Poulan 415180 User Manual

IMPORTANT MANUAL Do Not Throw Away

OWNER'S MANUAL

MODEL NUMBER:

Read the Owner's Manual and

PR8527ES

fol low all Warnings and Safety
In struc tions. Fail ure to do so
can result in serious injury.

SNOW THROWER

Always Wear Eye Protection During Operation

WARNING:

415180 Rev 2 12.07.07 TH

Printed in the U.S.A.

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

This snow thrower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury.

Look for this symbol to point out im­ por tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.

WARNING: Always Remove safety igni­tion key and disconnect spark plug wire
and place it where it can not con tact
plug in order to pre vent ac ci den tal
start ing when setting up, trans port ing,

WARNING: This snow thrower is for
use on sidewalks, driveways and other
ground level surfaces. Caution should
be exercised while using on sloping sur­faces. Do not use snow thrower on
surfaces above ground level such as
roofs of residences, garages, porch es
or other such structures or buildings.

Training

1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operating this
unit. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the
unit and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par­ticularly small children.

4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating the snow thrower in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards,
wires, and other foreign objects.

2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

3. Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate
winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can
get caught in moving parts. Wear footwear that will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.

4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable
(a) Use an approved fuel container.
(b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot en-

gine.

(c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill

fuel tank indoors.

(d) Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

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

(e) When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

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.

WARNING: Snow throwers have ex­ posed rotating parts, which can cause
severe injury from contact, or from ma­terial thrown from the discharge chute.
Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, small children and pets at all
times including startup.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its con stit u ents, and certain vehicle
com po nents contain or emit chem i­cals known to the State of Cal i for nia
to cause can cer and birth defects or
oth er re pro duc tive harm.

(f) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

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

(g) Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe up spilled

fuel.

(h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing im-

mediately.

5. Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors.

6. Adjust the collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.

7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except when specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

8. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during op­eration or while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown
from the machine.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross­ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spark plug, disconnect the
cord on electric motors, thoroughly inspect the snow
thrower for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the snow thrower.

4. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

5. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the oper­ating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller
housing or discharge chute, and when making any

2

repairs, adjustments or inspections.

6. When cleaning, repairing or inspecting the snow thrower,
stop the engine and make certain the collector/impel­ler and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent someone from accidentally starting the
engine.

7. Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting
the engine and for transporting the snow thrower in or
out of the building. Open the outside doors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on slopes.

9. Never operate the snow thrower without proper guards,
and other safety protective devices in place and work­ing.

10. Never direct the discharge toward people or areas
where property damage can occur. Keep children and
others away.

11. Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting
to clear snow at too fast a rate.

12. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds
on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when
operating in reverse.

13. Disengage power to the collector/impeller when snow
thrower is transported or not in use.

14. Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the snow thrower (such as wheel
weights, counterweights, or cabs).

15. Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm
hold on the handles. Walk; never run.

16. Never touch a hot engine or muffler.

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injury associated with
snow throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the dis­charge chute. To clear the chute:

1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!

2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.

3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.

Maintenance and Storage

1. Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.

2. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are present
such as hot water heaters, space heaters, or clothes
dryers. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.

3. Always refer to operator’s manual for important details
if the snow thrower is to be stored for an extended
period.

4. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

5. Run the machine a few minutes after throwing snow
to prevent freeze-up of the collector/impeller.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new snow
thrower. It has been designed, engineered and man u fac ­tured to give best possible dependability and per for mance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center. We have competent, well-trained tech ni cians and
the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your snow thrower
prop er ly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

SERIAL NUMBER: ___________________________

DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND
ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE SNOW
THROWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 4.0 Quarts
and Type: Unleaded Regular only

Oil Type SAE 30 (above 40°F)
(API SG–SL): SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (0° to +40°F)

SAE 0W-30 (below 0°F)

Oil Capacity: 21 Ounces (0,6 Liters)

Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM
Gap: 0.030" (0,762 mm)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your snow thrower.

• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor­ age” sec tions of this own er’s manual.

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................ 3

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION ............................... 4-6

OPERATION ............................................................ 7-12

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 13-14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 13

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ........................... 15-17

STORAGE ................................................................... 17

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ................................................ 18

REPAIR PARTS ..................................................... 20-31

WARRANTY ................................................................ 32

3

PARTS PACKED SEPARATELY IN CARTON

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new
snow thrower. Reading the entire manual will familiar­ize you with the unit, which will assist you in assembly,
operation and maintenance of the product.

Your new snow thrower has been as sem bled at the factory
with the ex cep tion of those parts left unassembled for ship­ping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to com plete the as sem bly have been placed in
the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your
snow thrower, all parts and hard ware you assemble must
be tightened se cure ly. Use the correct tools as nec es sary
to ensure proper tightness.

REMOVE SNOW THROWER FROM CAR TON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes
from carton.

2. Cut down all four corners of carton and lay panels flat.

3. Remove the two (2) screws securing the auger housing
to the pallet.

4. Remove all packing materials ex cept plastic tie holding
speed control rod to lower handle.

5. Remove the two (2) plastic ties securing the upper
handle to the pallet.

6. Remove snow thrower from carton and check carton
thor ough ly for ad di tion al loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SNOW THROWER

TOOL BOX (See Fig. 8)

A toolbox is provided on your snow thrower. The toolbox is
located on top of the belt cover. Store the extra shear bolts,
nuts and multi-wrench provided in parts bag in the toolbox.

4

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

NOTE: The multi-wrench may be used for assembly of the

chute rotator head to snow thrower and making ad just ments
to the skid plates.

UNFOLD UPPER HANDLE

1. Raise upper handle to the operating position and tight en
handle knobs securely.

INSTALL SPEED CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 1 and 2)

1. Remove plastic tie securing rod to lower handle.

2. Insert rod into speed control bracket and secure with
retainer spring.

SPEED
CONTROL
ROD

PLASTIC TIE

UPPER
HANDLE

HANDLE
KNOB

LOWER
HANDLE

INSTALL TRACTION DRIVE CONTROL ROD
(See Figs. 3 and 4)

The traction drive control rod has the long loop on the end
of the spring as shown.

1. Slide rubber sleeve up rod and hook end of spring into
pivot bracket with loop opening down as shown.

2. With top end of rod positioned under left side of control
panel, push rod down and insert top end of rod into hole
in drive control bracket. Secure with retainer spring.

TRACTION DRIVE

CONTROL ROD

RUBBER

SLEEVE

LOOP OPEN­ ING DOWN

SPEED
CONTROL
BRACKET

FIG. 1

SPEED CON TROL ROD

RETAINER
SPRING

SPEED

CONTROL

LEVER

FIG. 2

PIVOT
BRACKET

TRACTION DRIVE
CON TROL LEVER

DRIVE
CONTROL
BRACKET

FIG. 3

RETAINER

SPRING

TRACTION
DRIVE
CON TROL
ROD

FIG. 4

5

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

INSTALL AUGER CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 5 and 6)

The auger control rod has the short loop on the end of the
spring as shown.

1. Slide rubber sleeve up rod and hook end of spring into
control arm with loop opening up as shown.

2. With top end of rod positioned under right side of
control panel, push down on rod and insert end of rod
into hole in auger control bracket. Secure with retainer
spring.

AUGER
CONTROL
ROD

RUBBER
SLEEVE

CONTROL
ARM

INSTALL DISCHARGE CHUTE / CHUTE ROTATOR
HEAD (See Fig. 7)

NOTE: The multi-wrench provided in your parts bag may

be used to install the chute rotator head.

1. Place discharge chute assembly on top of chute base
with discharge opening toward front of snow thrower.

2. Position chute rotator head over chute bracket. If nec es ­sary, rotate chute assembly to align square and pin on un­ der side of chute rotator head with holes in chute brack et.

3. With chute rotator head and chute bracket aligned,
po si tion chute rotator head on pin and threaded stud
of mounting bracket.

4. Install 3/8 washer and locknut on threaded stud and
tighten securely.

CHUTE
ROTATOR
HEAD

3/8 LOCKNUT

3/8 WASHER

LOOP

OPENING

FIG. 5

AUGER CONTROL ROD

RETAINER
SPRING

UP

AUGER

CONTROL

LEVER

AUGER
CONTROL
BRACKET

PIN

THREADED

STUD

CHUTE
BRACKET

ALIGN BEFORE

TIGHTENING LOCKNUT

FIG. 7

ROTATOR HEAD

MOUNT ING

BRACKET

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your snow thrower were overinflated at the fac­tory for shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pres sure
is important for best snow throwing performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 14-17 PSI (19-24.5 N-m).

FIG. 6

6

OPERATION

.

KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER. Compare
the illustrations with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save
this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your snow thrower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand
their meaning.

DANGER

OR WARNING

IGNITION KEY.

INSERT TO START

AND RUN,

PULL OUT TO STOP.

FORWARD

REVERSE

PRIMER

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

SNOW

DISCHARGE

DISENGAGED

ENGAGED

TRACTION

DRIVE CONTROL

7

OPERATION

SPARK

SAFETY
IGNITION
KEY

CHOKE
CON­ TROL

THROTTLE
/ ENGINE
CONTROL

RECOIL
(AUXILIARY)
STARTER
HANDLE

NOTE: ITEMS ABOVE

LOCATION ON THE

ENGINE. ACTUAL

LOCATION MAY VARY

WITH THE ENGINE

PLUG

PRIM ER

ARE SHOWN IN
THEIR TYPICAL

ON YOUR UNIT.

POWER
CORD
PLUG

ELECTRIC
START
BUTTON

ENGINE OIL CAP

OIL
DRAIN
PLUG

FUEL
SHUT-OFF
VALVE

WITH DIPSTICK

GAS O LINE

FILLER

DISCHARGE

CHUTE

CLEAN­OUT
TOOL

CAP

DE FLEC TOR

AUGER
CONTROL
LEVER

CHUTE

DRIVE
SPEED
CON TROL
LEVER

DISCHARGE

CHUTE

CONTROL

LEVER

TRACTION

DRIVE

CONTROL

LEVER

HANDLE

KNOB

MUF FLER

TOOLBOX

AU GERS

FIG. 8

MEETS A.N.S.I. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our snow throwers conform to the standards of the American National Standards Institute.

Toolbox - used to store spare shear bolts, locknuts and
wrench.

Safety ignition key - must be inserted for the engine to
start and run. Remove when snow thrower is not in use.

Electric start button - used for starting the engine.

Recoil (auxiliary) starter handle - used for start ing the

en gine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Choke control - used for starting a cold engine.

Throttle/engine control - used to se lect either FAST or

SLOW engine speed and to STOP the engine.

Traction drive control lever - used to engage power-pro­ pelled for ward or reverse motion of snow thrower.

Auger control lever - used to engage auger motion (throw
snow).

Discharge chute control lever - used to change the di­ rec tion the snow is thrown.

Skid plate - used to adjust height of scraper bar from the
ground.

8

SKID PLATE

OPERATION

The operation of any snow thrower can result
in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating

your snow thrower or performing any ad just ­ments or repairs. We recommend standard safe ty glasses
or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR SNOW THROWER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel or

attempting to start the engine.

STOPPING

TRACTION DRIVE

• Release traction drive control lever to stop the forward

or reverse movement of the snow thrower.

AUGER

• Release the auger control lever to stop throwing snow.

ENGINE

1. Move throttle control to “STOP” position.

2. Remove (do not turn) safety ignition key to prevent

unauthorized use.

NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.

TO USE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE (See Fig. 9)

The fuel shut-off valve is located beneath the fuel tank on
the engine. Always op er ate the snow thrower with the fuel
shut-off valve in the OPEN position.

TO USE CHOKE CON TROL (See Fig. 11)

The choke con trol is located on the en gine. Use the choke
control when ev er you are starting a cold en gine. Do not
use to start a warm en gine.

• To engage choke, turn knob clockwise. Slowly turn
knob counterclockwise to disengage.

FULLOFF

FIG. 11

TO CONTROL SNOW DISCHARGE (See Figs. 12 & 13)

WARNING: Snow throwers have ex­ posed rotating parts, which can cause
severe injury from contact, or from ma­terial thrown from the discharge chute.
Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, small children and pets at all
times including startup.

WARNING: If the discharge chute or au­ ger become clogged, shut-off en gine
and wait for all moving parts to stop. Use
the clean-out tool, NOT YOUR HANDS,
to un clog the chute and/or auger.

OFF

OPEN

FIG. 9

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 10)

The throttle control is located on the engine. Always op er ate
the snow thrower with the engine at full throttle. Full throttle
offers the best snow thrower performance.

FAST

SLOW

FIG. 10

The DIRECTION in which snow is to be thrown is controlled
by the discharge chute control lever.

• To change the discharge chute position, press down ward
on discharge chute control lever and move lever left
or right until chute is in desired position. Be sure lever
springs back and locks into desired position.

DISCHARGE CHUTE

CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 12

The DISTANCE that snow is thrown is controlled by the
position of the chute deflector. Set the deflector low to
throw snow a short distance; set the deflector higher to
throw snow farther.

• To change the deflector position, loosen knob, move de-

9

flector to desired position and tighten knob securely.

OPERATION

HIGH POSITION

KNOB

CHUTE
DEFLECTOR
LOW POSITION

FIG. 13

TO THROW SNOW (See Fig. 14)

The auger rotation is controlled by the auger control lever
located on the right side handle.

• Squeeze auger control lever to handle to engage the
auger and throw snow.

• Release the auger control lever to stop throwing snow.

AUGER
CONTROL
LEVER

DISCHARGE CHUTE

CLEAN-OUT
TOOL

MOUNTING CLIP

FIG. 15

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 16)

SELF-PROPELLING, forward and reverse movement of
the snow thrower, is controlled by the traction drive control
lever located on the left side handle.

• Squeeze traction drive control lever to handle to en gage
the drive system.

• Release traction drive control lever to stop the forward
or reverse movement of the snow thrower.

SPEED and DIRECTION are controlled by the drive speed
control lever.

• Press downward on the speed control lever and move
lever to de sired po si tion BE FORE engaging the trac­ tion drive control lever. Be sure lever springs back and
locks into desired position.

FIG. 14

USING THE CLEAN-OUT TOOL (See Fig. 15)

In certain snow conditions, the discharge chute may be­come clogged with ice and snow. Use the clean-out tool
to dislodge this blockage.

When cleaning, repairing, or in spect ing, make
certain all controls are disengaged and the au­ger/impeller and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the
wire away from the spark plug to prevent ac­cidental starting.

• Release the auger control lever and shut off the engine.

• Remove the clean-out tool from it's mounting clip. Grasp
the tool firmly by the handle and push and twist the tool
into the discharge chute to dislodge the blockage.

After the packed snow has been dislodged, return the clean­out tool to it's mounting clip by pushing it into the clip.

• Make sure the discharge chute is pointed in a safe direc­tion (no vehicles, buildings, people, or other objects are
in the direction of discharge) before restarting the engine.

• Restart the engine, then squeeze the auger control
lever to the handle to clear snow from the auger hous­ing and the discharge chute.

CAUTION: Do not move speed con trol le ver
when traction drive control lever is en gaged.
Damage to the snow thrower can result.

• Slower speeds are for heavier snow and faster speeds
are for light snow and transporting the snow thrower. It
is recommended that you use a slower speed until you
are familiar with the operation of the snow thrower.

TRACTION DRIVE
CONTROL LEVER

DRIVE SPEED
CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 16

10