Troybilt 31AH9V75063 Owner’s Manual

OTRO_ BILT__

Operator's Manual

Snow Thrower Model

10530mPolar Blast

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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 attester 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 361 t 31 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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

FORM NO. 769-00293

PRINTED IN U.S.A. (6/2002)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

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

Loose Parts & Hardware Pack................................................................................. 5

Assembling Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 7

Know Your Snow Thrower ....................................................................................... 10

Operating Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................ 11

Making Adjustments ................................................................................................ 13

Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ............................................................................. 14

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

Off-Season Storage ................................................................................................. 17

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 18

Parts List ................................................................................................................. 19

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.

copy the information from it inthe space provided below. The informationonthe model plate is very
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and

important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the rear
frame below the engine. A sample model plate isexplained below. Forfuture reference, please copy the model

number and the serial number of the equipment inthe space below.

Mode! Number) (Serial Number)

www.troybilt.com CLEVELAND,OH_136

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 regard 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

PleasedoNOTreturntheunit totheretailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirst contactingCustomerSupport.

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- [phone] or 1- [phone] 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.

6.

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 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.

Disengage all clutch levers 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 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 _/2

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.

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. Neveroperatewithamissingordamageddischarge
chute.Keepallsafetydevicesinpieceandworking.

5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorlessanddeadlygas.

6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.

7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.

8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.

9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile
operatingonslopes.

10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows+wails,carsetc.Thus,avoiding
possiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjurycausedbya

ricochet.

11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets
orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.

12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear
snowattoofastofarate.

13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor
light.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold

onthehandles.Walk,neverrun.

14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.

15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare

wheninreverse.

16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,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.

ContactyourdealerortelephoneI [phone]for
assistanceandthenameofyournearestservicing

dealer.

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 acomplete 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 dutch 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 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.

WARNING-- YOURRESPONSIBILITY:

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. The
safety labels are shown below for your reference.

1.10_ AWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLI_
ANDAUGBR.CgHTACTWT'C4IN_LLEROR

ALiBRCJ ,Z,_UTATOHANDSANDH£i:'r,

_b DI$CILIRGE$HUIT.

2.USECLFJLN-C(ITTOOLTOUNCLOG

_ S.glSEHGAOECLUTOHLEIERS5"FOrETOiHE,

.MIDHmNN gEHifOFIAHDLE$UN111.N.L

i40VIHIGPARTSHAVESTOPPWDETOHE
UNCLOGGINGORS_VICING MACHINE.

4.TOAVDID11TOOWHOBJECTSINJURIES,
iWR DIRECTDISCIIARGEATDTSTANDERS.

LBSEe('l_,ACALmONWHENOFHTAllNGON
GRAVELSURW_CES.

.R_D OPmATOR'$MAHLBAL.

I:l,EF,I- liJT 1TIP. iala4aili,

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

NOTE: All 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

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.

Wing Nut

__Shear Bolts _Hex Lock

Figure 1

IMPORTANT: NEVER replace the auger shear bolts with
standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox
or other components from standard hex bolts will not be
covered by your snow thrower's warranty.

_/Nuts

AssemblingHandle

_, WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug

IMPORTAWr: Make any adjustments, as instructed on

Page 10, before operating your snow thrower. Failure

to follow these instructions may cause damage to the
snow thrower.

• Remove the lower plastic wing nut, cupped washer

NOTE: Before proceeding, look at the lower rear of the

snow thrower frame to be sure the spring (found at the
end of each cable) is attached to its actuator bracket

See Figure 3.

• Pivot the upper handle assembly forward until it

• Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the

• Firmly tighten all four wing nuts to secure the upper

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

and carriage bolt from each side of the lower
handle. See Figure 2.

locks over the lower handle. See Figure 2.

two plastic wing nuts, bell washers and carriage
bolts previously removed from the lower hole.

handle to the lower handles.

Figure 2

Shift Rod

Connector

Carriage Bolt

\Bell Washer

Wing Nut

Springs

Actuator Brackets

Figure 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 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.

AttachingChuteDirectionalControl

• Remove the hairpin clip from the upper rod and
slide the upper rod through the bracket and into the
lower rod. See Figure 4.

• Align the two holes on both chute cranks and insert
the hairpin clip removed earlier, through these
holes. See Figure 4.

Upper Chute Crank

_ Upper Chute

Crank Bracket

Hairpin Clip

Lower Chute Crank

Discharge Chute

Cable Guide

Figure 5

III I

-Alternator Lead

Figure 4

RoutingChuteTiltCables

• Ifnot already routed, slip the cables that run from
beneath the handle panel to the discharge chute
through the cable guide located on top of the
engine housing. See Figure 5.

ConnectingAlternatorLead

• Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to the
headlights, beneath the handle panel. Wind the
wire around the lower right handle until excess
slack is removed. See Figure 6.

Plug the wire from the headlight into the alternator
lead located on the right side of the engine,

beneath the fuel tank. See Figure 6.

SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER

SkidShoes

,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

ChuteTilt Control

The distance snow isthrown 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 7.

DischargeChute

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance
that the snow isthrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for
greater distance; tilt down for less distance.

all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.

The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by positioning the skid shoes. Refer to Skid

ShoeAdjustmenton page 11.
ThrottleControl

The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine. See Figure 7.

SafetyIgnitionKey

The ignition key must be inserted in the switch in order
for the engine to start. Remove the ignition key when

the snow thrower is not in use.

NOTE: Do NOT "turn" the ignition key in an attempt to
start the engine.

Lamp Wire

Figure 6

Traction Control /

Auger Control Lock

Fuel Tank

Discharge

,Shift Lever

Chute Tilt Control

Auger Control

Chute

Clean-out Tool

/

Auger

Skid Shoe

Left Wheel Steering Control

(Right Control Not Visible)

Safety Ignition Ke_ Recoil

Shift Lever

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. See Figure 7.

IMPORTAhrI":Always release traction the control before
changing speeds.

Forward

Your snow thrower has sixforward (F) speeds.

Position number one (1) isthe slowest and position
number six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse

Your snowthrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is
the slower, while R2 isthe faster of the two.

Tract0n Control/ AugerControlLock
The traction control is located on the righthandle.

Squeeze the traction controlto engage the wheel drive.

Release to stop. See Figure 7.

This same leveralso locks the auger control lock,so
you can operate the chute crank without interruptingthe

snow throwing process. If the auger control is engaged
simultaneously withthe traction control, the operator

can release the auger control (on the lefthandle) and
the augers will remain engaged. Release the traction

controlto stop both the augers and wheel drive (the
auger control must also be released).

IMPORTANT:ALWAYS release the traction control
before movingthe shift lever. Failure to do so will result
in premature wear to the drive system's friction wheel.

Chute Directional Control

Electric

Starter

3utton

Primer.x

Switch

Box

Starter
Handle

Throttle Control

Figure 7

AugerControl

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 traction
control must also be released in order to stop the auger.

IMPORTANT:Refer to AugerControlTeston page 9 prior to
operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all
instructionscarefullyand perform all adjustments to
verify your snow thrower is operating safely and
properly.

ChuteDirectional Control
The chute directional control is located on lefthand side

ofthe snow thrower.To change the direction which
snow isthrown, rotate chute directional controlas

follows:

• Clockwise to discharge to the left.

• Counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Chute Clean-0ut T001

WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a

clogged discharge chute. Shut off engine and

remain behind handles until all moving parts
have stopped before unclogging.

This item is fastened with a cable tie to the rear of
the Auger Housing at the factory. Cut the cable tie
before operating the snow thrower.

The chute clean-out toot (see Figure 7) isdesigned to
clear a clogged discharge chute. Refer to page 10 for

detailed instructionson how to properly use the chute
clean-out tool.

WheelSteeringControls

The left and right wheel steering controls are located on
the underside of the handles and are used to assist in

steering the snow thrower.

• Squeeze the right wheel steering control when
turning right; squeeze the left control when turning

left.

• Operate the snow thrower in open areas until
becoming familiar with these controls.

Headlights

When properly connected, both headlights illuminate
whenever the engine is running.

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 cap is provided inside the fuel fill opening
on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cap
before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.

ToStartEngine

NOTE: If unit shows any sign of motion (drive or

augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine

off immediately. Readjust as instructed on page 9--

AugerControlTest) and page /O--Traction ControlandShift
Lever.

• 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 7. 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.

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 house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter

under any conditions.

• If your home electrical system is grounded, but a

three-hole receptacle isnot available, one should

be installed by a licensed 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 the electric starter button (Refer to Figure 7)

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). If engine 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.

• 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.

Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover
in the area of the control levers. Also, move control
levers back and forth several times.

ToEngageAugers

• To engage augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control against the left handle.
Release to stop the augers.

AugerControlTest

IMPORTANT: Perform the following test before
operating the snow thrower for the first time and at the

start of each winter season.

• In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the

heading StartingEngine.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: If the 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
readjusting the auger control cable.

• To readjust the control cable, unhook the spring
(found on the end of the auger cable) from the

auger actuator bracket. See Figure 8.

Auger Auger

Spring ActuatorBracket

Figure 8

Push the cable coupler through the end of the
springto expose the lock nut. See Figure 9.

Coupler

Spring

Check the adjustment ofthe auger control as follows:

• When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged "up" position, the cable should have
very little slack, but should NOT be tight.

i_ WARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable.

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

snow thrower.

Cable

Lock Nut

Figure 9

Thread the lock nut outward (down the coupler)

three full turns to provide more slack inthe cable

and reattach the spring to the bracket.