MTD 31AS611E352 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
Snow Thrower
Model Series 611
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.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10001c-
(7/2003)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Hardware Pack .................................................................................................. 5
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................... 6
Know Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 10
Operating Your Snow Thrower .......................................................................... 11
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 14
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 16
Service .............................................................................................................. 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 20
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 21
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. 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 standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking
down at the rear frame below the engine. A sample model plate is explained below. For future
reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
(Model Number)
(Serial Number) Copy the model number here:
P. O. BOX 361131 Copy the serial number here:
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
www.mtdproducts.com 88o-88o-731 8
338-228-4683
ENGINEINFORMATION
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 unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer
Support.Should 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.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
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.
6,
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.
Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.
7.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.
8,
Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.
9.
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
½ 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.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Neveroperatewithamissingordamageddischarge
chute.Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceandworking.
5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile
operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoiding
possiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjurycausedbya
ricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets
orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear
snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor
light.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold
onthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engine,disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit
againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.
Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallclutchleversandstopenginebeforeyou
leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Wait
untiltheauger/impellercomestoacompletestopbefore
uncloggingthedischargechute,makingany
adjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector
openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto
unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogdischarge
chutewhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengineandremain
behindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshavestopped
beforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe
manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,
usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealeror
telephone1-800-800-7310forassistanceandthename
ofyournearestservicingdealer.
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 clutch levers and stop 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 clutch 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 taws 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.
WARN I N G: 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.
1.KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING IMPELLER
ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR
AUGERCAN AMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.
2 USE CLEAN-OUTTOOL TO UNCLOG
D SCHARGECHUTE.
3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,
ANDREMAIN BEHINDHANDLES UNTILALL
MOVING PARTS HAVESTOPPED DEFORE
UNCLOGGING OR SERVICING MACHINE.
4. TO AVOID THROWN OBJECTS INJURIES,
NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATDYSTANDERS.
USEEXTRACAUTIONWRENOPERATINGON
GRAVEL SURFACES.
5. READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.
SECTION2: CONTENTSOFHARDWAREPACK(BoxedUnit)
Lay out the hardware according to the illustration below for identification purposes. Part numbers are shown in
_arentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
ATTACHING THE HANDLES
Hex Bolts
710-04039 (2)
Lock Washers
736-0119 (4)
ATTACHING CLUTCH GRIPS
Hex Lock Nut Spacer Hex Cap Screw
712-0429 (2) 750-1032 (2) 710-3103 (2)
@@
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII11
@ (No Picture) (No Picture)
_ IIIIIII111111111111111
Hex Bolts Saddle
710-1880 (2) 784-5599 (2)
ATTACHING SPEED SELECTOR PLATE
AND SHIFT LEVER
@@
C ATTACHING HANDLE PANEL
Carriage Bolts
710-0262 (4)
@@@Self-Tapping Screws
_ _ 710-0599<4)
HexBo,ts _IUlIIIIIIIlUlIIIQQ
710-3015<2)I_Iiiiiiiiiiiiii11111HexLockNuts
El "Z" FITTING NUTS
ATTACHING CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL
Flat Washer
736-0185
U 712-3027 (2)
Hex Nuts
712-0121 (4)
"Z" Fitting not
shown here
Hex Nuts
Cupped Washer
736-0242
712-3010 (2)
©©
0
Hex Patch Nuts
FI ATTACHING CHUTE ASSEMBLY
Hex Bolts Hex Lock Nuts
710-3015 (6) 712-3027 (6)
QQ
QQ
Q@
Chute Flange Keepers
731-0851 (3) Not Shown
REPLACEMENT SHEAR BOLTS
Hex Lock Nuts
712-0429 (2)
_[]_[_[_]_ Hex Bolts
Lock Washers
736-0119 (4)
Hairpin Clip
714-0104
NOTE: These are replacement shear bolts and nuts. Store in a safe place until needed.
©Q
__]_ 710-0890A (2)
See note
below.
SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position. The "operator's position" is defined
as 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 discussed in this manual are applicable to all
snow thrower models.
Unpacking
Crate
• Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the
shipping crate.
• Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal
injury.
• Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
• Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
Operator's Manual, etc.).
• Roll unit out of crate.
Box
Remove staples or break glue on top flaps of the
carton. Remove any loose parts included with unit
(i.e., operator's manual, etc.).
Cut corners of the carton and lay ends down flat.
Remove packing material.
Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
loose parts before discarding.
Handles
°_Ch Chute Directional
ute Control Assembly
Assembly
C_u_rutch Grips
r
LooseParts(CratedUnit)
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two
shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object
or icejam, the snow thrower is designed so that the
bolts may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts
are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe
place until needed. See Figure 1.
Figure 1
Loose Parts (Boxed Unit)
Listed below are the parts of the snow thrower packed
loose with units that come unassembled in a box. You
will need these parts along with hardware from the
hardware pack, illustrated on the previous page, to
assemble the equipment. Identify the loose parts before
proceeding to assemble. See Figure 2.
Figure 2
1. Right and Left Handles
2. Handle Panel
3. Speed Selector Plate
4. Chute Assembly
5. Chute Directional Control Assembly
6. Shift Lever
7. Clutch Grips
8. Hardware Pack
9. Extension Cord (If Equipped)
NOTE: Follow the Assembly instructions below per the
packaging of your unit. So if your unit came in a box,
proceed to page 7,Assembly (Boxed Unit).
Assembly(CratedUnit)
,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Removethelowertwoplasticwingknobs,cupped
washersandcarriagebolt(eyeboltontheleftside)
fromthelowerhandle.See Figure 3.
and Bolts
IMPORTANT: The cable should have very little slack,
but should NOT be tight. An overtightened cable may
prohibit the auger and drive from disengaging.
WARNING: Over-tightening the cable may
prohibit the auger and drive from disengaging
and compromise the safety of the snow
thrower. Do NOT overtighten the cable.
• Once properly adjusted, tighten the jam nut against
the coupling end of the cable to lock it in position.
Refer to AugerControlTestonpage 12 prior to operating
your snow thrower. Read and follow all instructions
carefully and perform all adjustments to verify your
snow thrower is operating safely and properly.
Assembly(BoxedUnit)
Figure 3
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle. See Figure 4.
Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides.
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and
carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously
removed. See Figure 4.
Wing Knobs
Hex
Nut
Figure 4
• Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control
so the rod does not come into contact with the
engine by moving the hex nut against the handle (if
necessary). Retighten the wing nut to secure the
directional control in this position. See Figure 4.
• Thread the jam nuts all the way up each of the "Z"
fittings, toward the handle panel. See Figure 9.
• Make certain all cables are in the grooves of the
cable roller guides located in the lower rear of the
unit, one on each side. See Figure 5.
• Thread the coupling end of the cable onto the
threaded portion of the "Z" fitting until the rubber
bumper (located on the underside of the clutch
lever) only lightly contacts the upper handle. Refer
to Figure 9.
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
AttachingHandles(HardwareGroupA)
• Place right handle in position against the snow
thrower so that the flat side of the handle is against
the frame. Align the bottom hole on the handle to
the corresponding hole on the snow thrower
housing.
• Insert hex bolt and lock washer through these holes
to secure the handle to the snow thrower housing.
Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 5.
Saddle Washer
Cable Roller
Hex Bolt &
Lock Washer
Hex Bolt
Lock Washer
Figure 5
Attach the left handle in the same manner and do
not tighten.
Place saddle washer over upper holes on handles
and secure to the frame with lock washers and hex
bolts. Do not tighten now. See Figure 5.
AttachingClutchGrips(HardwareGroupB)
• Slide spacer on each end of the clutch grip and
place the clutch grip in position on the each
respective handle. Clutch grips must sit on top of
the handles. See Figure 6.
Hex Lock Nut
Hex Bolt
\
Spacer
Self-Tapping
Screws
Speed Selector
Self-Tapping
.Screws
_Hex Lock Nuts
Bolts _Shift Lever
Spring
Figure 6
Secure each clutch grip with a hex bolt threaded
from the outside of each handle and tighten with
hex lock nut under handle panel. See Figure 6.
AttachingHandlePanel(HardwareGroupC)
• Position the handle panel between handles and
insert two carriage bolts on each side and secure
with lock washers and hex patch nuts.
See Figure 7.
Hex Cap
Carriage Bolts
Hex Lock Nuts
Bolts
Figure 8
NOTE: The bend in the lever should be towards the
operator.
• Secure shift lever to the shift lever spring using two
hex bolts and hex lock nuts. Tighten both bolts
finger tight. At this point the shift lever and shift
lever spring are not against each other. As you
tighten the bolts and nuts with two wrenches, these
will pull together.
• Tighten all hardware assembled to this point. Make
sure that clutch grips are moving freely.
AttachingControlCables(HardwareGroupE)
• Take a "Z" fitting from the hardware pack and insert
the Z end into the hole on the left clutch grip on the
handle panel. See Figure 9. Thread a hex nut from
hardware pack on to the Z fitting.
_ Clutch Grip
Self-Tapping
Screws
Figure 7
AttachingSpeedSelectorPlateAnd
ShiftLever(HardwareGroupD)
• Assemble the speed selector plate to the outside
of the handles. Secure using two self-tapping
screws on each side. See Figure 8.
• Insert the shift lever through slot inthe speed
selector plate. See Figure 8.
_e //"_"Z" Fitting
[.._neJ _ Hex Nut
Figure 9
• Route the left cable between engine and speed
selector plate and then between handle panel and
clutch lever pivot rod. Make sure the cable is routed
correctly in the cable roller guides located at the
lower rear of the unit.
• Thread cable onto the left "Z" fitting.
• Assemble the right "Z" fitting on the right clutch grip
and attach the right cable in the same manner. Both
cablesshouldhaveminimalslack,butnottight.
Tightenorloosenhexnutson"Z"fittingstoadjust.
IMPORTANT:Iftherightlock-outcableisnotadjusted,
thewheelswilltendtoturn,Iftheleftlock-outcableis
notadjusted,theaugerswillkeeponrotating,
NOTE: The drive clutch cable is routed over the axle.
Hex Bolts &
Hex Lock Nuts
,_ WARNING" Do not over-tighten the clutch
NOTE: Two extra jam nuts are included in the hardware
pack (Group E) in the event either are lost during
shipping.
cables. Tension on either cable in the
disengaged (up) position may override the
safety features of the machine.
AttachingChuteAssembly(HardwareGroupF)
• Place chute assembly over chute opening, with the
opening in the chute assembly facing the front of
the unit.
• Place chute flange keepers beneath lip of chute
assembly, with the flat side of chute flange keeper
facing downward. See Figure 10.
• Insert hex bolt up through chute flange keeper and
chute assembly and secure with hex lock nut. After
assembling all three chute flange keepers, tighten
all nuts and bolts securely. Do not overtighten.
NOTE: Lock nuts cannot be threaded onto a bolt by
hand. Tighten with two 7/16" or adjustable wrenches.
Chute Assembly
,HexBolt
/
Lower
Chute
Directional
Control
Bracket
1Clip
Chute Directional 1_'_
Control Bracket
Thread one hex nut onto the eyebolt on the chute
directional control assembly until there is at least
two inches of threads showing between the nut and
the eyebolt head. See Figure 12.
Plastic HexNuts
Bushing
Flat
Washer \ ChU;eoDirectional
Figure 11
2" of threat
\
\
Hex Lock Nut
Chute Flange
Keeper
/
Figure 10
AttachingChuteDirectionalControl
(HardwareGroupG)
• Loosen the two hex nuts which secure the lower
chute directional control support bracket to the
snow thrower housing. See Figure 11.
• Insert the end of the chute directional control into
the hole in the plastic bushing on the chute bracket.
• Place the flat washer on the end of the chute
directional control, and secure with hairpin clip. See
Figure 11.
Hex Nut
Cupped
_Washer
Hex Nut
= Eye Bolt
Chute Directional
Control
Figure 12
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