Yard-Man 31AE9P3I801 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual
Two Stage
Snow Thrower
33" Model Shown
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.
ForUSCustomers:MTD LLC, P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
ForCanadian Customers: MTD Products Ltd., P. O. BOX1386, KITCHENEB,ONTARION2G4J1
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 769-01206A
(4/2005)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content CustomerSupport
ImportantSafeOperationPractices
Assembly
KnowingYourSnowThrower OperatiingYourSnowThrower
Page Content Page
2 Ajustments 12 3 Maintenance 13
5 Servicing 15 8 Off-Season Storage 18
10 Warranty 19
Illustrated Parts List 20
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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 what it says.
Before you start assembling your new snow thrower, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an
authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by standing behind the unit in the operating position and looking down at the dash panel. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model
number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Model Number Serial Number Num#ro de module Num#ro de s#rier
XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
Copy the model number here:
&I_R'_'_ Rm_&I&_CLEVELAND, OH 44136
T_MI[._'M_N_IfMTD PRODUCTS LIMITED
........... _H_ KITCHENER, ON N2G 4Ji
USA-www.mtdproducts.com 1-800-800-7310
CAN-www.mtdcanada,com 1-800-668-1238
MTD LLC
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturntheunittotheretailerfromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call a Customer Support Representataive.
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.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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 symboliheed 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.
Training
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 foreign objects which could be tripped over or thrown by the auger/impeller.
2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown 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 control handle 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 oryour 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
1/2inch 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 the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger control handle is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The control handle 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 odorless and deadly gas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnowthrowingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Toavoidproperty
damageorpersonalinjurycausedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmhold
onthehandles.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe engine,disconnectthesparkplugandgrounditagainst
theengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengagethecontrolhandleandstopenginebeforeyou leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Wait untiltheaugercomestoacompletestopbefore uncloggingthedischargechute,makingany adjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector openings.Alwaysuseaclearingtooltounclogthe dischargeopening.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe manufacturer.
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual, usecareandgoodjudgment.Callcustomerassistance
forthenameofyournearestservicingdealer.
MaintenanceAndStorage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
2. Disengage the control handle and stop engine. Wait until the auger/impeller come 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 controls 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/impeller.
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.
YourResponsibility:
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.
eNEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CAN
AMPUTATE HANDS AND FINGERS.
OSTOP ENGINE ANDAUGERBEFOREUSING
CLEAN-OUTTOOL OR STICK.
SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
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.
LooseParts
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear pins and bow tie cotter pins. If you hit a
foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is
designed so that the pins may shear. Two replacement shear pins and cotter pins are provided for your convenience. See Figure 1. Store
these safely until needed.
Cotter
_L Shear Pins
Figure 1
IMPORTANT: NEVER replace the auger shear pins with
standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger gearbox or other components from using standard bolts will not be covered by your snow thrower's warranty.
ItemsRequiredForAssembly
1. Pair of pliers
2. Engine oil
3. Fresh gasoline
BeforeAssembly
_, WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
NOTE: Reference to the right hand or left hand side of
machine are observed from the operating position.
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
AssemblingHandle
Remove the lower plastic wing nut, cupped washer
and carriage bolt from each side of the lower
handle. See Figure 2.
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle.
Look at the lower rear of the snow thrower frame to
be sure all the cables are aligned with the cable
roller guides. Make sure the spring (found at the
end of each cable) is attached to its actuator bracket.
Upper Handle
Steering Cable
Tighten these
Wing
Lower Handle
Cable Tie_
_,Upper Shift Rod
Shift Rod
Con nector
\
\
Cupped
Washer
Wing
L_owerNut
Shift Rod
NOTE: Support Tubes are omitted from the illustration for clarity.
Figure 2
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage bolts previously removed.
Tighten the two wing nuts already in place on the upper holes and secure the handles firmly.
Slide the shift rod connector down over the end of
the lower shift rod. Tap the connector until it locks over the lower shift rod. See Figure 2.
Carriage
Bolt
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to change speeds or direction.
AttachingtheChuteAssembly
NOTE: Your chute assembly may or may not be
assembled. If # requires assembly use the following instructions.
With the hex nuts loosened on the lower chute crank bracket (see Figure 5) adjust the bracket so
that the spiral on the chute crank fully engages the teeth on the chute assembly. Tighten the nuts on the lower chute crank bracket securely.
j Chute Assembly
Hex Screw
\
Hex Lock Nut
Chute Flange
j._ J-f
Place chute assembly over chute opening, with the opening inthe chute assembly facing the front of
the unit. Place chute flange keepers beneath lip of
chute assembly, with the flat side of chute flange keeper facing downward.
Insert hex cap screws up through chute flange keeper and chute assembly as shown in Figure 3. Secure with hex flange Iocknuts. Tighten with two 7/16" wrenches. Do not over tighten.
Keeper
Figure 3
\ Chute Directional
_C ontrol
Chute / _ "-_ _/'-----_
Lower Chute__ Bracklet-_ r _ _/ --_
Figure 5
The cable ties normally are loosely installed on each side of the lower handle at the factory. Pull the cable ties tight to secure. Trim excess from the
ends of cable ties.
If not already attached, slip the cables that run from the handle panel to the discharge chute into the cable guide located on top of the engine. See Figure 6.
Cables Cable
__2
Lock Nuts
Guide
AttachingChuteCrank
Remove the hairpin clip from the upper chute crank and slide the upper chute crank through the upper
chute crank bracket and into the lower chute crank. A pair of pliers may help in this job.
Upper Chute Crank
/
r er Chute
_ Crank Bracket
_''Hairpin Clip
_Lower Chute Crank
4
Figure 4
Align the two holes on both chute cranks and secure with the hairpin clip removed earlier. See Figure 4.
Figure 6
Wrap the wire from the head lamp down the right
handle until the wire can be plugged into the
alternator lead wire under the fuel tank.
Alternator Lead
NOTE: Wheels are omitted from illustration for clarity.
Figure 7
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to
the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip.
Use the clean-out tool to clear snow and ice which may lodge in the discharge chute during operation.
Refer to the Operation section for more detailed information regarding the chute clean-out tool.
FinalAdjustments
Make these final adjustments before operating your snow thrower for the first time. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause damage to the snow thrower.
WheelDriveControl& Shift Lever
Perform the following test to determine need for adjustment:
Move the shift lever into sixth (6) position. See Figure 11.
With the drive control released, push the snow
thrower forward, then pull it back. The machine
should move freely.
Engage the drive control and attempt to move the machine both forward and back, resistance should be felt.
Move the shift lever into the fast reverse (R2) position and repeat the previous two steps.
If you experienced resistance rolling the unit, either when repositioning the shift lever from 6 to R2 or when attempting to move the machine with the drive control released, adjust the drive control immediately. To adjust, proceed as follows:
Loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread the cable one full turn.
Recheck adjustment.
Retighten the jam nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE: For more details, refer to Wheel Drive Control Adjustment in the Adjustment Section of this manual
_ ARNING: Do not over-tighten the cable.Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the
snow thrower.
In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower engine as instructed on page 10. Make sure the
throttle is set in the fast position.
While standing in the operator's position (behind the snow thrower) engage the auger.
Allow the auger to remain engaged for approximately ten seconds before releasing the auger control. Repeat this several times.
With the engine running in the fast position and the auger control lever in the disengaged "up" position,
walk to the front of the machine.
Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows no signs of motion.
IMPORTANT:If the auger shows any signs of rotating, immediately return to the operator's position and shut
off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
readjusting the auger control cable.
To readjust the control cable, unhook the spring
(found on the end of the auger cable) from the
auger actuator bracket. See Figure 9.
Push the cable coupler through the end of the spring to expose the lock nut. See Figure 10.
Thread the lock nut outward (down the coupler) three full turns to provide more slack in the cable and reattach the spring to the bracket.
Repeat auger control test to verify for proper adjustment. Repeat previous steps to adjust more,
if necessary.
AugerControl
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
When the auger control is released and in the disengaged "up" position, the cable should have
very little slack, but should NOT be tight. See
Figure 8.
/
Figure 8
Auger Auger
Spring Actuator Bracket
Figure 9
Cable
Spring
Coupler
Tire Pressure (PneumaticTires) The tires are overinflated for shipping purposes.
Check tire pressure. Maintain pressure between 10 and 14 psi.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in all tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other.
\ \ \
Figure 10
Lock Nut
_ WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstance is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure
should be maintained at all times. Excessive pressure (over 30 psi) when seating beads
may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury.
SECTION3: KNOWINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
_ ARNING" Befamiliar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper operation. Know how tostop the machine and disengage them quickly.
Compare the Figure below with your equipment and be familiar with its controls before starting it.
Headlight
FuelTank ,\ Auger Drive Control
Discharge Chute
Chute Clean-Out Tool_
Wheel DriveControl/ / Shift Lever Auger Control Lock //- Chute Tilt Control
\
Oil Fill \
\ _ Wheel Steering
\ Control
\
\
Chute Crank
Auger --_ Skid Shoe
Figure 11
DriveControl/ AugerControlLock
The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the drive control to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop.
This same lever also locks the auger control so you can operate the chute crank without interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger control is engaged
simultaneously with the drive control, the operator can
release the auger control (on the left handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release the drive control to stop the augers and wheel drive (the auger control
must also be released).
IMPORTANT: Always release the drive control before changing speeds.
AugerControl
The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the auger control to engage the augers. Release to stop the snow throwing
action. The drive control must also be released in order to stop auger.
ShiftLever
/
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle panel and is used to
determine ground speed and direction of travel. It can be moved
into any of eight positions. IMPORTANT:Always release drive
5--
4--
3--
2--
t--
control before changing speeds. Forward: The snow thrower has six
forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is the slowest and position six (6) is
the fastest. Reverse: The snow thrower has two
reverse (R) speeds--R1 isthe slower of the two.
DischargeChute
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.
ChuteCrank
The chute crank is located on the left side of the snow thrower. Use it to
change the direction in which snow is thrown. Avoid targetting persons, animals or cars and buildings.
CLOCKWISE TO DISCHARGE LIEFT
COUNTER CLOCKWISE TO DISCHARGE RIGHT
ChuteTilt Control
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by adjusting the angle of the
chute assembly. Move the chute tilt control forward to decrease the
distance, toward the rear to increase.
WheelSteering Controls The left and right wheel steering
controls are located on the underside of the handles.
Squeeze the right control to turn right; squeeze the
left control to turn left.
NOTE: Operate the snow thrower in open areas until
you are familiar with these controls.
Skid Shoe The skid shoe position is determined by the condition of
the ground from where snow has to be removed. Higher the snow level, lower will be the skid shoe. Adjust it accordingly.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
ThrottleControl The throttle control is located on the engine Itregulates
the speed of the engine
SafetyIgnitionKey
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted inthe
switch before the unit will start Remove key when snow
thrower isnot in use Do not attempt to turnthe key
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is designed to clear a clogged discharge chute. Refer to page 11 for instructions on it.
_ ARNING: Never use your hand to clear aclogged discharge chute. Shut off engine and
remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
BeforeStarting
Read and understand all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.
Gas&OilFill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed inthe separate engine manual shipped with the snow thrower.
_ WARNING" Use extreme care whenhandling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes an other sources of ignition.
ToStartEngine
NOTE: If un# shows any sign of motion (drive or augers) with the clutch grips disengaged, shut engine off immediately. Readjust as instructed in the Final Adjustments in the Assembly Section.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position. See Figure
6.
Move throttle control up to FAST position.
Insert ignition key into slot. Be certain it snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
ElectricStarter(optional)
WARNING: 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. It must be used with a properly grounded three-prong receptacle at all
times to avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician ifyou
are not certain. If your house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter under any conditions. If your 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: Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug the other end of power cord into a three-hole, grounded 120 volt AC receptacle.
Rotate choke knob to ON position.
Push primer button three times, as instructed in the engine
manual, making sure to cover
vent hole when pushing.
Push starter button on top of the engine to crank engine. As you crank the engine, move choke
knob 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 first and then from
the snow thrower.
RecoilStarter
Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position instead of FULL.
Push primer button two or three times. If engine is warm, push primer button once only. Always cover vent hole in primer button when pushing. At temperatures below 15°F, additional priming may be necessary.
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 the previous steps until engine starts.
To
StopEngine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.
To prevent possible freeze-up of starter:
Electric Starter: Connect power cord to switch box
on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the
engine running, push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound
made by spinning the starter will not harm engine
or starter. Disconnect the power cord from recepta- cle 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
Prime1_ 't
Vent Hole
\
10
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