Bolens 750, 550 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SNOW
THROWER
MODELS
Snow Boss 550
Snow Boss 750
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 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 44136-9722.
WHITE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS COMPANY P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10014B.fm
(6/00)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower........................................................................5
Know Your Snow Thrower .................................................................................7
Operating Your Snow Thrower...........................................................................8
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................10
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower........................................................................12
Service...............................................................................................................13
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................16
Parts List............................................................................................................17
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Snow Thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model 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 locat e the model numb er by l ookin g at the l ower fr ame co ver in the rear of your snow
thrower. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model
number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
(Serial Number)
WHITE OUTDOOR
PRODUCTS COMPANY
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING WARRANTY SERVICE
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line.
Call 1- (800)-949-4483 to reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line. Please have your unit’s
model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
information.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.whiteoutdoor.com
2
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may
result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductiv e 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.
Training
1. Read, understand, a nd follow all in struction s on the
machine and in the manual(s ) before a ttempting to
assemble and o perate. Keep this ma nual in a safe pl ace
for future and regular re ference a nd for orde ring
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their prope r operation.
Know how to stop the mach ine and d isengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow childre n under 14 y ears old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should rea d and
understand the op eration in struction s and sa fety rules i n
this manual and should be trained and sup ervised b y a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause seriou s personal injury . Plan
your snow throwin g pattern to avoid di scharge of mat erial
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, hel pers, pets and chi ldren at l east 75
feet from the machin e while it is in operatio n. Stop
machine if anyo ne enters the area.
7. Exercise caution to avoid s lipping o r falli ng, espe cially
when operating in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area wh ere the eq uipment i s to
be used. Remove all door mat s, newspa pers, sle ds,
boards, wires and o ther foreig n object s which c ould be
tripped over or throw n by the auger/imp eller.
2. Always wear safet y glasses or eye s hields d uring
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. T hrown ob jects whi ch ricochet can
cause serious inj ury to the eyes.
3. Do not operate wit hout wearing adequate winter outer
garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other
loose clothing which cou ld becom e entang led in m oving
parts. Wear footwear w hich wi ll improve footing on
slippery surfaces.
4. Use a grounded three wire ex tension cord and receptac le
for all units with electric start engi nes.
5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crus hed
rock surfaces.
6. Disengage all cl utch levers before st arting the engin e.
7. Never attempt to m ake any adjustme nts while engine i s
running, except where spec ifically recomm ended in the
operator’s manual.
8. Let engine and m achine adju st to outd oor tem perature
before starting to clear snow.
9. To avoid personal injury or pro perty damage use extre me
care in handling gasolin e. Gasol ine is e xtremely
flammable and the v apors are explosiv e. Serious
personal injury c an occur w hen gas oline is spilled o n
yourself or your c lothes which c an ignit e. Wash y our skin
and change clot hes immedi ately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cig ars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoo rs.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fue l whil e the
engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at leas t two minu tes before
refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fil l tank to no more tha n
½ inch below bottom of fill er neck to provide space
for fuel expansi on.
g. Replace gasoli ne cap an d tighten secu rely.
h. If gasoline is sp illed, wip e it off th e engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area . Wait 5
minutes before start ing the e ngine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel containe r inside
where there is an o pen flam e, spark or pilot l ight
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heate r, clothes
dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 mi nutes bef ore
storing.
Operation
1. Do not put hands o r feet near rotating p arts, in the a uger/
impeller housing o r disc harge chu te. Cont act wit h the
rotating parts can am putate ha nds and feet.
2. The auger/impelle r clutch lev er is a safety de vice. Nev er
bypass its operati on. Doing so, makes the ma chine
unsafe and may cause p ersonal i njury.
3
3. The clutch leve rs must o perate easily in both d irections
and automaticall y return to the disengaged pos ition when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or da maged di scharge
chute. Keep all safe ty devic es in pl ace and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly vent ilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide , an
odorless and dea dly gas .
6. Do not operate mac hine while under the influenc e of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine beco me hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
8. Exercise extreme ca ution when operating on or cro ssing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution w hen changi ng directi on and w hile
operating on slop es.
10. Plan your snow t hrowing pat tern to av oid disc harge
towards windows, wa lls, cars e tc. To avoid prope rty
damage or personal injury caus ed by a ricochet.
11. Never direct disc harge at c hildren, b ystander s and pet s
or allow anyone in front of t he machi ne.
12. Do not overload machine capa city by attemptin g to clear
snow at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machine without good vi sibility or
light. Always be s ure of yo ur footing and keep a firm hold
on the handles. W alk, never r un.
14. Disengage power to t he aug er/impeller w hen
transporting or not in use.
15. Never operate mach ine at hi gh transp ort speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and b ehind an d use ca re
when in reverse.
16. If the machine sh ould start to vi brate abnormally , stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug an d grou nd it agai nst
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for dam age. Repair any
damage before starting and ope rating.
17. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and st op engin e before y ou
leave the operating position (be hind the handles). Wai t
until the auger/im peller come s to a complete stop befo re
unclogging the d ischarge chute, m aking an y
adjustments, or inspecti ons.
18. Never put your hand in the d ischarge or colle ctor
openings. Always use a cl earing to ol to unc log the
discharge opening.
19. Use only attach ments a nd acce ssories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weigh ts, tire c hains, cabs etc.) .
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manua l,
use care and good judgment. Cont act your dealer or
telephone 1-800-94 9-4483 for assista nce and the name
of your nearest s ervicing de aler.
Maintenance And Storage
1. Never tamper with sa fety devic es. Check their prop er
operation regularly.
2. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and stop engine. Wait u ntil
the auger/impelle r come to a complet e stop . Disconn ect
the spark plug wir e and ground aga inst the engine to
prevent unintended s tarting before cleaning, r epairing, or
inspecting.
3. Check bolts, and sc rews for pro per tightn ess at fre quent
intervals to keep the machine in sa fe working conditio n.
Also, visually inspect mach ine for an y damage .
4. Do not change the engine governo r setting or over-speed
the engine. The g overnor co ntrols th e maxim um safe
operating speed o f the engi ne.
5. Snow thrower shave plate s and skid shoe s are subjec t to
wear and damage. F or your sa fety prote ction, fre quently
check all compon ents a nd replace with orig inal
equipment manuf acturer’s (O.E.M. ) parts on ly. “Us e of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications ma y lead t o imprope r performan ce and
compromise safety!”
6. Check clutch controls periodically to verify they engage
and disengage proper ly and adjust, if necessary. Re fer to
the adjustment sec tion in th is opera tor’s manual for
instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
8. Observe proper disp osal laws and regu lations for gas,
oil, etc. to protect t he enviro nment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine an d prevent freeze up of auger/i mpeller.
10. Never store the machine or fuel cont ainer inside whe re
there is an open flame, s park or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace ,cloth es dryer etc.
11. Always refer to the o perator’s manual f or proper
instructions on off-sea son 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. The
safety labels are given below for your reference.
4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
NOTE: Any referen ce in this manual to the left or right
side of the snow thrower is observed from the
operator’s position.
Unpacking
• Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the
shipping crate.
• Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal
injury.
• Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
• Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
Operator’s Manual, etc).
• Roll unit out of crate.
Loose Parts
The augers are secured to the auger 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 may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts
are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe
place until needed. See Figure 1.
Shear Bolts
Figure 1
Hex Lock
Nuts
Assembly
• Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle.
• Look at the lower rear of snow thrower frame to be
sure both cables are aligned with cable roller
guides.
• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and
carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously
removed. See Figure 3.
Hex Nut
Eyebolt
Figure 3
• Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control
so the rod does nut come into contact with the
engine by moving the hex nut against the handle (if
necessary). Retighten the wing nut to secure the
directional control in this position.
• Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks
on the lower shift rod. See Figure 3.
Connector
Wing Knobs
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
• Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side)
from the lower handle. See Figure 2.
Eyebolt
Wing Knobs, Washers,
& Bolts
Figure 2
NOTE: If the conn ector is not prop erly assemb led, the
shift rod will pivot and y ou will not be able to change
speeds or change directions.
• If not already attached, slip the cables that run from
the handle panel to the chute into the cable guide
located on top of the engine. See Figure 4.
Cable Guide
Figure 4
• Unwrap the headlight wire, which is attached to the
headlight beneath the handle panel.
5
• Wind the headlight wire around the right handle
until excess slack i s remo ved.
• Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead
coming from the right side of the engine, beneath
the fuel tank.
Final Adjustments
Auger Control Adjustment
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• Push forward on the auger control until the small
rubber bumper contacts the upper handle. There
should be slack in the cable. See Figure 5.
• Release the auger control. The cable should be
straight. Make certain you can depress the auger
control against the left handle completely.
If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows:
• Loosen the jam nut and thread the cable in (for less
slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. See
Figure 5.
• Recheck th e adjustm ent bef ore reti ghtenin g the
jam nut against the cable.
Auger
Control
Skid
Shoes
Hex Nuts
Figure 6
Adjust skid shoes as follows:
• Loosen, but do NOT remove, the three hex nuts
which fasten the skid shoe to the auger housing.
• Raise or lower the skid shoe to desired position.
NOTE: Make certai n th e en t ir e b as e of bot h skid sh oe s
are against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the
skid shoes. When one side does wear out, the skid
shoes are reversible.
Z-End
Jam Nut
Auger
Control Cable
Figure 5
Skid Shoe Adjustment
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by repositioning the skid shoes found on
either side of the snow throwers auger housing. 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 6.
IMPORT ANT :
thrower be operated on a gravel surface, as loose
stones can be easily picked up and thrown by the
machine. If you must operate on a gravel surface,
ALWAYS adjust the skid shoes into the HIGH position
to allow the shave plate maximum clearance.
It is NOT recommended that this snow
• Retighten the hex nuts loosened earlier.
• Repeat this adjustment on the skid shoe found on
the opposite side of the snow thrower.
Tire Pressure
The tires are overinflated for shipping purposes.
• Check tire pressure, by referring to tire sidewalls for
recommended tire pressure.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other.
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstance is 30 psi. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all
times. Excessive pressure (over 30 psi)
when seating beads may cause tire/rim
assembly to burst with forc e sufficient to
cause serious injury.
Traction Control and Shift Lever Adjustment
To check the adjustment of the traction control and shift
lever, proceed as follows:
• Move the shift lever into sixth (6) position.
a. With the traction control (refer to Figure 7)
released, gently push the snow thrower
forward, then pull it back. Disregarding the
overall weight of the snow thrower, the
machine should otherwise move freely.
6
b. Engage the traction control and attempt to
move them machine both forward and
rearward. You should experience resistance
as the wheels should not be turning.
• Move the shift lever into the fast reverse (R2)
position and repeat the previous steps (a & b).
If you experienced resistance either when repositioning
the shift lever from 6 to R2 or when attempting to move
the machine forward or rearward with the traction
control released, your snow thrower’s traction control is
in need of adjustment and you should NOT operate the
• Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached.
If the machine can be moved freely both forward and
rearward when the traction control fully depressed,
proceed as follows:
• Loosen the jam nut on the traction drive cable and
THREAD the cable in one full turn.
• Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as
necessary.
• Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached.
machine before completing the adjustment as follows:
• Loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable
and UNTHREAD the cable one full turn.
• Recheck t he ad justm ent.
NOTE: If you are uncert ain that you have rea ched the
correct adjustment, refer to Traction Control Adjustment in Making Adjustments Section.
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Traction Drive /
Auger Control Lock
Discharge
Chute
Auger
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
Headlight
Shift Lever
Skid Shoe
Chute Tilt
Control
Auger Drive Control
Chute Directional
Control
Figure 7
operator can release the auger control (on the left
handle) and the auger s will remain engaged. Re lease
the traction control t o stop both the a ugers and wheel
drive (auger control must also be released).
Closed
Choke
Ignition
Key
Open
Throttle
Control
Primer
Rope Starter
Handle
Traction Control / Auger Control Lock
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop. See Figure 7.
This same lever also locks the auger control so you
can turn the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger
control is engaged alo ng with the traction control, the
IMPORT ANT :
Always release tractional control before
changing speeds.
Auger Drive Control
The auger drive control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers.
Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction
control must also be released.) See Figure 7.
7
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel and is used to determine both ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight
positions. See Figure 7.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position
number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6)
is the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) s peeds. R1 is
the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.
IMPORT ANT :
changing speeds.
Always release tractional control before
Chute Directional Contr ol
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 7.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Chute Tilt Contro l
The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance and
toward the rear to increase the distance. See Figure 7.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
Skid Shoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the
condition of the ground from where snow has to be
removed. See Figure 7.
Safety Ignition Key
The ignition key must be inserted in the switch before
the unit will start. Remove the ignition key when snow
thrower is not in use. See Figure 7.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine. See Figure 7.
Fuel Shut-Off Valve (If Equipped)
The fuel shut-off valve, located under fuel tank, control
fuel flow fr om ta nk. S ee F igure 7.
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Before Starting
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
Gas And Oil Fill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pip es an o th er s our ces
of ignition.
• A plastic cup is provided inside the fuel fill opening
on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup
before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.
To Start Engine
NOTE: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or
augers) with the clutch g rips disengaged, shut engine
off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the Final
Adjustments in the Assembly Section.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside
the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on
the spark plug.
• Make certain the fuel cutoff valve is in the OPEN
(vertical position). See Figure 7.
• Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. See Figure 7. Be certain it
snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
8
Electric Starter (If Equipped)
WARNING: The electric starter is
equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug and is designed to
operate on 120 volt AC household
current. It must be used with a properly
grounded three-prong receptacle at all
times to avoid the possibility of electric
shock. Follow all instructions carefully
prior to operating the electric starter.
• Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
• If your house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any condi tions.
• If your home electrical system is grounded, but a
three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electr ic start er.
• If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows:
• Rotate choke knob to OFF position and do not
prime engine.
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-hole,
grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
• Push starter button on top of the engine to crank
engine. As you crank the engine, move choke knob
to FULL choke position.
• When engine starts, release starter button, and
move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters,
move choke immediately to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
• When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
from the three-prong receptacle first and then from
the snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
• Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF
position instead of FULL.
• Push primer button two or three times. If engine is
warm, pus h prim er but ton on ce on ly.
To Stop Engine
• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
• To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows.
Electric Starter:
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then
to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running,
push starter button and spin the starter for several
seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the
starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect
the power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
Recoil Starter
• With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound, which is not harmful to the engine or starter.
• Move throttle control to “stop” or “off” position.
• Remove ignition key. Do not turn key. Disconnect
the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
NOTE: Keep it in a safe place. Engine will not start
without ignition key.
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times.
To Engage Drive
• With the engine running near top speed, move shift
lever into one of the six FORWARD positions or two
REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate
for the snow conditions that exist.
NOTE: Use slower speeds until you are familiar with
the operation of the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the traction control against the right
handle and the snow thrower will move. Release it
and the drive motion will stop.
IMPORT ANT :
releasing the traction control. Doing so will cause
premature wear to drive system’s friction wheel rubber.
NEVER move shift lever without first
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional prim ing may be necessary for firs t
start if temperature is below 15°F.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
• Repeat the previous steps until engine starts.
To Engage Augers
To engage the augers and start the snow throwing
action, squeeze the auger control against the left
handle.
To disengage power to the augers, release both the
auger control and the traction control, if engaged.
Tire Chains (If Equipped)
Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is
needed.
9
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