Bolens 521, 721 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Single Stage

Snow

Thrower

Models 521 & 721

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, 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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILT LLC. P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO

769-00309A.fm

.

(7/2003)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices .................................................................................. 3

Assembling Your Snow Thrower....................................................................................... 5

Know Your Snow Thrower................................................................................................. 6

Operating Your Snow Thrower.......................................................................................... 7

Making Adjustments.......................................................................................................... 8

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 9

Off-Season Storage .......................................................................................................... 10

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 11

Parts List .......................................................................................................................... 12

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you to assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new snow thrower, please locate the mode l plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an
authorized dealer.

• You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the op erating position and looking down at
the dash panel . A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the mode l
number and the serial number of the equipment in th e space below.

Model Number ________________
Serial Number ________________

Copy the model number here:

www.troybilt.com

TROY-BILT LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136

330-558-7220
866-840-6483

361131

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINE INFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-rel ated issues with regards to perf ormance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to th e engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Op erator’s Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or hav e any questions regardin g the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit’s model number and se rial number ready when you call. See
previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter th e serial number in order to
process your call.

2

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not follo wed, could endanger

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all inst ructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this m achine. Failure to comply with these instructions may r esult in personal
injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its const ituents, an d certain vehicle components contain or emit

chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other re productive harm.

DANGER: This machine 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. This machine is capable
of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.

Tra in in g

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this

machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without

proper instruction.

5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan

your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, bystanders and the like.

6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75

feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.

7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially

when operating in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other objects which could be tripped
over or thrown by the auger/impeller.

2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during

operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. Throw n objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

3. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer

garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other
loose clothing which could become entangled in moving
parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on
slippery surfaces.

4. Use a grounded three wire extension cord and receptacle

for all units with electric start engines.

5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed

rock surfaces.

6. Disengage the control bail before starting the engine.

7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.

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

9. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than

½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space

for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5

minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light

(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes

dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before

storing.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. The auger/impeller control bail is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3. The control bail must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.

3

4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
chute. Keep all safety devices in place and working.

5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.

6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

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

8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes.

10. Plan your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. To avoid property
damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.

11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets
or allow anyone in front of the machine.

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

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

14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when
transporting or not in use.

15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care
when in reverse.

16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.

17. Disengage the control bail and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before
unclogging the discharge chute, making any
adjustments, or inspections.

18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use a clearing tool to unclog the
discharge opening.

19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chai ns, cabs etc.).

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or
telephone [phone] for assistance and the name
of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

2. Disengage the control bail and stop engine. Wait until the
auger/impeller come to a complete stop. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.

3. Check bolts, and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to
wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently
check all components and replace with original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”

6. Check the control bail periodically to verify they engage
and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to
the adjustment section in this operator’s manual for
instructions.

7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas,
oil, etc. to protect the environment.

9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.

10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace ,clothes dryer etc.

11. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

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.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Unpacking From Carton

• Cut along corners of the carton and lay it down flat.
Remove packing material.

• Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).

• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
any remaining loose part.

Items Required For Assembly

1. Engine oil

2. Fresh gasoline

NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow
thrower is from the operating position only.

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire

and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. See Figure 1.

Raising Upper Handle

• Loosen the hand knob on each side of the handle.
Remove packing material, if any.

• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1 until it clicks into the operating position.
Make sure not to pinch or crimp the cable.

• Tighten the hand knobs.

Assembling the Discharge Chute

For shipping reasons, the snow thrower has been
packaged with the upper chute pivoted all the way
down. To pivot it upward, proceed as follows:

• Turn the chute until the chute opening is facing
straight ahead.

• Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage
bolt from the lower chute. See Figure 2.

• Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on the
lower chute so that there is NO gap between the
upper chute and the lower chute. See Figure 2.

• Re-secure with the hardware just removed.

CAUTION:Do not use the Chute
Handle to lift the machine.

Carriage Bolt
and Flat Washer

Figure 1

Hand Knob

Spark Plug

Access

Wing Knob

Figure 2

5