MTD 31AH6ZFH500, 31AH54KG500 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

TO

L

Two-Stage Snow Thrower m 500 & 600 Series

P.O. Box 1386, 97 KENT AVENUE, KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1

PrintedIn USA 769-06123

09.09.10

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

Thank you for purchasing your new equipment. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly

operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent

product information available at the time of printing. Review

this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for
various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or

illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models.

Tableof Contents

1

The manufacturer reserves the right to change product
specifications, designs and equipment without notice and

without incurring obligation.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,

phone your local service dealer or contact us directly. Customer
Support telephone numbers, website address and mailing
address can be found on this page. We want to ensure your
complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the

machine are observed from the operating position.
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

machine, for more information.

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Con trois ................................................................... 12

Operation ................................................................ 15

Maintenance & Adjustment. ................................. 16

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the

model plate by standing at the operator's position and looking

down at the rear of the frame. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer

Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

Service ..................................................................... 19

Troubleshooting .................................................... 23

Replacement Parts ................................................ 24

Warranty ................................................................ 25

Emission Control Warranty Statement ............... 26

MODEL NUMBER

[3D[3D[3D[3D[3D[3

SERIAL NUMBER

D[3D[3D[3D[3D[3D

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT"return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

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

Visit our web at www.mtdcanada.ca

Locate your nearest dealer from Customer Support: 1-800-668-1238
Contact MTD CANADA • P.O. Box 1386 • 97 Kent Avenue • Kitchener, Ontario, Canada • N2G 4J1

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

WARNING! 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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,

toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety

instructions could result in serious injury or death.

2

Training Preparation

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 of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an

adult.

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, pets and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially

when operating in reverse.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
for all machines with electric start engines.

4. Adjust auger housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock
surfaces.

5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.

6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.

7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.

SafeHandling of Gasoline

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.
Never fuel machine indoors.

C.

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 1/2

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.
k. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place

containers on the ground away from your vehicle

before filling.
I. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from

the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this

is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a

trailer with a portable container, rather than from a

gasoline dispenser nozzle.
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is

complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe

and may cause personal injury.

3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when

released.

4.

Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly.
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. Keep children away.

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 backing up.

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 control 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 chute assembly, 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 chute assembly 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. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord

(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains

could result.

21.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Clearinga CloggedDischargeChute

Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow

throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:

1. SHUTTHE ENGINE OFF!

2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.

3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.

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 control levers 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.

12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.

13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

14.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,

or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

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.

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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air

Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

i_ll WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

Ira spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.

A spark attester for the muffler is available through your nearest
engine authorized service dealer.

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).

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside

WARNING-- ROTATING AUGER

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute

assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

........!i........

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

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.

6 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly& Set-Up

IMPORTANT:The snow thrower is shipped with oil and WITHOUT GASOLINE. After assembly, refer to separate engine manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

NOTE: Remove all loose parts and any packing material before assembling.
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow thrower are determined from behind the unit in the operating position.

NOTE:This Operator's Manual covers several models, handle
panels, lights and chute cranks are some features that may vary
by model. Not all features referenced (or engines )ictured) in
this manual are applicable to all snow thrower models.

NOTE: Replacement auger shear pins are included with this
manual (or stowed in the plastic handle panel). Refer to Augers in

the Maintainance Section for more information regarding shear
pin replacement.

NOTE: For models with electric start the extension cord is
fastened with a cable tie to the rear of the auger housing for

shipping purposes. Cut the cable tie and remove it before
operating the snow thrower.

HandleAssembly

Place the shift lever in the Forward-6 position.
Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to be sure

both cables are aligned with roller guides. See Fig. 3-1.Pull
up on the upper handle, align the upper handle with the
lower handle. See Fig. 3-2.

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.

\ \

ChuteAssembly

Remove wing nut and hex screw from chute control
assembly and clevis pin and cotter pin from chute support
bracket. See Fig. 3-3. Position the chute assembly (forward-

facing) over the chute base.

Fig. 3-2

3

Fig. 3-3

!/

Place chute assembly onto chute base and secure chute
control assembly to chute support bracket with clevis pin and
cotter pin removed earlier. See Fig. 3-4.

Fig. 3-4

Finish securing chute control assembly to chute support
bracket with wing nut and hex screw removed earlier. See
Fig. 3-5.

Fig. 3-6

Fig° 3-5

Guide the chute crank rod through the bracket located on
the rear of the handle panel See Fig. 3-6.

a. Remove the cotter pin and insert the chute crank rod

into the connector on the chute control assembly.
See Fig. 3-7.

b. Align the hole in the chute crank rod with the hole

in the connector, secure with cotter pin previously
removed.

Check that all cables (if equipped) are properly routed
through the cable guide on the right side of the chute

crank rod. See Fig. 3-8.

8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

J

Fig. 3-7

?

Fig. 3-8

DriftCutters(if Equipped)

Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow thrower in
heavy drift conditions.

On models so equipped, drift cutters and hardware are
assembled to the auger housing inverted.

Remove the carriage bolts and wingnuts securing the drift
cutters to the housing.

Reposition drift cutters so they face forward as shown
in Fig. 3-9. Secure with hardware previously removed,

wingnuts should be fastened on the outside of the
housing as shown.

_ WARNING: Never use your hands to clean snow

and ice from the chute assembly or auger housing.

LampWiringHarness(If equipped))

The post on the cable tie attaching the lamp wiring harness to
the lower handle should be plugged into the hole in the lower

handle. Pull the slack portion of the wiring harness through the
cable tie to prevent interference with the recoil starter handle.
See Fig. 3-11.

Fig. 3-9

Clean-OutTool

The clean-out tool is mounted to the rear of the auger housing
and is designed to clear a clogged chute. Refer to page 13 for

instructions on how to properly use it.
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. See Fig. 3-10.

Chute Clean-Out

Tool

Fig. 3-11

ShearPinStorage(optional)

On some models an area for convenient shear pin storage is
located at the rear of the plastic dash panel.

TirePressure

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check the tire
pressure before operating the snow thrower. Refer to the tire side
wall for tire manufacturer's recommended psi and deflate (or
inflate) the tires as necessary.

manufacturer's recommended psi. Equal tire

_ ARNING: Under any circumstance do not exceed

NOTE: Equal tire pressure is to be maintained at all times for
performance purposes.

pressure should be maintained at all times. Excessive
pressure when seating beads may cause tire/rim

assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause

serious injury. Refer to sidewall of tire for
recommended pressure.

Fig. 3-10

SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9