MTD Squall 521 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Single-Stage Snow Thrower — Squall 521

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-00309E

(June 21, 2007)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Snow Thrower manufactured by
Troy-Bilt LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the unit, its
features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Troy-Bilt LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6

Controls & Features................................................8

Operation ................................................................10

1

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning
the unit, phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact
us directly. Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers,
website address and mailing address can be found on this page.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

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

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................11

Service .....................................................................12

Troubleshooting .....................................................14

Replacement Parts .................................................15

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and recod the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking

down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,

should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MOdel nuMber

serial nuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

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 us on the web at www.troybilt.com

◊

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊

Write us at Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

◊

2

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!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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.

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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

2

Training

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

1.
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.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

Never allow children under 16 years of age to operate this

3.
machine. Children 16 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.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper

4.
instruction.

Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 75 feet

5.
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

6.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the

7.
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and
feet.

Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or

8.
discharge opening, remove or empty bag, or inspect and
repair the machine while the engine is running. Shut the
engine off and wait until all moving parts have come to a
complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

1.
be used. Remove all rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign
objects which could be picked up or thrown and cause
personal injury or damage to the machine.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during

2.
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting

3.
slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine
in bare feet or sandals. Wear leather work gloves when
feeding material in the chipper chute.

Before starting, check all bolts and screws for proper

4.
tightness to be sure the machine is in safe working
condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage at
frequent intervals.

Maintain or replace safety and instructions labels, as

5.
necessary.

3

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.

Use only an approved gasoline container.

a.

Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

b.

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

c.

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

d.

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

e.

sources of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors.

f.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

g.

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

h.

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

i.

If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

j.

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

k.

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside

l.

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts or in the

1.
feeding chambers and discharge opening. Contact with
the rotating impeller can amputate fingers, hands, and
feet.

Before starting the machine, make sure the chipper chute,

2.
feed intake, and cutting chamber are empty and free of all
debris.

Thoroughly inspect all material to be shredded and

3.
remove any metal, rocks, bottles, cans, or other foreign
objects which could cause personal injury or damage to
the machine.

If it becomes necessary to push material through the

4.
shredder hopper, use a small diameter stick. Do not use
your hands or feet.

If the impeller strikes a foreign object or if your machine

5.
should start making an unusual noise or vibration,
immediately shut the engine off. Allow the impeller to
come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire,
ground it against the engine and perform the following
steps:

Inspect for damage.

a.

Repair or replace any damaged parts.

b.

Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure

c.

continued safe operation.

Do not allow an accumulation of processed material to

6.
build up in the discharge area. This can prevent proper
discharge and result in kickback of material through the
feed opening.

Do not attempt to shred or chip material larger than

7.
specified on the machine or in this manual. Personal injury
or machine damage could result.

Never attempt to unclog either the feed intake or

8.
discharge opening while the engine is running. Shut
the engine off, wait until all moving parts have stopped,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine before clearing debris.

Never operate without the shredder hopper, chipper chute,

9.
or chute deflector properly attached to the machine.
Never empty or change discharge bag while the engine is
running.

Keep all guards, deflectors and safety devices in place and

10.
operating properly.

Keep your face and body back and to the side of the

11.
chipper chute while feeding material into the machine to
avoid accidental kickback injuries.

Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.

12.

Do not operate this machine on a paved, gravel or non-

13.
level surface.

Do not operate this machine while under the influence of

14.
alcohol or drugs.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do

15.
not touch.

Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

16.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

17.
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance & Storage

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

1.
operation regularly.

Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent

2.
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage and repair,
if needed.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine

3.

4 sectiOn 1 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

and make certain the impeller and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed

4.
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

5.
necessary.

Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,

6.
transporting, and storage of this machine.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside where

7.
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace, clothes dryer, etc.

Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper

8.
instructions on off-season storage.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

9.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,

10.
etc. to protect the environment.

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.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered 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.

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.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

5sectiOn 1 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

Chute Handle

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

Two Ignition Keys• One 20 oz. Bottle 5W-30 Oil• One Extension Cord•

One Snow Throwers Operator’s

• One Tecumseh Engine Operator’s
Manual

Assembly

Positioning the Upper Handle

Making sure not to pinch the cable in the process, pivot the

1.
upper handle into the operating position as illustrated in
Figure 3-1 until it clicks into place.

•
Manual

3

2.

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:

NOTE: Turn the chute until the chute opening is facing straight
ahead.

1.

Figure 3-1

Tighten the wing knobs to secure the handle in place as in
Figure 3-1.

Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage bolt from
the lower chute. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on the lower

2.
chute so that there is NO gap between the upper chute
and the lower chute.

Secure with the hardware just removed. Refer to Figure 3-3.

3.

Figure 3-3

6

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

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.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
Tecumseh Engine Operator’s Manual packed seperately with
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.

NOTE: Your snow thrower is shipped with oil in the engine.
However, you MUST check the oil level before operating.
Refer to the Tecumseh Engine Operator’s Manual for detailed
instructions.

Adjustments

Chute Assembly

The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the
snow is thrown.

Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the chute

1.
assembly and pivot the upper chute upward or downward
to the desired pitch. Retighten the wing knob before
operating the snow thrower.

Position the chute assembly opening by using the Chute

2.
Handle to throw the snow in the desired direction. See
Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4

7sectiOn 2 — asseMbly & set-up

Gasoline Cap

Primer

retratS lioceR

Auger Control Handle

Choke Lever

Chute Assembly

Shave Plate

Auger

Oil Fill

Electric Starter Button

Ignition Key

Spark Plug Cover

P

R

I

M

E

R

P

R

I

M

E

R

PRIMER

PUSH FOR A

COLD ENGINE

P

R

I

M

E

R

P

R

I

M

E

R

PRIMER

PUSH FOR A

COLD ENGINE

OFF

Stop

Run

ON

IGNITION

OFF

Stop

Run

ON

IGNITION

Controls and Features

4

8

Choke Lever

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

Ignition key must be present, inserted in key
switch, and in the “ON” position for engine to
start.

Figure 4-1

Recoil Starter

The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.

Electric Starter Button

Pressing the electric starter button engages the engine’s electric
starter when plugged into a 120V power source

Electric Starter Outlet

Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord (packed
with the snow thrower) and a 120V power source/wall outlet.

Spark Plug Cover

Remove spark plug cover to access spark plug.

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.

Chute Assembly

Rotate the chute ass embly to the lef t or right using chute
handle. Pitch of the chute assembly controls angle at
which the snow is thrown. Lo os en wing knob o n side of the
chute assembly be fore p ivoting chute assem bly upward or
downward. Retighten the knob once desired position has
been achieved.

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.

Gasoline Cap

Remove gas cap to add fuel.

Oil Fill

Remove cap to add oil. Refer to engine owner’s manual packed
with this unit for instructions on adding oil.

9sectiOn 4 — cOntrOls and features

Operation

5

Before Starting

WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all

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

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

1.

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

Starting the Engine

1.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure engine is
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.

2.

Insert ignition key into slot. Turn key to ON position.

3.

Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to your
machine.

Electric Starter

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.

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 three­hole receptacle is not available, one should be installed by
a licensed electrician before using the electric starter.

5.

If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as
follows.

6.

Move Choke Control to the “Full” position.

7.

Push Primer 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.

9.

Push starter button to crank engine.

10.

When engine starts, release starter button, and move
choke gradually to ⁄ Choke until the engine runs smoothly.
Next move Choke to OFF. If engine falters, move choke
immediately to FULL and then gradually to ⁄ then to OFF.

11.

Disconnect the power cord. Always unplug from the outlet
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 three (3) times, making sure to cover vent hole
when pushing.

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 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

1.

As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, rotate
choke lever slowly to the ⁄ Choke position. When the
engine begins to run smoothly, move the choke to the OFF
position. If engine falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly
move to ⁄ then OFF position.

Stopping the Engine

1.

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

2.

To stop the engine turn the ignition key counter-clockwise
to the OFF/STOP position.

3.

Remove the ignition key and store in a safe place.

4.

Wipe all snow and moisture from the area around the
engine.

WARNING! Muffler, engine and surrounding areas

become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

To Engage Augers

1.

To engage the augers and start throwing snow, squeeze
the auger control against the upper handle. Release to stop
the augers.

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

To Engage Drive

1.

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.

10