Yard-Man 31AE553F401, 31AE573H401 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

(7/98)

Models

31AE553F401

31AE573H401

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning:

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. 770-10028

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

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 YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL­HEED 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 power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself
or others.

1. TRAINING

• Read this operators 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 children 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 engine. Gasoline is an
extremely 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. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting 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 while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

• 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 from foreign objects that 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

2

repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place

AVOID INJURY FROM

ROTATING AUGER -

KEEP HANDS, FEET

AND CLOTHING AWAY.

DANGER

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 collector/impeller, shift
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 thrower without guards, plates,
or other safety protection 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 operators 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 operators 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.

WARNING

STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING

1.
DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT

KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE

2.
ENGINE IS RUNNING

3.

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

THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA

4.
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

Safety Labels found on your unit.

3396MW

3

SECTION 2: FINDING SNOW THROWER MODEL NUMBER

This Operators Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you prepare your snow thrower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information
from it in this Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD Customer Support Department.

• Every snow thrower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating
position and looking down at the dash panel.

• The model plate will look like this.

This is where model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this snow thrower, please contact the Customer Support Department. You can
reach them by calling:

1-800-800-7310

Before you call, make sure that you have the snow thrower model and serial numbers ready. This will help the
Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your unit’s model and serial numbers, see
the previous section.

SECTION 4: UNPACKING THE SNOW THROWER

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

2. Remove panels and set aside to avoid tire punctures or personal injury.

3. Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.

4. Roll unit out of crate.

5. Make sure to retrieve all loose parts and hardware bag from the crate before discarding it.

4

SECTION 5: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow

thrower in this manual is from behind the unit in the
operating position.

IMPORTANT: Check the adjustments as

instructed on page 6, and make any final
adjustments necessary before operating your snow
thrower. Failure to follow the instructions may cause
damage to the snow thrower and void warranty.

1.Remove the lower two plastic wing nuts, cupped
washers and carriage bolts from each side of the
lower handle. See Figure 1.

Wing
Nut,
Washer

Bolt

sure all cables are aligned with cable roller
guides. See Figure 3.

Check cables

on roller guides

Figure 3

5.Secure the upper handle and lower handle with
the two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and
carriage bolts previously removed. See Figure 4.

Figure 1

2.The chute crank may be attached to the lower
handle with cable ties for shipping purposes. If
so, cut the cable ties and remove the chute
crank at this time.

3.Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks
over the lower handle. See Figure 2.

Move
handle
up

Chute
Crank

Figure 2

4.Look at lower rear of snow thrower frame to be

Wing Nut,

Cupped

Upper
Handle

Carriage

Bolt

Lower Handle

Washer,

Figure 4

6.Slide the shift rod connector down over the end
of the lower shift rod. See Figure 5. Tap the
connector until it locks on the lower shift rod.

Upper Shift
Rod

Connector

Lower Shift
Rod

Insert hairpin

clip

Figure 5

5

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. Models with two-piece chute crank only:
Remove the hairpin clip from the end of the
upper chute crank. Slide the upper chute crank
into the lower chute crank. Align the holes, and
secure with hairpin clip.

8. Models with one-piece chute crank only:
(Follow steps 13 through 15.) Loosen the two
hex nuts which secure chute crank support
bracket to the snow thrower housing beside
discharge chute. See Figure 6.

9. Remove the hairpin clip and one flat washer
from the lower end of the chute crank. Leave the
other flat washer in place on the end of the
chute crank. See Figure 6.

12. Adjust the eyebolt on the chute crank so the
chute crank does not touch the engine. Move
the hex nut against the handle (if necessary).
Tighten the wing nut to secure the crank in this
position.

13. If not already attached, slip the cables that run
from the handle panel to the chute into the cable
guide on top of the engine. See Figure 8.

Cable Guide

Route cables
through guide

Hairpin
Clip,
Flat
Washer

Hex Nut

Support
Bracket

Figure 6

10. Insert the end of the crank into the hole in the
plastic bushing in the chute crank support
bracket. Place the other flat washer onto the end
of the crank, and secure with hairpin clip. See
Figure 6.

Chute Assembly

Figure 8

14. Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to
the headlight, beneath the handle panel. Wind
the headlight wire around the right handle until
excess slack is removed. See Figure 9.

15. Plug the wire from the headlight into the wire
lead coming from the right side of the engine,
underneath the fuel tank. See Figure 9.

Wire

Headlight

lead

Wire

Chute
Crank

Figure 7

11. Adjust the chute crank support bracket so that
the spiral on the chute crank fully engages the
teeth on the chute assembly. See Figure 7.
Tighten the nuts on the chute crank support
bracket securely.

Figure 9

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS

Auger Drive Clutch

1. To check the adjustment of the auger drive
clutch, push forward on the left hand clutch grip
(depress the rubber bumper). There should be
slack in the cable.

2. Release the clutch grip. The cable should be
straight. Make certain you can depress the

6

auger drive clutch grip against the left handle
completely.

3. 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.

Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever

1. Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on
the auger housing.

2. Move the shift lever all the way forward to sixth
(6) position.

3. With the traction drive lever released, spin the
snow thrower wheels by hand. The wheels should
turn; however, you may feel some resistance.

4. Engage the traction drive clutch grip. The wheels
should no longer turn.

5. Now release the traction drive clutch grip, and
spin the wheels again.

6. 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 turn.

7. If you face resistance when moving the shift lever
or the snow thrower wheels stop when they
should not, loosen the lock nut on the traction
drive cable and unthread the cable one turn.

8. If the wheels can still be turned when you engage
the traction drive clutch grip, loosen the lock nut

on the traction drive cable and thread the cable in
one turn.

9. Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment
as necessary. Tighten the lock nut to secure the
cable when correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: If you are not sure that you have reached
correct adjustment, refer to the Adjustment section on
page 11.

Skid Shoe

The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be adjusted. For close snow removal, place skid
shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position
when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 15 on
page 13.

1. Adjust skid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts
and carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to
desired position.

2. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid
shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear
on the skid shoes.

3. Tighten nuts and bolts securely.

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.

7

SECTION 6: CONTROLS

Auger
Drive

Clutch
Throttle

Control

Choke

ignition
Switch

Headlight

Fuel

Shut-Off
Valve

Electric
Starter

Primer

Chute
Tilt
Control

Chute
Crank

• The snow thrower has been shown here from an upside down
perspective in order to better explain the controls. Please note
that the snow thrower cannot be operated in this position.

(Refer to Figure 10 for illustration of controls
described below.)

Shift
Lever

Figure 10

Trigger
Lever

Electric Cord

steering your snowthrower. Squeeze the right turn
trigger when turning right and the left trigger when
turning left.

TRACTION DRIVE/AUGER CLUTCH
LOCK

The traction drive clutch is located on the right
handle. Squeeze the traction drive clutch to engage
the wheel drive. Release to stop.
This same lever also locks the auger clutch so you
can turn the chute crank without interrupting the
snow throwing process. If the auger drive clutch is
engaged with the traction drive clutch engaged, the
operator can release the auger drive clutch (on the
left handle) and the augers will remain engaged.
Release the traction drive clutch to stop both the
augers and wheel drive (auger drive clutch must also
be released).

CHUTE CRANK

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

1. Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.

2. Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.

CHUTE TILT CONTROL

The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance,
toward the rear to increase.

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. Use the shift lever to determine
ground speed.
Forward—one of six speeds. Position number one
(1) is the slowest. Position number six (6) is the
fastest.
Reverse—two reverse (R) speeds. “R” closest to the
operator (all the way back) is the faster of the two.

AUGER DRIVE

The auger drive clutch is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the clutch grip to engage the augers.
Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction
drive clutch must also be released.)

TRIGGER LEVER

The left and right turn triggers are located on the
underside of the handles and are used to assist in

HEADLIGHT

The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control is located on the engine. It
regulates the speed of the engine. When blowing
snow, always run engine with throttle in the fast
position.

SAFETY IGNITION SWITCH

The ignition key switch must be inserted completely
in the switch before the unit will start. Do not attempt
to turn the key.

FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE

The fuel shut-off valve, located under the fuel tank,
controls fuel flow from tank. Make sure it is not
turned off before starting the engine.

8

SECTION 7: OPERATION

GAS AND OIL FILL-UP

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as

instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your snow thrower. Read instructions

carefully.

WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,

with engine running or while engine is hot.
Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.

Electric Starter
WARNING:

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 possibility
of electric shock which may be injurious to the
operator. 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 three­wire grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions. If your house wiring system is
grounded but a three-hole receptacle is not available
at the point the 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.

The electric starter is equipped with a

TO START ENGINE

6. Rotate choke knob to OFF position.

7. Push the primer button while covering the vent
hole. Remove finger from the primer between
primes. Do not prime to start a warm engine.
Prime two to three times at temperature above
15 degree F and four times below 15 degree F.

8. Connect power cord to switch box on engine.
Plug the other end of power cord into a three­hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.

9. Push starter button to crank the engine. When
engine starts, release the starter button, and
move choke gradually to FULL, and then to OFF
position. If the engine falters, move choke
immediately to FULL position and then gradually
move it to OFF position.

Follow the next three steps for recoil start only:

10. Rotate choke knob to FULL position. If engine is
already warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL position.

11. Push primer button two or three times. If engine
is warm, push primer button once only.

12. 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 until engine starts. 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.

(See Figure 11)

IMPORTANT: If unit shows any sign of motion

(drive or augers) with the clutch grips disengaged,
shut engine off immediately. Readjust as instructed
in the “Final Adjustments” section of the Set-Up
Instructions.

1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make
certain that the metal loop on the end of the
spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened
securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.

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

3. Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers
are in the disengaged (released) position.

4. Move throttle control to FAST position.

5. Insert ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps
into place. Do not turn key.

Follow the next three steps in the case of electric
start only.

Push starter

button

Insert
key

Rotate
choke

Move throttle
control

Prime

Connect to
electric
cord

Figure 11

Attach

Pull rope

TO STOP ENGINE

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

9

spark

plug