MTD Yard Machines 31A-020-900 Operator's Manual

YARD

Operator's Manual

Electric

Snow Thrower

31A-020-900

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES

AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

P/N 6096-MD2301 (2)

PRINTED IN CHINA

Rules for Safe Operation

Operating Instructions

Maintenance Instructions

Troubleshooting

Pages 2-7 Page 8-9 Pages 10-11

Page 12

Specifications

Parts List Notes

Manufacturer's Limited Warranty

Page 12 Page 13

Page 14 Page 15

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your atten- tion to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and their

explanations, deserve your careful attention and under- standing, The safety warnings de not by themselves

eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident prevention

measures,

SYMBOL MEANING

Indicates

SAFETY ALERT: danger,

warning or ca.ution. Attention is required in order to avoid serious personalinjury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pic- tographs.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to

the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

Read the Operator's Manual(s) and follow all warnings

and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-668-1238

SYMBOL MEANING

DANGER: Failure to obey a

safety warning will

result in serious injury to yourself or to oth- ers. Always follow the safety precautions to

reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and persona njury.

Failure to obey a

WARNING: safety warning can

result in injury to yourself and others.

Always follow the safety precautions to

reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

Failure to obey a

CAUTION: safety warning may

result in property damage or personal injury

to yourself or to others. Always follow the

safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

= IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING

When using the

WARNING" unit,please read

safety rules instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the

operator and any bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.

• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as

glass, wire, etc.

• Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a

minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets out-

side a 50 feet (15m.) radius; there still may be a risk to

bystanders from thrown objects. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.

• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.

* Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the

influenceof alcohol, drugs or medication.

• Children must not operate the unit. Teens must be

accompanied and guided by an adult,

• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before operating the unit.

• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.

Make sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped or damaged in

any way. Do not operate the unit with loose or dam- aged parts.

PLEASE READ - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions should always be followed to assure maximum safety and

optimum performance. Read this manual before assem- bling and operating this appliance. Failure to comply with

instructions may result in electrical shock, burns, fire, or personal injury.

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, BURNS, FIRE OR PERSONAL

INJURY:

1, FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS tisted in

this manual before/during operation of this snow thrower.

2, TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK this

equipment has a polarized plug (one blade is wider

than the other), This plug will fit in a polarized exten-

sion cord onty one way. Ifthe plug does not fit fully in the extension cord, reverse the plug. Do not change

the plug in any way.

3. INSPECT UNIT FOR DAMAGE to the housing or plug. Keep all fasteners tight, Do not use if the trigger

does not turn the unit off properly. Never use unit if cord or plug has been damaged, the motor or unit

itself is not working as it should or has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors or dropped in water. Never

operate with any air opening blocked. Keep air open-

ings free of debris that may reduce air flow. Replace damaged parts that are chipped, cracked or dam- aged in any way.

4. _DOUBLE INSULATED to help protect against electric shock. Double insulation construction

consists of 2 separate "layers" of electric insulation. Appliances built with this insulation system are not

intended to be grounded. As a result, the extension cord used with your unit can be plugged into any

conventional 120 volt electrical outlet. Normal safety precautions must be observed when operating an

electrical appliance. The double insulation system is only for added protection against injury resulting from a possible internal electrical insulation failure.

5. When the double insulation symbol (a square within a square) is used as the oniy marking to identify a unit

as being double insulated, the symbol shall be defined in the instruction manual.

6. EXTENSION CORD - Use only with an extension cord intended for outdoor use. Match wire gauge to

the cord {ength. See table below. A 2-wire cord with-

out a ground connection may be used since this appliance is double insulated. If in doubt of proper wire size, use the next heavier gauge. Please note that the smalter the gauge number, the heavier the

cord.

I I

EXTENSION CORD WIRE SIZE

VOLTS LENGTH ,, REQUIRED

25 feet / 7.5m !8 A.W,G.*

120 50 feet / 15m 16A.W,G,*

100 feet/ 30m 16A.W.G.*

*American Wire Gauge

Table 1

(1). When using the appliance, an extension cord of ade-

quate size must be used for safety and to prevent loss of power and overheating.

(2). The extension cord must be specifically intended for

outdoor use and marked "SJ" or "SJT" and with the suffix "WA". In Canada, the extension cord must be

marked "SFTW".

(3). Inspect extension power cord for loose or exposed

wires and damaged insulation, if damaged, replace before using appliance.

DO NOT ABUSE CORD - Never carry appliance by cord or pull cord to disconnect from outlet. Keep cord

clear of operator and obstacles at all times. Do not expose cord to heated surfaces, oil or water. Do not

puil cord around sharp edges, corners or close door on cord.

7. _ NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE - Your dou- ble insulated appliance has no serviceable parts

inside. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. For sew- ice information, contact the Yard Machines Product

Service Department listed on the back cover of this User Manual.

8. RISK OF EYE INJURY - Always wear goggles or other suitable eye protection when operating your

snow thrower. Always keep bystanders at a safe dis- tance.

9. DRESS PROPERLY - Always wear long pants, shoes

and gloves. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, Wear rubber boots when operatingsnow mover,

10. KEEP AREA CLEAR - Keep everyone, especially children and pets away from the area of operation 50

feet (15m). Turn off unit immediately if you are approached. Never allow children to operate the

appliance to be used as a toy or to run unattended at any time.

11. Do not use on graveled surface unless the snow

mover is adjusted for such a surface in accordance

with the operator's manul.

12. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY - All visitors should be kept a safe distance from work area.

13. Wearrubberbootswhenoperatingthesnowmover.

14. Cautionarystatementsregardingtheuseof proper clothingandfootweaduringoperationstoreducethe

riskofinjurythatmaybecausedbyflyingdebris.

15. Operationofthesnowmoverinthehand-heldposi- tionisunsafe,exceptinaccordancewiththespecial

instructionsforsuchuseprovidedintheoperator's manual.

16. WARNING- Thissnowmovershouldbegrounded whilein useto protectthe operatorformelectric shock,Topreventelectricshockuseonlywithan

extensioncordsuitableforoutdooruse.

17. EXTENSION CORD - To prevent disconnection of

snow mover cord from the extension cord during operation.

18, AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARING - Don't carry

plugged - in snow mover with finger on switch, Be sure switch is off when plugging in.

19. If cord isdamaged in any manner while plugged in,

pull extension cord from wall receptacle.

20. DON'T ABUSE CORD - Never carry snow mover by

cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges,

21. Keep hands away from moving parts.

22. Keep guards in place and in working order,

23. DON'T FORCES SNOW MOVER - It will perform

better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

24. DON'T OVERREACH - Keep proper footing and

balance at all times.

25. If the snow mover strikes a foreign object follow these steps:

i) Stop snow mover, ii) Inspect for damage. iii)Repair any damage before restarting and operat-

ing the snow mover.

26. DISCONNECT SNOW MOVER - Disconnect the

snow mover from the power supply when not in use, before servicing, when changing accessories, and

the like,

27. STORE IDLE SNOW MOVERS INDOORS - When not in use, snow movers should be stored indoorsin dry, locked-up place - out of reach of children.

28. MAINTAIN SNOW MOVERS WITH CARE - Follow instructionsfor lubricating and changing acces-

sories.

29. Don't use any other accessory or attachment might incrase the risk of injury.

WHILE OPERATING

1. Walk, never run.

2. Be sure the snow thrower is not in contact with any- thing before staring the unit.

3. Stay away from the discharge opening at all times.

Keep face, hands, and feet away from concealed moving or rotating parts.

4. Be attentive when using the snow thrower, and stay

alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards or traffic.

5. Do not use on a gravel surface or crushed rock sur- faces. Use extreme caution when crossing

gravel/crushed rock drives, walks, or roads.

6. Never clear snow from steep slopes.

7. Never attempt to use the snow thrower on a roof or any steep, inclined, slippery surfaces.

8, Never operate snow thrower without proper guards,

plates or other safety protective devices in place.

9. Never operate the snow thrower near glass enclo-

sures, automobiles, trucks, window wells, dropoffs, etc. without proper adjustment of the snow discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.

10. Don't force or overload the snow thrower. The snow thrower will perform at its best and safest when it is

run at the rate for which it was designed.

11. Never direct discharge towards people or allow any- one in front of the unit while operating.

12, Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as

meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards, and ear/hearing pro-

tection when operating this unit.

I3. Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Avoid accidental starting. Remain in the starting posi- tion whenever starting the unit. The operator and unit

must be in a stable position while starting.

15. Use the right tool. Only use this too! for the purpose intended.

16. Do net overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.

17. Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.

Keep a firm grip on handles or grips.

18. Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all

moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the rotor when it is rotating.

19. Ifthe rotor will not rotate freely due to frozen ice, thaw the unit thoroughly before attempting to operate it

under power.

20. Keep the rotor clear of debris.

21. Never attempt to clear the rotor with the motor run- ning. Turn the motor off first and unplug the extension

cord.

22, Keepclothingandbodypartsawayfromtherotor.

23. Alwaysstopthemotorwhenclearingsnowisdelayed orwhenwalkingfromonelocationtoanother.

24. Disengagepowertotherotorwhensnowthroweris

transported or not in use.

25. After striking a foreign object, turn the unit off and inspect the snow thrower from damage. Unplug the

unit. Repair damage before restarting and operating the unit.

26. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit and check immediately for the cause. Vibratioin

is generally a warning of trouble.

27. Stop the motor and unplug the unit whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the

rotor or discharge vanes, and when making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections.

28. Use only original equipment manufacturer replace-

ment parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from your authorized service dealer. Use of

any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user or damage to the unit, and

void your warranty.

29. Do not use the unit in the hand held position. Do not

pick up the unit when it is powered and running. The unit is designed to travel along the ground.

OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS

1. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.

2. Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to preventunauthorized use or damage, out of the reach

of children.

3. Never douse or squirt the untt with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean after each use.

4. If the labels on the unit become defaced or start lift- ing off, contact your authorized service dealer.

5. Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan someone this

unit, also loan them these instructions.

6. Maintain snow movers with care. Follow instructions

for lubricating and changing accessories.

EXPLANATION OF NOTE, WARNING, and

WARRANT'{ SYMBOL

1, A NOTE is used to convey additional information, or

highlight a particular explanation, or to expand a step instruction.

2. A WARNING identifies a procedure which, if not undertaken or if improperly done, can result in a seri-

ous personal injury or damage to the unit and/or both.

3. _ (WARRANTY SYMBOL) serves notice that unless instructions or procedures are followed, any

damage will void the warranty and repairs will be at owner's expense. Service other than user mainte-

nance should be performed by a Yard Machines Authorized Service Center. Damage or conditions caused by improper maintenance practices which

render this product inoperable will void the manufac-

turer's warranty.

4. FOR WARRANTY OR SERVICE contact the nearest

Yard Machines Authorized Service Center by calling 800# on back cover.

SAVETHESE INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product,

Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING SYMBOL

* SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning, or caution. May be used in coniunction with

other symbols or pictographs.

MEANING

• ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD WARNING :Unplug unit if cord is

damaged or cut.

• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S

MANUAL

Read the Operator's Manual(s) and

follow all warnings and safety

instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

,* THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTAT-

ING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY

WARNING : Small objects can be

propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep away from the rotating rotor.

• SPINNING ROTOR CAN CAUSE

SEVERE INJURY WARNING: Keep hands, feet, and

clothing away from the discharge area. Do not step in front of the unit, or use hands to clean the rotor area.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY WARNING : Keep all bystanders, at

least 50 feet (15m) from the operating

area.

LOCK-OFF

BUTTON

REAR

HANDLE

ON/OFF TRIGGER

ASSIST

HANDLE

CORDRETAINER

PLUG FOR

EXTENSION CORD

ADJUSTABLE

SHAFT

ADJUSTMENT RING

AIR OPENINGS

MOTOR HOUSING

BELT CASE COVER

ROTOR

SCRAPER

CONNECT THE CORD

1. Ensure the cord is NOT plugged into a receptacle before this procedure.

2, Make a loop with 8" - 10" (20 - 25cm) of the end of the

extension cord.

3. Place the loop into the slot (A) under the rear handle and lock into place on the cord retainer (B) as shown in Figure 1.

4. Plug the extension cord into the electrical receptacle in the snow thrower handle.

5, Plug the extension cord into a receptacle ONLY when

you are ready to operate the snow thrower.

ADJUST SHAFT LENGTH

1. Loosen the adjustment ring (A) by rotating the ring clockwise.

2, Adjust the shaft to a height that is comfortable to you.

3. Tighten the adjustment ring (A) by rotating the ring (A) counter clockwise. (Fig. 2)

POSITIONING THE ASSIST HANDLE

1, Loosen the knob (A) on the assist handle (B). (Fig. 3)

2, Adjust the assist handle to an angle that is comfort-

able to you.

3, Tighten the knob on the assist handle,

Fig. 3

STARTING AND STOPPING To start the snow thrower, push the button (A) on the side

of the handle grip and squeeze the trigger (B). To stop the product, release the trigger. (Fig. 4)

NOTE: When properly started, the safety button wiil stay

engaged when holding the trigger, When the trigger is

released, the unit stops and the safety button will disen-

gage.

Fig, 4

Fig. 2

OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH

This unit is equipped with an overload protection switch to

protect the circuit (that the unit is plugged into) from short

circuit overloads.

If the switch pops out.

1. Retease the bail and allow the unit to stop and cool for a minute,

2. Press the overload switch (A) to reset, Resume oper- ation. (Fig, 5)

If the switch pops again shortly after the first time:

1, Allow the unti to cool for 15 to 30 minutes,

2, After the unit has cooled, press the overload switch to

reset. Resume operation.

If the switch does not stay in or if it continues to pop out during operation, take the unit to an autorized service deal-

er for repair,

Fig, 5

TIPS FOR BEST SNOW THROWING RESULTS

1. For the most efficient snow throwing, throw snow downwind.

2, Slightly overlap each swath you make. (Fig. 6)

_i:i_ii_!:_iiiiiii_i!:_i__ _}_ _;_:,ii?_i_

OPERATING THE SNOW THROWER

1, Start the unit according to the starting instructions,

The depth and weight of the snow governs the forward speed.

2. Push the unit so that it rides on the scraper.

3. Make sure the power cord is attached to the cord retainer. The power cord should trail to the side of the

operator.

Fig. 6

SERVICING THE UNIT

Extreme care and knowledge of the system is required when servicing this unit. Service should be pedormed by qualified service personnel only. Replacement parts for this

unit must be identical to the parts they replace, Refer any

repair to an authorized service dealer.

INSPECTING/REPLACING THE DRIVE BELT

When servicing the unit, use only original equipment man-

ufacturer replacement parts. Inspect the drive belt once a

year or every 50 hours of operation, whichever comes first, for wear. If the drive belt needs to be replaced, use the foL-

lowing instructions.

I_ IAIADI_IIMt'_.- To avoid serious I

vv_"Lm z,zl,,a',z_,,,q, personal injury,

turn off the unit and allow it to cool. Unplug the unit before you perform any mainte-

nance.

1, Remove the 7 screws (A) from the belt case cover (B)

using a #T20 torx bit or flat blade screwdriver. (Fig. 7)

2, Remove the flange lock nut (C) and remove the 3

screws (D) from the belt case cover (E) using a #T20 Torx hit or flat blade screwdriver. (Fig, 8)

3. Pull the belt tensioner (F) away from the drive pulley (G). Remove the damaged or broken belt (H) from the driven pulley (I) and drive pulley inside of the housing.

Discard appropriately. (Fig. 9)

4. Loop the new belt around the drive pulley and driven pulley (Fig. 8). Pull the belt tensioner (idler arm) away

from the drive pulley to install the belt around the drive

pulley. NOTE; Make sure the washer is still in pface on the driven pulley shaft prior to reinstalling the belt case cover.

5. Reinstall the flange lock nut. Torque the nut to 50-100

in° lb (90-11,2 N*m) and reinstall the 3 screws. Torque

all screws to 18-23 in, Ib (20-2.5 Nom).

6. Reinstall the cover with the 7 screws. To make instal-

lation easier, place the narrow part of the cover into

the recess of the housing. Install the top 2 screws,

then push the rest of the cover down into the recess

and over the rotor shaft. Toque all 7 screws to 18-23 in, Ib (20-2.5 N°m)

NOTE: If the flange Iock nut is damaged, do not replace it with a standard nut. Replace only with an original equip-

ment manufacturer replacement part.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

REPLACING THE PLATE

Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement parts,

WAl_lklllkl#__ " To avoid serious I

rtmlmm1%,_, personal injury,

always turn your unit off and unplug it before you perform maintenance.

1, Place the unit on the ground or on a work bench,

Position the unit so the vanes and rotor are facing up,

2. Beneath the rotor, locate the 3 screws (A) securing the plate (B) to the housing. Remove them using a

#T20 Torx bit or flat blade screwdriver. (Fig, 10)

3. Remove the scraper and discard ft approprlatety.

4. The new scraper will snap into place. Once in place, attach it to the unit by reinstalling the 3 screws,

Fig. 10

CLEANING

WARNING: Toavo .ser o.s

personal injury,

always turn your unit off and unplug it before you clean or service it.

Use a small brush to clean off the outside of the unit, Do not use strong detergents, Household cleaners that contain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon, and solvents such as kerosene, can damage plastic housing or handle. Wipe off

any moisturer with a soft cloth.

TRANSPORTING

1. Secure the unit while transporting.

2. To move the unit, grasp it by the top and middle front handles.

STORAGE

1, Allow the motor to cool before storing,

2. Store the unit locked up to prevent unauthorized use or damage.

3. Store the unit in a dry, well-ventilated area,

4. Store the unit out of the reach of children.

CAUSE

Unit is unplugged

Trigger lock button or trigger were improperly actuated

Overload protection switch has popped out

ACTION

Check cord to make sure it is plugged into an electrical outlet

Press in trigger lock button, hold it, and press in trigger Push it in and follow the starting instructions

CAUSE

Belt is damaged

ACTION

Replace the belt, according to inspecting/Replacing the

driver belt

CAUSE

Scraper is worn

ACTION

Replace the scraper

If further assistance is required, contact your authorized service dealer

Motor type .................................................................... A. C, 120 Volts Electric

Amperage ..................................................................... 7.5 Amps

clearing Width ................................................................. 12.5" (318mm)

Intake Height .................................................................. 6" (152mm)

Weight ....................................................................... 15 tbs

2 :3

5 6

7 8

10 I"L 12

t7 t8 19

2O 21

22 23

24 25

26 27 2B

6022-MD2301 6068-M02301 6134 -MD2301

6198-MD23{}2

6186-MD2301 6SGEBB04-18

6070-MD2301 6037-MD2301

6010-MD2301

6067-MD230l

6129.MD230t

6131-MD2301 6187-MD2_301

6099-MD230t 6017-MD230t

6014-MD2301 614B.MD2301

6250.MD230t

6100,MD25O2 6WFB-04

6200-MD2301

6084-MD2301

6!11-MD2302

6024-MO2301

6004.MD2302 6DB-620301

6004-MD2301

6137-M D2301

SWITCH HANDLE RtGHT

KNOB ASSIST HANDLE

ASSIST HANDLE SCREW

PLUG PiPE

TUBE SPRING CODE

HOUSING TOP

PiPE

SPOOL FIXED PLATE

MOTOR COVER RIGHT WASHER SLEEVE

BLADE

PLATE

WASRER PLATE MAIN BODY

SHAFT SPRING

HOLDER BOTI'OM BEARING HOLDER TOP

PULLEY

NO,

31 32

34 35

36 37

38 39 40

4t 42

45 46

47 48

51 52

Pa_sNo.

6137-MD2302 6t49-MD2301

6072-MD2301 9NAC-OB 6017-MD2302

6SDABB04-20

6WFB-04*12 9WFB-08-13

PULLEY ACTIVE

STRAP

FIXED PLATE

NUT

COVERLEFT

SCREW WASHER

WASHER

9SKKBYI 0/24-0,5 SCREW

60_ 4=MD2302

6189-MD2301 6078-MD230t

6067-MD2302 6068-MD2302

6SXDZ.06-15O 6272-MD23Ot

6041-MD230t 60t0-MD2304

6032-070-01

6041.61020t 60t4.MO22O3

6139-MD2302

6059-MD2304

6SGEBB04-35 6SDASB3,5*I 8

6183.MC2301 6014-211901

WASHER WASHER

CAP HOUSING BOTTOM

HANDLELEFT

SCREW

PROTECTSWITCH CONNECTOR

WIREASS'Y

BAND, PLASTIC

TERMINAL

WASHER PLASTIC WASHER

PIPE

SCREW

GASKET WASHER

+ 34 hidden pages

MTD Yard Machines 31A-020-900 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual