MTD 31AE640F352 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SNOW THROWER
MODEL
31AE640F352
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped 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 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 spar k
arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO
770-10167D.fm
.
(6/2002)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ........................................................................ 3
Loose Parts & Hardware Pack................................................................................. 5
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 7
Know Your Snow Thrower....................................................................................... 10
Operating Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................ 11
Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 13
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 14
Service .................................................................................................................... 15
Off-Season Storage................................................................................................. 17
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 18
Parts List ................................................................................................................. 19
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and
copy the information from 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 rear
frame below the engine. 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)
www.mtdproducts.com
(Serial Number)
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
44136
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard 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.
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Should 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.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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 the State of California to cause cancer, 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 doormats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign objects, which could be
tripped over or thrown by the auger/impeller.
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
½ 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 auger/impeller 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.
3
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. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
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 in reverse.
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 clutch 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 discharge chute, 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 discharge
chute 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. If situations 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.
MAINTENANCE AND 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 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.
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 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.
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. The
safety labels are shown below for your reference.
4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Loose Parts
Auger Shear Bolts (Spares)
Shear Bolts
(710-0890A)
NOTE: The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with
two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a hard
foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed
so that the bolts may shear. Two replacement shear
bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store
in a safe place until needed.
IMPORTANT:
standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox
or other components as a result of doing so will NOT be
covered by your snow thrower’s warranty.
NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with
WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
Hex Lock Nuts
5/16” Thread
(712-0429)
Carriage
Bolt
Upper
Shift Rod
Hex Nut
Cupped
Washer
Upper
Handle
Wing
Nuts
Lower
Handle
Figure 1
Shift Rod
Connector
Assembly
NOTE: All references to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position. The “operator’s position” is defined
as standing directly behind the snow thrower, facing the
handle panel.
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
• Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side)
from the lower handle. See Figure 1.
• Raise the upper handle assembly until it aligns with
lower handle.
• Be sure both cables are aligned with cable roller
guides located in the lower rear of snow thrower
frame.
• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
plastic wing nuts, cupped washers, and carriage
bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously removed.
• Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control
so the control rod does not come into contact with
the engine by moving the hex nut against the
handle (if necessary).
Lower
Shift Rod
Eyebolt
Figure 2
• Retighten the wing nut to secure the chute
directional control in this position. See Figure 2.
• Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. Tap the top of connector until it
locks on the lower shift rod.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to shift gears
or change directions.
Lamp Wiring
• Wrap the wire from the lamp down the right handle
until the wire can be plugged into the alternator lead
wire located under the fuel tank. See Figure 3.
IMPORTANT:
controls or cables.
Lamp wire must not interfere with any
5
Lower Handle
Lamp Wire
Alternator Lead
Figure 3
Gas and Oil
After assembly, service engine with gasoline, and
check oil level as instructed in the engine manual.
NOTE: Refer to Auger Control Test on page 8 prior to
operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all
instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to
verify your snow thrower is operating safely and
properly.
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Operating Controls
WARNING: Be familiar with all controls and
their proper operation. Know how to stop the
machine and disengage them quickly.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel. The shift lever may be moved into one of eight
positions. Run engine with throttle in the fast position.
Use the shift lever to determine ground speed.
Forward: There are six speeds. Position one (1) is the
slowest. Position six (6) is the fastest.
Reverse: There are two reverse (R) speeds R1 and R2.
The “R2” closest to the operator (all the way back) is the
faster of the two.
Auger Control
The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze
the control to engage the augers; release to stop the
augers. The traction control must also be released.
Traction / Auger Control Lock
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop.
This same control also locks the auger control so you
can turn the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger
control is engaged with the traction control engaged,
the operator can release the auger control (on the left
handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release
the traction control to stop both the augers and wheel
drive (auger control must also be released).
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located on left hand side
of the snow thrower.To change the direction in which
snow is thrown, rotate chute directional control as
follows:
• Clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Chute Clean-out Tool
WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a
clogged discharge chute. Shut off engine and
remain behind handles until all moving parts
have stopped before unclogging.
The chute clean-out tool (see Figure 4) isdesigned to
clear a clogged discharge chute. Refer to Operating Your
Snow Thrower on page 9 for detailed instructions on how
toproperly use the chute clean-out tool.
Ignition Key
The ignition key must be inserted in the switch in order
for the engine to start. Remove the ignition key when
the snow thrower is not in use.
NOTE: Do NOT “turn” the ignition key in an attempt to
start the engine.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine. See Figure 4.
6
Traction/Auger
Control Lock
Discharge Chute
Shift Lever
Auger Control
Chute
Clean-out Tool
Chute Directional Control
Auger
Figure 4
Choke
Ignition Key
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Before Starting
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
• The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside
the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on
the spark plug. See Figure 5.
Metal Loop
Spark Plug
Primer
Recoil Starter
Handle
Throttle Control
Rubber Boot
Gas And Oil Fill-up
• At the factory, a plastic cup is inserted inside the
fuel tank’s fill opening (beneath the fuel cap) to
prevent debris from entering the fuel tank during
assembly. Remove and discard this cup before
filling up the tank.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoor or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
Starting Engine
IMPORTANT:
thrower, read, understand and follow ALL
instructions to perform adjustments found
under the heading Auger Control Test on
page 8 of this manual.
Prior to operating your snow
Figure 5
• Make certain the fuel shut-off valve, if so equipped,
is in the OPEN (vertical) position.
• Make certain the auger and traction controls are in
the disengaged (released) position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. Be certain it snaps into place.
Do not turn key. See Figure 4.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover. Do not
turn ignition key.
Recoil Starter:
• Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
• If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.
• Push primer button three or four times for cold
engine start.
• If engine is warm, push primer button once only.
7
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until it
pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
• Repeat step above until engine starts.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
Electric Starter
The electric starter is equipped with a grounded threewire power cord and plug, and is designed to operate
on 120 volt AC household current.
WARNING: The electric starter must be
used with a properly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to avoid possibility of
electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully
to operate the electric starter.
• Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
• If your home wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
• If your home electrical system is grounded, but
a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electric starter.
• If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows.
• Rotate choke knob to OFF position.
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-prong 120volt, grounded, AC receptacle.
• Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke
position.
• When engine starts, release starter button, and
move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters,
move choke immediately to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
• When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from
the snow thrower.
To Stop Engine
• To stop engine, remove the ignition key. Do not turn
key. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug to prevent accidental starting while equipment
is unattended.
To prevent starter freeze-up:
• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
• Electric Starter: Connect power cord to switch box
on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the
engine running, push starter button and spin the
starter for several seconds. The unusual sound
made by spinning the starter will not harm engine or
starter. Disconnect the power cord from receptacle
first, and then from switch box.
• Recoil Starter: With engine running, pull starter
rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three
or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce a
loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the
engine or starter.
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times. Leave
throttle control lever in the STOP or OFF position.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.
• Remove ignition key and disconnect spark plug
wire. Do not turn key.
IMPORTANT:
safe place. Engine will not start without the ignition key.
Do not lose the ignition key. Keep it in a
To Engage Drive
• With the engine running near top speed, move shift
lever into one of the five FORWARD positions or
two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions that exist. Use
the slower speeds until you are familiar with the
operation of the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the auger control and the augers will turn.
Release it and the augers will stop.
• Squeeze traction control and the snow thrower will
move. Release it and unit will stop. Never move
shift lever without releasing traction control.
To Engage Augers
• To engage augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control against the left handle.
Release to stop the augers.
Auger Control Test
IMPORTANT:
the snow thrower for the first time and at the start of
each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged “up” position, the cable should have
very little slack, but should NOT be tight.
Perform the following test before operating
WARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable.
Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the
snow thrower.
8
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