Husqvarna ST 324P User 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.

115 68 19-27 Rev. 1

Operator’s Manual

ST 324P

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

understand the instructions before using the machine.

English

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

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. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

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.

(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.

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 i­cals known to the State of Cal i for nia
to cause can cer and birth defects or
oth er re pro duc tive harm.

(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 im-

mediately.

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.

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),
remove the wire from the spark plug, 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.

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 collector/impeller
housing or discharge chute, and when making any
repairs, adjustments or inspections.

2

6. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the snow
thrower, stop the engine and make certain the collector/
impeller and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent someone from accidentally starting the
engine.

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 collector/impeller when snow
thrower is transported or not in use.

14. Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the snow thrower (such as wheel
weights, counterweights, or cabs).

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.

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Hand contact with the rotating impeller 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 impeller blades have
stopped rotating.

3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.

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.

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”.

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.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 0.95 Gallons (3,6 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: 20 Ounces (0,57 Liters)

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

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 own er’s manual.

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

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

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

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION ............................... 5-7

OPERATION ............................................................ 8-14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 15

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-16

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ........................... 17-19

STORAGE ................................................................... 20

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ................................................ 21

WARRANTY ........................................................... 22-25

3

PARTS PACKED SEPARATELY IN CARTON

(1) RETAINER

SPRINGS

(169675)

SAFTEY

IGNITION KEY (S)

(443059)

(6) SHEAR BOLTS 1/4-20 x 1-3/4

(585511801)

UHMW SKID PLATES

(2) SKID PLATE

(583838801)

(4) LOCKNUT

(585802801)

(1) MULTI-

WRENCH

(180684)

5/16-18

(1) WASHER 3/8

(19131316)

(6) LOCKNUTS

1/4-20

(73800400)

(4) CARRIAGE BOLT

5/16-18 x 1.00

(437318)

(1) LOCKNUT 3/8

(73800600)

(2) FLAT WASHERS

(2) CARRIAGE BOLTS

3/8-16 x 2.25

(2) HANDLE KNOBS

(1) LOCKNUT

5/16-18

(751153)

(1) LOCKNUT

1/4-20

(191730)

(1) CARRIAGE BOLT

5/16-18 x 5/8

(72250505)

(1) SHOULDER

BOLT 1/4-20

(179829)

(1) SPRING

(184505)

4

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new
snow thrower. Reading the entire manual will familiar­ize you with the unit, which will assist you in assembly,
operation and maintenance of the product.

Your new snow thrower has been as sem bled at the factory
with the ex cep tion of those parts left unassembled for ship­ping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to com plete the as sem bly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your
snow thrower, all parts and hard ware you assemble must
be tightened se cure ly. Use the correct tools as nec es sary
to ensure proper tightness.

REMOVE SNOW THROWER FROM CAR TON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes
from carton.

2. Cut down all four corners of carton and lay panels flat.

3. Remove the two (2) screws securing the auger housing
to the pallet and remove additional steel brackets from
skid plate if equipped.

4. Remove all packing materials ex cept plastic tie holding
speed control rod to lower handle.

5. Remove the two (2) plastic ties securing the upper
handle to the pallet.

6. Remove snow thrower from carton and check carton
thor ough ly for ad di tion al loose parts.

INSTALL SPEED CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 1 and 2)

1. Remove plastic tie securing rod to lower handle.

2. Insert rod into speed control bracket and secure with
retainer spring.

SPEED

CONTROL

ROD

PLASTIC TIE

UPPER
HANDLE

HANDLE
KNOB

LOWER
HANDLE

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SNOW THROWER

TOOL BOX (See Fig. 10)

A toolbox is provided on your snow thrower. The toolbox is
located on top of the belt cover. Store the extra shear bolts,
nuts and multi-wrench provided in parts bag in the toolbox.

NOTE: The multi-wrench may be used for assembly of the
chute rotator head to snow thrower and making ad just ments
to the skid plates.

UNFOLD UPPER HANDLE

1. Raise upper handle to the operating position and
tight en handle knobs securely. Additional carriage
bolts, washers and handle knobs are in bag of parts.
Use to secure upper handle to lower handle. Install
in lower holes in handles.

FIG. 1

SPEED CON TROL ROD

SPEED
CONTROL
BRACKET

FIG. 2

RETAINER
SPRING

SPEED

CONTROL

LEVER

5

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

INSTALL TRACTION DRIVE CONTROL ROD
(See Figs. 3 and 4)

The traction drive control rod is installed on the snow thrower.

1. Remove plastic tie securing traction drive control rod
to rotator bracket.

2. With top end of rod positioned under left side of control
panel, push rod down and insert top end of rod into
hole in traction drive control lever. Snap rod into place
by pushing down.

NOTE: Engage lever once and rod should snap into place.

PLASTIC TIE

TRACTION DRIVE

CONTROL ROD

INSTALL AUGER CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 5 and 6)

The auger control rod is installed on the snow thrower.

1. Remove plastic tie securing auger control rod to lower
handle. (See Fig. 5).

2. Push down on the auger control rod and bring top
end of rod up between the metal console and plastic
console cover at right control lever.

3. With control lever in the raised position, insert end of
control rod in slot of control lever.

NOTE: Engage lever once and rod should snap into place.

PLASTIC TIE

AUGER

CONTROL

ROD

FIG. 3

TRACTION DRIVE CON TROL LEVER

TRACTION DRIVE
CON TROL ROD

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

AUGER CON TROL LEVER

AUGER
CON TROL
ROD

FIG. 6

6

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

INSTALL DISCHARGE CHUTE / CHUTE ROTATOR
HEAD (See Fig. 7)

NOTE: The multi-wrench provided in your parts bag may

be used to install the chute rotator head.

1. Place discharge chute assembly on top of chute base
with discharge opening toward front of snow thrower.

2. Position chute rotator head over chute bracket. If
nec es sary, rotate chute assembly to align square and
pin on un der side of chute rotator head with holes in
chute brack et.

3. With chute rotator head and chute bracket aligned,
po si tion chute rotator head on pin and threaded stud
of mounting bracket.

4. Install 3/8 washer and locknut on threaded stud and
tighten securely.

CHUTE
ROTATOR
HEAD

3/8 LOCKNUT

3/8 WASHER

INSTALL CHUTE DEFLECTOR REMOTE CONTROL
(See Figs. 8 and 9)

1. Install remote cable bracket to discharge chute with
5/16-18 carriage bolt and 5/16-18 locknut as shown.
Tighten securely.

2. Install remote cable eyelet to chute deflector with
1/4-20 shoulder bolt and 1/4-20 locknut as shown.
Tighten nut securely. Cable eyelet will be loose on
shoulder bolt.

3. Install spring hooks between hex nuts on chute rotator
head and into hole in chute deflector as shown.

1/4-20
SHOULDER
BOLT

1/4-20
LOCK NUT

CABLE
EYELET

SPRING

CHUTE

DE FLEC TOR

HOOK
BE TWEEN
HEX NUTS
ON CHUTE
ROTATOR
HEAD

5/16-18

CARRIAGE

BOLT

CHUTE
BRACKET

ALIGN BEFORE

TIGHTENING LOCKNUT

FIG. 7

PIN

THREADED

STUD

ROTATOR HEAD

MOUNT ING

BRACKET

REMOTE

CABLE

BRACKET

5/16-18
LOCKNUT

FIG. 8

CHUTE DEFLECTOR
CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 9

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your snow thrower were overinflated at the fac­tory for shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pres sure
is important for best snow throwing performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 14-17 PSI.

7

OPERATION

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.

DANGER

OR WARNING

FORWARD

DANGER

DO NOT PLACE HANDS
NEAR BLADES

REMOVE SPARK
PLUG WIRE BEFORE
PERFORMING
MAINTENANCE

REVERSE

OPERATE AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM OTHER PEOPLE

EAR PROTECTION

RECOMMENDED

DANGER

READ OPERATORS MANUAL

WATCH FOR THROWN OBJECTS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRIMER

DANGER, KEEP FEET AWAY

DANGER, KEEP HANDS AWAY

SNOW

DISCHARGE

DISENGAGED

ENGAGED

TRACTION

DRIVE CONTROL

8

IGNITION KEY.

INSERT TO START

AND RUN,

PULL OUT TO STOP.

OPERATION

MUF FLER

CHOKE CON TROL

THROTTLE
CON TROL

ON/OFF
SWITCH

PRIM ER

SAFETY IGNITION
KEY

FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

NOTE: ITEMS ABOVE

ARE SHOWN IN
THEIR TYPICAL

LOCATION ON THE

ENGINE. ACTUAL

LOCATION MAY VARY

WITH THE ENGINE

ON YOUR UNIT.

GAS O LINE

POWER CORD

FILLER CAP

CHUTE
DE FLEC TOR

DISCHARGE
CHUTE

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

PLUG

ELECTRIC

START

BUTTON

TOOLBOX

AUGER
CONTROL
LEVER

DISCHARGE
CHUTE
CONTROL
LEVER

LIGHT

DRIVE SPEED
CON TROL LEVER

MUF FLER

DEFLECTOR

REMOTE

CONTROL LEVER

LH TURN

TRIGGER

TRACTION DRIVE
CONTROL LEVER

HANDLE

KNOB

DRIFT

CUTTER

AU GERS

SKID PLATE

FIG. 10

MEETS A.N.S.I. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our snow throwers conform to the standards of the American National Standards Institute.

Toolbox - used to store spare shear bolts, locknuts and
wrench.

Safety ignition key - must be inserted for the engine to
start and run. Remove when snow thrower is not in use.

Electric start button – used for starting the engine.

Recoil (auxiliary) starter handle – used for start ing the

en gine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Choke control - used for starting a cold engine.

ON / OFF switch - used to STOP the engine.

Drive speed control lever - used to select forward or

reverse motion and speed of snow thrower.

Traction drive control lever - used to engage power­pro pelled for ward or reverse motion of snow thrower.

LH and RH turn triggers - used to steer the snow thrower.

Auger control lever - used to engage auger motion (throw

snow).

Discharge chute control lever - used to change the di­ rec tion the snow is thrown.

Skid plate - used to adjust height of scraper bar from the
ground.

Drift cutter - used to cut through deep snowdrifts.

Throttle- used to se lect FAST or SLOW engine speeds.

9