MTD E152, E151, E142, 31A-150-000, 142 Owner’s Manual

Operators Manual

Model Series

140 thru E173

Single Stage

Snow Throwers

Model 150 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 angina'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 ol California the above is required by law (Section 4442 ot 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-g722

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10000

(6/98)

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT

FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY ANDIOR 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.

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 thr0wer. Children 14 years old and over should
only operate snow thrower under close parental
supervision. Onlypersons 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.

1. 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 and shill into neutral before

starling 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 groundedthree wire plug-infor all unitswith
electricdrive motorsor eiectdcstartingmotors.

• 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.

2. OPERATION

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating pans•
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.

J

• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnormally,

stop the engine ar_l check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• _;top 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, shift
into neutral, 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.

3. MAINTENANCE ANDSTORAGE

• Never directdischargeat bystanders or allow anyone
in front of unit.

• Disengage power to collectodimpefler 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.

Check shear boits, engine mounting botts, e'lc., 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 manuat 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.

read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict tile use of this power machine to persons who

WARNING

A DANGER

Figure 1

3

SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual isan important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what il 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 Operators 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 dash panel.

The model plate will look like Figure 2.

This is where your model number will be.

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 2

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this productor if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or

maintenance of this snow thrower, please call the Customer Support Department. You can reach them by calling:

1-800-800-7310

Before you call, make sure that you have both your model and serial number ready. By having the model and
serial number ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your units

model and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

4

SECTION 4: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

• See Figure 3.

• Remove staples, break glue on the top flaps of the carton or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap

to open carton. Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e., Operator's manual, etc.).

• Cut along dotted lines and lay end of carton down flat. Remove packing material.

• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

REMOVE MANUAL & LOOSE PARTS

Figure 3

SECTION 5: SET- UP INSTRUCTIONS

This Operator's Manual covers several models of snow throwers. Much of the Manual pertains to all of the

models. However, there are some areas where only one model is covered. Use only the information that is
appropriate for your model.

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR SET-UP

• Pair of pliers (not necessary, but helpful)

• 2 cycle oil

• Fresh Gasoline

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. See separate Engine Operator's Manual

for proper fuel and two cycle engine oil recommendations.

Note: Reference to right or left hand side of the snow thrower islrom the operating position

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

• (2) Ignition Keys (One may be in the switch on snow thrower)

Models with Optional Extended Chute Crank:

• (1) Eyebolt

• (1) Saddle Washer 5/16" I.D.

• (2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18 Thread

• (1) Cotter Pin

5

RAISING THE UPPER HANDLE

1. Loosen the hand knob on each side of the handle. See Figure 4. Remove packing material (if any).

2. £queeze the control handle against the upper handle. Hold !t in this position as you raise the handle,

3. Pull the handle up into the operating position. Be certain not to pinch the cable.

4. Tighten the hand knobs.

3. Pull 4.Tighten

2.Squeeze
Control

Handle

ATTACHING THE CONTROL CABLE

Bottom
Hole In
Control

Handle

Hand

1. Loosen Hand Knobs
Knobs

Figure 4

of Cable

Plastic Fitting

Housing

Figure 5

1. The control cable may already be attached to the control handle. Complete steps two and three if cable is
loose.

2. Route the control cable over the lower handle. Place the end of the cable into the lower hole in the control
housing as shown in Figure 5. Push the plastic fitting until it locks into the control housing.

3_

Lift the control handle up, and hook the "Z" end of the control cable into the bottom hole in the control handle,
from the outside to the inside (some models use only one hole). If necessary, use a pair of pliers to pull up on

the end of the cable to obtain slack in order to hook it into the control handle. Hold the "Z" fitting with the
pliers, not the cable, to avoid damaging the cable. (See inset - Figure 5.)

NOTE: The upper hole in the control handle provides for adjustment in belt tension. If you have only one hole in

the control handle, refer to Belt Tension Adjustment Section of this manual.

6

INSTALLING THE CHUTE CRANK

(Models with Optional Extended Chute Crank only.)
On some units, the chute crank can be installed and secured from the top side of the snow thrower. Other units

are equipped with an adaptor that requires the assembler to tip the unit forward on the auger housing in order to
secure the crank from the underside.

To determine which installation procedure to follow, look at the chute crank coupler located on the top right side of
the instrument panel above the model plate. See Figure 6. If the adaptor has a hole through it visible from the top,

follow the "Secure from the Top" instructions. If the hole is not visible, follow the "Secure from the Underside"
instructions,

Chute Crank " Hole in

Coupler -_- ._i_. Coupler

Figure 6

SECURE FROM THE TOR

See Figure 7.

1. Thread one 5/16" hex nut allthe way onto the eyebolt.

2. Slide the eyebolt onto the chute crank. Insert eyebolt into the hole in the lower handle.

3. Insert the chute crank intothe coupler at the top right side of the snow thrower.

4. Rotate the crank to align holes, and insert the cotter pin. Bend ends of cotter in opposite directions to secure.

5. Secure eyebolt with 5/16" saddle washer and hex nut. The cupped side of washer goes against the handle.

Adjust lower hex nut untilthe eyebolt is positioned so the chute crank turns freely. (does not bind)

6. Move upper hex nut down against the lower handle.

7. Tighten lower hex nut securely.

Cotter Pin

Chute Crank

\,

Chute Crank

Coupler

Rex

Figure 7

7

SECURE FROM THE UNDERSIDE.

See Figure8,

1. Place a piece of the cardboard from the carton on a level surface. Tip the snow thrower forward so that the
housing rests on the cardboard from the box.

2. Thread one 5/16" hex nut all the way onto the eyebolt.

3, Slide the eyebolt onto the chute crank. Insert eyebolt into the hole in the lower handle.

4. Insert the chute crank into the hole provided in the snow thrower cover. Place the end of the crank into the
coupler located inside the snow thrower.

5. Rotate the crank to align holes, and insert the cotter pin (inside the snow thrower cover), Bend ends of cotter
pin in opposite directions to secure.

6. Secure eyebolt with 5/16" saddle washer and hax nut. The cupped side of washer goes against the handle
Adjust lower hex nut until the eyebolt is positioned so the chute crank turns freely (does not bind).

7. Move upper hex nut down against the lower handle.

8. Tighten lower hex nut securely.

Chute Crank

//

Hex

Chute Crank Cotter Pin

//

/

/

Figure B

ASSEMBLING THE CHUTE

The snow thrower has been shipped with the upper chute pivoted all the way down. Assemble as follows:

Flat

Washer

Hand .... Carriage

Knob Bolt

Upper

Chute

Figure 9

1, Turn the chute crank untilthe chute facing straight to the front. See Figure 9.

Z. Remove the hand Knob, flat washer and carriage bolt from the upper chute.

3. Pivot the upper chute up so there is no gap between the upper and lower chute. Secure with hardware just

removed.