MTD 31AH553G401 Making Adjustments, Traction Drive Clutch, Auger Clutch, Shift Rod, Slide Shoe

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

WARNING: Never attempt to clean chute or make any adjustments while engine is running.

Traction Drive Clutch

Refer to the Final Adjustment section of the Set-Up Instructions to adjust the traction drive clutch. To check the adjustment, proceed as follows:

•With the snow thrower tipped forward (be certain to drain the gasoline or place plastic film under the gas cap if the snow thrower has already been operated), remove the frame cover underneath the snow thrower by removing six self-tapping screws.

•With the traction drive clutch released, there must be clearance between the friction wheel and the drive plate in all positions of the shift lever.

•With the traction drive clutch engaged, the friction wheel must contact the drive plate (Figure 20).

•If adjustment is necessary, loosen the jam nut on the traction drive cable and thread the cable in or out as necessary. See Figure 9.

Handle	Clutch
Panel	Grip

Hex Jam

Nut

(Thread nut here)

Z Fitting

Cable is straight but not tight

(Viewed from under the handle panel)

Figure 9

•Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached. Reassemble the frame cover.

NOTE: If you placed plastic under the gas cap, be certain to remove it.

Auger Clutch

To adjust the auger clutch, refer to Final Adjustment section of Set-Up Instructions.

Shift Rod

•Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the shift handle under the handle panel.

•Place shift lever in sixth (6) position or fastest forward speed.

Shift Lever

Upper

Shift

Rod

Ferrule	Clutch Rod
	Connector
	Lower
	Shift
Hairpin	Rod
Clip	Shift Arm

Figure 10

•Push shift arm assembly down as far as it will go.

•Rotate the ferrule up or down on the shift rod as necessary until the ferrule lines up with the upper hole in the shift lever. See Figure 10.

•Insert ferrule from the left side of the snow thrower into the upper hole in shift lever.

•Reinstall the hairpin clip and the washer. See Figure 10.

•Make certain to check for correct adjustment before operating the snow thrower.

Chute Assembly

The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Refer to the “Know Your Snow Thrower” section on page 7.

•The remote chute control cables have been pre- adjusted at the factory. Move the remote chute lever on the control panel back and forward to adjust angle of the chute asssembly.

Slide Shoe

The space between the shave plate and the ground can be adjusted. Refer to Figure 7 on page 6 for instructions on adjustment.

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