MTD Single-Stage Snow Thrower User Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Single-Stage Snow Thrower

IMPORTANT:

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.

PRINTED IN U.S.A. MTD Products Ltd., P. O. Box 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1

769-03241

9/26/07

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble,

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prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of Contents

Safety Labels ......................................................3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Set Up & Adjustment ..........................................6

Know Your Snow Thrower .................................. 7

Operation ............................................................. 8

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE YOU START ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the model number and the serial number to the sample model plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the frame.

Adjustments & Maintenance ...........................10

Off-Season Storage .......................................... 12

Trouble Shooting .............................................. 13

Illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 14

Warranty ............................................................ 18

Customer Support

Please do

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:

1. Visit www.mtdcanada.ca for many useful suggestions, click on Customer Support button.

2. Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-668-1238.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues in terms of performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty, and service. Depending on the engine manufacturer, more information is included in this publication or packed separately with this product.

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.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,

without ﬁrst contacting Customer Support.

FOR TURNING,

NOT LIFTING

POUR TOURNER,

PAS POUR LE LEVAGE

S32281

Safety

Labels

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!

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.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Safe

Operation

Practices

WARNING

ITS 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.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 instructions and safe operation practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an adult.

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 gar ments. 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 control 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.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

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 refuel

ing. 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 equip

ment. 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 lever is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3. The control levers 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 operat ing 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 control 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 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. Call customer assistance for 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 control levers 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 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 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 neces sary.

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.

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.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

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 IT’S 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.

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Snow

Thrower

Setup

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Not all features referenced in this manual are applicable to all snow thrower models.

Positioning the Upper Handle

1. Remove packing material, if present.

Figure 1

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

3. Tighten the knobs.

Assembling the Discharge Chute

For shipping reasons, the snow thrower has been

packaged with the upper chute pivoted all the way down. To pivot it upward, proceed as follows:

1. Turn the chute until the chute opening is facing straight ahead.

2. Remove the knob and carriage bolt from the lower chute. See Figure 2.

3. Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on the lower chute so that there is NO gap between the upper chute and the lower chute.

4. Re-secure with the hardware just removed. If installed correctly, your snow thrower should look like Figure 3.

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

IMPORTANT:

Do not use the chute handle to lift the snow thrower.

Figure 2

Figure 3

IMPORTANT: Do not use the chute handle to lift the snow thrower

Choke Lever

Spark Plug Access

Recoil Starter

Auger Control Handle

Gasoline Cap

Chute Assembly

Auger

Shave Plate

Oil Fill

Choke Lever

Primer

Key

Electric Starter Button (if equipped)

Activating choke control closes the choke plate on carburetor and aids in starting engine. Refer to the engine manual packed with unit for more detailed instructions.

Primer

Depressing primer forces fuel directly into engine’s carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting. Refer to engine manual packed with unit for more detailed instructions.

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. Do NOT attempt to turn the key.

Recoil Starter

The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.

Electric Starter (If Equipped)

Used to start engine with a 120V power source.

Plug for Electric Start

Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord and a 120V power source.

Spark Plug Cover

Remove spark plug cover to access spark plug.

Figure 4

Auger

When engaged, the augers rotation draws snow into the auger housing and throws it out the discharge chute. Rubber paddles on the augers also aid in propelling the unit as they come in contact with the pavement.

Auger Control Handle

Located on the upper handle, the auger control handle is used to engage and disengage drive to the auger.

Squeeze the control handle against the upper handle to engage auger; release it to disengage.

Discharge Chute / Chute Handle

Rotate the discharge chute to the left or right using chute handle. The angle of the discharge chute controls

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

Shave Plate

The shave plate maintains contact with pavement as the snow thrower is propelled, allowing snow close to pavement’s surface to be discharged.

Know

Your Snow

Thrower

WARNING

Be familiar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

Recoil Starter

Auger Control Handle

Gasoline

Cap

Primer

Key

Spark Plug

Access

Oil Fill Cap Plug

Electric Starter Button (if equipped)

Operation

WARNING

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

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

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

Before Starting

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

IMPORTANT: For complete and detailed engine starting, stopping and storing instructions, it is recommended that you read the engine manual also included with this unit.

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

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

To Start Engine

1. Insert ignition key into slot.

2. Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to your unit. See Figure 4 for location of controls.

Electric Starter (if so equipped)

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

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

3. If your home wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any conditions.

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

If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,

proceed as follows:

6. Move Choke Control to “Full” position.

7. Push primer slowly, three (3) times, making sure to cover vent hole when pushing.

8. Connect power cord to switch box on dash panel. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC receptacle.

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

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

Figure 5

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

10. When engine starts, release starter button, and move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters, move choke immediately to FULL and then gradually to OFF.

11. When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug

from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from the snow thrower.

Recoil Starter

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

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

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

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

NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first start if temperature is below 15° F (-9° C).

5. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.

6. 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.

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

To Stop Engine

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

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

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

2. Electric Starter (optional): 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.

3. Recoil Starter: 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.

4. Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move control levers back and forth several times. Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.

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

Operating Tips

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

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

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

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

4. Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.

Operation

WARNING

Muffler, engine and surrounding areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

Operating the Snow Thrower

The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the snow is thrown. Adjust the chute assembly by following the instructions below.

1. Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the chute assembly and pivot the upper chute upward or downward to the desired pitch. Retighten the wing knob before operating the snow thrower.

2. Position the chute assembly opening by using the Chute Handle to throw the snow in the desired direction. See Figure 6.

Figure 6

IMPORTANT:

For complete and detailed engine starting, stopping and storing instructions, it is recommended that you read the engine manual also included with this unit.

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

3IDE6IEW

Adjustments

Maintenance

WARNING

Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

NEVER attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual.

Before servicing, repairing, or inspecting, disengage the control bail and stop engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop.

WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual.

Figure 7

Figure 8

Shave Plate

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

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

2. To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests on the handle. Loosen the four lock nuts and bolts which secure the shave plate to the housing. See Figure 7. Move the shave plate to desired position and retighten the nuts and bolts securely.

Replacing Shave Plate

The shave plate is attached to the bottom of the auger housing and is subject to wear. It should be checked periodically. There are two wearing edges and the shave plate can be reversed. Refer to Figure 7. To replace or reverse the shave plate proceed as follows:

1. Remove the carriage bolts and hex lock nuts which attach it to the snow thrower housing.

2. Install new shave plate (or reverse), making sure the heads of the carriage bolts are on the inside of the housing.

3. Adjust the shave plate according to instructions above

4. Tighten securely.

Control Cable

As a result of both the control cable and the drive belt stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be necessary.

If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating while the engine maintains a constant speed, an adjustment is necessary. Proceed as follows:

The upper hole in the control handle provides for an adjustment in cable tension. To adjust, disconnect the end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control handle and reinsert it in the upper hole. Insert the cable from the outside as shown in Figure 8. Test the snow thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference.

Carburetor

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

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

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