MTD 31AH553G401 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Power Steer Drive

28” Snow Thrower

g e

1 2

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31AH553G401

Model

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

Warning:

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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10028A

(7/99)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

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

Assembling Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................... 5

Know Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 7

Operating Your Snow Thrower........................................................................... 9

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 11

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 12

Servicing Your Snow Thrower............................................................................ 15

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 18

TroubleshootingGuide ....................................................................................... 19

Parts List............................................................................................................ 20

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 looking at the lower frame cover on the rear of your snow thrower. See page 27. A sample model plate is also explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.

(Model Number)

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

(Serial Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If 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.

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This Warning 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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.

DANGER: Your snow thrower 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 equipment is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Training

• Read this operators manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate snow thrower under close parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your snow thrower.

• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting engine.

• Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until engine has been allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe

off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

• Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surface.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

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

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

Operation

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all times.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the snow thrower.

• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller housing or discharge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.

• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not run engine indoors, except when starting engine and transporting snow thrower in or out of building. Open doors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.

• Never operate snow thrower without guards, plates, or other safety protection devices in place.

• Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure, automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.

• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.

• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

• Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow anyone in front of unit.

• Disengage power to collector/impeller when transporting or not in use.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of snow thrower (such as wheel weights, counter weights, cabs, etc.).

• Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

Maintenance And Storage

• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

• Always refer to operators manual instructions for important details if snow thrower is to be stored for an extended period.

• Run machine a few minutes after throwing snow to prevent freeze up of collector/impeller.

• Check clutch controls periodically to verify they engage and disengage properly and readjust if necessary. Refer to operators manual for adjustment instructions.

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. For a detailed list of all the labels, see page 27. However, the most important safety labels are reproduced below:

AND CLOTHING AWAY. KEEP HANDS, FEET ROTATING AUGER AVOID INJURY FROM

DANGER

WARNING

STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT

KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING

NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS OR WINDOWS OR ALLOW ANYONE IN FRONT OF UNIT

THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS TO BE USED AND REMOVE ALL DOOR MATS, SLEDS, BOARDS, WIRES AND OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS

REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS

3396MW

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow thrower in this manual is from behind the unit in the operating position.

IMPORTANT:

After assembling, check the adjustments as instructed on page 6 before operating your snow thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause damage to the snow thrower and void warranty.

• Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped

washers and carriage bolts from each side of the lower handle. See Figure 1.

Lower Handle

Wing Nuts,

Washers

and Bolts

Handle Panel

Upper Handle

• Secure the upper handle and lower handle on each side with two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage bolts removed earlier. See Figure 3.

Upper Shift Rod

Lower Shift Rod

Shift Rod

Connector

Figure 3

• Slide the shift rod 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 shift gears or change directions.

• If not already attached, slip the cables that run from the handle panel to the chute into the cable guide on top of the engine. See Figure 4.

Cable Guide

Figure 1

• Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over the lower handle.

• Look at lower rear of snow thrower frame to be sure both cables are aligned with cable roller guides. See Figure 2.

Check cables

on roller guides

Cable Roller Guides

Figure 4

• 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. See Figure 5.

• Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead coming from the right side of the engine, underneath the fuel tank. See Figure 5.

Alternator Lead

Lamp Wire

Figure 2

Figure 5

Final Adjustments

Auger Drive Clutch

• To check the adjustment of the auger drive clutch, push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. See Figure 6.

• Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger drive clutch grip against the left handle completely.

• If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the lock nut against the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

• Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as necessary. Tighten the lock nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: If you are not sure that you have reached correct adjustment, refer to the Making Adjustments section of this manual on page 11.

Slide Shoe

The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted. For close snow removal, place slide shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 7.

• Adjust slide shoes by loosening the two hex nuts and carriage bolts on each side and moving slide shoes to desired position. See Figure 7.

• Make certain the entire bottom surface of slide shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the slide shoes.

• Tighten nuts and bolts securely.

“Z” End

Jam Nut

Auger Control Cable

Figure 6

Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever

• Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on the auger housing.

• Move the shift lever all the way forward to sixth (6) position.

• With the traction drive lever released, spin the snow thrower wheels by hand. The wheels should turn; however, you may feel some resistance.

• Engage the traction drive clutch grip. The wheels should no longer turn.

• Now release the traction drive clutch grip, and spin the wheels again.

• Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse position, then all the way forward again. There should be no resistance in the shift lever, and the wheels should turn.

• If you face resistance when moving the shift lever or the snow thrower wheels stop when they should not, loosen the lock nut on the traction drive cable and unthread the cable one turn.

• If the wheels can still be turned when you engage the traction drive clutch grip, loosen the same lock nut again and thread the cable in one turn.

Slide Shoe

Remove hardware

to adjust

Figure 7

NOTE: It is not recommended that you operate this

snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be easily picked up and thrown by the auger causing an injury or damage to the snow thrower.

• If for some reason, you have to operate the snow thrower on gravel, keep the slide shoe in the highest position for maximum clearance between the ground and the shave plate.

NOTE:

Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)

• The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check tire pressure and reduce to 15 to 20 psi.

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the unit may pull to one side or the other.

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

WEAR YOUR

SAFETY GLASSES

FORESIGHT IS BETTER

THAN NO SIGHT

Traction Control/ Auger Control Lock

Discharge Chute

Gas Tank

Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare illustration below with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

The operation of any snow thrower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Auger Control

Shift Lever

Chute Tilt

Control

Left

Tur n

Trigg er

Electric Chute Rotation Switch

Stay Warm Grips

View of the Handle Panel from the operator’s position

Muffler

Oil Fill

Stay Warm Handles Switch

Stay Warm Grips

Gas Fill

g e

Auger

Slide Shoe

Figure 8

(Refer to Figure 8 for illustration of controls described below.)

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. Use the shift lever to determine ground speed.

Forward: Your snow thrower has six forward speeds— position one (1) the slowest and six (6) the fastest.

Reverse: Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds—position R2 is the faster of the two.

Primer

Choke

Starter Rope

Ignition Key

Throttle Control Lever

View of the Engine Controls

Auger Drive

The auger drive clutch is located on the left handle. Squeeze the clutch grip to engage the augers. Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction drive clutch must also be released.)

Trigger Lever

The left and right turn triggers are located on the underside of the handles and are used to assist in steering your snowthrower. Squeeze the right turn trigger when turning right and the left trigger (illustrated in the figure above) when turning left.

Traction Drive/Auger Clutch Lock

The traction drive clutch is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction drive clutch to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop.

This same lever also locks the auger clutch to avoid interruption of the snow throwing process. If the auger drive clutch is engaged with the traction drive clutch engaged, the operator can release the auger drive clutch (on the left handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release the traction drive clutch to stop both the augers and wheel drive (auger drive clutch must also be released).

Headlight

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

Safety Ignition Switch

The ignition key must be inserted completely in the switch before the unit will start. Do not attempt to turn

the key.

Fuel Shut-Off Valve

The fuel shut-off valve, located under the fuel tank, controls fuel flow from tank. Make sure it is not turned off before starting the engine.

Electric Chute Rotation Switch

The electric chute-rotation switch is located on the left side of the snow thrower dash panel.To change the direction in which discharged snow is thrown, proceed as follows:

• Push the toggle switch to the left to rotate the chute counter-clockwise.

• Push the toggle switch to the right to rotate the chute clockwise.

IMPORTANT:

completed its rotation cycle in either direction. Failure to do so can result in damage to the electric chute motor and/or its drive gear.

Release the switch once the chute has

Chute Tilt Control

The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance, and towards the rear to increase the distance.

Stay Warm Handles Switch

This switch is located on the right side of the snow thrower dash panel. To activate the Stay Warm 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.

NOTE: The Stay Warm grips are a compliment to, not a substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for the operator’s hands. It is recommended that the snow thrower operator wear gloves/mittens to avoid extremities of winter while operating this equipment.

To Stop Engine

CAUTION: If for some reason, the unit starts accidentally while the operator is getting aquainted with the controls listed above, stop the engine immediately.

• To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way down, or remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Gas and Oil Fill-up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or while engine is hot. Do not smoke when filling up a fuel tank.

Tire Pressure

• Tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure to 10-15 p.s.i. for snowthrower operation. Use pneumatic tires only on your snowthrower unit.

• Tire chains (optional equipment) should be used whenever extra traction is needed.

Electric Starter

WARNING: The electric starter is equipped with a three-wire power cord and three-prong plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household current. It must be properly grounded at all times to avoid possibility of electric shock which may be injurious to the operator. Follow all instructions carefully. 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 threewire grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any conditions. If your house wiring system is grounded but a three-hole receptacle is not available at the point the starter will normally be used, one should be installed by a licensed electrician.

• When connecting the power cord, always connect cord to starter on engine first, then plug the other end into a three-hole grounded receptacle.

• When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug from the three-hole grounded receptacle first.

To Start Engine

IMPORTANT:

augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the “Final Adjustments” section of the Set-Up Instructions.

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain that the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or

• Make certain the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped, is in the open (vertical) position.

• Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position.

• Move throttle control to FAST position.

• Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into

place. Do not turn key.

Follow next three steps for electric start only.

• Rotate choke knob to OFF position.

• Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug

the other end of power cord into a three-hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.

• Push starter button to crank the engine. When engine starts, release the starter button, and move choke gradually to FULL, and then to OFF position. If the engine falters, move choke immediately to FULL position and then gradually move it to OFF position.

Follow the next four steps for recoil start only:

• Rotate choke knob to FULL position. If engine is already warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL position.

• Push primer button two or three times. If engine is warm, push primer button once only.

• 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 starter handle. Repeat 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.

To Stop Engine

• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.

To avoid possible freeze-up of starter, proceed as

follows. 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 the starter.

• To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way down, or remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.

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