MTD 31A-040-000 Owner’s Manual

anual

EMectric

Snow Thrower

iMPORTANT: Read safety ruUes and instructions carefufly before operating equipment.

PRINTED iN U.S.A, PART NO, 769-00858 (8/03)

THANK YOU

Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful service. You will find it to be a great hbor-saving device. This operator's manual provides you with easy-to- understand operating instructions. Read the whole manual and follow all the instructions to keep your new outdoor power tool in top operating condition.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service Information ......................... 2

Rules for Safe Operation ..................... 3

Know Your Unit ............................ 7

Assembly Instructions ....................... 8

Operating Instructions ....................... 9

PRODUCT REFERENCES, mLLUSTRATmONS AND SPECmFmCATmONS

All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

SERVmCE mNFORMATmON

Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be performed only by an authorized and approved service dealer.

For service call 1-800-345-8746, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized service dealers near

you. For more details about your unit, visit our website at

www.yardmachines.com.

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

Maintenance and Repair Instructions ........... 11

Cleaning and Storage ....................... 12

Troubleshooting Chart ...................... 13

Specifications ............................. 13

Warranty Information ....................... 14

Parts List .................... inside Back Cover

Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate. It lists

the model and serial numbers of your unit. Refer to the

sample plate below and copy the information for future reference.

SeriamNamber =_

-_ \ Patent Part Number

Me{lel Namber

S/N: _[[..E..._

DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

Make sure you carefully read and understand this manual before starting or operating this equipment

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

Copy the model and parent

part number here:

Copy the serJaJ number

here:

Thepurposeofsafetysymbol istoattractyour attentiontopossiMedangers.Thesafety'symbol,

andtheirexpBnations,deserveyourcarefuiattention andunderstanding.Thesafetywarningsdonotby

themseiveseiiminateanydanger.Theinstructionsor warningstheygivearenotsubstitutesforproper

accidentpreventionmeasures.

SYMBOL] MEANING

i SYMBOL MEANING

others, Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, ebctric shock and

personal injury,

WARNING: %uretO obey a

SAFETY ALERT: Hndbates

warning or caution. Attention is required in

order to avoid serious personai injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbob

or pbtographs.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vitai to

the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

Read t.he Operatgr's Mgnuam and follow am!warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to me operator ane/or oys_anaers.

FOR QUESTmONS, CALL 1o800o345o8746 mN U.S. OR 1o800o668o1238 in CANADA

danger,

result in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the safety precautions to

)ersonal injury,

result in property damage or personal injury to yourself or to others, Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,

ebctric shock and personal injury,

safety warning can

, Failure to obey a

• safety warning may

,, mlVIPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS o

READ ALL iNSTRUCTiONS

WARNING: When using the unit,

safety rules. Please read these instructions

Please keep these instructions for later use.

Before Operating

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the

influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

• Children under the age of 15 must not use the unit; teens may operate the unit with adult guidance.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.

Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace snow thrower parts that are cracked,

chipped, or damaged in any way.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

you must follow the

Thoroughly inspect the area where the snow thrower is to be used. Remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires,

debris, and other foreign objects which may be thrown by the snow thrower.

Make sure the rotor will spin freely before using the unit.

Dress properly. Wear adequate winter outer garments. Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve

shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.

Wear footware that doesn't leak when operating the snow thrower and that will improve footing on slippery

surfaces. Wear rubber boots. Never attempt to make adjustments while the motor is

Let the motor and unit adjust to outdoor temperatures before starting to clear snow.

Always wear safety glasses/shields or goggles at all times during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine.

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC UNITS

BANGER: Whenusingelectric

precautions shouId aIways be foiIowed to reduce

the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

CarefuIIy read and understand the entire operator's manuaI before using your unit, Pay close attention to the operating instructions and safety warnings.

This snow mover should be grounded while in use to

protect the operator from electric shock, The snow

mover is equipped with an approved 3-conductor cord and 3-prong grounding-type plug to fit the proper

grounding-type receptacle, The green or green/yellow conductor in the cord is the grounding wire. Never connect this wire to a live terminal. If your unit is for use on less than 150 volts, it has a plug that looks like A in the figure below, If it is for use on 150 to 250 volts, it has a plug that looks like D in the figure.

Grounding Grounding D

Means Pin

, An adapter (show in B and C in the above figure) is

available for connecting 3-prong grounding-type plugs to 2-prong receptacles. The grounding means

extending from the adapter must be connected to a

permanent ground such as a properly-grounded outlet box, No adapter is available for the plug shown in D.

• Use only 3-wire outdoor extension cords that have 3-

MiNiMUM WIRE SIZEFOR EXTENSION CORDS FOR

120VOLT APPLIANCES USING 0:12AMPS

machines, basic safety

Cor,'ieng,, ,t. I 1100

Wire size (AWG)

CORD SETS: Please see your dealer for the _PPkropriated extension cord to use with this product.

e sure your cord set is in good condition, with a

cord that is heavy enough to carry the current that your unit will draw. An undersizedcord set will cause a drop in line volta qe resulting in a loss of power, as well

as overheating, Ihe table shown above illustrates the

WARNING: Toreducetheriskof

only SW-A, SOW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A or SJTOW-A cord types,

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that will be used for the unit, Use receptacles with built-in GFCI protection for an extra measure of safety.

• A data plate on your unit indicates the voltage used, Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that differs

from this voltage,

WARNING: To prevent electric ]

an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power connection periodically, Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation, Also inspect the connections for damage. Repair or replace the cords if any defects appear.

When cleaning, inspecting or repairing the unit, make certain the rotor and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the extension cord to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not abuse the extension cord. Never carry the snow thrower by the cord or yank on the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle.

• Keep the extension cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges to prevent damage.

If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while it is plugged in, pull the extension cord from the wall receptacle.

Prevent any possible disconnection of the cord receptacle from the extension cord during operation by using the cord retainer and guide bar. Refer to the

section Using the Cord Retainer. Avoid accidental starting. Don't carry a plugged-in

snow thrower with your finger on the switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging in the unit,

Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool before putting it into storage. Store indoors.

Always unplug the unit when not in use, and before performing any maintenance or repairs.

electrical shock, use

shock, use only with

WHILE OPERATING

• Walk, never run.

• Be sure the snow thrower is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

• Stay away from the discharge opening at all times.

Keep face, hands, and feet away from concealed

moving or rotating parts.

• Be attentive when using the snow thrower, and stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards

or traffic.

• Donotuseonagravelsurfaceorcrushedrock surfaces.Useextremecautionwhencrossing

gravel/crushedrockdrives,walks,or roads.

• Clearsnowfromslopesbygoingupanddown.Never goacrosstheslope.Usecautionwhenchanging

directions.Neverdearsnowfromsteepslopes.

• Neverattempttousethesnowthroweronaroofor anysteep,inclined,slipperysurfaces.

• Neveroperatesnowthrowerwithoutproperguards,

platesorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace.

• Neveroperatethesnowthrowernearglass enclosures,automobiles,trucks,windowwells,

dropoffs,etc.withoutproperadjustmentofthesnow dischargeangle.Keepchildrenandpetsaway.

• Don'tforceoroverloadthesnowthrower.Thesnow throwerwillperformatitsbestandsafestwhenitis

runattherateforwhichit wasdesigned.

• Neveroperatethemachineat highspeedsonslippery surfaces.Lookbehindandusecarewhenbackingup.

Neverdirectdischargetowardspeopleorallowanyone

infrontoftheunitwhileoperating.

• Wearsafetyglassesorgogglesthataremarkedas meetingANSIZ87.1standards,andear/hearing

protectionwhenoperatingthisunit.

• Usetheunitonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.

• Avoidaccidentalstarting.Remaininthestarting

positionwheneverstartingtheunit.Theoperatorand

unitmustbeinastablepositionwhilestarting.See

Starting/Stopping Instructions.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.

Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.

Keep a firm grip on handles or grips. Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all

moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the rotor when it is rotating.

• If the rotor will not rotate freely due to frozen ice, thaw the unit thoroughly before attempting to operate it

under power.

• Keep the rotor clear of debris.

• Never attempt to clear the rotor with the motor running. Turn the motor off first and unplug the

extension cord.

• Keep clothing and body parts away from the rotor.

• Do not operate the motor faster than the speed needed. Do not run the motor at high speed when not

clearing snow.

• Always stop the motor when clearing snow is delayed or when walking from one location to another.

• Disengage power to the rotor when snow thrower is transported or not in use.

• After striking a foreign obJect, turn the unit off and inspect the snow thrower for damage. Unplug the

unit. Repair damage before restarting and operating the unit.

• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is

generally a warning of trouble. Stop the motor and unplug the unit whenever you

leave the operating position, before unclogging the rotor or discharge vanes, and when making any

repairs, adjustments, or inspections.

• Never discharge snow onto public roads or near moving traffic.

Let the snow thrower run for a few minutes after clearing snow so moving parts do not freeze.

Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These

are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to

serious injury to the user or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.

Do not use the unit in the hand held position. Do not pick up the unit when it is powered and running. The unit is designed to travel along the ground.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

Be sure to secure the unit while transporting. Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to

prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.

Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.

Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.

If the labels on the unit become defaced or start lifting off, contact your authorized service dealer.

Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this

unit, also loan them these instructions.

• Maintain snow movers with care. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

SAVE THESE

iNSTRUCTiONS

This operator's manuaHdescribes safety and international symboHs and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the operator's manuaHfor compDte safety, assemMy, operating and maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other

symboHs or pictographs.

o WARNING - READ

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Read the operator's manuaH(s)and follow aHwarnings and safety instructions. FaiHureto do so can resuHtin serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

O o KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING: Keepa,

bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.

SYMBOL MEANING

• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN

CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNmNG: Sma,objects

can be propefled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away from the

rotating rotor.

• SPINNING ROTOR CAN

CAUSE SEVERE iNJURY

WARNmNG: Keephands,

feet, and clothing away from the

discharge area. Do not step in front of

the unit, or use hands to clean the rotor

area,

,, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

APPLiCATiONS As a snow thrower:

• CHeats snow from wdkways, driveways, sidewalks, pathways and more

Starter Button

Bail

Cord

Retainer

Overload

Protection

Switch

Front Handle

Discharge

Directional

Controm

Handmebar

Knob

Cord Outlet

Receptacme

Cord Guide

Handlebar

Bar

Vanes

Rotor

Belt Case Cover

Flange Lock Nut

Wheels

Cover

Screws (7)

Scraper

ASSEMBUNG THE HANDLEBARS

Before you can operate the unit, you must adjust the handHebars.

1. When you unpack the unit, Hoosenthe two knobs on

the inside of the handHebars (Fig. 1).

2. With the unit upright, swing the handHebars up into the operating position.

NOTE: Take care not to pinch the switch wires when

)ositioning the handHebars.

3. Tighten the knobs to secure the handHebars in pHace.

NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.

F_g. 2

Handmebar

Knobs

NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord, A lO0-foot,

14-gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16-

gauge cord is acceptable.

Both the cord retainer and guide bar restrain the

extension cord and keep it out of the way at all times,

safely to the side of the operator.

The extension cord and retainer will slide on the guide

bar as the unit is moved to the left and right, Connect

your extension cord to the unit as shown in Figure 3.

Swing Top

Handmebars

Upwards

Cord WIll Slide

Side to Side

Fig. 1

USING THE CORD RETAINER

Thereisan extensioncord retainertopreventthe extensioncordfrom disconnectingduringuse.The

retainerhangs fromthecord guidebar. NOTE: Do not pHugtheextensioncord intothepower

sourcereceptacleuntiHthecordisconnectedto thecord retainerand pHuggedintothe unit,

To use thecord retainer:

1. Fold the extension cord in half, forming a tight loop near the receptacle.

2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the retainer (Fig, 2).

3. Slide the loop over the retaining clip and pull down until the cord fits snugly (Fig. 2).

F_g. s

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Avoidaccidental

the operator and unit must be in a staMe

)osition while starting.

You must follow this sequence correctHy to start the unit.

1. Make sure you have pHugged in the unit.

2. Press in and hoHdthe red starter button (Fig. 4).

3. WhiHehoHding the starter button, lift and hoHdthe bail NOTE: The unit will NOT start if you faiHto press and

hoHdthe starter button untiHyou Hiltthe bail

4. HoHdthe baiHand begin operating the unit (Fig. 5).

starting. Make sure

STOPPmNG mNSTRUOTmONS

1. ReHeaseyour hand from the bail.

2. The starter button will pop out and the unit will stop.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH

This unit is equipped with an ovedoad protection switch to protect the circuit (that the unit is plugged into) from

short circuit overloads. If the switch pops out:

1. Release the bail and allow the unit to stop and cool for a minute.

2. Press the overload switch to reset. Resume operation (Fig. 4).

If the switch pops again shortly after the first time:

1. Allow the unit to cool for 15 to 30 minutes.

2. After the unit has cooled, press the ovedoad switch to reset. Resume operation.

If the switch does not stay in, or if it continues to pop out during operation, take the unit to an authorized service

dealer for repair.

Overload

Protection

Switch

F_g. 4

OPERATING THE UNiT

1. Start the unit according to the Starting Instructions. The depth and weight of the snow governs the forward speed.

2. Push the unit so that it rides on the wheels and scraper.

3. Make sure the power cord is attached to the cord retainer and rests on the guide bar. The power cord should trail to the side of the operator.

DischargeDirectionAdjustment SnowmaybedischargedtotheHeft,straightforward,or

totherightoftheoperator, Tochangethedirection,usethefollowinginstructions:

1, ReHeasethebaiHtostoptherotor,

2, FirmHygraspthedischargedirectionalcontroHhandHe

andpullitup.ThisreHeasesthespringqoadedrod fromthedischargedirectionshotanddhowsfree

movement(Fig.6)

3, TurnthedischargedirectionalcontroHtotheHeft,the

centerortheright,dependingonwhichdirectionyou wanttothrowthesnow(Fig.7),

NOTE:Fromthecenterposition,thedischargedirectionaH

controHturnsapproximateHy45degreesineither

direction(Heftorright),Donotforceit,

4, Releasethedischargedirectionalcontrolsoitfits

intotheslottosecurethedesiredposition,

NOTE:Makesurethedischargedirectionalcontrolis

securelypositionedindirectionslotandcannot rotatefreely,

5, Restarttheunitaccordingtothe.StartingInstructions+

Discharge snow

in FRONT

Discharge snow to RIGHT of operator

F_g. 7

Tips for Best Snow Throwing Results

• For the most efficient snow throwing, keep the vanes parallel and throw snow downwind,

• Slightly overlap each swath you make (Fig. 8),

Pull the Discharge

DirectionaB Contro_

Upwards

Fig. 6

F_g. 8

+ 22 hidden pages