MTD 31AE150-062 Owner’s Manual
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Single-Stage
Snow Thrower
Models 140
150
E150
E162
E172
ModelE172Shown
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning: This unit isequipped 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 far the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department,
P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-10000E
(8/2001 )
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ......................................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower .............................................................................................. 5
Know Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................................................ 7
Operating Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................................. 8
Making Adjustments ................................................................................................................. 9
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower .............................................................................................. 10
Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................................. 11
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................... 11
Accessories & Kits ................................................................................................................... 12
Parts List .................................................................................................................................. 14
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you to assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new snow thrower, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the informationfrom 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.
You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at
the dash panel. 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.
(Model Number) (Serial Number)
LEVELAND, OHIO 441_
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer isresponsible 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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If 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- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800) 800-7310 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
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.
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 rules for safe operation 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 hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
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 14 years 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 door mats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign objects which could be
tripped over or thrown by the augedimpeller.
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.
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
Y_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.
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. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
chute. 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. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseabum.Do
nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile
operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnowthrowingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Toavoidproperty
damageorpersonalinjurycausedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets
orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear
snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor
light.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold
onthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impe{lerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engine,disconnectthesparkplugandgrounditagainst
theengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallclutch{oversandstopengine 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 a clearing tool to unclog the
discharge opening.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. Ifsituations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or
telephone 1-800-800-7310 for assistance and the name
of your nearest servicing dealer.
MaintenanceAndStorage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
2. 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 before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.
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 (O.E.M.) 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
instructions on off-season storage.
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.
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: This Operator's Manual covers several models.
Snow thrower features vary by model. Not all
features discussed in this manual are applicable to all
snow thrower models.
ContentsofCarton
Before beginning installation,remove all parts from the
carton and compare them to Figure 1. Carton contents
are listed below with part numbers in parentheses.
• Two Ignition Keys (725-0201,725-1341B t)
t An ignitionkey with a plastic cover is includedwith
select models only.Two standardignition keysare
included with allother models.
OnModelsSo Equipped:
• Extended Chute Directional Control Assembly
(747-0737, 720-0201A & 726-0100)
• One Cotter Pin (714-0507)
• One Saddle Washer (736-0415)
• Two Hex Nuts (712-3010)
One Eye Bolt (747-0697) w/Grommet (735-0234)
Wing
Tighten the wing knobs to secure the handle in
place.
Wing Knob
Figure 2
Ignition Key w/Plastic Cover t
Standard Ignition Key
/ _ Cotter Pin
-,_ Saddle Washer
O O "_ Hex Nuts
_-- Eye Bolt
Extended Chute
Directional Control Assembly
Figure 1
NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow
thrower is from the operating position only.
,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
AttachingtheControlCable
The control cable may already be attached to the
control handle. If it's not, complete the following steps
to attach it to the snow thrower housing.
• Route the control cable over the crossbar where
the lower handle meets the upper handle.
• Pivot the control handle forward and insert the end
of the control cable into the bottom hole in the
control handle, from the outside to the inside, as
shown in Figure 3.
Control Handle
/-
Upper Hole
Plastic Fitting
End of Cable
In Bottom Hole
Positioningthe UpperHandle
• Remove packing material, if present, and loosen
the wing knobs found on each side of the handle.
• Making sure not to pinch or crimp the cable in the
process, pivot the upper handle into the operating
position as illustrated in Figure 2 until itclicks into
place.
Control Housinc
Figure 3
• Push the plastic fitting into the control housing until
it clicks in place
NOTE:The upper hole in the control handle provides
for adjustment in belt and cable tension. Refer to page
9 of this manual for instructions.
InstallingtheChuteDirectionalControl's
Eye Bolt
EyeBolt(onmodelssoequipped)
To install the upper crank of the chute directional
control, proceed as follows:
• Thread one of the hex nuts (they are
interchangeable) included in the snow thrower's
hardware pack all the way onto the eye bolt.
• Insert the eye bolt into the hole found in the lower
handle's crossbar. See Figure 4.
• Fasten the eye bolt to the crossbar with the saddle
washer (cupped side UP) and the other hex nut as
illustrated in Figure 4. Do NOT tighten at this time.
InstallingtheExtendedChute
DirectionalControl(onmodelssoequipped)
• Insert the chute directional control through the
eyebolt and into the coupler found in the top right
area of the snow thrower's shroud. See Figure 5.
• Rotate the chute directional control to align the hole
in the coupler with the hole in the chute directional
control, and insert the cotter pin through both holes.
Bend the ends of cotter pin in opposite directions to
secure it in place. See Figure 5.
• Thread the eye bolt's lower hex nut upward or
downward to adjust the height of the eye bolt so
that the chute directional control does not bind in
the coupler when operated.
• Fininsh by threading the upper hex nut downward
against the crossbar and tightening securely.
Cross Bar
Figure 4
CiiltllDirection al Controt
Co.erPin/ /
- Eye Bolt
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:
• Turn the chute directional control until the chute
opening is facing straight ahead.
• Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage
bolt from the upper chute. See Figure 6.
• 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. See Figure 6.
• Resecure with the hardware just removed.
Figure 5
Carriage Bolt Flat
Washer
Lower Chute Lip
Upper Chute
Figure 6
SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Discharge Chute
Sp_lark
Cover
Starter
Choke Lever
Shave Plate
Auger
IMPORTANT: This unit runs on a mixture of gasoline
and oil. Do NOT operate the snow thrower without first
reading the Tecumseh Engines operator's manual for
instructions regarding proper fuel and engine oil.
ChokeLever
(OFF 0iICHQKE li )ON I
Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on
the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. Refer to
the engine manual packed with the snow thrower for
more detailed instructions regarding the choke.
Primer
Depressing the primer forces fuel
directly into the engine's carburetor to
aid in cold-weather starting. Refer to
the engine manual packed with the
snow thrower for more detailed
instructions regarding the primer. =oLD=.=,.=
IgnitionKey
The ignitionkey must be present /_)('_'_'___
and placed in the "ON" position for
the engine to start.
Starter Handle
The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.
@
pOliO FOR A
StoppingEngine
• Turn ignition key to OFF position and remove it
from the snow thrower.
ug
Control Handle
!_ (if So Equipped)
Chute Directional Control
Upper Handle
Electric Starter Plug
(if So Equipped)
ElectricStarter Button(If so equipped)
Pressing the electric starter button engages the
engine's electric starter when plugged into a 120V
power source
ElectricStarter Plug (Ifso equipped)
Requires use of a two-prong outdoor extension cord
(packed with the snow thrower) and a 120V power
source/wall outlet.
SparkPlugCover
Remove the spark plug cover to access the engine's
spark plug located beneath it.
ChuteDirectionalControl
Located on right side of dash panel, the chute
directional control determines the direction that snow
will be discharged. Crank it clockwise to discharge
snow to the left; counterclockwise to discharge snow to
the right.
Auger
When engaged, the augers rotation picks up snow that
enters the auger housing and throws it out the
discharge chute. The rubber paddles on the augers
also aid in propelling the snow thrower as they come in
contact with the pavement.
AugerControlHandle
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.
Cap
Electric
Starter
Button
DischargeChute
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 scrapes along the pavement as the
snow thrower is propelled, allowing the snow close to
the pavement's surface to be discharged.
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
WARNING: Before starting the engine,
read, understand, and follow all instructions
and warnings on the machine and in this
manual before operating.
FuelAndOilMixture
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 and other sources of ignition.
Your snow thrower is equipped with a two-cycle
engine that requires a mixture of gasoline and two
cycle engine oil at a ratio of 50:1. Refer to the
Tecumseh Engines operator's manual for detailed
instructions regarding oil and gasoline for your snow
thrower's engine.
• A plastic cup is placed inside the fuel fill opening on
the fuel tank (beneath the fuel cap) to keep debris
out during product assembly. Remove and discard
this cup before filling up the tank.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT operate the snow thrower without
the fuel cap securely in place on the fuel tank.
Startingthe Engine
• Refer to the Tecumseh Engines manual packed
with the snow thrower for detailed instructions
regarding starting the engine.
OperatingtheSnowThrower
• Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the
discharge chute and pivot the upper chute upward
or downward to the desired pitch. Retighten the
wing knob before operating the snow thrower.
• Crank the chute directional control to position the
discharge chute opening in the desired direction.
See Figure 7.
NOTE: For more efficient snow clearing, discharge
snow downwind whenever possible.
Control Handle
Chute
Figure 7
,_ WARNING: Never operate the snow thrower
• Engage the auger by squeezing the control handle
• Lift up slightly on the handle to allow the rubber
IMPORTANT: Excessive upward pressure on the handle
will result in premature wear on the rubber auger
paddles. Resulting wear would not be covered by
warranty.
• As the snow thrower starts to move, maintain a firm
• Release the auger control handle to stop the snow
with bystanders in front of or near the
discharge chute opening.
against the upper handle. See Figure 7.
paddles on the auger to contact the pavement and
propel the snow thrower forward.
hold on the handle, and guide the snow thrower
along the path to be cleared.
throwing action and the forward motion.
Stoppingthe Engine
_ WARNING: Muffler, engine and surrounding
areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
Afterclearingsnow,allowtheenginetorunforan
extrafewminutesbeforestoringtohelpdryany
moistureontheengine.
Tostoptheengine:Turntheignitionkey
counterclockwisetotheOFFposition.Referto
IgnitionKeyon page 7. Remove the key form the
snow thrower's ignition switch before storing.
SECTION5: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
adjustments while the engine is running, except
WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any
where specified in the operator's manual.
ControlCable&BeltTension
As a result of both the control cable and the drive belt
stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be
necessary.
If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating while the
engine maintains a constant speed, an adjustment is
necessary. Proceed as follows:
IMPORTANT: Keep the ignition key in a safe place. The
engine can not be started without it.
• Wipe all the snow and any moisture which has
formed, from the unit.
• Move the choke lever back and forth several times.
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. Refer to Figure
3. Test the snow thrower to see if there is a noticeable
difference.
If additional adjustment is required, proceed as follows.
• Remove the belt cover from the left side of the
snow thrower's auger housing by unthreading the
five hex screws which secure it in place. See Figure
8.
There are three adjustment holes provided in the idler
bracket assembly. To adjust, proceed as follows:
• Move the extension spring (found on the end of the
control cable) from the low position to the middle
position on the idler bracket. See Figure 9.
NOTE: Be careful not to lose the idler spring when
moving the clutch cable spring. See Figure 9.
• If the extension spring is already found in the
middle position on the idler bracket, move it from
the middle position to the high position.
• Reattach the belt cover with the five hex screws
removed earlier.
Figure 8
Idler Spring ////
Spring
Figure 9
ShavePlate
• To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place
the unit on a level surface. The wheels, shave plate
and augers 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 unit will not self-
propel, the shave plate may be adjusted too low.
NOTE: On new units or units with a new shave plate
installed, the augers may be slightly off the ground.
• To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests
on the handle. Loosen the lock nuts from the
carriage bolts which secure the shave plate to the
housing. See Figure 10.
• Move the shave plate to desired position and
retighten the nuts and bolts. Make certain all four
nuts are securely tightened.
SECTION6: MAINTAININGYOURSNOWTHROWER
Carriage Bolts Shave Plate
Figure 10
WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or
inspecting, disengage all clutch levers and
stop engine. Wait until all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the Tecumseh Engines manual packed with
the snow thrower for detailed instructions regarding all
engine-related maintenance.
Lubrication
• Lubricate pivot points on the control handle and the
extension spring at the end of the clutch cable with
a light oil once every season and before storage of
the snow thrower at the end of the season.
Hardware
Check the engine and snow thrower frequently for
loose or missing hardware, and tighten or replace as
necessary.
Replacingthe DriveBelt
The snow thrower's drive belt is subject to wear and
should be replaced if any signs of cracking, shredding
or rotting is present. To change the drive belt, proceed
as follows:
• Install the replacement drive belt by following the
• Remove the belt cover from the left side of the
snow thrower's auger housing by unthreading the
five hex screws which secure it in place. Refer to
Figure 8.
• Gently grasp the idler bracket and pivot it upward to
ease tension on the drive belt. See Figure 11.
Pulley
Auger Pulley
Figure 11
• While holding the idler bracket up, carefully slip the
drive belt off the engine pulley. See Figure 11.
• Carefully release the idler bracket and allow it to
pivot downward.
• Carefully slip the drive belt off the auger pulley,
freeing it from the snow thrower. See Figure 11.
preceding steps in reverse order.
Drive Belt
10
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