Troybilt 31AS6BN2711 Owner’s Manual

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Operator's Manual

Two-Stage Snow Thrower

5524--Storm

IMPORTANT:READSAFETYRULESANDINSTRUCTIONSCAREFULLY

WARNING: This unit isequippedwith an internal combustion engineand should notbe usedon or nearany unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or

grass-covered land unless theengine's exhaust system isequipped with aspark arrester meeting applicablelocal or state laws(if any). If a spark arrester isused, 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

ResourcesCode). Other states may havesimilar laws. Federallaws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler isavailablethrough your nearest engine

authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.0. Box 361131 Cleveland,Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILTLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-01278

(7/8/2004)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content
ImportantSafeOperationPractices

AssemblingYourSnowThrower
KnowYourSnowThrower

OperatingYourSnowThrower
MakingAdjustments

Page

3
6

8
10
13

Content Page
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 15
Servicing Your Snow Thrower 15
Troubleshooting 20

Illustrated Parts List 22
Warranty Back Cover

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new rear-tine tiller. 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. A sample model plate is also given below.
You can locate the model plate by standing behind the unit and looking down at rear surface of the frame.
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:

w'ww.troybilt.com CLEVELAND, OH 44136

P. O. BOX 361131
338-558-7228

1-800-520-5520

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

PleasedoNOTretum theunittothe retailer from whichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

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 troy-bilt.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.

F_nd Alsswe_s

I QII(+

leel I lli_ iI IIi_ _I {)+,_ AI <I

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 520-5520.

i_1llO £11_i_-Cl'i]/_ /.t _/_X.d

Engine

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard to

)erformance, 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.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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.

4.

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 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.

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 allcontrolleversbeforestarting the engine.

7.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while

engine is running, except where specifically

recommended inthe 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 Y2inch 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. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,inthe

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.

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 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. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your

dealer or call [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 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 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.

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.

Donotmodifyengine

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)
and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SAFETYLABELSFOUNDONYOURSNOWTHROWER

1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER

ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR
AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.

2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG
DISCHARGECHUTE.

3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,

ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL

MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGORSERVICINGMACHINE.

4.TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES,
NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.
USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON

GRAVELSURFACES.

5. READOPERATOR'SMANUAL.

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow

thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position (standing directly behind the snow

thrower, facing the handle panel).

IMPORTANT:Two replacement auger shear pins are
included with this manual (or stowed in the plastic
handle panel). Refer to Augerson page 19 for more
information regarding shear pin replacement.

,_ CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to

2. Secure the upper shift rod to the lower shift rod by

• Secure the handle by tightening the plastic wing

3. Apply a light lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the rim/lip of

4. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute

thrower, refer to AugerControlTeston page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.

be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides
before pivoting the handle upward.

sliding the connector sleeve downward.

knob located on both the left and right sides of the
handle. Remove and discard any rubber bands, if
present. They are for packaging purposes only.

the chute base (and the underside of the chute
assembly) and position the chute assembly over

the base.

assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure.

NOTE: /f the flange keepers will not easily click into

place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm
pressure to the back of each.

5. Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
end of the chute directional control. Insert the end

of the chute directional control into the lower

bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin

clip just removed.

NOTE: If necessary, the lower bracket can be

adjusted. Refer to ChuteBracketAdjustment.on Page 14.

,_ CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow

Tire Pressure

• Before operating, check tire pressure and reduce

thrower, refer to AugerControlTeston page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.

pressure in both tires to between 15 psi and 20 psi.

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires,

the unit may not travel in a straight path and the shave

plate may wear unevenly.

SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER

Shift Lever

Drive Control

Auger Control

Electric Starter Button

Gas Cap

Oil Fill

Chute Assembly

Clean-out

Tool

Chute Directional

Control

Augers

,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow

NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more

information on all engine controls, refer to the

Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately and

StartingTheEngineon page 10 of this manual.

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

Skid Shoe

ShiftLever

6

The shift lever is located on the right side
of the handle panel. Place the shift lever
into any of eight positions to control the
direction of travel and ground speed.

Forward

There are six forward (F) speeds.
Position one (1) is the slowest and
position six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse

There are two reverse (R) speeds. One
(1) is the slower and two (2) is the faster.

GasCap

Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to
the fuel tank.

5

4

3

t 2

FI

R1

Recoil Starter

Jf EngineControls

ElectricStarter Outlet

Ignition

Key

Choke

Control

Throttle

Control

Handle

ChokeControl

The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and
is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating
the choke control closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.

ThrottleControl

The throttle control islocated on the
engine. It regulates the speed of the

engine and willshut off the engine when
pushed down completely.

©

Primer

Depressing the primer forces fuel directly
into the engine's carburetor to aid in cold-
weather starting.

m

/

0il Fill

Engine oil level can be checked and oil
added through the oil fill.

R2

@

AugerControl

f

The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the augers and start snow throwing action. Release to
stop.

DriveControl

f

IgnitionKey

The ignition key is a safety devise. It must be fully
inserted in order for the engine to start. Remove the
ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use.

IMPORTANT:Do not turn the ignition key in an attempt

to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.

Clean-OutTool

WARNING: Never use your hands to clear

a clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine
and remain behind handles until all moving
parts have stopped before unclogging.

The chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. The tool is
designed to clear a clogged chute assembly. Refer to
OperatingYourSnowThrower section for more detailed
information regarding the chute clean-out tool.

NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable fie to the

rear of the auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable
tie before operating the snow thrower.

SkidShoes

Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions.
Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward

when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

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

ChuteDirectionalControl

S

CHUTE D|RECT|ONAL CONTNOL "_'

#JSCHARGE

LEFT

--._ J

The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower.

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.

#

RecoilStarterHandle

This handle is used to manually start the engine.

ElectricStarterButton

Pressing the electric starter button engages the
engine's electric starter when plugged into a 120V
power source.

ElectricStarterOutlet

Requires the use of a three-prong outdoor extension
cord and a 120V power source/wall outlet.

Augers

When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into
the auger housing.

ChuteAssembly

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

SparkPlugCover

Unscrew 1/4-turn to access the spark plug and spark
plug wire.