Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 User Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

Two-Stage Snow Thrower — Storm Tracker 2890

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. 769-09967

(June 11, 2014)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Snow Thrower. 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. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models.

Table of Contents

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

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

Controls ...................................................................12

Operation ................................................................15

Maintenance & Adjustments ................................16

1

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 applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.

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

Service .....................................................................19

Troubleshooting .....................................................21

Replacement Parts ................................................ 22

Attachments & Accessories .................................. 23

Warranty ..................................................Back Cover

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 standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the frame. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

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
quick ly.

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 — impo rtant 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
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.

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

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

WARNING— ROTATING AUGER
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.

WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

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

WARNING— ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine’s electric starter in the rain

WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.

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.

6 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

• One Snow Thrower • Replacement Auger Shear Pins • One Chute Control Rod

• One Chute Assembly • One Product Registration Card • One Snow Thrower Operator’s
Manual

• One Engine Operator’s Manual

3

Assembly

Handle

1. Place the shift lever in the Forward-6 position.

2. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to be sure
both cables are aligned with roller guides before pivoting
the handle upward. See Figure 3-1.

NOTE: Make certain the cables are seated properly in the
roller guides. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

3. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic 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.

Figure 3-1

7

Overhead Chute Control Assembly

Remove wing nut and hex screw from chute control assembly
and clevis pin and cotter pin from chute support bracket.
Position the chute assembly (forward-facing) over the chute
base. See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3

4. Place chute assembly onto chute base and secure chute
control assembly to chute support bracket with clevis pin
and cotter pin removed earlier. See Figure 3-4.

5. Finish securing chute control assembly to chute support
bracket with wing nut and hex screw removed earlier.
See Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5

6. Insert the chute directional control rod into the support
bracket on the rear of the dash panel. See Figure 3-6

Figure 3-4

8 Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up

Figure 3-6