MTD 31A-3BAD729 User manual

Safety ,, Assembly ,, Operation ,,Tips &Techniques ,, Maintenance ,,Troubleshooting ,, Parts Lists ,,Warranty
AOA AL
Tw0-Stae n0wThr0wer- els
iMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-00747D
05/2005

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
1. Safety Labels ............................................... 3
2. Safe Operation Practices ............................ 4
3. Setting UpYour Snow Thrower ................... 6
4. Know Your Snow Thrower ........................... 8
5. Operating Your Snow Thrower .................... g
6. Adjustments & Maintenance .................... 12
7. Off-Season Storage ................................... 14
8. Troubleshooting ......................................... 15
g. Parts List .................................................... 16
Warranty ..................................... Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU STARTASSEMBLING
YOURNEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationto the sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe model plateby standing at the operating
position and lookingdown atthe rear ofthe snowthrower.
This informationwill be necessaryto use the manufacturer's
website and/or obtainassistancefromthe CustomerSupport
Departmentor an authorizedservice dealer.
Model Number
_www.rntdproducts.corn
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-220-4683
800-800-7310j
Customer Support
Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If youhave difficulty assemblingthis product or have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,you canseek help from the experts.Choose fromtheoptions below:
1. Visit mtdproducts.com Click onthe Service & Support menuoption.
2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 [phone].
3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit, for more information.
MTD _rit_r_fi_a_ Award Winning _rod_f_ O,_rCc,mp_y
Ser,_ice 8_Supper±
Product. Registration
Priwey P_y
2

1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGAUGER
CONTACTWiTHAUGERCANAMPUTATE
HANDS AND FEET.
2.DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,
ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGOR SERViCiNGMACHINE.
3.TOAVOIDTHROWN OBJECTSiNJURiES,
NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.
USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON
GRAVELSURFACES.
4.READOPERATOR'SMANUAL
3
Safety
WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthepersonal
safetyand/or property
of yourselfandothers.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingtooperate
this machine.Failure
to complywiththese
instructionsmay result
in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
and onthe machine.

WARNING
Thissymbolpoints
out importantsafety
instructionswhich,if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
i safetyand/or property
I ofyourselfand others.
Readandfollowall
instructionsinthis
manualbeforeat-
temptingto operate
i this machine.Failure
I to complywiththese
instructionsmay result
i in personalinjury.When
youseethis symbol.
i HEED ITS WARNING!
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe use
ofthis powermachine
to personswho read,
_understand
ano followthe warnings
and instructions
inthis manual
and on the machine.
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of its constituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machinewas builtto be operatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operation in this
manual.As with anytypeof powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine is capableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.
Training
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe 1.
machineandin themanual(s)beforeattemptingto
assembleandoperate.Keepthismanualinasafe placefor
futureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacement
parts. 2.
2. Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.
Knowhowto stopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldandovershouldreadand
understandtheoperationinstructionsandsafetyrulesin 3.
this manualandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbya
parent.
4. Neverallowadultsto operatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
5. Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Plan 4.
yoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargeof material
towardroads,bystandersandthe like.
6. Keepbystanders,helpers,petsandchildrenatleast75feet 5.
fromthe machinewhileit isin operation.Stopmachineif
anyoneentersthe area. 6.
7. Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling,especially 7.
whenoperatingin reverse.
8,
9.
Preparation
Thoroughlyinspectthe areawherethe equipmentisto be
used.Removealldoormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,
wiresandotherforeignobjects,whichcouldbetrippedover
orthrownbythe auger/impeller.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldsduringoperation
andwhile performinganadjustmentorrepairto protectyour
eyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancause serious
injurytothe eyes.
Do notoperatewithoutwearingadequatewinterouter
garments.Do notwearjewelry,longscarvesorother
looseclothing,whichcould becomeentangledin moving
parts.Wearfootwearwhichwillimprovefootingonslippery
surfaces.
Useagroundedthree-wireextensioncordandreceptacle
forall unitswithelectric startengines.
Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushed
rocksurfaces.
Disengageallcontrolleversbeforestartingthe engine.
Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhileengineis
running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe
operator'smanual.
Letengineandmachineadjusttooutdoortemperature
beforestartingtoclearsnow.
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextreme
careinhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammable
andthe vaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclothes,
whichcanignite.Washyourskinand changeclothes
immediately.
a. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
b. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources
ofignition.
c. Neverfuel machineindoors.
d. Neverremovegascap oradd fuelwhilethe engineis hot
or running.
e. Allowengineto coolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefuel-
ing.
f. Neveroverfillfueltank.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 containerinsidewhere
there isan openflame,sparkor pilot light(e.g.furnace,
waterheater,spaceheater,clothesdryeretc.).
j. Allowmachinetocoolat least5minutesbeforestoring.
4

Operation
1. Donot puthandsorfeet nearrotatingparts,inthe
auger/impellerhousingor chuteassembly.Contactwiththe
rotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.
2. The auger/impellercontrolleveris asafetydevice.Never
bypassitsoperation.Doingso makesthe machineunsafe
andmaycausepersonalinjury.
3. The controlleversmustoperateeasilyin bothdirections
and automaticallyreturntothe disengagedpositionwhen
released.
4. Neveroperatewitha missingor damagedchuteassembly.
Keepall safetydevicesin placeandworking.
5. Neverrunan engineindoorsor in a poorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessand
deadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhile underthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcan causeaburn.Do
nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperat-
ingon slopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargetowards
windows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossibleproperty
damageor personalinjury causedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand petsor
allow anyonein frontofthe machine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacity byattemptingto clear
snowattoofast ofarate.
13.Neveroperatethis machinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.
Alwaysbesureofyourfootingand keepafirm holdonthe
handles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowerto the auger/impellerwhentransportingor
notin use.
15.Neveroperatemachineat hightransportspeedsonslippery
surfaces.Lookdownand behindandusecarewhen
backingup.
16.Ifthe machineshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stopthe
engine,disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundit against
the engine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallcontrolleversandstopenginebeforeyou
leavethe operatingposition (behindthe handles).Wait
untilthe auger/impellercomestoa completestop before
uncloggingthe chuteassembly,makinganyadjustments,or
inspections.
18.Neverputyourhandin thedischargeor collectoropenings.
Alwaysusethe clean-outtoolprovidedtounclogthe dis-
chargeopening.Donot unclogchuteassemblywhileengine
isrunning.Shutoffengineand remainbehindhandlesuntil
all movingpartshavestoppedbeforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe
manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tire chains,cabsetc.).
20. If situationsoccurwhich arenotcoveredin this manual,
usecareand goodjudgment.Contactyourdealeror call
[phone]for assistanceand the nameofyour nearest
servicingdealer..
Maintenance & Storage
1. Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.Refertothe maintenanceandadjust-
mentsectionsofthismanual.
2. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspectingmachinedisen-
gageall controlleversandstopthe engine.Wait untilthe
auger/impellercometoa completestop. Disconnectthe
sparkplugwireandgroundagainstthe engineto prevent
unintendedstarting.
3. Checkboltsand screwsfor propertightnessatfrequent
intervalsto keepthe machinein safeworkingcondition.
Also,visuallyinspectmachineforanydamage.
4. Do notchangethe enginegovernorsettingor over-speed
theengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafe
operatingspeedoftheengine.
5. Snowthrowershaveplatesand skidshoesaresubjectto
wearanddamage.Foryoursafetyprotection,frequently
checkallcomponentsand replacewith originalequipment
manufacturer's(OEM)partsonly."Useof partswhichdo
notmeetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!"
6. Checkcontrolsperiodicallytoverify theyengageand
disengageproperlyandadjust,if necessary.Referto the
adjustmentsectioninthisoperator'smanualfor instructions.
7. Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as neces-
sary.
8. Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,
etc.to protectthe environment.
9. Priorto storing,runmachineafewminutestoclearsnow
frommachineandpreventfreezeupof auger/impeller.
10.Neverstorethe machineorfuel 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 tooperateatunsafespeeds.Nevertamper
withfactorysettingofenginegovernor.
Notice regarding Emissions
Engineswhicharecertifiedto complywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)
arecertifiedtooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,and may
includethefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModifica-
tion(EM)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWO)ifso equipped.
Your Responsibility
Restrictthe useofthispowermachineto personswhoread,un-
derstandand followthe warningsand instructionsin this manual
andonthe machine.
5
Operation
Practices
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
nstructions,which if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
of yourselfand others.
Readand followall
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto comply with
these instructionsmay
result in personalinjury.
Whenyou seethis
symbol.
HEED IT'S WARNING!
YourResponsibility
Restrictthe use
of this powermachine
to personswho read.
understand
and followthe warnings
_ndinstructions
in this manua
and onthe machine.

WARNING
Disconnectthe
spark plugwire
and groundit
against the engine
to prevent
unintendedstarting.
Do not use the
chute handle to lift
the snowthrower.
Referto thetire's
sidewallfor proper
PSiinflation.Equal
tirepressureshould
bemaintainedat all
times.Excessive
ipressurewhenseat=
ingbeadsmaycause
tire/rimassembly
to burstwithforce
sufficient to cause
seriousinjury.
NOTEI
All referencestoleft
orright side of the
snow throweris
operating
position only.
IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwiththeenginefullof
oil.Afterassembly,seepage9forfuelandoil details.
Before Assembly
_ WARNING:Disconnectthe spark plug
wire and Ground itagainst the engine
to prevent unintendedstarting.
NOTE:Referencetoright,left,frontor rearofthe unitis
fromtheoperatingpositionunlessotherwisestated.
1. Cutthecabletiethatsecurestheupperhandleto
thechuteassemblyforshippingpurposes.
Setting Up The Handle
1. Loosenthechuteknobon theupperchute(l) and
pivottheupperchuteupwards(2)asfarasitwillgo.
SeeFigure1.
,_ WARNING:Donot lift the snow thrower by
the chute handle.
Chute Handle
Figure 1J
2. Loosenthehandleknob,saddlewasherandhandle
taboneachsideofthehandle.SeeFigure2.
3. Holdbothcontrolsagainstupperhandleand pullup
asshownin Step1 ofFigure3. Makesurethatthe
upperhandlelocksoverthelowerhandleandhandle
tabsalignwiththehandle.Youmayhavetocarefully
maneuvertheupperhandletoclearchuteassembly.
CAUTION:Be careful notto bend or kink thecable.
4. Tightenthehandleknobsoneachsideofthe
handle.Referto Step2 inFigure3.
5. Adjustupperchuteandrotatechutehandleto
desiredoperatingposition.
6. Tightenthechuteknobon theupperchutemaking
suretheflatwasherandthecarriageboltare
correctlypositioned.Referto Figure1.
f
Clean-Out Tool
Thistoolandtheelectricextensioncord,ifsoequipped,
maybefastenedwitha cabletietotherearoftheauger
housingforshippingpurposes.Inthatcase,cutthe
cabletieand removetheextensioncord now.
Figure 2
Final Adjustments
IMPORTANT:Checktheadjustmentsasinstructedand
makeanyfinaladjustmentsnecessarybeforeoperating
theunit.Checkall nutsandboltsfortightness.Failureto
followtheseinstructionsmaycausedamagetounit.
Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)
Thetiresareover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Check
tirepressureand reducepressure,ifneeded.Referto
thetire'ssidewallfortheproperinflationPSiinformation.
Maintainequalpressureonbothwheelsofsnowthrower.
WARNING:Referto thetire's sidewall
Aor properPSiinflation.Equaltire
pressureshould be maintained at
all times. Excessivepressurewhen
seating beadsmay causetire/rim
assembly to burst with force sufficient Figure 3
6

f
DriveCable
//
Figure 4
\
Figure 5
h Position
MiddlePosition
LowPosition
Figure 6
Skid Shoe
Thespacebetweentheshaveplateandthegroundcan
beadjusted.Referto Figure7 forlocationofshaveplate
andskidshoes.
Forclosesnowremoval,placeskidshoesinthelow
position.Whentheareato beclearedis uneven,place
skidshoesinthemiddleor highposition.See Figure4.
NOTE:Itisnot recommendedthatyouoperatethis
snowthrowerongravelas loosegravelcanbe easily
pickedupand thrownbytheaugercausingpersonal
injuryor damagetothesnowthrower.However,ifyou
havetooperateiton gravel,keeptheskidshoeinthe
highestpositionformaximumclearance.
1. Adjustskidshoesbylooseningtwo hexnutsand
carriageboltsoneachskidshoe,andmovetheskid
shoetothedesiredposition.SeeFigure4.
2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceofskidshoe
isagainstthegroundtoavoidunevenwearonthe
skidshoes.
3. Tightennutsandboltssecurely.
.
.
Routing The Drive Cable
Makesurethatthedrivecane isroutedparallelto
theleftupperhandle,thenacrossthetopof the
lowerhandleandfinallyparalleltothe rightlower
handle. SeeFigure5.
Threecabletieshavebeenusedtolooselytiethe
twocontrolcablesto thelowerhandle.Twoofthese
cabletiesareon eacharm,andthirdon thetop
crossbarofthelowerhandle.Tightenthesecable
tiestosecurethecabletothelowerhandle.See
Figure5.
Adjusting Auger Cable
Periodicadjustmenttotheaugercontrolcablemaybe
requireddueto normalstretchandwearon thebelt.
Adjustmentisneedediftheaugersseemtohesitate
whileturning,buttheenginemaintainsspeed,or
continueturningwiththeaugercontroldisengaged.
1. Loosentherearhexbolton thecableadjustment
bracket. See Figure6.
2. Slidethecableadjustmentbracketbackwards
takingoutthe slackintheaugercable.
3. Retightentherearhexbolt
4. Startengineand verifyaugercontrolengagesand
disengagesproperly.
NOTE:Ifaugercontinuesto rotatewiththecontrol
disengaged,shutoff engineandreadjust.
__i= ARNING: Donotover-tighten the
cable.Over-tightening maypreventthe
auger from disengagingandcompro-
misethe safetyof thesnowthrower.
Setup And
WARNING
Do notOver,tightenthe
cable,Over4ightening
mayprevent the auger
fromdisengagingand
compromisethe safety
of the snowthrower.
IMPORTANT:
Checkthe adjustments
as instructedand make
anyfinaladjustments
necessarybefore
operatingthe unit,
Checkall nuts
boltsfor tightness.
Failuretofollow these
instrUctions maycause
damagetounit
NOTE:
itisnotrecommended
that you operatethis
snowthrowerongravel
loosegrave!can be
easily pickedupand
thrown bythe auger
causing personalinjury
or damageto the snow
thrower: Howeverif
youhaveto Operate
iton gravel;keep the
skid shoe in the highest
positionformaximum
Clearance:
7

Know
WARNING
Befamiliar with
all the controlson
the snowthrower
and their proper
ioperation.Knowhow
tostopthe machine
anddisengagethem
quickly.
Nevermake
adjustments to the
chuteassembly
unlessbothauger
iand drive controlsare
idisengaged andthe
operator isstanding
besidethe unit.
,_ WARNING:Be familiar with all the controls onthe snowthrower and their properoperation.Know
howtostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.
CompareFigure7 withyourequipmentandfollowdescriptionof controls,givenbelow,togetfamiliarwiththeir
operation.
UpperHandle DriveControl
AugerControl
StarterRope
GasolineCap ChuteHandle
UpperChute ChuteKnob
_huteAssembly
Clean-OutTool
Auger
ShavePlate
Throttle Control
Muffler OilFill FuelCap
Spark
Carburetom
SkidShoe
Figure 7
Throttle
Control
Chute Handle
Starter
Handle
Thethrottlecontrolis locatedon theengine.Itregulates
thespeedoftheengineand alsostopstheengine.
Drive Control
Locatedon theundersideof theupperhandle,thedrive
controlisusedtoengage/disengagewheels.Squeeze
thedrivecontrolagainsttheupperhandletoengagethe
wheels;releasetodisengage.
Auger Control
Theaugercontrolisadjacenttotheupperhandle.
Squeezetheaugercontrolagainsttheupperhandleto
engagetheaugers;releasetodisengagetheaugers.
_ARNING:Never makeadjustments to
the chuteassembly unlessboth auger
and drivecontrolsare disengaged and
the operatorisstandingbeside the
unit.
IMPORTANT:RefertoAugerControlTestonpage 10
priortooperatingyoursnowthrower.Readandfollow
all instructionscarefullyandperformalladjustments
toverifyyoursnowthrowerisoperatingsafelyand
properly.
Gasoline Cap
Removegascapto addfuel. Unit runson regulargas.
Oil Drain Primer
Thedirectionofsnowthrowingcorrespondstothe
directionof thechuteopening.Usethechutehandleto
turnthechuteassemblyinthedirectionyouwishtothrow
thesnow.
Chute Knob
Thedistancesnowisthrowncanbeadjustedbyeither
raisingorloweringtheupperchute.Loosenthechute
knobon thesideoftheupperchutetoadjust.Pivotthe
upperchutetodesiredposition,and retightenthechute
knob.
Ignition Key
Theignitionkeyisnecessaryfortheengineto start.
Insertkeyandsnapin place;do notturnitto start/stop
theunit.Removekeywhentheunitisnotinuse.
Shave Plate
Theshave platemaintainscontact with pavementas
the snowthroweris propelled,allowingsnowclose to
pavement'ssurfaceto be discharged.
Skid Shoe
Thespacebetweentheshaveplateandthegroundcan
beadjusted.Forclosesnowremoval,placeskidshoesin
thelowposition.Usemiddleor highpositionwhenareato
beclearedisunevenoron gravelsurfaces.
8

Before Starting Engine
Engine Oil
Theengineisshippedwith oilinit.Checktheoil level
beforefirstuse.
1. Stopengineandwaitseveralminutesbeforechecking
oil level.Removeoilfill capanddipstick.
2. Wipedipstickclean,insertitintooil fill holeand
tightensecurely.
3. Withengineon levelground,oil mustbeto FULLmark
on dipstick. SeeFigure8. Ifoil levelislow,addoil.
FULL
ADD
Maintain Oil Level
BetweenFULLand ADD
Figure8
Adding Engine Oil
Besuretousethegradeofengineoil specifiedin engine
manual.Toaddoil:
1. Removethedipstickfromtheoil fill. Pourfreshoil
slowlythroughtheplug.Replacedipstick.
2. Checkandmakesurethatthelevelof oilis uptothe
FULLmarkon thedipstick.
IMPORTANT:Forcompletedetailedengineinformation,see
theseparateengineowneCsmanualincludedwiththisunit.
Gasoline
_ARNING:Gasolineisflammableand
caution must be usedwhen handling or
storing it. Donot fill fuel tank while the
snowthrower isrunning, when itishot
or when itisin an enclosedarea.
_ WARNING:Keepyoursnowthroweraway
from anyopenflameor an electricalspark
anddo notsmokeduring fueling.
3. Neverfillthefueltankcompletely.Fillthetankto
no morethan1/2inchbelowbottomoffillerneckto
providespaceforexpansionoffuel.
NOTE:Thisunitmayincludea fuelplug,whichisonly
usedduringassemblytokeepdirtanddebrisoutoffuel
tank. Discardthefuelplugbeforefillingthefueltank.
5. Alwaysuseclean,fresh,unleadedgradeautomotive
gasoline.Fillthefueltankoutdoorsand usea funnel
or spoutto preventspilling.Makesurethatthe
containerfromwhichyoupourthegasolineisclean
andfreefromrustor otherforeignparticles.Make
suretowipeoff anyspilledfuelbeforestartingthe
engine.
6. Attheendofthejob,emptythefueltankif thesnow
throwerisnotgoingtobe usedfor30 daysor longer.
Storegasolinein acleancontainerandkeepthecap
in placeon thecontainer.
CAUTION:Never useengine or carburetor cleaner
productsin thefuel tank.
To Start Engine
,1_ WARNING:Besure no one other than
the operator isstanding near the snow
thrower while starting or operating. Do
notoperate this snow thrower unless
the chute assembly hasbeen properly
installedand issecured.
Forlocationofall theenginecontrolsreferredto inthis
section,seetheengineowner'smanual.
Recoil Starter - Cold Start
1. Makesurethataugeranddrivecontrolsare
released.Attachsparkplugwiretosparkplug.
2. Turnfuelvalveon,ifsoequipped.
3. Movethrottlecontrolto FASTposition.
4. Pushkeyintotheignitionslotsothatitsnapsinto
place.Donotturnkey.
5. RotatechokecontroltoFULLchokeposition.
6. Pushprimerbuttonwhilecoveringtheventhole.
Removeyourfingerfromtheprimerbetweenprimes.
Donotprimeif temperatureis above500F; prime
twotimesbetween500Fand 150F;andprimefour
timesbelow150E
7. Graspstarterhandleandpullropeoutslowlyuntilengine
reachesstartdcompressioncycle(ropewillpull
slightlyharderatthispoint).Lettheroperewindslowly.
8. Pullropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.
Keepinga firmgriponthestarterhandle,lettherope
returntothestarterslowly.Repeatuntilenginestarts.
9. Astheenginewarmsup,rotatethechokeknobslowly
toOFFposition.Iftheenginefalters,returntoFULL
choke,thenslowlymovetoOFFchokeposition.
10.Allowtheenginetowarmup fora fewminutes
becausetheenginewillnotdevelopfullpoweruntilit
reachesoperatingtemperature.
11.Operatetheengineatfullthrottle(FAST)when
throwingsnow.
Warm Start:
1. If restartinganengineaftera temporaryshut-down,
rotatechoketo OFFinsteadof FULLanddo not
prime.Pullstarterhandleasinstructedbefore.
WARNING
Gasoline isflammable
and cautionmust be
used when handling
or storing it. Do not
fill fuel tank while
the snow thrower is
running, when it is
hot or when it isin an
enclosed area.
Keepyour snow
thrower away from
any openflame or an
electrical spark and
do not smoke during
fueling.
Besure no one other
than the operatoris
standing nearthe
snow thrower while
startingor operating.
Do not operate this
snow thrower unless
the chute assembly
has been properly
installedand is
secured.
The electric starter
must be properly
groundedat all
times to avoid the
possibilityof electric
shock to the operator.
ifyour house wiring
system isnot a
three-wire grounded
system, do not use
this electric starter
under any conditions.
9

WARNING
Severe damage
to electricstarter
is possible if you
continueto crank
for morethan
5 secondswithout
a cooFdown.
Thetemperature
of muffler and the
surrounding areas
may exceed150o E
iAvoidthese areas
Electric Starter(if equipped)
Somemodelsofthesnowthrowermaybeequipped
withanoptional120voltA.C.electricstarter.This
electricstarter,witha three-wirepowercordandplug,is
designedtooperateon 120voltAChouseholdcurrent.
Followthestepsbelowto usetheelectricstarter.
Cold Start:
1. Determinewhetheryourhousewiringisathree-wire
groundedsystem.Aska licensedelectricianifyou
arenotcertain.
__IL ARNING:Theelectricstartermust
be properly groundedatall times to
avoid the possibilityof electricshock
to the operator. If yourhousewiring
systemisnot a three-wire grounded
system,do not usethis electric starter
under anyconditions.
2. If yourhousewiringsystemisgroundedanda three-
holereceptacleis notavailableatthepointthesnow
throwerstarterwillnormallybeused,one shouldbe
installedbya licensedelectrician.
NOTE:Whenconnectingthepowercord,alwaysconnect
cordtostarteron enginefirst,thenplugtheotherend
intoathree-holegrounded120Voltreceptacle.When
disconnectingthepowercord,alwaysunplugtheend
fromthethree-hole,groundedreceptaclefirst.
3. Attachsparkplugwireto sparkplug.
4. Makesurethattheaugercontrolandthedrive
controlaredisengaged.
5. Removethekeysfromtheplasticbag.Pushkeyinto
theignitionslot.Donotturnthekey.Keepsecond
keyina safeplace.
6. Movethechokeknobto FULLchokeposition.
7. MovethrottlecontroltotheFASTposition.
8. Turnfuelvalveon,ifsoequipped.
9. Connectpowercordtotheswitchboxonengine.
10.Plugtheotherendof thepowercordintoa three-
hole,grounded120voltACreceptacle.
11.Pushprimerbuttonthreetimes.
12.Pushdownonthestarterbuttonuntiltheengine
starts.Donotcrankformorethan5 secondsatatime.
_ARNING:Severedamageto electdc
starterispossibleifyoucontinueto
crankfor morethan 5 secondswithout
acool-down.
13.Whentheenginestarts,releasethestarterbutton
andslowlyrotatethechoketoOFFposition.If the
enginefalters,rotatethechoketo FULLandthen
graduallytoOFR
NOTE:Whenengagingtheelectricstarter,a slight
hesitationofafew secondsmayoccurbeforethe
enginestartstoturn.Thisisnormalandisnotharmful
totheengine.
14.Disconnectthepowercordfromthereceptaclefirst
andthenfromtheswitchboxon theengine.
15.Allowtheenginetowarmupfora fewminutes
becausetheenginewillnotdevelopfullpoweruntilit
reachesoperatingtemperature.
NOTE:Ifthestartermotorrunsbuttheenginedoesnot
turnover,thestartergearmayhavefrozen.Placethe
snowthrowerin awarmerpartofthegarageorstorage
shedtillthegearisfreeof theaccumulatedice.
Warm Start:
1. ifrestartinga warmengine,rotatechoketoOFF
insteadofFULLandpressthestarterbutton.Donot
pushtheprimerbutton.
Before Stopping
1. Runenginefora fewminutestohelpdryoff any
moistureonengine.
2. Toavoidpossiblefreeze-upofthestarter,followthese
steps:
Recoil Starter
a. Withtheenginerunning,pullthestarterropewith
a rapid,continuousfullarmstrokethreeor fourtimes.
Electric Starter (if equipped)
a. Connectpowercordtoswitchbox,thento 120
VoltACreceptacle.
b. Whiletheengineisrunning,pushthestarter
buttonandspinthestarterforseveralseconds.
c. Disconnectpowercordfromthereceptaclefirst,
thenfromthesnowthrower.
NOTE:Theunusualsoundfrompullingthestarterropeor
fromspinningthestarterwillnotharmtheengine.
3. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthesnow
thrower),engagetheaugercontrolforafewsecondsto
clearanyremainingsnowandicefromthechuteassembly.
To Stop The Snow Thrower
1. Tostopthewheels,releasethedrivecontrol.
2. Tostopthrowingsnow,releasetheaugercontrol.
3. Tostopengine,pushthrottlecontrolleverto OFFor
pulloutthekey(eithermethodworks).Donotturnkey.
__IL WARNING:Thetemperatureof muffler
and thesurroundingareasmayexceed
150°F.Avoidtheseareas
Auger Control Test
IMPORTANT:Performthefollowingtestbeforeoperating
thesnowthrowerforthefirsttimeandatthestartofeach
winterseason.
Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolasfollows:
1. Whentheaugercontrolis releasedand inthe
disengaged"up"position,thecableshouldhavevery
littleslack,butshouldNOTbetight.
10