Husqvarna ST121E Owner's Manual

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

532 44 30-86 Rev. 6

Operator’s Manual

ST 121E

Please read the owner's manual carefully and make sure you

understand the instructions before using the machine.

English

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new snow thrower. It has been designed, engineered and man u fac tured to

give best possible dependability and per for mance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. We
have competent, well-trained tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your snow thrower prop er ly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

IMPORTANT: This snow thrower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the

following safety instructions could result in serious injury.

Look for this symbol to point out im por tant

safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BE­ COME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.

WARNING: Always disconnect spark plug wire

and place it where it can not con tact plug in order
to pre vent ac ci den tal start ing when setting up,
trans port ing, ad just ing or making re pairs.

WARNING: This snow thrower is for use on

sidewalks, driveways and other ground level sur­faces. Caution should be exercised while using
on sloping surfaces. Do not use snow thrower
on surfaces above ground level such as roofs
of residences, garages, porch es or other such
structures or buildings.

Training

1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operating this
unit. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the
unit and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par­ticularly small children.

4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating the snow thrower in reverse.

Preparation

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

2. Ensure the control bar is released before starting the
engine.

3. Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate
winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can
get caught in moving parts. Wear footwear that will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.

4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable
(a) Use an approved fuel container.
(b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
(c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill

fuel tank indoors.

WARNING: Snow throwers have ex posed rotating

parts, which can cause severe injury from contact,
or from material thrown from the discharge chute.
Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
small children and pets at all times including
startup.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become

extremely hot during operation and remain hot
after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns
on contact, stay away from these areas.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its con stit u-

ents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or
emit chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia
to cause can cer and birth defects or oth er re pro­duc tive harm.

(d) Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers
on the ground, away from your vehicle, before filling.

(e) When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment
on a trailer with a portable container, rather than
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

(f) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times, until refueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

(g) Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe up spilled

fuel.

(h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing

immediately.

5. Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors.

6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except when specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

7. 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.

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

2

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross­ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
disconnect the cord on electric motors, thoroughly
inspect the snow thrower for any damage, and repair
the damage before restarting and operating the snow
thrower. Remove key.

4. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

5. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the
operating position, before unclogging the auger hous­ing or discharge chute, and when making any repairs,
adjustments or inspections.

6. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the snow thrower,
stop the engine and make certain the auger blades and
all moving parts have stopped. Remove key.

7. Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting
the engine and for transporting the snow thrower in or
out of the building. Open the outside doors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.

9. Never operate the snow thrower without proper guards,
and other safety protective devices in place and working.

10. Never direct the discharge toward people or areas
where property damage can occur. Keep children and
others away.

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

12. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds
on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when
operating in reverse.

13. Disengage power to the auger blades when snow
thrower is transported or not in use.

14. Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the snow thrower.

15. 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.

16. Never touch a hot engine or muffler.

Maintenance and Storage

1. Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.

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

3. Always refer to operator’s manual for important details
if the snow thrower is to be stored for an extended
period.

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

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

SERIAL NUMBER: ___________________________

DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE SNOW
THROWER HOUSING (Figure 1).

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT

MODEL NUMBER / NUMERO DE MODELE KG KW RPM

FOR SERVICE CALL/POUR APPELER LE SERVICE
1-800-448-7543
ASSEMBLED IN U.S.A.
ORANGEBURG, SC 29116

MAINTENANCE LEVEL

PRODUIT

NIVEAU DE MAINTENANCE

000000000 00

00000000 000 000 000 0000

CONFORMS TO ANSI B71.3-2005 SAFETY STANDARDS

CONFORME AUX NORMES DE SECURITE ANSI B71.3-2005

SERIAL NUMBER

NUMERO DE SERIE

000000A 000000

YEAR

000000

Figure 1

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your snow thrower.

• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor­ age” sec tions of this manual.

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Hand contact with the rotating auger blades inside

the discharge chute is the most common cause
of injury associated with snow throwers. Never
use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.

To clear the chute:

1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!

2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the auger blades have
stopped rotating.

3. Always use a clearing tool at least 15 inches long.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.6 Quarts (1,5 Liters)
and Type: Unleaded Regular only

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 50°F)
(API SG–SL): SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

(32° to 50°F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 18 Ounces (0,53 Liters)

Spark Plug: F6RTC
Gap: 0.030" (0,762 mm)

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................ 3

SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS ................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-6

OPERATION ............................................................ 8-11

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 12-16

STORAGE ................................................................... 17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 18

WARRANTY ........................................................... 20-23

PRODUCT OVERVIEW ................................................ 7

KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER.

Compare the illustrations with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjust­ments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your snow thrower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and
understand their meaning.

IMPORTANT: Safety and instruction decals are located near areas of potential danger. Replace damaged decals.

IGNITION KEY.

INSERT TO

START AND

RUN

CHOKE
CLOSED
(START)

PRIMER

RECOIL START IGNITION KEY.

CHOKE OPEN

(RUN)

PULL OUT TO

STOP

DANGER

OR WARNING

ENGAGING AND

DISENGAGING THE

AUGER BLADES

ENGINE ON

ENGINE OFF

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

OIL

FUEL

4

ASSEMBLY

Setup

LOOSE PARTS

Use the chart below to verify that all parts have been
shipped.

Description Qty.

Carriage bolts

Shoulder Bolt

Flange nuts

Washer

Knob

Cap Plunger

Chute

Deflector

4

1

4

1

1

1

1

1

Installing the Handle

1. Remove temporary cable ties holding cables at handle
adjustment holes (Figure 2).

2. Release handle adjustment levers on both sides.

1

4. Pull up and push down slightly on the handle to verify
handle is locked into place (Figure 4).

NOTE: If handle feels unsecure with the adjustment
levers closed, tighten adjustment handle nuts until the
handle feels secure.

5. Remove the cardboard from recoil start handle and
feed the recoil rope through the rope guide.

6. Snap two rotator cables and one wiring harness into
the three cable clips (Figure 5).

1

2

1. Handle

2. Recoil handle

3. Rope guide

4. Adjustment lever nut

3

4

2

Figure 2

1. Cable ties

2. Adjustment lever

3. Lift operator handle up to the desired height, and close
adjustment lever ensuring the positioning pin on the
lower handle engages one of the three holes on the
upper handle (Figure 3).

2

1

Figure 3

Figure 4

1

2

3

Figure 5

1. Rotator cable

2. Wiring harness

3. Cable clip

1. Positioning pin

2. Upper handle adjustment hole

5

ASSEMBLY

Installing the Discharge Chute

1. Install the chute deflector to the discharge chute using
bolts and, washer, nut, deflector knob and cap plunger
(Figure 6).

2. Install the discharge chute to the chute base using
three screws and nuts.

8

7

4

510

3

1

9

6

3

2

2

Filling the Engine with Oil

ENGINE

See engine manual.

LUBRICATION

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)

improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils
will result in increased oil consumption when used above
32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the snow thrower is not used for 25 hours
in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil
fill cap / dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

1. Move the snowthrower to a level surface.

2. Clean around the dipstick (Figure 7).
NOTE: Dipstick location may vary depending on engine

type.

3. Remove either side mounted filler cap dipstick or high
oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.

Figure 6

1. Deflector

2. Carriage bolts

3. Flange nuts 5/16-18

4. Washer

5. Knob

6. Discharge chute

7. Carriage bolt

8. Shoulder bolt

9. Flange nuts 1/4-20

10. Cap Plunger

IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten the flange nuts;
otherwise you may damage the discharge chute.

1

Fill if oil
is below
“Add”
on the

GLSVWLFN

Fill if oil is
below letter
“L” on the

¿OOHUFDS

Figure 7

1. Oil filler cap/dipstick

4. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and turn clockwise
until fully seated. Then remove the dipstick by turning
it counter-clockwise.

5. Fill oil to "FULL" on dipstick with the recommended oil.

6. Securely screw in the oil filler cap/dipstick.

6

Product Overview

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

8

6, *7

10

2

1

16

3

4

9

5

17

15

12

11

13

*7

14

Figure 8

1. Discharge chute

2. Chute deflector

3. Fuel tank cap

4. Primer

5. Electric-start button
(if equipped)

6. Oil drain plug

7. Oil fill cap/dipstick

8. Choke lever

* Dipstick location may vary depending on engine type.

9. Ignition key

10. Chute rotator handle

11. Recoil start handle

12. Control bar

13. Lights

14. Drive side cover

15. Auger blade

16. Deflector knob

17. Owner's Manual

7

OPERATION

Operation

NOTE: Determine the left and right sides of the machine

from the normal operating position.

• Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive.
A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you
and others.

• To prevent a static charge from igniting the gaso­line, place the container and/or snowthrower on
the ground before filling, not in a vehicle or on
an object.

• Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold.
Wipe up spills.

• Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around
an open flame or sparks.

• Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out
of the reach of children.

• Do not tip the snowthrower with fuel in the fuel
tank.

The operation of any snow thrower can result
in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating

your snow thrower or performing any ad just­ ments or repairs. We recommend standard safe ty glasses
or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

IMPORTANT: Know how to operate all controls before
adding fuel or attempting to start the engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not use E85 blended fuels. This engine
is not E20/E30/E85 compatible. Alternative fuels with
high alcohol content can cause hard starting, poor engine
performance, and may cause internal engine damage.

NOTE: For best results, purchase only the quantity of
gasoline that you expect to use in 30 days. Otherwise,
you may add fuel stabilizer to newly purchased gasoline
to keep it fresh for up to 6 months.

Checking the Engine Oil Level

1. Move the snowthrower to a level surface.

2. Clean around the dipstick (Figure 9).
NOTE: Dipstick location may vary depending on engine

type.

3. Remove either side mounted filler cap dipstick or high
oil fill dipstick and wipe it clean.

1

Fill if oil
is below
“Add”
on the

GLSVWLFN

Fill if oil is
below letter
“L” on the

¿OOHUFDS

Filling the Fuel Tank

Fill the fuel tank with fresh, unleaded gasoline (minimum
87 AKI octane rating) (Figure 8).

Figure 8

IMPORTANT: Do not add oil to the gasoline.

Figure 9

1. Oil filler cap/dipstick

4. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and turn clockwise
until fully seated. Then remove the dipstick by turning
it counter-clockwise.

5. Fill oil to "FULL" on dipstick with the recommended oil.

6. Securely screw in the oil filler cap/dipstick.

NOTE: Running the engine with a low oil level can cause
engine damage. Always check the engine oil before start up.

NOTE: Running the engine with too much oil may cause
engine damage and excess smoke in the exhaust. Always
check the engine oil level before start up.

8