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, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark 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)		(Serial Number)		Copy the model number here:
	MTD LLC
				Copy the serial number here:
	P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-220-4683 www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310

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- [phone] 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

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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.

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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 [phone] 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.

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SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Loose Parts

Auger Shear Bolts (Spares)

											Hex Lock Nuts
	Shear Bolts
											5/16” Thread
	(710-0890A)										(712-0429)

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: NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with 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.

WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

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).

	Cupped
	Washer
Carriage	Upper
Bolt	Handle
	Wing
	Nuts
	Lower
	Handle

Figure 1

Upper

Shift Rod

Hex Nut

Shift Rod

Connector

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:Lamp wire must not interfere with any controls or cables.

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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

Chute Directional Control

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).

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.

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Traction/Auger

Shift Lever

Control Lock

Auger Control

Discharge Chute

Spark Plug

Chute

Choke

Primer

Clean-out Tool

Recoil Starter

Chute Directional Control

Ignition Key

Handle

Throttle Control

Auger

Figure 4

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.

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: Prior to operating your snow thrower, read, understand and follow ALL instructions to perform adjustments found under the heading Auger Control Test on page 8 of this manual.

•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

Rubber Boot

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.

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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: Do not lose the ignition key. Keep it in a safe place. Engine will not start without the ignition key.

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: Perform the following test before operating 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.

WARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable. Over-tightening may prevent the auger from disengaging and compromise the safety of the snow thrower.

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