MTD E285, 285, 295, E295 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Single Stage

Snow Thrower

Models 285 & 295

Models E285 &E295

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 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

.

770-10540A

7/10/01

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices .................................................................................. 3

Assembling Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 5

Know Your Snow Thrower................................................................................................. 6

Operating Your Snow Thrower .......................................................................................... 7

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................................... 9

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 10

Off-Season Storage .......................................................................................................... 11

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 11

Parts List .......................................................................................................................... 12

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you to assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new snow thrower, 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 standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at
the dash panel . A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model
number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.

(Model Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

(Serial Number)

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINE INFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards 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.

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

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 .

For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com

2

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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit

chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and 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.

Tra in ing

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 door mats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other 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 clutch 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.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. The auger/impeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.

3

4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
chute. 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. To avoid 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 in reverse.

16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.

17. Disengage all clutch 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 discharge chute, making any
adjustments, or inspections.

18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use a clearing tool to unclog the
discharge opening.

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
telephone [phone] for assistance and the name
of your nearest servicing dealer.

DANGER

Maintenance And Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

2. Disengage all clutch levers and stop 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 before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.

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 over-speed
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 (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”

6. Check clutch 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.

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.

AND CLOTHING AWAY.
KEEP HANDS, FEET
ROTATING AUGER ­AVOID INJURY FROM

NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CONTACT WITH
ROTATING PARTS CAN AMPUTATE FINGERS
AND HANDS.

DO NOT UNCLOG DISCHARGE CHUTE WHILE
ENGINE IS RUNNING.

SHUT OFF ENGINE AND REMAIN BEHIND
HANDLES UNTIL ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE
STOPPED BEFORE UNCLOGGING.

1.

KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING AUGER
CONTACT WITH AUGER CAN AMPUTATE
HANDS AND FEET.

DISENGAGE CLUTCH LEVERS, STOP ENGINE,

2.

AND REMAIN BEHIND HANDLES UNTIL ALL
MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE
UNCLOGGING OR SERVICING MACHINE.

TO AVOID THROWN OBJECTS INJURIES,

3.

NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS.
USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN OPERATING ON
GRAVEL SURFACES.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

4.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Unpacking From Carton

• Cut along corners of the carton and lay it down flat.
Remove packing material.

• Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).

• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
any remaining loose part.

Items Required For Assembly

1. Pair of pliers

2. Engine oil

3. Fresh gasoline

NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow
thrower is from the operating position only.

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire

and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. See Figure 1.

Raising Upper Handle

• Loosen the hand knob on each side of the handle.
Remove packing material, if any.

• Remove the hairpin clip from the end of the lower
chute crank.

• Insert the upper chute crank into the lower chute
crank and align the holes.

• Re-insert the hairpin clip into the hole to secure the
two chute cranks. See Figure 2.

Hairpin Clip

Lower Chute
Crank

Figure 2

Upper Chute

Crank

NOTE:

of viewing, the

control handle is
removed from the
picture. Do not
remove it for the task..

For cl arity

Hand Knob

Hand Knob

Spark Plug

Access

Figure 1

• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1 until it clicks into the operating position.
Make sure not to pinch or crimp the cable.

• Tighten the hand knobs.

Attaching Chute Crank

The lower chute crank is already attached to your snow
thrower at the factory. For shipping purposes, the upper
chute crank is packaged as loose part. Attach it to the
lower chute crank following instructions:

Attaching Control Cable

The control cable may already be attached to the
control handle. If not attached, complete the following
steps to attach it to the snow thrower housing.

• Route the control cable over the lower handle.
Insert the end of the cable into the hole in the
control housing as shown in Figure 3. Push the
plastic fitting until it locks into the control housing.

Bottom
Hole In
Control
Handle

Control
Housing

• 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 . If necessary,
pull up on the end of the cable with a pair of pliers to
obtain slack in order to hook it into the control

“Z” End
of Cable

Figure 3

Plastic
Fitting

5

handle. Hold the “Z” fitting with the pliers, not the
cable, to avoid damaging the cable.

NOTE: The upper hole in the control handle provides
for adjustment in belt tension. Refer to page 9 of this
manual for instructions.

Flat

Washer

Assembling Discharge Chute

• Turn the chute crank until the chute faces straight
to the front. See Figure 4 .

• Remove the hand knob, flat washer and carriage
bolt from the upper chute. See Figure 4.

• Pivot the upper chute up and over the lip of the
lower chute. This will eliminate any gap between
the upper and the lower chutes. Secure with
hardware just removed.

Hex Bolt

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

WARNING: Be familiar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper operation. Know how to

stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

Nut

Upper

Chute

Lower Chute

Carriage

Bolt

Flat
Washer

Hand
Knob

Figure 4

Chute Crank

Primer

Gasoline Cap

Discharge Chute

Auger

Key

Auger Control Handle

Located on the upper handle, the auger control handle
is used to engage and disengage the auger. The snow
thrower is designed to propell by the rotation of the
auger. Pull the control handle back against the upper
handle to engage the auger; release to disengage.

Auger Control Handle

Recoil Starter

Electric Starter (if equipped)

Spark Plug Access

Oil Fill Plug

Choke

Shave Plate

Lever

Figure 5

Chute Crank

Located on right side of dash panel, the chute crank
determines the direction that snow will be discharged.
Turn clockwise to discharge snow to the left; turn
counterclockwise to discharge to the right.

6

Discharge Chute

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance
that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for
greater distance; tilt down for less distance. Loosen the
hand knob on the side of the discharge chute to adjust.
Tilt the chute to the desired position, and tighten the
knob.

Choke Lever

The location of the choke lever is indicated in Figure 5
inset. You will have to use this lever to start the engine.
Push the lever all the way up to the FULL/ON position,
or all the way down to the OFF position as desired.

Primer Button

Used to inject fuel directly into the carburetor to insure
fast starts in cold weather. Follow engine manual to
prime engine.

Ignition Key

Used to start engine. Put key in “ON” position to start
for both electric and recoil start engines. Follow starting
instructions given in the next section.

Recoil Starter

Used to manually start the engine.

Electric Starter (If equipped)

Used to start engine with a 120V power source

Plug for Electric Start (If equipped)

Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord

and a 120V power source

Spark Plug Access

Spark plug located under the access cover.

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Before Starting

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all

instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.

• The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

• Check oil and gasoline level and add if necessary.
Follow related instructions in the seperate engine
manual packed with your snow thrower.

WARNING: Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.

To Start Engine

• Insert ignition key into slot. Turn key to ON position.

• Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to

your unit.

Electric Starter (If equipped)

WARNING: The electric starter must be

used with a properly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of
electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully
prior to operating the electric starter.

Press auger
control handle
to engage
auger

Turn handle
to change
discharge
direction

• The electric starter is equipped with a grounded
three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to
operate on 120 volt AC household current.

• Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.

• If your home wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter

under any conditions.

• If your home electrical system is grounded, but
a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electric starter.

Primer

Key

Choke

Lever

Spark Plug Access

Figure 6

Recoil
Starter

Electric
Starter*

* If equipped

7

• If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows.

• Rotate choke lever to FULL position.

• Connect power cord to switch box on dash panel.

Plug the other end of power cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC receptacle.

• Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke lever to FULL choke
position.

• 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.

• When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from
the snow thrower.

Recoil Starter

• Move choke lever to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).

• If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.

• Push primer button two or three times for cold
engine start.

• If engine is warm, push primer button only once.

NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 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 the starter handle.

• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke lever slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.

or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce a
loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the
engine or starter.

• Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times. Leave
throttle control lever in the STOP or OFF position.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.

• Remove ignition key and disconnect spark plug
wire to prevent accidental starting.

Operating the Snow Thrower

• Adjust the upper discharge chute up or down as
shown in Figure 4. You will have to loosen the hand
knob to adjust the upper chute, and then retighten
after correct adjustment is reached.

• Use the chute crank to position the discharge chute
in order to discharge snow with the wind.

• After making sure no bystanders or obstacles are in
front of the unit, engage the auger control handle.
As the snow thrower starts to move, maintain a firm
hold on the handle, and guide the snow thrower
along the path to be cleared.

• Release the auger control handle to stop the snow
throwing action and the forward motion.

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a

e

c

e

r

n

a

G

t

s

i

D

s

e

s

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n

L

a

t

s

i

D

Figure 7

Upper
Discharge

Chute

Hand
Knob

To Stop Engine

• To stop engine, turn ignition key counter-clockwise.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.

To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter, proceed
as follows:

• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.

• 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

Operating Tips

• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previously cleared path.

• Lifting up on the handle will allow the rubber on the
augers to propel the snow thrower forward. Pushing
downward on the handle will raise the augers off
the ground and stop forward motion.

NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will
result in premature wear on the rubber auger blades
which would not be covered by warranty.

• Run the engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry any moisture on the engine.

• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.

WARNING: Muffler, engine and surrounding

areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.

8

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any

adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in the operator’s
manual.

Shave Plate

• To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place
the unit on a level surface. See Figure 8. The
wheels, shave plate and augers should all contact
level surface. Note that if the shave plate is
adjusted too high, snow may blow under the
housing. If the shave plate wears out excessively,
or the unit does not self-propel, the shave plate
may be too low and needs to be adjusted.

NOTE: On new units or units with a new shave plate
installed, the augers may be slightly off the ground.

Augers

Figure 8

• To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests
on the handle. Loosen the four lock nuts and bolts
which secure the shave plate to the housing. See
Figure 9. Move the shave plate to desired position
and retighten the nuts and bolts securely.

Shave Plate

Belt Tension

Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required
due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjust the
belt tension, following instructions below, if the augers
seem to hesitate while turning although engine
maintains the same speed.

• The upper hole in the control handle provides
adjustment for belt tension. To adjust, disconnect
the “Z” end of control cable from the bottom hole in
the control handle. See Figure 10 . Hook the cable
into the upper hole in control handle as shown.

Upper

Hole

Clutch
Cable

Control

Housing

Figure 10

If additional adjustment is required, follow steps below.

• Remove the belt cover by removing five hex screws
that hold it in place. See Figure 12.

• There are three adjustment holes provided in the
idler bracket assembly. See Figure 11. To adjust,
move the extension spring on the end of the clutch
cable to the next higher adjustment position on the
idler bracket assembly. Reassemble belt cover.

High Position

Idler

Bracket

Auger
Pulley

Figure 11

Middle Position

Low Position

Spring on
End of Clutch

Cable

Lock Nut & Carriage Bolt

Figure 9

Carburetor

WARNING: If any adjustments need to be

made to the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of all moving parts.
Be careful of muffler, engine and other
surrounding heated surfaces.

• Refer to the separate engine manual, packed with
your unit, for carburetor adjustment information.

9