MTD 31BM62KE704 Owner’s Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
L
600-Series Snow Thrower m K Style
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019
PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-05082A
(August5,2009)
ToTheOwner
ThankYou
1
Thank you for purchasing a Snow Thrower manufactured by
MTD LLC. 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 unit, 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. MTD LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
Tableof Contents
Important Safe Operation Practices ...................... 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7
Controls & Features ................................................ 13
Operation ................................................................ 16
Maintenance & Adjustment. ................................. 18
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 right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.
Engine Maintenance .............................................. 21
Service .................................................................... 24
Troubleshooting .................................................... 28
Replacement Parts ................................................ 29
Warranties ............................................................. 34
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
at the lower, rear section 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
[3131313131313131313D
SERIAL NUMBER
DNDNDNDNDND
CustomerSupport
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this unit, 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 (800) 800-7310 or (330) 220-4683
0 Write us at MTD LLC • EO. 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. HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
2
Training Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan
your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other
foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the
auger/impeller.
1. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect
your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
2. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose
clothing, which could become entangled in moving parts.
Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
for all machines with electric start engines.
4. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed
rock surfaces.
5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.
7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.
SafeHandling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.
C.
d.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is
hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
k. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
I. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe
and may cause personal injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4.
Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly.
Keep all safety devices in place and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch. Keep children away.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes.
10. Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible
property damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or
allow anyone in front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear
snow at too fast of a rate.
13.
Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles. Walk, never run.
14.
Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting
or not in use.
15.
Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care
when backing up.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair
any damage before starting and operating.
17. Disengage all control levers and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before
unclogging the chute assembly, making any adjustments,
or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Always use the clean-out tool provided to unclog the
discharge opening. Do not unclog chute assembly while
engine is running. Shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped before
unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.
21.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
Clearinga CloggedDischargeChute
Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow
throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:
1. SHUTTHE ENGINE OFF!
2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.
3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. Refer to the maintenance and
adjustment sections of this manual.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine
disengage all control levers and stop the engine. Wait until
the auger/impeller come to a complete stop. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to
wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently
check all components and replace with original equipment
manufacturer's (OEM) parts only. "Use of parts which do
not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!"
6. Check control levers periodically to verify they engage
and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer
to the adjustment section in this operator's manual for
instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.
10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.
11. Always refer to the operator's manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.
12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.
13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
14.
According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Donotmodifyengine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.
NoticeRegardingEmissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
SparkArrestor
internal combustion engine and should not be used
i_ll WARNING! This machine is equipped with an
Ira spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. 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 attester 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 arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate
WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside
WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside
WARNING-- ROTATING AUGER
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute
assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
........!i........
WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and 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 Snow Thrower Operator's
Manual
Two Replacement Auger Shear Pins
Hex Rod
Assembly
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.
One Product Registration Card
Chute Assembly
ChuteAssembly
1. Remove cotter pin, wing nut and hex screw from chute
control head and clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin from
chute support bracket. See Fig. 3-2.
Bracket
Figure 3-1
NOTE: Make certain the upper ends of each cable are
seated properly in its bracket.
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.
/
Figure 3-2
2. Insert hex rod into chute control head. Push rod as far into
chute control head as possible, keeping the holes in the
hex rod pointing upward. See Fig. 3-3.
f
J
Figure 3=3
7
3.
Place chute onto chute base and ensure hex rod is
positioned under the handle panel. Install hex bolt
previously removed but do not secure with wing nut at this
time. See Fig. 3-4.
• i
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. 3-6.
Note:The joystick will be angled slightly to the right.
F
....4%
Figure 3-4
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. 3-5.
Note:The chute will not rotate without squeezing the
trigger on the joystick.
Chute Control f
Input TopView
Figure 3-6
6.
Insert the hex rod into the pinion gear below the joystick.
Make sure to line up the hole in the hex rod with the arrow
on the pinion gear. See Fig. 3-7.
Note:The hex rod will fit snuggly into the pinion gear.
Support the rear of the dash panel with one hand while
inserting the hex rod with your other hand to ensure the
hex rod is inserted all the way into the pinion gear.
Note:The hole is a reference for aligning the rod with the
indicator arrow on the pinion gear.
Figure 3-5
8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP
/
Figure 3-7
Push the hex rod toward the control panel until the hole
7 Set-Up
in the hex rod lines up with the hole in the chute control
input closest to the chute control head and insert the
cotter pin. See Fig. 3-8.
Note:The second hole is used to achieve further
engagement of the hex rod into the pinion gear if required.
Refer to page 19 for Chute Control Rod adjustments.
ShearPins
A pair of replacement auger shear pins and bow tie cotter pins
are included with your snow thrower. Store them in your snow
thrower's dash panel until needed. See Fig. 3-10.
f
/
/
,/
/
.................................
\ /
!
/
Figure 3=8
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. 3-2.
9. Check that all cables are properly routed through the cable
guide on top of the engine. See Fig. 3-9.
Note: For smoothest operation, the cables should all be to
the left of the hex rod.
/
//
/
/
Figure 3-10
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the auger
housing with a mounting clip and a cable tie at the factory. Cut
the cable tie before operating the snow thrower. See Fig. 3-11.
f
Chute Clean=Out
Tool
_fs i
/
Figure 3-11
k_ .j
Figure 3-9
SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9
FuelRecommendations
Use automotive gasoline (unleaded or low leaded to minimize
combustion chamber deposits) with a minimum of 87 octane.
Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary
Butyl Ether) can be used. Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or
dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in the fuel tank.
DO NOT use E85 gasoline.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where
the engine is refueled or where gasoline is stored.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. After refueling, make sure the
tank cap is closed properly and securely.
Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Spilled fuel or
fuel vapor may ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the
area is dry before starting the engine.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin or
breathing of vapor.
Adding Fuel
WARNING! Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
WARNING! Always keep hands and feet clear of
equipment moving parts. Do not use a pressurized
starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.
Checking0il Level
engine. You must, however, check the oil level prior
_ AUTION" The engine is shipped with oil in the
NOTE: Be sure to check the engine on a level surface with the
engine stopped.
to operating the snow thrower. Running the engine
with insufficient oil can cause serious engine
damage and void the engine warranty.
Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick
clean. See Fig. 3-13.
1.
Clean around fuel fill before removing cap to fuel.
2.
A fuel level indicator is located in the fuel tank. Fill tank
until fuel reaches the fuel level indictor, Fig. 3-12. Be careful
not to overfill.
Fuellevel Indkater
Figure 3-12
TopView
Figure 3-13
2.
Insert the cap/dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not
screw it in.
3. Remove the oil filler cap/dipstick. If the level is low, slowly
add oil until oil level registers between high (H) and low
(L), Fig. 3-13. Refer to the Engine Maintenance section for
correct oil viscosity and engine oil capacity.
NOTE: Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may result in
engine smoking, hard starting or spark plug fouling.
4. Replace and tighten cap/dipstick firmly before starting
engine.
TirePressure
manufacturer's recommended psi. Equal tire
_ ARNING! Under any circumstance do not exceed
The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check the tire
pressure before operating the snow thrower. Refer to the tire side
,J
wall for tire manufacturer's recommended psi and deflate (or
inflate) the tires as necessary.
Note: Equal tire pressure is to be maintained at all times for
performance purposes.
pressure should be maintained at all times. Excessive
pressure when seating beads may cause tire/rim
assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause
serious injury. Refer to sidewall of tire for
recommended pressure.
,°I
SECTION 3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP
Adjustments
SkidShoes
The snow thrower skid shoes are adjusted upward at the factory
for shipping purposes. Adjust them downward, if desired, prior
to operating the snow thrower.
i_ CAUTION: It is not recommended thatyou operate
NOTE: If you choose to operate the snow thrower on a gravel
surface, keep the skid shoes in position for maximum clearance
between the ground and the shave plate.
To adjust the skid shoes:
1. Loosen the four hex nuts (two on each side) and carriage
this snow thrower on gravel as it can easily pick up and
throw loose gravel, causing personal injury or damage
to the snow thrower and surrounding property.
For close snow removal on a smooth surface, raise skid
shoes higher on the auger housing.
Use a middle or lower position when the area to be cleared
is uneven, such as a gravel driveway
bolts. Move skid shoes to desired position. See Fig. 3-14.
ChuteAssembly
The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by changing the
angle of the chute assembly. To do so:
1. Stop the engine by removing the ignition key and loosen
the plastic knob found on the left side of the chute
assembly. See Fig. 3-15.
f
\ J
Figure 3-15
Figure 3-14
2. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is
against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes.
3. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
2. Pivot the chute upward or downward before retightening
the wing knob.
SECTION3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 11
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