Stopping The Engine, To Engage Drive, To Engage Augers

•Pull the starter handle with a firm, rapid stroke.

IMPORTANT: Do not release the handle and allow it to snap back. Keep a firm hold on the starter handle and allow it to slowly recoil.

•As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the OFF position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate the choke control back to the FULL position and then slowly into the OFF position again.

Stopping The Engine

•Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any moisture on the engine.

•To help prevent possible starter freeze-up, proceed as follows:

Electric Starter (on models so equipped)

1.Connect extension cord to the electric starter outlet on the engine, then to 120 volt AC outlet.

2.With the engine running, push the starter button and allow the starter for spin for several seconds. The noise made by the starter is normal. The engine’s starter is not being harmed.

3.When disconnecting the extension cord, always unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the snow thrower.

4.Move throttle control to STOP position.

5.Remove the ignition key.

6.Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover in the area of the drive control and auger control. Also, engage and release the controls several times.

NOTE: Keep the key in a safe place. The engine cannot start without the ignition key.

Recoil Starter

1.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 engine.

2.Move throttle control to STOP position.

3.Remove the ignition key.

NOTE: Keep the key in a safe place. The engine cannot start without the ignition key.

4.Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover in the area of the drive control and auger control. Also, engage and release the controls several times.

To Engage Drive

•With the throttle control in the Fast (rabbit) position, move shift lever into one of the six forward (F) positions or two reverse (R) positions. Select a speed appropriate for the snow conditions and a pace you’re comfortable with.

IMPORTANT: Use the slower speeds until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation of the snow thrower.

•Squeeze the auger control against the handle and the augers will turn. Release it and the augers will stop.

•Squeeze the drive control against the handle the snow thrower will move. Release it and drive motion will stop.

IMPORTANT: NEVER reposition the shift lever (change speeds or direction of travel) without first releasing the drive control and bringing the snow thrower to a complete stop. Doing so will result in premature wear to the snow thrower’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.

Auger Control Test

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 the 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 throttle control in the FAST (rabbit) position and the auger control 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.