MTD Styles C User manual

Operator's Manual
Two-Stage Snow Thrower
Styles C &D
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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,
MTDLLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 769-01274B,
(7/27/2004)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content
Important Safe Operation Practices
Assembling Your Snow Thrower
Know Your Snow Thrower
Operating Your Snow Thrower
Making Adjustments
Page
3
6
8
10
13
Content Page
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower 15
Servicing Your Snow Thrower 15
Troubleshooting 20
Illustrated Parts List 22
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. A sample model plate is also given below.
You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and looking down at the rear of the
deck. 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.
_'_ MTDLLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
330-228-4683
_, www.rntuprouucts,com 888-888-7318
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTreturntheunittotheretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirst contactingCustomerSupport.
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:
Engine
Manual
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.
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To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1(800) 800-7310.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regard 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: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for
ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
of material toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all 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.
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.
4. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and
,
9.
receptacle for all units with electric start engines.
Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surfaces.
Disengage all control levers beforestarting 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 machine to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.
,
6.
7.

Operation
1. Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,inthe
auger/impellerhousingorchuteassembly.Contact
withtherotatingpartscanamputatehandsand
feet.
2. Theauger/impellercontrolleverisasafetydevice.
Neverbypassitsoperation.Doingsomakesthe
machineunsafeandmaycausepersonalinjury.
3. Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyinboth
directionsandautomaticallyreturntothe
disengagedpositionwhenreleased.
4. Neveroperatewithamissingordamagedchute
assembly.Keepallsafetydevicesinplaceand
working.
5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorly
ventilatedarea.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluence
ofalcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor
crossinggravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhidden
hazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionand
whileoperatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoiding
possiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjury
causedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand
petsorallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto
clearsnowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibility
orlight.Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepa
firmholdonthehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindanduse
carewhenbackingup.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwireand
grounditagainsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfor
damage.Repairanydamagebeforestartingand
operating.
17.Disengageallcontrolleversandstopenginebefore
youleavetheoperatingposition(behindthe
handles).Waituntiltheauger/impellercomestoa
completestopbeforeuncloggingthechute
assembly,makinganyadjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector
openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto
unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogchute
assemblywhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengine
andremainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingparts
havestoppedbeforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapproved
bythemanufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tire
chains,cabsetc.).
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerorcall1-800-800-7310forassistanceand
thenameofyournearestservicingdealer.
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. 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 or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear
snow from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/
impeller.
10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.
11. Always refer to the operator's manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

YOURRESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in
this manual and on the machine.
Donotmodifyengine
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 itto operate at
unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of
engine governor.
NoticeregardingEmissions
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 Modification (EM)
and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
SAFETYLABELSFOUNDONYOURSNOWTHROWER
1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGIMPELLER
ANDAUGER.CONTACTWITHIMPELLEROR
AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.
2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG
DISCHARGECHUTE.
3. DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,
ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGORSERVICINGMACHINE.
4.TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES,
NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.
USEEXTRACAUTIONWHENOPERATINGON
GRAVELSURFACES.
5. READOPERATOR'SMANUAL.
CLEAN-OUT TOOL I1_

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position (standing directly behind the snow
thrower, facing the handle panel).
NOTE: This Operator's Manual covers several
models. Snow thrower features vary by model Not
all features referenced and pictured in this manual are
applicable to all snow thrower models.
IMPORTANT:Two replacement auger shear pins and
cotter pins are included with this manual. Refer to
Augerson page 19 for more information regarding shear
pin replacement.
CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow
thrower, refer to AugerControlTeston page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.
Securing the Handle
1. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to
be sure both cables are aligned with roller guides
before pivoting the handle upward until it clicks into
the place.
2. Secure the right side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob.
3. Secure the left side of the handle by tightening the
plastic wing knob into the eyebolt.
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AttachingtheChuteAssemblyandDirectionalControl
1. Apply a light lubricant (i.e. 3-in-1 oil) to the rim of
the chute base and position the chute assembly
over the base.
2. Close the flange keepers to secure the chute
assembly to the chute base. The flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure.
3. Remove the flat washer and hairpin clip from the
end of the chute directional control. Insert the end
of the chute directional control into the lower
bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin
clip just removed.
NOTE: If necessary, the lower bracket can be
adjusted. Refer to ChuteBracketAdjustment.on Page 13.
CAUTION: Prior to operating your snow
thrower, refer to AugerControlTeston page 11.
Read and follow all instructions carefully and
perform all adjustments to verify your snow
thrower is operating safely and properly.
Tire Pressure
• Before operating, check tire pressure and reduce
pressure in both tires to between 15 psi and 20 psi.
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.
\\\
\

SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Electric Starter Button
Gas Cap
Oil Fill
Chute Assembly
\
Clean-out
Tool
\
Shift Lever
Chute Directional
Control
Skid Shoe
f
Auger Control
EngineControls
Recoil Starter
Handle
Electric Starter Outlet
Primer
Ignition
Key
Choke
Control
Throttle
Control
Augers _,j
_, WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
NOTE: For detailed starting instructions and more
information on all engine controls, refer to the
Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately and
StartingTheEngineon page 10 of this manual.
ShiftLever
The shift lever is located between the lower handle,
behind the engine. Place the shift lever into any of
seven positions to control the direction of travel and
ground speed.
Forward
There are five forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is
the slowest and position five (5) is the fastest.
Reverse
There are two reverse (R) speeds. One (1) is the slower
and two (2) isthe faster.
GasCap
Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to the fuel tank.
ChokeControl
The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and
is activated by rotating the knob clockwise. Activating
the choke control closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.
ThrottleControl
The throttle control is located on the
engine. It regulates the speed of the
engine and will shut off the engine
when pushed down completely.
Primer
Depressing the primer forces fuel
directly into the engine's carburetor to
aid in cold-weather starting.
0il Fill
Engine oil level can be checked and
oil added through the oil fill.

AugerControl
f
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.
DriveControl
S
J
The drive control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage
the wheel drive. Release to stop.
ChuteDirectionalControl
DIR CTIO.ALCO.T.O
ADJUSTABLE
CHUTETiLTDISCHARGE
LEFT
#
"-. J
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.
IgnitionKey
The ignition key is a safety devise. It must be fully
inserted in order for the engine will start. Remove the
ignition key when the snow thrower is not in use.
IMPORTANT:Do not turn the ignition key in an attempt
to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.
Clean-OutTool
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 chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. The tool is
designed to clear a clogged chute assembly. Refer to
OperatingYourSnowThrowersection for more detailed
information regarding the chute clean-out tool.
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.
SkidShoes
Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions.
Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
RecoilStarterHandle
The recoil starter handle is used to manually start the
engine.
ElectricStarterButtonofso equipped)
Pressing the electric starter button engages the
engine's electric starter when plugged into a 120V
power source.
ElectricStarterOutletofso equipped)
Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord
(packed with the snow thrower) and a 120V power
source/wall outlet.
Augers
When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into
the housing.
ChuteAssembly
Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out
the chute assembly.

SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
BeforeStarting
WARNING" Read, understand, and followall instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Gas& OilFill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the Tecumseh Engines manual packed separately with
your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: 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.
• A small plastic cup may be located inside the fuel fill
opening beneath the gas cap. Remove and discard
this cup before filling up the tank.
StartingTheEngine
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal
tip on the spark plug.
• Make certain both the auger control and drive
control are in the disengaged (released) position.
• Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place.
Do not attempt to turn the key.
NOTE: The engine cannot start unless the key is
inserted into ignition switch.
ElectricStarter(on models so quipped)
• Determine that your home's wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
CAUTION: Ifyour home's wiring system
is not a three-wire grounded system, do
not use this electric starter under any
conditions.
WARNING: The optional electric starter is
equipped with a grounded three-wire power
cord and plug, and is designed to operate on
120 volt AC household current. It must be
used with a properly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility
of electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
WARNING: If your home electrical
system is grounded, but a three-hole
receptacle is not available, do not use your
snow thrower's electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows:
• Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on
the engine's surface. Plug the other end of
extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt,
grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
• Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke
control in the OFF position instead of FULL.
• Push the primer two or three times for cold engine
start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of
the primer when pushing.
NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
• Push starter button to start engine.
• Once the engine starts, immediately release starter
button.
• As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke
control to the OFF position. Ifthe engine falters,
quickly rotate the choke control back to FULL and
then slowly into the OFF position again.
• When disconnecting the extension cord, always
unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before
unplugging the opposite end from the snow
thrower.
RecoilStarter
• Rotate choke control to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke
control in the OFF position instead of FULL.
• Push the primer two or three times for cold engine
start, making sure to cover vent hole in the center of
the primer when pushing.
NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
NOTE: Additional priming may be necessary if the
temperature is below 15° Fahrenhe#.
Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the
rope out. At the point where it becomes slightly
harder to pull the rope, slowly allow the rope to
recoil.
10