MTD 31BM63LF704, 31AM63FF752, 31AH65LG704, 31AH65FH700, 31AH64EG700 Owner’s Manual

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

OPER roR's

L

f

ii

Two-Stage Snow Thrower m 500 Series & 600 Series

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-07070

(May17,2011)

ToTheOwner

Thank¥ou

1

Thank you for purchasing an MTD Snow Thrower. 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. We reserve

the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

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

Controls ................................................................... 18

Operation ................................................................ 21

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................ 22

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD's 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 fightand 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.

Service .................................................................... 23

Troubleshooting .................................................... 29

Replacement Parts ................................................ 30

Attachments ........................................................... 31

Warranty .................................................. Back Cover

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.

MODEL NUMBER

ND[3D[3D[3D[3DD

SERIALNUMBER

FINFINFINFINFIND

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.

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:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
0 Write to MTD LLC • RO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

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. NEED 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.

SafeHandlingof 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 linen 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. Do not operate on steep 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 usethe 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 accessoriesapproved by the
manufacturer (e.g.wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).

20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
isfelt, 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 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

ClearingaCloggedDischargeChute

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.

g. 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.

Donot modify engine

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.

Notice Regarding Emissions

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

_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an

Ira spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service

department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's

exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

SafetySymbols

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.

READTHE OPERATOR'SMANUAL(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.

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

Contentsof Carton

3

One Snow Thrower
One Chute Control Rod (if so

equipped)
One Engine Manual

Two Replacement Auger Shear Pins

One Snow Thrower Operator's
Manual

One Product Registration Card
One Chute Assembly

f

There are four chute control styles available that determine your set-up. Refer to the images above and on the next page to determine
which chute control style you have. If your product resembles the image on the left (above), see page 8 for assembly instructions. If

your product resembles the image on the right (above), see page 11 for assembly instructions. If your product resembles the image on
the left (on the next page), see page 12 for assembly instructions. If your product resembles the image on the right (on the next page),
see page 14 for assembly instructions.

The Set-Up and Adjustment instructions are the same for all chute controls.

k. nJ

2-Way& 4-WayAssembly

Remove all loose parts before assembling.

HandleAssembly

1. Place the shift lever in the Forward-6 position

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

the handle upward. Pivot the handle upward. See Fig. 3-1.

Figure 3-1

NOTE:Make certain the cables are seated properly in the
roller guides. See Fig. 3-2.

Figure 3-2

3.

Secure the handle by tightening the plastic 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.

J

8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

ChuteAssembly

1. Remove hairpin clip, wing nut and hex screw from chute
control head and clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin from
chute support bracket. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

2.

Insert chute control rod into chute control head. Push rod
as far into chute control head as possible, keeping the

holes in the rod pointing upward. See Fig. 3-4.

3. Place chute onto chute base and ensure chute control
rod is positioned under the handle panel. Install hex bolt

previously removed but do not secure with wing nut at this
time. See Fig. 3-5.

f

1

4. Squeeze the trigger on the joystick and rotate the chute by
hand to face forward. The holes in the chute control input

will be facing up. See Fig. 3-6.

j_s _

Figure 3-4

/

/

//

/ i

Chute Control r TOp View

input

Figure 3-6

NOTE:The chute will not rotate without squeezing the
trigger on the joystick.

SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9

5.

Rotate the joystick to the one o'clock position so that the
silver indicator arrow on the pinion gear below the control
panel faces upward. See Fig. 3-7.

7.

Push the chute control rod toward the control panel until
the hole in the rod lines up with the hole in the chute
control input closest to the chute control head and insert

the hairpin clip removed earlier. See Fig. 3-9.

Figure 3-7

NOTE:The joystick will be angled slightly to the right at the
one o'clock position. See "Top View" in Fig. 3-6.

6.

Insert the chute control rod into the pinion gear below the

joystick. Make sure to line up the hole in the rod with the

arrow on the pinion gear. See Fig. 3-8.

Figure 3-9

NOTE:The second hole is used to achieve further
engagement of the chute control rod into the pinion

gear if required. Refer to page 24 for Chute Control Rod
adjustments.

8.

Finish securing chute control head to chute support
bracket with wing nut, clevis pin, and bow-tie cotter pin

removed in step 1.See Fig. 3-3.

9.

Check that all cables are properly routed through the cable
guide on top of the engine. See Fig. 3-10.

J

Figure 3-8

NOTE:The chute control rod will fit snuggly into the pinion
gear. Support the rear of the dash panel with one hand

while inserting the rod with your other hand to ensure the
rod is inserted allthe way into the pinion gear.

NOTE:The hole is a reference for aligning the rod with the
indicator arrow on the pinion gear, and will be visible after
the rod has been inserted.

SECTION 3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

Figure 3-10

NOTE: For smoothest operation, the cables should all be to
the left of the hex rod.

NOTE:Models with 2-Way Chute Control have only one
cable to route through the cable guide.