Yard-Man 2B5, 295 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Single Stage

Snow Thrower

Models: 2B5 & 295

E2B5 & E295

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

For US Customers: MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

For Canadian Customers: MTD Products Ltd., P. O. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO

770-10540E

.

(4/2005)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Customer Support 2
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Assembly 5
Know Your Snowthrower 6
Operation 7
Adjustments 9

Content Page

Maintenance 10
Off-Season Storage 10
Troubleshooting 11
Illustrated Parts List 12
Warranty 16

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you to assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance . Please read and understand wh at it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plat e 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 number by standing behind t he unit in the operating
position and looking at the rear of the snow thrower. The information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer’s web site and/or help the Customer Support Depart ment or an authorized service
dealer.

.

Model Number
Numéro de modèle

XXXXXXXXXXX

Serial Number
Numéro de sérier

XXXXXXXXXXX

Copy the model number here:

MTD LLC
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED

USA-www.mtdproducts.com 1-800-800-7310
CAN-www.mtdcanada.com 1-800-668-1238

KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINE INFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-rel ated issues with regards to perf ormance, power-rat ing,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to th e engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Op erator’s Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this prod uct or have any questions regar ding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call a Customer Support Repre sentataive.

For US Customers: 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310
For Canadian Customers: 1-800-668-1238

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.

2

SECTION 1: 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.

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 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.

Tra in ing

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 door mats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wires and other objects which could be tripped
over or thrown by the auger.

2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
protect your eyes. Throw n 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 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 the auger control bail 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 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.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger
housing or discharge chute. Contact with rotating parts
can amputate hands and feet.

2. The auger control bail is a safety device. Never bypass
its operation. Doing so, makes the machine unsafe and
may cause personal injury.

3. The auger control bail 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. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an

3

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. To avoid 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 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 in reverse.

16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.

17. Disengage the auger control bail and stop engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the handles).
Wait until the auger comes to a complete stop before
unclogging the discharge chute, making any
adjustments, or inspections.

18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use a clearing tool to unclog the
discharge opening.

19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer.

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Call customer assistance
for the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

Maintenance & Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

operation regularly.

2. Disengage the auger control bail and stop engine. Wait
until the auger comes to a complete stop. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.

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 (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”

6. Check the auger control bail 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.

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.

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.

FOR TURNING,

NOT LIFTING

POUR TOURNER,

PAS POUR LE LEVAGE

DANGER

NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CAN

HANDS AND FINGERS.

AMPUTATE
STOP ENGINE AND AUGER BEFORE USING
CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR STICK.

NE PLACEZ JAMAIS VOS MAINS DANS LA
GOULOTTE. LES PIÈCES EN MOUVEMENT
PEUVENT AMPUTER MAINS ET DOIGTS.

ARRÊTEZ LE MOTEUR ET LA TARIÈRE AVANT
D'UTILISER L'OUTIL DE DÉGAGEMENT
DE LA GOULOTTE OU UN BÂTON.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models.

Snow thrower features vary by model. Not all

features discussed in this manual are applicable to all
snow thrower models.

Unpacking From Carton

• Cut along corners of the carton and lay it down flat.
Remove packing material.

• Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).

• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
any remaining loose part.

Items Required For Assembly

1. Engine oil

2. Fresh gasoline

NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow

thrower is from the operating position only.

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire

and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Refer t o the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.

• Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1 until it clicks into the operating position.
Make sure not to pinch or crimp the cable.

• Tighten the hand knobs.

Assembling the Discharge Chute

For shipping reasons, the snow thrower has been
packaged with the upper chute pivoted all the way
down as shown in Figure 2. To pivot it upwa rd, proceed
as follows:

1. Turn the chute until the chute ope ning is facing
straight ahead.

2. Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage
bolt from the lower chute.

3. Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on t he
lower chute so that there is NO gap between the
upper chute and the lower chute.

4. Resecure with the hardware just removed.

CAUTION: Do not use the Chute
Handle to lift the machine.

Raising Upper Handle

• Loosen the hand knob on each side of the handle.
Remove packing material, if any.

Hand Knob

Spark Plug

Access

Figure 1

3

4

2

1

Figure 2

5

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

WARNING: Be familiar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper operation. Know how to

stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

Auger Control Handle

Gasoline Cap

Primer
Key

Discharge

Chute

Electric Starter(If Equipped)

Spark Plug Access

Oil Fill Plug

Recoil Starter

Auger

Shave Plate

Figure 3

Auger Control Handle

Located on the upper handle, the auger control hand le
is used to engage and disengage the auger. The snow
thrower is designed to propel by the rotation of the
auger. Pull the auger control handle back against the
upper handle to engage the auger; release to
disengage.

Discharge Chute

The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance
that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for
greater distance; tilt down for less distance. Loosen the
hand knob on the side of the d ischarge chute to adjust.
Tilt the chute to the desired position, and tighten t he
knob.

Choke Lever

The location of the choke lever is indicated in Figure 3
inset. You will have to use this lever to start the engine.
Push the lever all the way up to the FULL/ON position,
or all the way down to the OFF position as desired.

Choke
Lever

Primer Button

Used to inject fuel directly into the carburetor to insure
fast starts in cold weather. Follow engine manual to
prime engine.

Ignition Key

Used to start engine. Put key in “ON” position to start
for both electric and recoil start engin es. Follow starting
instructions given in the next section.

Recoil Starter

Used to manually start the engine.

Electric Starter (If Equipped)

Used to start engine with a 120V power source.

Plug for Electric Start

Requires use of a three-prong outd oor extension cord
and a 120V power source.

Spark Plug Access

Spark plug located under the access cover.

6

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Before Starting

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all

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

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

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

• Check oil and gasoline level and add if necessary.
Follow related instructions in the separate engine
manual packed with your snow thrower.

WARNING: Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.

To Start Engine

• Insert ignition key into slot. Turn key to ON position.

• Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to
your unit. See Figure 4 for location of controls.

Electric Starter(If Equipped)

WARNING: The electric starter must be

used with a properly grounded three-pr ong
receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of
electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully
prior to operating the electric starter.

Press auger
control handle
to engage
auger

Recoil

Primer

Key

Choke

Lever

Spark Plug Access

Figure 4

Starter

Electric
Starter
(If Equipped)

• 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.

• Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.

• If your home 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 is not 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.

• Move Choke Control to “Full” position.

• Push Primer three (3) times, making sure to cover
vent hole when pushing.

• Connect power cord to switch box on dash panel.
Plug the other end of power cord into a thr ee-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC receptacle.

• Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke lever 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 fi rst, and then from
the snow thrower.

Recoil Starter

• Move choke lever to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).

• If engine is warm, place choke in OFF po sition
instead of FULL.

• Push primer button two or three times for cold
engine start.

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

NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when

pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15° F (-9° C).

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

• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allo w handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.

• As engine warms up and begins to operat e evenly,
rotate choke lever slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.

7

To Stop Engine

• To stop engine, turn ignition key counter-clockwise.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.

To help prevent possible f reeze-up of st arter,
proceed as follows:

• Run engine for a few minutes before stop ping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.

• Electric Starter (If Equipped): 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.

• 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. Leave
throttle control lever in the STOP or OFF position.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.

• Remove ignition key and disconnect spark plug
wire to prevent accidental starting.

Operating the Snow Thrower

The pitch of the discharge chute controls the angle at
which the snow is thrown.

• Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the
discharge chute and pivot the upper chute upward
or downward to the desired pitch. Reti ghten the
wing knob before operating the snow thrower.

• Position the discharge chute opening by using the
Chute Handle to throw the snow in the desired
direction. See Figure 5.

Wing Knob

Upper Chute

Chute Handle

Figure 5

Operating Tips

• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previously cleared path.

• Lifting up on the handle will allow the rubber on the
augers to propel the snow thrower forward. Pushing
downward on the handle will raise the augers off
the ground and stop forward motion.

NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will

result in premature wear on the rubber auger blades
which would not be covered by warranty.

• Run the engine for a few minutes be fore stopping to
help dry any moisture on the engine.

• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.

WARNING: Muffler, engine and surrounding

areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.

8

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any

adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in the operator’s
manual.

Shave Plate

• To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place
the unit on a level surface. See Figure 6. The
wheels, shave plate and augers should all contact
level surface. Note that if the shave plate is
adjusted too high, snow may blow under the
housing. If the shave plate wears out excessively,
or the unit does not self-propel, the shave plate
may be too low and needs to be adjusted.

NOTE: On new units or units with a new shave plate

installed, the augers may be slightly off the ground.

Augers

Figure 6

• To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests
on the handle. Loosen the four lock nuts and bolts
which secure the shave plate to the housing. See
Figure 7. Move the shave plate to desired position
and retighten the nuts and bolts securely.

Shave Plate

Lock Nut & Carriage Bolt

Figure 7

Control Cable

As a result of both the control cable and the drive belt
stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be
necessary.

If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating while the
engine maintains a constant speed, an adjustment is
necessary. Proceed as follows:

The upper hole in the control handle provides an
adjustment in cable tension. To adjust, di sconnect the
end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control
handle and reinsert it in the upper hole. Test the snow
thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference.

Carburetor

WARNING: If any adju stments need t o be

made to the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of all moving part s.
Be careful of muffler, engine and other
surrounding heated surfaces.

• Refer to the separate engine manual, packed with
your unit, for carburetor adjustment inform ation.

9

SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER

• Reassemble new belt. Reinstall the belt cover.

WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or

inspecting, disengage the auger control bail
and stop engine. Wait until all moving parts
have come to a complete stop. D isconnect
spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.

Replacing Belt

• Remove the belt cover by removing five hex
screws. See Figure 8.

Hex
Screw

Hex Screw

Belt Cover

Figure 8

• Pull up on the idler pulley and slip the belt off the
engine and auger pulley. See Figure 9.

Replacing Shave Plate

The shave plate is attached to the bottom of the auger
housing and is subject to wear. It should be checked
periodically. There are two wearing edges and the
shave plate can be reversed. Refer to Figure 6. To
replace or reverse the shave plate proceed as follows:

• Remove the four carriage bolts and hex lock nuts
which attach it to the snow thrower housing.

• Install new shave plate, making sure the heads of
the carriage bolts are on the inside of the housing.

• Adjust the shave plate according to instructions on
page 9. Tighten securely.

Engine

• Refer to the separate engine manual for all engin e
maintenance procedures.

• Check engine and snow thrower frequ ently for
loose hardware, and tighten as needed.

Lubrication

Lubricate pivot points on the auger control handle and
the extension spring at the end of the control cable with
a light oil once every season and before storage of the
snow thrower at the end of the season.

Idler Pulley

Engine

Pulley

Auger
Pulley

Drive

Belt

Figure 9

SECTION 7: OFF-SEASON STORAGE

WARNING: Never store engin e with fuel in

tank indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
areas where fuel fumes may reach an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water
heater, clothes dryer, or other gas appliance.

• Clean snow thrower thoroughly.

• Lubricate as instructed in “Maintaining Your Snow
Thrower” section of this manual.

Replacing the Auger’s Rubber Paddles

The snow thrower auger’s rubber paddles are subject
to wear and should be replaced if any signs of
excessive wear is present.

To change the rubber paddles, proceed as follows:

• Remove the existing rubber paddles by
unthreading the self-tapping screws which secure
them to the auger.

• Secure the replacement rubber paddles to the
auger using the hardware removed earlier.

• Follow “Storage” instructions in the Engine Manual.

• Store in a clean, dry area. Block the snow thrower
up so it is not resting on the rubber auger blades.

NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a

poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rustproof the equipment, especially springs,
cables and all moving parts.

10