Operation, Before starting the engine – Poulan Pro PR524 SNOW THROWER User Manual
Page 11
 
11
TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 17)
NOTE: The wrench provided in your parts bag may be used 
to adjust the skid plates.
Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing 
and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the 
ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height 
for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in 
normal con di tions, such as a paved driveway or side walk, 
place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper 
clear ance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper 
bar and the ground. Use a middle position if the surface 
to be cleared is uneven.
NOTE: It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower 
over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks 
or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the 
impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property 
dam age or damage to the snow thrower. 
• If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface,
use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted 
to lowest (highest scraper clear ance) position.
1. Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Adjust skid plates by loosening the rear 1/2" hex nut
only, then moving skid plate to desired position. Be sure 
both plates are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.
SKID PLATE
LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEAR ANCE)
1/2" HEX NUT
HIGH POSITION
(LOW GROUND
CLEARANCE)
AUGER
HOUSING
SCRAPER BAR
The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible. After 
con sid er able use it may become worn. When it has worn 
almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed, 
providing additional service before requiring replacement. 
Replace a dam aged or worn scrap er bar.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 18)
The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from 
the factory, already fi lled with oil.
1. Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground.
2. Remove oil fi ll cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert
the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds, 
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until 
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfi ll.
• To change engine oil, see “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL”
in the Main te nance sec tion of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 18)
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck. Do not over-
fi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with 
a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. 
Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 
days to assure fuel freshness.
FIG. 17
OPERATION
WARNING: Wipe off any spilled oil or 
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline 
near an open fl ame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called 
gas o hol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separation and 
for ma tion of acids dur ing storage. Acidic gas 
can damage the fuel system of an engine while 
in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel 
system should be emptied be fore stor age of 
30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start 
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines 
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next 
season. See Storage In struc tions for ad di tion al 
information. Never use engine or car bu re tor 
cleaner products in the fuel tank or per ma nent 
damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE 
• Be sure fuel shut-off valve is in the OPEN position.
Your snow thrower engine is equipped with a recoil starter.
COLD START
1. Insert safety ignition key (packed separately in parts
bag) into ignition slot until it clicks. DO NOT turn the key. 
Keep the extra safety ignition key in a safe place.
2. Place throttle control in FAST position.
3. Rotate choke control to FULL position.
4. Push the primer four (4) times if the temperature is
below 15°F, or two (2) times if temperature is between 
15° and 50°F. If temperature is above 50°F, priming is 
not nec es sary.
NOTE: Over priming may cause fl ooding, preventing the 
engine from starting. If you do fl ood the engine, wait a few 
minutes be fore at tempt ing to start and DO NOT push the 
primer. 
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP /
DIPSTICK
FUEL SHUT-
OFF VALVE
PRIM ER
SAFETY 
IG NI TION 
KEY
THROT TLE
CHOKE CONTROL
RECOIL 
STARTER 
HANDLE
GAS O LINE
FILLER CAP
NOTE: ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION.
ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.
FIG. 18