MTD E740, E760 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

MODELS

E740

E760

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-8752A

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOLHEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.

1. TRAINING

•Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate snow thrower under close parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your snow thrower.

•No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions.

•Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.

2.PREPARATION

•Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.

•Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting engine.

•Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

•Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until engine has been allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

•Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

•Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surface.

•Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

•Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.

•Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

3.OPERATION

•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all times.

•Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the snow thrower.

2

•If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

•Stop engine whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller housing or discharge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening.

•Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.

•When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

•Do not run engine indoors, except when starting engine and transporting snow thrower in or out of building. Open doors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

•Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.

•Never operate snow thrower without guards, plates, or other safety protection devices in place.

•Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure, automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.

•Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.

•Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

•Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow anyone in front of unit.

•Disengage power to collector/impeller when transporting or not in use.

•Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of snow thrower (such as wheel weights, counter weights, cabs, etc.).

•Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

•Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

4.MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

•Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure equipment is in safe working condition.

•Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

•Always refer to operator's manual instructions for important details if snow thrower is to be stored for an extended period.

•Run machine a few minutes after throwing snow to prevent freeze up of collector/impeller.

•Check clutch controls periodically to verify they engage and disengage properly and readjust if necessary. Refer to operator's manual for adjustment instructions.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

ANDCLOTHING.AWAY KEEPHANDS,FEET ROTATINGAUGERAVOIDINJURYFROM

DANGER

Safety labels found on your snow thrower.

WARNING

1.STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT

2.KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING

3.NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS OR WINDOWS OR ALLOW ANYONE IN FRONT OF UNIT

4.THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS TO BE USED AND REMOVE ALL DOOR

MATS, SLEDS, BOARDS, WIRES AND

OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS

5.REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS

3396MW

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SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operators Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start to prepare your snow thrower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

•Every snow thrower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the dash panel.

•The model plate will look like Figure 1.

						This is where your model number will be.
	XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX
						This is where your serial number will be.
					Copy the model number here:
		MTD PRODUCTS INC			Copy the serial number here:
		CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
					Figure 1

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this snow thrower, please call the Customer Support Department. You can reach them by calling:

1-800-800-7310

Before you call, make sure that you have both your model and serial number ready. By having the model and serial number ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your units model and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

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SECTION 4: CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Lay out the hardware according to the illustration for identification purposes. Parts are illustrated approximately one-half size. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.

(Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)

A ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY				B ATTACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY
Hex Bolts					Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-3/4" Long
					1/4-20 x 3/4" Long
(710-3180)
					(710-3015)
	Hex Bolts
	5/16-18 x 3/4" Long			Hex Lock Nuts
	(710-3008)			1/4-20 Thread
	Lock Washers		Handle Tabs	(712-3027)
	5/16" I.D.		(784-5599)
	(736-0119)
Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-1/2" Long					Chute Flange
(710-0262)					Keepers
Cupped Washers					(731-0851A)
5/16" I.D.
(736-0242)
Hex Nuts
5/16-18 Thread
(712-3010)
C ATTACHING THE CHUTE CRANK				D ATTACHING THE SHIFT ROD
Flat Washers				AND CLUTCH CABLES
					Hairpin Clips
3/8" I.D. x 5/8" O.D.				Ferrule
(736-0185)	Hex Bolt				(714-0104)
				(711-0677)
	5/16-18 x 1-1/2"
	Long			Flat Washers
	(710-0442)			5/16" I.D. x 5/8" O.D.
				(736-0264)
	Lock Washer
	5/16" I.D.
	(736-0119)
Hairpin Clip	Hex Nut
(714-0104)	5/16-18 Thread
	(712-3010)
F AUGER SHEAR BOLTS				G ATTACHING THE TRACK CONTROLS
The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts
and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the snow
thrower is designed so that the bolts will shear. Two replace-
ment shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience.
Store in a safe place until needed.
		Hex Lock Nuts
	Shear Bolts	5/16-18 Thread
	5/16-18 x	(712-0429)
	1-1/2" Long
	(710-0890A)			Track Control Triggers
				5

SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow thrower can be determined from behind the unit in the operating position.

Left

Handle Right

Handle

Flat

Figure 2

UNPACKING

1.Remove staples or break glue on the top flaps of the carton. Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e., operator’s manual, etc.).

2.Cut along dotted lines and lay end of carton down flat. Remove packing material.

3.Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

4.Lay out the hardware according to the illustration on page 5 for identification purposes.

Tools Required for Assembly:

(1)3/8" Wrench or Adjustable

(2)7/16" Wrenches or Adjustable

(1)1/2" Wrench or Adjustable

(1)Pair of Pliers

(1)Phillips Screwdriver

Loose Parts in Carton:

(1)	Handle Panel	(1)	Chute Crank Assembly
(1)	Chute Assembly	(1)	Shift Rod
(1)	Right Handle	(1)	Hardware Pack
(1)	Left Handle

Handle

Tab

Hex

Bolt 1-3/4"

Long

Figure 3

Handle Panel

Carriage

Bolt

Figure 4

Lock

Washers

Hex Bolt

3/4" Long

Cupped

Washer Hex

Nut

NOTE:

Place the cupped side against the handle panel.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY

(Hardware A)

1. Stretch out control cables and place on the floor behind unit.

2. Identify left and right handles as shown in figure 2. The flats on the lower part of handles will be placed against the snow thrower housing.

3. Place right handle in position with flat side against the snow thrower. Secure bottom hole in handle to snow thrower using hex bolt 3/4" long and lock washer. See figure 3. Do not tighten at this time.

4. Place handle tab over the upper hole in handle, so the curve in the handle tab matches the curve in the handle. Secure to the snow thrower using 1-3/4" hex bolt and lock washer. Do not tighten at this time.

5. Attach the left handle in the same manner. Do not tighten at this time.

6. Place the handle panel in position between the handles. To hold the handle panel in place, engage both clutch grips (hold them against the handles). Now release the left hand grip, and it will remain against the handle. Keep holding the right hand clutch grip. See figure 4.

7. Secure the right side of the handle panel by inserting carriage bolt through handle and handle panel (must go through both the plastic and metal parts of the handle panel). Secure with cupped washer (cupped side against the handle panel) and hex nut. Repeat using another carriage bolt, cupped washer and hex nut.

8. Secure the left side of the handle panel in the same manner.

9. Tighten the four hex bolts which attach the

bottom of the handles to the snow thrower frame.

6

Chute Assembly

Hex Bolt

Hex Lock Nut

Chute Flange

Keeper

Figure 5

Lock Washer

Hex Nut

Hex Bolt

Upper

Chute

Crank

Bracket

Figure 6

Carriage Bolts

Hex Lock Nuts

Lower

Chute

Crank

Bracket

Figure 7

Flat

Washers Chute

Crank

Hairpin Clip Lower

Chute

Crank Plastic

Bracket Bushing

Figure 8

ATTACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY

(Hardware B)

1.Place chute assembly over chute opening, with the opening in the chute assembly facing the front of the unit.

2.Place chute flange keepers beneath lip of chute assembly with the flat side down.

3.Insert hex bolt up through chute flange keeper and chute assembly as shown in figure 5. Secure with hex lock nut.

4.After assembling all three chute flange keepers, tighten all nuts and bolts. Do not overtighten hardware as it will restrict movement of the discharge chute.

ATTACHING THE CHUTE CRANK

(Hardware C)

1.Insert hex bolt through the upper chute crank bracket. See figure 6.

2.Place the hex bolt into the hole provided in the left handle. Secure with lock washer and hex nut. Do not tighten until after attaching the other end of the chute crank.

3.Loosen the carriage bolts and hex lock nuts which secure the lower chute crank bracket to the extension on the left side of the chute assembly. See figure 7.

4.Place one flat washer on the end of the chute crank, then insert the end of the crank into the hole in the plastic bushing in the lower chute crank bracket. See figure 8. Place the other flat washer on the end of the chute crank, and insert hairpin clip into hole in the end of crank.

5.Adjust the chute bracket so that the spiral on the chute crank fully engages the teeth on the chute assembly. Tighten the nuts on the lower chute crank bracket securely. Tighten the hex bolt and nut on the upper chute crank bracket on the handle.

7

IMPORTANT: Attach the shift rod and clutch cables as follows. THEN CHECK THE ADJUSTMENTS AS INSTRUCTED, AND MAKE ANY FINAL ADJUSTMENTS NECESSARY BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER. Failure to follow the instructions may cause damage to the snow thrower.

Traction		Shift Lever
Drive
Clutch

	Upper
	Hole in		Hairpin
	Shift	Ferrule
			Flat Clip
	Lever
			Washer
			Shift
			Rod
		Shift
		Arm
		Assembly
Hairpin	Flat
Clip	Washer

Figure 9

“Z” End

Hex Jam

Nut

Cable

is Straight

Figure 10

Right

Track

Control

Figure 11

ATTACHING THE SHIFT ROD

(Hardware D)

1.Place the shift lever (on the handle panel) in the sixth (6) speed position (all the way forward).

2.Place the bent end of the shift rod into the hole in the shift arm assembly. See figure 9. Secure with flat washer and hairpin clip.

3.Start threading the ferrule onto the other end of the shift rod. Push down on the shift rod (and shift arm assembly) as far as it will go.

4.Thread the ferrule onto the shift rod until the ferrule lines up with the upper hole in the shift lever (beneath the handle panel). Insert the ferrule into the upper hole in the shift lever from the left side when adjustment is correct. Secure with flat washer and hairpin clip.

Make certain to check for correct adjustment of the shift rod as instructed in the Final Adjustment section before operating the snow thrower.

ATTACHING THE CLUTCH CABLES

The “Z” end of the clutch cables are hooked into the clutch grips on each handle. Attach cables as follows.

1.Thread the hex jam nuts all the way up the threaded portion of the “Z” ends of the clutch cables.

2.Make certain each cable is in groove of cable roller guides. Place the clutch grip in the raised (up) position.

3.Thread the cable onto the threaded portion of the “Z” and until there is no slack in the cable, but the cable is NOT tight. Do not overtighten cable. See figure 10.

WARNING: If cable is tightened so there is tension on the cable with the clutch grip released, the safety features of the snow thrower may be overridden.

4.When correct adjustment is reached, tighten the hex jam nut against the bottom portion of the cable to lock it in position.

ATTACHING THE TRACK CONTROLS

(Hardware G)

1.Remove the screw from the top of the right hand track control. Be careful not to lose the flat weld nut that is inside the control.

2.Place the right track control in position underneath the right handle. Secure with screw just removed. See figure 11.

3.Secure the left track control in the same manner.

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4.Attach track control cable to track control handle by inserting cable ball into slot on track control handle. Pull cable down and up until it snaps into front of track control handle. Repeat on other side.

5.Secure the track control cables to the inside of the lower handle using the cable ties provided. Pull the cable ties tight, and trim the excess ends of the cable ties. See figure 12.

Track Cable

Handle

Cable Tie

Shift

Arm

Assembly

Figure 12

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

Auger Drive Clutch

To check the adjustment of the auger drive clutch, push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger drive clutch grip against the left handle completely.

If necessary, loosen the hex jam nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. Refer to figure 10. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the hex jam nut against the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever Adjustment

To check the adjustment of the traction drive clutch and shift lever, move the track lock lever to the transport position (see figure 15) and the shift lever all the way forward to sixth (6) position. With the traction drive clutch released, push the snow thrower forward to check that the tracks turn.

NOTE: It may be necessary to “rock” the snow thrower backward, then forward, to start the tracks turning.

Engage the traction drive clutch and push the snow thrower. The tracks should not turn. Release the traction drive clutch and make sure the tracks again turn.

Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse position, then all the way forward again. There should be no resistance in movement of shift lever.

If you have resistance when moving the shift lever or you are unable to turn the tracks by pushing the snow thrower, loosen the lock nut on the traction drive cable and unthread the cable one turn. If you are able to turn the tracks when you engage the traction drive clutch grip, loosen the lock nut on the traction drive cable and thread the cable in one turn. Recheck and repeat adjustment as necessary. Tighten the lock nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: If you are uncertain that you have reached the correct adjustment, refer to the Adjustment section on page 13.

Skid Shoe Adjustment

The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted. For close snow removal, place skid shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See figure 13.

Adjust skid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts and carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to desired position. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.

It is not recommended that you operate this snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be easily picked up and thrown by the auger causing an injury or damage to the snow thrower. If you do wish to use the snow thrower on gravel, refer to “Track Lock Lever” instructions in the Control section.

Low Position

Skid High Position

Shoe

Hex Nuts

Carriage Bolts

Figure 13

9