MTD 13045 Owner’s Manual

O TRO_ BILT__

Operator's Manual

Snow Thrower Model

13045mPolar Blast

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 isused, 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

FORM NO. 769-00381

PRINTED IN U.S.A. (6/2002)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

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

Loose Parts & Hardware Pack ................................................................................. 5

Assembling Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 7

Know Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 10

Operating Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................ 11

Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 13

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 14

Service .................................................................................................................... 15

Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................. 17

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 18

Parts List ................................................................................................................. 19

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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.

O efore you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and

You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the rear
frame below the engine. 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.

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.

Mode! Number) (Serial Number)

www.troybilt.com CLEVELAHD,OH_136

330=55a-7220
866-840-6483

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard 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.

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

PleasedoNOTreturntheunittotheretailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

Should you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- [phone] or 1- [phone] to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have
your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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 symboliheed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

,&

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 14years 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 augedimpelier.

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.

contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation inthis

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 instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

6.

Disengage all clutch 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 Y2

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 pilotlight

(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 the

rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. The augedimpeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when

released.

4. Neveroperatewithamissingordamageddischarge
chute.Keepallsafetydevicesin 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 bum. 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 augedimpeller 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 wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage.
Repair any damage before starting and operating.

17. Disengage all clutch levers and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the augedimpeller 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 the clean-out tool provided to
unclog the discharge opening. Do not unclog discharge
chute 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 your dealer or telephone [phone] for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing

dealer.

MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE

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 clutch levers 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.

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

instructionson off-season storage.

WARNING-- YOURRESPONSIBILITY:

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 shown below for your reference.

1.10_ AWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLI_
ANDAUGBR.CgHTACTWT'C4IN_LLEROR

ALiBBCJ ,q_UTATOHANDSANDH£i:'r,

_b DISCHARGE$HUIT.

2.USECLFJLN-C(ITTOOLTOUNCLOG

_ S.glSEHGA_ECLUTOHLEVERS5"FOrETOiHE,

.MIDHmAINgEHifOFIAHDLE$UN111.N.L

i40VIHIGPARTSHAVESTOPPWDETOHE
UNCLOGGINGORS_VICING MACHINE.

4.TOAVOID11TOOWHOBJECTSINJURIES,
iWR DIRECTDISCIIARGEATDTSTANDERS.

LBSEe('l_,ACALmONWHENOFHTAllNGON
GRAVELSURW_CES.

.R_D OPmATOR'$MAHLBAL.

I:A,EF,I- niJT 1TIP. iala4aili,

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

NOTE: All references to right or left side of the snow

thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position. The "operator's position" is defined

as standing directly behind the snow thrower, facing the

handle panel

LooseParts

• 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.

_]_]_7 Shear B°lts _Hex Lock

Wing Nut

©/.uts

Figure 1

IMPORTANT: NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with
standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox

or other components from standard hex bolts will not be
covered by your snow thrower's warranty.

AssemblingHandle

,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug

IMPORTANT: Make any adjustments, as instructed on

Page 10, before operating your snow thrower. Failure

to follow these instructions may cause damage to the
snow thrower.

• Remove the lower plastic wing nut, cupped washer

NOTE: Before proceeding, look at the lower rear of the

snow thrower frame to be sure the spring (found at the
end of each cable) is attached to its actuator bracket

See Figure 3.

• Pivot the upper handle assembly forward until it

• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the

• Firmly tighten all four wing nuts to secure the upper

wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.

and carriage bolt from each side of the lower
handle. See Figure 2.

locks over the lower handle. See Figure 2.

two plastic wing nuts, bell washers and carriage
bolts previously removed from the lower hole.

handle to the lower handles.

Figure 2

Shift Rod

Connector

Washer

Nut

Actuator Brackets & Springs

Figure 3

• 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 3.

NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the

shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change
speeds or change directions.

AttachingChuteDirectionalControl

• Remove the hairpin clip from the upper rod and
slide the upper rod through the bracket and into the
lower rod. See Figure 4.

• Align the two holes on both chute cranks and insert
the hairpin clip removed earlier, through these
holes. See Figure 4.

Upper Chute Crank

Upper Chute

Crank Bracket

Discharge Chute

Cable Guide

Figure 5

I_\ 111

Figure 4

RoutingChuteTiltCables

• If not already routed, slip the cables that run from
beneath the handle panel to the discharge chute
through the cable guide located on top of the
engine housing. See Figure 5.

ConnectingAlternatorLead

• Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to the
headlights, beneath the handle panel. Wind the
wire around the lower right handle until excess
slack is removed. See Figure 6.

Plug the wire from the headlight intothe alternator
lead located on the right side ofthe engine,
beneath the fuel tank. See Figure 6.

SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER

DischargeChute

,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

ChuteTilt Control

The distance snow is thrown can be changed by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance,
toward the rear to increase. See Figure 7.

ThrottleControl

The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine. See Figure 7.

all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance
that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for
greater distance; tilt down for less distance.

SkidShoes

The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by positioning the skid shoes. Refer to Skid

ShoeAdjustmenton page 12.

Figure 6

Traction Control /

Auger Control

Right Wheel Steering Control

Headlights

Discharge Fuel Tank

Chute .._

Chute

Clean-out Tool

Safety Ignition Ke_

Auger

Skid Shoe

SafetyIgnitionKey
The ignitionkey must be inserted in the switch in order

for the engine tostart. Remove the ignitionkey when
the snow thrower isnot in use.

NOTE: Do NOT "turn" the ignition key in an attempt to

start the engine.

Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle

panel and is used to determine ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight

positions. See Figure 7.
IMPORTANT: Always release traction the control before

changing speeds.

Forward

Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds.

Position number one (1) is the slowest and position
number six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse

Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is
the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.

TractionControl/Auger ControlLock
The traction controlis located on the right handle.

Squeeze the traction controlto engage the wheel drive.

Release to stop. See Figure 7.

This same lever also locks the auger control lock, so
you can operate the chute crank without interruptingthe

snow throwing process. Ifthe auger control isengaged
simultaneously with the traction control, the operator

Chute Tilt Control

Auger Control

Chute Directional Control

Left Wheel Steering Control

Throttle Control

Figure 7

can release the auger control (on the left handle) and
the augers will remain engaged. Release the traction

control to stop both the augers and wheel drive (the
auger control must also be released).

IMPORTANT:ALWAYS release the traction control
before moving the shift lever. Failure to do so wilt result
in premature wear to the drive system's friction wheel.

AugerControl

The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the auger control to engage the augers.

Release to stop the snow throwing action. The traction
control must also be released in order to stop the auger.

IMPORTANT:Refer to AugerControlTestonpage 9 priorto
operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all

instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to
verify your snow thrower is operating safely and

properly.
ChuteDirectionalControl

The chute directional control is located on left hand side
ofthe snow thrower.To change the direction which

snow is thrown, rotate chute directional control as
follows:

• Clockwise to discharge to the left.

• Counterclockwise to discharge to the right.

Headlights

When properly connected, both headlights illuminate
whenever the engine is running.

Electric
Starter

Button

i

Switch

Box

Starter
Handle

ChuteClean-outTool

WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a
clogged discharge chute. Shut off engine and

remain behind handles until all moving parts
have stopped before unclogging.

This item is fastened with a cable tie to the rear of
the Auger Housing at the factory. Cut the cable tie

before operating the snow thrower.
The chute clean-out tool (see Figure 7) is designed to

clear a clogged discharge chute. Refer to page 10 for
detailed instructions on how to properly use the chute

clean-out tool.

WheelSteeringControls

The left and right wheel steering controls are located on
the underside of the handles and are used to assist in

steering the snow thrower.

• Squeeze the right wheel steering control when
turning right; squeeze the left control when turning

left.

• Operate the snow thrower in open areas until

becoming familiar with these controls.

SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

BeforeStarting

_, WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.

GasAndOilFill-up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

A 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 an other sources of
ignition.

A plastic cap is provided inside the fuel fill opening
on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cap
before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.

ToStartEngine

NOTE: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or

augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine

off immediately. Readjust as instructed on page 9---

AugerControlTest) andpage /O---TractionControlandShift
Lever.

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 clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. See NOTE:. 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.

ElectricStarter

• Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire

grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.

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 house wiring system isnot a three-wire

grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.

• If your home electrical system isgrounded, 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:

• 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 the electric starter button (Refer to NOTE:) to

crank engine. As you crank the engine, move
choke knob to FULL choke position.

• Whenenginestarts,releasestarterbutton,and
movechokegraduallytoOFF.Ifenginefalters,

movechokeimmediatelytoFULLandthen
graduallytoOFF.

• Whendisconnectingthepowercord,alwaysunplug
fromthethree-prongreceptaclefirstandthenfrom

thesnowthrower.

RecoilStarter

• 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. Ifengine is
warm, push primer button once only.

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.

ToStopEngine

• 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.

ElectricStarter:

• 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.

RecoilStarter

• 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.

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.

AugerControlTest

IMPORTANT: Perform the following test before
operating the 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, but should NOT be tight.

_ WARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable.

• In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower

• While standing in the operator's position (behind

• Allow the auger to remain engaged for

• With the engine running in the FAST position and

• Confirm that the auger has completely stopped

IMPORTANT: If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating,
immediately return to the operator's position and shut
off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
readjusting the auger control cable.

• To readjust the control cable, unhook the spring

Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the

snow thrower.

engine as instructed earlier inthis section under the
heading StartingEngine.Make sure the throttle is set
in the FAST position.

the snow thrower) engage the auger.

approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing

the auger control. Repeat this several times.

the auger control lever in the disengaged "up"

position, walk to the front of the machine.

rotating and shows NO signs of motion.

(found on the end of the auger cable) from the
auger actuator bracket. See Figure 8.

ToEngageAugers

• To engage augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control against the left handle.
Release to stop the augers.

Auger Auger

Spring Actuator Bracket

Figure 8