MTD 731AE5MLG729 User manual

Operator's Manual
Two-Stage
Snow Thrower
Model 5ML
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,
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), Other states may have
similar laws, Federal laws apply on federal lands, A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P,O, Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019,
MTD LLC, P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
Printed in U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-01309B
(7/30/2004)

Content
CustomerSupport
ImportantSafeOperationPractices
SettingUpYourSnowThrower
OperatingYourSnowThrower
MaintainingYourSnowThrower
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Page Content Page
2 Service & Adjustments 14
3 Off-Season Storage 18
5 Troubleshooting 19
8 Illustrated Parts List 20
12 Warranty Back Cover
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
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.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the snow
thrower. A sample model plate is also given below. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
'_ff VITD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-220-4683
www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7318
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTretum theunittotheretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
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:
_En ine
M nual
Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
a mouse dick aw_y! fooking for could be just a mouse crick aw_y_
To reach the Customer Support Line, please call 1-800-800-7310.
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.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONSPRACTICES
_ ARNING" 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.
_ ARNING" 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 operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage
controls.
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 doormats, 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.
,
5.
6.
7.
,
9.
Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and
receptacle for all units with electric start engines.
Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surfaces.
Disengage all controls before starting the engine.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator's manual.
Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
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 _/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 unit to cool for 5 minutes before
storing.

Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the
auger/impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact
with rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The controls 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.
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 in reverse.
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 controls 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. Before
unclogging, shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped
completely.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved
by the manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire
chains, cabs etc.).
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer or telephone [phone] for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
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 controls 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.
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
(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/replace safety/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.
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.

SECTION1: SETTINGUPYOURSNOWTHROWER
IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped with the engine full of
oil. After assembly, see page 9 for fuel and oil details.
RemovingFromCarton
1. Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides flat
on the ground. Remove all packing inserts.
2. Move the snow thrower out of the carton.
3. Make certain the carton has been completely
emptied before discarding it.
LooseParts
Your snow thrower has been assembled at the factory
except the parts shipped loose in the carton. These are
listed below.
a. Shear Pins and Cotter Pins
b. Sta-Bil ® Fuel Stabilizer (1 oz Package)
BeforeAssembly
Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
NOTE: Aft references in this manual to the left or right
side of the snow thrower is from the operating position
only. Exceptions, if any, will be specified.
SettinguptheSnowThrower
1. Raise the upper handle assembly in the direction
shown in Figure 1. Align the upper handle with the
lower handles.
Handle Knob
/'
/f
J \
Figure 1
2. Tighten two handle knobs firmly to secure the
upper handle to the lower handles. See Figure 1.
3. 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.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the
shift rod will pivot and changing speed or direction of
the snow thrower will not be possible.
Figure 2
4. Make sure that the flange keepers are opened.
Position the chute assembly (forward-facing) over
the chute base. See Figure 3A.
5. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute adapter. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure. See
Figure 3B.
NOTE: If the flange keepers do not easily click into
place, use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm
pressure to the back of each.
6. Pull the hairpin clip out of the clevis pin on the chute
support rod. Save these hardware.
C
Chute
Flar
D
Figure 3