MTD 800 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Model Series

800

Snow Throw er

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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-0888A

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT 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 YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOLHEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.

1. TRAINING

• Read this operator's 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 14 years 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 in reverse.

2. PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches 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 a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with electric drive motors or electric 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.

3. OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge 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, and 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 collector/impeller housing or discharge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, stop the engine, and remove the key.

• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain collector/impeller and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not run engine indoors, except when starting engine and transporting snow thrower in or out of building. Open doors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.

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

• Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure, automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.

• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.

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

• Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow anyone in front of unit.

• Disengage power to collector/impeller when transporting or not in use.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of snow thrower (such as wheel weights, counter weights, cabs, etc.).

• Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

4. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• 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 operator's manual instructions for important details if snow thrower is to be stored 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 operator's manual for adjustment instructions.

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

AV OID INJUR Y FROM ROTATING AUGER KEEP HANDS, FEET AND CLOTHING A WA Y .

W ARNING

STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING

1. DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT

KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE

2. ENGINE IS RUNNING

NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS OR WINDOWS OR ALLOW ANYONE IN FRONT OF UNIT

THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA

4. WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS TO BE USED AND REMOVE ALL DOOR MATS, SLEDS, BOARDS, WIRES AND OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS

REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR

5. FULL INSTRUCTIONS

Figure 1 Safety Labels Found on Snow Thrower

3396MW

SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your snow thrower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every snow thrower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the frame cover.

• The model plate will look like Figure 2.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here

Figure 2

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department. You can reach them by calling

1-800-800-7310

Before you call, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the model and serial numbers ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your unit’s model and serial number, see SECTION 2 FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

SECTION 4: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

Shear Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/2" Long (710-0890A)

Figure 3

Wing

Nut,

Washer

and Bolt

Figure 4

Upper Shift

Connector

Hex Lock Nuts 5/16-18 Thread (712-0429)

Wing Nuts,

Washers

and Bolts

Upper Chute

Rod

Crank

AUGER SHEAR BOLTS

The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts will shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe place until needed.

NOTE:

thrower is from behind the unit in the operating position. Handle panel may differ from illustrations.

IMPORTANT:

instructed on page 6, and make any final adjustments necessary before thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause damage to the snow thrower.

1. Remove screws from the top sides and ends of

2. Set top, side, and end panels aside to avoid tire

3. Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

4. Roll unit out of crate.

5. Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts,

6. The chute crank may be attached to the lower

7. Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks

8. Secure the upper handle and lower handle with

9. Slide the shift rod connector down over the end

NOTE:

the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to shift gears or change directions.

10. Remove the hairpin clip from the end of the

Hairpin

Clip

Reference to right or left side of the snow

Check the adjustments as

operating your snow

the shipping crate.

punctures or personal injury.

cupped washers and carriage bolts from each side of the lower handle. See Figure 3.

handle with cable ties for shipping purposes, if so cut the cable ties and remove the chute crank at this time.

over the lower handle. See Figure 3 and Figure

the two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage bolts previously removed. See Figure 4.

of the lower shift rod. See Figure 5. Tap the connector until it locks on the lower shift rod.

If the connector is not properly assembled,

upper chute crank. Slide the upper chute crank into the lower chute crank. Align the holes, and secure with hairpin clip. See Figure 5.

Lower

Shift Rod

Figure 5

Lower Chute Crank

11. 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.

12. Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead coming from the right side of the engine, underneath the fuel tank

Lock Nut

Figure 6

Cable

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS Auger and T raction Drive Clutch Adjustment

To check the adjustment of either drive clutch, push forward on the clutch grip (depress the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight, but not tight. Make certain you can depress the clutch grip against the handle completely. If necessary, thread lock nut up to increase tension or down to decrease tension. (See Figure 6.)

High

Middle

Low

Skid

Shoe

Figure 7

Ferrule

Hex Nuts

Carriage Bolts

Flat Washer

Skid Shoe Adjustment

The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted. For close snow removal, place skid shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 7. Adjust skid shoes by loosening the six hex nuts and carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to desired position. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. Tighten nuts and bolts securely.

Shift Lever Adjustment

If unit does not engage properly into first gear, it may be necessary to remove the cotter pin and washer from the shift rod and thread the ferrule one counterclockwise turn.

(See Figure 7)

(See Figure 8)

Shift Rod

Figure 8

Cotter Pin

TIRE PRESSURE (Pneumatic Tires)

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check tire pressure and reduce to 15 to 20 psi. (Check sidewall of tire for manufacturer’s recommendation)

NOTE:

tires, the unit may pull to one side or the other.

If the tire pressure is not equal in both

SECTION 5: CONTROLS

Traction

Auger

Drive

Clutch

Headlight

Lever

Drive/

Auger

Clutch

Lock

Shift

CHUTE CRANK

The chute crank is located on left hand side of the snow thrower. To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn chute crank as follows:

1. Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.

2. Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.

(See Figure 9)

Chute Crank

Figure 9

SHIFT LEVER

(See Figure 9) The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel. The shift lever may be moved into one of eight positions. Run engine with throttle in the fast position. Use the shift lever to determine ground speed.

Forward— one of six speeds. Position

number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse— two reverse (R) speeds. “R”

closest to the operator (all the way back) is the faster of the two.

Figure 10

AUGER DRIVE

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.)

(See Figure 9)

TRACTION DRIVE/AUGER CLUTCH LOCK

(See Figure 9) 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 so you can turn the chute crank without interrupting 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.

(See Figure 9

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine.

SAFETY IGNITION SWITCH

The ignition key must be inserted in the switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignition key when snow thrower is not in use.

)

(See Figure 11)

FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE

Starter Button

Primer

Closed

Open

Rope Starter Handle

The fuel shut-off valve, located under fuel tank, controls fuel flow from tank

Spark

Switch

Box

Muffler

Carburetor

Cover

Ignition

Key

Plug

Choke

Throttle

Control

Figure 11

SECTION 6: OPERATION

NOTE:

engine. Check oil before starting engine.

This unit has been shipped with oil in the

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING:

with the engine running or while engine is hot. Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.

Never fill fuel tank indoors,

TO START ENGINE IMPORTANT:

(drive or augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut off engine immediately. Readjust as instructed in the FINAL ADJUSTMENTS on page 6.

Electric Starter

WARNING:

equipped with a three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to operate on 120

volt AC household current. It must be properly grounded at all times to avoid the 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 system is grounded and a three hole receptacle is not available at the point your 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 disconnecting the power cord, always unplug the end from the three-hole grounded receptacle first.

1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make

certain 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. See Figure

12.

2. Make certain the auger and traction drive clutch

levers are in the disengaged (released) position.

3. Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert

ignition key into slot. Refer to Figure 11. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key.

4. Rotate choke knob to OFF position.

If unit shows any sign of motion

The electric starter is

Metal Loop

on Spark

Plug Wire

Rubber Boot

Figure 12

ENGINE WILL NOT START UNLESS IGNITION KEY IS INSERTED INTO IGNITION SLOT IN CARBURETOR COVER. DO NOT TURN IGNITION KEY.

Figure 13

5. Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a threehole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.

6. Push starter button to crank engine. Refer to Figure 11. As you crank the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke position.

7. When engine starts, release starter button, and move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters, move choke immediately to FULL and then gradually to OFF.

Recoil Starter

1. From the starting instructions for an Electric starter, follow step 1 through step 3.

2. Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL.

3. Push primer button two or three times. Refer to Figure 11. If engine is warm, push primer button once only.

NOTE:

when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first start if temperature is below 15˚F.

4. Grasp starter handle (refer to Figure 11) and

5. Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle

6. Repeat step 4 and step 5 until engine starts.

7. As engine warms up and begins to operate

Always cover vent hole in primer button

pull rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.

to snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.

evenly, rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to OFF position.

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