MTD 769-00857 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

PRINTED IN U.S.A. PART NO. 769-00857 (8/03)

English

Electric

Snow Thrower

INTRODUCTION

Copy the serial number

here:

THANK YOU

Thank you for buying this quality product. This modern outdoor power tool will provide many hours of useful service. You will find it to be a great labor-saving device. This operator’s manual provides you with easy-tounderstand operating instructions. Read the whole manual and follow all the instructions to keep your new outdoor power tool in top operating condition.

PRODUCT REFERENCES, ILLUSTRATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period should be performed only by an authorized and approved service dealer.

For service call 1-800-345-8746, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized service dealers near you. For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.yardman.com.

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.

DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.

Make sure you carefully read and understand this manual before starting or operating this equipment.

THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S. PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . .11

Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

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part number here:

Before beginning, locate the unit’s model plate. It lists the model and serial numbers of your unit. Refer to the sample plate below and copy the information for future reference.

MODEL :

S/N :

ITEM :

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

Before Operating

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

• Children under the age of 15 must not use the unit; teens may operate the unit with adult guidance.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace snow thrower parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the snow thrower is to be used. Remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, debris, and other foreign objects which may be thrown by the snow thrower.

• Make sure the rotor will spin freely before using the unit.

• Dress properly. Wear adequate winter outer garments. Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.

•Wear footwear that doesn't leak when operating the snow thrower and that will improve footing on slippery surfaces. Wear rubber boots.

• Never attempt to make adjustments while the motor is running.

• Let the motor and unit adjust to outdoor temperatures before starting to clear snow.

• Always wear safety glasses/shields or goggles at all times during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine.

Read the Operator’s Manual and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 in CANADA

SYMBOL MEANING

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their explanations, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention measures.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to

the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

SYMBOL MEANING

Failure to obey a

safety warning can result in injury to yourself and others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

WARNING:

Failure to obey a

safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

DANGER:

Failure to obey a

safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates

danger, warning or caution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

SAFETY ALERT:

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

When using the unit,

you must follow the safety rules. Please read these instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.

WARNING:

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

SAFETY WARNINGS FOR ELECTRIC UNITS

• This snow mover should be grounded while in use to protect the operator from electric shock. The snow mover is equipped with an approved 3-conductor cord and 3-prong grounding-type plug to fit the proper grounding-type receptacle. The green or green/yellow conductor in the cord is the grounding wire. Never connect this wire to a live terminal. If your unit is for use on less than 150 volts, it has a plug that looks like A in the figure below. If it is for use on 150 to 250 volts, it has a plug that looks like D in the figure.

•Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) that will be used for the unit. Use receptacles with built-in GFCI protection for an extra measure of safety.

•A data plate on your unit indicates the voltage used. Never connect the unit to an AC voltage that differs from this voltage.

• Inspect all extension cords and the unit power connection periodically. Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the insulation. Also inspect the connections for damage. Repair or replace the cords if any defects appear.

•When cleaning, inspecting or repairing the unit, make certain the rotor and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the extension cord to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not abuse the extension cord. Never carry the snow thrower by the cord or yank on the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle.

• Keep the extension cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges to prevent damage.

• If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while it is plugged in, pull the extension cord from the wall receptacle.

• Prevent any possible disconnection of the cord receptacle from the extension cord during operation by using the cord retainer and guide bar. Refer to the section Using the Cord Retainer.

• Avoid accidental starting. Don't carry a plugged-in snow thrower with your finger on the switch. Be sure the switch is off when plugging in the unit.

• Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool before putting it into storage. Store indoors.

• Always unplug the unit when not in use, and before performing any maintenance or repairs.

WHILE OPERATING

• Walk, never run.

• Be sure the snow thrower is not in contact with anything before starting the unit.

• Stay away from the discharge opening at all times. Keep face, hands, and feet away from concealed moving or rotating parts.

• Be attentive when using the snow thrower, and stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards or traffic.

When using electric

machines, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. Carefully read and understand the entire operator's manual before using your unit. Pay close attention to the operating instructions and safety warnings.

DANGER:

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

To prevent electric shock, use only with

an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

WARNING:

Grounding

Means

Metal

Screw

• An adapter (shown in B and C in the above figure) is available for connecting 3-prong grounding-type plugs to 2-prong receptacles. The grounding means extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly-grounded outlet box. No adapter is available for the plug shown in D.

• Use only 3-wire outdoor extension cords that have 3prong grounding-type plugs and 3-pole receptacles that accept the snow mover’s plug. Replace or repair damaged cords.

CORD SETS: Please see your dealer for the appropriate extension cord to use with this product. Make sure your cord set is in good condition, with a cord that is heavy enough to carry the current that your unit will draw. An undersized cord set will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in a loss of power, as well as overheating. The table shown above illustrates the correct size to use depending on the cord length and nameplate amperage rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier size line gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. To prevent the cord from disconnecting from the unit, use the cord hook shown in the Operating Instructions.

To reduce the risk of

electrical shock, use only SW-A, SOW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A or SJTOW-A cord types.

WARNING:

Cord length (ft.) 25 50 100 150 Wire size (AWG) 16 16 14 14

MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS FOR

120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 0-12 AMPS

• Do not use on a gravel surface or crushed rock surfaces. Use extreme caution when crossing gravel/crushed rock drives, walks, or roads.

• Clear snow from slopes by going up and down. Never go across the slope. Use caution when changing directions. Never clear snow from steep slopes.

• Never attempt to use the snow thrower on a roof or any steep, inclined, slippery surfaces.

• Never operate snow thrower without proper guards, plates or other safety protective devices in place.

• Never operate the snow thrower near glass enclosures, automobiles, trucks, window wells, dropoffs, etc. without proper adjustment of the snow discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.

• Don’t force or overload the snow thrower. The snow thrower will perform at its best and safest when it is run at the rate for which it was designed.

• Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up.

• Never direct discharge towards people or allow anyone in front of the unit while operating.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing protection when operating this unit.

• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Avoid accidental starting. Remain in the starting position whenever starting the unit. The operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting. See Starting/Stopping Instructions.

• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose intended.

• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on handles or grips.

• Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the rotor when it is rotating.

• If the rotor will not rotate freely due to frozen ice, thaw the unit thoroughly before attempting to operate it under power.

•Keep the rotor clear of debris.

• Never attempt to clear the rotor with the motor running. Turn the motor off first and unplug the extension cord.

• Keep clothing and body parts away from the rotor.

• Do not operate the motor faster than the speed needed. Do not run the motor at high speed when not

clearing snow.

• Always stop the motor when clearing snow is delayed or when walking from one location to another.

•Disengage power to the rotor when snow thrower is transported or not in use.

• After striking a foreign object, turn the unit off and inspect the snow thrower for damage. Unplug the unit. Repair damage before restarting and operating the unit.

• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the motor and unplug the unit whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the rotor or discharge vanes, and when making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections.

• Never discharge snow onto public roads or near moving traffic.

• Let the snow thrower run for a few minutes after clearing snow so moving parts do not freeze.

• Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.

• Do not use the unit in the hand held position. Do not pick up the unit when it is powered and running. The unit is designed to travel along the ground.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

• Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

• Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.

• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.

• If the labels on the unit become defaced or start lifting off, contact your authorized service dealer.

• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.

• Maintain snow movers with care. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

SYMBOL MEANING

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

•WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Read the operator’s manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY

WARNING:Keep all

bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.

SYMBOL MEANING

• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING:Small objects

can be propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away from the rotating rotor.

• SPINNING ROTOR CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING:Keep hands,

feet, and clothing away from the discharge area. Do not step in front of the unit, or use hands to clean the rotor area.

• KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

APPLICATIONS

As a snow thrower:

• Clears snow from walkways, driveways, sidewalks, pathways and more

Discharge

Directional

Control

Vanes

Rotor

Flange Lock Nut

Cover

Screws (7)

Belt Case Cover

Scraper

Starter Button

Overload

Protection

Switch

Front Handle

Bail

Cord

Retainer

Cord Outlet

Receptacle

Handlebar

Knob

Wheels

Handlebar

Cord Guide

Bar

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

USING THE CORD RETAINER

There is an extension cord retainer to prevent the extension cord from disconnecting during use. The retainer hangs from the cord guide bar.

NOTE: Do not plug the extension cord into the power

source receptacle until the cord is connected to the cord retainer and plugged into the unit.

To use the cord retainer:

1. Fold the extension cord in half, forming a tight loop

near the receptacle.

2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the retainer

(Fig. 2).

3. Slide the loop over the retaining clip and pull down

until the cord fits snugly (Fig. 2).

NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord. A 100-foot,

14-gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16gauge cord is acceptable.

Both the cord retainer and guide bar restrain the extension cord and keep it out of the way at all times, safely to the side of the operator.

The extension cord and retainer will slide on the guide bar as the unit is moved to the left and right. Connect your extension cord to the unit as shown in Figure 3.

ASSEMBLING THE HANDLEBARS

Before you can operate the unit, you must adjust the handlebars.

1. When you unpack the unit, loosen the two knobs on

the inside of the handlebars (Fig. 1).

2. With the unit upright, swing the handlebars up into

the operating position.

NOTE: Take care not to pinch the switch wires when

positioning the handlebars.

3. Tighten the knobs to secure the handlebars in place.

NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.

Cord Will Slide

Side to Side

Cord

Guide Bar

Fig. 1

Fig. 3

Fig. 2

Handlebar

Knobs

Swing Top

Handlebars

Upwards

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

You must follow this sequence correctly to start the unit.

1. Make sure you have plugged in the unit.

2. Press in and hold the red starter button (Fig. 4).

3. While holding the starter button, lift and hold the bail. NOTE: The unit will NOT start if you fail to press and

hold the starter button until you lift the bail.

4. Hold the bail and begin operating the unit (Fig. 5).

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Release your hand from the bail.

2. The starter button will pop out and the unit will stop.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH

This unit is equipped with an overload protection switch to protect the circuit (that the unit is plugged into) from short circuit overloads.

If the switch pops out:

1. Release the bail and allow the unit to stop and cool for a minute.

2. Press the overload switch to reset. Resume operation (Fig. 4).

If the switch pops again shortly after the first time:

1. Allow the unit to cool for 15 to 30 minutes.

2. After the unit has cooled, press the overload switch to reset. Resume operation.

If the switch does not stay in, or if it continues to pop out during operation, take the unit to an authorized service dealer for repair.

Starter Button

Bail

Overload

Protection

Switch

OPERATING THE UNIT

1. Start the unit according to the Starting Instructions. The depth and weight of the snow governs the forward speed.

2. Push the unit so that it rides on the wheels and scraper.

3. Make sure the power cord is attached to the cord retainer and rests on the guide bar. The power cord should trail to the side of the operator.

Fig. 5

Fig. 4

Avoid accidental

starting. Make sure you are in the starting position when using the snow thrower. To avoid serious injury, the operator and unit must be in a stable position while starting.

WARNING:

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Discharge Direction Adjustment

Snow may be discharged to the left, straight forward, or to the right of the operator.

To change the direction, use the following instructions:

1. Release the bail to stop the rotor.

2. Firmly grasp the discharge directional control handle and pull it up. This releases the spring-loaded rod from the discharge direction slot and allows free movement (Fig. 6)

3. Turn the discharge directional control to the left, the center or the right, depending on which direction you want to throw the snow (Fig. 7).

NOTE: From the center position, the discharge directional

control turns approximately 45 degrees in either direction (left or right). Do not force it.

4. Release the discharge directional control so it fits into the slot to secure the desired position.

NOTE: Make sure the discharge directional control is

securely positioned in direction slot and cannot rotate freely.

5. Restart the unit according to the Starting Instructions.

Tips for Best Snow Throwing Results

• For the most efficient snow throwing, keep the vanes parallel and throw snow downwind.

• Slightly overlap each swath you make (Fig. 8).

45°

Discharge snow to

LEFT of operator

Discharge snow to

RIGHT of operator

Discharge snow

in FRONT

Pull the Discharge

Directional Control

Upwards

Top View

Fig. 8

Fig. 7

Fig. 6

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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