MTD 31AS231-729, 31A-242-762, 31A-240-752, 31A-240-731 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

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Single=Stage Snowthrower m Two=Stroke

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-01283C

(JuLy9,2007)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing a Snow Thrower manufactured by
MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent

performance when properly operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could

result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent

product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the unit, its

features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various

models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD LLC

reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6

Controls & Features ................................................ 8

Operation ................................................................ 10

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing

laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning the
unit, phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact
us directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers,
website address and mailing address can be found on this page.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

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.

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................. 11

Service ..................................................................... 12

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 14

Replacement Parts ................................................. 15

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator's position and looking

down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

EF1EF1EF1EF1EF1E

SERIALNUMBER

EF1EF1EF1EF1EF1E

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
Write us at MTD LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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 safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,

toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could

result in serious injury or death.

1

Training 8.

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 16 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 16 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an

adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5_

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.

6_

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

7_

Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and

feet.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

2. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during

3. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting

4. Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper

5. Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as

Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening, remove or empty bag, or inspect and
repair the machine while the engine is running. Shut the

engine off and wait until all moving parts have come to a
complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine.

be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign
objects which could be picked up or thrown and cause
personal injury or damage to the machine.

operation and while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can

cause serious injury to the eyes.

slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine

in bare feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves when
feeding material in the chipper chute.

tightness to be sure the machine is in safe working
condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage at

frequent intervals.

necessary.

SafeHandling0f Gas01ine

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. 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.

c. 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.

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

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

e,

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

f.

Never fuel machine indoors.

g.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two

minutes before refueling.

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

1,

Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and

feet.

2,

Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper chute,
feed intake, and cutting chamber are empty and free of all

debris.

3,

Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and
remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign
objects which could cause personal injury or damage to

the machine.

4. If it becomes necessary to push material through the
shredder hopper, use a small diameter stick. Do not use
your hands or feet.

5. If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your machine
should start making an unusual noise or vibration,

immediately shut the engine off. Allow the impeller to
come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
ground it against the engine and perform the following
steps:

a. Inspect for damage.
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts.
c. Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure

continued safe operation.

6. Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to
build up in the discharge area. This can prevent proper
discharge and result in kickback of material through the
feed opening.

7. Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than
specified on the machine or in this manual. Personal injury

or machine damage could result.

8. Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or
discharge opening while the engine is running. Shut
the engine off, wait until all moving parts have stopped,

disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine before clearing debris.

9. Never operate without the shredder hopper, chipper chute,
or chute deflector properly attached to the machine.
Never empty or change discharge bag while the engine is

running.

10. Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in place and
operating properly.

11. Keep your face and body back and to the side of the
chipper chute while feeding material into the machine to
avoid accidental kickback injuries.

12. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.

13. Do not operate this machine on a paved, gravel or non-
level surface.

14. Do not operate this machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

15. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.

16.

Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

17.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for

assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance&Storage

1,

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

2.

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 and repair,

if needed.

3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine

4 J SECTION1 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

and make certain the impeller and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

4.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

5.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

6.

Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.

7.

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.

8.

Always refer to the operator's manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

9.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

Donot modifyengine

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.

NoticeRegardingEmissions

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.

SparkArrestor

_ ARNING: This machine is equipped with an

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 attester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,

brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).

AverageUsefulLife

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 60
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy
a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an

authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.

Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

WARNING: 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.

SAVETHESEiNSTRUCTiONS!

SECTION1 -- iMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Assembly& Set-Up

Contents of Carton

3

Two Ignition Keys

One Snow Thrower Operator's
Manual

NOTE:This Operator's Manual covers several models. Snow
thrower features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all snow thrower models.

One 2.6 oz. Bottle of Two Cycle Oil
One Tecumseh Engine Operator's

Manual

Assembly

Positioning the UpperHandle

1. Making sure not to pinch the cable in the process, pivot the
upper handle into the operating position as illustrated in

Fig. 3-1 until it clicks into place.

One Extension Cord (if equipped)
One Product Registration Card

fs

/

/

2.

Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on the lower
chute so that there is no gap between the upper chute and
the lower chute.

3.

Secure with the hardware just removed. Refer to Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-2

r

Figure 3-1

2. Tighten the wing knobs to secure the handle in place.
See Fig. 3-1.

Assemblingthe DischargeChute

For shipping reasons, the snow thrower has been packaged with
the upper chute pivoted all the way down. To pivot it upward,

proceed as follows:

1. Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage bolt from
the lower chute. See Fig. 3-2.

Chute Handle

J

\

Figure 3-3

FuelAndOilMixture

Your snow thrower is equipped with a two-cycle engine that
requires a mixture of gasoline and two cycle oil at a ratio of 50:1.
Refer to the engine operator's manual for detailed instructions
regarding the mixture of oil and gasoline for your snow thrower's

engine.

FuelFill-Up

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine

indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

1. Check fuel level and add if necessary. Follow related
instructions in the separate engine manual packed with

your snow thrower.

NOTE:A plastic insert may have been placed into the fuel tank to
prevent dirt and debris from entering the tank during assembly.

Remove this insert before attempting to fill with fuel.

Adjustments

ChuteAssembly

The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the
snow is thrown.

1. Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the chute
assembly and pivot the upper chute upward or downward
to the desired pitch. Retighten the wing knob before

operating the snow thrower.

2. Position the chute assembly opening by using the Chute
Handle to throw the snow in the desired direction. See Fig.
3-4.

Figure 3-4

!

SECTION3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 7

ControlsandFeatures

Electric Starter Button

4

Gasoline Ca

Chute Assernbl

Auger

CHOKE

Activating choke control closes the choke plate on carburetor
and aids in starting engine. Refer to the engine manual packed

with unit for more detailed instructions.

park Plug Access

Figure 4-1

ElectricStarterButton

Pressing the electric starter button engages the engine's electric
starter when plugged into a 120V power source

ElectricStarterOutlet

Requires use of a two-prong outdoor extension cord and a 120V
power source/wall outlet.

Primer

Pressing primer forces fuel directly into engine's
carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting. Refer to

engine manual packed with unit for more detailed

instructions.

Ignition Key

Ignition key must be present, inserted in key
switch, and in the "ON/RUN" position for engine

to start.

RecoilStarter

The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.

SparkPlugAccess

Remove spark plug cover to access spark plug.

Auger

When engaged, the augers rotation draws snow into the auger
housing and throws it out the discharge chute. Rubber paddles
on the augers also aid in propelling the unit as they come in
contact with the pavement.

AugerControl

Located on the upper handle, the auger control handle is used
to engage and disengage drive to the auger. Squeeze the control
handle against the upper handle to engage auger; release it to
disengage.

ChuteAssembly

Rotate the discharge chute to the left or right using the chute
handle.The pitch of the discharge chute controls angle at which

the snow is thrown. Loosen the wing knob on the side of the
discharge chute before pivoting the discharge chute upward or
downward. Retighten the knob once the desired position has

been achieved.

ShavePlate

The shave plate maintains contact with the pavement as
the snow thrower is propelled, allowing snow close to the
pavement's surface to be discharged.

GasolineCap

Remove the gas cap to add fuel. This machine runs on a mixture
of fuel and oil. Do NOT operate the snow thrower without first
reading the engine operator's manual for instructions regarding
proper fuel and engine oil.

SECTION4 -- CONTROLS AND FEATURES 9

Operation

5

BeforeStarting

i_ll WARNING! Read, understand and follow all

NOTE: For complete and detailed engine starting, stopping and
storing instructions, it is recommended that you read the engine

manual also included with this unit.

1. The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety. Attach

instructions and warnings on the machine and in

this manual before operating.

the spark plug wire to the spark plug before starting.

Starting the Engine

1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure the
engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

2. Insert the ignition key into the slot. Turn key to ON position.

3. Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to your
machine.

ElectricStarter

WARNING! The electric starter must be used with
a properly grounded two-prong receptacle at all

times to avoid the possibility of electric shock.

Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating

the electric starter.

1.

The electric starter is equipped with a grounded two-wire
power cord and a plug. It is designed to operate on a 110
volt AC household current.

2. Move the Choke Control to the "Full" position.

3. Push the Primer three (3) times, making sure to cover the
vent hole when pushing.

4. Connect the power cord to the switch box on the dash
panel. Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-
prong 110-volt, grounded, AC receptacle.

5. Push the starter button to crank the engine.

6. When engine starts, release starter button, and move
choke gradually to 1/2Choke until engine runs smoothly.

Next move the Choke to OFF. If engine falters, move choke
immediately to FULL and then gradually to 1/2then to OFF.

7. Disconnect the power cord. Always unplug from the outlet
first, and then from the snow thrower.

Re(oilStarter

1.

Move the choke lever to FULL choke position (cold engine
start).

2.

If the engine is warm, place the choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.

3.

Push the Primer three (3) times, making sure to cover the
vent hole when pushing.

4.

If the engine is warm, push the primer button only once.
NOTE: Always cover the vent hole in the primer button

when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for
first start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

5.

Grasp the starter handle and pull the rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let the rope rewind slowly.

6.

Pull the starter handle rapidly. Do not allow the handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm

hold on the starter handle.

7.

As the engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate the choke lever slowly to the 1/2Choke position.
When the engine begins to run smoothly, move the choke

to the OFF position. If the engine falters, return to FULL
choke, then slowly move to 1/2then OFF position.

Stopping the Engine

1. Run the engine for a few minutes before stopping to help
dry offany moisture on the engine.

2. To stop the engine, turn the ignition key to the OFF/STOP
position

3. Remove the ignition key and store it in a safe place.

4. Wipe all the snow and moisture from the area around the
engine.

NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will result
in premature wear on the rubber auger blades which
would not be covered by warranty.

_ WARNING! Muffler, engine and surrounding areas

become hot and can cause a burn. Be careful and do
not touch when hot.

Engagingthe Augers

1. Engage the auger by squeezing the auger control against
the upper handle. Release to stop the augers.

'°1

Engagingthe Drive

Lift up slightly on the handle to allow the rubber paddles
on the auger to contact the pavement and propel the snow

thrower forward. Pushing downward on the handle will
raise the augers offthe ground and stop forward motion.