MTD 31A-050-706 User manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OPER roR's UAL
Electric Snow Thrower mModel 050
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019
PrintedInUSA FormNo.769-07058A
(JuLy14,2011)

ToTheOwner 1
ThankYou
Thank you for purchasing an MTD Electric Snow Thrower. It was
carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when
properly operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us
directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6
Operation ................................................................. 8
Maintenance & Adjustment ................................. 10
Service ..................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting ..................................................... 12
illustrated Parts List ............................................... 14
Warranty .................................................. Back Cover
RecordProductinformation
Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing on the left side of the snow thrower
and looking at the belt cover. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.
MODEL NUMBER
D[3f-l[3fl[3fl[3fl[3D
SERIALNUMBER
D[31313131313131313D
CustomerSupport
Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com
0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]
0 Write to MTD LLC • EO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices 2
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 symbol, HEED ITS WARNING!
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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: When using electric snow throwers, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury. These basic
precautions include the following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
DoubleInsulatedSnowThrower
Double insulation is a concept in the safety of electric snow throwers, which eliminates the need for the usual
three-wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system. Wherever there is electric current in the
snow thrower, there are two complete sets of insulation to protect the user. All exposed metal parts are isolated
from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation.
Servicing of a snow thrower with double insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and
should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For repair service we suggest you take the snow
thrower to your nearest authorized service dealer. Always use original equipment manufacturer's (OEM)
replacement parts when servicing.
BeforeOperating
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls
and proper use of the unit.
2. Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
3. Keep children and other bystanders away. All visitors
should be kept a safe distance from work area.
4. Children under the age of 15 must not use the unit;
properly trained older teens may operate the unit with
adult supervision.
5. Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Make
sure all fasteners are in place and secure. Replace snow
thrower parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any
way.
6. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
7. Thoroughly inspect the area where the snow thrower is to
be used. Remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, debris,
and other foreign objects which may be thrown by the
snow thrower.
8. Make sure the auger will spin freely before using the unit.
9. Dress properly. Wear adequate winter outer garments.
Wear heavy, long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve
shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants,
sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
10. Wear footwear that doesn't leak when operating the snow
thrower and that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
Wear rubber boots.
11. Never attempt to make adjustments while the motor is
running.
12. Let the motor and unit adjust to outdoor temperatures
before starting to clear snow.
13. Always wear safety glasses/shields or goggles at all times
during operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be
thrown from the machine.
14. When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
Replace or repair damaged cords.

i_ WARNING:Topreventelectricshockuseonlywith
anextensioncordsuitableforoutdooruse.
15. CORDSETS:Pleaseseeyourdealerfortheappropriated
extensioncordtousewiththisproduct.Makesureyour
cordsetisingoodcondition,withacordthatisheavy
enoughtocarrythecurrentthatyourunitwilldraw.
Anundersizedcordsetwillcauseadropinlinevoltage
resultinginalossofpower,aswellasoverheating.The
tableshownaboveillustratesthecorrectsizetouse
dependingonthecordlengthandnameplateamperage
rating.Ifindoubt,usethenextheaviersizelinegauge.The
smallerthegaugenumber,theheavierthecord.Toprevent
thecordfromdisconnectingfromtheunit,usethecord
hookshownintheOperatingInstructions.
MINIMUMWIRESIZEFOREXTENSIONCORDS
FOR120VOLTAPPLIANCESUSING10-12AMPS
CordLength(ft.) 25 50 100 150
WireSize(AWG) 16 16 14 12
16. Adataplateonyourunitindicatesthevoltageused.Never
connecttheunittoanACvoltagethatdiffersfromthis
voltage.
17. Inspectallextensioncordsandtheunitpowerconnection
periodically.Lookcloselyfordeterioration,cutsorcracks
intheinsulation.Alsoinspecttheconnectionsfordamage.
Repairorreplacethecordsifanydefectsappear.
18. Topreventdisconnectionofsnowthrowercordfromthe
extensioncordduringoperation,
a. Makeaknotasshown,or
b. Usethecordretainerdescribedinthismanual
CordSet Appliance
Cord
18. When cleaning, inspecting or repairing the unit, make
certain the auger and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the extension cord to prevent accidental
starting.
19. Do not abuse the extension cord. Never carry the snow
thrower by the cord or yank on the cord to disconnect it
from the receptacle.
20. Keep the extension cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges to prevent damage.
21. If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while
it is plugged in, pull the extension cord from the wall
receptacle.
22. Prevent any possible disconnection of the cord receptacle
from the extension cord during operation by using the
cord retainer and guide bar. Refer to the Set-Up section.
23. Avoid accidental starting. Don't carry a plugged-in snow
thrower with your finger on the switch. Be sure switch is off
when plugging in the unit.
24. Always unplug the unit and allow it to cool before putting
it into storage. Store indoors.
25. Always unplug the unit when not in use, and before
performing any maintenance or repairs.
While Operating
I. Walk, never run.
2. Be sure the snow thrower is not in contact with anything
before starting the unit.
3. Stay away from the discharge opening at all times. Keep
face, hands, and feet away from concealed moving or
rotating parts.
4. Be attentive when using the snow thrower, and stay alert
for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards or traffic.
5. Do not use on a gravel surface or crushed rock surfaces.
Use extreme caution when crossing gravel/crushed rock
drives, walks, or roads.
6. Clear snow from slopes by going up and down. Never go
across the slope. Use caution when changing directions.
Never clear snow from steep slopes.
7. Never attempt to use the snow thrower on a roof or any
steep, inclined, slippery surfaces.
8. Never operate snow thrower without proper guards, plates
or other safety protective devices in place, and in working
order.
9. Never operate the snow thrower near glass enclosures,
automobiles, trucks, window wells, dropoffs, etc. without
proper adjustment of the snow discharge angle. Keep
children and pets away.
I O. Don't force or overload the snow thrower. The snow
thrower will perform at its best and safest when it is run at
the rate for which it was designed.
1I. Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up.
12. Never direct discharge towards people or allow anyone in
front of the unit while operating.
13. Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as meeting
ANSI Z87.1 standards when operating this unit.
14. Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
15. Avoid accidental starting. Remain in the starting position
whenever starting the unit. The operator and unit must be
in a stable position while starting. See Starting/Stopping
Instructions.
4, I SECTION2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

16.
17.
18.
19.
Usethe right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance.
Always hold both hands on the upper handle when
operating the unit. Keep a firm grip on upper handle.
Do not use the unit in the hand held position. Do not pick
up the unit when it is powered and running. The unit is
designed to travel on the ground. The lower lift handle is
only provided to assist in picking up or carrying the unit
when it is not plugged in.
20. Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all moving
parts. Do not touch or try to stop the auger when it is
rotating.
21. If the auger will not rotate freely due to frozen ice, thaw
the unit thoroughly before attempting to operate it under
power.
22. Keep the auger clear of debris.
23. Never attempt to clear the auger with the motor running.
Turn the motor off first and unplug the extension cord.
24. Keep clothing and body parts away from the auger.
25. Do not operate the motor faster than the speed needed.
Do not run the motor at high speed when not clearing
snow.
26. Always stop the motor when clearing snow is delayed or
when walking from one location to another.
27. Disengage power to the auger when snow thrower is
transported or not in use.
28. After striking a foreign object, turn the unit off and inspect
the snow thrower for damage. Unplug the unit. Repair
damage before restarting and operating the unit.
29. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the unit
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally
a warning of trouble.
30.
31.
32.
33.
Stop the motor and unplug the unit whenever you leave
the operating position, before unclogging the auger, and
when making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections.
Never discharge snow onto public roads or near moving
traffic.
Let the snow thrower run for a few minutes after clearing
snow so moving parts do not freeze.
Use only original equipment manufacturer replacement
parts and accessories for this unit. These are available from
your authorized service dealer. Use of any unauthorized
parts or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user
or damage to the unit, and void your warranty.
OtherSafetyWarnings
I. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
2. Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high to prevent
unauthorized use or damage, out of the reach of children.
3. Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris. Clean
after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.
4. If the labels on the unit become defaced or start lifting off,
contact your authorized service dealer.
5. Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them
to instruct other users. If you loan someone this unit, also
loan them these instructions.
6. Maintain snow throwers with care. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
SECTION2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

SafetySymbols
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.
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 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: 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.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6ISECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Assembly&Set-Up 3
Contents of Carton
One Electric Snow Thrower
One Chute Assembly
One Upper Handle
One Electric Snow Thrower
Operator's Manual
One Mid Handle
One Product Registration Card
NOTE:All references to the left and right side of the snow
thrower are from the operator's position behind the snow
thrower.
ToolsRequiredfor Assembly
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Unpacking the Unit
1. Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides flat on the
ground. Remove all packing inserts.
2. Lift the upper handle and mid handle up and off the snow
thrower. See Fig. 3-1.
HandleAssembly
1. Install the strain reliever on the mid handle. See Fig. 3-2.
2.
f
Figure 3=2
NOTE:The flared area on the lower portion of the mid
handle must face forward throughout the assembly.
Attach the upper handle to the mid handle using one
carriage screw and handle knob on each side. See Fig. 3-3.
3.
Figure 3-1
Make certain the carton has been completely emptied
before discarding it.
Carriage Bolt
age Bolt
Handle Knobs
Figure 3=3
NOTE: Make sure the cord is routed behind the handle
assembly.

3. Ensurethatthecordretainerisonthemidhandle's
crossbar.RefertoFig.3-2.
4. Placethemidandupperhandlesontothelowerhandle.
SeeFig.3-4.
Carriage Bolt
age Bolt
Handle
Figure 3-4
5, Insert wing knobs and carriage bolt and tighten to secure
upper handle and mid handle to the lower handle. See Fig.
3-4.
6. Secure motor cord to cable guide. See Fig. 3-5.
ChuteAssembly
Remove the four screws securing the front cover to the
auger housing. Remove the front cover and the chute. See
Fig. 3-6.
F
Chute Assembly,,,_
Front Cove
Screw
2,
Figure 3-6
Remove the wing knob, bell washer and bolt from the left
side of the chute. See Fig. 3-7.
Figure 3-5
NOTE:The motor cord runs behind the upper handle.
3,
4.
Figure 3-7
Pivot the upper chute upwards and over the lip and the top
of the lower chute.
Reinstall the wing knob, bell washer and bolt.
NOTE: When installing the bell washer the concave (or
cupped) side of the washer must be installed facing the in
towards the chute.
8 I SECTION2-- ASSEMBLY&SET-UP

5. Install the chute in the auger housing with the handle
facing towards the rear of the snow thrower. See Fig. 3-8.
Figure 3-8
6. Re-install the front cover with the four screws removed in
step 1.See Fig. 3-9.
Chute Assembl,
Front Cover
Screw
Figure 3-9
ConnectingExtension Cord
NOTE: Do not plug your extension cord into the power source
receptacle (outlet) prior to routing it through the cord retainer
and connecting the extension cord to the snow thrower's power
cable.
To properly route your extension cord through the strain reliever:
1. Approximately 14 to 16 inches from its end, crease your
extension cord to form a tight loop.
2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the strain
reliever.
3. Position the loop over the clips found on the strain reliever
and pull down until the cord fits snugly into the clip. See
Fig. 3-10.
F
4.
Figure 3-10
NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord. A lO0-foot,
14-gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16-gauge
cord is acceptable. Refer to the small chart found in Safe
Operation Practices.
NOTE:The strain reliever reduces strain on the extension
cord so that it does not come unplugged during operation.
Plug the snow thrower power cable into the extension
cord. See Fig. 3-10.
SECTION 2 -- ASSEMBLY&SET-UP 9

Controls& Features 4
Motor
Control
Lever
Strain
Power
Chute
Discharge Chute Handle Lift Handle
Lower
Handle
Auger
Figure 4=1
WARNING. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
MotorControl Lever
WARNING! The motor control lever is a safety
device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.
The motor control lever is located on the upper handle. The motor
control lever engages and disengages the motor and auger.
Key
The key isa safety device. It must be fully inserted in order for the
motor to start. Remove the key when the snow thrower is not in use.
ChuteHandle
Rotate the discharge chute left or right using the chute handle.
Strain Reliever
The strain reliever is located on the middle handle of the snow
thrower. The strain reliever reduces strain on the extension cord
so that it does not come unplugged during operation.
Auger
When engaged, the auger rotation draws snow into the auger
housing and throws it out the discharge chute. Rubber paddles
on the auger also aid in propelling the snow thrower as they
come in contact with the pavement.
StarterButton
The starter button is located on the upper handle of the snow
thrower. Engaging the motor control lever with the starter
button pressed will start the snow thrower.
DischargeChute
The pitch of the discharge chute controls the angle at which the
snow is thrown. Loosen the wing knob on the side of the discharge
chute before pivoting the discharge chute upward or downward.
Retighten the knob once the desired position has been achieved.
Circuit BreakerResetButton
The snow thrower is equipped with an circuit breaker reset
button, located on the motor control. This button may pop
out when too much strain is placed on the motor. Refer to the
Maintenance & Adjustments Section to reset this button.