MTD 31AE6LLG723, 31AE6LLG722, 31AE6GLF723, 31AE6GLF722 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

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Two-Stage Snow Thrower

Style L

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. 769-01277B.

(8/26/2004)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices

Assembling Your Snow Thrower Know Your Snow Thrower

Operating Your Snow Thrower Making Adjustments

Page

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. 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. 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 deck. 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 doNOTreturntheunittotheretailerfromwhereit 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 belo

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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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.

Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

Disengage all control levers beforestarting the engine.

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 _/2inch 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. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,inthe auger/impellerhousingorchuteassembly.Contact withtherotatingpartscanamputatehandsand

feet.

2. Theauger/impellercontrolleverisasafetydevice. Neverbypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthe machineunsafeandmaycausepersonalinjury.

3. Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyinboth directionsandautomaticallyreturntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

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.Disengageallcontrolleversandstopenginebefore youleavetheoperatingposition(behindthe handles).Waituntiltheauger/impellercomestoa completestopbeforeuncloggingthechute assembly,makinganyadjustments,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

dealerorcall(800)800-7310forassistanceandthe

nameofyournearestservicingdealer.

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 control levers 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 itto 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 m_

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow

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

thrower, facing the handle panel).

IMPORTANT:Two replacement auger shear pins are included with this manual (or stowed in the plastic handle panel). Refer to Augerson page 19 for more information regarding shear pin replacement.

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.

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.

• Secure the handle by tightening the plastic wing knob located on both the left and right sides of the handle. Remove and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for packaging purposes only.

3. Apply a light lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the rim/lip of

the chute base (and the underside of the chute

assembly) and position the chute assembly over

the base.

4. 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 will not easily click into

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

5. Remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip from the upper portion of the chute mast.

• Position the control head over the chute mast and rear portion of the chute assembly.

• Re-insert the clevis pin and secure with the hairpin

clip removed earlier.

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.

NOTE: Before starting the engine, make certain the

chute cables are not resting against the engine's muffler.

Tire Pressure

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

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

Shift Lever

Electric Starter Button

Oil Fill

Chute Assembly

Clean-out_

Tool

Augers

Drive Control

Gas Cap

Skid Shoe

Chute Directional Control

Auger Control

Control

EngineControls

Recoil Starter

Handle

Electric Starter Outlet

Key

Choke

Throttle

Control

_, WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

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 There are six forward (F) speeds.

Position one (1) is the slowest and U position six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse _ 2 There are two reverse (R) speeds. One

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

=,t

is the slower and two (2) is the faster. F =1(1)

GasCap

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

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

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

DR|VF

CONTROL

IgnitionKey

The ignition key is a safety devise. It must be fully

inserted in order for the engine to start. Remove the

ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use.

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 assembly. Shut off engine

and remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.

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 chute assembly. Refer to

OperatingYourSnowThrowersection for more detailed

information regarding the chute 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.

SkidShoes(stylevaiesby model)

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

when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

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

CHUTE DiRECTiONAL CONTROL

CHUTETiLTDOWH

[PUSHBUTTON IPUSHBUTTON]

CHUTEROTATE CHUTEROTATE

LEFT RIGHT

CHUTETiLTUP j

The chute directional control is located on the left side of the dash panel.

• To change the direction in which snow is thrown, squeeze the button on the joy-stick and pivot the

joy-stick to the right or to the left.

• To change the angle/distance which snow is

thrown, pivot the joy-stick forward or backward.

RecoilStarterHandle

This handle is used to manually start the engine.

ElectricStarterButton

Pressing the electric starter button engages the engine's electric starter when plugged into a 120V

power source.

Electric StarterOutlet

Requires the use of a three-prong outdoor extension

cord and a 120V power source/wall outlet.

Augers

When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into the auger housing.

ChuteAssembly

Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out

the chute assembly.

SparkPlugCover

Unscrew 1/4-turn to access the spark plug and spark plug wire.

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