251. Why did my Snapper RER quit moving forward and backwards

[@boat6868]

You sir are the undisputed king of snapper mower operation. This video helped me identify the issue.

[@jimjackson9381]

Well if there’s anything else I can do for you please let me know that’s what I’m here for. Jim

[@BagpiperGrif]

You are my most favorite person this week! Videos 132, 144, and 251 helped me big time! I purchased this mower used and have been using it for 2 summers and was not impressed, to say the least. The grass catcher was not efficient and the chute was always clogging up with grass at the blade deck outlet. I was ready to scrap it and buy a new mower. I bought a new 33 inch blade figuring that I would change it out and sharpen the old blade when I got time. I flipped the mower up for the first time and found a 28 inch blade! I adjusted the brake, clutch, and installed a 33 inch blade. The mower cuts great, the chute is not clogging, and and the bag fills to capacity. Thank you for your knowledge.

[@BagpiperGrif]

Also, the bolt had come out of the hub, and the mower would not move. Hub was chewed up, but I replaced the missing bolt with a grade 8 bolt and the mower now moves.

[@mm-om6rz]

Sure glad I saw this! Saved me a lot of trouble tearing apart the transmission and all the issue was, was a 5/16 bolt.....

[@sallycoulliette6624]

My husband says, "All good stuff. Thanks for sharing your expertise!"

[@jimjackson9381]

sally coulliette Well tell your husband thanks for watching, hope your a subscriber !!

[@tommyhooks7767]

I had the exact problem you describe here, happen to me yesterday. I am a new Snapper user. It's been over 30 years since I owned one. My son recently gave me one that I absolutely love to mow with. I've been using a Craftsman for the past 25 years, that has a 42" cut. The Snapper only has a 33" cut, but it cuts my yard in half the time as the Craftsman. I was cutting out back yesterday. I crossed over a slight rise in my yard that hasn't been cut this year, so it was a little overgrown with a few wisteria vines, but nothing drastic. I easily cut through ridge, but when I began to cross my yard, my mower stopped pulling. This is the first problem I have had with the mower, and I want to make sure I don't waste time and money looking for the problem. I am proud to own this mower, because it is heavier duty, than any I have ever seen. The main frame piping is a 4" square tubing, versus the normal 3" round tubing. It has a 12HP Briggs & Stratton, Industrial cast iron bore, I/C engine with disc drive ( what ever that is ). After watching your video, I went outside and jacked up the Snapper. ( it is full of gas, and I didn't want to drain the tank , so I jacked it up ) With both tires off the pavement, I turned the right tire and the left tire turned in the opposite direction. When I turned the left tire nothing happened on the right tire. I then used my hand to turn the left tire in both directions and nothing happened. It is free wheeling like it is not connected to the axle movement .

[@hudsonriverlee]

Jim, this video is more educational on so many levels. Let me explain, people like myself, whom recently have gotten a Snapper Mower, and have No Clue of what it looks like underneath, have just been made quite aware of the workings and where the many parts are located and now know the Nomenclature of the many parts. This is why I wanted to stand my old Snapper vertically... for inspection purposes. 10 April came my first ride on the snapper since fixing the carburetor, 11 April, I actually got up the guts to drive the mower down my steep hill to the Battenkill. Going down was no big deal, getting the Snapper back up roadside, well, the Snapper climbed back up with little issues.. I felt the tires spin at the last 5 feet .. I was thrilled. Thanks for your videos. I have learned mega amounts about my Free 33” Snapper Mower.

[@jimjackson9381]

Well if you have any other issues or need more help just let me know. Jim

[@rhatguy]

This just happened to me. I pulled on the tire and pulled it right off the mower. Heading to home Depot to get a new bolt. HUGE thanks for your videos!

[@jimjackson9381]

You’re welcome Travis I’m glad I could help if you need anything just drop me an email and don’t forget to subscribe that really helps me. Jim

[@SB-bm5vf]

Jim. Thank you!!! I stopped cold because I was cutting it to close by an edge. That said. All my movement ceased. I rocked my unit on end and performed all the differential spin tests. I was stumped. Watched you video and sure enough missing pin on one hub only. I even went back to the yard where I was cutting and found that pin. Evidently it has a nut on it and then that was missing and it was stripped but man you are THE MAN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND CHANNEL 😊💪🏻

[@jimjackson9381]

That happens so often to my viewers, and I even had a couple completely tear apart their differential thinking. The problem was in there and all it was was the bolt in the axle. Glad you found it so quick. Jim

[@The1Watchman]

WOW! Just agreed to purchase this mower, with this problem tomorrow & now I run across this! You’re awesome! Thank you!

[@jimjackson9381]

Well let me know if you need any help and I hope you decide to subscribe and helps me a lot. Jim

[@kissel40]

That's what my snapper did and I wish I watched this video before I tore my differential apart, at least I cleaned all the sludge from the snapper lube!!! Thanks Jim!

[@jimjackson9381]

That stuff does dry up doesn’t it. Jim.

[@wilke3169]

Hi Jim. Mine did exactly this 6 months ago. I left it parked for a couple of months thinking about rebuilding the rear end and watching your videos. When I removed the left wheel the bolt was broken. New bolt and I was back in business.

[@Tgauchsin]

You kind sir just saved me a good deal of money letting someone else figure out what my issue was. I would love to call you and personally thank you.

[@SuperVmaxman]

Thank you for this video, I also thought that I had snapped the transmission. It was only that sheer bolt that was broken. I replaced it with a new one.

[@hudsonriverlee]

Jim, poke a hole in the shipping box to let air out as you stuff in the tee shirts, vacuum pack the shirt in plastic bag. Best of luck.

[@kithunter]

I found the same problem on my snapper and replaced the bolt that snapped into. Thanks a lot for taking care of the problem.

[@nathanvanek5528]

Day 3 of this troubleshoot. Popped the cap off the wheel and boom, there it was. Thank you very much.

[@jimjackson9381]

Well glad I could help and thanks for being a viewer and hopefully a subscriber. Jim

[@ksdj1]

Great advice. I know about that bolt, but I didn't realize what the outcome would be.

[@zw5509]

Keep enjoying your channel! Glad you are growing, you deserve to! Long ago I contacted you about this problem and I never solved it! Life got in the way! Anyway, when it stops raining I am going to check that bloomin' bolt! Take care!

[@jimjackson9381]

Z Worm Well you let me know if you can’t come up with what’s wrong with your machine we will figure it out together and I’m glad you enjoyed the videos. Jim

[@zw5509]

@@jimjackson9381I'm retired now so I have more time! Sending pictures, if needed, is a great idea too! Thank you!

[@bryanhebert9328]

Thanks for the information, my snapper quit moving forward. I changed the yoke, bushings and metal sleeve that works with the yoke. Working great now. Thanks again

[@jimjackson9381]

Bryan hebert You may want to watch video number 70 and tighten the York spring also. Jim

[@bryanhebert9328]

Jim Jackson, i did tighten the spring while I had it apart. I watched a few of your videos. Thanks

[@jimjackson9381]

Bryan hebert Well let me know if you have any other issues. Jim

[@bryanhebert9328]

Jim Jackson, will do. I like all of your videos, that I saw so far

[@bryanhebert9328]

Jim Jackson, I do have an issue, the mower was given to me, I’ve noticed that the deck doesn’t come up as much as it should, I will try to adjust it to see if I can get it all the way up. Position 5 height is cutting short.

[@ronaldduncan1983]

Glad to see more about t shirts and flash drive info. Thanks Jim.

[@baggins1]

Love that Kennedy box back there

[@jimjackson9381]

Wait to you see the 7 foot long one sitting next to it, and one just like it at work, and the 4 1/2 foot rolled away at work. Jim

[@baggins1]

@@jimjackson9381 now you're just teasin'!!!

[@adamturner9990]

Hi Jim your a lot of help I put a new cutch on its drives better I put a new air filter an breather gas cap on my snapper fired it up works like a champ thanks

[@russelloneal7569]

restored a 2012 snapper 28" hi Vac and was feeling good that the only part I had to replace was a brake and clutch cable. Got my brake cable and installed it then took it out for a trial run, ran great, braked well, cut well until it stopped and I could not move it forward or reverse. Used furniture dollies under each back tire to get it back to my shop, stood it upright after removing battery and gas tank, rolled the tire like you said and the other one turned the opposite way. when I put a block under yoke and tried to turn rubber friction wheel, it would not turn. also as I turned my tire it sounded like something slipping in chain case . Pulled rubber boot back and turned tire and the shaft turned ok. I checked the bolt like the video says but it seems okay also and I could not slide wheel off. Not much in chain case but I suppose that is the next spot to look? Russ from Louisiana.

[@jimjackson9381]

Once you get the chain case off try rotating it Before you tear it apart it could be in the differential let me know what you find out. Jim

[@Charles_S.]

Another great tip Jim👍 Thanks!

[@Steelhauler]

Thank you so much for all of the videos and expertise

[@jimjackson9381]

Andrew McKay Thank you and keep watching more to come. Jim

[@Steelhauler]

I definitely will. I now have two snappers and any time I see a good deal I try and buy it.

[@patelledge2210]

Wayne from Knoxville Tn again, found another reason why my snapper won’t go forward or backwards the right side axle flange that bolts to the rim and tire snapped off where the neck and the flange meet

[@cjohnson1456]

Great Video

[@amathonn]

Nicely done! Been there done that.

[@roybilliot8672]

I really like your videos and expertise. I have a bit of a problem with my snapper. I can't seem to get the wheel hub off. I removed the bolt and tried beating it off with a hammer and punch. Also tried heating it. Won't budge. The shaft broke on the end of my clutch gearbox. I need to remove it to weld it back on

[@jimjackson9381]

Roy Billiot Soaking them with some good penetrating oil helps but I’ve had a couple that I have had to cut off that’s the only way to get them sometimes and then just replace them. Jim

[@janbill79]

That was some good information from video 251 about the hub bolt. During it you mentioned what that (long roller) is for. That is sticking way out of the yoke on RHS when machine is upright. Think you said it's got something to do with park I thought I finally figured it was to put a pipe on as a leverage handle like what you do with your vice grip. But you mention has something to do with park? I just got mine back together and" if the yoke is correct", on the left of hanger ( & I see that's the way you have yours) when in mower is in upright position then is there an adjustment to get it to go all the way over to reverse. it goes all the way over to the end in then yoke slot, but shifting it back the other way there is plenty of slot left in the yoke. So there must be an adjustment some where? I have not put the motor back on yet. It might very well go backwards. But the shifter slot with the names on it, say it's stopping 1 short of reverse . I'm going to type in adjusting the shifter and see if there is a video. on this where the shift notch, is 1 off, same thing when I change motors in cars. When I drive them after the change, the the selector is 1 off and drive is now in neutral.

[@janbill79]

On the above problem, I just went out and figured it out why the shift handle notch wouldn't go in reverse. when the yoke slot was at the end. ANSWER: Seeing how I had my shifter bracket off for repainting. There were no old marks or patterns from dirt left to copy. And I didn't even realize it was a slotted bracket. Now I should be able to go out and adjust it . Just wanted tpo let you know I think I figured it out. I did watch the video about making the gauge to see where the friction drive is set out of notching a paint stick. I'll try that later thks Jim I sure do like the way you number the videos!

[@jimjackson9381]

@@janbill79 try watching video number 253. It will explain how to adjust your shift plate. If you go to my homepage and look underneath where it says, (manage videos) there is a link that will take you to a directory of all of my videos by name and by number Thanks. Jim

[@debrahicks1573]

I'll have to check that, mine just stop moving while i was mowing.

[@jimjackson9381]

Well let me know what you find out. Jim

[@csyork]

I've got a Snapper RE130 and it's had a lot of mechanical issues. I've rebuilt and replaced more parts than I ever imagined. I've had it 5 years, so should be a 2014 model. Recently I stopped going in forward or reverse 1/2 through mowing. I quickly saw the drive disc was completely worn out and replaced it, but it still was not working quite right - it moved "sporadically". It was going to storm so I pushed it back to the shed planning to work more after the storms. When I pushed it to the shed a part fell off. It's the part that mates with the yoke! The arm with the roller broke off the primary chain case. I see the replacement case is over $300 and even just the cover including this broken part is more then $50. How do you imagine this happened? Worth trying to fix it? Every repair on this mower is like this - more than one thing is broken.

[@jimjackson9381]

Chris York Hi Chris The machines 2013 through 2018 had a lot of issues and that part on the chain case is known for breaking off to the point of the dealers when they got a new machine in they would have someone come in and re-weld that part to the chain case before they would sell the machine. If you have someone that can weld it back on for you that is what I would do with it. Jim

[@csyork]

@@jimjackson9381 I know people who can weld it back on - I don't personally have welding skills, so that often does not occur to me as a solution. Your encyclopedic knowledge on these machines is amazing. Thanks!

[@jimjackson9381]

Chris York Well I hope you are a subscriber I could use your help thanks Jim

[@johnharb4908]

Hey Jim. Can you identify the bolt and tell me where I can get it Please? Thanks!

[@jimjackson9381]

@@johnharb4908 I usually get my parts from Parts Tree.Com but that bolt I would probably order through my local Ace Hardware store if they repair engines and machines if not you’re talking about the bolt that goes through your wheel flange and axle. You can just use a standard bolt. Jim

[@debrahicks1573]

On the t-shirts try to send it in a plastic mailing bag..they fit in a mail box better.

[@jimjackson9381]

Well on this email I’m a little bit lost what T-shirt are you talking about and who are you trying to mail it to. Jim

[@johnharb4908]

I immediately saw that the bolt was missing. Put a bolt in while it was on the ground ( didn't raise the mower up) and it still won't move. I jacked up the back end and turned the left wheel to see if the other wheel would turn and it wouldn't. When it stopped moving while I was operating it, I also lost the brake. Any suggestions Jim?

[@jimjackson9381]

@@johnharb4908 OK with your machine jacked up or standing up doesn’t matter turn the right hand tire forward and backwards and the other tire should turn the opposite direction then try turning the left-hand tire forward and backwards if the other side does not turn then you have something stripped in your differential. Jim

[@chiefestilette9572]

Like your video you explain real good I have a snapper somebody gave it to me I've been parked for about a year and I noticed the back wheels don't want to turn I didn't mess with it yet I want to ask you what you think I should start with before taking stuff apart don't mind let me know Cajun land Church Point Louisiana

[@jimjackson9381]

Chief Estilette It’s hard for me to tell without looking at it but it’s either your chain case or your differential. Jim

[@chrislnflorida5192]

Great video 👍👍 Where dies the bolt go, through the hub and axle?

[@jimjackson9381]

Yes if the bolt that goes through your wheel flange an axle brakes your machine will quit moving in either direction. Jim

[@chrislnflorida5192]

@@jimjackson9381 thank u sir. I subscribed to your videos 👍👍. I'm now in the process heading out to find the lock nut that backs up the screw on/off blade adaptor, whih i judt learned from u the adabtor screws off. So under the lock nut, their is NO wadher on top of the blade adaptor?

[@lesosborne4518]

Jim, I'd love one or two of your shirts but I'd like a pocket on mine. thanks for you videos, very helpful. Where is it again you get your parts. Thanks !!

[@jimjackson9381]

Les Osborne I would like to have pocket T-shirts myself but it doubles the price of the shirt from where I get them from. Jim

[@lesosborne4518]

@@jimjackson9381 Thank you Jim for your reply.

[@bobsmith2366]

Hi Jim, I have a snapper 28inch cut. Ran over a bolder by accident of course, now mower goes reverse and not forward. Checked all in your videos, axles turn drive train seems OK. Now where to go?

[@jimjackson9381]

I would check the yolk and the yolk spring to make sure that they’re intact and not bent or broken take some pictures if you want to and send them to my email and I’ll let you know. [e-mail] Thanks.Jim

[@JDski]

You want to use a soft bolt. It is the intended breaking point.

[@markswarr5318]

Jim I put spring on bottom hole still doesn’t pull up hill

[@markswarr5318]

Can I send u pictures

[@jimjackson9381]

Yes, send them to [e-mail] Thanks. Jim

[@natesrace]

Is the pulley supposed to slide up and down on the crankshaft?

[@jimjackson9381]

@@natesrace no watch video number 70 and I will explain where that drive disk on the bottom of your engine belongs.

[@pablobon5957]

Dear Jim, I put new boots o. My snapper and now it won’t go into reverse and into 5th. Could I send you a brief video showing you what I mean please?

[@jimjackson9381]

Send it to. [e-mail] Thanks. Jim

[@pablobon5957]

@@jimjackson9381 thx so much Jim. I did

[@jimjackson9381]

@@pablobon5957 When I watch the video you sent me and you were shifting your machine the shift handle looked like it went all the way into reverse and it looked like it went all the way into fifth I think the issue may be the linkage between the shift handle and the chain case you’re going to have to check that to make sure there is no slop in those joints on the shift links. Jim

[@pablobon5957]

@@jimjackson9381 thx so much Jim, I’ll check that out. Best channel ever! Thx Jim

[@justintaylor6870]

My feels like its lock up .sr1533 snapper. Bought a new disc and still the same thing . Can't even turn it . Think it the chain case 🤔

[@jimjackson9381]

Well if it is the chain case that is the easiest thing to remove and open up. Jim

[@justintaylor6870]

@@jimjackson9381 i did everything seems frozen up feels like I have to put all my upper body strength just to make the chain and stuff move even just a little bit

[@justintaylor6870]

@@jimjackson9381 even try turning the axle takes a lot of strength just to move it forward or backwards but the tires turn good and just like how you say when you turned one the other one turns in the opposite direction

[@jimjackson9381]

@@justintaylor6870 I guess I would have to see it to figure out what’s wrong with it. Jim

[@justintaylor6870]

@@jimjackson9381 I've had that lawnmower for a long time it has been parked for over a year ever since it just stopped going forward or backwards since I had put it up but I have bought a new disc and stuff for it thinking that was the problem but I think it has something to do with the chaincase is probably Frozen up but all the teeth and the chain look good didn't look chip besides packed with grease

[@bethstehouwer922]

Do you still use (parts tree) for your snapper mower parts and are they good quality?

[@jimjackson9381]

They are OEM parts right from Briggs & Stratton. yes they’re good quality and I buy almost everything from them. When you call them or order from them tell them Jim’s fix-it shop sent you. Jim

[@samhollis2002]

Hi Jim. My 28” snapper won’t roll unless the clutch has been engaged. I have checked and the problem seems to be the small pipe roller on the shifter engaging the drive wheel when it’s in neutral. Sam Georgia

[@jimjackson9381]

Sam Hollis Hi Sam it’s Jim That’s how most of them work when you put them in park and let out the clutch the clutch disk sits on that pipe that’s on the yolk if you want to roll out you have to shift it in to what most of them consider neutral or they say roll on it it’s between Park in first gear. Jim

[@judymica7535]

My mower will not go forward i change the disk

[@jimjackson9381]

Judy Mica You need to watch a video number 70 it will explain how to check a few things and how do you tighten your yoke spring that’s probably all you need to do. If that doesn’t help let me know and we’ll work on some other issues it could be. Jim

[@Mimi-me1jv]

Hi Jim I have a snapper R110 rider and my parking break will not set due to the lever will not go over the pin on the pulley. Is there somehow to adjust this.

[@jimjackson9381]

Hi Ruby, I looked over my turtle and I have figured out how you can adjust it I’ll try to do a video this week and get it online for you. Jim

[@adamturner9990]

I have old snapper rear engine it ran great yesterday mowing my yard went to start it today it starts then turns off i look at the air filter it needs a new one tried to start with the air filter did same thing looked at gas filter it's fine what am I missing

[@jimjackson9381]

Adam Turner Hi it’s Jim Does your engine start up and stall right away, or does the engine start and it stalls when you let out the clutch. If it starts up and stalls right away it could be your float is stuck not letting in any gas, or if you have a solenoid on the bottom of your carburetor that could be giving you a problem. If the engine starts and it quits as soon as you let out your clutch that is a safety switch issue usually The one that’s mounted on your yoke in your rear case. Jim

[@Smalltechguy]

Hey Jim, I've been going thru quite a few snappers and this is the first time that I am having major malfunction trying to get this mower to go into to reverse. When trying to shift into reverse, the handle will not move. So far when going forward all the gears seem to work just fine. The clutch disk seems to be in decent shape. Anything that I need to look for???

[@jimjackson9381]

Did you clean and grease the hexagon shaft? And did you install new boots? . Jim

[@jamelkorkis2687]

Snapper will not roll, have any videos on that?

[@jimjackson9381]

Well first, you’re gonna have to do a little investigation to find out what’s wrong with your machine I would take the mower deck off and get it out of your way and get the extra weight off of your machine then take the battery out of it close the vent on the top of your gas cap or take the gas cap off put a baggie over the opening and screw the cap back on then stand your machine up. Look it over and see if you can see anything wrong go to the side of the machine and pull and push straight in and out on one of the back tires and see how much side play you have checked the differential cover to see if it has any grooves worn in it or through it from the inside out that is the most typical issue on the Snappers, we don’t keep up on the side plate, and the chain inside of the differential wears through the cover and locks up the machine you may have to remove the boot from the side of the cover to inspect the entire thing, let me know what you find. Jim.

[@Rusty-Brown_]

what r the specs on that electric motor and where did you get it im trying to find one

[@jimjackson9381]

MrPieceFull It came out of a old garage door opener. Jim

[@donaldhardy5464]

Hey Jim.. the snapper I got used, is a 1983. Have no parts book with it. My blade belt broke. Can i get that belt at lowes, tractor supply or is it a ordering item? Also, do u know the item # n length? Thanks for ur knowledge...

[@jimjackson9381]

Donald Hardy Belts on a snapper is a Double V typically you can’t find them locally, find your model number and go on Parts Tree.Com. and you should be able to find your belt. Jim

[@bugdude65]

Hello Jim, I need serious help. I just had my snapper mowing in the yard an even tho it still runs , moves, and everything ok (forward and reverse) there is a "gear crunching" sound on every turn of the wheels, sort of like a flat spot on the gears or broken tooth maybe??? I thought it was at the wheels like you described in the video here, but that is ok. It seems to be coming from the chain case? or differential?.. I haven't started to tear anything apart yet because I didn't know which direction to go into it without possibly tearing apart unnecessary items.. I couldn't really find a video of yours that would help out? (maybe I just missed it).. Any help in what direction to proceed will be of value... THANKS... Mark.

[@jimjackson9381]

Maggot Hi Mark it’s Jim By what you’re describing I would say your problem would be is in the differential there are eight different gears inside of the differential and any one of them could be the issue and a chain but I don’t think the chain is the problem, sorry to say you’re going to have to pull that fender in and open it up and see what it looks like inside. Jim Let me know what you find when you get it open. Jim

[@bugdude65]

@@jimjackson9381 thanks.. I will get it open this weekend an let you know what I find...Mark

[@bugdude65]

@@jimjackson9381 hello again, just started in although this may be the culprit?.. the right side alxe is moving in/out 1/2 inch or more. Seems if I have it pulled out the noise is there but push it in an turn both axles together same direction in nuetral, the noise disappears.. Both axles togther seem to push back a forth side to side, I assume this is normal?

[@bugdude65]

How can I send you pics directly?

[@jimjackson9381]

Maggot If you have that much side pulley on your rear tires it sounds like you need new wheel bushings a 1/32 over an inch side play is normal and you shouldn’t be able to wiggle the tires back-and-forth at all. My email is [e-mail] Hope this helps let me know if you need anything. Jim

[@gtb2009b]

What are the part numbers

[@jimjackson9381]

@@gtb2009b I’m not sure what part numbers you’re looking for, but if you take your model number and go to Parts Tree.Com, you can find all the part numbers you need and the prices. Jim

[@gtb2009b]

@@jimjackson9381 the bolts that break

[@steveplotnersr8521]

Jim i got a snapper tip for you if you want it

[@jimjackson9381]

Sure what are you got. Jim

[@steveplotnersr8521]

@@jimjackson9381 your gas gage filler that tells how much gas u got mine was cloudy i used head light restore on mine u can at least see the needle now

[@petemccartney151]

mower moves fine in reverse but won't move in forward

[@dianepittsbritt6945]

Changed the belt, put it in 1,2,3,4,5,, and reverse, and don't move...

[@jimjackson9381]

What bill did you change? Jim