MTD 31AH553G401 manual Important Safe Operation Practices, Training, Preparation

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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This Warning 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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol, heed its warning.

DANGER: Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation 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 equipment is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Training

Read this operators manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over should only operate snow thrower under close parental supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your snow thrower.

No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or while taking medication that impairs the senses or reactions.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.

Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting engine.

Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarfs or other loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors, while the engine is running, or until engine has been allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe

off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surface.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running (except where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine in any direction.

Operation

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all times.

Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove wire from spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the snow thrower.

If the snow thrower should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

Stop engine whenever you leave the operating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller housing or discharge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening.

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Contents Operator’s Manual Table of Contents Operation Important Safe Operation PracticesTraining PreparationYour Responsibility Maintenance And StorageAssembling Your Snow Thrower Slide Shoe Final AdjustmentsAuger Drive Clutch Traction Drive Clutch and Shift LeverTrigger Lever Know Your Snow ThrowerShift Lever Auger DriveTo Stop Engine Electric Starter Operating Your Snow ThrowerGas and Oil Fill-up Tire PressureOperating Tips To Engage DriveTo Steer Snow Thrower To Engage AugersShift Rod Chute AssemblyTraction Drive Clutch Auger ClutchGeneral Recommendations Maintaining Your Snow ThrowerLubrication CarburetorCheck Friction Wheel Check V-beltsSelf-Tapping Screw Shave Plate and Slide Shoes Servicing Your Snow ThrowerAugers Replacing beltPush Idler Pulley Location Friction Changing Friction Wheel RubberDrive Belt Friction WheelOFF-SEASON Storage EngineTrouble Possible Causes Corrective Action Trouble Shooting GuideParts 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