MTD 31AH6LKH722, 31AE6KKH731, 31AE6GKG731 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

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Two-Stage Snow Thrower

Styles H & K

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,

MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 769-01276B

(8/26/2004)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices

Assembling Your Snow Thrower
Know Your Snow Thrower

Operating Your Snow Thrower
Making Adjustments

Page

3

6

8
10
13

Content Page

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 15
Servicing Your Snow Thrower 15
Troubleshooting 20

Illustrated Parts List 22
Warranty Back Cover

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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. A sample model plate is also given below.
You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the
snow thrower. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web site and/or help from the
Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

_'_ MTDLLC

_, www.rntuprouucts,com 888-888-7318

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND,OH 44136

330-228-4683

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTreturntheunitto theretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirst contactingCustomerSupport.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is

immediately available.

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Manuals On_in°

To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 800-7310.

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I Eng,noI

Manual /

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.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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 controlsbefore startingthe engine.

7.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while

engine is running, except where specifically

recommended in the operator's manual.

,

Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor

temperature before starting to clear snow.

,

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 V2inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. Ifgasoline 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. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,inthe
auger/impellerhousingorchuteassembly.Contact
withtherotatingpartscanamputatehandsand

feet.

2. Theauger/impellercontrolisasafetydevice.Never
bypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthemachine
unsafeandmaycausepersonalinjury.

3. Thecontrolsmustoperateeasilyinbothdirections
andautomaticallyreturntothedisengagedposition

whenreleased.

4. Neveroperatewithamissingordamagedchute
assembly.Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceand
working.

5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorly

ventilatedarea.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluence
ofalcoholordrugs.

7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.

8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor
crossinggravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhidden

hazardsortraffic.

9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionand
whileoperatingonslopes.

10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge

towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoiding

possiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjury
causedbyaricochet.

11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand
petsorallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.

12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto
clearsnowattoofastofarate.

13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibility
orlight.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepa

firmholdonthehandles.Walk,neverrun.

14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen

transportingornotinuse.

15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindanduse
carewhenbackingup.

16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
grounditagainsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfor
damage.Repairanydamagebeforestartingand
operating.

17.Disengageallcontrolsandstopenginebeforeyou
leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).
Waituntiltheauger/impellercomestoacomplete
stopbeforeuncloggingthechuteassembly,making
anyadjustments,orinspections.

18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector
openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto

unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogchute
assemblywhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengine
andremainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingparts

havestoppedbeforeunclogging.

19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapproved
bythemanufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tire
chains,cabsetc.).

20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerorcall1-800-800-7310forassistanceand
thenameofyournearestservicingdealer.

Maintenance& Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Refer to the

maintenance and adjustment sections of this
manual.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine
disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait

until the auger/impeller come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against

the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage.

4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine. The governor controls the

maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are
subject to wear and damage. For your safety
protection, frequently check all components and

replace with original equipment manufacturer's
(OEM) parts only. "Use of parts which do not meet

the original equipment specifications may lead to

improper performance and compromise safety!"

6. Check 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.

Donotmodifyengine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine
in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can
lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at
unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of
engine governor.

SAFETYLABELSFOUNDONYOURSNOWTHROWER

1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER

ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR
AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.

2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG
DISCHARGECHUTE.

3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,

ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL

MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGORSERVICINGMACHINE.

4.TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES,
NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.
USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON

GRAVELSURFACES.

5. READOPERATOR'SMANUAL.

NoticeregardingEmissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California

and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small

Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular
unleaded gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM)

and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

CLEAN-OUT TOOL I1_

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

........./t_ ........

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow

thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position (standing directly behind the snow

thrower, facing the handle panel).
NOTE: This Operator's Manual covers several

models. Snow thrower features vary by model Not
all features referenced and pictured in this manual are
applicable to all snow thrower models.

IMPORTANT:Two replacement auger shear pins and
cotter pins are included with this manual. Refer to
Augerson page 19 for more information.

CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

thrower, refer to AugerCentrelTeston page 11.

Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow

thrower is operating safely and properly.

Securing the Handle

1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides

before pivoting the handle upward.

2. Secure the upper shift rod to the lower shift rod by
sliding the connector sleeve downward.

3. Secure the right side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob. Remove and discard any rubber
bands, if present. They are for packaging purposes
only.

4. Secure the left side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob into the eyebolt.

AttachingtheChuteAssemblyandDirectionalControl

1. Make sure that the flange keepers are opened.
Position the chute assembly (forward-facing) over

the chute base.

2. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure.

NOTE: If the flange keepers wifl not easily click into

place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm
pressure to the back of each.

,

Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
end of the chute directional control. Insert the end

of the chute directional control into the lower
bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin

clip just removed.

NOTE: If necessary, the lower bracket can be

adjusted. Refer to ChuteBracketAdjustment.on Page 14.

4. If equipped, slip the cables, running from the
handle panel to the chute assembly, into the cable
guide located on top of the engine.

CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

thrower, refer to AugerControlTeston page 11.

Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow

thrower is operating safely and properly.

Tire Pressure

• Before operating, check tire pressure and reduce
pressure in both tires to between 15 psi and 20 psi.

Cable

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires,

the unit may not travel in a straight path and the shave
plate may wear unevenly.

SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER

/4

Drive Control

Heated Handles Switcht

Electric Starter Button

Gas

Oil Fill

Chute Assembly

\

Clean-out

Tool

Augers

Shift Lever

f

Ignition

Chute Directional

Control

Control

Shoe

tlf Equipped

Chute Controlt

Control

EngineControls

Recoil Starter

Handle

Electric Starter Outlet

Key

Throttle

Control

_, WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.

NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more

information on all engine controls, refer to the

Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately and

StartingTheEngineon page 10 of this manual.

ShiftLever

The shift lever is located on the right side
of the handle panel. Place the shift lever

into any of eight positions to control the
direction of travel and ground speed.

Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F)

speeds, with position number one (1)
being the slowest speed.

Reverse _
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R)

speeds, with position number one (1) F 1
being the slower speed.

GasCap

Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to
the fuel tank.

6

=,t

U

R1
R2

ChokeControl

The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and

is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating
the choke control closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.

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.

Primer

Depressing the primer forces fuel
directly into the engine's carburetor to
aid in cold-weather starting.

OilFill

Engine oil level can be checked and
oil added through the oil fill.

AugerControl

s AUGER

CONTROL

Two-WayChuteControl(ifEquipped)

f _

CHUTE DiRECTiONAL CONTROL

BISCHARGE_JBISCHARGE

The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the augers and start snow throwing action. Release to

stop.

DriveControl

DRIVE

CONTROL

J

The drive control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the wheel drive. Release to stop.

ChuteDirectionalControl

f

CHUTE DiRECTiONAL CONTROL

DISCHARGE

LEFT

--

#

The two-way chute control is meant to control the
distance of snow discharge from the chute.

• To change the angle/distance which snow is

thrown, pivot the joy-stick forward or backward.

J =

CHUTETiLT

UP

IgnitionKey

The ignition key must be inserted and snapped in place

in order for the engine to start. Remove the ignition key
to prevent unauthorized use of equipment.

IMPORTANT:Do not turn the ignition key in an attempt

to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.

Clean-OutTool

WARNING: Never use your hands to clear
a clogged chute. Shut off engine and remain

behind handles until all moving parts have
stopped before unclogging. Use the clean-
out tool or a stick to unclog.

The clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the auger

housing with a mounting clip. The tool is designed to
clear a clogged chute. Refer to OperatingYourSnow
Thrower section for more detailed information regarding

the clean-out tool.

NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable tie to the

rear of the auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable

tie before operating the snow thrower.

$

The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower.

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.
To change the distance of snow discharge from the

chute, refer to the Making Adjustments section on
page 13.

HeatedHandlesSwitch(ifEquipped)

This switch is located on the right side of the snow
thrower dash panel. To activate the heated handles,
toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the

handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to the OFF

position after using the snow thrower.

SkidShoes(stylevariesbymodel)

Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions.
Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward

when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.