MTD 553 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
Power Steer Drive
28" Snow Thrower
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Model
31AH553G401
MTD ,,,,,,,,
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IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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 isequipped 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10028A
(7/99)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................... 5
Know Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 7
Operating Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................... 9
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 11
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 12
Servicing Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................ 15
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 18
TroubleshootingGuide ....................................................................................... 19
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 20
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 looking at the lower frame cover on the rear of your snow
thrower. See page 27. A sample model plate is also 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)
_ffC MTD PRODUCTS INC
LEVELAND, OHIO 4413_
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If 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 Warning 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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.
DANGER: Your snow thrower 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 equipment is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Training
• Read this operators manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this
machine. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before operating
it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and
regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a snow thrower. Children 14years old and over
should only operate snow thrower under close
parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be allowed
to use your snow thrower.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating inreverse.
Preparation
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove ell door mats, sleds, boards,
wires end other foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting engine.
• Do not operate equipment without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear
jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which
could become entangled in moving parts. Wear
footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all
cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the
fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an
extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline
tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until
engine has been allowed to cool at least two
minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as
it may cause a fire or explosion.
Use e grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electdc starting motors.
Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.
Operation
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear ofdischarge opening and auger at
all times.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove wire from spark plug, end thoroughly
inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair
the damage before restarting and operating the
snow thrower.
• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collectodimpeller
housing or discharge guide, and making any
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place
your hand in the discharge openings. Use a stick or
wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge
opening.
Takeallpossibleprecautionswhenleavingtheunit
unattended.Disengagethecollector/impeller,shift
intoneutral,stoptheengine,andremovethekey.
Whencleaning,repairing,orinspecting,make
certaincollector/impellerandallmovingpartshave
stopped.Disconnectsparkplugwireandkeep
awayfromplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
Donotrunengineindoors,exceptwhenstarting
engineandtransportingsnowthrowerinoroutof
building.Opendoors.Exhaustfumesare
dangerous.
Donotclearsnowacrossthefaceofslopes.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection
onslopes.Donotattempttoclearsteepslopes.
Neveroperatesnowthrowerwithoutguards,plates,
orothersafetyprotectiondevicesinplace.
Neveroperatesnowthrowernearglassenclosure,
automobiles,windowwells,dropoff,etc.,without
properadjustmentsofsnowthrowerdischarge
angle.Keepchildrenandpetsaway.
Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto
clearsnowattoofastarate.
Neveroperatethemachineathightransport
speedsonslipperysurfaces.Lookbehindanduse
carewhenbacking.
Neverdirectdischargeatbystandersorallow
anyoneinfrontofunit.
Disengagepowertocollectodimpellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedby
themanufacturerofsnowthrower(suchaswheel
weights,counterweights,cabs,etc.).
Neveroperatethesnowthrowerwithoutgood
visibilityorlight.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingand
keepafirmholdonthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
bum.Donottouch.
MaintenanceAndStorage
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are present,
such as hot water and space heaters, clothes
dryers, and the like. Allow engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
• Always refer to operators manual instructions for
important details if snow thrower is to bestored for
an extended period.
• Run machine a few minutes after throwing snow to
prevent freeze up of collector/impeller.
• Check clutch controls periodically to verify they
engage and disengage properly and readjust if
necessary. Refer to operators manual for
adjustment instructions.
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. For a detailed list of all the labels, see page 27. However, the most important
safety labels are reproduced below:
DANGER
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow
thrower in this manual is from behind the unit in the
operating position.
IMPORTANT:After assembling, check the adjustments
as instructed on page 6 before operating your snow
thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause
damage to the snow thrower and void warranty.
• Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped
washers and carriage bolts from each side of the
lower handle. See Figure 1.
Lower Handle Handle Panel
Wing Nuts,
Washers
and Bolts
• Secure the upper handle and lower handle on each
side with two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers
and carriage bolts removed earlier. See Figure 3.
_i_teR°d _J_ _LT/
Figure 3
• Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. See Figure 3. Tap the connector
until it locks on the lower shift rod.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to shift gears
or change directions.
• If not already attached, slip the cables that run from
the handle panel to the chute intothe cable guide
on top of the engine. See Figure 4.
Figure 1
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle.
Look at lower rear of snow thrower frame to be sure
both cables are aligned with cable roller guides.
See Figure 2.
Guides
CableGui_
Figure 4
Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to the
headlight, beneath the handle panel. Wind the
headlight wire around the right handle until excess
slack is removed. See Figure 5.
Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead
coming from the right side of the engine,
underneath the fuel tank. See Figure 5.
Figure 2
Figure 5
FinalAdjustments
AugerDriveClutch
• To check the adjustment of the auger drive clutch,
push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress
the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the
cable. See Figure 6.
• Release the clutch grip. The cable should be
straight. Make certain you can depress the auger
drive clutch grip against the left handle completely.
• If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the
cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as
necessary. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the
lock nut against the cable when correct adjustment
is reached.
• Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as
necessary. Tighten the lock nut to secure the cable
when correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE: If you are not sure that you have reached
correct adjustment, refer to the Making Adjustments
section of this manual on page 1I.
SlideShoe
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted. For close snow removal, place slide shoes
in the low position. Use middle or high position when
area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 7.
• Adjust slide shoes by loosening the two hex nuts
and carriage bolts on each side and moving slide
shoes to desired position. See Figure 7.
• Make certain the entire bottom surface of slide
shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on
the slide shoes.
• Tighten nuts and bolts securely.
Auger Control ,_
Cable | \
Figure 6
TractionDriveClutchandShiftLever
• Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on the
auger housing.
• Move the shift lever all the way forward to sixth (6)
position.
• With the traction drive lever released, spin thesnow
thrower wheels by hand. The wheels should turn;
however, you may feet some resistance.
• Engage the traction drive clutch grip. The wheels
should no longer turn.
• Now release the traction drive clutch grip, and spin
the wheels again.
• Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse
position, then all the way forward again. There
should be no resistance in the shift lever, and the
wheels should turn.
• If you face resistance when moving the shift lever
or the snow thrower wheels stop when they should
not, loosen the lock nut on the traction drive cable
and unthread the cable one turn.
• If the wheels can still be turned when you engage
the traction drive clutch grip, loosen the same lock
nut again and thread the cable in one turn.
0_
y -Slide Shoe
Remove hardware
to adjust
Figure 7
NOTE: It is not recommended that you operate this
snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be easily
picked up and thrown by the auger causing an injury or
damage to the snow thrower.
If for some reason, you have to operate the snow
thrower on gravel, keep the slide shoe in the
highest position for maximum clearance between
the ground and the shave plate.
NOTE:
Tire Pressure(PneumaticTires)
• The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes.
Check tire pressure and reduce to 15 to 20 psi.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other.
SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare
illustration below with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various
controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any snow thrower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while performing any
adjustments or repairs on it.
Auger Control
Traction Control/
Discharge
Chute
Shift Lever
Chute Tilt
Control
Stay
Warm
\
Gas Tank
Trigger
View of the Handle Panel from the operator's position
Muffler
Electric Chute Handles
Stay Warm
Rotation Switch Switch
Stay Warm
Grips
%
_Side Shoe
(Refer to Figure 8 for illustration of controls described
below.)
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel. The shift lever may be moved into one of eight
positions. Use the shift lever to determine ground
speed.
Forward: Your snow thrower has six forward speeds--
position one (1) the slowest and six (6) the fastest.
Reverse: Your snow thrower has two reverse (R)
speeds--position R2 is the faster of the two.
s Fill
Key / \
Throttle
Control Leve
View of the Engine Controls
Figure 8
Auger 0rive
The auger drive clutch is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the clutch grip to engage the augers. Release
to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction drive clutch
must also be released.)
Trigger Lever
The left and right turn triggers are located on the
underside of the handles and are used to assist in
steering your snowthrower. Squeeze the right turn
trigger when turning right and the left trigger (illustrated
in the figure above) when turning left.
TractionDrive/AugerClutchLock
The traction drive clutch is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction drive clutch to engage the wheel
drive. Release to stop.
This same lever also locks the auger clutch to avoid
interruption of the snow throwing process. If the auger
drive clutch is engaged with the traction drive clutch
engaged, the operator can release the auger drive
clutch (on the left handle) and the augers will remain
engaged. Release the traction drive clutch to stop both
the augers and wheel drive (auger drive clutch must
also be released).
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
SafetyIgniUonSwitch
The ignition key must be inserted completely in the
switch before the unit wilt start. Do notattempt to turn
the key.
FuelShut-OffValve
The fuel shut-off valve, located under the fuel tank,
controls fuel flow from tank. Make sure it is not turned
off before starting the engine.
ElectricChuteRotationSwitch
The electric chute-rotation switch is located on the left
side of the snow thrower dash panel.To change the
direction in which discharged snow is thrown, proceed
as follows:
• Push the toggle switch to the left to rotate the chute
counter-clockwise.
• Push the toggle switch to the right to rotate the
chute clockwise.
IMPORTANT: Release the switch once the chute has
completed its rotation cycle in either direction. Failure to
do so can result in damage to the electric chute motor
and/or its drive gear.
ChuteTilt Control
The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance, and
towards the rear to increase the distance.
StayWarm HandlesSwitch
This switch is located on the right side of the snow
thrower dash panel. To activate the Stay Warm
handles, toggle the switch to the right to generate heat
within the handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to
the OFF position after using the snow thrower.
NOTE: The Stay Warm grips are a compliment to, not a
substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for the
operator's hands. It is recommended that the snow
thrower operator wear gloves/mittens to avoid
extremities of winter while operating this equipment.
ToStopEngine
CAUTION: If for some reason, the unit starts
accidentally while the operator is getting aquainted with
the controls listed above, stop the engine immediately.
• To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way
down, or remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
GasandOilFill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your snow
thrower. Read instructions carefully.
with engine running or while engine is hot.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
Do not smoke when filling up a fuel tank.
TirePressure
• Tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes.
Reduce the tire pressure to 10-15 p.s.i, for
snowthrower operation. Use pneumatic tires only
on your snowthrower unit.
• Tire chains (optional equipment) should be used
whenever extra traction is needed.
ElectricStarter
WARNING: The electric starter is
equipped with a three-wire power cord
and three-prong plug, and is designed to
operate on 120 volt AC household current.
It must be properly grounded at all times
to avoid possibility of electric shock
which may be injurious to the operator.
Follow all instructions carefully.
Determine that your house wiring is a
three-wire grounded system. Ask a
licensed electrician if you are not certain.
If your house wiring system is not a three-
wire grounded system, do not use this
electric starter under any conditions. If
your house wiring system is grounded but
a three-hole receptacle is not available at
the point the starter will normally be used,
one should be installed by a licensed
electrician.
• When connecting the power cord, always connect
cord to starter on engine first, then plug the other
end into a three-hole grounded receptacle.
• When disconnectingthepowercord, alwaysunplug
from the three-hole grounded receptacle first.
ToStartEngine
IMPORTANT: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or
augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine
off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the "Final
Adjustments" section of the Set-Up Instructions.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
that the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal
tip on the spark plug.
• Make certain the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped, is
in the open (vertical) position.
• Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
• Move throttle control to FAST position.
• Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into
place. Do not turn key.
Follow next three steps for electric start only.
• Rotate choke knob to OFF position.
• Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-hole,
grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
• Push starter button to crank the engine. When
engine starts, release the starter button, and move
choke gradually to FULL, and then to OFF position.
If the engine falters, move choke immediately to
FULL position and then gradually move it to OFF
position.
Follow the next four steps for recoil start only:
• Rotate choke knob to FULL position. If engine is
already warm, place choke in OFF position instead
of FULL position.
• Push primer button two or three times. If engine is
warm, push primer button once only.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly. Pull
starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap
back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm
hold on starter handle. Repeat until engine starts.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. Ifengine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
ToStopEngine
• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
To avoid possible freeze-up of starter, proceed as
follows.
Electric Starter: Connect power cord to switch
box on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With
the engine running, push starter button and spin
the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound
made by spinning the starter will not harm engine
or starter. Disconnect the power cord from
receptacle first, and then from switch box.
Recoil Starter: With engine running, pull starter
rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three
or four times. Pulling the starter rope wilt produce a
loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the
engine or the starter.
• To stop engine, push the throttle lever all the way
down, or remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.
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