leaves and sticks and virtually anything you run over. I have a few of my own stories about my snap days. And I'll tell you what Bill when you decide to tear into one of them differentials I'll be here to help you out. And as always work safe have fun and I'll talk to you soon Jim
Those cupped washers that are everywhere on Snappers are called Belleville washers. They're really old school, as are the eccentric bushings on the axles. I've worked on equipment that was designed in the early 1900's and both of those were used. They work great and they're simple, once you know about them and how they work.
Yes, I am familiar with the name of those and how they work but most people are not so I just called them cup washers and I tried to explain that they are a old school lack washer that’s not really used much anymore.
Thanks Jim great job!!! Are you calling the friction drive roller the brake clutch? When you say keep an eye on the wear of the brake are you talking about the rubber on the friction roller? Thanks Leo from long island
@@jimjackson9381 yes I am. I'm on the hunt for the big bearing boot and lip seal for it. That boot was toast. Who ever work on it before left out the lip seals. I have to get the short shaft. It's has a bad grove in it.
@@jimjackson9381 The one I have has the bearings. I don't have the modle # because someone welded a plate over it and burned it up. Sorry it took so long to get back to ya.
@@richarddaugharty732 So far the only answer I’m getting from my suppliers is that dust cap is out of stock they no longer make them I get a chance this weekend I’ll see if I can find some somewheres and I’ll get back with you thanks. Jim
I have six bean trees and totally understand the leaves problem. What I am wondering is the commercial machine gears and chains #30 are the same as the residential machine with the exception of the eight spur gears and bearings compared to four spur gears with bushing ???? What is the largest engine these gears can withstand ??? Thanks Jim again. VF
what would cause the mower not to be able to be pushed backward? The gear is in Neutral and can roll forward but not backward. Mower runs forward and reverse but does not roll back when trying to push it around the garage.
tom ahn Hey Tom it's Jim I'm glad to see you're a subscriber, sometimes when I try to move my snapper I have to wiggle the shifter back-and-forth to get it in a certain place so it will roll easier give that a try and see if it helps. Thanks Jim
Hi Jim..love your videos..! SO you say on the video that a residential snapper has bushings and a commercial snapper has bearings.... Can I make my snapper a commercial snapper without adding the bearings and using bushings instead?
18wheelerist hi it's Jim There are a few differences between a residential snapper and a tough series, and a commercial model. Some have bushings and some have bearings in the fenders. The tough series and commercial models also have eight pinion gears instead of four in the differential otherwise they're basically about the same. Thanks Jim
I've been working on the one my dad left me last month after he passed. The lever won't let me even put it in reverse? I can get it to go forward but the lever won't even go in to the reverse position. It's a Snapper 10hp 30" cut RER. Can you give me any advice on why the lever won't move to the reverse position?
@@jimjackson9381 I'll give it a try, I also ordered a new clutch for it. From what I can tell the axles boots have completely rotted away. When I shift it through the forward gears, I can see something that looks similar to the differential move left to right. But once I try to move towards neutral and reverse it won't budge. I'm just hoping something in maybe that differential isn't damaged. I really appreciate the advice. It'd be nice to be able to get this thing going again. It's more of a sentimental thing at this point
@@jamesfox1882 if your boots are completely gone it may be a good time to disassemble the drivetrain and clean all the sand and dirt out of the inside of the differential and chain case install new cork gaskets on both and reassemble. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 yeah that's what it's looking like will happen. It looks like some rubber deposits on the drive plate? The piece the clutch contacts. I also did order a new clutch for it. It's probably never had any maintenance over its life span. So I'm just going to tear everything down, clean it and grease everything. Is there a website you'd possibly be able to recommend for parts?
So my clutch would spin a little then bind up. After tinkering as little without tearing anything apart, the clutch spins freely by hand. Im thinking the chain inside the center case...?
Thanks Jim! the hex shaft turns in the small chain case, all is good in there! when the hex turns the left wheel as you look at the diff from the back with the mower up does not turn or sometimes it catches and turns, hear a clunk or grind sound...ideas??
Mr. X Boy oh boy let me count the ways, well for starters it could be the teeth on the short axle, It could be the large 63 tooth gear, It could be is a small gear with the sprocket under the large gear, Or it could be the chain, Or it could be the sprocket on the end of the Hex shaft, Without opening it up and looking at it, it's just a guess. Let me know what you find out if you need any other help just let me know thanks for your question Jim
20 yr old snapper, will not move when shifting forward or reverse, replaced clutch . Wear on yoke and bushings, when in neutral wheels locked up wont roll, watched video and when upright one tire spins opposite of other, but when turning clutchplate, very hard to turn but tires dont turn as video shows, thinking chain or differential issue, any heads up where to start
Scott Deshotel Well if I had to guess I would say probably the differential once you pull the right hand fender off and the axle and hexagon shaft will come with it out of the chain case then you can turn the chain case and see if that works OK and smoothly otherwise it’s in the differential. Jim
Gonna be an odd question for sure but.......there is a rattle when I’m in drive. Thought it was the heat shield. Took it off. Rattle still there. Where would I look first?
Nick Atkins Hey Nick it's Jim A lot of viewers complain about the rattle they get from the little break arm that rides in the side of the clutch disk assembly, and the newer snappers have a spring that holds that from rattling check that out and see if that's what you're hearing. Thanks Jim
Mr. Jackson I have an old snapper comet from 1961 I put a new 5 hp engine on her and did it the way you described in a video every thing is lined up properly. but there is a very harsh grinding sound coming from the lower unit / drive system the tires are spinning properly and all seems fine except the noise. My case is a old one that has break shoes on both sides and no finders to take apart. I can’t find any info on this relic. Your advice would be very appreciated thank you
Bill 308 Hi Bill, I haven’t done too much work on the old comets Let me see if I can get somebody to help you I’ll have them try to answer your questions. Jim
Numa Newbern thanks for the info, I have had a very hard time getting this mower fixed up it was my grandpas and means a lot to me. I hope I can fix this thing I’ll post a video of the mower so y’all can see what I’m dealing with
Bill 308 Bill With the grinding sound you’re hearing is the edge of your chain case hitting your drive disk. If it is then your drive disk is to low on your engine Thanks Jim
Jarrett Miller I usually take a large screwdriver and stick it between two of the smaller nuts on the clutch assembly and then you can take a ratchet and break loose the big nut that holds the assembly on. If you need anything else just let me know thanks for your question Jim
Hey u done freind? My problem is when mower not running, n neutral u can turn one side the other goes the opposited way but when u hold both tirers it want move.
Well I will have to know what wheel and nut you’re talking about to explain to you how to get it apart safely without hurting something else you can send me a picture to my email which is jimsfixitshop@gmail.com Thanks. Jim
Jerry Blice Hi Jerry it’s Jim Stand your machine up put it in neutral and try to turn the clutch disk it should turn relatively easy, you may have to pull your tires off and check your bushings in the fenders if your bushings are shot that will put a extra strain on the drivetrain causing the rubber disc to slip on the drive disk and it will either wear it down or melt pieces off of it, check that out and let me know what you find. Jim
I am 65 yrs old and your videos help me so much. Thank You, I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. I was 42 when I finally got my first Snapper and it was a derelict in the woods. I continue to learn so much from you, thanks from Georgia.
Jim. First off, wow. You helped so many people with your detailed videos. Secondly, I am amazed you answer so many questions and reply to comments. Kudos Sir and thank you from Pennsylvania
Well thank you for being a viewer and I’m sure you’re probably a subscriber also it’s free and it helps me out a lot. And I do answer every email and comment that I get.Jim
I'll be 62 this year. Since I was in my teenage years we've always had a snapper mower. They have always been dependable and fairly easy to work on. Have never tore down a deferential on one but may do it one day. Have old ones I use for parts. I remember the first one we ever had was a comet like you mentioned in this video. It was notorious for popping wheelies... lol
Enjoyed the video and keep up the good work.
Big Bill
Hi Bill it's Jim it's great to hear your stories of the relationship between a snapper and its owner I feel sorry for someone that has never used a snapper they don't know what they're missing I feel it's one of the top machines for picking up leaves and sticks and virtually anything you run over. I have a few of my own stories about my snap days. And I'll tell you what Bill when you decide to tear into one of them differentials I'll be here to help you out. And as always work safe have fun and I'll talk to you soon Jim
Those cupped washers that are everywhere on Snappers are called Belleville washers. They're really old school, as are the eccentric bushings on the axles. I've worked on equipment that was designed in the early 1900's and both of those were used. They work great and they're simple, once you know about them and how they work.
Yes, I am familiar with the name of those and how they work but most people are not so I just called them cup washers and I tried to explain that they are a old school lack washer that’s not really used much anymore.
@@jimjackson9381 I really appreciate what you're doing in these videos. They are really helpful!
Just sent you an email, the cutaway snapper drivetrain is on point!!!!! i hope i get a response from the master of everything snapper😊
Well, I tried to respond to everyone that needs help. Is there something I can help you with on your snapper or did my cut away help you already?
@@jimjackson9381 yes sir you did. I have a few things to try out 1st and will let you know! Thank you Jim
Ok just let me know. Jim
Thanks Jim great job!!! Are you calling the friction drive roller the brake clutch? When you say keep an eye on the wear of the brake are you talking about the rubber on the friction roller?
Thanks
Leo from long island
I think when you say friction roller that is what I called the clutch disc it’s the disk with the rubber on the outside, Jim
Hi Jim I enjoy watching your videos. You have helped me on my son's snapper. And thanks. I'm from South Georgia Adel.
Well thanks for watching and I am guessing that you’re a subscriber I can use all the help I can get thanks again. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 yes I am. I'm on the hunt for the big bearing boot and lip seal for it. That boot was toast. Who ever work on it before left out the lip seals. I have to get the short shaft. It's has a bad grove in it.
@@richarddaugharty732 there are two different dust caps for the snappers it depends if you have bushings or bearings in your rear fenders. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 The one I have has the bearings. I don't have the modle # because someone welded a plate over it and burned it up. Sorry it took so long to get back to ya.
@@richarddaugharty732 So far the only answer I’m getting from my suppliers is that dust cap is out of stock they no longer make them I get a chance this weekend I’ll see if I can find some somewheres and I’ll get back with you thanks. Jim
I have six bean trees and totally understand the leaves problem. What I am wondering is the commercial machine gears and chains #30 are the same as the residential machine with the exception of the eight spur gears and bearings compared to four spur gears with bushing ???? What is the largest engine these gears can withstand ??? Thanks Jim again. VF
Victory First
I’ve had a few viewers that have sent me pictures with a 17 horse Briggs & Stratton V twin engine on their’s. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 Thanks Jim.
@@jimjackson9381 Thanks Jim, "YOU THE MAN " !!!!!!!!!!!
what would cause the mower not to be able to be pushed backward? The gear is in Neutral and can roll forward but not backward. Mower runs forward and reverse but does not roll back when trying to push it around the garage.
tom ahn
Hey Tom it's Jim I'm glad to see you're a subscriber, sometimes when I try to move my snapper I have to wiggle the shifter back-and-forth to get it in a certain place so it will roll easier give that a try and see if it helps. Thanks Jim
Hi Jim..love your videos..!
SO you say on the video that a residential snapper has bushings and a commercial snapper has bearings....
Can I make my snapper a commercial snapper without adding the bearings and using bushings instead?
18wheelerist hi it's Jim
There are a few differences between a residential snapper and a tough series, and a commercial model. Some have bushings and some have bearings in the fenders. The tough series and commercial models also have eight pinion gears instead of four in the differential otherwise they're basically about the same. Thanks Jim
I've been working on the one my dad left me last month after he passed. The lever won't let me even put it in reverse? I can get it to go forward but the lever won't even go in to the reverse position. It's a Snapper 10hp 30" cut RER. Can you give me any advice on why the lever won't move to the reverse position?
Try cleaning and greasing the hexagon shaft underneath of boots that should help it shift a little better if not let me know. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 I'll give it a try, I also ordered a new clutch for it. From what I can tell the axles boots have completely rotted away. When I shift it through the forward gears, I can see something that looks similar to the differential move left to right. But once I try to move towards neutral and reverse it won't budge. I'm just hoping something in maybe that differential isn't damaged. I really appreciate the advice. It'd be nice to be able to get this thing going again. It's more of a sentimental thing at this point
@@jamesfox1882 if your boots are completely gone it may be a good time to disassemble the drivetrain and clean all the sand and dirt out of the inside of the differential and chain case install new cork gaskets on both and reassemble. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 yeah that's what it's looking like will happen. It looks like some rubber deposits on the drive plate? The piece the clutch contacts. I also did order a new clutch for it. It's probably never had any maintenance over its life span. So I'm just going to tear everything down, clean it and grease everything. Is there a website you'd possibly be able to recommend for parts?
@@jamesfox1882 Well if you need anything let me know. Jim
So my clutch would spin a little then bind up. After tinkering as little without tearing anything apart, the clutch spins freely by hand. Im thinking the chain inside the center case...?
Sean Carroll
I guess the only way to tell for sure is to disassemble it. Jim
My order snapper rear engine mower drives good for a while then the rear end locks up gears look good
Thanks Jim!
the hex shaft turns in the small chain case, all is good in there!
when the hex turns the left wheel as you look at the diff from the back with the mower up does not turn or sometimes it catches and turns, hear a clunk or grind sound...ideas??
Mr. X
Boy oh boy let me count the ways,
well for starters it could be the teeth on the short axle,
It could be the large 63 tooth gear,
It could be is a small gear with the sprocket under the large gear,
Or it could be the chain,
Or it could be the sprocket on the end of the Hex shaft,
Without opening it up and looking at it, it's just a guess. Let me know what you find out if you need any other help just let me know thanks for your question Jim
Thanks jim my guess is the sprocket on the end of the hex shaft
Mr. X
Well good luck and let me know how it turns out I would like to know what the problem is for future questions thanks again Jim
20 yr old snapper, will not move when shifting forward or reverse, replaced clutch . Wear on yoke and bushings, when in neutral wheels locked up wont roll, watched video and when upright one tire spins opposite of other, but when turning clutchplate, very hard to turn but tires dont turn as video shows, thinking chain or differential issue, any heads up where to start
Scott Deshotel
Well if I had to guess I would say probably the differential once you pull the right hand fender off and the axle and hexagon shaft will come with it out of the chain case then you can turn the chain case and see if that works OK and smoothly otherwise it’s in the differential. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 thank you
What is the date that the band brake was changed to a foot brake ?? Thanks Jim.
Victory First
Unfortunately I have no idea when they changed the brake system. Jim
@@jimjackson9381 Thank you Jim for letting me know Sir. Good day too.
Gonna be an odd question for sure but.......there is a rattle when I’m in drive. Thought it was the heat shield. Took it off. Rattle still there. Where would I look first?
Nick Atkins
Hey Nick it's Jim
A lot of viewers complain about the rattle they get from the little break arm that rides in the side of the clutch disk assembly, and the newer snappers have a spring that holds that from rattling check that out and see if that's what you're hearing. Thanks Jim
Jim Jackson thanks Jim! Will do. Get back with you!
Mr. Jackson I have an old snapper comet from 1961 I put a new 5 hp engine on her and did it the way you described in a video every thing is lined up properly. but there is a very harsh grinding sound coming from the lower unit / drive system the tires are spinning properly and all seems fine except the noise. My case is a old one that has break shoes on both sides and no finders to take apart. I can’t find any info on this relic. Your advice would be very appreciated thank you
Bill 308
Hi Bill, I haven’t done too much work on the old comets Let me see if I can get somebody to help you I’ll have them try to answer your questions. Jim
Jim Jackson thank you very much
Numa Newbern thanks for the info, I have had a very hard time getting this mower fixed up it was my grandpas and means a lot to me. I hope I can fix this thing I’ll post a video of the mower so y’all can see what I’m dealing with
Bill 308
Bill With the grinding sound you’re hearing is the edge of your chain case hitting your drive disk. If it is then your drive disk is to low on your engine Thanks Jim
Jim Jackson how can I obtain those pictures of the parts diagram from you mentioned above ? Thanks agin for your help
how do you get the large nut in the center of the clutch off? I can't figure out how to keep the clutch from spinning when I try to take it off.
Jarrett Miller
I usually take a large screwdriver and stick it between two of the smaller nuts on the clutch assembly and then you can take a ratchet and break loose the big nut that holds the assembly on. If you need anything else just let me know thanks for your question Jim
Thank you so much! I appreciate the fast reply!
Hey u done freind? My problem is when mower not running, n neutral u can turn one side the other goes the opposited way but when u hold both tirers it want move.
Richard Hunter
Hi Richard you're going to want to watch video 132 that would explain how to troubleshoot your differential and drivetrain thanks Jim
Could u not use red rtv locktight as 609 locktight that u talked about
jduane f
As long as The red locktight is removable and not permanent, you want to be able to get it apart next time it needs service. Thanks Jim
Jim what would cause my snapper to free wheel when it is in gear? I can roll it coward and backward with little or no effort while it is in gear.
Thank you. I Need your help on troybelt lawnmower motor.
Ronald W Provo
Hi Ron
What is the engine doing on your machine and can you send some pictures. Thanks Jim
Bjr je n'arrive pas à enlever le carter à graisse le petit bloc sur la partie hexagonal ? Merci
I’m sorry but I don’t speak French. Jim
Is it possible for you to translate this and send the question to me. Jim
Jim a gentleman took his apart and forgot to put the 2 cup washers on how can i get the wheel back off the big nut just spins
Well I will have to know what wheel and nut you’re talking about to explain to you how to get it apart safely without hurting something else you can send me a picture to my email which is
jimsfixitshop@gmail.com
Thanks. Jim
I have a snapper model #331414kVE My problem is my Drive wheel the rubber Gets so hot it will melt that rubber on the Wheel
Jerry Blice
Hi Jerry it’s Jim
Stand your machine up put it in neutral and try to turn the clutch disk it should turn relatively easy, you may have to pull your tires off and check your bushings in the fenders if your bushings are shot that will put a extra strain on the drivetrain causing the rubber disc to slip on the drive disk and it will either wear it down or melt pieces off of it, check that out and let me know what you find. Jim
whats the torque on the differential bolts
thanks for your help
Hi Jim, I would also like to know the torque value for the planetary gears in the differential