MTD 6DE User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Two-Stage Snow Thrower
Styles C & D
Model 6DE 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.
769-01274.fm
(6/7/2004)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower 6
Know Your Snow Thrower 8
Operating Your Snow Thrower 10
Making Adjustments 13
Content Page
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 15
Servicing Your Snow Thrower 15
Troubleshooting 20
Illustrated Parts List 22
Warranty Back Cover
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
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. A sample model plate is also given below.
You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the
deck. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the
Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
www.mtdproducts.com
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
44136
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
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 mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 800-7310.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
Engine
Manual
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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.
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.
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 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 refueling.
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 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.
3
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 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. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer or call 1-800-800-7310 for assistance and
the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
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 overspeed 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 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 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.
4
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING IMPELLER
AND AUGER. CONTACT WITH IMPELLER OR
AUGER CAN AMPUTATE HANDS AND FEET
.
USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL TO UNCLOG
DISCHARGE CHUTE.
DISENGAGE CLUTCH LEVERS, STOP ENGINE,
AND REMAIN BEHIND HANDLES UNTIL ALL
MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE
UNCLOGGING OR SERVICING MACHINE.
TO AVOID THROWN OBJECTS INJURIES,
NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS.
USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN OPERATING ON
GRAVEL SURFACES.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DANGER
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
DANGER
AVOID INJURY FROM
ROTATING AUGER KEEP HANDS, FEET
AND CLOTHING AWAY.
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.
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.
SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR SNOW THROWER
DANGER
NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CONTACT WITH
ROTATING PARTS CAN AMPUTATE FINGERS
AND HANDS.
SHUT OFF ENGINE AND WAIT UNTIL ALL
MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE
UNCLOGGING.
USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR WOODEN
UNCLOG DISCHARGE CHUTE.
5
STICK TO
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
1
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position (standing directly behind the snow
thrower, facing the handle panel).
2
3
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several
models. Snow thrower features vary by model. Not
all features referenced and pictured in this manual are
applicable to all snow thrower models.
IMPORTANT:
included with this manual. Refer to Augers on page 19
for more information regarding shear pin replacement.
Two replacement auger shear pins are
CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow
thrower, refer to Auger Control Test on page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.
Securing the Handle
1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides
before pivoting the handle upward until it clicks into
the place.
2. Secure the right side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob.
3. Secure the left side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob into the eyebolt.
6
Attaching the Chute Assembly and Directional Control
1. Apply a light lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the rim of
the chute base and position the chute assembly
over the base.
2. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure.
3. Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
end of the chute directional control. Insert the end
of the chute directional control into the lower
bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin
clip just removed.
1
2
NOTE: If necessary, the lower bracket can be
adjusted. Refer to Chute Bracket Adjustment. on Page 13.
CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow
thrower, refer to Auger Control Test on page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.
Tire Pressure
• Before operating, check tire pressure and reduce
pressure in both tires to between 15 psi and 20 psi.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires,
the unit may not travel in a straight path and the shave
plate may wear unevenly.
3
7
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Drive Control
Electric Starter Button
Gas Cap
Oil Fill
Chute Assembly
Clean-out
Tool
Augers
Skid Shoe
Shift Lever
Chute Directional
Control
Auger Control
Engine Controls
Recoil Starter
Handle
Electric Starter Outlet
Primer
Ignition
Key
Choke
Control
Throttle Control
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more
information on all engine controls, refer to the
Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately and
Starting The Engine on page 10 of this manual.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located between the lower handle,
behind the engine. Place the shift lever into any of
seven positions to control the direction of travel and
ground speed.
Forward
There are five forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is
the slowest and position five (5) is the fastest.
Reverse
There are two reverse (R) speeds. One (1) is the slower
and two (2) is the faster.
Gas Cap
Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to the fuel tank.
Choke Control
The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and
is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating
the choke control closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the
engine. It regulates the speed of the
engine and will shut off the engine
when pushed down completely.
Primer
Depressing the primer forces fuel
directly into the engine’s carburetor to
aid in cold-weather starting.
Oil Fill
Engine oil level can be checked and
oil added through the oil fill.
8
Auger Control
AUGER
CONTROL
GO
The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the augers and start snow throwing action. Release to
stop.
Drive Control
DRIVE
CONTROL
Ignition Key
The ignition key is a safety devise. It must be fully
inserted in order for the engine will start. Remove the
ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use.
IMPORTANT:
to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.
Do not turn the ignition key in an attempt
Clean-Out Tool
WARNING: Never use your hands to clear
a clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine
and remain behind handles until all moving
parts have stopped before unclogging.
The chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. The tool is
designed to clear a clogged chute assembly. Refer to
Operating Your Snow Thrower section for more detailed
information regarding the chute clean-out tool.
NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable tie to the
rear of the auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable
tie before operating the snow thrower.
GO
The drive control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the wheel drive. Release to stop.
Chute Directional Control
CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL
ADJUSTABLE
DISCHARGE
LEFT
DISCHARGE
RIGHT
CHUTE TILT
Skid Shoes
Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions.
Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
Recoil Starter Handle
The recoil starter handle is used to manually start the
engine.
Electric Starter Button (If so equipped)
Pressing the electric starter button engages the
engine’s electric starter when plugged into a 120V
power source.
Electric Starter Outlet (If so equipped)
Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord
(packed with the snow thrower) and a 120V power
source/wall outlet.
Augers
When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into
the housing.
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Chute Assembly
Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out
the chute assembly.
9
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