MTD Pro 31AM63FE529 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Adjustments • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
PRINTED IN U.S.A. MTD Products Ltd., P. O. Box 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT.
Two-Stage Snow Thrower
769-04119A
7/20/09

2
Finding and Recording Model Number
Table of Contents
BEFORE YOU START ASSEMBLING
YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,
please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the
model number and the serial number to the sample model
plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by
standing at the operating position and looking down at the
frame.
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.
Safety Labels ...................................................... 3
Safe Operation Practices................................... 4
Setting Up Your Snow Thrower.......................... 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower........................... 8
MakingAdjustments ......................................... 12
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower...................... 14
Off-Season Storage.......................................... 17
Trouble Shooting .............................................. 18
Warranty ............................................................ 19
Illustrated Parts Lists....................................... 21
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
1-800-668-1238
XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX
Model Number
Numéro de modèle
Serial Number
Numéro de série
www.mtdcanada.com
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased,
without first contacting Customer Support.
Customer Support
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit,
you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
1. Visit www.mtdcanada.ca for many useful suggestions, click on Customer Support button.
2. Call a Customer Support Representative at 1-800-668-1238.
3. The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues in terms of performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty, and service. Depending on the engine manufacturer, more information is included in this publication or packed
separately with this product.
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.

3
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before
attempting to assemble and operate.
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running.
There are rotating blades inside.
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running.
There are rotating blades inside.
WARNING— ROTATING AUGER
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing
or chute assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and
feet.
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious
personal injury.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING— ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine’s electric starter in the rain.
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during opera-
tion. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.
1
Safety
Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed, could
endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may
result in personal
injury. When you see
this symbol, HEED
ITS WARNING!
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.

4
2
Safe
Operation
Practices 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 instructions and safe operation practices in this
manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised by
an adult.
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
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and
other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by
the auger/impeller.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle for
all units with electric start engines.
4. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock
surfaces.
5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before
starting to clear snow.
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors
are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline
is spilled on yourself or your clothes, which can ignite. Wash your
skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or
running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch
below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expan-
sion.
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
k. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.
l. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck
or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impel-
ler housing or chute assembly. Contact with the rotating parts
can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and
may cause personal injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions and
automatically return to the disengaged position when released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly.
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. Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not
touch.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions which,
if not followed, could
endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may
result in personal
injury. When you see
this symbol, HEED
ITS WARNING!
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.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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.

5
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while operating
on slopes.
10. Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge towards
windows, walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible property
damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or allow
anyone in front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow
at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles. Walk, never run.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting or
not in use.
15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look down and behind and use care when backing
up.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage
before starting and operating.
17. Disengage all control levers and stop engine before you leave
the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until the
auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before unclogging the
chute assembly, making any adjustments, or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Always use the clean-out tool provided to unclog the discharge
opening. Do not unclog chute assembly while engine is
running. Shut off engine and remain behind handles until all
moving parts have stopped before unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt,
then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will
pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go.
Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains could result.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Call customer assistance for the
name of your nearest servicing dealer.
Clearing a Clogged
Discharge Chute
Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge chute
is the most common cause of injury associated with snowthrowers.
Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:
1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!
2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have stopped
rotating.
3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly. Refer to the maintenance and adjustment sections of
this manual.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine disengage all
control levers and stop the 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.
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. Snowthrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to wear
and damage. For your safety protection, frequently check all
components and replace with original equipment manufac-
turer’s (OEM) 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 neces-
sary.
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.
12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or
leaks. Replace if necessary.
13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
14. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life, have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure
to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way.
Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine
and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with fac-
tory setting of engine governor.
Notice regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may
include the following emission control systems: Engine Modifica-
tion (EM) Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI)
and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING: This machine is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not
be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brushcovered 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.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest
engine authorized service dealer.
2
Safe
Operation
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructions, which
if not followed, could
endanger the per-
sonal safety and/or
property of yourself
and others. Read and
follow all instructions
in this manual before
attempting to operate
this machine. Failure
to comply with these
instructions may
result in personal
injury. When you see
this symbol, HEED
IT’S 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.
06.01.09

6
3
Setting Up
Your Snow
Thrower
NOTE: References to
right or left side of the
snow thrower are deter-
mined from behind the
unit in the operating
position.
1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides.
Pull up and back on the upper handle, align the
upper handle with the lower handle. See Figure 3-1.
2. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic wing
knob located on both the left and right sides of the
handle. Remove and discard any rubber bands, if
present. They are for packaging purposes only. See
Figure 3-2.
3. Position the chute assembly over the base, seated
securely on adapter. See Figure 3-3.
4. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers will
click into place when properly secure. See Figure
3-4.
NOTE: If the flange keepers will not easily click into
place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm
pressure to the back of each.
5. Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the end
of the chute directional control. See Figure 3-5.
Insert the end of the chute directional control into
the lower bracket and secure with the flat washer
and hairpin clip just removed. If necessary, the lower
bracket can be adjusted. Refer to Chute Bracket Ad-
justment, in the Adjustment Section of this manual.
IMPORTANT: Prior to operating your snow thrower,
refer to Auger Control Test on page 11. Read and follow
all instructions carefully and perform all adjustments
to verify your snow thrower is operating safely and
properly.
NOTE: Two replace-
ment auger shear pins
are included with this
manual (or stowed
in the plastic handle
panel). Refer to Augers
in the Maintainance
Section for more
information regarding
shear pin replacement.
NOTE: This Operator’s
Manual covers several
models, handle panels,
lights and chute cranks
are some features that
may vary by model.
Not all features refer-
enced in this manual
are applicable to all
snow thrower models.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-1

7
3
Setting Up
Your Snow
Thrower
Clean-Out Tool
WARNING: Never use your hands to
clear a clogged chute assembly. Shut
off engine and remain behind handles
until all moving parts have stopped
before unclogging.
The clean-out tool is mounted to the rear of the auger
housing and is designed to clear a clogged chute. See
Figure 3-7. Refer to page 9 for instructions on how to
properly use it.
NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable tie to the rear
of the auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable tie
before operating the snow thrower.
Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)
The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check
the tire pressure before operating the snow thrower. Refer
to the tire side wall for tire manufacturer’s recommended
psi and deflate (or inflate) the tires as necessary.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may not travel in a straight path and the shave plate
may wear unevenly.
Lamp Wiring Harness (If equipped)
The post on the cable tie attaching the lamp wiring har-
ness to the lower handle should be plugged into the hole
in the lower handle. Pull the slack portion of the wiring
harness through the cable tie to prevent interference with
the recoil starter handle. See Figure 3-7.
Drift Cutters (If Equipped)
Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow
thrower in heavy drift conditions.
• Onmodelssoequipped,driftcuttersandhardware
are assembled to the auger housing inverted.
• Removethecarriageboltsandwingnutssecuringthe
drift cutters to the housing.
• Repositiondriftcutterssotheyfaceforwardasshown
in Figure 3-8. Secure with hardware previously
removed, wingnuts should be fastened on the outside
of the housing as shown.
Clean-Out
Tool
IMPORTANT
Prior to operating your
snow thrower, refer
to Auger Control Test
on page 11. Read and
follow all instructions
carefully and perform
all adjustments to verify
your snow thrower is
operating safely and
properly.
Never use your hands
to clean snow and
ice from the chute
assembly or auger
housing.
IMPORTANT
Under any circum-
stance do not exceed
manufacturer’s recom-
mended psi. Equal tire
pressure should be
maintained at all times.
Excessive pressure
when seating beads
may cause tire/rim
assembly to burst
with force sufficient to
cause serious injury.
Refer to sidewall of
tire for recommended
pressure.
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-7
Figure 3-8
If your unit is not equipped with drift cutters, you may
contact Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for
information regarding price and availability.
Snowthrower Model Drift Cutter Kit:
All models OEM-390-679

8
4
Operating
Your Snow
Thrower
Now that you have set up your snow thrower for opera-
tion, get acquainted with its controls and features. These
are described below and illustrated in Figure 4-1. This
knowledge will allow you to use your new equipment to
its fullest potential.
NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more
information on all engine controls, refer to the engine
manual packed with your unit.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located between the handles . Place
the shift lever into any of eight positions to control the
direction of travel and ground speed.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slowest speed.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slower speed.
Know Your Snow Thrower
Choke Control
Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.
Primer
Depressing the primer forces fuel directly into the engine’s
carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting.
Oil Fill
Engine oil level can be checked and oil added through the
oil fill.
Ignition Key
The ignition key is a safety device. Insert key and snap in
place; do not turn ignition key. Pull the key out halfway to
stop the engine. Remove key when the unit is not in use.
WARNING
Figure 4-1 Engine may not be exactly as illustrated.
Engine Controls
Headlight
(optional)
Skid Shoe
Drive Control
Auger Control
Shift Lever
Chute
Assembly
Clean-Out
Tool
Augers
Chute Directional
Control
* Optional
Starter Handle
Oil Drain
Muffler Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick
Electric start button*
Electric Switch Box*
Fuel Fill Cap
Primer
Ignition Key
Throttle
Choke
Shift Lever
(optional)
Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
NOTE: The units
illustrated may vary
slightly from your
unit.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.

9
4
Operating
Your Snow
Thrower
WARNING
The operation of
any snow thrower
can result in foreign
objects being thrown
into the eyes, which
can damage your
eyes severely. Always
wear safety glasses
while operating the
snow thrower, or while
performing any adjust-
ments or repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the snow
thrower while starting
engine or operating
snow thrower. Never
run engine indoors or
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
snow thrower.
Auger Control
The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze
the control grip against the handle to engage the augers
and start snow throwing action. Release to stop.
Drive Control/ Auger Control Lock *
(if equipped)
The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze
the control grip against the handle to engage the wheel
drive. Release to stop.
IMPORTANT: Always release the drive control before
changing speeds. Failure to do so will result in increased
wear on your machine’s drive system.
* On select models, the drive control also locks the auger
control so you can operate the chute directional control
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 both controls to stop the augers and wheel
drive.
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located on left side of the
snow thrower.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Crankclockwisetodischargetotheleft.
• Crankcounterclockwisetodischargetotheright.
Chute Assembly
The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by
changing the angle of the chute assembly. See “Making
Adjustment” Section.
Chute Clean-Out Tool
The clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of
the auger housing with a mounting clip.
1. Release both the auger control and the drive/auger
control lock.
2. Stop the engine by removing the ignition key.
3. Remove the clean-out tool from the mounting clip.
4. Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to
remove any snow and ice in the chute assembly.
5. Re-fasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on
the rear of the auger housing and restart engine.
6. While standing in the operator’s position (behind the
snow thrower), engage the auger control for a few
seconds to clear any remaining snow or ice from the
chute assembly before continuing to clear snow.
WARNING: Never use your hands to
clean snow and ice from the chute
assembly or auger housing.
Skid Shoes
Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions.
Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces. See
“Making Adjustment” Section.
Augers
When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into the
auger housing.
Headlight (optional)
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
AUGER
CONTROL
GO
DRIVE
CONTROL
GO

10
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read
instructions carefully.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Always keep hands and
feet clear of moving parts. Do not use
a pressurized starting fluid. Vapors are
flammable.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
after starting. The engine will not develop full power until
it reaches operating temperatures.
Engines with Starter Handle (non-electric
start)
IMPORTANT: Do not pull the starter handle with engine
running.
Insert ignition key fully into slot. Make sure it snaps1.
into place. DO NOT turn ignition key. The engine
cannot start unless the key is inserted into ignition
switch.
Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit) position.2.
Move choke to the CHOKE position (cold engine3.
start). If engine is warm, place choke in RUN
position.
Push primer three times, making sure to cover vent4.
hole when pushing. If engine is warm, push primer
only once. Always cover vent hole when pushing.
Cool weather may require priming to be repeated.
Pull gently on the starter handle until it begins to5.
resist, then pull quickly and forcefully to overcome
the compression. Do not release the handle and
allow it to snap back. Return rope SLOWLY to
original position. If required, repeat this step.
As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke6.
control to RUN position. If the engine falters, restart
engine and run with choke at half-choke position
for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate the
choke into RUN position.
Engines with Electric Starters
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 prop-
erly grounded three-prong receptacle
at all times to avoid the possibility of
electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric
starter.
WARNING: DO NOT use electric starter
in rain.
Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire1.
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are unsure. If you have a grounded three-prong
receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not have the
proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric starter
under any conditions.
Insert ignition key fully into slot. Make sure it snaps2.
into place. DO NOT turn ignition key. The engine
cannot start unless the key is inserted into
ignition switch.
Plug the extension cord into the electric switch3.
box located on the engine. Plug the other end of
extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded,
AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit) position.4.
Move choke to the CHOKE position (cold engine5.
start). If engine is warm, place choke in RUN
position.
Push primer three times, making sure to cover vent6.
hole when pushing. If engine is warm, push primer
only once. Always cover vent hole when pushing.
Cool weather may require priming to be repeated.
Push starter button to start engine.7. Once the engine
starts, immediately release starter button. Electric
starter is equipped with thermal overload protection;
system will temporarily shut-down to allow starter to
cool if electric starter becomes overloaded.
As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control8.
to RUN position. If the engine falters, restart engine
and run with choke at half-choke position for a short
period of time, and then slowly rotate the choke into
RUN position.
After engine is running, disconnect power cord from9.
electric starter. When disconnecting, always unplug
the end at the wall outlet before unplugging the
opposite end from the engine.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: To avoid unsupervised
engine operation, never leave the engine
unattended while running. Turn the
engine off after use and remove ignition
key
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry
off any moisture on the engine.
Move throttle control to STOP position.1.
Remove the ignition key. Removing the key will2.
reduce the possibility of unauthorized starting of the
engine while equipment is not in use. Keep the key
in a safe place. The engine cannot start without
the ignition key.
Wipe all snow and moisture from the area around the3.
engine as well as the area in and around the drive
control and auger control. Also, engage and release
both controls several times.
WARNING
Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
If your home’s wir-
ing 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, do
not use your snow
thrower’s electric
starter.