MTD L-Style User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Two-Stage Snow Thrower

Styles H & K

“K”-Style Shown

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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

covered or grass-covered land unless the 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.

769-01276.fm

(7/9/2004)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Assembling Your Snow Thrower 6 Know Your Snow Thrower 8 Operating Your Snow Thrower 10 Making Adjustments 13

Content Page

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 15 Servicing Your Snow Thrower 15 Troubleshooting 20 Illustrated Parts List 22 Warranty Back Cover

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. A sample model plate is also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the snow thrower. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

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:

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately available.

The answer you are looking for could be just a mouse-click away!

To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 800-7310.

Engine

Manual

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

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

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. 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 controls 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 chute assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

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

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

4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly. 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 backing up.

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 controls 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 chute assembly, 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 chute assembly 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 chains, cabs etc.).

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or call 1-800-800-7310 for assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance & 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 controls and stop the 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 overspeed 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 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

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

USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL TO UNCLOG DISCHARGE CHUTE.

DISENGAGE CLUTCH LEVERS, STOP ENGINE, AND REMAIN BEHIND HANDLES UNTIL ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE UNCLOGGING OR SERVICING MACHINE.

TO AVOID THROWN OBJECTS INJURIES, NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT BYSTANDERS. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN OPERATING ON GRAVEL SURFACES.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

DANGER

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

DANGER

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

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.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SAFETY LABELS FOUND ON YOUR SNOW THROWER

DANGER

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

SHUT OFF ENGINE AND WAIT UNTIL ALL MOVING PARTS HAVE STOPPED BEFORE UNCLOGGING.

USE CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR WOODEN UNCLOG DISCHARGE CHUTE.

STICK TO

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow

thrower are determined from behind the unit in the operating position (standing directly behind the snow thrower, facing the handle panel).

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several

models. Snow thrower features vary by model. Not all features referenced and pictured in this manual are applicable to all snow thrower models.

IMPORTANT:

cotter pins are included with this manual. Refer to Augers on page 19 for more information.

Two replacement auger shear pins and

CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

thrower, refer to Auger Control Test on page 11. Read and follow all instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to verify your snow thrower is operating safely and properly.

Securing the Handle

1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides before pivoting the handle upward.

2. Secure the upper shift rod to the lower shift rod by sliding the connector sleeve downward.

3. Secure the right side of the handle by tightening the plastic wing knob. Remove and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for packaging purposes only.

4. Secure the left side of the handle by tightening the plastic wing knob into the eyebolt.

Attaching the Chute Assembly and Directional Control

1. Apply a lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the rim of the chute base (and the underside of the chute assembly) and position the chute assembly over the base.

2. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers will click into place when properly secure.

NOTE: If the flange keepers will not easily click into

place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm pressure to the back of each.

3. Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the end of the chute directional control. Insert the end of the chute directional control into the lower bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin clip just removed.

NOTE: If necessary, the lower bracket can be

adjusted. Refer to Chute Bracket Adjustment. on Page 14.

4. If equipped, slip the cables, running from the handle panel to the chute assembly, into the cable guide located on top of the engine.

CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

thrower, refer to Auger Control Test on page 11. Read and follow all instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to verify your snow thrower is operating safely and properly.

Tire Pressure

• Before operating, check tire pressure and reduce pressure in both tires to between 15 psi and 20 psi.

Chute Assembly

Cable Guide

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires,

the unit may not travel in a straight path and the shave plate may wear unevenly.

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

Shift Lever

Drive Control

Heated Handles Switch†

Electric Starter Button

Gas Cap

Oil Fill

Chute Assembly

Clean-out

Tool

Augers

Chute Directional

Skid Shoe

†If Equipped

Two-Way Chute Control†

Control

Auger Control

Engine Controls

Recoil Starter

Handle

Electric Starter Outlet

Primer

Ignition

Key

Choke

Control

Throttle Control

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

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

NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more

information on all engine controls, refer to the Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately and

Starting The Engine on page 10 of this manual.

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located on the right side of the handle panel. Place the shift lever into any of eight positions to control the direction of travel and ground speed.

Forward

Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds, with position number one (1) being the slowest speed.

Reverse

Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds, with position number one (1) being the slower speed.

Gas Cap

Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to the fuel tank.

Choke Control

The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine.

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.

Primer

Depressing the primer forces fuel directly into the engine’s carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting.

Oil Fill

Engine oil level can be checked and oil added through the oil fill.

Auger Control

Two-Way Chute Control (If Equipped)

AUGER

CONTROL

The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage the augers and start snow throwing action. Release to stop.

Drive Control

DRIVE

CONTROL

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

DISCHARGE

LEFT

The two-way chute control is meant to control the distance of snow discharge from the chute.

• To change the angle/distance which snow is thrown, pivot the joy-stick forward or backward.

DISCHARGE

RIGHT

CHUTE TILT

DOWN

CHUTE TILT

Ignition Key

The ignition key must be inserted and snapped in place in order for the engine to start. Remove the ignition key to prevent unauthorized use of equipment.

IMPORTANT:

to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.

Do not turn the ignition key in an attempt

The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop.

Chute Directional Control

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

ADJUSTABLE

DISCHARGE

LEFT

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.

• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right. To change the distance of snow discharge from the chute, refer to the Making Adjustments section on page 13.

DISCHARGE

RIGHT

CHUTE TILT

Clean-Out Tool

WARNING: Never use your hands to clear

a clogged chute. Shut off engine and remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging. Use the cleanout tool or a stick to unclog.

The clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the auger housing with a mounting clip. The tool is designed to clear a clogged chute. Refer to Operating Your Snow Thrower section for more detailed information regarding the clean-out tool.

NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable tie to the

rear of the auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable tie before operating the snow thrower.

Heated Handles Switch (If Equipped)

This switch is located on the right side of the snow thrower dash panel. To activate the heated handles, toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to the OFF position after using the snow thrower.

Skid Shoes (style varies by model)

Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions. Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

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