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PERATOR’S ANUAL Models 31AE553F401 31AE573H401 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest- covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: THIS 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.
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the discharge opening. • Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and remove the key.
SECTION 2: FINDING SNOW THROWER MODEL NUMBER This Operators Manual is an important part of your new snow thrower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain your snow thrower. Please read and understand what it says. Before you prepare your snow thrower for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this Operators Manual.
SECTION 5: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow thrower in this manual is from behind the unit in the operating position. IMPORTANT: Check the adjustments as instructed on page 6, and make any final adjustments necessary before operating your snow thrower.
NOTE: If the connector is not properly assembled, the shift rod will pivot and you will not be able to shift gears or change directions. 7. Models with two-piece chute crank only: Remove the hairpin clip from the end of the upper chute crank.
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auger drive clutch grip against the left handle completely. 3. 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.
SECTION 6: CONTROLS Auger Drive Clutch Throttle Control Choke ignition Switch Headlight Chute Shift Tilt Lever Control Chute Crank • The snow thrower has been shown here from an upside down perspective in order to better explain the controls. Please note that the snow thrower cannot be operated in this position.
SECTION 7: OPERATION GAS AND OIL FILL-UP Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your snow thrower. Read instructions carefully. WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or while engine is hot. Do not smoke when filling fuel tank.
2. To avoid possible freeze-up of starter, proceed as follows. Electric Starter: Connect power cord to switch box on engine, then to 120 volt AC receptacle. With the engine running, push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the starter will not harm engine or starter.
SECTION 8: ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to clean chute or make any adjustments while engine is running. CHUTE ASSEMBLY The distance snow is thrown can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Refer to the Control section of this manual. 1.
SECTION 9: LUBRICATION (See Figure 13) WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine before performing any lubrication or maintenance. WHEELS Oil or spray lubricant into wheel bearings at least once a season. Remove wheels, clean and coat axles with a multi-purpose automotive grease.
SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine before performing any repairs or maintenance. AUGERS The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts will shear.
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WARNING: Do not attempt to change the auger belt without the help of an assistant. It is very important that one person, standing at the operating position, firmly hold the snow thrower housing to prevent it from tipping while the other person replaces the belt.
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Drive Belt 1. Drain the gasoline from the snow thrower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap. 2. Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the engine by removing the two self-tapping screws. 3. Tip the snow thrower up and forward, so that it rests on the housing.
the friction wheel assembly and hold assembly in position. See Figure 25. Shift Arm Sprocket Assembly Friction Wheel Figure 25 11. Slide the hex shaft through the left side of the housing and through the friction wheel assembly. 12. Insert the hex shaft through the sprocket and the spacer.
SECTION 12: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause(s) Engine fails to start Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Choke not in ON position Faulty spark plug. Key not in switch on engine. Spark plug wire disconnected. Primer button not depressed. Fuel shut-off valve closed (if so equipped).
NOTE: For painted parts, please refer to the list of color codes below. Please add the applicable color code, wherever needed, to the part number to order a replacement part. For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx, is painted yard-man green, the part number to order would be 700-xxxx-0665.
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Please add the applicable color code, wherever needed, to the part number to order a replace- ment part. For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx, is painted yard-man green, the part number to order would be 700-xxxx-0665. Yard-Man Green: 0665...
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Ref. No. Part No. 710-0262 710-0451 710-0805 710-0896 710-3015 712-0429 712-3027 731-0851A 731-1300A 731-1313B 731-1320 736-0159 736-0506 746-0896 746-0901 784-5594 784-5604 Code Description Carriage Bolt: 5/16-18 x 1.5” Carriage Bolt: 5/16-18 x 0.75” Hex Bolt: 5/16-18 x 1.5 Gr. 5 Hex Washer Head AB Screw: 1/4-14 x 0.625”...
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Please add the appli- cable color code, wherever needed, to the part number to order a replacement part. For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx, is painted yard-man green, the part number to order would be 700-xxxx-0665. Yard-Man Green: 0665 Yard-Man Yellow:)0674...
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Please add the applicable color code, wherever needed, to the part number to order a replacement part. For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx, is painted yard-man green, the part number to order would be 700-xxxx-0665. Yard-Man Green: 0665 Yard-Man Yellow:)0674...
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Ref. No. Part No. Code 684-0008A Shift Arm Assembly 684-0053 Chute Crank Assembly 705-5266 Chute Crank Bracket 710-0262 Carr. Bolt 5/16-18 x 1.5 710-0449 Carr. Screw 5/16-18 x 2.25 Gr.5 710-0788 Hex Washer Head TT Screw 1/4-20 x 1.0 710-0890A Shear Bolt 5/16-18 x 1.5 710-3008 Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 0.75...
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NOTE: For painted parts, please refer to the list of color codes below. Please add the applicable color code, wherever needed, to the part number to order a replacement part. For instance, if a part, numbered 700-xxxx, is painted yard-man green, the part number to order would be 700-xxxx-0665. Yard-Man Green: 0665...
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Optional Parts: Following optional parts are available for your snow thrower. Please call 1-800-800-7310 to order these parts. While ordering, do not forget to mention the applicable part number. Tire Chain: Part Number Wheel Size Wheel Size (with Sno Hog (without Sno Hog Tire) Tire)
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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: For TWO YEARS from the date of retail purchase within the United States of America, its possessions and territories, MTD PRODUCTS INC will, at its option, repair or replace, for the original purchaser, free of charge, any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship.