MTD 3CA User Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Two-Stage Snow Thrower – Models 3AA & 3CA

IMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

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.

FORM NO. 769-00747E

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

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

6/1/ 2006

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.

Table of Contents

1. Safety Labels ...............................................

2. Safe Operation Practices ............................ 4

3. Setup and Adjustment ................................ 6

4. Know Your Snow Thrower ........................... 8

5. Operating Your Snow Thrower .................... 9

This Operators Manual covers 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.

6. Maintenance & Service ............................. 12

7. Off-Season Storage ................................... 14

8. Troubleshooting ......................................... 15

9. Parts List .................................................... 16

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information to the sample model plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the snow thrower. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site, to obtain assistance from the Customer Support Department, or when contacting an authorized service dealer.

Model Number Serial Number

Customer Support

Please do

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:

• Visit

• Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-800-7310.

• The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifica-

www.mtdproducts.com

tions, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more information.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without ﬁrst

contacting Customer Support.

FOR TURNING,

NOT LIFTING

DANGER

NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CONTACT WITH ROTATING PARTS CAN AMPUTATE FINGERS AND HANDS.

SHUT O FF ENGINE AND WAIT UNT IL ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE STOP PED BEFORE UNCLOGGING.

USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR WOODEN

STICK TO

UNCLOG DISCHARGE CHUTE.

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AVOID SERIOUS INJURY FROM TIRE/ RIM EXPLOSION.

TO PREVENT OVER-INFLATION:

•

USE A MANUAL PUMP OR PORTABLE ELECTRIC TIRE INFLATOR.

• NEVER USE AN AIR COMPRESSOR.

• INFLATE TIRE TO 20 PSI.

Safety

Labels

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! 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.

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.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

HEED ITS 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.

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.

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.

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 control 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 refuel

ing.

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 equip

ment. Move machine to another area. Wait five 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 dr yer etc.).

j. Allow machine to cool at least five minutes before

storing.

Preparation

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.

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 operat

ing 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 transpor t 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 dis-

charge 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. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or call the

customer service number found on page two.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly. Refer to the maintenance and adjust-

ment sections of this manual.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine disen

gage 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) par ts only. “Use of parts which do

not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to

improper per formance and compromise safety !”

6. Check 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 neces

sary.

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.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice regarding Emissions

Engines which are certiﬁed to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certiﬁed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modiﬁcation (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

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.

Safe

Operation

Practices

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 IT’S 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.

Setup and

Adjustment

WARNING

Disconnect the spark

plug wire and ground it

against the engine to

prevent unintended

starting.

Do not use the chute

handle to lift the snow

thrower.

Over-inflating the tire with

excessive pressure (well above 20 psi) may cause

the tire /rim to burst with sufficient force to cause

serious pressure.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped with the engine full of oil. After assembly, see Operation section for fuel and oil details.

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and Ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

NOTE: Reference to right, left, front, or rear of the unit is from the operating position unless otherwise stated.

1. Cut the cable tie that secures the upper handle to the chute assembly for shipping purposes.

Setting Up The Handle

1. Loosen the chute knob on the upper chute (1) and pivot the upper chute upwards(2) as far as it will go. See Figure 1.

WARNING: Do not lift the snow thrower by the chute handle.

2. Loosen the handle knob and handle tab on each side of the handle. See Figure 2.

3. Hold both controls against upper handle and pull up as shown in Step 1 of Figure 3. Make sure that the upper handle locks over the lower handle and handle tabs align with the handle. You may have to carefully maneuver the upper handle to clear chute assembly.

CAUTION: Be careful not to bend or kink the cable.

4. Tighten the handle knobs on each side of the handle. Refer to Step 2 in Figure 3.

5. Adjust upper chute and rotate chute handle to desired operating position.

6. Tighten the chute knob on the upper chute making sure the carriage bolt is correctly positioned. Refer to Figure 1.

Clean-Out Tool

This tool and the electric extension cord, if so equipped, may be fastened with a cable tie to the rear of the auger housing for shipping purposes. In that case, cut the cable tie and remove the extension cord now.

Final Adjustments

IMPORTANT: Check the adjustments as instructed and make any final adjustments necessary before operating the unit. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to unit.

Chute Handle

Figure 1

Figure 2

Upper Chute

All references to left

or right side of the snow

thrower is from the

operating position only.

Tire Pressure

The proper inflation pressure is 20 psi. Check the tire pressure periodically and maintain equal pressure in both tires at all times. Excessive pressure (well above 20 psi) may cause the wheel (tire/rim) assembly to burst with sufficient force to cause serious injury. Do not over-inflate the tire. Use a manual pump or portable electric tire inflator to prevent over-inflation. NEVER USE AN AIR

COMPRESSOR.

Figure 3

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