MTD 31AH553G401 Final Adjustments, Auger Drive Clutch, Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever

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Final Adjustments

Auger Drive Clutch

To check the adjustment of the auger drive clutch, push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. See Figure 6.

Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger drive clutch grip against the left handle completely.

If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the lock nut against the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

“Z” End

Jam Nut

Auger Control

Cable

Figure 6

Traction Drive Clutch and Shift Lever

Tip the snow thrower forward so that it rests on the auger housing.

Move the shift lever all the way forward to sixth (6) position.

With the traction drive lever released, spin the snow thrower wheels by hand. The wheels should turn; however, you may feel some resistance.

Engage the traction drive clutch grip. The wheels should no longer turn.

Now release the traction drive clutch grip, and spin the wheels again.

Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse position, then all the way forward again. There should be no resistance in the shift lever, and the wheels should turn.

If you face resistance when moving the shift lever or the snow thrower wheels stop when they should not, loosen the lock nut on the traction drive cable and unthread the cable one turn.

If the wheels can still be turned when you engage the traction drive clutch grip, loosen the same lock nut again and thread the cable in one turn.

Recheck the adjustment and repeat adjustment as necessary. Tighten the lock nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.

NOTE: If you are not sure that you have reached correct adjustment, refer to the Making Adjustments section of this manual on page 11.

Slide Shoe

The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted. For close snow removal, place slide shoes in the low position. Use middle or high position when area to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 7.

Adjust slide shoes by loosening the two hex nuts and carriage bolts on each side and moving slide shoes to desired position. See Figure 7.

Make certain the entire bottom surface of slide shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the slide shoes.

Tighten nuts and bolts securely.

Slide Shoe

Remove hardware to adjust

Figure 7

NOTE: It is not recommended that you operate this snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be easily picked up and thrown by the auger causing an injury or damage to the snow thrower.

If for some reason, you have to operate the snow thrower on gravel, keep the slide shoe in the highest position for maximum clearance between the ground and the shave plate.

NOTE:

Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check tire pressure and reduce to 15 to 20 psi.

NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the unit may pull to one side or the other.

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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 Friction Wheel Check V-beltsSelf-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