MTD 31A-2M1A762, 31A-2M1A729, 31A-2M1A700 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices Set-Up Operation Maintenance Service Troubleshooting Warranty
L
Single-Stage Snow Thrower m Moclei 2M1
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019
PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-05020
(April30,2009)
ToTheOwner
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.
1"able of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7
Controls & Features ............................................... I0
Operation ................................................................ 12
Maintenance &Adjustment. ................................. 14
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.
Engine Maintenance .............................................. 16
Service ..................................................................... 19
Troubleshooting .................................................... 20
Replacement Parts ................................................. 21
Warranties ............................................................. 22
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 right rear of the snowthrower. 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
DNDNDNDNDND
SERIAL NUMBER
DNDNDNDNDND
CustomerSupport
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer or dea/er 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:
0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com
0 Call a Customer Support Representative at (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683 0 Write us at MTD LLC RO. 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 foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
2
Training Preparation
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 of age to operate this machine. Children 14 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. 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, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
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 auger/impeller.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle for all machines with electric start engines.
4. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator's manual.
6. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.
SafeHandling of Gasoline
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. Never fuel machine indoors.
C.
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 1/2
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 pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing. k. 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. I. If possible, 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. m. 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.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/ impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe
and may cause personal injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4.
Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly. Keep all safety devices in 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 burn. Do not touch. Keep children away.
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 auger/impeller 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 backing up.
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 control levers and stop engine before you leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before unclogging the chute assembly, making any adjustments,
or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Do not unclog chute assembly 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. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.
21.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Clearinga CloggedDischargeChute
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. SHUTTHE 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 & Storage
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 control levers and stop the 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 a nd screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine 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 control levers 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 instructions on off-season storage.
12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
14.
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 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.
Donotmodifyengine
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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
SparkArrestor
internal combustion engine and should not be used
i_ll WARNING! This machine is equipped with an
Ira 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.
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).
SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate
WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades inside
WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades inside
WARNING-- ROTATING AUGER
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute
assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
........!i........
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
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.
6 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
Assembly& Set-Up
3
One 20 oz. Bottle 5W-30 Oil
NOTE: All references to the left or right side of the snow thrower are from the operator's position. Any exceptions will be noted.
Assembly
Positioningthe Upper Handle
1. Pivot the upper handle into the operating position making sure not to pinch the cable in the process, as illustrated in Fig. 3-1 until it clicks into place.
One Snow Thrower Operator's Manual
2. Tighten the wing knobs to secure the handle in place. See Fig. 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-1
FuelRecommendations
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane. Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) can be used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or
dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank. DO NOT use E85 gasoline.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where
the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored. Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the
tank cap is closed properly and securely. Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or
fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or breathing of vapor.
Adding Fuel
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.
WARNING! Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
Remove the gas cap, check the fuel level and add fuel if necessary.
Adding Oil
CAUTION: The engine may be shipped with a small amount oil in the engine. You must be sure to fill the engine with oil between the high and low marks on
the dipstick before operating. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine
damage and void the engine warranty.
1.
Place the snow thrower on a flat, level surface.
2. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean. See Fig. 3-3.
_erLeve!
NOTE: Do not screw in the dipstick when checking the oil level.
3. Slowly add oil until the level registers between high (H) and low (L) Fig. 3-4.
f
H
Figure 3=4
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Maintenance section for the correct oil viscosity and engine oil capacity.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling the engine with oil may result in the engine smoking, hard starting or spark plug fouling.
Figure 3-3
8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP
Adjustments
ChuteAssembly
The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the
snow isthrown.
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.
3-5.
f
/
S //
i /
Figure3-5
J
SECTION3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9
ControlsandFeatures
f
Recoil Starter
Handle
Gas Cap
Chute Assernbl
4
er Control
f Spark Plug/
/ Spark Plug Boot
Shave Plate
Auger
ChokeControl
! I
Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on carburetor and aids in starting engine. The choke lever slides
between the RUNI _ landc,o,,l -I pos,t,ons.
!_ltb _ The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.
Primer
Pressing primer forces fuel directly into engine's carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting.
The key is a safety device. It must be fully inserted in
order for the engine to start. Remove the key when
the snow thrower is not in use. f_O NOTE: Do not turn the key in an attempt to start the
engine. Doing so may cause it to break.
Exhaust_
Oil Fill Cap__--\\\ _t//_. Recoil w/Dipstick _/ "Starter
Oil Drain f " -- Hand/e)
Figure 44
RecoilStarter
!
GasolineCap
Remove the gas cap to add fuel.
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 snow thrower 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 the auger; release it to disengage.
'°1
ChuteAssembly
Rotate the discharge chute to the left or right using the chute handle. The pitch of the discharge chute controls the 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.
SECTION 4 -- CONTROLS AND FEATURES 11
Operation
BeforeStarting
_ WARNING! Read, understand and follow all the
1. The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety. Attach the
Starting the Engine
1. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure the
2. Insert the key into the slot. See Fig. 5-1.
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
spark plug wire to the spark plug before starting.
engine is outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
9_
Asthe engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, slide the choke lever slowly to the 1/2-choke(mid-way between
RUNI _ land CHOKEI_kl)position. When the engine begins to run smoothly, move the choke to the RUN I _ I position. If the engine falters, return to CHOKEI_IKI, then slowly move to 1/2-chokethen the RUNI _ I position.
Stopping the Engine
1. Run the engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.
2. To stop the engine remove the key and store it in a safe place.
3. Wipe all the snow and moisture from the area around the engine.
Figure 5-1
NOTE: Do not attempt to turn the key. Doing so may cause it to break.
3. Move the choke lever to the CHOKE I_1 position (cold engine start).
4. If the engine is warm, place the choke in the RUN I _ I
position instead of CHOKE I -I.
5. Push the primer five (5) times, making sure to cover the vent hole when pushing.
6. 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 the first start if the temperature is below 15° F.
7. Grasp the starter handle and pull the rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let the rope rewind slowly.
8. 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 handle.
_ ARNING! Muffler, engine and surrounding areas
become hot and can cause a burn. Be careful and do not touch when they are hot.
Engagingthe Auger
Engage the auger by squeezing the auger control against the upper handle. Release the control to stop the auger.
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 auger offthe ground and stop the forward motion.
NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will result in premature wear on the rubber auger blades which are not be covered by the warranty.
Clearinga CloggedDischargeChute
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. SHUTTHE 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.
SECTION 5 -- OPERATION 13
Maintenance&Adjustments
Adjustments
WARNING! Before Servicing, repairing or
inspecting the snow thrower, disengage the auger control. Stop the engine and remove the key to
prevent unintended starting.
ShavePlate
To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place the machine on a level surface. The wheels, shave plate and auger should all
contact the level surface. Note that if the shave plate is adjusted too high, snow may blow under the housing. If the shave plate wears out excessively, or the snow thrower does not self-propel, the shave plate may be too low and needs to be adjusted.
NOTE:On new snow throwers or machines with a new shave plate installed, the auger may be slightly off the
ground.
To adjust the shave plate proceed as follows:
1. Drain the gas from the snow thrower.
2. Pull the starter cord until resistance is felt. Then tip the snow thrower back until it rests on the handles.
3_ Loosen the four lock nuts and bolts which secure the shave
plate to the housing. See Fig. 6-1. Move the shave plate to the desired position and retighten the nuts and bolts securely.
5_
If the starter is difficult to pull, remove the spark plug and pull the handle several times to ensure that any oil trapped
in the head is removed.
when it is removed and the starter handle is pulled.
_ AUTION: Oil may come out of the spark plug hole
6_
Inspect the spa rk plug. If it is wet, clean off any oil before re-installing.
Control Cable
As a result of both the control cable and the auger drive belt stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be necessary. If
the auger seems to hesitate when rotating, proceed as follows: The upper hole in the control handle provides for an adjustment
in cable tension. To adjust, disconnect the end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control handle and reinsert it in the
upper hole. Insert the cable from the outside as shown in Fig. 6-2.
f
Control Handle
Figure 6-1
4_
Tip the snow thrower back to the operating position and pull the starter handle a few times to see if it is difficult to pull.
/
Figure 6=2
Test the snow thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference. If after the adjustment to the control cable the auger still hesitates
when rotating, see the Service Section for instructions on replacing the belt.
ChuteAssembly
Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section for instructions on adjusting the chute assembly.
Maintenance
Lubrication
Lubricate the pivot points on the control handle and the extension spring at the end of the control cable with a light oil once every season and before the snow thrower is put into
storage at the end of the season.
0ff-SeasonStorage
If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or longer, follow the instructions below.
1.
Store the equipment in a clean, dry area.
2.
If storing the snow thrower in an unventilated area, rustproof the machine using a light oil or silicone to coat
the snow thrower.
3. Clean the exterior of the engine and the snow thrower.
SECTION 6 -- MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS 15
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