Yard-Man 31AH553G401 manual To Engage Wheel Drive, To Engage Augers, Operating Tips

•Recoil Starter: With engine running, pull starter rope with a rapid, continuous full arm stroke three or four times. Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering sound, which is not harmful to the engine or starter.

•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. Rotate the choke control in the FULL choke position.

•Remove ignition key and disconnect spark plug wire. Do not turn key.

IMPORTANT: Do not lose ignition key. Keep it in a safe place. Engine will not start without the ignition key.

To Engage Wheel 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.

NOTE: Use the slower speeds until you are familiar with the operation of the snow thrower.

•Squeeze the traction control against the right handle and the snow thrower will move. Release it and the drive motion will stop.

IMPORTANT: Never move shift lever without first releasing the traction control. Doing so will cause premature wear to drive system’s friction wheel rubber.

To Engage Augers

To engage the augers and start snow throwing, squeeze the auger control against the left handle.

To disengage augers, release both the auger control and the traction control, if engaged.

NOTE: The auger control can also be locked so that you can turn the chute directional control without interrupting snow throwing. Refer to page 8 for details.

Tire Chains (If equipped)

Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is needed. Call the Customer Support Department, as instructed on Page 2, for information on tire chains and other optional accessories.

Operating Tips

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

WARNING: The temperature of the muffler and the surrounding areas may exceed 150°F. Avoid these areas.

•For the most efficient snow removal, remove snow immediately after it falls.

•Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.

•Slightly overlap each previous path.

•Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the shave plate for normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted upward (to lower the shave plate) for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward (to raise the shave plate) when using on gravel or crushed rock.

•Prevent possible freeze-up of the starter by following the steps described earlier.

•Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.

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