Yard-Man 31AE553F401, 31AE573H401 User Manual

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OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Models 31AE553F401 31AE573H401

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 forestcovered, 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

 

(7/98)

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

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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 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.

ANDCLOTHING.AWAY KEEPHANDS,FEET ROTATINGAUGERAVOIDINJURYFROM

DANGER

WARNING

1.STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING 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

5.REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR FULL INSTRUCTIONS

3396MW

Safety Labels found on your unit.

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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

Copy the serial number here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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Yard-Man 31AE553F401, 31AE573H401 User Manual

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

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

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.

Wing Nut,

Cupped

Upper

Washer,

 

Handle

 

Carriage

Bolt

Lower Handle

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

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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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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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.

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SECTION 6: CONTROLS

Auger

Drive

Clutch

Throttle

Control

Choke

ignition Switch

Headlight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shut-Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starter

 

Chute

 

 

Shift

 

 

 

 

 

Primer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tilt

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control

Lever

 

 

 

 

 

Lever

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chute

 

 

 

Electric Cord

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.

Figure 10

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

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

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.

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.

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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: 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 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.

TO START ENGINE

(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.

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.

Push starter button

Insert

 

Prime

Attach spark

key

 

 

plug

 

 

Rotate

Connect to

electric

choke

cord

Move throttle

Pull rope

control

Figure 11

TO STOP ENGINE

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

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