Troy-Bilt 31AH7T74063 Storm Tracker Operator's Manual

OTRO_ BILT'__
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SNOW
THROWER
MODEL
31AH7T74063
Storm Tracker
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 attester 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 attester 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.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-00395
PRINTED IN U.S.A. (9/02)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 5
Know Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................... 7
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 10
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 12
Service ............................................................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 16
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 17
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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 informationfrom itin the space provided below. The information on the
model plate isvery important ifyou need help from your local authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the lower frame cover on the rear ofyour snow thrower. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number ofthe equipment inthe space below.
O TRII BILT" " RO L' 6
www.troybilt.oom CLEVELAND,OH44136
330-558-7220
866-840-6483_
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTreturntheunitto the retailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
Should you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 558-7220 or 1- (866) 840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative.
Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous
section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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 symboliheed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, 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 proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
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 snow4hrowing 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 augedimpeller.
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 clutch levers before starting the engine.
7.
8.
9.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended inthe operator's manual. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow. 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 gasolinecontainer.
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
_/2inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline capand 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.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/ impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge chute. Keep all safety devices in place and working.
5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge towardswindows_walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossible propertydamageorpersonalinjurycausedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight. Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmholdon thehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen transporfingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarftovibrateabnormally,stopthe engine,disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage. Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallclutchleversandstopenginebeforeyou leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Wait untiltheauger/impellercomestoacompletestopbefore uncloggingthedischargechute,makingany adjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogdischarge chutewhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengineandremain behindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshavestopped beforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealeror
telephone1-800-800-7310forassistanceandthename
ofyournearestservicingdealer.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
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 clutch levers 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 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 clutch 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 or replace safety and 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 augedimpeller.
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.
WARNING: 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.
1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER ANDAUGI_. GONTBGTWI'IHIMP_.LEROR
AUGERCANAMPUTA'I1EHANDSANDREEf.
2.USEGLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG DISCHARGECHU'ilE.
3 DISENGAGECLRTCRL.I_RSSTOPENGINE,
'AND REMAINBEHINDHANDLESUN'flLALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE UNCLOGGINGORSERVICINGMACHINE.
4.TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES NEVERDRECTDSCHANGEATBYSTANDERS.
USE_ CAD110NWHENOPERA'I1NRON GRAVELSURFACES.
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position. The "operator's position" is defined
as standing directly behind the snow thrower, facing the
handle panel
Unpacking
Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the shipping crate.
Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal injury.
Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e., Operator's Manual, etc).
Roll unit out of crate.
LooseParts
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe place until needed. See Figure 1.
Shear Bo,ts
Figure 1
Assembly
_lb WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
Remove the lower two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and carriage bolts from each side of the
lower handle. See Figure 2.
Lower Handle Handle\ _ Panel
Handle
Wing Nuts, Washers, & Bolts
Figure 2
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over the lower handle.
Look at the lower rear of snow thrower frame to be
sure both cables are aligned with cable roller guides.
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the two plastic wing knobs, cupped washers and carriage bolts previously removed and tighten the
upper two plastic wing nuts. See Figure 3.
Wing
Figure 3
Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks
on the lower shift rod. See Figure 3.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change speeds or change directions.
If not already attached, slip the cables that run from the handle panel to the chute into the cable guide
located on top of the engine. See Figure 4.
Cable Guide
Figure 4
Unwrap the headlight wire, which is attached to the
headlight beneath the handle panel.
Wind the headlight wire around the right handle
until excess slack is removed.
Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire lead coming from the right side of the engine, beneath
the fuel tank.
SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Traction Control / _. Auger Control Lock
Heated
Switch
Headlight_ l
Discharge_ Chute _ F_'
JSkid Shoe
Shift Lever q
Chute Tilt
_Track Steering
Control
\ Prime_
\\\ Choke_
Chute Directional _< Control
Safety _ -- Ignition Key
_/_ Clean-out
jTool
/
Electric
__/Starter LNp_-L-_ Button
_ I!/ J Switch
oex
! o
_._ J/i/j_ Starter
_'_ Handle
Thr,Ittle Control
Figure 5
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before operating.
TractionControl/ AugerControlLock
The traction control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop. See Figure 5.
This same lever also locks the auger control so you can turn the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger
control is engaged along with the traction control, the
operator can release the auger control (on the left handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release
the traction control to stop both the augers and track
drive (auger control must also be released).
IMPORTAhIT: Always release tractional control before changing speeds.
AugerDriveControl
The auger drive control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers.
Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction
control must also be released.) See Figure 5.
ChuteTilt Control
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance, toward the rear to increase. See Figure 5.
SkidShoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the condition of the ground from where snow has to be removed. See Figure 7.
ShiftLever
The shift lever is located inthe center of the handle panel and is used to determine both ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight positions. See Figure 5.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6)
is the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.
IMPORTAhIT: Always release tractional control before changing speeds.
ChuteDirectionalControl
The chute directional control is located on left side of the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn chute directional control as follows:
Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
HeatedHandlesSwitch
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 5.
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.
TrackSteeringControls
The left and right track steering controls are located on the underside of the handles and they are used to assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right track control when turning right, squeeze the left control when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open areas until you become familiar with these controls. See Figure 5.
NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow
thrower with both track steering controls held in simultaneously.
ThrottleControl
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine when pushed down completely. See Figure 5.
SafetyIgnitionKey
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted in the switch before the unit wilt start. Remove the ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use. See Figure 5.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
TrackLockLever
The track lock lever is located on the right side of the snow thrower and is used to select the position of the auger housing and the method of track operation. Move the lever to the right, then forward or backward to one of the three positions. See Figure 6.
Transport:Raises the front end of the snow thrower for easy transport. Using proper caution, this position may
also be used on many gravel driveways to clear snow while leaving gravel undisturbed.
NormalSnow:Allows the tracks to be suspended independently for continuous ground contact.
Packed Snow:Locks the front end of the snow thrower down to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow
conditions.
\
\
_Track Lock
Lever
Packed_ Snow
N°rmal/ _Transport Snow
Figure 6
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
BeforeStarting
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
GasAndOilFill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes an other sources of ignition.
A plastic cup is provided inside the fuel fill opening on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.
ToStartEngine
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert ignition key into slot. See Figure 5. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
ElectricStarter
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
If your house wiring system is not a three-wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
WARNING: The electric starter is equipped with a grounded three-wire
power cord and plug and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household
current. It must be used with a properly grounded three-prong receptacle at all
times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully
prior to operating the electric starter.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by alicensed electrician before using the electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows:
Rotate choke knob to OFF position and do not prime engine.
Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-hole,
grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
Push starter button on top of the engine to crank engine. As you crank the engine, move choke knob
to FULL choke position.
When engine starts, release starter button, and move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters,
move choke immediately to FULL and then gradually to OFF.
When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug from the three-prong receptacle first and then from
the snow thrower.
RecoilStarter
Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold engine start). Ifengine is warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL.
Push primer button two or three times. If engine is warm, push primer button once only.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first start if temperature is below 15°F.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
Repeat the previous steps until engine starts.
ToStopEngine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.
To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter, proceed as follows.
ElectricStarter:
Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then
to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running,
push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect
the power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
RecoilStarter
With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the engine or starter.
To stop engine, move throttle control to "stop" or "off" position.
Remove ignition key. Do not turn key.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe place. Engine will not start without ignition key.
Wipe alt snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move control levers back and forth several times.
ToEngageTrackDrive
With the engine running near top speed, move the shift lever into one of the six FORWARD positions
or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate for the snow conditions that exist.
Squeeze the auger control grip and the augers will
turn. Release it and the augers will stop.
Squeeze traction control grip and the snow thrower will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
NEVER move shift lever without releasing drive
clutch.
ToEngageAugers
To engage the augers and start throwing snow, squeeze the auger control grip against the left handle. Release to stop the augers.
AugerControlTest IMPORTANT:Perform the following test before
operating your snow thrower for the first time and at the start of each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
When the auger control is released and in the disengaged "up" position, the cable should have very little slack. It should NOT be tight.
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.
While standing in the operator's position (behind the snow thrower), engage the auger.
Allow the auger to remain engaged for approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing the auger control. Repeat this several times.
With the engine running in the FAST position and the auger control lever in the disengaged "up" position, walk to the front of the machine.
Confirm that the auger has completely stopped rotating and shows NO signs of motion.
IMPORTANT: Ifthe auger shows ANY signs of rotating, immediately return to the operator's position and shut off the engine. Wait for ALL moving parts to stop before
re-adjusting the auger control.
To readjust the control cable, loosen the hex jam nut on the auger control cable "Z" fitting.
Rotate the coupling end of the cable counterclockwise to provide more slack.
Retighten the hex jam nut. See Figure 7.
Repeat Auger Control Test to verify proper adjustment has been achieved.
Auger
Figure 7
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice lodge itself in the discharge chute during operation, proceed as follows to safely clean the chute and chute opening:
Release both the Auger Control Lever and the Traction/Auger Control Lock Lever.
Stop the engine by removing the ignition key.
Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which
secures it to the rear of the auger housing.
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 discharge chute.
i_ WARNING: Never use your hands to clean
snow and ice from the discharge chute or auger housing
Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on
the rear of the auger housing, reinserf the ignition
key and start the snow thrower's engine. While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower), engage the auger clutch lever for a few seconds to clear any remaining snow and
ice from the discharge chute.
DriftCutters Equipped)
Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow thrower in heavy drift conditions.
On models so equipped, drift cutters are assembled to the auger housinginverted. Remove the carriage bolts by unthreading the hex nuts which secure them, and reinstallthe drift cutters in their proper position before operating the snow thrower. See Figure 8.
If your unit is not equipped with drift cutters, contact
Customer Support as instructedon page 2 for information regarding price and availability.
Snow Thrower Model Drift Cutter Kit
All models OEM-390-679
Drift
Carriage Screws & Hex Nuts
Figure 8
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