Troy-Bilt 1030 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Two-Stage

Snow Thrower

Model 1030

Storm

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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

Printed in U.S.A.

FORM NO

769-00376C.fm

.

(8/2/2004)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Customer Support 2
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Setting Up Your Snow Thrower 5
Operating Your Snow Thrower 8
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 12

Content Page

Service & Adjustments 14
Off-Season Storage 18
Troubleshooting 19
Illustrated Parts List 20
Warranty Back Cover

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare
and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the snow
thrower. A sample model plate is also given below. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

TROY-BILT LLC

www.troybilt.com

P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-558-7220
1-800-520-5520

361131

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

To reach the Customer Support Line, please call 1-800-520-5520.

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

Engine

Manual

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.

2

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATIONS 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.

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 rules for safe operation in this manual. As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Training

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage
controls.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.

5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
of material toward roads, bystanders and the like.

6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all doormats, newspapers,
sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects,
which could be tripped over or thrown by the auger/
impeller.

2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation and while performing an adjustment or
repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

3. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter
outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves
or other loose clothing, which could become
entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

4. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and
receptacle for all units with electric start engines.

5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surfaces.

6. Disengage all controls before starting the engine.

7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator’s manual.

8. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.

9. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes, which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

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

before refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move machine to another

area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the

engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark or

pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater, space

heater, clothes dryer etc.).
j. Allow unit to cool for 5 minutes before

storing.

3

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the
auger/impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact
with rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

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

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

4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute
assembly. Keep all safety devices in place and
working.

5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

6. Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.

8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.

9. Exercise caution when changing direction and
while operating on slopes.

10. Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding
possible property damage or personal injury
caused by a ricochet.

11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and
pets or allow anyone in front of the machine.

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

13. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when
transporting or not in use.

15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use
care when in reverse.

16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting and
operating.

17. Disengage all controls and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles).
Wait until the auger/impeller comes to a complete
stop before unclogging the chute assembly, making
any adjustments, or inspections.

18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use the clean-out tool provided to
unclog the discharge opening. Do not unclog chute
assembly while engine is running. Before

unclogging, shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped
completely.

19. Use only attachments and accessories approved
by the manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire
chains, cabs etc.).

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer or telephone [phone] for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly. Refer to the
maintenance and adjustment sections of this
manual.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine
disengage all controls and stop engine. Wait until
the auger/impeller come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine to prevent unintended starting.

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe
working condition. Also, visually inspect machine
for any damage.

4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over­speed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are
subject to wear and damage. For your safety
protection, frequently check all components and
replace with original equipment manufacturer’s
(OEM) parts only. “Use of parts which do not meet
the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”

6. Check controls periodically to verify they engage
and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary.
Refer to the adjustment section in this operator’s
manual for instructions.

7. Maintain/replace safety/instruction labels, as
necessary.

8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear
snow from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/
impeller.

10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.

11. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

Your Responsibility

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.

4

SECTION 1: SETTING UP YOUR SNOW THROWER

IMPORTANT:

This unit is shipped with the engine full of

oil. After assembly, see page 9 for fuel and oil details.

Removing From Carton

1. Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides flat
on the ground. Remove all packing inserts.

2. Move the snow thrower out of the carton.

3. Make certain the carton has been completely
emptied before discarding it.

Loose Parts

Your snow thrower has been assembled at the factory
except the parts shipped loose in the carton. These are
listed below.

a. Shear Pins and Cotter Pins
b. Sta-Bil

®

Fuel Stabilizer (1 oz Package)

Before Assembly

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

NOTE: All references in this manual to the left or right
side of the snow thrower is from the operating position
only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified.

Setting up the Snow Thrower

1. Raise the upper handle assembly in the direction
shown in Figure 1. Align the upper handle with the
lower handles.

NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and changing speed or direction of
the snow thrower will not be possible.

Connector

Shift
Rod

Handle
Knob

Figure 2

4. Make sure that the flange keepers are opened.
Position the chute assembly (forward-facing) over
the chute base. See Figure 3A.

5. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute adapter. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure. See
Figure 3B.

NOTE: If the flange keepers do not easily click into
place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm
pressure to the back of each.

Handle Knob

e

l

nd

a

h

e

y

s

a

i

w

Ra

s

i

h

t

Figure 1

2. Tighten two handle knobs firmly to secure the
upper handle to the lower handles. See Figure 2.

3. Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks
over the lower shift rod. See Figure 2.

6. Pull the hairpin clip out of the clevis pin on the chute
support rod. Save these hardware.

A

Chute
Assembly

CD

Chute
Control

Box

Chute

Support
Rod

B

Flange Keeper

Hairpin Clip

Figure 3

5

Clevis
Pin

7. Insert the round end of the chute control box on the
short tube of the chute assembly as shown in
Figure 3C.

8. Insert other end of the chute control box into the
chute support tube as shown in Figure 3C.

9. Insert the clevis pin, earlier removed, through the
holes on the chute control box and chute support
rod. Secure with the hairpin clip. See Figure 3D.

10. Slip the cables, running from the handle panel to
the chute, into the cable guide located on top of the
engine. See Figure 4 .

11. Slip the cables, running from the handle panel to
the chute control box, into the cable guide too. See
Figure 4.

Cable Guide

Chute
Assembly

4. While standing in the operator’s position (behind
the snow thrower) engage the auger.

5. Allow the auger to remain engaged for
approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing
the auger control. Repeat this several times.

6. With the engine running in the FAST position and
the auger control in the disengaged “up” position,
walk to the front of the machine.

7. Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows NO signs of motion.

IMPORTANT:

immediately return to the operator’s position and shut
off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
readjusting the auger control cable.

8. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the jam nut and
thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more
slack). See Figure 5.

9. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten jam nut against
the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating,

Figure 4

12. The extension cord is fastened with a cable tie to
the rear of the auger housing for shipping
purposes. Cut the cable tie and remove it before
operating the snow thrower.

Final Adjustments

After setting up your snow thrower, check the
adjustments as instructed below and make any final
adjustments necessary before operating the unit.

CAUTION: Perform the following test before operating
the snow thrower for the first time and at the start of
each winter season. Failure to comply with these
adjustment instructions may cause damage to the unit.

Auger Control Test

1. To check the adjustment of the auger control, push
forward the left hand control until the rubber
bumper is compressed. There should be slack in
the cable.

2. Release the control. The cable should be straight.
Make certain you can depress the auger control
against the left handle completely.

WARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable.

Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the
snow thrower.

3. In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is set
in the FAST position.

Auger
Cable

Jam

Nut

Figure 5

Drive Control & Shift Lever

1. Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on the
auger housing.

2. Move the shift lever all the way forward to the sixth
(6) position.

3. With the drive control released, spin the snow
thrower wheels by hand. The wheels should turn;
however, you may feel some resistance.

4. Engage the drive control. The wheels should no
longer turn.

5. Now release the drive control and spin the wheels
again.

6. Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse
position and then all the way forward again. There
should be no resistance in the shift lever and the
wheels should turn.

7. If you face resistance when moving the shift lever
or the wheels stop when they should not, loosen
the jam nut on the drive cable and unthread the
cable one turn.

6

8. If the wheels can still be turned when you engage
the drive control, loosen the jam nut on the drive
cable and thread the cable in one turn. Recheck the
adjustment and repeat if needed.

9. Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: For further details, refer to the Adjustment
section on page 17.

Shear Pin Storage

An area for convenient shear pin storage is located
under the plastic dash panel. See Figure 6.

2. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid
shoes are against the ground to avoid uneven wear
on the skid shoes.

3. Tighten nuts and bolts securely.

High Position
Middle Position

Low Position

Lock Nut

Skid Shoe

Figure 7

Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes.
Check the tire pressure before operating the snow
thrower. Refer to the tire side wall for tire
manufacturer’s recommended psi and deflate (or
inflate) the tires as necessary.

Figure 6

Skid Shoe

Locate the shave plate and the skid shoes in Figure 8
on page 8. The space between this shave plate and
the ground can be adjusted. For close snow removal,
place skid shoes in the low position. Use middle or
high position when area to be cleared is uneven.

IMPORTANT:

this snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be
easily picked up and thrown by the auger causing
personal injury or damage to the snow thrower.

If for some reason, you have to operate the snow
thrower on gravel, keep the skid shoe in the highest
position for maximum clearance between the ground
and the shave plate.

1. Adjust skid shoes by loosening the four lock nuts
and carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to
desired position. See Figure 7.

It is not recommended that you operate

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other and the shave
plate will not sit level on the ground.

WARNING: Under any circumstance do not

exceed manufacturer’s recommended psi.
Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all
times. Excessive pressure when seating
beads may cause tire/rim assembly to burst
with force sufficient to cause serious injury.
Refer to sidewall of tire for recommended
pressure.

Four-Way Chute Control™

The chute control lever may need to be lubricated to
reduce its break-in period. Vegetable oil, petroleum jelly
or motor oil can be used as lubricant.

IMPORTANT:

engine, but without gasoline. After assembly, see
OPERATION section of this manual for fuel selection
and fill-up.

This unit is shipped with engine oil in the

7

SECTION 2: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Know The Controls

Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare Figure 8 with your snow
thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Maintain safety while learning
about the controls and operating the unit. Save this manual for future reference.

Drive Control

Shift Lever

Four-Way
Heated Handles
Switch

Chute Control™

Auger Control

Headlight

Fuel Tank

Chute Assembly

Clean-Out Tool

Shave Plate

Auger

Wheel Steering
Control

Skid Shoe

Figure 8

Drive Control/ Auger Control Lock

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

The drive control also locks the auger control so you
can operate the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger
control is engaged simultaneously with the drive
control, the operator can release the auger control (on
the left handle) and the augers will remain engaged.
Release both controls to stop the augers and wheel
drive.

IMPORTANT:

changing speeds.

Always release the drive control before

Auger Control

The auger control is located on the left
handle. Squeeze the auger control to
engage the augers. Release to stop the
snow throwing action. The drive control
must also be released in order to stop
the auger.

IMPORTANT:

operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all
instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to
verify your snow thrower is operating safely and
properly.

Refer to Auger Control Test on page 6 prior to

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.

8

Four- Way Chute Control™

This four-way control lever is meant to control the
direction and distance of snow discharge from the
chute. Press the button on the knob and turn it left or
right to rotate the chute to the direction that snow will be
thrown. Tilt the lever forward to decrease the distance
snow will be thrown, and backwards to increase
distance.

Shift Lever

F

R

6

5

4

3

2

1

R1

R2

The shift lever is located in the center
of the handle panel and is used to
determine ground speed and direction
of travel. It can be moved into any of
eight positions.

IMPORTANT:

control before changing speeds.

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

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

Always release drive

Headlight

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

Heated Handles Switch

This switch is located on the right side of the snow
thrower dash panel. To activate the heated handles,
toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the
handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to the OFF
position after using the snow thrower. See Figure 8.

NOTE: The heated handles grips are a compliment to,
not a substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for
the operator’s hands. It is recommended that the snow
thrower operator wear gloves/mittens to avoid
extremities of winter while operating this equipment.

Clean-Out Tool

The clean-out tool is designed to clear a clogged chute.
Refer to page 12 for instructions on how to properly use
it.

WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a

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

Wheel Steering Control

The left and right wheel steering
controls are located on the underside
of the handles. Squeeze the right
control to turn right; squeeze the left control to turn left.

Skid Shoe

The skid shoe position is determined by the condition of
the ground from where snow has to be removed. Higher
the snow level, lower will be the skid shoe level. Adjust
it accordingly. Refer to Skid Shoe Adjustment on page 7.

Before Starting Engine

Oil

The engine was shipped with oil in the engine. Check
oil level before each operation to ensure adequate oil in
the engine. Refer to instructions on page 13.

Gas

WARNING: Gasoline is flammable; use

caution when handling or storing it.

WARNING: Do not fill fuel tank while the

snow thrower is running, when it is hot or when
it is in an enclosed area.

WARNING: Keep your snow thrower away

from any open flame or an electrical spark and
do not smoke while filling the fuel tank.

1. Store gasoline in a clean, approved container and
keep the cap in place on the container.

2. Make sure that the container from which you pour
the gasoline is clean and free from rust or other
foreign particles.

3. A plastic cap is provided inside the fuel fill opening
to protect the tank during manufacturing. Remove
and discard. Use the threaded fuel tank cap to
close after fill-up.

4. Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a funnel
or spout to prevent spilling

5. Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline.

6. Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank to
within 1/2" from the top to provide space for
expansion of fuel.

7. Wipe off any spilled fuel before starting the engine.

8. At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the snow
thrower is not going to be used for 30 days or
longer. See off-season storage instructions on
page 18.

To Start Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the

operator is standing near the snow thrower

while starting or operating. Do not operate this
snow thrower unless the chute assembly has
been properly installed and is secured.

9