MTD 31BS644E129, 31AE644G352 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual
Snow Thrower
Models
614E, 644E, 664G
Model 664 Shown
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. 770-100451,
(8/2003)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Hardware Pack................................................................................................... 5
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 6
Know Your Snow Thrower .................................................................................. 11
Operating Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................... 12
Making Adjustments ........................................................................................... 15
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 17
Service ............................................................................................................... 18
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 21
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 22
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 inthe space below.
Copy the model number here:
_.._# VITD LLC
_ucts.com 800-800-731 O
P. O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
J
Copy the serial number here:
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 doNOTreturnthe unitto 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 14years 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 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 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. Ifgasoline 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. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge chute. Keep all safety devices in place and working.
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.
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: 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.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER
ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.
2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG DISCHARGECHUTE.
3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE, ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE UNCLOGGINGOR SERVICINGMACHINE.
4. TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES, NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS. USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON
GRAVELSURFACES.
5. READ OPERATOR'SMANUAL.
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
SECTION2: CONTENTSOFHARDWAREPACK(BoxedUnits)
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 HANDLE PANEL
Carriage Bolts
710-0262 (4)
@@
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII11
_ IIIIIII111111111111111
Hex Bolts
710-1880 (2)
C ATTACHING CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL
Cupped Washer Hex Nuts
736-0242 712-3010 (2)
@@
Saddle
784-5599 (2)
©©
Flat Washer __ 736-0185 (1)
714-0104
_) Hairpin Clip
ATTACHING CHUTE ASSEMBLY
Hex Bolts
710-3015 (2)
Hex Lock Nuts
712-3027 (6)
Hex Patch Nuts
712-3068 (4)
@ @ @Cupped Washers
736-0242 (4)
[O TTACHING CLUTCH CABLES AND SHIFT ROD
(Z Fittings might be already attached to cables)
._ Jam Nuts
Z Cable Fitting
746-0778 (2)
Ferrule
711-0677
EJ ATTACHING THE CLUTCH GRIPS
Hex Screws
710-3103 (2)
_ ; --
Hairpin Clips
714-0104 (2)
., HW!lill lsllltliO
° " ' !IIIIIHIIIIR iiIt H
712-0121 (2)
{3@
Flat Washers
736-0275 (2)
Spacer
750-1032 (2) Hex Top L-Nut
712-0429 (2)
©©
@@
©© @@
Chute Flange Keepers
731-0851A (3) Not Shown
NOTE: 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. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe place until needed.
G_ REPLACEMENT SHEAR BOLTS
Hex Lock Nuts
712-0429 (2)
©©
_E__]] 710-0890A (2)
Hex Bolts
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.
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
_roceeding to assemble. See Figure 2.
Handle Panel
_0
Auge_ontrol
TractionControl
/
s.i. Rod !i
Rig.t
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
_lace until needed. See Figure 1.
A_ ATTACHING Jam Nuts
Z Cable Fitting 712-0121 (2)
746-0778 (2)
B_ REPLACEMENT SHEAR BOLTS
__ 712-0429
CLUTCH CABLES
710-0890A (2) Nuts
Hex Bolts _Hex Lock
Figure 1
(2)
Cord*
Chute Directional
Chute
Figure 2
1. Right and Left Handles
2. Handle Panel Assembly
3. Right and Left Clutch Brackets
4. Discharge Chute
5. Chute Directional Control
6. Shift Rod
7. Auger and Traction Controls
8. Hardware Pack
9. Extension Cord (*If Equipped)
Control
NOTE: Follow the Hardware Pack/Loose Parts above
and Assembly instructions below per the packaging of
your unit. So if your unit came in a box, proceed topage
7, Assembly (Boxed Unit) and use Hardware Pack on
page 5 and Loose Parts in Figure 2.
Assembly(CratedUnit)
,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped
wire 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.
If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change speeds or change directions.
Insert "Z"fitting (Hardware A) into hole inclutch grips. See Figure 11. Two extra jam nuts are
included in the hardware pack 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 11.
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 9.
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.
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.
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.
Connector
Wing Knobs
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 13prior 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)
_, WARNING: Disconnect the spark plugwire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
AttachingHandleAssembly
(HardwareGroupA,BandE)
Attach left handle and left clutch bracket to handle
panel with two carriage bolts, cupped washers and hex patch nuts. (Be sure the bend in the grip bracket is towards the center of the handle panel.) Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 5.
Handle Panel
\
Left Bracket
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.
Carriage
Bolts .....
Left Handle
(Curves in
" -Hex X
Patch Nuts
Bell Washers
Figure 5
Insert curved end of the Z fitting into the top hole in the triangular metal tab on the auger control grip. The triangular metal tab on the auger control grip must face the center of the handle panel. See Figure 6.
...... Triangle
" MetalTab
Auger Control
Repeat process for the right side Traction Control.
Lay handle assembly behind snow thrower. See Figure 8.
Insert a hex bolt 314"long and lock washer through the lower hole on the bottom of the handle.
Hold the handle assembly up to the bottom of the snow thrower frame and thread the hex bolt into the
lower hole in snow thrower frame. Do not tighten at
this time. See Figure 8.
Repeat process on the other side.
__ "Z" Fitting
Triangle Metal Tab
Figure 6
Place the auger control on top of the left handle. The triangular metal tab must be between the handle and the bracket. See Figure 6. Secure with hex bolt, spacer, and hex lock nut. Do not overtighten this bolt as it will prevent the control
from automatically returning to their upright
position. See Figure 7.
Handle Panel & Handles
Hex Bolt & Lock Washer
Figure 8
Raise the handle assembly into the upright position and align the top holes in the handle with the top
holes in the snow thrower frame. Attach using 2"
long hex bolts, lock washers and saddles. (Curve in saddle must match the curve in the handle.) See Figure 9.
Tighten all hardware used to attach the handle assembly to the snow thrower frame.
Hex Bolt
Auger Control
Left Left Bracket
Hex Lock Nut
/"
Spacer
Hex Bolt
////"
f ......................
Figure 7
Fitting
Cable Roller/ Guide
Lock
Washers
Bolt
Figure 9
AttachingShift Rod(HardwareD)
Place the shift lever in the fastest forward speed
position.
Rotate the shift arm assembly counter clockwise as far as itwill go. Insert the shift rod through the shift arm assembly. When installed, the shift arm assembly should point left. Secure with flat washer and hairpin clip. See Figure 10.
8
Hex
Threadtheferruleontotheshiftrod,upordownthe shiftrodandalignwiththefarholeonthenarrow sideoftheshiftleverassemblybehindthehandle panel.SeeFigure10.
Auger Flat
Drive Washer
Shift Lever
Ferrule
Traction
Make certain all cables are in the grooves of the cable roller guides in the lower rear of the unit, one on each side. Refer to Figure 9. 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.
Hairpin .........
Clip
Shift
Flat Hairpin
Shift Arm Washer _Clip Assembl'
Figure 10
Secure the ferrule to the shift arm assembly with
the flat washer and hairpin clip.
AttachingClutchCables
(Boxed&CratedUnit)(HardwareD)
Z fittings with jam nuts might be already 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 in the event either are lost during shipping.
If Z fittings are not already attached, insert "Z"
fitting into hole in clutch grips. See Figure 11.
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 AugerControlTestin the Operation Section 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.
Attachingthe ChuteAssembly(HardwareF)
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 12.
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.
Chute Assembly
Hex Bolt
/
/
- " ZFittin
--- / " g
Jam Nut
°e,,°ioh,"1)t
Figure 11
If Z fittings are already attached, thread the jam nuts all the way up each of the Z fittings, toward the handle panel.
\\
\
Hex Lock Nut
Chute Flange Keeper
Figure 12
NOTE: Lock nuts cannot be threaded onto a bolt by
hand. Tighten with two 7/16" or adjustable wrenches.
AttachingTheChuteDirectionalControl
(HardwareC)
Thread one hex nut about halfway onto eye bolt on the chute directional control.
Insert eye bolt through the hole provided inthe left handle. See Figure 13.
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.
Cupped
Bolts Carriag_
Lower Chute _ Bracket
Hairpin
_Hex Lock
Nuts
Chute Directional
/Control
\
"Eye Bolt
Figure 13
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 14.
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 14.
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.
Cli_
Flat_
Washer
Figure 14
_Lower Chute
Bracket
LampWiring Equipped)
NOTE: A lamp is an optional feature of some model snow throwers and is NOT standard equipment. On models so equipped, a lamp will either be installed on the dash panel at the factory OR packaged separately as a Kit within the carton, depending on the model.
If so equipped, wrap the wire from the lamp down
the right handle until the wire can be plugged into the alternator lead wire located under the fuel tank.
See Figure 15. Lamp wire must not interfere with any controls or cables.
LampJ _b
Wire /
10
Lower Handle
Alternator
f- \ Lead
Figure 15
Loading...
+ 22 hidden pages