MTD E740F User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

SNOW

THROWER

MODEL

E740F

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10004C.fm (6/00)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

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

Contents of Hardware Pack ...............................................................................5

Assembling Your Snow Thrower........................................................................6

Know Your Snow Thrower .................................................................................9

Operating Your Snow Thrower...........................................................................11

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 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 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)

(Serial Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

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.

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

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 reproductiv e 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, a nd follow all in struction s on the machine and in the manual(s ) before a ttempting to assemble and o perate. Keep this ma nual in a safe pl ace for future and regular re ference a nd for orde ring replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their prope r operation. Know how to stop the mach ine and d isengage them quickly.

3. Never allow childre n under 14 y ears old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should rea d and understand the op eration in struction s and sa fety rules i n this manual and should be trained and sup ervised b y a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5. Thrown objects can cause seriou s personal injury . Plan your snow throwin g pattern to avoid di scharge of mat erial toward roads, bystanders and the like.

6. Keep bystanders, hel pers, pets and chi ldren at l east 75 feet from the machin e while it is in operatio n. Stop machine if anyo ne enters the area.

7. Exercise caution to avoid s lipping o r falli ng, espe cially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area wh ere the eq uipment i s to be used. Remove all door mat s, newspa pers, sle ds, boards, wires and o ther foreig n object s which c ould be tripped over or throw n by the auger/imp eller.

2. Always wear safet y glasses or eye s hields d uring operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. T hrown ob jects whi ch ricochet can cause serious inj ury to the eyes.

3. Do not operate wit hout wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose clothing which cou ld becom e entang led in m oving parts. Wear footwear w hich wi ll improve footing on slippery surfaces.

4. Use a grounded three wire ex tension cord and receptac le for all units with electric start engi nes.

5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crus hed rock surfaces.

6. Disengage all cl utch levers before st arting the engin e.

7. Never attempt to m ake any adjustme nts while engine i s running, except where spec ifically recomm ended in the operator’s manual.

8. Let engine and m achine adju st to outd oor tem perature before starting to clear snow.

9. To avoid personal injury or pro perty damage use extre me care in handling gasolin e. Gasol ine is e xtremely flammable and the v apors are explosiv e. Serious personal injury c an occur w hen gas oline is spilled o n yourself or your c lothes which c an ignit e. Wash y our skin and change clot hes immedi ately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cig ars, pipes and other

sources of ignition. c. Never fuel machine indoo rs. d. Never remove gas cap or add fue l whil e the

engine is hot or running. e. Allow engine to cool at leas t two minu tes before

refueling. f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fil l tank to no more tha n

½ inch below bottom of fill er neck to provide space

for fuel expansi on. g. Replace gasoli ne cap an d tighten secu rely. h. If gasoline is sp illed, wip e it off th e engine and

equipment. Move machine to another area . Wait 5

minutes before start ing the e ngine. i. Never store the machine or fuel containe r inside

where there is an o pen flam e, spark or pilot l ight

(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heate r, clothes

dryer etc.). j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 mi nutes bef ore

storing.

Operation

1. Do not put hands o r feet near rotating p arts, in the a uger/ impeller housing o r disc harge chu te. Cont act wit h the rotating parts can am putate ha nds and feet.

2. The auger/impelle r clutch lev er is a safety de vice. Nev er bypass its operati on. Doing so, makes the ma chine unsafe and may cause p ersonal i njury.

3. The clutch leve rs must o perate easily in both d irections and automatically retu rn to the disenga ged position when released.

4. Never operate with a missing or da maged di scharge chute. Keep all safe ty devic es in pl ace and working.

5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly vent ilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide , an odorless and dea dly gas .

6. Do not operate mac hine while under the influenc e of alcohol or drugs.

7. Muffler and engine be come hot and c an cause a burn. D o not touch.

8. Exercise extreme ca ution when operating on or cro ssing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

9. Exercise caution w hen changi ng directi on and w hile operating on slop es.

10. Plan your snow t hrowing pat tern to av oid disc harge towards windows, wa lls, cars e tc. To avoid prope rty damage or personal injury caus ed by a ricochet.

11. Never direct disc harge at c hildren, b ystander s and pet s or allow anyone in front of t he machi ne.

12. Do not overload machine capa city by attemptin g to clear snow at too fast of a rate.

13. Never operate this mac hine without good visi bility or light. Always be sure of your footi ng and k eep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, n ever run.

14. Disengage power to t he aug er/impeller w hen transporting or not in use.

15. Never operate mach ine at hi gh transp ort speeds on slippery surfaces. Look down and b ehind an d use ca re when in reverse.

16. If the machine shoul d start to vibrate abn ormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug an d grou nd it agai nst the engine. Inspect thoroughly for dam age. Repair any damage before starting and ope rating.

17. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and st op engin e before y ou leave the operating position (be hind the handles). Wai t until the auger/im peller come s to a complete stop befo re unclogging the d ischarge chute, m aking an y adjustments, or inspecti ons.

18. Never put your hand in the d ischarge or colle ctor openings. Always use a cl earing to ol to unc log the discharge opening.

19. Use only attach ments a nd acce ssories approved by the manufacturer (e.g. wheel weigh ts, tire c hains, cabs etc.) .

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manua l, use care and goo d judgme nt. Contac t your dea ler or telephone 1-800-800-7 310 for assistance and the name of your nearest serv icing de aler.

Maintenance And Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

2. Disengage all cl utch lev ers and stop engi ne. Wait u ntil the auger/impelle r come to a complet e stop. D isconn ect the spark plug wi re and grou nd again st the en gine to prevent unintended starting before cl eaning, repairi ng, or inspecting.

3. Check bolts, and sc rews for pro per tig htness at frequent intervals to keep t he ma chine in safe worki ng condi tion. Also, visually inspe ct mach ine for an y damag e.

4. Do not change the engi ne governor settin g or over-speed the engine. The gov ernor contro ls the max imum safe operating speed o f the eng ine.

5. Snow thrower shave plates an d skid shoes are subj ect to wear and damage. F or your s afety protecti on, freque ntly check all compon ents and replace with origin al equipment manufac turer’s (O .E.M.) parts only. “Use of parts which do not m eet the ori ginal eq uipment specifications may lea d to imp roper perfor mance an d compromise safety!”

6. Check clutch co ntrols period ically to verify they engage and disengage prope rly and adjust, if ne cessary. Refer to the adjustment s ection i n this op erator’s man ual 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 environmen t.

9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow from machine an d prevent freeze up of auger/i mpeller.

10. Never store the machine or fuel c ontainer i nside whe re there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a wate r heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.

11. Always refer to the operator’s ma nual for p roper 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. The safety labels are given below for your reference.

SECTION 2: CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Lay out the hardware according to the illustration 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

Hex Bolts

5/16-18 x 1-3/4” (710-3180)

Hex Bolts

(710-3008)

Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/2”

(710-0262)

Cupped Washers 5/16” I.D. (736-0242)

Hex Nuts 5/16” Thread

(712-3010)

5/16-18 x 3/4” Handle Tabs

(784-5599)

Lock Washers

5/16” I.D. (736-0119)

ATTACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY

Hex Bolts (710-3015) 1/4-20 x 3/4”

Chute Flange Keepers (731-0851A)

ATTACHING THE CHUTE DIRECTIONAL

CONTROL ASSEMBLY

Flat Washers 3/8” I.D. x 5/8” O.D.

(736-0185)

Hex Lock Nuts 1/4-20 Thread

(712-3027)

ATTACHING THE SHIFT ROD

AND CLUTCH CABLES

Hair Pin Clip

(714-0104)

Ferrule (711-0677)

AUGER SHEAR BOLTS (SPARES)

NOTE: The augers are s ecured to the sp iral sh aft with two sh ear b olts and hex loc k nuts. If you h it a ha rd fo reign

object or an ice jam, the snow thrower is des igned so that the bolts may shear. Two replacement sh ear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe place until needed.

Flat Washers

3/8” I.D. x 5/8” O.D.

(736-0275)

Shear Bolts

(710-0890A)

Hair Pin Clip (714-0104)

Hex Lock Nuts

5/16” Thread (712-0429)

Eyebolt Not Shown (747-0697)

ATTACHING THE TRACK CONTROLS

Track Control Triggers (746-0950)

Hex Nut

5/16” Thread

(712-3010)

Cupped Washers 5/16” I.D.

(736-0242)

SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow thrower can be deter mined from behind the unit in the operating position.

Unpacking

• Remove staples or break glue on the top flaps of the carton. Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e., operator’s manual, etc.).

• Cut corners and lay end of carton down flat. Remove packing material.

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

Attaching Handle Assembly

(Use Hardware A)

• Place right handle in position so the flat side of the handle is against the snow thrower. Secure bottom hole in handle to snow thrower using hex bolt 3/4” long and lock washer. Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 1.

Handle Tab

Lock Was her

washers (cupped side against handle panel) and hex nuts.

• Secure the left side of the handle panel in the same manner.

• Tighten the four hex bolts used to attach the bottom of the han dles t o th e snow throw er fr ame.

Handle Panel

Hex Nut

Carriage Bolts

Figure 2

Cupped Washer

Hex Bolt 3/4”

Hex Bolt 1-3/4”

Figure 1

• Place handle tab over the upper hole in handle, so the curve in the handle tab matches the curve in the handle. Secure to the snow thrower using 1-3/4” hex bolt and lock washer. Do not tighten at this time.

• Attach the left handle in the same manner and do not tighten at this time.

• Place the handle panel in position between the handles. To hold the handle panel in place, depress both controls against the handles. While continuing to hold the right control, release the left control (the auger control lock will keep left control engaged). See Figure 2.

• Fasten right side of the handle panel by inserting two carriage bolts through handle and handle panel (bolts must go through both the plastic and metal parts of the handle panel). Secure with cupped

Attaching Chute Assembly

(Use Hardware B)

• 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 down. Insert hex bolt up through chute flange keeper and chute assembly. Secure with hex lock nut. See Figure 3.

• After assembling all three chute flange keepers, tighten all nuts and bolts. Do not overtighten hardware as it will restrict movement of the discharge chute.

Hex Bolts

Chute

Assembly

Hex Lock

Chute Flange Keepers

Figure 3

Nut

Attaching Chute Directional Contr ol

(Hardware C)

• Thread one hex nut about halfway onto eye bolt on the chute directional control. Insert eye bolt through the hole provided in the left handle. See Figure 4.

• Secure with cupped washer (cupped side against the handle) and other hex nut. Do not tighten until after attaching the other end of the chute directional control.

Hex Nut Cupped Washer

Hairpin Clip

Flat Washers

Chute Directional Control

Lower Chute Bracket

Figure 6

Eye Bolt

Figure 4

• To align the spiral on the chute directional control, it may be necessary to loosen the carriage bolts and hex lock nu ts whic h secu re the lower chute brac ket to the extension on the left side of the chute assembly. See Figure 5.

Carriage Bolts

IMPORT ANT :

Attach the shift rod and clutch cables as follows. Check adjustments as instructed and make any necessary adjustments before operating your snow thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause damage to the snow thrower.

Attaching Shift Rod

(Use Hardware D)

• Place the shift lever (on the handle panel) in the

sixth (6) speed position (all the way forward).

• Place the bent end of the shift rod into the hole in

the shift arm assembly. Secure with flat washer and hairpin clip. See Figure 7.

• Start threading the ferrule onto the other end of the

shift rod. Push down on the shift rod (and shift arm assembly) as far as it will go.

Hairpin Clip

Flat Washer

Ferrule

Shift Rod

Hex Lock

Lower Chute Bracket

Nuts

Figure 5

• Place one flat washer on the end of the chute directional control, then insert the end of the control into the hole in the plastic bushing in the lower chute bracket. Place another flat washer on the end of the chute directional control, and insert hairpin clip into hole in the end of control. See Figure 6.

• Adjust the chute bracket so that the spiral on the chute directional control fully engages the teeth on the chute assembly. Tighten the nuts on the lower chute bracket securely. Tighten the hex nut on the eye bolt on the chute directional control.

Shift Arm Assembly

Flat Washer

Hairpin Clip

Figure 7

• Thread the ferrule onto the shift rod until the ferrule lines up with the upper hole in the shift lever (beneath the handle panel). Insert the ferrule into the upper hole in the shift lever from the left side when adjustment is correct. Secure with flat washer and hairpin clip. See Figure 7.

• Make certain to check for correct adjustment of the shift rod as instructed in the Final Adjustment section before operating the snow thrower.

Screw

Attaching Control Cables

The Z-end of the control cables are hooked into the control grips on each handle. Attach cables as follows:

• Thread the hex jam nuts all the way up the threaded portion of the Z-ends of the control cables.

• Make certain each cable is in groove of cable roller guides. Place the control grip in the raised position.

• Thread the cable onto the threaded portion of the Zend until there is no slack in the cable, making sure cable is straight. Do not overtighten cable. See Figure 8.

• When correct adjustment is reached, tighten the hex jam nut against the bottom portion of the cable to lock it in position.

Auger Control

Right Track Control

Figure 9

• Secure the track control cables to the inside of the lower handle using the cable ties provided. Pull the cable ties tight and trim the excess ends of the cable ties. See Figure 10.

Handle

Cable Ties

Hex Jam Nut

Make Sure Cable is Straight

Figure 8

WARNING: If cable is tighten so there is tension on the cable with the control grip released, the safety fea tures of the snow thrower may be overridden.

Z-End

Attaching Track Controls

(Use Hardware F)

• Remove the screw from the top of the right hand track control. Be careful not to lose the flat weld nut that is inside the control.

• Place the right track control in position underneath the right handle. Secure with screw previously removed. See Fi gure 9.

• Secure the left track control in the same manner.

• Attach track control cable to track control handle by inserting cable ball into slot on track control handle. Pull cable down and up until it snaps into front of track control handle. Repeat on other side.

Figure 10

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

Auger Control Adjustment

Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:

• Push forward on the auger control until the small rubber bumper contacts the upper handle. There should be slack in the cable. See Figure 8.

• 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 8.

• Recheck th e adjustm ent bef ore reti ghtenin g 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 throwers auger housing. For close snow removal, place skid shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 11.

IMPORT ANT :

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 three hex nuts which fasten the skid shoe to the auger housing.

• Raise or lower the skid shoe to desired position.

NOTE: Make certai n t he en t ir e ba s e of bo th skid s hoe s are against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. When one side does wear out, the skid shoes are reversible.

Skid

Shoes

• Retighten the hex nuts loosened earlier.

• Repeat this adjustment on the skid shoe found on

the opposite side of the snow thrower.

It is NOT recommended that this snow

Hex Nuts

Figure 11

Traction Control and Shift Lever Adjustment

To check the adjustment of the traction control and shift lever, proceed as follows:

• Move the shift lever into sixth (6) position. a. With the traction control (refer to Figure 12)

released, squeeze in triggers and gently push the snow th rower fo rward, th en pull it back. Disregarding the overall weight of the snow thrower, the machine should otherwise move freely.

b. Engage the traction control and attempt to

move them m achi ne bot h for ward and rearward. You should experience resistance as the tracks should not be turning.

• Move the shift lever in to the f ast revers e (R2)

position and repeat the previous steps (a & b). If you experienced resistance either when repositioning the shift lever from 6 to R2 or when attempting to move the machine forward or rearward with the traction control rel eased, yo ur snow t hrower’s traction control is 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.

• Recheck the 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:

• Loosen the jam nut on the traction drive cable and

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: If you are uncert ain that you have rea ched the correct adjustment, refer to Traction Control Adjustment in Adjustment Section.

SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

Traction Control / Auger Control Lock

The traction control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction control to engage the track drive. Release to stop. See Figure 12.

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 track drive (auger control must also be released).

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. (Traction control must also be released.) See Figure 12.

Traction Control / Auger Control Lock

Discharge Chute

Shift Lever

Track Steering Control

Auger Drive Control

Primer

Closed

Open

Electric Starter Button

Chute Directional Control

Auger

Skid Shoe

Figure 12

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel and is used to determine both ground speed and direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight positions. See Figure 12.

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) s peeds. R1 is the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.

IMPORT ANT :

changing speeds.

Always release tractional control before

Chute Directional Contr ol

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.

Choke

Safety Ignition Key

Throttle Control

NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow

thrower with both track steering controls held in simultaneously.

Switch Box

Recoil Starter Handle

Headlight ( If Eq uipped)

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

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.

Throttle Control

The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine when pushed down completely. See Figure 12.

Safety Ignition Key

The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use. See Figure 12.

IMPORT ANT :

Do NOT attempt to turn the key.

Track Steering Controls

The left and right track steering controls are located on the underside of the handles and are used to assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right track control when turning right and squeeze the left control when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open areas until you become familiar with these controls. See Figure 12.

Fuel Shut-off Valve

The fuel shut-off valve, located under the fuel tank, controls fuel flow from the tank. Always make certain it is in the Open (vertical) position before attempting to start the engine. See Figure 12.

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