MTD E663G User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Model
E663G
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning:
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust systemisequippedwith 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 Stateof California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states mayhave
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.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
FORM NO.
770-10049A.fm
(6/99)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Loose Parts........................................................................................................5
Assembling Your Snow Thrower........................................................................5
Know Your Snow Thrower .................................................................................7
Operating Your Snow Thrower...........................................................................8
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................10
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower........................................................................12
Service...............................................................................................................13
Off-season Storage............................................................................................15
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................16
Parts List............................................................................................................17
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. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorizeddealer.
• You can locate the model number by looking at the lower frame cover in the rear of your snow
thrower. 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)
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
(Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
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.
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
This Warning 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 symbol, heed its warning.
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. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury
or death.
TRAINING
• Read this operators 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 operationshould 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.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspectthe areawhere the equipmentis
to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards,
wires and other foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral 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
offany spilled gasolinebefore 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 objectsthat may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.
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, shift
into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.
3
• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the auger, 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 throwerwithout 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 machineat high transportspeeds
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 accessoriesapproved by
the manufacturer of snow thrower (such as tire
chains, cabs, etc.).
• Never operate the snow thrower without good
visibilityor light. Alwaysbe 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.
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
insidea building whereignition 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 operators 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
preventfreeze up of collector/impeller.Check clutch
controls periodically to verify they engage and
disengageproperly and readjust if necessary.Refer
to operators manual for adjustment instructions.
Y our 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. Some of the safety labels on the equipment are
reproduced below. Take a moment to study these labels before operating the unit. Always maintain
safety while operating or servicing the equipment.
AND CLOTHING AWAY.
KEEP HANDS, FEET
ROTATING AUGER AVOID INJURY FROM
SHUT OFF ENGINE
BEFORE
UNCLOGGING
DISCHARGE CHUTE.
DANGER
WARNING
STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING
1.
DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT.
KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE
2.
ENGINE IS RUNNING.
3.
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.
4
SECTION 2: LOOSE PARTS
The snow thrower is shipped with following loose parts in the carton. Please remove all loose parts from the carton
before discarding it. See Figure 1 to identify the parts noting that these parts may be referred to again in the
following sections of this manual. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.
Shear Bolts
(710-0890A)
HexLockNuts
(712-0429)
Figure 1
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 may shear. Two replacement shear
bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe
place until needed.
IMPORT ANT :NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with standard
hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox or other components
as a result of doing so will NOT be covered by your snow thrower’s
warrant y.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
NOTE:
side of the snow thrower is observed from the
operator’s position.
IMPORTANT: Make any final adjustments as instructed
later on in this section BEFORE operating your snow
thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause
damage to the snow thrower.
• Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the
• Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal
• Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
• Roll unit out of crate.
• Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped
Any reference in this manual to the left or right
shipping crate.
injury.
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side)
from the lower handle. See Figure 2.
• Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle. See Figure 2 and Figure 3.
• Lookat thelower rear of snow throwerframeto be
sure both cables are aligned with cable roller
guides.
• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and
carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously
removed. See Figure 3.
Hex Nut
Connector
Wing Knobs,
Washers
and Bolts
Figure 2
Eyebolt
Eyebolt
Wing Knobs
Figure 3
• Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional control
so the rod does not come into contact with the
engine by moving the hex nut against the handle (if
necessary). Retighten the wing nut to secure the
directional control in this position.
• Slide the connector down over the end of the lower
shift rod. See Figure 3. Tap the connector until it
locks on the lower shift rod.
5
NOTE:
If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change
speeds or change directions.
• 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.
• Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead
coming from the right side of the engine, beneath
thefueltank.
Final Adjustments
Auger Control Adjustment
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• Push forward on the auger control (Refer to Figure
6) until the small rubber bumper contacts the upper
handle. There should be slack in the cable.
Usemiddleorhighpositionwhenareatobeclearedis
uneven. See Figure 5.
Skid
Shoes
Figure 5
Hex Nuts
• Release the auger control. The cable should be
straight. Make certain you can depress the auger
control against the left handle completely.
If adjustment is necessary, proceed as follows:
• Loosen the jam nut and thread the cable in (for less
slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. See
Figure 4.
“Z” End
Jam Nut
Auger Control Cable
Figure 4
• Recheck the adjustment before retightening the
jam nut against the cable.
Skid Shoe Adjustment
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by repositioning the skid shoes found on
either side of the snow thrower’s auger housing. For
close snow removal, place skid shoes in the low
position.
IMPORT ANT : It is NOT recommended that this snow
thrower be operated on a gravel surface, as loose
stones can be easily picked up and thrown by the
machine. If you must operate on a gravel surface,
ALWAYS adjust the skid shoes into the HIGH position
to allow the shave plate maximum clearance.
Adjust skid shoes as follows:
• Loosen, but do NOT remove, the two hex nuts
which fasten the skid shoe to the auger housing.
• Raiseor lower the skid shoe to desired position.
NOTE:
Make certain the entire base of both skid shoes
are against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the
skid shoes.
• Retighten the hex nuts loosened earlier.
• Repeat this adjustment on the skid shoe found on
the opposite side of the snow thrower.
Tire Pressure Adjustment
The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes.
Adjust the tire pressure to between 15 psi and 20 psi.
NOTE:
If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other.
Traction Control and Shift Lever Adjustment
Tocheck the adjustmentof the tractioncontroland shift
lever, proceed as follows:
• Move the shift lever into sixth (6) position.
a. Withthetractioncontrol(refertoFigure6in
Section 4 of this manual) released, gently
push the snow thrower forward, then pull it
back. Disregarding the overall weight of the
snow thrower, the machine should otherwise
move freely.
6
b. Engage the traction control, and attempt to
movethem machine both forwardand
rearward. You should experience resistance
as the wheels should not be turning.
• Move the shift lever into the fast reverse (R2)
position and repeat the previous steps (a & b).
If you experienced resistance either when repositioning
theshiftleverfrom6toR2orwhenattemptingtomove
the machine forward or rearward with the traction
controlreleased,your snow thrower’straction controlis
in need of adjustment and you should NOT operate the
machine before completing the adjustment as follows:
• Loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable
and UNTHREAD the cable one full turn.
• Recheckthe adjustment.
• Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached.
If the machine can be moved freely both forward and
rearward when the traction control fully depressed,
proceed as follows:
• Loosenthejamnutonthetractiondrivecableand
THREAD the cable in one full turn.
• Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as
necessary.
• Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE:
correct adjustment, refer to Traction Control
Adjustment in Section 6 of this manual.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
If you are uncertain that you have reached the
T raction Control /
Auger Control Lock
Auger
Control
Chute Directional
Control
Shift
Lever
Figure 6
Traction Control / Auger Contr ol Lock
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop. This same lever also locks the auger
control so you can turn the chute directional control
without interrupting the snow throwing process. If the
auger control is engaged along with the traction control,
the operator can release the auger control (on the left
handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release
the traction control to stop both the augers and wheel
drive (auger control must also be released).
IMPORT ANT :Always release tractional control before
changing speeds.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of
thehandlepanelandisusedto
determine both ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into
any of eight positions.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F)
speeds. Position number one (1) is the
slowest. Position number six (6) is the
fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R)
speeds. R1 is the slower, while R2 is the
faster of the two.
IMPORT ANT :Always release tractional control before
changing speeds.
Auger Control
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 control must
also be released.)
Chute Directional Contr ol
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.
• Crankcounterclockwise to dischargeto theright.
7
Fuel Shut-off Valve
The fuel shut-off valve, located
under fuel tank, controls fuel flow
from thetank. Always make certain
it is in the Open (vertical) position
before attempting to start the engine.
Closed
Open
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine.
Primer
Choke
Safety Ignition Key
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the
switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignition key
when snow thrower is not in use.
IMPORT ANT : Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Ignition Key
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Gas And Oil Fill-up
IMPORT ANT :Although your snow thrower comes
shipped with oil already in the engine, you MUST check
the engine oil level as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit BEFORE starting the
engine for the first time. Read instructions carefully
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is
hot. Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.
Electric Starter
WARNING: The electric starter is
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
cordtostarteronenginefirst,thenplugtheother
endintoa three-ho legrounded receptacle.
• When disconnecting the cord, always unplug the
end from the three-hole grounded receptacle first.
To Start Engine
IMPORT ANT : If unit shows any sign of motion(traction
oraugers) with the controls disengaged, shut engine off
immediately. Readjust as instructed under the heading
Final Adjustments in Section 3 of this manual.
• Attachsparkplugwiretosparkplug.
• Make certain the fuel shut-off valve is in the open
(vertical) position.
• Make certain that both the auger control and the
traction control are in the disengaged (released)
position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignitionkeyintoslot.SeeFigure7.Becertainit
snaps into place. Do not turn thekey.
• Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start). If engineis warm, place choke inOFF
position instead of FULL.
• Electric Start Only: Connect power cord to switch
box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord
into a three-hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
• Recoil Start Only: Push primer button two or three
times when using recoil starter. If engine is warm,
push primer button once only. See Figure 7.
NOTE:
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15
Always cover vent hole in primer button when
Throttle
Control
Figure 7
Rope
Starter
Handle
o
F.
8
• Electric Start: Do NOT prime engine. Push starter
button on top of the engine to crank the engine.
When engine starts, release starter button.
• Recoil Start: Grasp starter handle (see Figure 7)
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 knob slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
To Stop Engine
• Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
• To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows:
ElectricStarter: 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 (Optional Instructions): With
engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three or four times. Pulling
the starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound, which is not harmful to the engine or
starter.
• Tostop engine, remove the ignition key. Do not turn
key. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark
plug to prevent accidental starting while equipment
is unattended.
NOTE:
Engine will not start without the ignition key.
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe place.
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.
To Engage Drive
• With the engine running near top speed, move shift
lever into one of the six FORWARD positions or two
REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate
for the snow conditions that exist.
• Squeeze the traction control against the right
handle and the snow thrower will move. Release it
and the drive motion will stop.
IMPORT ANT :NEVER move shift lever without first
releasing the traction control. Doing so will cause
premature wear to drive system’s friction wheel rubber.
To Engage Augers
To engage the augers and start the snow throwing
action, squeeze the auger control against the left
handle.
To disengage power to the augers, release both the
auger control and the traction control, if engaged,
NOTE:
can turn the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. Refer to
Traction Control/ Auger Control Lock in Section 4 of this
manual.
The auger control can also be locked so you
Tire Chains (Optional Equipme nt)
Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is
needed. Call our Customer Support Department as
instructed on Page 2 of this manual for information
regarding availability of tire chains and other optional
accessories for your snow thrower.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
• Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the shave plate for
• Remove snow immediately after it falls.
• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
• Slightly overlap each previous cleared path.
• Follow the precautions found under the heading To
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
WARNING: Temperature of muffler and
surrounding areas may exceed 150
Avoid these areas.
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward(to lower the shave plate)for hard-packed
snow. Adjust downward (to raise the shave plate)
whenusingongravelorcrushedrock.
Stop Engine to prevent possible freeze-up.
o
F.
NOTE:
with the operation of the snow thrower.
Use the slower speeds until you are familiar
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