Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 31AH7T74063 User manual

OTRO_ BILT °__
Operator's Manu I
SNOW THROWER
MODEL
31AH7T74063
Storm Tracker
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 attester 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.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
FORM NO. 769-00395A
PRINTED IN U.S.A. (6/03)

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 5
Know Your Snow Thrower ................................................................................. 6
Operating Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................... 8
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 11
Maintaining Your Snow Thrower ........................................................................ 12
Service ............................................................................................................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 17
Parts List ............................................................................................................ 18
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. The information on the
model plate is very important if you need help from your local authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the lower frame cover on the rear of your snow thrower. A
sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial
number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
OTRJII BIL T" TROY-BILT LL[
P. O. BOX 361131
www.troybitt.corn CLEVELAND,OH44136
330-558-7220
•866-840-648_
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINEINFORMATION
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.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
PleasedoNOTreturntheunittotheretailer fromwhichit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
Should you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation
or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- [phone] or 1- [phone] to reach a Customer Support representative.
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.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
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.
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.
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 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 14years 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 snow4hrowing 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.
4. Use a grounded three*wire extension cord and
receptacle for all units with electric start engines.
5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed
rock surfaces.
6. Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.
7.
8.
9.
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
½ inch 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.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, inthe auger/
impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
chute. Keep all safety devices in place and working.

5. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilated
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an
odorlessanddeadlygas.
6. Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof
alcoholordrugs.
7. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Do
nottouch.
8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.
9. Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhile
operatingonslopes.
10.Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischarge
towardswindows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossible
propertydamageorpersonalinjurycausedbyaricochet.
11.Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpets
orallowanyoneinfrontofthemachine.
12.Donotovedoadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclear
snowattoofastofarate.
13.Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.
Alwaysbesureofyourfootingandkeepafirmholdon
thehandles.Walk,neverrun.
14.Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhen
transportingornotinuse.
15.Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson
slipperysurfaces.Lookdownandbehindandusecare
wheninreverse.
16.Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stopthe
engine,disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit
againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.
Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.
17.Disengageallclutchleversandstopenginebeforeyou
leavetheoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Wait
untiltheauger/impellercomestoacompletestopbefore
uncloggingthedischargechute,makingany
adjustments,orinspections.
18.Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollector
openings.Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedto
unclogthedischargeopening.Donotunclogdischarge
chutewhileengineisrunning.Shutoffengineandremain
behindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshavestopped
beforeunclogging.
19.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythe
manufacturer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
20.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,
usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealeror
telephone[phone]forassistanceandthe
nameofyournearestservicingdealer.
MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE
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 clutch levers 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 clutch 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.
WARNING: 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.
T
1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTA'RNGIMPELLER
ANDAUGER.CONTACTWI'IHIMPELIAROR
ANGERCANAMPUTA'I1EHANDSANDFEET.
2.USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG
DISCHARGECHN'I1E.
a DKERSAGECLUTCHLEVERSSTOPENGNE,
•ANDREMAINBEHINDHANDLESUN'HLALL
MOVINGPARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGORSERVICINGMACHINE.
4.TOAVOIDTHROWNOBJECTSINJURIES,
NEVI_DIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.
USE_I'RACOUI1GNWHBHOPERATINGON
GRAVELSURFACER.
5.READOPERATOR'SMANUAL.

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
Unpacking
Remove screws from the top sides and ends of the
shipping crate.
Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures or personal
injury.
Remove and discard plastic bag that covers unit.
Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
Operator's Manual, etc.).
Roll unit out of crate.
LooseParts
The augers are secured to the auger shaft with two
shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object
or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the
bolts may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts
are provided for your convenience. Store in a safe
place until needed. See Figure 1.
Shear °°"s
Figure 1
IMPORTANT: NEVER replace the auger shear bolts
with standard hex bolts. Any damage to the auger
gearbox or other components from using standard bolts
will not be covered by your snow thrower's warranty.
ItemsRequiredForAssembly
1. Pair of pliers
2. Engine oil
3. Fresh gasoline
BeforeAssembly
Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against
the engine to prevent unintended starting.
NOTE: All 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.
AssemblingHandle
For shipping purposes, the upper handle is secured
loosely to the lower handle with four wing nuts.
Remove the lower plastic wing nut, cupped washer
and carriage bolt from each side of the lower
handle. See Figure 2.
Raise the upper handle assembly until it locks over
the lower handle.
Look at the lower rear of the snow thrower frame to
be sure all the cables are aligned with the cable
roller guides. Make sure the spring (found at the
end of each cable) is attached to its actuator
bracket.
Secure the upper handle and lower handle with the
two plastic wing nuts, cupped washers and carriage
bolts previously removed. Attach these hardware
on the lower hole in the handles. See Figure 2.
Tighten the two wing nuts already in place on the
upper holes and secure the handles firmly. 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 you will not be able to change
speeds or direction of movement.
Carriage
Bolt
Cupped
Upper
Chute
Crank
Hairpin Clip
ge Bolt
Lower Chute Crank
Figure 2
AttachingChuteCrank
Remove the hairpin clip from the upper chute crank
and slide the upper chute crank through the upper
chute crank bracket and into the lower chute crank.
A pair of pliers may help in this job.
Align the two holes on both chute cranks and insert
the hairpin clip removed earlier, through these
holes. See Figure 2.
If not already attached, slip the cables that run from
the handle panel to the discharge chute into the
cable guide located on top of the engine. See
Figure 3.

Cable Cable
_/-_. Guide
Unwrap the headlight wire which is attached to the
headlight, beneath the handle panel. Wind the
headlight wire around the lower right handle until
Plug the wire from the headlight into the alternator
lead coming from the right side of the engine
underneath the fuel tank.
Alternator Lead
NOTE: Wheels are omitted from illustration for clarity.
Figure 4
excess slack is removed. See Figure 4. ChuteClean-OutTool
This tool, along with the electric cord, isfastened
with a cable tie to the rear of the auger housing for
shipping purposes. Cut the cable tie and remove
the electric cord before operating the snow thrower.
SECTION3: KNOWYOURSNOWTHROWER
Traction Control /
Auger Control Lock
Heated
Switch
Headlk
Discharge
Chute
._hute Clean-Out
rool
Control
Heated Grip
Track Steering
Control
Prime%
Electric
Starter
Button
Switch
Chute Directional
Control
Ignition Key
Control
Figure 5
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
TractionControl/AugerControlLock
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction control to engage the wheel drive.
Release to stop. See Figure 5.

Thissameleveralsolockstheaugercontrolsoyou
can turn the chute directionalcontrol without
interruptingthe snowthrowingprocess.Iftheauger
controlis engaged along with the traction control, the
operator can release the auger control (on the left
handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release
the traction control to stop both the augers and track
drive (auger control must also be released).
IMPORTANT:Always release tractional control before
changing speeds.
AugerDriveControl
The auger drive control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the control grip to engage the augers.
Release to stop the snow throwing action. (Traction
control must also be released.) See Figure 5.
ChuteTiltControl
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Move the
chute tilt control forward to decrease the distance,
toward the rear to increase. See Figure 5.
SkidShoe
The position of the skid shoe is determined by the
condition of the ground from where snow has to be
removed. See Figure 5.
ShiftLever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel and is used to determine both ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight
positions. See Figure 5.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position
number one (1) is the slowest. Position number six (6)
is the fastest.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. R1 is
the slower, while R2 is the faster of the two.
IMPORTANT:Always release tractional control before
changing speeds.
ChuteDirectionalControl
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
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.
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is designed to clear a clogged
discharge chute. Refer to page 10 for instructions on
how to properly use it.
4_ WARNING: Never use your hand to clear a
clogged discharge chute. Shut off engine
and remain behind handles until all
moving parts have stopped before
unclogging.
HeatedHandlesSwitch
This switch is located on the right side of the snow
thrower dash panel. To activate the heated handles,
toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the
handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to the OFF
position after using the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
NOTE: The heated handles grips are a compliment to,
not a substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for
the operator's hands. It is recommended that the snow
thrower operator wear gloves/mittens to avoid
extremities of winter while operating this equipment.
TrackSteeringControls
The left and right track steering controls are located on
the underside of the handles and they are used to
assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right
track control when turning right, squeeze the left control
when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open
areas until you become familiar with these controls.
See Figure 5.
NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow
thrower with both track steering controls held in
simultaneously.
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. See Figure 5.
FuelShut-0ftValve(optionalEquipment)
On models so equipped, the fuel shut-offvalve, located
under fuel tank, controls fuel-flow from the gas tank.
See Figure 5.
SafetyIgnitionKey
The safety ignitionkey must be fully inserted in the
switch before the unit will start. Remove the ignitionkey
when the snow thrower isnot in use. See Figure 5.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.

TrackLockLever
The track lock lever is located on the right side of the
snow thrower and is used to select the position of the
auger housing and the method of track operation. Move
the lever to the right, then forward or backward to one of
the three positions. See Figure 6.
Transport:Raises the front end of the snow thrower for
easy transport. Using proper caution, this position may
also be used on many gravel driveways to clear snow
while leaving gravel undisturbed.
NormalSnow:Allows the tracks to be suspended
independently for continuous ground contact.
PackedSnow:Locks the front end of the snow thrower
down to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow
conditions.
Pac
Snow_
NormaY
Snow
Track Lock
Lever
_ransport
Figure 6
SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURSNOWTHROWER
BeforeStarting
,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.
GasAndOilFill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructedin the separate engine manual packed 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 machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
A plastic cup is provided inside the fuel fill opening
on the fuel tank. Remove and discard this cup
before filling up the tank. Use the separate fuel tank
cap to close after fill-up.
ToStartEngine
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on end of the spark plug wire (inside
the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on
the spark plug.
Make certain the fuel shut-off valve, if so equipped,
is in the OPEN (vertical) position.
Make certain the auger and drive clutch levers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. See Figure 5. Be certain it
snaps into place. Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted into ignition slot in carburetor cover.
ElectricStarter
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
If your house wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
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 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.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but a
three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows:
Connect power cord to switch box on engine. Plug
the other end of power cord into a three-prong, 120-
volt, grounded, AC receptacle.
Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF
position instead of FULL.
Push primer button two or three times for cold
engine start, making sure to cover vent hole in
primer button when pushing. DO NOT use primer to
restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.
Push starter button to start engine.

Whenenginestarts,releasestarterbutton,and
movechokegraduallytoOFF.Ifenginefalters,
movechokeimmediatelytoFULLandthen
graduallytoOFF.
Whendisconnectingthepowercord,alwaysunplug
fromthethree-prongreceptaclefirstandthenfrom
thesnowthrower.
RecoilStarter
Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start). If engine is warm, place choke in OFF
position instead of FULL.
Push primer button three or four times for cold
engine start. DO NOT use primer to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15°F.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
Repeat the previous steps until engine starts.
As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position
ToStopEngine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows.
ElectricStarter:
Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then
to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running,
push starter button and spin the starter for several
seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the
starter will not harm engine or starter. Disconnect
the power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
RecoilStarter
With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound, which is not harmful to the engine or starter.
To stop engine, move throttle control to "stop" or
"off" position.
Remove ignition key. Do not turn key.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe place.
Engine will not start without ignition key.
Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor
cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move
control levers back and forth several times.
ToEngageTrackDrive
With the engine running near top speed, move the
shift lever into one of the six FORWARD positions
or two REVERSE positions. Select a speed
appropriate for the snow conditions that exist.
Squeeze the auger control grip and the augers will
turn. Release it and the augers will stop.
Squeeze traction control grip and the snow thrower
will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
IMPORTANT:NEVER move shift lever without releasing
the traction control. Doing so will cause premature wear
on the drive system's friction wheel.
ToEngageAugers
To engage the augers and start throwing snow,
squeeze the auger control grip against the left
handle.
To disengage power to the augers, release both the
auger control and the traction control, if engaged.
The auger control can be locked so you can turn the
electric chute directional control without interrupting the
snow throwing process.
AugerControlTest
IMPORTANT: Perform the following test before
operating your snow thrower for the first time and at the
start of each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged "up" position, the cable should have
very little slack. It should NOT be tight.
In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is
set in the FAST position.
While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower), engage the auger.
Allow the auger to remain engaged for
approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing
the auger control. Repeat this several times.
With the engine running in the FAST position and
the auger control lever in the disengaged "up"
position, walk to the front of the machine.
Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows NO signs of motion.
IMPORTANT: If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating,
immediately return to the operator's position and shut
off the engine. Wait for ALL moving parts to stop before
re-adjusting the auger control.
To readjust the control cable, loosen the hex jam
nut on the auger control cable "Z" fitting.

Rotatethecouplingendofthecable
counterclockwisetoprovidemoreslack.
Retightenthehexjamnut.SeeFigure7.
RepeatAugerControlTesttoverifyproper
adjustmenthasbeenachieved.
Auger
DriftCutters(If Equipped)
Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow
thrower in heavy drift conditions.
On models so equipped, drift cutters are assembled to
the auger housing inverted. Remove the carriage bolts
by unthreading the hex nuts which secure them, and
reinstall the drift cutters in their proper position before
operating the snow thrower. See Figure 8.
If your unit is not equipped with drift cutters, contact
Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for
information regarding price and availability.
Snow Thrower Model Drift Cutter Kit
All models OEM-390-679
Figure 7
ChuteClean-OutTool
The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the
rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should
snow and ice lodge itself in the discharge chute during
operation, proceed as follows to safely clean the chute
and chute opening:
Release both the Auger Control Lever and the
Traction/Auger Control Lock Lever.
Stop the engine by removing the ignition key.
Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which
secures it to the rear of the auger housing.
Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to
dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has
formed in and near the discharge chute.
i_ WARNING: Never use your hands to clean
snow and ice from the discharge chute or
auger housing
Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on
the rear of the auger housing, reinsert the ignition
key and start the snow thrower's engine.
While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower), engage the auger clutch lever
for a few seconds to clear any remaining snow and
ice from the discharge chute.
Carriage Screws
& Hex Nuts
Figure 8
OperatingTips
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes.
The engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
WARNING: The temperature of the muffler
and the surrounding areas may exceed
150°F. Avoid these areas,
For the most efficient snow removal, remove snow
immediately after it falls.
Discharge the snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous path.
Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the shave plate for
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward (to lower the shave plate) for hard-packed
snow. Adjust downward (to raise the shave plate)
when using on gravel or crushed rock.
Be certain to follow the precautions found in the To
Stop Engine section to prevent possible freeze-up.
Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
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