MTD 31AH553G401 - Manual (Page 10)

10
IMPORTANT: Do not lose the ignition key. Engine will not
start without it.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark plug to
prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
• 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. Leave
throttle control lever in the STOP or OFF position.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.
To Engage Drive
• With the engine running near top speed, move shift
lever into one of the six FORWARD positions or two
REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate
for the snow conditions that exist. Use the slower
speeds until you are familiar with the operation of
the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the left hand auger clutch grip against the
handle to engage it.
• While the left hand auger clutch grip is engaged,
squeeze the right hand drive clutch grip.
• Release the left hand auger clutch grip only. The
interlock mechanism should keep it engaged until
the right hand clutch is released.
NOTE: NEVER move shift lever without first releasing
the drive clutch.
• For comfort and convenience, turn on the heated
grips switch as needed.
To Steer Snow Thrower
The trigger levers are located on the underside of the
handles and are used to steer your snowthrower.
NOTE: The drive clutch must be engaged when using
the triggers to steer the snow thrower.
• To turn right, squeeze the right trigger lever and
guide the snowthrower to the right.
• To turn left, squeeze the left trigger lever and guide
the snowthrower to the left.
• Squeeze both triggers to transport the unit when
the engine is not running.
To Engage Augers
• To engage augers and start snow throwing action,
squeeze the auger clutch grip against the left
handle. Release to stop the augers (traction drive
clutch grip must also be released).
The auger drive clutch can also be locked so you can
turn the chute crank without interrupting the snow
throwing process. Refer to “Traction Drive/ Auger
Clutch Lock” on page 8.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
WARNING: Temperature of muffler and
surrounding areas may exceed 150
o
F.
Avoid these areas.
• For most efficient snow removal, remove snow
immediately after it falls.
• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous swath. The distance
that snow is being thrown can be adjusted by
altering the angle of the chute assembly. Sharper
the angle, shorter the distance snow is thrown.
• Set the slide shoes 1/4" below the scraper bar for
normal usage. The slide shoes may be adjusted
upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward
when using on gravel or crushed rock.
• Be certain to follow the precautions listed under ‘‘To
Stop Engine’’ to prevent possible freeze-up.
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
WARNING: Never attempt to clean chute
or make any adjustments while engine is
running.
Starting Instructions at a glance
Snow
Thrower Spark
Plug wire Drive
Levers Throttle
Control Ignition
Key Choke Power
Cord Primer Starter After starting
Electric
Starter Connect Release Move to
FAST Push to
snap in Move to
FULL Connect
to source — Push
button 1. Release button
2. Move Choke to Off
3. Disconnect cord
Recoil
Starter Connect Release Move to
FAST Push to
snap in Move to
FULL — Prime Pull
handle 1. Release handle
2. Move Choke to Off.