MTD 769-04164 warranty Stopping the Engine, Auger Control Test, Operating The Snowthrower

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Operation

WARNING

The operation of any snow thrower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the snow thrower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the snow thrower while starting engine or operating snow thrower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ven- tilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and snow thrower.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: To avoid unsupervised engine operation, never leave the engine unattended while running. Turn the engine off after use and remove ignition key

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

1.Move throttle control to STOP position.

2.Remove the ignition key. Removing the key will reduce the possibility of unauthorized starting of the engine while equipment is not in use. Keep the key in a safe place. The engine cannot start without the ignition key.

3.Wipe all snow and moisture from the area around the engine as well as the area in and around the drive control and auger control. Also, engage and release both controls several times.

Auger Control Test

IMPORTANT: Perform the following test before operat- ing the snow thrower for the first time and at the start of each season.

Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:

1.When the auger control is released and in the disengaged “up” position, the cable should have very little slack, but should NOT be tight.

2.In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower engine as instructed earlier in this section under the heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is set in the FAST position.

3.While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow thrower) engage the auger.

4.Allow the auger to remain engaged for approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing the auger control. Repeat this several times.

5.With the engine running in the FAST position and the auger control in the disengaged “up” position, walk to the front of the machine.

6.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 readjusting the auger control cable as shown in the “Setup And Adjustment” section on page 7.

Operating The Snowthrower

NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperature.

•Adjust the discharge chute as desired. Do not throw snow toward a building as hidden objects could be discharged with enough force to cause damage.

•Start the engine as instructed previously.

•Making certain no bystanders or obstacles are in front of the unit, squeeze the auger control bail completely against the upper handle to fully engage the augers.

Release the auger control bail and the augers will stop.

•While the auger control handle is engaged, squeeze the drive control bail completely against the upper handle to engage the wheels. Release the drive control bail and the wheels will stop.

•As the snowthrower starts to move, maintain a firm hold on the handle, and guide the snowthrower along the path to be cleared.

•Release the bails to stop the snowthrowing action and forward motion.

NOTE: Your unit is equipped with a clutch in the transmis- sion. If the wheels stop turning while trying to discharge large volumes of snow, immediately disengage the drive control bail and allow the rotating augers to discharge snow from the housing. Continue operation reducing clearing width.

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