Yard Machines E660G, E6C0F, E610E, E640F, E600E User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

SNOW

THROWER

MODELS

E600E, E610E
E640F, E660G

E6C0F

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 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 arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10167A

6/99

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manua l is a n impo rtant p art of you r new snow throwe r. It will help y ou assem ble, pr epare an d
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare you r snow thrower, p lease l ocate the model plate on the equi pment and copy
the information from it to the spac e provided below. The information on the mo del plate is very important if
you need help from an authorized dealer or our Customer Support Department.

• 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 is shown below. See Figure 1.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER — Record this information in the space
provided. To find your unit’s specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having d ifficulty a ssembling thi s product or if you have any question s regarding the controls ,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1- (800)-800-7310

• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers ar e important, you will be asked to enter on ly your serial number be fore your
call can be processed.

2

SECTION 3: 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 YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS
SYMBOL, HEED ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe

operation in this manual. As with any type of po wer equipment, ca relessness or er ror on the
part of the operator can result in serious injury. If y ou vi ol ate any of these rules, you may
cause serious injury to yourself or others.

1. TRAINING

• Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this
machine. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before operat­ing it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replace­ment parts.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate snow thrower under close
parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your snow thrower.

• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small child ren and pets.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, espe­cially when operating in reverse .

2. PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting engine.

• Do not operate equipment without wearing ade­quate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry,
long scarfs or other loose clothing which could
become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear
which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all ciga­rettes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel
before starting the engin e. Gas oline is a n ext remely
flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank
indoors, while the engine is running, or until engine
has been allowed to cool at least two minutes.

3

Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline be fore sta rting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.

• Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments whil e
engine is running (except where specifically recom­mended by manufacture r).

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

• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes fro m forei gn obj ects t hat may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.

3. OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger
at all times.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen­gers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly
inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair
the damage before restarting and operating the
snow thrower.

• If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnor­mally, stop the engine and check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trou­ble.

• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collector/impeller
housing or discharge guide, and making any

repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place
your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the
discharge opening.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit
unattended. Disengage the col le cto r/im pe lle r, shif t
into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.

• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make cer­tain collector/impeller and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep
away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not run engine indoors, except when starting
engine and transporting snow thrower in or out of
building. Open doors. Exhaust fumes are danger­ous.

• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exer­cise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.

• Never operate snow throwe r wit hout g uards, plate s,
or other safety protec tion devices in place.

• Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure,
automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without
proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge
angle. Keep children and pets away.

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

• Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use
care when backing.

• Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow any­one in front of unit.

• Disengage power to collector/impeller when trans­porting or not in use.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved
by the manufacturer of snow thrower (such as
wheel weights, counter weights, cabs, etc.).

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

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.

4. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are
present, such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers, and the like. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.

• Always refer to operator's manual instructions for
important details if snow thrower is to be stored for
an extended period.

• Run machine a few minutes after throwing snow to
prevent freeze up of collector/impeller.

• Check clutch controls periodically to verify they
engage and disengage properly and readjust if nec­essary. Refer to operator's manual for adjustment
instructions.

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.

AND CLOTHING AW AY.

SHUT OFF ENGINE

BEFORE

UNCLOGGING

DISCHARGE CHUTE.

Figure 2

KEEP HANDS, FEET
ROTATING AUGER ­AVOID INJURY FROM

DANGER

WARNING

STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING

1.
DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT.

2.

KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE
ENGINE IS RUNNING.

3.

NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT
BYSTANDERS OR WINDOWS OR
ALLOW ANYONE IN FRONT OF
UNIT.

4.

THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA
WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS TO BE
USED AND REMOVE ALL DOOR
MATS, SLEDS, BOARDS, WIRES AND
OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS.

REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR

5.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS.

4

SECTION 4: ASSEMBLY

AUGER SHEAR BOLTS (SPARES)

Shear Bolts

(710-0890A)

NOTE: The augers are secured to the spiral shaft

with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a
hard 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.

IMPORTANT: NEVER replace the auger shear

bolts with standard hex bolts. Any damage to the
auger gearbox or other components as a result of
doing so will NOT be covered by your snow
thrower’s warranty.

UNPACKING

1. Remove the screws from the top, sides and
ends of the shipping crate.

2. Set top panel aside to avoid tire punctures or
personal injury.

3. Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

4. Carefully roll unit out of crate.

IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine

with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.

NOTE: All references to right or left side of the

snow thrower are determi ned from behi nd the uni t in
the operating position.

Hex Lock Nuts

5/16” Thread
(712-0429)

Cupped
Washer

Carriage
Bolt

Wing
Nuts

Upper
Handle

Lower
Handle

Figure 3

5. Adjust the eyebolt on the chute directional
control so the control rod does not come into
contact with the engine by moving the hex nut
against the handle (if necessary). Retighten the
wing nut to secure the chute directional control
in this position. See Figure 4.

6. Slide the shift rod connector down over the end
of the lower shift rod. Tap the top of connector
until it locks on the lower shift rod.

Upper
Shift Rod

Hex Nut

Eyebolt

Shift Rod
Connector

Lower
Shift Rod

ASSEMBLY

1. Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped
washers and carriage bolt (eyebolt on the left
side) from the lower handle. See Figure 3.

2. Raise the upper handle assembly until it aligns
with lower handle.

3. Be sure both cables are aligned with cable roller
guides located in the lower rear of snow thrower
frame.

4. Secure the upper handle and lower handle with
the plastic wing nuts, cupped washers, and car­riage bolt (eyebolt on the left side) previously
removed.

Figure 4

NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled,

the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to shift
gears or change directions.

7. Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to
the headlight, beneath the handle panel. Wind it
around the right handle several times to remove
excess slack in the wire. See Figure 5.

8. Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire
lead coming from the right side of the engine,
underneath the fuel tank.

5

Lamp Wire

Alternator
Lead

Now release the traction control, and push the unit
again. Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse
position, then all the way forward again. There
should be no resistance in the shift lever, and the
wheels should keep turning.

Right Handle

Figure 5

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS
Auger Control Adjustment

To check the adjustment of the auger control, push
forward on the left hand control, depressing the rub­ber bumper on end of control. There should be slack
in the cable. Release the control. The cable should
be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger
control against the left handle completely.

If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the
cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as
necessary. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the
lock nut against the cable when correct adjustment
is reached. See Figure 6.

If you have resistance when moving the shift lever or
the wheels stop when they should not, loosen the
jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread
the cable one turn. If the wheels do not stop when
you engage the traction control grip, loosen the jam
nut on the traction control cable and thread the cable
in one turn. Recheck the adjustment and repeat as
necessary. Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable
when correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: If you are uncertain that you have reached

the correct adjustment, refer to SECTION 6:
ADJUSTMENTS.

SKID SHOE ADJUSTMENT

The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be adjusted by adjusting the skid shoes.

1. Place skid shoes in the low position to remove
snow close to the ground. Place skid shoes in a
higher position to remove snow from uneven
ground. See Figure 7.

2. Adjust skid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts
and carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to
desired position. Make certain the entire bottom
surface of skid shoe is against the ground to
avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. Retighten
nuts and bolts securely .

Hex Lock
Nut

Make Sure
Cable is Straight

Figure 6

Traction Control and Shift Lever
Adjustment

To check the adjustment of the traction control and
shift lever, move the shift lever all the way forward to
sixth (6) position. With the traction control released,
push the snow thrower forward. The unit should roll
forward. Then engage the traction control grip. The
wheels should stop turning.

Carriage
Bolts

Hex Nuts

Figure 7

Skid
Shoes

TIRE PRESSURE (Pneumatic Tires)

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes.
Check tire pressure and reduce to 15 to 20 psi.

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

the unit may pull to one side or the other.

6

SECTION 5: OPER ATIO N

OPERATING CONTROLS
SHIFT LEVER

The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel. The shift lever may be moved into one of eight
positions. Run engine with throttle in the fast position.
Use the shift lever to determine ground speed. See
Figure 8.

Forward - There are six speeds. Position number
one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6) is the
fastest.

Reverse - There are two reverse (R) speeds. “R”
closest to the operator (all the way back) is the faster
of the two.

Auger
Control

Shift
Lever

Traction / Auger
Control Lock

TRACTION / AUGER CONTROL LOCK

The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop.
This same control 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 with the traction control engaged,
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 wheel drive (auger control must also be
released). See Figure 8.

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

The chute directional control is located on left hand
side of the snow thrower. See Figure 8.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown,
turn chute directional control as follows:

1. Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.

2. Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.

SAFETY IGNITION SWITCH

The ignition key must be inserted in the switch before
the unit will start. Remove the ignition key when snow
thrower is not in use. See Figure 10.

Chute
Directional
Control

AUGER CONTROL

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

CLOCKWISE TO DISCHARGE LEFT

COUNTER CLOCKWISE TO DISCHARGE RIGHT

F

R

6
5
4
3

2

1

R1

R2

TRACTION

CONTROL

Figure 8

AUGER CONTROL

The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control to engage the augers. Release
to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction control
must also be released.) See Figure 8.

FUEL SHUT-OFF
VALVE

The fuel shut-off valve,
located under fuel tank,
controls fuel flow from
tank. (If equipped) See
Figure 9.

Choke

Ignition
Key

Throttle
Control

Closed

Open

Figure 9

Primer

Rope Starter
Handle

7

Figure 10

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control is locate d on the engine. It regu­lates the speed of the engine. See Figure 10.

BEFORE STARTING

WARNING: Observe all Warning Labels

on the snow thrower prior to use. See
Figure 2.

Recoil Starter:

5. Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).

6. If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.

7. Push primer button three or four times for cold
engine start.

8. If engine is warm, push primer button once only.

Your snow thrower is shipped with oil; however,
you must check the oil level before operating. Be
careful not to overfill.

The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Service the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read
instructions carefully.

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors.

Never fill fuel tank with engine running or
while engine is hot. Do not smoke when
filling fuel tank.

TO START ENGINE

1. 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. See Figure 11.

NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button

when pushing. Additional priming may be necessary
for first start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahr­enheit.

9. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly,
until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind
slowly.

10. 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.

11. Repeat step 10 until engine starts.

12. As engine warms up and begins to operate
evenly, rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position.
If engine falters, return to FULL choke, then
slowly move to OFF position.

Spark
Plug

Switch
Box

Starter Button
(If Equipped)

Metal Loop
on Spark

Plug Wire

Rubber Boot

Figure 11

2. Make certain the fuel shut-off valve is in the
OPEN (vertical) position.

3. Make certain the auger and traction controls are
in the disengaged (released) position.

4. Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. Be certain it snaps into

place. Do not turn key.

See Figure 12.

Note: Engine will not start unless ignition key is

inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover. Do
not turn ignition key.

Choke

Ignition
Key

Throttle
Control

Figure 12

Electric Starter: (If Equipped)

WARNING: The electric starter is

equipped with a three-wire power cord
and plug, and is designed to operate on
120 volt AC household current. It must
be properly grounded at all times to
avoid the possibility of electric shock
which may cause injury to the operator.

8

Primer

Rope Starter
Handle

Follow all instructions carefully. 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. If your system is grounded and a three-hole
receptacle is not available at the point your starter will
normally be used, one should be installed by a
licensed electrician.
When connecting the power cord, always connect
cord to starter on engine first, then plug the other end
into a three-hole grounded receptacle.

When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
the end from the three-hole grounded receptacle first.

1. Rotate choke knob to OFF position. Do not

prime engine.

2. Connect power cord to switch box on engine.
Plug the other end of power cord into a three­hole, grounded 12-volt AC receptacle.

3. Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke knob to FULL choke
position. (cold engine start) See Figure 12.

4. 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.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.

2. To help prevent possible freeze up of starter, pro­ceed as follows.

• Electric Starter: 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.

• Recoil Starter: 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.

3. To stop engine, move throttle control to STOP or
OFF position.

4. Remove the ignition key. Do not turn key. Discon­nect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to
prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.

5. Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the ar ea of t he c ont rol l ever s. Al so, m ove
control levers back and forth several times.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE

1. With the engine running near top speed, move
shift lever into one of the five FORWARD posi­tions or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions. Use the
slower speeds until you are familiar with the oper­ation of the snow thrower.

2. Squeeze the auger control and the augers will
turn. Release it and the augers will stop.

3. Squeeze the traction control and the snow
thrower will move. Release it and drive motion
will stop.

4. NEVER move shift lever without releasing trac­tion control.

TO ENGAGE AUGERS

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

TIRE CHAINS (Optional Equipment)

Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is
needed.

OPERATING TIPS
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few min-

utes as the engine will not develop full power until it
reaches operating temperature.

WARNING: Temperature of muffler

and surrounding areas may exceed 150
degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid these areas.

1. For most efficient snow removal, remove snow
immediately after it falls.

2. Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous path.

3. Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the scraper bar for
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when using on gravel or crushed rock.

4. Be certain to follow the precautions listed under
TO STOP ENGINE to prevent pos sibl e free ze -u p.

5. Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each
use.

NOTE: Do not lose the ignition key. Keep it in a

safe place. Engine will not start without the ignition
key.

9