Troy-Bilt 23AABA6X711 User Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

FLEX™ Snow Thrower Attachment — 23AABA6X711

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. 769-10250

(January 15, 2015)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing the Troy-Bilt FLEX™ Snow Thrower
Attachment. 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 machine, its
features and operation.

Table of Contents

1

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. We reserve the right to change product
specifications, designs and equipment without notice and
without incurring obligation.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone an 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

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls ...................................................................10

Operation ................................................................11

Maintenence & Adjustments .................................13

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate
the model plate by looking at the rear mounting plate of the
snow thrower attachment WITHOUT the base unit attached. This
information will be necessary, should you seek technical support
via our web site, Customer Support Department, or with a local
authorized service dealer.

Service .....................................................................15

Troubleshooting .....................................................17

Replacement Parts .................................................18

Warranty ................................................................ 22

Spanish ................................................................... 23

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

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

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

◊ Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.troybilt.com/tutorials

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

◊ Write to 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 foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.

2

Training

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

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

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

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

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

6. Keep bystanders, 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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. Adjust auger housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock
surfaces.

5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.

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

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

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.

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 machine to cool at least 5 minutes before

storing.
k. 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.
l. If possible, 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.
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is

complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Operation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Do not operate on steep slopes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Always use the clean-out tool provided to unclog the
discharge opening. Do not unclog chute assembly while
engine is running. Shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped before
unclogging.

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

20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.

21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

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 & Storage

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessar y.

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.

12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.

13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

14. 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 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.

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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) 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, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestor
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.

5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate

WARNING— ROTATING AUGER
Avoid injury from rotating auger. Keep hands, feet, and clothing away.

WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside

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!

6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS

Assembly & Set-Up

3

Assembly

Installing the Discharge Chute

A discharge chute, wire spring, and chute band, have been
included with this attachment. Please assemble them now
by installing the discharge chute onto the snow thrower by
following these steps:

1. Install the wire spring into the discharge opening
of the snow thrower by inserting both ends into the
slots provided. See Figure 3-1 for proper location and
orientation of the spring. The inset of Figure 3-1 shows the
spring properly installed with the ends fitted into the slots
provided.

Note: Place a dab of white lithium grease (included with
this attachment) onto the chute ring, chute spring, and
chute adapter ring prior to assembly.

Figure 3-3

4. Install the chute band as shown in Figure 3-4. With the
discharge chute positioned to the right as shown, install
the chute band by lining up the notches in the front with
the band, and making certain to fit the discharge chute
inside the channel of the chute band, as detailed in the
inset of Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-1

2. Install the discharge chute, packed loose in the carton,
onto the snow thrower attachment, as shown in Figure 3-3.

Note: Position the discharge chute at an angle to the right
for ease of installation.

3. Clip the discharge chute handle onto the discharge chute,
as shown in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

Figure 3-4

7

5. Secure the chute band to itself by first aligning the two

1

2

snap-fit features and pushing the two ends (1 & 2) together
as shown. Be sure both tabs on the two ends engage each
other, as shown in the top left inset of Figure 3-5. When
properly assembled, the chute band will appear as in the
top right inset of Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5

IMPORTANT: If you need to remove the chute for any reason,

a screw driver must be used to release the locking tabs shown
above in the left inset of Figure 3-5.

Note: If the installation has been completed properly, a
click! click! click! sound will be heard when rotating the
chute to the left and right. See Figure 3-6.

Set-up

Adjust Skid Shoes

The snow thrower skid shoes are adjusted upward at the factory
for shipping purposes. Adjust them downward, if desired, prior to
operating the snow thrower attachment.

CAUTION : It is not recommended that you

operate this snow thrower attachment on gravel as
it can easily pick up and throw loose gravel, causing
personal injury or damage to the snow thrower and
surrounding property.

• For close snow removal on a smooth surface, raise skid
shoes higher on the auger housing.

• Use a middle or lower position when the area to be cleared
is uneven, such as a gravel driveway

NOTE: If you choose to operate the snow thrower on
a gravel surface, keep the skid shoes in position for
maximum clearance between the ground and the shave
plate.

CAUTION: Operating a snow thrower equipped

with steel skid shoes may result in damage to
natural stone paver surfaces (e.g. sandstone,
bluestone, limestone). Refer to the Replacement
Parts or Attachments & Accessories sections for
information on available polymer skid shoes.

To adjust the skid shoes:

1. Loosen the four hex nuts (two on each side) and carriage
bolts. Move skid shoes to desired position. See Figure 3-7.

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

3. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.

Figure 3-6

8 Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Figure 3-7

Discharge Chute

Chute Clean-out Tool

The position of the upper discharge chute can be adjusted to
control the distance that the discharged snow will be thrown,
and the direction at which it will be discharged. Follow these
steps to adjust the discharge chute:

1. Loosen the wing knob on the upper chute, adjust the chute
to desired operating position.

2. Tighten the wing knob on the upper chute making sure
the carriage bolt on the inside of the discharge chute is
correctly positioned. Refer to Figure 3-8.

Shear Pins

A pair of replacement auger shear pins and bow tie cotter pins
are included with this snow thrower attachment. See Figure 3-9.
Store them in a safe place until needed.

Figure 3-9

3. To adjust the direction that the snow will be thrown, use
the handle on the upper discharge chute to control the
direction of the discharged snow. Refer back to Figure 3-8.

Chute Clean-Out Tool

The chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the auger
housing with a mounting clip and a cable tie at the factory. Cut
the cable tie before operating the snow thrower. See Figure 3-10.

Figure 3-8

Figure 3-10

9Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Chute Handle

Shave Plate

Auger

Upper Chute

Chute Knob

Skid Shoe

Chute Clean-out Tool

Drive Control Lever

Attachment Control Lever

Attachment Control Lever Lock

Chute Assembly

Controls and Features

4

Engine

Refer to the FLEX™ Base Unit Operator’s Manual for details
regarding all engine-related controls and features.

Drive Control Lever

This lever propels the entire machine forward.

Attachment Control Lever

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

Auger

When engaged, the auger’s rotation draw snow into the auger
housing and throws it out the discharge chute.

Chute Assembly

Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out of the
chute assembly

Chute Handle

The direction of snow throwing corresponds to the direction
of the chute opening. Use the chute handle to turn the chute
assembly in the direction you wish to throw the snow.

Figura 4-1

Chute Knob

The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by either raising
or lowering the upper chute. Loosen the chute knob on the side
of the upper chute to adjust. Pivot the upper chute to desired
position, and retighten the chute knob.

Shave Plate

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

Skid Shoes

Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions. Adjust
upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward when
operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces. See the Assembly &
Setup section for details on adjusting the skid shoes.

Chute Clean-Out Tool

The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of
the auger housing with a mounting clip. It is used to dislodge
and scoop any snow and ice which has formed in and near the
chute assembly.

10

1

2

Operation

5

Starting The Engine

Refer to the FLEX™ Power Base’s operator’s manual for engine
starting and operating instructions.

Couple Snow Thrower Attachment with Power
Base

1. With the kickstand UP on the FLEX™ Power Base, as shown
in Figure 5-1, roll it over to the snow thrower attachment.

3. Once the top mount is engaged (1), and with both hands
on the handle grips, tip the unit backwards somewhat
swiftly to engage the bottom mounts (2). See Figure 5-3.

Figure 5-3

Note: The operator will be able to hear the lower mounts
engage and lock when coupled properly.

Figure 5-1

2. Tip the FLEX™ Power Base forward, engaging the top
mounting tab with the mounting handle on the snow
thrower attachment, see Figure 5-2.

To Uncouple the Snow Thrower Attachment from Power Base:

Fully stop the power unit engine before attempting to perform
any maintenance steps or uncoupling of the attachment. Never
attempt to uncouple the power base from the snow thrower
attachment WITH the engine running.

WARNING! Always turn off the FLEX™ Power Base

engine and remove the key prior to attempting to
replace the shear pins or uncoupling of the power
base from the attachment.

1. Put the kickstand down.

2. Tip the FLEX™ Power Base forward to disengage the
bottom mounts, then the top mount.

3. Move the FLEX™ Power Base away from the snow thrower
attachment.

Note: With the kickstand deployed in the downward
(unlocking) position, the FLEX™ Power Base will rest
comfortably in a parked position.

Figure 5-2

11

To Engage Drive

1

2

Drive Control Lever

Attachment Control Lever

Attachment Control Lever

Safety Lock

1. To engage the drive, squeeze the Drive Control Lever
completely up against the upper handle to engage the
wheels. To stop the forward motion, release the drive
control.

Note: This Drive Control Lever is a variable speed drive
control. Pulling the drive lever all the way in will give
the operator full speed, however full speed should not
be achieved for some operations, such as during snow
throwing.

To Engage Augers

1. To engage the augers, push in on the Attachment Control
Lever Safety Lock button (1 in Figure 5-4).

2. Squeeze the Attachment Control Lever completely against
the upper handle (2). To stop the augers, release handle.

2. Shut off engine as instructed in the engine manual.

3. Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to
the rear of the auger housing.

4. Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to
dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has formed in
and near the chute assembly.

5. Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the
rear of the auger housing, start the snow thrower’s engine
as instructed in the engine manual.

While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow
thrower), engage the Attachment Control Lever for a few seconds
to clear any remaining snow and ice from the chute assembly.

Installing the Snow Sock for Additional Traction

Two snow socks have been included with this snow thrower
attachment to provide additional traction when moving snow.
Follow these steps to install the snow socks:

1. Fit a snow sock over the top of the wheel on the FLEX™
Power Base, as shown in Figure 5-5, then work the rest of it
around the bottom of the wheel.

2. Repeat on the other side.
Note: Snow socks are designed for use during snow

removal only, and are not meant to be used with any other
FLEX attachments.

Shear Pins

The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with four shear pins
and cotter pins. If the auger should strike a foreign object or ice
jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the pins may shear.
See the Service Section later in this manual for instructions on
replacing the shear pins.

Chute Clean-Out Tool

WARNING! Never use your hands to clear a

clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine and remain

The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of
the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice
become lodged in the chute assembly during operation, proceed
as follows to safely clean the chute assembly and chute opening:

1. Release both the Attachment Control Lever and the Drive

12 Section 5 — oper ation

behind handles until all moving parts have stopped
before unclogging.

Control Lever.

Figure 5-4

Figure 5-5