Yard Machines 247.88347 User manual

MAc.,. s)ff
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SNOW
THROWER
Model 611
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 aspark 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 isavailable through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO.770-10001A
6/99

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER
This Operators Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what itsays.
Before you start to prepare your snow thrower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the
information from it in this Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need
help from your dealer or the MTD customer support department.
•Every snow thrower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating
position and looking down at the frame below engine. See Figure 1
FI •
XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX
[
MTDPRODUCTS,NC
CLEVELAND, OHIO 4413_
This is where your model number will be.
This is where your serial number willbe.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
Figure 1
SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
•LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER -- Record this information in the space
provided. To find your unit's specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.
•If you are having difficulty as6emb ng fills product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation.orma!ntena__qcebf this unit please call the Customer Support Department.
• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD
_. :(4683)
............................. or
..... 1- (800)-800 7310
• P ease have your mode number and ser al number ready when you call.
•Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF
NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR SNOW THROWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL-
HEED ITS WARNING.
_lb ARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: Your snow thrower 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. If you violate any of these rules, you may
cause serious injury to yourself or others.
1. TRAINING
•Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble or operate this
machine. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of this machine before
operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
•Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate snow thrower under close
parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted
with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your snow thrower.
•No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,
especially when operating in reverse.
1. PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds,
boards, wires and other foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting engine.
•Do not operate equipment without wearing
adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear
jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which
could become entangled in moving parts. Wear
footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
Before working with gasoline, extinguish all
cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the
fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an
extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline
tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until
engine has been allowed to cool at least two
minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe
off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine
as it may cause a fire or explosion.
Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electric starting motors.
Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
Always wear safety glasses or eye shieldsduring
operation or while performing an adjustment or
repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may
be thrown from the machine in any direction.
2. OPERATION
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger
at all times.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly
inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair
the damage before restarting and operating the
snow thrower.
3

•If the snow thrower should start to vibrate
abnormally,stopthe engineand checkimmediately
for the cause. Vibrationis generallya warningof
trouble.
• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collector/impeller •
housing or discharge guide, and making any
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place
your hand in the discharge or collector openings. •
Use astick or wooden broom handle to unclog the
discharge opening.
•Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit
unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, stop
the engine, and remove the key.
•When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain collectodimpeller and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep
away from plug to prevent accidental starting.
•Do not run engine indoors,except when starting
engine and transporting snow thrower in or oLatof
building. Open doors. Exhaust fumes are
dangerous.
•Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
Exercise extremecaution when changing direction
on slopes. Do not attempt to clearsteep slopes.
•Never operate snow thrower without guards, plates,
or other safety protection devices in place.
•Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure,
automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without •
proper adjustments of snow thrower discharge
angle. Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overloadmachine capacityby attemptingto
clear snow attoo fast a rate.
Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on slipperysurfaces.Look behind and use
care when backing.
Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow
anyone in front of unit.
Disengage power to collector/impeller when
transportingornot inuse.
Use only attachmentsand accessodesapproved
by the manufacturerof snow thrower (such as
wheelweights,counterweights,cabs,etc.).
Never operate the snow thrower without good
visibility or light, Always be sure of your footing and
keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
bum. Do not touch.
3. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure
equipment is in safe working condition.
Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are
present, such as hot water and space heaters,
clothes dryers, and the like. Allow engine to cool
before storing in any enclosure.
Always refer to operator's manual instructions for
important details if snow thrower is to be stored for
an extended period.
Run machine afew minutes after throwingsnow to
prevent freeze up of collector/impeller.
Check clutch controls periodically to verify they
engage and disengage properly and readjust if
necessary. Refer to operator's manual for
adjustment instructions.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons
who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
Figure 2
4

SECTION 4- CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Lay out the hardware according to the illustration for identification purposes. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.
(Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
A ATTACHING THE HANDLES
(2)Hex Bolts (A)
(710-3180)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
(2) Hex Bolts (B)
710-3008
(4)Lock Washers (C)
(736-0119)
©©
©©
(2) Saddle (I)
(784-5599)
ATTACHING THE SPEED SELECTOR PLATE
AND SHIFT LEVER
?@@@,,,s.
__ _1 Screws(F)
_! !_l _ (7,0-06,g)
(2)Hex _ IIIIIlilllllllllll QQ
Bolts (G)
<7t=-3016)I, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiC2)HexLockNotsCH)
U(712-3027)
GI;;.c.£_j;_c.u?EO.RECT,ONAL
0
Cupped Washer (N)
(736-0242)
(2) Hex Nuts (D)
(712-3010)
©©
©©
(2) Flat Washers (S)
(736-0185)
Hair-Pin Clip (T)
(714-0104)
ATTACHING THE CLUTCH GRIPS
0000 ,,,..x.o,.,o,
(712-3010)
ATTACHING THE HANDLE PANEL
(4) Carriage Bolts (E)
(710-0262)
©
©
8
(4) Lock
Washers (C)
(736-0119)
EIATTACHING THE CONTROL CABLES
(2) "Z" Fitting (R) O@
(746-0778)
........................ ill
. __ (2) Hex Nuts (J)(712-0121)
FJA'I-FACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY
@©
@©
@@
(6) Hex Bolts (K)
(710-3015)
(6) Hex Lock Nuts (M)
(712-3027)
(3) Chute Flange Keepers
(Not Shown) (731-0851)
AUGER SHEAR BOLTS (SPARES) (2) Shear Bolts
(2) Hex Lock Nuts (710-0890A)
(712-0429)
NOTE: The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit ahard foreign object or an ice jam, the
snow thrower isdesigned so that the bolts may shear. Two replacement shear bolts and nuts are provided for your convenience. Store in
a safe place until needed.
5

SECTION 5" ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine
with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operating position.
UNPACKING
• Remove staples or break glue on the top flaps
of the carton. Remove any loose parts
included with unit (i.e., operator's manual,
etc.).
• Cut corner's and lay end of carton down flat.
Remove packing material.
• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts before discarding.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
•Two adjustable wrenches
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON See Figure 3
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
(2) Handles (Right and Left)
(t) Pivot Rod
(1) Cover Tube
(2) Clutch Grips (Right and Left)
(1) Handle Panel
(1) Speed Selector Plate
(1) Shift Lever
(1) Chute Directional Control Assembly
(1) Chute Assembly
A
E
Figure 3
6

HexBolt
(8)
Saddle
Lock Washer
(c)
(A)
Lock Washer(C)
Figure 4
Pivot Rod
ATTACHING THE HANDLES
(Hardware A)
1. Place right handle in position against the snow
thrower so the flat side of the handle is against
the frame. Secure bottom hole in handle to snow
thrower using hex bolt (B) and lock washer (C).
There are weld nuts welded to the inside of the
frame for these bolts, See Figure 4. Do not
tighten at this time.
2. Attach the left handle in the same manner. Do
not tighten at this time.
3, Place saddle (I) over upper holes on handles
(curve matching curve on handle). Secure to the
frame with lock washers (C) and hex bolts (A).
See Figure 4. Do not tighten at this time.
ATTACHING THE CLUTCH GRIPS
(Hardware B)
1. Slide the pivot rod into the cover tube as shown
in Figure 5. The pivot rod and cover tube may
already be assembled.
Figure 5
Hex Nuts (D)_
,Place the clutch grips in position on the rod so
the flat side of the clutch grips are against the
pivot rod cover, Thread hex nuts (D) onto each
end of the rod. Tighten nuts allowing the clutch
grips to move freely on pivot rod. See Figure 6,
Figure 6
Clutch Grip and
Rod Assembly_
S_'_" Handle
Tab
\
Hex Nut (D)
,Insert clutch grip and rod assembly into handle
tabs. Clutch grips must sit on top of the handles.
Thread hex nuts (D) on each end to hold into
position. Do not tighten, See Figure 7.
Figure 7
7

LockWashers(C)_
Figure 8
Speed
Selector
Plate
Shift Lever
Self-Tapping
Screw (F)
/
Hex(G)
Lever
Spring
Hex Lock
Nuts (H)
Figure 9
Figure 10
ATTACHING THE HANDLE PANEL
(Hardware C)
Position the handle panel between handles. Insert
carriage bolts (E) and secure with lock washers (C)
and hex nuts (D). See Figure 8.
ATTACHING SPEED SELECTOR PLATE
AND SHIFT LEVER (Hardware D)
1. Assemble the speed selector plate to the
outside of the handles as shown in Figure 9,
Secure using four self-tapping screws (F),
2. Insert the shift lever through slot in the speed
selector plate,
NOTE: The bend in the lever should be towards
the operator. Secure shift lever to the shift lever
spring using two hex bolts (G) and hex lock nuts (H),
Tighten both bolts finger tight. At this point the shift
lever and shift lever spring are not against each
other, As you tighten the bolts and nuts with two
wrenches they will pull together. See Figure 9.
3. Tighten all hardware assembled to this point.
CLUTCH GRIPS MUST MOVE FREELY.
ATTACHING THE CONTROL CABLES
(Hardware E)
1. Thread hex nuts (J) onto the "Z" fittings (R) (see
inset, Figure 10). Insert "Z" fitting into hole in
clutch grips.
2. Route the left cable between engine and speed
selector plate and then between handle panel
and clutch lever pivot rod before threading onto
the left "Z" fitting. Assemble the right cable using
the same route.
3. Correct adjustment on cables is minimal slack
but not tight. Tighten hex nuts when adjustment
is correct.
NOTE: If the right hand lockout cable is not
adjusted correctly, the wheels will tend to turn. If the
left hand lockout cable is not adjusted correctly, the
augers will not stop rotating.
WARNING: There must not be any
tension on either control cable with the
traction control or auger control grip in
the disengaged (up) position. These
clutches are a safety feature, and their
function can be overridden if there is
tension on either cable with the
clutches disengaged.
8

Chute
..Assembly
(K)
Hex Lock Nut
(M)
Chute Flange
Keeper
Figure 11
Hex Bolts (K)
Hex Lock Nuts (M)
Flat Chute
Directional
Control
ATTACHING THE CHUTE ASSEMBLY
(Hardware F)
1. Place chute assembly over chute opening, with
the opening in the chute assembly facing the
front of the unit. Place chute flange keepers
beneath lip of chute assembly, with the flat side
of chute flange keeper facing downward.
2, Insert hex bolt (K) up through chute flange
keeper and chute assembly as shown in Figure
11. Secure with hex lock nut (M). After
assembling all three chute flange keepers,
tighten all nuts and bolts securely. Do not
overtighten.
Note: Locknuts cannot be threaded onto a bolt by
hand. Tighten with 27/16" wrenches. This type of
nut is used where vibration occurs.
ATTACHING THE CHUTE DIRECTIONAL
CONTROL (Hardware G)
1. Loosen the two hex nuts which secure the lower
chute directional control support bracket (see
Figure 12) to the snow thrower housing.
2, Place one flat washer (T) over the end of the
chute directional control, then insert the end of
the chute directional control into the hole in the
plastic bushing in the chute bracket. See Figure
13. Place second flat washer (T) on chute
directional control, and secure with hairpin clip
(s).
.Thread one hex nut (D) onto the eyebolt on the
chute directional control assembly until there is
at least two inches of threads showing between
the nut and the head of the eyebolt. See Figure
14.
.Place the eyebolt into the hole located half way
up the left handle. Secure with cupped washer
(N) (cupped side against the handle, see inset,
Figure 14) and hex nut (D).
5, Adjust the chute directional control support
bracket (see Figure 13) so that the spiral on the
chute directional control fully engages the teeth
on the chute assembly. Tighten the hex nuts on
the lower chute directional control bracket
securely. Tighten the hex nuts on the eyebolt.
6. Check to make sure all nuts and bolts on the
control panel and all four bolts which secure the
handles to the frame are tight.
Figure 13

Left
Handle
Hex Nut
(O)
Cup _) CrownSide Side
/
Cupped
Washer (N)
Eyebolt
2" of
Thread,,
Figure 14
"Z" Fitting
(D)
Hex Bolt
Figure 15
Hex Nuts vr_
Carriage Bolts
Figure 16
FINAL ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS
Auger Control
To check the adjustment of the auger control, push
forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the
rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable.
Release the clutch grip. The cable should be
straight. Make certain you can depress the auger
control grip against the left handle completely.
If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the
cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as
necessary. Refer to Figure 15. Recheck the
adjustment.
Tighten the lock nut against the cable when correct
adjustment is reached.
Traction Control and Shift Lever
Adjustment
To check the adjustment of the traction control and
shift lever, move the shift lever all the way forward to
sixth (6) position. With the traction control released,
push the snow thrower forward. The unit should
move forward freely. Then engage the traction
control grip. The wheels should stop turning.
Now release the traction control grip, and push the
unit again. Move the shift lever back to the fast
reverse position, then all the way forward again.
There should be no resistance in the shift lever, and
the and the wheels should keep turning
If you have resistance when moving the shift lever or
the wheels stop when they should not, loosen the
jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread
the cable one turn. If the wheels do not stop when
you engage the traction control grip, loosen the jam
nut on the traction control cable and thread the cable
in one turn. Recheck the adjustment and repeat as
necessary. Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable
when correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE: If you are uncertain that you have reached
the correct adjustment, refer to the Adjustment
section.
ADJUSTING THE SKID SHOES
The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be adjusted.
For close snow removal on a smooth surface, raise
the skid shoes into a high position on the auger
housing.
Use a middle or lower position when the area to be
cleared is uneven. See Figure 16.
Adjust skid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts and
carriage bolts and moving skid shoes to desired
position.
Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe
is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the
skid shoes. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
10