MTD 31A-3CAD762, 31A-3CAD729, 31A-3CAD700 Owner’s Manual

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

OPER roR's

L

Two-Stage Snow Thrower m 300 Series

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

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-00747F

(JuLy18,2007)

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 and Features ............................................ 10

Opera tion ................................................................ 12

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 and Adjustments ............................ 14

Service ..................................................................... 16

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

Replacement Parts ................................................. 19

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and recod the

information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator's position and Iloking
down at the rear of the frame. 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

71EF1EF1EF1EF1E71

SERIAL NUMBER

EFIEFIEFIEFIEFIE

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT retum 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 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 byan

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, 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.

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. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed
rock surfaces.

5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.

6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.

7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.

SafeHandling 0f 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. 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 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 linen 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 keepa 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 usecare
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. Always use the clean-out tool provided to
unclog the discharge opening. 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
isfelt, 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 SECTION2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

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 and 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.

Donot modify engine

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

internal combustion engine and should not be used

i_li WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

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, P.O.Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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.

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).

Ira spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in

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!

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Assembly& Set-Up

Contents of Carton

One Snow thrower
One Snow Thrower Operator's

Manual

Two Replacement Auger Shear Pins

One Tecumseh Engine Operator's
Manual

3

One Chute Assembly
One product Registration Card

Assembly

Positioning the upper handle

I. Cut the cable tie that secures the upper handle to the chute

assembly for shipping purposes.

2. Loosen the wing knob on the upper chute and pivot the
upper chute upwards as far as it will go. Then tighten the

wing knob on the upper chute making sure the carriage
bolt is correctly positioned. Refer to Fig. 3-I.

3. Loosen the wing knob and tab on each side of the handle.
See Fig. 3-2.

4. Being careful not to bend or kink the cables, hold both
controls against upper handle and pull up as shown in Step

I of Fig. 3-2. Make sure that the upper handle locks over
the lower handle and handle tabs align with the handle.
You may have to carefully maneuver the upper handle to
clear chute assembly.

5. Tighten the wing knobs on each side of the handle. Refer
to Step 2 in Fig. 3-2.

f

Figure 3-1

chute handle.

_ ARNING! Do not lift the snow thrower by the

J

Figure 3-2