Operating Tips - MTD 300 Series Operator's Manual

CAUTION: NEVER replace the auger shear pins
with anything other than OEM Part No.738-04124A
replacement shear pins. Any damage to the auger
gearbox or other components as a result of failing to
do so will NOT be covered by your snow thrower's
wa rra nty.
WARNING! Always turn off the snow thrower's
engine and remove the key prior to replacing shear
pins.
CleaningThe ChuteAssembly
The clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the
auger housing with a mounting clip. When snow and ice collect
in the chute assembly during operation, use this tool to safely
clean the chute and chute opening.
i_ WARNING!
Stop engine by moving throttle lever
to stop position and wait for all moving parts to stop
before using the clean-out tool.
1. Release both auger and drive controls.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures it to
the rear of the auger housing.
4. Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to
dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has formed in
and near the chute assembly.
_ WARNING! Never use your hands to clean snow
and ice from the chute assembly or auger housing.
5. Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the
rear of the auger housing.
AugerControl Test
Refer to "Auger Control" on page 9 in the Set-Up & Assembly
section of this manual for instructions on testing and performing
adjustments to the snow thrower's Auger Control mechanism.
ClearingThe Snow
CAUTION: Check the area to be cleared for foreign objects.
Remove, if any.
1. Start the engine following starting instructions.
2. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes as
the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Rotate the chute assembly to the desired direction, away
from bystanders and/or buildings.
4. Making certain no bystanders or obstacles are in front of
the unit, squeeze the auger control completely against the
upper handle to fully engage the augers.
5. While the auger control is engaged, squeeze the drive
control completely against the upper handle to engage the
wheels. Do not "feather" the drive control.
6_
As the snow thrower begins to move, maintain a firm hold
on the handle, and guide the snow thrower along the path
to be cleared.
7. Release the auger and drive controls to stop the snow
throwing action and forward motion.
NOTE:Your unit is equipped with a clutch in the
transmission. If the wheels stop turning while trying to
discharge large volumes of snow, immediately disengage
the drive control and allow the rotating augers to discharge
snow from the housing. Reduce the clearing width and
continue operation.
8. On each succeeding pass, readjust the chute assembly to
the desired position and slightly overlap the previously
cleared path.
OperatingTips
For 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-inch below the shave plate for
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted upward for
hard-packed snow.
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 personal injury and/or
damage to the snow thrower.
If for some reason, you have to operate the snow thrower
on gravel, keep the skid shoe in the highest position for
maximum clearance between the ground and the shave
plate.
Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
SECTION 5 -- OPERATION
13