MTD 31AH64FG795 OpMan (EN)
MTD 31AH64FG795 OpMan (EN)
MTD 31AH64FG795 OpMan (EN)
Operator’s Manual
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices......................................... 3 Service..................................................................... 25
Assembly & Set-Up................................................... 7 Troubleshooting..................................................... 29
Controls....................................................................18 Replacement Parts................................................. 30
Operation.................................................................21 Attachments............................................................31
Maintenance & Adjustment................................. 22 Warranty...................................................Back Cover
Customer Support
Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
◊ Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts..com
2
Important Safe Operation Practices 2
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 this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING! 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 safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement auger/impeller.
parts. 1. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
quickly. injury to the eyes.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 2. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual clothing, which could become entangled in moving parts.
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
adult. surfaces.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
instruction. for all machines with electric start engines.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan 4. Adjust auger housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock
your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material surfaces.
toward roads, bystanders and the like. 5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
6. Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the 6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone running, except where specifically recommended in the
enters the area. operator’s manual.
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially 7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
when operating in reverse. before starting to clear snow.
3
Safe Handling of Gasoline 5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
and deadly gas.
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when 6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. alcohol or drugs.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately. 7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
a. Use only an approved gasoline container. not touch. Keep children away.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other 8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
sources of ignition. gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
c. Never fuel machine indoors. 9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes. Do not operate on steep slopes.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is
hot or running. 10. Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
property damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
refueling.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
allow anyone in front of the machine.
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion. 12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear
snow at too fast of a rate.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
handles. Walk, never run.
minutes before starting the engine.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
or not in use.
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes 15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
dryer etc.). slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care
when backing up.
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing. 16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
k. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
any damage before starting and operating.
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling. 17. Disengage all control levers and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
l. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
unclogging the chute assembly, making any adjustments,
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
or inspections.
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle. 18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Always use the clean-out tool provided to unclog the
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
discharge opening. Do not unclog chute assembly while
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
engine is running. Shut off engine and remain behind
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
handles until all moving parts have stopped before
unclogging.
Operation
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/ manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet. 20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never (kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
and may cause personal injury. could result.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions 21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
and automatically return to the disengaged position when care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
released. assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly.
Keep all safety devices in place and working.
Symbol Description
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
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.
There are four chute control styles available that determine your set-up. Refer to the images above and on the next page to determine
which chute control style you have. If your product resembles the image on the left (above), see page 8 for assembly instructions. If
your product resembles the image on the right (above), see page 11 for assembly instructions. If your product resembles the image on
the left (on the next page), see page 12 for assembly instructions. If your product resembles the image on the right (on the next page),
see page 14 for assembly instructions.
The Set-Up and Adjustment instructions are the same for all chute controls.
7
2-Way & 4-Way Assembly NOTE: Make certain the cables are seated properly in the
roller guides. See Figure 3-2.
Remove all loose parts before assembling.
Handle Assembly
1. Place the shift lever in the Forward-6 position
2. Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to be sure
both cables are aligned with roller guides before pivoting
the handle upward. Pivot the handle upward. See Figure
3-1.
Figure 3-2
3. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic knob located
on both the left and right sides of the handle. Remove
and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for
packaging purposes only.
Figure 3-1
Chute Support
Bracket
Chute
Chute Base
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-3
4. Squeeze the trigger on the joystick and rotate the chute by
2. Insert chute control rod into chute control head. Push rod
hand to face forward. The holes in the chute control input
as far into chute control head as possible, keeping the
will be facing up. See Figure 3-6.
holes in the rod pointing upward. See Figure 3-4.
Chute Control
Input
Top View
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-4
NOTE: The chute will not rotate without squeezing the
trigger on the joystick.
Figure 3-7
NOTE: The joystick will be angled slightly to the right at the Figure 3-9
one o’clock position. See “Top View” in Figure 3-6. NOTE: The second hole is used to achieve further
6. Insert the chute control rod into the pinion gear below the engagement of the chute control rod into the pinion
joystick. Make sure to line up the hole in the rod with the gear if required. Refer to page 24 for Chute Control Rod
arrow on the pinion gear. See Figure 3-8. adjustments.
8. Finish securing chute control head to chute support
bracket with wing nut, clevis pin, and bow-tie cotter pin
removed in step 1. See Figure 3-3.
9. Check that all cables are properly routed through the cable
guide on top of the engine. See Figure 3-10.
Figure 3-8
NOTE: The chute control rod will fit snuggly into the pinion
gear. Support the rear of the dash panel with one hand
while inserting the rod with your other hand to ensure the
rod is inserted all the way into the pinion gear.
NOTE: The hole is a reference for aligning the rod with the Figure 3-10
indicator arrow on the pinion gear, and will be visible after NOTE: For smoothest operation, the cables should all be to
the rod has been inserted. the left of the hex rod.
NOTE: Models with 2-Way Chute Control have only one
cable to route through the cable guide.
Figure 3-12
2. Place chute assembly onto chute base and secure chute
Figure 3-11 control assembly to chute support bracket with clevis pin
NOTE: Make certain the cables are seated properly in the and cotter pin removed earlier. See Figure 3-13.
roller guides. See Figure 3-2.
3. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic knob located
on both the left and right sides of the handle. Remove
and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for
packaging purposes only.
Figure 3-13
Figure 3-14
4. Insert the chute directional control rod into the support
bracket on the rear of the dash panel. See Figure 3-15.
Figure 3-16
Figure 3-15
Figure 3-17
Figure 3-18
2. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic knob located Figure 3-20
on both the left and right sides of the handle. Remove NOTE: If the flange keepers will not easily click into place,
and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm pressure to
packaging purposes only. the back of each.
Chute Assembly Chute Directional Control
1. Position the chute assembly over the base. See Figure 3-19. 1. Remove the plastic cap (if present), flat washer and hairpin
clip from the end of the chute directional control. See
Figure 3-21.
Figure 3-19
Figure 3-21
2. Insert the end of the chute directional control into the
lower bracket and secure with the flat washer and hairpin
clip just removed. If necessary, the lower bracket can be
adjusted. Refer to Chute Bracket Adjustment in the Service
section.
Figure 3-24
NOTE: If the flange keepers will not easily click into place,
use the palm of your hand to apply swift, firm pressure to
the back of each.
Figure 3-22 Chute Rod Assembly
NOTE: Make certain the cables are seated properly in the 1. Insert the unattached chute control rod into the eye bolt
roller guides. See Figure 3-18. on the left side of the handle assembly. See Figure 3-25.
3. Secure the handle by tightening the plastic knob located
on both the left and right sides of the handle. Remove
and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for
packaging purposes only.
Chute Assembly
1. Position the chute assembly over the base. See Figure 3-23.
Figure 3-25
2. Line up the holes in the end of the unattached chute
control rod with the holes in the u-joint attached to the
lower chute control rod. Insert the cotter pin. See Figure
3-25. If necessary, the bracket securing the lower chute
control rod to the chute base can be adjusted. Refer to
Chute Bracket Adjustment in the Service section.
Figure 3-23
Figure 3-28
3. Attach the drift cutters with the screws and lock nuts
Figure 3-26 removed earlier.
Figure 3-27
Figure 3-29
3. Insert Key into engine and start engine. Refer to the Engine
Operator’s manual.
Figure 3-30
2. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is
against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes.
3. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
NOTE: The skid shoes on your snow thrower may look
slightly different (and have different hardware) than the
ones shown in Figure 3-30.
Figure 3-31
9. Retighten the upper hex screw.
10. Repeat steps 2 through 6 above to verify proper
adjustment has been achieved.
Auger Control
Headlight †
Heated Grips †
Steering
Chute Assembly Trigger †
Drive Control
Drift Cutter † Shift Lever †
Clean Out
Tool Auger Control
Overhead Chute
Directional Control †
Standard Chute
Directional Control †
Augers
U-Joint Chute
Skid Shoe Directional Control †
† If Equipped
Figure 4-1
Snow thrower controls and features are described below and Skid Shoes
illustrated in Figure 4-1.
Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions. Adjust
Shift Lever (If so Equipped) upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward when
operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces. See Set-Up &
The shift lever is located on the handle panel and is used to
Assembly section.
determine ground speed and direction of travel.
Forward Augers
There are six forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is the slowest When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into the auger
and position six (6) is the fastest. housing.
18
Drift Cutters (If so Equipped) Steering Trigger Controls (If so Equipped)
The drift cutters are designed for use in deep snow. Their use
is optional for normal snow conditions. Maneuver the snow
thrower so that the cutters penetrate a high standing snow drift
to assist snow falling into the augers for throwing.
The left and right wheel steering trigger controls are located on
the underside of the handles.
• Squeeze the right control to turn right.
To activate the heated grips, move the switch found on the rear
of the dash panel into the ON position. To turn off the heated • Squeeze the left control to turn left.
grips, move the switch found on the rear of the dash panel to the CAUTION: Operate the snow thrower in open areas
OFF position. until you are familiar with these controls.
Auger Control
Chute Clean-Out Tool
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 conveniently fastened to the rear of
the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should snow and ice
The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the become lodged in the chute assembly during operation, proceed
control grip against the handle to engage the augers and start as follows to safely clean the chute assembly and chute opening:
snow throwing action. Release to stop.
1. Release both the Auger Control and the Drive Control.
Drive Control / Auger Clutch Lock* 2. Stop the engine. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual.
Remove the key.
3. Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to
the rear of the auger housing.
4. 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 chute assembly.
5. Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the
rear of the auger housing, reinsert the key and start the
The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the snow thrower’s engine.
control grip against the handle to engage the wheel drive. While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow
Release to stop. thrower), engage the auger control for a few seconds to clear any
*On select models, the drive control also locks the auger control remaining snow and ice from the chute assembly.
so that you can operate the chute directional control without
interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger control is
engaged simultaneously with the drive control, the operator can
release the auger control (on the left handle) and the augers will
remain engaged. Release both controls to stop the augers and
wheel drive.
NOTE: Always release the drive control before changing speeds.
Failure to do so will result in increased wear on your machine’s
drive system.
To Engage Augers
To engage the augers and start throwing snow, squeeze the
auger control against the left handle. Release to stop the augers.
Figure 5-1
21
Maintenance & Adjustments 6
Maintenance Lubrication
Engine Gear Shaft
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your snow The gear (hex) shaft should be lubricated at least once a season
thrower. or after every twenty-five (25) hours of operation.
Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section for information regarding 2. Carefully pivot the snow thrower up and forward so that it
tire pressure. rests on the auger housing.
3. Remove the frame cover from the underside of the snow
Shave Plate and Skid Shoes thrower by removing the self-tapping screws which secure
The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the snow it. Refer to Figure 7-3.
thrower are subject to wear. They should be checked periodically 4. Apply a light coating of engine oil (or 3-in-1 oil) to the hex
and replaced when necessary. shaft. See Figure 6-2.
NOTE: Deluxe skid shoes (on select models) have two wear
edges. When one side wears out, they can be rotated 180° to use
the other edge.
To remove skid shoes (deluxe shown):
1. Remove the four carriage bolts and hex flange nuts which
secure them to the snow thrower.
2. Reassemble new skid shoes with the four carriage bolts
(two on each side) and hex flange nuts. Refer to Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-2
NOTE: When lubricating the hex shaft, be careful not to get
any oil on the aluminum drive plate or the rubber friction
wheel. Doing so will hinder the snow thrower’s drive
system. Wipe off any excess or spilled oil.
Wheels
NOTE: Augers not shown for clarity At least once a season, remove both wheels. Clean and coat the
axles with a multipurpose automotive grease before reinstalling
Figure 6-1 wheels.
To remove shave plate:
Chute Directional Control (If so Equipped)
1. Remove the carriage bolts and hex nuts which attach it to
the auger housing. Once a season, lubricate the eye-bolt bushing and the spiral with
3-in-1 oil.
2. Reassemble new shave plate, making sure heads of carriage
bolts are to the inside of housing. Tighten securely.
22
Auger Shaft Auger Control
At least once a season, remove the shear pins from the auger Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section for instructions on
shaft. Spray lubricant inside the shaft and around the spacers and adjusting the auger control cable.
the flange bearings found at either end of the shaft.
See Figure 6-3. Skid Shoes
Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section for instructions on
adjusting the skid shoes.
Drive Control
When the drive control is released and in the disengaged “up”
position, the cable should have very little slack. It should NOT be
tight.
NOTE: If excessive slack is present in the drive cable or if the snow
thrower’s drive is disengaging intermittently during operation,
the cable may be in need of adjustment.
Check the adjustment of the drive control as follows:
1. With the drive control released, push the snow thrower
gently forward. The unit should roll freely.
2. Engage the drive control and gently attempt to push the
snow thrower forward. The wheels should not turn. The
unit should not roll freely.
3. If equipped with a shift lever, with the drive control
released, move the shift lever back and forth between the
R2 position and the F6 position several times. There should
Figure 6-3 be no resistance in the shift lever.
If any of the above tests failed, the drive cable is in need of
Adjustments adjustment. Proceed as follows:
Shift Cable (If so Equipped) 1. Shut off the engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual.
If the full range of speeds (forward and reverse) cannot be
achieved, adjust the shift cable as follows: 2. Loosen the lower hex screw on the drive cable bracket. See
Figure 6-5.
1. Place the shift lever in the fastest forward speed position.
2. Loosen the hex nut on the shift cable index bracket. See
Figure 6-4.
Figure 6-5
3. Position the bracket upward to provide more slack (or
downward to increase cable tension).
Figure 6-4
4. Retighten the upper hex screw.
3. Pivot the bracket downward to take up slack in the cable.
5. Check the adjustment of the drive control as described
4. Retighten the hex nut. above to verify proper adjustment has been achieved.
Figure 6-6
2. Retighten the nuts.
Chute Control Rod (2-Way & 4-Way Chute Control) (If so Equipped)
To adjust the chute control rod, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the hairpin clip from the hole closest to the chute
assembly on the chute rotation assembly. Figure 6-8
2. Pull out the chute control rod until the hole in it lines up If the chute directional control is difficult to crank, decrease the
with the second hole in the chute rotation assembly. See preload by loosening the hex nut counterclockwise in ¼ turn
Figure 6-7. intervals.
Off-Season Storage
If the snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or longer, follow
the storage instructions below.
1. Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it stops due
to lack of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine.
2. Lubricate the machine as instructed earlier in this section.
3. Store in a clean, dry area.
4. If storing the snow thrower in an unventilated area,
rustproof the machine using a light oil or silicone to coat
the snow thrower.
5. Clean the exterior of the engine and the snow thrower.
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for information on
storing your engine.
Figure 6-7
Figure 7-3
6. Remove the belt as follows. See Figure 7-4.
a. Loosen and remove the shoulder bolt which acts as
a belt keeper.
Figure 7-1
3. Roll the auger belt off the engine pulley. See Figure 7-2.
Figure 7-4
b. Unhook the auger brake bracket spring from the
Figure 7-2 frame.
25
7. Remove the belt from around the auger pulley, and slip the Drive Belt
belt between the support bracket and the auger pulley.
To remove and replace your snow thrower’s drive belt, proceed
See Figure 7-5.
as follows:
1. To prevent spillage, remove all fuel from tank by running
engine until it stops. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the
engine.
2. Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the engine by
removing the two self-tapping screws. Refer to Figure 7-1.
3. Remove the belt as follows. See Figure 7-6:
Figure 7-5
8. Replace the auger belt by following instructions in reverse
order.
NOTE: Do not forget to reinstall the shoulder bolt and
reconnect the spring to the frame after installing a
replacement auger belt.
9. After replacing the auger belt, perform the Auger Control
Figure 7-6
test on page 17 of the Assembly and Set-Up section.
a. Roll the auger belt off the engine pulley.
b. Pivot the idler pulley toward the right.
c. Lift the drive belt off the engine pulley.
4. Carefully pivot the snow thrower up and forward so that it
rests on the auger housing.
5. Remove the frame cover from the underside of the snow
thrower by removing the self-tapping screws which secure
it. Refer to Figure 7-3.
26 Section 7 — Service
6. Back out the stop bolt to increase the clearance between Friction Wheel Removal (Multi-Speed 600 Series)
the friction wheel disc and friction wheel. See Figure 7-7.
If the snow thrower fails to drive with the drive control engaged,
and performing the drive control cable adjustment fails to
correct the problem, the friction wheel may need to be replaced.
Follow the instructions below. Examine the friction wheel for
signs of wear or cracking and replace if necessary:
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine.
2. Place the shift lever in third Forward (F3) position.
3. Carefully pivot the snow thrower up and forward so that it
rests on the auger housing.
4. Remove the frame cover from the underside of the snow
thrower by removing the self-tapping screws which secure
it. Remove the right-hand wheel by removing the screw
and bell washer which secure it to the axle. See Figure 7-8.
Stop Bolt
Figure 7-7
7. Slip the drive belt off the pulley and between friction
wheel and friction wheel disc. See Figure 7-7.
8. Remove and replace belt in the reverse order. Be sure to
re-install the stop bolt.
Section 7 — Service 27
5. Carefully remove the hex nut which secures the hex shaft 7. Follow the previous steps in reverse order to reassemble
to the snow thrower frame and lightly tap the shaft’s end to components.
dislodge the ball bearing from the right side of the frame. 8. Perform the Drive Control test on page 23 in the
See Figure 7-9. Maintenance and Adjustments section.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the threads on the shaft. If you’re disassembling the friction wheel and replacing only the
rubber ring, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the four screws which secure the friction wheel’s
side plates together. See Figure 7-11.
Figure 7-9
6. Carefully position the hex shaft downward and to the left
before carefully sliding the friction wheel assembly off the
shaft. See Figure 7-10. Figure 7-11
2. Remove the rubber ring from between the plates.
3. Reassemble the side plates with a new rubber ring.
NOTE: When reassembling the friction wheel assembly,
make sure that the rubber ring is centered and seated
properly between the side plates. Tighten each screw
only one rotation before turning the wheel clockwise
and proceeding with the next screw. Repeat this process
several times to ensure the plates are secured with equal
force (between 6 ft-lbs and 9 ft-lbs).
NOTE: Make sure the shift lever pin is in place in the
bearing housing. See Figure 7-9 inset.
4. Slide the friction wheel assembly back onto the hex shaft
and follow the steps above in reverse order to reassemble
components.
5. After replacing the friction wheel, perform the Drive
Control test on page 23 in the Maintenance and
Adjustments section.
Figure 7-10
NOTE: If you’re replacing the friction wheel assembly as a
whole, discard the worn part and slide the new part onto
the hex shaft.
28 Section 7 — Service
Troubleshooting 8
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fails to start 1. Choke not in CHOKE position. 1. Move choke to CHOKE position.
2. Spark plug wire disconnected. 2. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Engine not primed. 4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
5. Faulty spark plug. 5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Key not in ignition on engine. 6. Insert key fully into the switch.
Engine running erratically/ 1. Engine running on CHOKE. 1. Move choke lever to RUN position.
inconsistent RPM (hunting or
2. Stale fuel. 2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
surging)
3. Water or dirt in fuel system. 3. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
4. Carburetor out of adjustment. 4. Contact an authorized Service Center.
5. Engine over-governed 5. Contact an authorized Service Center.
Engine overheats 1. Carburetor not adjusted properly. 1. Contact an authorized Service Center.
Excessive vibration 1. Loose parts or damaged auger. 1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark
plug wire. Tighten all bolts and nuts. If vibration
continues, have unit serviced by an authorized
Service Center.
Loss of power 1. Spark plug wire loose. 1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Gas cap vent hole plugged. 2. Remove ice and snow from gas cap. Be certain vent
hole is clear.
Unit fails to propel itself 1. Drive control cable in need of 1. Adjust drive control cable. Refer to Maintenance &
adjustment. Adjustments section.
2. Drive belt loose or damaged. 2. Replace drive belt. Refer to Service section
3. Friction wheel worn. 3. Replace friction wheel. Refer to Service section.
Unit fails to discharge snow 1. Chute assembly clogged. 1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark
plug wire. Clean chute assembly and inside of auger
housing with clean-out tool or a stick.
2. Foreign object lodged in auger. 2. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug
wire. Remove object from auger with clean-out tool
or a stick.
3. Auger control cable in need of 3. Refer to Auger Control Test.
adjustment.
4. Auger belt loose or damaged. 4. Refer to Maintenance & Adjustments section.
5. Shear pin(s) sheared. 5. Replace with new shear pin(s).
Engine fails to start 1. Extension cord not connected 1. Connect one end of the extension cord to the
(when using electric start button, on electric starter outlet and the other end to a three-
models so equipped) prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet.
Chute fails to easily rotate 180 1. Chute assembled incorrectly. 1. Unassemble chute control and reassemble as
degrees directed in the Assembly & Set-up section.
Chute does not stay stationary 1. Insufficient preload applied to 1. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section to
while throwing snow using an chute control. adjust chute preload.
overhead chute control. 29
Replacement Parts 9
Component Part Number and Description
951-10630 Key
† If Equipped
Phone (800) 800-7310 to order replacement parts or a complete Parts Manual (have your full model number and serial number ready).
Parts Manual downloads are also available free of charge at www.mtdproducts.com.
30
Attachments & Accessories 10
The following attachments and accessories are available for your snow thrower. Phone (800) 800-7310 for information regarding
compatibility, price and availability (have your full model number and serial number ready).
31
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR
The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with b. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters, blade
respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments,
and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited deck adjustments, and normal deterioration of the exterior finish
with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canada and/ due to use or exposure.
or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, “MTD”). c. Service completed by someone other than an authorized service
This warranty is in addition to any applicable emissions warranty dealer.
provided with your product. d. MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported
“MTD” warrants this product (excluding its Normal Wear Parts and outside of the United States and/or Canada, and their respective
Attachments as described below) against defects in material and possessions and territories, except those sold through MTD’s
workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date authorized channels of export distribution.
of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of e. Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts.
charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
This limited warranty shall only apply if this product has been f. Transportation charges and service calls.
operated and maintained in accordance with the Operator’s Manual g. MTD does not warrant this product for commercial use.
furnished with the product, and has not been subject to misuse,
No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
abuse, commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies after
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of other
the applicable period of express written warranty above as to the
peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the installation or use
parts as identified. No other express warranty, whether written or
of any part, accessory or attachment not approved by MTD for use
oral, except as mentioned above, given by any person or entity,
with the product(s) covered by this manual will void your warranty as
including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product, shall
to any resulting damage.
bind MTD. During the period of the warranty, the exclusive remedy
Normal Wear Parts are warranted to be free from defects in material is repair or replacement of the product as set forth above.
and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of
The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the sole and
purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not limited to items
exclusive remedy arising from the sale. MTD shall not be liable
such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade adapters, tines, grass bags,
for incidental or consequential loss or damage including, without
wheels, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower skid shoes, friction
limitation, expenses incurred for substitute or replacement lawn
wheels, shave plates, auger spiral rubber, engine oil, air filters, spark
care services or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a
plugs and tires.
warranted product.
Attachments — MTD warrants attachments for this product against
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year,
or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied
commencing on the date of the attachment’s original purchase or
warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply
lease. Attachments include, but are not limited to items such as:
to you.
grass collectors and mulch kits.
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the amount of
HOW TO OBTAIN PARTS AND SERVICE: Warranty service is available,
the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration of safety features of
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service
the product shall void this warranty. You assume the risk and liability
dealer. To locate the dealer in your area:
for loss, damage, or injury to you and your property and/or to others
In the U.S.A. and their property arising out of the misuse or inability to use the
Check your Yellow Pages, or contact MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131, product.
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220- This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the
4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com. original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased as a
In Canada gift.
Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, or call 1-800- HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This limited
668-1238 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdcanada.com. warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the following
cases: IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of Purchase to
obtain warranty coverage.
a. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a separate one-
year warranty.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-800-800-7310, 1-330-220-4683
MTD Canada Limited - KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1; Phone 1-800-668-1238
GDOC-100016 REV. C