MTD 31AH553G401 manual To Engage Drive, To Steer Snow Thrower, To Engage Augers, Operating Tips

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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 150oF. 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

Spark

Drive

Throttle

Ignition

Choke

Power

Primer

Starter

After starting

Thrower

Plug wire

Levers

Control

Key

 

Cord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric

Connect

Release

Move to

Push to

Move to

Connect

Push

1. Release button

Starter

 

 

FAST

snap in

FULL

to source

 

button

2. Move Choke to Off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Disconnect cord

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recoil

Connect

Release

Move to

Push to

Move to

Prime

Pull

1. Release handle

Starter

 

 

FAST

snap in

FULL

 

 

handle

2. Move Choke to Off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Contents Operator’s Manual Table of Contents Preparation Important Safe Operation PracticesTraining OperationMaintenance And Storage Your ResponsibilityAssembling Your Snow Thrower Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever Final AdjustmentsAuger Drive Clutch Slide ShoeAuger Drive Know Your Snow ThrowerShift Lever Trigger LeverTo Stop Engine Tire Pressure Operating Your Snow ThrowerGas and Oil Fill-up Electric StarterTo Engage Augers To Engage DriveTo Steer Snow Thrower Operating TipsAuger Clutch Chute AssemblyTraction Drive Clutch Shift RodMaintaining Your Snow Thrower General RecommendationsCarburetor LubricationCheck V-belts Check Friction WheelSelf-Tapping Screw Replacing belt Servicing Your Snow ThrowerAugers Shave Plate and Slide ShoesPush Friction Wheel Changing Friction Wheel RubberDrive Belt Idler Pulley Location FrictionEngine OFF-SEASON StorageTrouble Shooting Guide Trouble Possible Causes Corrective ActionParts List for Model Model Drive Clutch Cable Routed below axle Hooked here Dogg Assembly RH 736-0160 Flat Washer Model Reference Ref. No Description Model 553 Label Part Numbers MANUFACTURER’S Limited Warranty for