MTD 31CE660F129, 31BE600E131, 31AS640F352 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
Snow Thrower
E600E, $610E, E6COF
$640F, E640E, E640F
E640G, E660F, E660G
Models
IMPORTANT:READSAFETYRULESANDINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLY
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 44136-9722.
MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-9722
FORM NO. 769-00292A
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
(5/2003)
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
Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................. 20
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)
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
'. www.mtdproducts.com 8oo-8oo-731 o j
330-220-4683
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to performance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturntheunitto theretailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
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.
7,
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 asafe 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.
6. Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.
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 oryour 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 fitt 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.
Contactyourdealerortelephone1-800-800-7310for
assistanceandthenameofyournearestservicing
dealer.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
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.
WARNING-- YOURRESPONSIBILITY:
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the machine. The
safety labels are shown below for your reference.
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
SECTION2: CONTENTSOFHARDWAREPACK(BoxedUnit)
Lay out the hardware according to the illustration for identification purposes. Part numbers are shown in
parentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
__ ATTACHING THE HANDLES
Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 2"
(710-04039)
Handle Tabs
(784-5599)
©
Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-1/2"
(710-0262)
Hex Nuts
5/16"Thread @ @ @ @
(712-3068)
Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x3/4"
(710-3008)
LockWashers
5/16" I.D.
(736-0119)
Cupped Washers
5/16" I.D.
(736-0242)
C ATTACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY
Hex Bolts
(710-3015)
1/4-20 x 3/4"
©©
©©
Chute FlangeKeepers @ @
(731-0851A) Hex Lock Nuts
1/4-20Thread
(712-3027)
O TTACHING THE CHUTE DIRECTIONAL
CONTROL
Flat Washer
3/8" I.D. x 5/8" O.D.
(736-0185)
- TTACHING THE SHIFT ROD
AND CLUTCH CABLES
@ @ 5/16"Thread
Ferrule
(711-0677)
AUGER SHEAR BOLTS*
The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a hard foreign object
or an ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts may shear. These two spare shear bolts and nuts
are provided for your convenience.
IMPORTANT:NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox
or other components as a result of doing so will NOT be covered by your snow thrower's warranty.
Flat Washers
5/16" I.D. x 5/8" O.D.
(736-0275)
Shear Bolts
(710-0890A)
Hair PinClips
(714-0104)
Hex Lock Nuts
@ @ 5/16" Thread
(712-0429)
Hex Nut
(712-3010)
Cupped Washer
5/16" I.D.
(736-0242)
F "Z" FITTING NUTS
Jam Nuts
#10-24 Thread @ @
(712-0121)
_ air Pin Clip
(714-0104)
SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
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.
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.
__'_Shear B°lts [_-_THex Lock
Figure 1
LooseParts (BoxedUnit)
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
3roceeding to assemble. See Figure 2.
/
Handles
Handle PanelEX
tension
,
Right and Left Handles
2.
Handle Panel Assembly
3.
Chute Assembly
4.
Chute Directional Control Assembly
5.
Shift Rod
6.
Hardware Pack
7.
Clean-out Tool*
8.
Extension Cord*
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.
ToolsRequiredForAssembly
1. Pair of pliers
2. Two adjustable wrenches (Boxed Unit)
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 spark plug wire
NOTE: All 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.
• Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side)
from the lower handle. See Figure 3.
Chute Directional
Control
Clean-out
Tool*
Di_hu_rge
Figure 2
Shift Rod
and Bolts
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.
Securetheupperhandleandlowerhandlewiththe
twoplasticwingknobs,cuppedwashersand
carriagebolt(eyeboltontheleftside)previously
removed.SeeFigure4.
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.
• Slide the connector down over the end of the lower
shift rod. See Figure 4. Tap the connector until it
locks on the lower shift rod.
If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod
will pivot and you will not be able to change speeds or
change directions.
• Thread the jam nuts all the way up each of the "Z"
fittings, toward the handle panel. See Figure 7.
• 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.
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.
Assembly(BoxedUnit)
Assembly Tip: For convenience in assembly, remove
the chute from the carton and lay it on top of the engine.
Do not unwrap the chute till you have installed the
handle panel and the clutch cables.
AttachingHandle
(Hardware Group A)
• Place right handle in position against the snow
thrower so the flat side of the handle is against the
snow thrower. Secure bottom hole in handle to
snow thrower using 3/4" hex bolt and lock washer.
Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 5.
Cable
Guide
• Place handle tab over the upper hole on the handle
so the curve in the handle tab matches the curve of
the handle. See Figure 5. Secure to the snow
thrower using 2" hex bolt and lock washer; do not
tighten at this time. Repeat on the other side. Do
not tighten at this time.
• Place the handle panel in position between the two
handles. To hold the handle panel in place, depress
both controls against the handles. While continuing
to hold the right control, release the left control (the
auger control lock will keep left control engaged).
See Figure 6.
• Fasten right side of the handle panel by inserting
two carriage bolts through handle and handle panel
(bolts must go through both the plastic and metal
parts of the handle panel). See Figure 6. Secure
with cupped washers (cupped side against handle
panel) and lock nuts.
• Repeat on the other side.
Lock
Washers Hex
Bolt
Figure 5
• Once properly adjusted, tighten the jam nut against
the coupling end of the cable to lock it in position.
Refer to AugerControlTeston page 13 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.
Cupped
Carriag
Bolts
Lock Nuts
Figure 6
Tighten the four hex bolts used earlier to attach
bottom of the handles to the snow thrower frame.
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.
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.
NOTE: Refer to AugerControlTeston page 13 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.
AttachingControlCables
(Boxed&CratedUnit)
"Z" fittings with jam nuts are inserted in each control
lever (on the handle panel) at the factory. To attach the
cables to the "Z" fittings, proceed as follows:
NOTE: Two extra jam nuts are included in the hardware
pack (Group F) in the event either are lost during
shipping.
• Thread the jam nuts all the way up each of the "Z"
fittings, toward the handle panel. See Figure 7.
Control Lever
Make Sure
Cable Is Straight
Cable Coupling End
Figure 7
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.
Handle
Panel
"Z" Fitting
Jam Nut
AttachingChuteAssembly
(Hardware Group C)
• Place the chute assembly over the chute opening
with the chute facing front of the unit.
NOTE: Make sure that the chute cables are
straightened while assembling the chute.
Place the chute flange keeper (flat side down)
beneath lip of chute assembly as shown in Figure
8.You will find the chute flange keepers in group C
of the hardware pack.
Insert 1/4-20 x.75" hex bolt and flange nut (group
C of the hardware pack) up through chute flange
keeper and chute assembly as shown in Figure 8.
Do not tighten at this time. Rotate chute to install
all the flange keepers.
Chute
Hex Bolt
Hex Flange Nut
\\\\\
\
\
Figure 8
Chute Flange Keeper
After assembling all three chute flange keepers,
tighten, then back off 1/4 turn to allow easier
movement of the chute. Use two 7/16" wrenches.
AttachingChuteDirectionalControl
(Hardware Group D)
• Thread one hex nut about halfway onto eye bolt on
the chute directional control.
• Insert eye bolt through the hole provided in the left
handle. See Figure 9.
• Secure with cupped washer (cupped side against
the handle) and other hex nut. Do not tighten until
after attaching the other end of the chute directional
control.
Chute
Hairpin
Clip_
Flat
Washer
j irectional
Control
Lower Chute
Bracket
Figure 11
• Adjust the chute bracket so that the spiral on the
chute directional control fully engages the teeth on
the chute assembly.
• Tighten nuts on the lower chute bracket securely.
• Tighten hex nut on the eye bolt on chute directional
control.
_Eye Bolt
Figure 9
To align the spiral on the chute directional control,
you may have to loosen the carriage bolts and hex
lock nuts securing lower chute bracket to the
extension on the left side of the chute assembly.
See Figure 10.
Carriage
Hex Lock
Lower
Bracket
Nuts
Figure 10
Insert the end of the control into the hole in the
plastic bushing in the lower chute bracket.
Place the flat washer on the end of the chute
directional control, and insert hairpin clip into hole in
the end of control. See Figure 11.
AttachingShift Rod
(Hardware Group B)
IMPORTANT:Attach the shift rod and clutch cables as
follows. Then check the adjustments and make any
final adjustments necessary before operating your
snow thrower. Failure to properly follow the instructions
may cause damage to the snow thrower.
• Place the shift lever (on the handle panel) in the
sixth (6) speed position (all the way forward).
• Place the bent end of the shift rod into the hole in
the shift arm assembly. Secure with flat washer and
hairpin clip. See Figure 12.
• Start threading the ferrule onto the other end of the
shift rod. Push down on the shift rod (and shift arm
assembly) as far as itwill go.
• Thread the ferrule onto the shift rod until the ferrule
lines up with the upper hole in the shift lever
(beneath the handle panel). Insert the ferrule into
the upper hole in the shift lever from the left side
when adjustment is correct. Secure with flat washer
and hairpin clip.
• Check for correct adjustment of the shift rod as
instructed in the under the heading TractionControl
andShiftLeveron page14 before operating the snow
thrower.
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