Cub Cadet 730 STE User Manual
Operator’s Manual
SNOW THROWER
MODEL 730 STE
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 44136-0019.
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
769-01887.fm
.
(5/2005)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower 5
Know Your Snow Thrower 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower 8
Making Adjustments 11
Content Page
Servicing Your Snow Thrower 14
Trouble Shooting 17
Illustrated Parts 18
Commercial Warranty 27
Residential Warranty 28
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 12
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. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the snow thrower. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer’s web site and/or obtain assistance from an authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
Copy the model number here:
CUB CADET LLC
www.cubcadet.com
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
361131
877-282-8684
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, contact the dealer you purchased the unit from or choose from the options below:
Visit cubcadet.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Service or the Service
Locator to find the nearest Cub Cadet service dealer in your area.
To reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line, please call 1-877-282-8684.
Engine
Manual
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
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
reproductive 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, 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 doormats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign 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. Thrown 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 all control levers 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 chute assembly. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute
assembly. Keep all safety devices in place and working.
3
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. Thus, avoiding
possible 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 backing up.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage.
Repair any damage before starting and operating.
17. Disengage all control levers 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 chute assembly, making any adjustments,
or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use the clean-out tool provided to
unclog the discharge opening. Do not unclog chute
assembly while engine is running. Shut off engine and
remain behind handles until all moving parts have
stopped before unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact the dealer you
purchased the unit from or call 1-877-282-8684 for the
name of your nearest Cub Cadet service dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. Refer to the maintenance and
adjustment sections of this manual.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine
disengage all control levers and stop the 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.
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 (OEM) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”
6. Check controls 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.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a
runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds.
Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.
Notice regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and
federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road
Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded
gasoline, and may include the following emission control
systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst
(TWC) if so equipped.
DANGER
NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CONTACT WITH
ROTATING PARTS CAN AMPUTATE FINGERS
AND HANDS.
SHUT OFF ENGINE AND WAIT UNTIL ALL
MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE
UNCLOGGING.
USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR WOODEN
UNCLOG CHUTE.
STICK TO
4
SECTION 1: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
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 pins and cotter pins. If you hit a foreign object or
ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the pins
may shear. Two replacement shear pins and cotter pins
are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe
place until needed. See Figure 1.
Shear Pins
Cotter
Pins
Figure 1
IMPORTANT:
standard hex pins. Any damage to the auger gearbox or
other components from using standard pins will not be
covered by your snow thrower’s warranty.
NEVER replace the auger shear pins with
• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage
bolts previously removed. Attach these hardware
on the lower hole in the handles. See Figure 2.
• Tighten the two wing nuts already in place on the
upper holes and secure the handles firmly. Slide
the shift rod connector down over the end of the
lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks over
the lower shift rod. See Figure 2.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change
speeds or direction of movement.
Carriage
Bolt
Cupped
Washer
Wing
Nuts
Shift Rod
Connector
Hex
Nut
Items Required For Assembly
1. Pair of pliers
2. Engine oil
3. Fresh gasoline
NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right
side of the snow thrower is from the operating position
only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified.
Assembling Handle
For shipping purposes, the upper handle is secured
loosely to the lower handle with four wing nuts.
• Remove the lower plastic wing nut, cupped washer
and carriage bolt from each side of the lower
handle. See Figure 2.
• Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle.
• Look at the lower rear of the snow thrower frame to
be sure all the cables are aligned with the cable
roller guides. Make sure the spring (found at the
end of each cable) is attached to its actuator
bracket.
Figure 2
Attaching Chute Directional Control
• Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control
so the rod does not 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.See Figure 2.
• If not already attached, slip the cables that run from
the handle panel to the chute assembly into the
cable guide located on top of the engine. See
Figure 3.
5
Cable
Discharge
Chute
Cable
Guide
Figure 3
• If not already attached, unwrap the headlight wire
which is attached to the headlight, beneath the
handle panel. Wind the headlight wire around the
lower right handle until excess slack is removed.
See Figure 4.
• Plug the wire from the headlight into the alternator
lead coming from the right side of the engine
underneath the fuel tank.
Alternator Lead
Alternator
Lead
Lamp Wire
NOTE:
Wheels are omitted from illustration for clarity.
Figure 4
Clean-Out Tool
• This tool, along with the electric cord, is fastened
with a cable tie to the rear of the auger housing for
shipping purposes. Cut the cable tie and remove
the electric cord before operating the snow thrower.
SECTION 2: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Drive Control / Auger Control Lock
Headlight
Chute
Assembly
Clean-Out
Too l
Auger
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Skid Shoe
Shift Lever
Chute Tilt
Control
Auger Drive Control
Track Steering
Control
Chute Directional
Control
Safety
Ignition Key
Figure 5
Drive Control / Auger Control Lock
The drive control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop. See Figure 5.
Primer
Choke
Electric
Starter
Button
Switch
Box
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Throttle
Control
6
The drive control 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 along with the drive control, the
operator can release the auger control (on the left
handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release
both controls to stop the augers and track drive.
IMPORTANT:
changing speeds.
Always release drive control before
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. (Drive
control must also be released.) See Figure 5.
IMPORTANT:
to operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all
instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to
verify your snow thrower is operating safely and
properly.
Refer to Auger Control Test on page 9 prior
Chute Tilt Control
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by
adjusting the angle of the upper chute. Move the chute
tilt control forward to decrease the distance, and
backwards to increase distance. See Figure 5.
Skid Shoe
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by positioning the skid shoes. Refer to Skid
Shoe Adjustment on page 12.
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 5.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slowest speed.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slowest speed.
IMPORTANT:
changing speeds.
Always release drive control before
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Clean-Out Tool
The clean-out tool is designed to clear a clogged chute.
Refer to page 10 for instructions on how to properly use
it.
WARNING: Never use your hand to clear
a clogged chute. Shut off engine and remain
behind handles until all moving parts have
stopped before unclogging. Use the cleanout tool or a stick to unclog.
Track Steering Controls
The left and right track steering controls are located on
the underside of the handles and they are used to
assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right
track control when turning right, squeeze the left control
when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open
areas until you become familiar with these controls.
See Figure 5.
NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow
thrower with both track steering controls held in
simultaneously.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine
when pushed down completely. See Figure 5.
Safety Ignition Key
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted and
snapped in place before the unit will start. Remove the
ignition key to prevent unauthorized use of equipment.
See Figure 5.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
7
Track Lock Lever
The track lock lever is located on the right side of the
snow thrower and is used to select the position of the
auger housing and the method of track operation. Move
the lever to the right, then forward or backward to one of
the three positions. See Figure 6.
Transport: Raises the front end of the snow thrower for
easy transport. Using proper caution, this position may
also be used on many gravel driveways to clear snow
while leaving gravel undisturbed.
Packed
Snow
Normal Snow: Allows the tracks to be suspended
independently for continuous ground contact.
Packed Snow: Locks the front end of the snow thrower
down to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow
conditions.
SECTION 3: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Normal
Snow
Track Lock
Lever
Transport
Figure 6
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, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
•A plastic cup may be provided inside the fuel fill
opening to protect the tank during manufacturing.
Remove and discard. Use the threaded fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.
To Start Engine
• 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 auger and drive controls are in the
disengaged (up) position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot and snap in place. See Figure
5. 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.
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 conditions.
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.
• 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 electric starter.
• If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows:
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-prong, 120volt, grounded, AC receptacle.
8
• 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 for cold
engine start, making sure to cover vent hole in
primer button when pushing. DO NOT use primer to
restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Push starter button to start engine.
• 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 three or four times for cold
engine start. DO NOT use primer to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
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.
• As engine warms up, rotate choke knob slowly to
OFF position. If engine falters, return to FULL
choke, then slowly move to OFF position
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.
• To stop engine, move throttle control to “stop” or
“off” position.
• Remove ignition key (DO NOT turn key) to prevent
unauthorized use of equipment.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. 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 En gage Trac k Dri ve
• With the engine running near top speed, move the
shift lever into one of the six FORWARD positions
or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions that exist.
• Squeeze the auger control and the augers will turn.
Release it and the augers will stop.
• Squeeze drive control and the snow thrower will
move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
IMPORTANT:
the drive control. Doing so will cause premature wear
on the drive system’s friction wheel.
NEVER move shift lever without releasing
To Engage Augers
• To engage the augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control against the left handle.
• To disengage power to the augers, release both the
auger control and the drive control, if engaged.
The auger control can be locked so you can turn the
chute directional control without interrupting the snow
throwing process.
Auger Control Test
IMPORTANT:
operating your snow thrower for the first time and at the
start of each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged “up” position, the cable should have
very little slack. It should NOT be tight.
• In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is
set in the FAST position.
• While standing in the operator’s position (behind
the snow thrower), engage the auger.
• Allow the auger to remain engaged for
approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing
the auger control. Repeat this several times.
• With the engine running in the FAST position and
the auger control in the disengaged “up” position,
walk to the front of the machine.
• Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows NO signs of motion.
Perform the following test before
9
Loading...