MTD 31AE6C3H131 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual
Snow Thrower
Model E6C3H
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 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 44136-0019.
MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-00377A
(6/03)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ........................................................................ 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 5
Know Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................ 7
Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 10
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 12
Servicing Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 13
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 16
Parts List ................................................................................................................. 17
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Snow Thrower. Itwill 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 your local authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the lower frame cover on the rear of your snow thrower. 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.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
"r _N.mLuprouuuLs.com"_-_ -" 800-800-731 0 j
ENGINEINFORMATION
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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturnthe unittotheretailer from whichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
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.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
6,
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 asafe 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 14years 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 ifanyone 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.
Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.
7.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended inthe 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. Neverfuel 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.
4. Neveroperatewithamissingordamageddischarge chute.Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceandworking.
5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoiding possiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjurycausedbya
ricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold onthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe engine,disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage. Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallclutchleversandstopenginebeforeyou leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Wait untiltheauger/impellercomestoacompletestopbefore uncloggingthedischargechute,makingany adjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogdischarge chutewhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengineandremain behindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshavestopped beforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual, usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealeror
telephone1-800-800-7310forassistanceandthename ofyournearestservicingdealer.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
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 taws 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: 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.
1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER
ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.
2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG DISCHARGECHUTE.
3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE, ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE UNCLOGGINGOR SERVICINGMACHINE.
4. TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES, NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS. USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON
GRAVELSURFACES.
5. READ OPERATOR'SMANUAL.
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: 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.
LooseParts
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or icejam, 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
31aceuntil needed. See Figure 1.
Shear Bolts Hex Lock Nuts
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over the lower handle. See Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides.
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously
removed. See Figure 3.
Hex
Nut
Ey,
Connector
Knobs
Figure 1
Assembly
,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped
and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) from the lower handle. See Figure 2.
Wing Knobs,
Washers
and Bolts
Figure 3
Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control so the rod does not come into contact with the
engine by moving the hex nut against the handle (if
necessary). Retighten the wing nut to secure the
directional control in this position.
Slide the connector down over the end of the lower shift rod. See Figure 3. Tap the 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 change speeds or change directions.
NOTE:
Unwrap the headlight wire, which is attached to the
headlight beneath the handle panel.
Wind the headlight wire around the right handle
until excess slack is removed.
Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead coming from the right side of the engine, beneath
the fuel tank.
Figure 2
SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Traction Control/ Lever- Auger Control
m
_-"=_ ;anio ut
Headlight
Discharge_ /
Chute
!
A
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.
TractionControl/AugerControlLock
The traction control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop. See Figure 4.
This same lever 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 along with the traction control, 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 track drive (auger control must also be released).
IMPORTANT:Always release tractional control before changing speeds.
AugerDriveControl
The auger drive control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers. Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction control must also be released.) See Figure 4.
SkidShoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the condition of the ground from where snow has to be removed. See Figure 4.
Shoe
Figure 4
ger Drive Control
Directional
Control
Electric
Button
Box
Starter
Primer
Choke_
_:__ _1_%_._/ Starter
,_ /!/ J Switch
_\\ _ ) })))7./ _Recoil
Thr,)ttle Handle
Control
ShiftLever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel and is used to determine both ground speed and direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight positions. See Figure 4.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position
number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6) is the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.
IMPORTANT: Always release tractional control before changing speeds.
ChuteDirectionalControl
The chute directional control is located on left side of the snow thrower. See Figure 4. To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
SafetyIgnitionKey
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the
switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignition key
when the snow thrower is not in use. See Figure 4.
IMPORTANT:Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
ThrottleControl
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine when pushed down completely. See Figure 4.
Clean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. The tool is designed to clear a clogged discharged chute. Refer to
OperatingYourSnowThrowersection for more detailed informationregarding the chute clean-out tool.
See Figure 4.
WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a
clogged discharged chute. Shut off engine and remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
BeforeStarting
instructions and warnings on the machine
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all and in this manual before operating.
GasAndOilFill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed inthe separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.
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 an other sources of ignition.
A plastic cup is provided inside the fuel fill opening on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank cap to close after fill-up.
ToStartEngine
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.
Make certain the fuel cut-off valve, ifyour snow thrower is so equipped, is in OPEN position.
Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control to FAST (Rabbit) position. Insert ignition key into slot. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
ElectricStarter
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
WARNING: The electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire power cord and
plug and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. Itmust be used with a
properly grounded three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
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:
Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
Rotate choke knob to FULL position.
Move throttle control to FAST (Rabbit) position.
Fully depress the primer three times, making sure to cover the vent hole went pushing.
NOTE: Do NOT use the primer when restarting a warm engine. Doing so will cause the engine to "flood."
Push starter button on top of the engine.
When engine starts, release starter button, and
move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters, move choke momentarily to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
Whendisconnectingthepowercord,alwaysunplug fromthethree-prongreceptaclefirstandthenfrom
thesnowthrower.
RecoilStarter
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 two or three times. If engine is warm, push primer button once only.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first start if temperature is below 15°F.
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.
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.
ToStopEngine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows.
ElectricStarter:
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.
RecoilStarter
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.
To stop engine, move throttle control to "stop" or
"off" position.
Remove ignition key. Do not turn key.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe place.
Engine will not start without the ignition key.
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.
ToEngageDrive
With the engine running near top speed, move the shift lever into one of the six 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 grip and the augers will turn. Release it and the augers will stop.
Squeeze traction control grip and the snow thrower will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
NEVER move shift lever without releasing drive clutch.
ToEngageAugers
To engage the augers and start throwing snow, squeeze the auger control grip against the left
handle. Release to stop the augers.
AugerControlTest
IMPORTANT:Perform the following test before
operating your 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. It should NOT be tight.
In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is
set in the FAST position.
While standing in the operator's position (behind the snow thrower), engage the auger.
Allow the auger to remain engaged for approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing the auger control. Repeat this several times.
With the engine running in the FAST position and the auger control lever in the disengaged "up"
position, walk to the front of the machine.
Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows NO signs of motion.
IMPORTANT:If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating, immediately return to the operator's position and shut
off the engine. Wait for ALL moving parts to stop before
re-adjusting the auger control.
To readjust the control cable, loosen the hex jam
nut on the auger control cable "Z" fitting.
Rotate the coupling end of the cable counterclockwise to provide more slack.
Retighten the hex jam nut. See Figure 5.
RepeatAugerControlTesttoverifyproper adjustmenthasbeenachieved.
Auger
Jam
Auger Control
Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for information regarding price and availability.
Snow Thrower Model Drift Cutter Kit
All models OEM-390-679
Cutter
Figure 5
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice lodge itself in the discharge chute during operation, proceed as follows to safely clean the chute and chute opening:
Release both the Auger Control Lever and the Traction/Auger Control Lock Lever.
Stop the engine by removing the ignition key.
Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to the rear of the auger housing.
Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has
formed in and near the discharge chute.
_, WARNING: Never use your hands to clean
snow and ice from the discharge chute or auger housing
Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the rear of the auger housing, reinsert the ignition key and start the snow thrower's engine. While standing in the operator's position (behind the snow thrower), engage the auger clutch lever
for a few seconds to clear any remaining snow and
ice from the discharge chute.
DriftCutters(if so equipped)
Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow thrower in heavy drift conditions.
On models so equipped, drift cutters are assembled to the auger housing inverted. Remove the carriage bolts by unthreading the hex nuts which secure them, and reinstall the drift cutters in their proper position before operating the snow thrower. See Figure 6.
If your unit is not equipped with drift cutters, contact
Carriage Screws /
Hex Nuts
Figure 6
TireChains(if so equipped)
Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is
needed. If your unit is not equipped with tire chains, contact Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for information regarding price and availability.
OperatingTips
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.
_, ARNING: The temperature of the muffler
For the most efficient snow removal, remove snow
Discharge the snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous path.
Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the shave plate for
Be certain to follow the precautions found in the To
Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
and the surrounding areas may exceed
150°F. Avoid these areas.
immediately after itfalls.
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward (to lower the shave plate) for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward (to raise the shave plate) when using on gravel or crushed rock.
Stop Engine section to prevent possible freeze-up.
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