MTD E645E, E6AE5, E665F Operator's Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SNOW THROWER
Models 615, E6AE5,
E645E, & E665F
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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10025F.fm
(6/2003)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content.............................................................................................................Page
Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3
Hardware Pack..................................................................................................5
Assembling Your Snow Thrower .......................................................................6
Know Your Snow Thrower.................................................................................9
Operating Your Snow Thrower ..........................................................................10
Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................13
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower........................................................................14
Service ..............................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting.................................................................................................18
Parts List............................................................................................................19
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 underst and what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model pla te 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 Departme nt or
an authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the op erating position and looking
down at the dash panel. A sample model plate is explained below. For f uture reference, please copy
the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
www.mtdproducts.com
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
44136
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-rel ated issues with regard to performa nce, powerrating, 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
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Should you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, ope ration
or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Depar tment.
Call 1- (330) 2 20-4MTD (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
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 the State of California to cause cancer, 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.
.
TRAINING
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 doormats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign 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. Throw n 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 the
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. Thus, avoiding
possible 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 wire 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 the clean-out tool provided to
unclog the discharge opening. Do not unclog discharge
chute while engine is running. Shut off engine and remain
behind handles until all moving parts have stopped
before unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chai ns, cabs etc.).
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment.
Contact your dealer or telephone 1-800-800-7310 for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing
dealer.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. Refer to the maintenance and
adjustment sections of this manual.
2. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting machine
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.
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 (OEM) 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.
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. The
safety labels are shown below for your reference.
4
Contents Of Hardware Pack
Lay out the hardware according to the illustration below for identification purposes. Part numbers are shown in
parentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
ATTACHING THE HANDLES
A
Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 2”
(710-04039)
Handle Tabs
(784-5599)
ATTACHING SPEED SELECTOR PLATE
C
Self-Tapping Screws
710-0599 (4)
ATTACHING CHUTE ASSEMBLY
E
Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 3/4”
(710-1880)
Lock Washers
5/16” I.D.
(736-0119)
ATTACHING HANDLE PANEL
B
Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-1/2”
(710-0262)
Hex Patch Nuts
5/16” Thread
(712-3068)
ATTACHING CONTROL CABLES AND
CLUTCH GRIPS
D
Z Fitting
746-0778 (2)
Hex Screws
710-3103 (2)
Cupped Washers
5/16” I.D.
(736-0242)
Hex Nuts
712-0121 (2)
Spacer
750-1032 (2)
Hex Top L-Nut
712-0429 (2)
Chute Flange
Keepers
(731-0851A)
NOTE: The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a hard foreign
object or an 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 nee ded.
Hex Bolts
(710-3015)
1/4-20 x 3/4”
Hex Lock Nuts
1/4-20 Thread
(712-3027)
F
G
Hex Lock Nuts
712-0429 (2)
5
ATTACHING CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL
Flat Washers
3/8” I.D. x 5/8” O.D.
(736-0185)
Hex Nut
5/16” Thread
(712-3010)
Cupped Washers
5/16” I.D.
(736-0242)
REPLACEMENT SHEAR BOLTS
Hair Pin Clip
(714-0104)
Hex Bolts
710-0890A (2)
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
Loose Parts
Figure 1 shows parts of the snow thrower packed loose
in the carton. You will need these parts along with
hardware from the hardware pack, illustrated on the
next page, to assembly the equipment. Identif y the
loose parts before proceeding to assemble.
Speed Selector
Plate
Shift Lever
Chute Directional
Control Assembly
Clean Out
Tool
Handles
Handle Panel
Extension
Cord
(If Equipped)
Handle Support
Brkts. (R) / (L)
Attaching Handles
(Hardware Groups A)
• Insert each hex bolt and lock washer through the
bottom hole in the handle and bottom hole in snow
thrower housing. Do not tighten at this time. Repeat
on other side.
• Raise both handles up until the upper hole in the
handle align with the upper hole in the snow
thrower housing on both sides. Secure with hex
bolts, lock washers, and handle tabs. See Fi gure 2.
Left Handle
Handle
Tab
Lock
Washer
Figure 2
Hex Bolt
Hex Bolt
Chute
Assembly
Figure 1
Tools Required For Assembly
1. Pair of pliers
2. Two adjustable wrenches
Before Assembly
WARNING: Dis connect the spark plug w ire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
NOTE: All references to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position. The “operator’s position” is defined
as standing directly behind the snow thrower, facing the
handle panel.
Attaching Speed Selector Plate
(Hardware Group C)
• Assemble the speed selector plate to the outside
of the handles and secure using two self-tapping
screws. Repeat on the other side. See Figure 3.
Self-Tapping
Screws
Speed Selector
Plate
Self-Tapping
Screws
Figure 3
Attaching Shift Lever
• Remove the self-tapping screw located on the shift
rod. See Figure 4.
6
• Insert the shift lever assembly through slot in the
speed selector plate leaving the hex bolts on the
shift lever assembly loose, but not removed.
• Slide the shift lever assembly over the shift rod as
shown in Figure 4.
• Align the end of the shift lever assembly with the
side of the snow thrower housing so that the hole
on the assembly aligns with the hole on the shift
rod. Re-insert the self-tapping screw through these
holes and tighten to secure.
• Tighten the two hex bolts on the shift lever
assembly now.
Shift Lever Assembly
Shift Rod
Self-Tapping Screw
• Insert curved end of the Z fitting into the top hole in
the triangular metal tab on the auger control grip.
The triangular metal tab on the auger control grip
must face the center of the handle panel. See
Figure 6.
• Place the auger control on top of the left handle.
The triangular metal tab must be between the
handle and the bracket. See Figure 6.
Triangle
Metal T a b
Auger Control
“Z” Fitting
Triangle
Metal Tab
Figure 4
Attaching Handle Panel, Clutch Grips,
and Control Cables
(Hardware Groups B & D)
• Attach left handle and left clutch bracket to handle
panel with two carriage bolts, lock washers and hex
patch nuts. (Be sure the bend in the grip bracket is
towards the center of the h andle panel.) Do no t
tighten at this time. See Figure 5.
Handle Panel
Left Bracket
Carriage
Bolts
Left Handle
(Curves in)
Hex
Patch Nuts
Lock Washers
Figure 5
Figure 6
• Secure with hex bolt, spacer, and hex lock nut. Do
not overtighten this bolt as it will prevent the
control from automatically returning to their upright
position. See Figure 7.
Auger Control
Left
Handle
Spacer
Hex Bolt
Handle Panel
Left Bracket
Hex Lock Nut
“Z” Fitting
Figure 7
• Repeat process for the right side Tra ction Control.
• Tighten all hardware used to attach the handle
assembly to the snow thrower frame.
7
IMPORTANT:
If the right hand lock-out cable is not
adjusted correctly, the wheels will tend to turn. If the left
hand lock-out cable is not adjusted correctly, the
augers will keep on rotating.
NOTE: Please note that the drive clutch cable on units
with 16” wheels is routed under the axle. In other units,
the cable is routed over the axle.
WARNING: Do not over-tighten the clutch
cables. Tension on either cable in the
disengaged (up) position may override the
safety features of the machine.
Attaching Chute Assembly
(Hardware Group E)
• Place chute assembly over chute opening, with the
opening in the chute assembly facing the front of
the unit.
• Place chute flange keepers beneath lip of chute
assembly, with the flat side of chute flange keeper
facing downward. See Figure 8.
Chute Assembly
Hex Bolt
• Thread one hex nut onto the eyebolt on the chute
directional control assembly until there is at least
two inches of threads showing between the nut and
the eyebolt head.
• Place the eyebolt into the hole located half way up
the left handle. Secure with cupped washer and
hex nut making sure that the cupped side of the
washer is against the handle.
Hex Bolts &
Hex Lock Nuts
Lower
Chute
Directional
Control
Bracket
Flat
Washers
Hex Nuts
Chute Directional
Control
Hex Lock Nut
Chute Flange
Keeper
Figure 8
• Insert two hex bolts up through each chute flange
keeper and chute assembly. Secure with hex lock
nuts.
• After assembling all three chute flange keepers,
tighten all nuts and bolts securely. Do not overtighten.
NOTE: Lock nuts cannot be threaded onto a bolt by
hand. Tighten with two 7/16” or adjustable wrenches.
Attaching Chute Directional Control
(Hardware Group F)
• Loosen the two hex nuts which secure the lower
chute directional control support bracket t o the
snow thrower housing. See Figure 9.
• Place one flat washer over the en d of the chute
directional control, then insert the end of the chute
directional control into the hole in the plastic
bushing on the chute bracket. Place the second flat
washer on chute directional control and secure with
hairpin clip. See Figure 9.
Hairpin Clip
Chute Directional
Control Bracket
2” of thread
Cupped
Washer
Hex Nut
Eye Bolt
Hex Nut
Chute Directional
Control
Figure 9
8
• Adjust the chute directional control bracket so that
the spiral on the chute directional control fully
engages the teeth on the chute assembly. Tighte n
all hardware. See Figure 10.
• Check to make sure all nuts and bolts on the control
panel and all four bolts which secure the handles to
the frame are very tight.
Spiral should engage
teeth of chute here.
Figure 10
Attaching Lamp Wire (If equipped)
If for shipping purposes, the headlight wire was left
unattached to the alternator lead, follow the steps
below to attach it now:
• 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. See Figure 11.
• Plug the wire from the headlight into the alternator
lead coming from the right side of the engine,
underneath the fuel tank.
Lower Handle
Alternator
Lead
Lamp
Wire
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Operating Controls
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located below the handle panel and it
is used to determine both ground speed and direction o f
travel. It can be moved into one of seven positions.
See Figure 12.
Forward
There are five forward speeds on this snow thrower.
Position one (1) is the slowest and position five (5) is
the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is
the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.
Auger Drive Control
The auger drive control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers.
Release to stop the snow throwing action.
See Figure 12.
Traction Control
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction control grip to engage the wheel
drive. Release to stop. See Figure 12.
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 12.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Chute Clean-out Tool
The chute clean-out tool, see Figure 12, is designed to
clear a clogged discharge chute. Refer to Ope rating
Your Snow Thrower on page for detailed instr uctions on
how to properly use the chute clean-ou t tool.
Skid Shoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the
condition of the ground from where snow has to be
removed. See Figure 12.
Figure 11
WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a
clogged discharge chute. Shut off engine and
remain behind handles until all moving parts
have stopped before unclogging.
9
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