Yard-Man 31AE6GKF500 User Manual
Safety • Set-Up • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
Two-Stage Snow Thrower
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnot beusedon or nearany unimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstatelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbythe operator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis requiredbylaw
(Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthe mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
ForUSCustomers:MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. ForCanadianCustomers:MTDProductsLtd.,P.O.BOX1386,KITCHENER,ONTARION2G4J1 769-03501
iMPORTANT
09/20/07
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower, it will help you assemble,
prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Safety Labels ...................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4
Setting UpYour Snow Thrower .......................... 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower ......................... 10
MakingAdjustments ......................................... 14
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
the modelnumber andthe serialnumbertothe sample model
plate providedto the right.You can locatethe model plate by
standing atthe operatingposition and looking downatthe
frame.
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ...................... 16
Off-Season Storage .......................................... 19
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 20
Warranty ............................................................ 21
illustrated Parts Lists ....................................... 22
Model Number Serial Number
Num6ro de mod61e Num6ro de s6rier
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
MTD LLC
PRODUCTS LIMITED
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
USA-www.mtdproducts.com 1-800-800-7310
CAN-www.mtdcanada.com 1-800-668-1238
OH 44136
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,
without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou havedifficulty assemblingthis productor haveanyquestions regardingthecontrols, operation or maintenanceof this unit,
youcan seek helpfromthe experts. Choose from the options below:
1. ForUSCustomers: Visit www.yardman.comfor many usefulsuggestions,click on CustomerSupport button.
ForCanadian Customers: Visit www.yardman.cafor manyusefulsuggestions,click on CustomerSupport button.
2. Call a CustomerSupport Representative,
ForUSCustomers: 1-330-220-4MTD (4683)or 1-800-800-7310
ForCanadianCustomers: 1-800-668-1238
3. The engine manufactureris responsiblefor allengine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty andservice. Please referto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit, for more information.
Pleasehaveyour unit's model number andserial numberreadywhenyou call. See previoussectionto locatethis information.
Youwill be askedto enter theserialnumber in order to processyour call.
2
222
ChuteClean-out
Tool
CS00071
A chute clean-out tool isfastenedto the top
of the auger housingwith a mountingclip. The
tool isdesignedtoclear a chuteassembly of
ice and snow.
Thisitem is fastenedwitha cable tie atthe
factory.Cut the cable tie before operatingthe
snowthrower.
_ WARNING: Never use your
J
,m#
mmmmmmmmm
handsto clear a clogged chute
assembly. Shut off engine and
remain behind handles until
all moving parts havestopped
before using the clean-out tool
to clear the chute assembly.
STOP
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,
ifnot followed, could
endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or
propertyof yourself
and others. Readand
follow all instructions
inthis manual before
_ttempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructionsmay
result inpersonal
injury.When you see
this symbol, HEED
iTS WARNING!
four Responsibility
::restrictthe use
ofthis power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow thewarnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
3
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents, andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the safeoperation practices in this
manual.As with any type of powerequipment,carelessnessor error onthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine is capable of amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryordeath.
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
outimportantsafety
instructionswhich,
ifnotfollowed, could
endangerthe per-
sonalsafetyand/or
propertyof yourself
andothers.Readand
followallinstructions
inthismanualbefore
attemptingto operate
thismachine.Failure
i to complywiththese
instructionsmay
; resultin personal
injury.Whenyou see
this symbol, HEED
iTS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
I andfollow the warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
Training
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson the
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthis manualina safe placefor
futureandregularreferenceandfor orderingreplacement
parts.
2. Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowto stopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsold andovershouldreadand
understandtheinstructionsandsafeoperationpractices
inthismanualand onthemachineandbetrainedand
supervisedbyan adult.
4. Neverallowadultsto operatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
5. Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Plan
yoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargeof material
towardroads,bystandersandthe like.
6. Keepbystanders,helpers,petsandchildrenat least75feet
fromthe machinewhileit isin operation.Stopmachineif
anyoneentersthearea.
7. Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling,especially
whenoperatingin reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto be
used.Removealldoormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,
wiresand otherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetripped
overor thrownbythe auger/impeller.
2. Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldsduring
operationandwhileperforminganadjustmentor repair
toprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjectswhich ricochetcan
causeseriousinjurytothe eyes.
3. Do notoperatewithoutwearingadequatewinteroutergar-
ments.Donotwearjewelry,longscarvesor otherloose
clothing,whichcouldbecomeentangledin movingparts.
Wearfootwearwhichwillimprovefootingonslippery
surfaces.
4. Useagroundedthree-wireextensioncordand receptacle
forall unitswithelectricstartengines.
5. Adjustcollectorhousingheightto cleargravel orcrushed
rocksurfaces.
6. Disengageallcontrolleversbeforestartingthe engine.
7. Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhileengineis
running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe
operator'smanual.
8. Letengineandmachineadjusttooutdoortemperature
beforestartingtoclearsnow.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecare
in handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe
vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhen
gasolineisspilled onyourselfor yourclothes,whichcanignite.
Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
c. Neverfuelmachineindoors.
d. Neverremovegascap oraddfuelwhilethe engineis hot
or running.
e. Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefuel-
ing.
f. Neveroverfill fueltank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffiller neckto providespacefor fuel
expansion.
g. Replacegasolinecap andtightensecurely.
h. If gasolineis spilled,wipe itoff theengineand equip-
ment.Movemachinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutes
beforestartingtheengine.
i. Neverstorethe machineorfuel containerinside where
there isan openflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,
waterheater,spaceheater,clothesdryeretc.).
j. Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.
4
Operation
1. Donot puthandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,inthe
auger/impellerhousingor chuteassembly.Contactwiththe
rotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.
2. The auger/impellercontrolleveris asafetydevice.Never
bypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe machineunsafe
andmaycausepersonalinjury.
3. The controlleversmustoperateeasilyin bothdirections
andautomaticallyreturntothe disengagedpositionwhen
released.
4. Neveroperatewitha missingor damagedchuteassembly.
Keepall safetydevicesinplaceandworking.
5. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in apoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causea burn.Do
nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertfor hiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperat-
ingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargetowards
windows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossibleproperty
damageor personalinjury causedby aricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand petsor
allow anyoneinfrontofthe machine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto clear
snowattoofast of arate.
13.Neveroperatethis machinewithoutgoodvisibility or light.
Alwaysbe sureofyourfootingandkeepa firmholdonthe
handles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowerto the auger/impellerwhentransportingor
notinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineat hightransport speedsonslippery
surfaces.Lookdownand behindandusecare when
backingup.
16.Ifthe machineshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engine,disconnectthesparkplugwireand groundit against
the engine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallcontrolleversandstopenginebeforeyou
leavethe operatingposition(behindthe handles).Wait
untilthe auger/impellercomestoa completestopbefore
uncloggingthe chuteassembly,makinganyadjustments,or
inspections.
18.Neverputyourhandin thedischargeor collectoropenings.
Alwaysuse theclean-outtoolprovidedtounclogthe dis-
chargeopening.Donot unclogchuteassemblywhileengine
isrunning.Shut offengineandremainbehindhandlesuntil
all movingpartshavestoppedbefore unclogging.
19.Useonly attachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe
manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
20. Ifsituationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin thismanual,use
careand goodjudgment.Callcustomerassistanceforthe
nameof yournearestservicingdealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir proper
operationregularly.Refertothe maintenanceandadjust-
mentsectionsofthis manual.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspectingmachinedisengage
allcontrolleversandstopthe engine.Waituntilthe
auger/impellercometo a completestop.Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkbolts andscrewsfor propertightnessatfrequent
intervalstokeepthe machineinsafeworkingcondition.
Also,visuallyinspectmachinefor anydamage.
4. Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-speed
theengine.The governorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.
5. Snowthrowershaveplatesandskidshoesaresubjectto
wearanddamage.Foryoursafetyprotection,frequently
checkallcomponentsandreplacewith originalequipment
manufacturer's(OEM) partsonly."Useof partswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Checkcontrolsperiodicallytoverify theyengageand
disengageproperlyandadjust,if necessary.Referto the
adjustmentsectioninthis operator'smanualfor instructions.
7. Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as neces-
sary.
8. Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor gas,oil,
etc.toprotectthe environment.
9. Priorto storing,runmachineafew minutestoclearsnow
frommachineandpreventfreezeupof auger/impeller.
10.Neverstorethemachineorfuel containerinsidewhere
thereisan openflame,sparkor pilotlightsuchas a water
heater,furnace,clothesdryeretc.
11.Alwaysreferto theoperator'smanualforproperinstructions
onoff-seasonstorage.
Do not modify engine
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donot modifyengineinany
way.Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcan leadto a runaway
engineandcauseit tooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamper
withfactorysettingofenginegovernor.
Notice regarding Emissions
Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)
arecertifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmay
includethefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModifica-
tion(EM)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)ifso equipped.
Average Useful Life
Accordingto the ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission
(CPSC)andthe U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),
thisproducthasanAverage UsefulLife ofseven(7)years,or
60hoursof operation.Attheend oftheAverage UsefulLife,
buya newmachineorhavethe machineinspectedannuallyby
anauthorizedservicedealertoensurethat all mechanicaland
safetysystemsare workingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.
Failuretodosocanresultin accidents,injuriesordeath.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions,which
if not followed, could
endanger the per-
sonalsafety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this rnanuai before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to complywith these
instructionsmay
result in personal
injury.When you see
this symbol, HEED
IT'S WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
understand
and followthe warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and on the machine.
5
NOTE:Referencesto
rightorleftsideofthe
snowthroweraredeter-
minedfrombehindthe
unitintheoperating
position.
Figure 3-1
IMPORTANT:Thesnowthrowerisshippedwithoil
andWITHOUTGASOLINE.Afterassembly,referto
separateenginemanualfor properfuelandengineoil
recommendations.
1. Observethelowerareaof thesnowthrowerto be sure
bothcablesarealignedwithrollerguides.
a. Pullupand backon upperhandleas shownin
Figure3-1.Alignupperhandlewiththelower
handle.
b. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandleto
lowerhandle.
2. Removewingnutand hexscrewfromchutecontrol
assemblyandclevispinandcotter pinfromchute
supportbracket.SeeFigure3-2.Positionthechute
assembly(forward-facing)overthechutebase.
3. Placechuteassemblyontochutebaseand secure
chutecontrolassemblytochutesupportbracketwith
clevispinandcotterpin removedearlier.SeeFigure
3-3.
NOTE:ThisOperator's
Manualcoversseveral
models,handlepanels,
lightsandchutecranks
aresomefeaturesthat
mayvarybymodel.
Notallfeaturesrefer-
encedinthismanual
areapplicabletoall
snowthrowermodels.
NOTE:Tworeplace-
mentaugershearpins
areincludedwiththis
manual(orstowed
i intheplastichandle
panel).RefertoAugers
, intheMaintainance
i Sectionformore
informationregarding
shearpinreplacement.
Figure 3=2
Figure 3=3
6
4. Finishsecuringchutecontrolassemblytochute
supportbracketwithwingnutandhexscrewremoved
earlier.SeeFigure3-4.
Setting U p
5. Checkthatall cablesareproperlyroutedthroughthe
cableguideon topofthe engine.SeeFigure3-5.
Theextensioncordis fastenedwitha cabletieto the rear
ofthe augerhousingforshippingpurposes.Cutthecable
tieand removeit beforeoperatingthesnowthrower.
CAUTION:Priorto operating your
snowthrower, referto AugerControl
Teston page13. Readand follow all
instructionscarefully,and performall
adjustments to verify your snowthrower
isoperating safely and properly.
Figure 3=4
Figure 3=5
CAUTION
Priorto operating
your snow thrower,
refer to Auger Control
Test on page 13.
Read and follow all
instructionscare-
fully and perform all
adjustments to verify
your unit is operating
safely and properly.
Shear Pin Storage (optional)
An areaforconvenientshearpin storageis locatedunder
theplasticdashpanel.SeeFigure3-6.
/
/Y
,%
Figure 3=6
7
WARNING
Neveruseyourhands
to cleansnowand
icefromthe chute
assemblyorauger
housing.
Figure 3=7
Drift Cutters (If Equipped)
Driftcuttersshouldbeusedwhenoperatingthesnow
throwerinheavydriftconditions.
Onmodelssoequipped,driftcuttersand hardware
areassembledto theaugerhousinginverted.See
Figure3-7.
• Removethecarriageboltsandwingnutssecuringthe
driftcutterstothe housing.
• Repositiondriftcutterssotheyfaceforwardas shown
in Figure3-8.Securewithhardwarepreviously
removed,wingnutsshouldbefastenedon theoutside
ofthe housingasshown.
If yourunit isnot equippedwithdrift cutters,youmay
contactCustomerSupportas instructedonpage2 for
informationregardingpriceand availability.
SnowthrowerModel Drift CutterKit:
Allmodels 0EM-390-679
iMPORTANT
Underany circum-
stance do not exceed
manufacturer'srecom-
mendedpsi. Equaltire
pressureshouldbe
maintainedat all times.
i Excessivepressure
whenseatingbeads
maycausetire/rim
assemblyto burst
with forcesufficientto
cause seriousinjury
Referto sidewallof
tirefor recommended
pressure.
Figure 3=8
8
Clean=Out
Tool
Clean-Out Tool
Theclean-outtool ismountedtotherearof theauger
housingandis designedtocleara cloggedchute.Refer
topage11for instructionson howtoproperlyuseit.
NOTE: This itemisfastenedwithacabletie to therear
ofthe augerhousingatthefactory.Cutthecabletie
beforeoperatingthesnowthrower.
Figure 3-9
_ ARNING:Neveruse yourhandsto
_jJ_
clean snowand ice from the chute
assembly or auger housing.
Lamp Wiring Harness (If equipped)
Theposton the cabletie attachingthelampwiring
harnessto the lowerhandleshouldbe pluggedintothe
holeinthelowerhandle. Pullthe slackportionofthe
wiringharnessthroughthecabletieto preventinterfer-
encewiththe recoilstarterhandle.
ThrOWer
WARNING
Never use your hands
to clean snow and
ice from the chute
assembly or auger
housing,
Figure 3-10
Skid Shoes
Positiontheskidshoesbasedon surfaceconditions. 1.
Adjustupwardforhard-packedsnow.Adjustdownward
whenoperatingon gravelorcrushedrocksurfaces.See 2.
"MakingAdjustment"Section.
Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)
Thetiresareover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Check
thetire pressurebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.Refer
tothe tiresidewallfor tiremanufacturer'srecommended
psianddeflate(or inflate)thetiresas necessary.
NOTE:Ifthetire pressureisnot equalinbothtires, the
unitmaynottravelina straightpathandtheshaveplate
maywearunevenly.
General Recommendations
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforming
anymaintenance.
Thewarrantyon thissnowthrowerdoesnotcover
itemsthathavebeensubjectedtooperatorabuse
or negligence.Toreceivefullvaluefromwarranty,
operatormustmaintainthe snowthroweras
instructedhere.
3. Someadjustmentswillhaveto bemadeperiodically
tomaintainyourunitproperly.
4. Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethese
aretight.
i _ i i i
iMPORTANT
Underanycircum:
stance do not exceed
manufactureCs recom_
mended psL EqUaltire
pressure shouldbe
maintainedat alltimes:
Excessive pressure
when seating beads
may causetireirim
assembly toburSt
with forcesufficientto
cause seriousinjuryl
Refer tosidewallof
tire for rec0mmended
pressure:
9
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