Operator’s Manual
Single Stage
Snow Thrower
Models: 2B5 & 295
E2B5 & E295
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
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). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD Products Ltd., P. O. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO N2G 4J1
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
772C0706A
(4/2005)
FORM NO
.
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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you
see this symbol—heed its warning.
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals
known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As with
any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This
machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
running, except where specifically recommended in the
Training
operator’s manual.
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
8. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
before starting to clear snow.
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place
9. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme
for future and regular reference and for ordering
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
replacement parts.
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
quickly.
and change clothes immediately.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
sources of ignition.
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
parent.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
engine is hot or running.
proper instruction.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan
refueling.
your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75
for fuel expansion.
feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
machine if anyone enters the area.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
when operating in reverse.
minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
Preparation
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds,
dryer etc.).
boards, wires and other objects which could be tripped
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
over or thrown by the auger.
storing.
2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to
Operation
protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger
cause serious injury to the eyes.
housing or discharge chute. Contact with rotating parts
3. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
can amputate hands and feet.
garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other
2. The auger control bail is a safety device. Never bypass
loose clothing which could become entangled in moving
its operation. Doing so, makes the machine unsafe and
parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on
may cause personal injury.
slippery surfaces.
3. The auger control bail must operate easily in both
4. Use a grounded extension cord and receptacle for all
directions and automatically return to the disengaged
units with electric start engines.
position when released.
5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
rock surfaces.
chute. Keep all safety devices in place and working.
6. Disengage the auger control bail before starting the
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
engine.
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
3
odorless and deadly gas.
6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes.
10. Plan your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. To avoid property
damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets
or allow anyone in front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear
snow at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility or
light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold
on the handles. Walk, never run.
14. Disengage power to the auger when transporting or not
in use.
15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care
when in reverse.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground it against
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before starting and operating.
17. Disengage the auger control bail and stop engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the handles).
Wait until the auger comes to a complete stop before
unclogging the discharge chute, making any
adjustments, or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector
openings. Always use a clearing tool to unclog the
discharge opening.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer.
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Call customer assistance
for the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
2. Disengage the auger control bail and stop engine. Wait
until the auger comes to a complete stop. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.
3. Check bolts, and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to
wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently
check all components and replace with original
equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!”
6. Check the auger control bail periodically to verify they
engage and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary.
Refer to the adjustment section in this operator’s manual
for instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas,
oil, etc. to protect the environment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze up of auger.
10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace ,clothes dryer etc.
11. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.
Your Responsibility:
•
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons
who read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the machine.
DANGER
FOR TURNING,
NOT LIFTING
POUR TOURNER,
PAS POUR LE LEVAGE
NEVER PUT HAND IN CHUTE. CAN
AMPUTATE HANDS AND FINGERS.
STOP ENGINE AND AUGER BEFORE USING
CLEAN-OUT TOOL OR STICK.
NE PLACEZ JAMAIS VOS MAINS DANS LA
GOULOTTE. LES PIÈCES EN MOUVEMENT
PEUVENT AMPUTER MAINS ET DOIGTS.
ARRÊTEZ LE MOTEUR ET LA TARIÈRE AVANT
D'UTILISER L'OUTIL DE DÉGAGEMENT
DE LA GOULOTTE OU UN BÂTON.
4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models.
Snow thrower features vary by model. Not all
features discussed in this manual are applicable to all
snow thrower models.
•
Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in
Figure 1 until it clicks into the operating position.
Make sure not to pinch or crimp the cable.
Tighten the hand knobs.
•
Unpacking From Carton
Assembling the Discharge Chute
•
•
•
Cut along corners of the carton and lay it down flat.
Remove packing material.
For shipping reasons, the snow thrower has been
packaged with the upper chute pivoted all the way
down as shown in Figure 2. To pivot it upward, proceed
as follows:
Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).
Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
any remaining loose part.
1. Turn the chute until the chute opening is facing
straight ahead.
2. Remove the wing knob, flat washer and carriage
bolt from the lower chute.
3. Pivot the upper chute upward over the lip on the
lower chute so that there is NO gap between the
upper chute and the lower chute.
Items Required For Assembly
1. Engine oil
2. Fresh gasoline
NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow
thrower is from the operating position only.
4. Resecure with the hardware just removed.
Before Assembly
CAUTION: Do not use the Chute
Handle to lift the machine.
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Refer to the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
Raising Upper Handle
•
Loosen the hand knob on each side of the handle.
Remove packing material, if any.
3
4
Hand Knob
2
Spark Plug
Access
1
Figure 1
Figure 2
5
SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
WARNING: Be familiar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper operation. Know how to
stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
Auger Control Handle
Recoil Starter
Gasoline Cap
Primer
Key
Electric Starter(If Equipped)
Spark Plug Access
Discharge
Chute
Oil Fill Plug
Choke
Lever
Auger
Shave Plate
Figure 3
Auger Control Handle
Primer Button
Located on the upper handle, the auger control handle
is used to engage and disengage the auger. The snow
thrower is designed to propel by the rotation of the
auger. Pull the auger control handle back against the
upper handle to engage the auger; release to
disengage.
Used to inject fuel directly into the carburetor to insure
fast starts in cold weather. Follow engine manual to
prime engine.
Ignition Key
Used to start engine. Put key in “ON” position to start
for both electric and recoil start engines. Follow starting
instructions given in the next section.
Discharge Chute
The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance
that the snow is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for
greater distance; tilt down for less distance. Loosen the
hand knob on the side of the discharge chute to adjust.
Tilt the chute to the desired position, and tighten the
knob.
Recoil Starter
Used to manually start the engine.
Electric Starter (If Equipped)
Used to start engine with a 120V power source.
Plug for Electric Start
Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord
and a 120V power source.
Choke Lever
The location of the choke lever is indicated in Figure 3
inset. You will have to use this lever to start the engine.
Push the lever all the way up to the FULL/ON position,
or all the way down to the OFF position as desired.
Spark Plug Access
Spark plug located under the access cover.
6
SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER
•
•
•
•
The electric starter is equipped with a grounded
Before Starting
three-wire power cord and plug, and is designed to
operate on 120 volt AC household current.
Determine that your house wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
If your home wiring system is not a three-wire
grounded system, do not use this electric starter
under any conditions.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but
a three-hole receptacle is not available, one should
be installed by a licensed electrician before using
the electric starter.
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.
•
The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•
Check oil and gasoline level and add if necessary.
Follow related instructions in the separate engine
manual packed with your snow thrower.
•
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceed as follows.
Move Choke Control to “Full” position.
Push Primer three (3) times, making sure to cover
vent hole when pushing.
Connect power cord to switch box on dash panel.
Plug the other end of power cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC receptacle.
Push starter button to crank engine. As you crank
the engine, move choke lever to FULL choke
position.
When engine starts, release starter button, and
move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters,
move choke immediately to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from
the snow thrower.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
•
•
•
•
•
To Start Engine
•
•
Insert ignition key into slot. Turn key to ON position.
Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to
your unit. See Figure 4 for location of controls.
Electric Starter(If Equipped)
WARNING: The electric starter must be
used with a properly grounded three-prong
receptacle at all times to avoid the possibility of
electric shock. Follow all instructions carefully
prior to operating the electric starter.
•
Recoil Starter
•
•
•
•
Move choke lever to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.
Push primer button two or three times for cold
engine start.
Press auger
control handle
to engage
auger
If engine is warm, push primer button only once.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15° F (-9° C).
Recoil
Primer
Starter
Key
•
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly, until
it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.
Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
Electric
•
Starter
(If Equipped)
Choke
Lever
•
As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke lever slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
Spark Plug Access
Figure 4
7
•
Position the discharge chute opening by using the
Chute Handle to throw the snow in the desired
direction. See Figure 5.
To Stop Engine
•
To stop engine, turn ignition key counter-clockwise.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
Wing Knob
To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows:
Upper Chute
•
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
•
Electric Starter (If Equipped): 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. Disconnect the power cord
from receptacle first, and then from switch box.
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.
Chute Handle
Figure 5
Operating Tips
•
Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previously cleared path.
Lifting up on the handle will allow the rubber on the
augers to propel the snow thrower forward. Pushing
downward on the handle will raise the augers off
the ground and stop forward motion.
•
•
•
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.
Leave choke control in the FULL choke position.
Remove ignition key and disconnect spark plug
wire to prevent accidental starting.
NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will
result in premature wear on the rubber auger blades
which would not be covered by warranty.
•
•
Run the engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry any moisture on the engine.
Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
Operating the Snow Thrower
The pitch of the discharge chute controls the angle at
which the snow is thrown.
WARNING: Muffler, engine and surrounding
areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
•
Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the
discharge chute and pivot the upper chute upward
or downward to the desired pitch. Retighten the
wing knob before operating the snow thrower.
8
SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: NEVER attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in the operator’s
manual.
Shave Plate
•
To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place
the unit on a level surface. See Figure 6. The
wheels, shave plate and augers should all contact
level surface. Note that if the shave plate is
adjusted too high, snow may blow under the
housing. If the shave plate wears out excessively,
or the unit does not self-propel, the shave plate
may be too low and needs to be adjusted.
NOTE: On new units or units with a new shave plate
installed, the augers may be slightly off the ground.
Lock Nut & Carriage Bolt
Figure 7
Control Cable
As a result of both the control cable and the drive belt
stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be
necessary.
If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating while the
engine maintains a constant speed, an adjustment is
necessary. Proceed as follows:
The upper hole in the control handle provides an
adjustment in cable tension. To adjust, disconnect the
end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control
handle and reinsert it in the upper hole. Test the snow
thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference.
Augers
Shave Plate
Figure 6
•
To adjust, tip the snow thrower back so that it rests
on the handle. Loosen the four lock nuts and bolts
which secure the shave plate to the housing. See
Figure 7. Move the shave plate to desired position
and retighten the nuts and bolts securely.
Carburetor
WARNING: If any adjustments need to be
made to the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of all moving parts.
Be careful of muffler, engine and other
surrounding heated surfaces.
•
Refer to the separate engine manual, packed with
your unit, for carburetor adjustment information.
9
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER
•
Reassemble new belt. Reinstall the belt cover.
WARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or
inspecting, disengage the auger control bail
and stop engine. Wait until all moving parts
have come to a complete stop. Disconnect
spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.
Replacing Shave Plate
The shave plate is attached to the bottom of the auger
housing and is subject to wear. It should be checked
periodically. There are two wearing edges and the
shave plate can be reversed. Refer to Figure 6. To
replace or reverse the shave plate proceed as follows:
Replacing Belt
•
•
•
Remove the four carriage bolts and hex lock nuts
which attach it to the snow thrower housing.
Install new shave plate, making sure the heads of
the carriage bolts are on the inside of the housing.
Adjust the shave plate according to instructions on
page 9. Tighten securely.
•
Remove the belt cover by removing five hex
screws. See Figure 8.
Hex
Screw
Engine
•
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance procedures.
•
Check engine and snow thrower frequently for
loose hardware, and tighten as needed.
Hex Screw
Lubrication
Belt Cover
Figure 8
Lubricate pivot points on the auger control handle and
the extension spring at the end of the control cable with
a light oil once every season and before storage of the
snow thrower at the end of the season.
•
Pull up on the idler pulley and slip the belt off the
engine and auger pulley. See Figure 9.
Replacing the Auger’s Rubber Paddles
The snow thrower auger’s rubber paddles are subject
to wear and should be replaced if any signs of
excessive wear is present.
Idler Pulley
To change the rubber paddles, proceed as follows:
Engine
Pulley
•
Remove the existing rubber paddles by
unthreading the self-tapping screws which secure
them to the auger.
•
Secure the replacement rubber paddles to the
auger using the hardware removed earlier.
Drive
Auger
Belt
Pulley
Figure 9
SECTION 7: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
•
•
Follow “Storage” instructions in the Engine Manual.
Store in a clean, dry area. Block the snow thrower
up so it is not resting on the rubber auger blades.
WARNING: Never store engine with fuel in
tank indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated
areas where fuel fumes may reach an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace, water
heater, clothes dryer, or other gas appliance.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a
poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rustproof the equipment, especially springs,
cables and all moving parts.
•
•
Clean snow thrower thoroughly.
Lubricate as instructed in “Maintaining Your Snow
Thrower” section of this manual.
10
SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem
Cause
Remedy
Engine fails to start
1. Key not in ignition switch or not in ON position. 1. Insert key and turn to ON position
2. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel
2. Fill tank with clean fresh gasoline/ oil
mixture as specified in the engine manual.
3. Clean fuel line
4. Connect wire to spark plug.
3. Blocked fuel line
4. Spark plug wire disconnected
5. Faulty spark plug
5. Clean spark plug, readjust gap, or replace.
1. Move choke lever to off position.
Engine runs erratic
1. Unit running on choke
2. Fuel line blocked, or stale fuel
3. Water or dirt in fuel
system
2. Clean fuel line and fill tank with fresh,
clean gasoline.
3. Refer to engine manual on remedy.
4. Refer to engine manual.
4. Carburetor out of adjustment
Loss of power
1. Spark plug wire loose
1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Clear vent.
2. Vent in fuel cap plugged
3. Remove obstruction from exhaust pipe.
3. Engine exhaust pipe plugged.
Excessive vibration
1. Loose parts or damaged auger
1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect
spark plug wire. Check for possible
damage. Tighten all bolts and nuts.
Repair as needed. If the problem persists,
take unit to an authorized service dealer.
Unit fails to self-propel 1. Drive cable out of adjustment
2. Drive belt damaged
1. Adjust the control cable as instructed on
page 9 of this manual.
2. Inspect the drive belt for damage and
replace if necessary as instructed on
page 10 of this manual.
Unit fails to discharge 1. Discharge chute clogged
snow
1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect
spark plug wire. Clean discharge chute
and the auger housing.
2. Stop engine immediately and disconnect
2. Foreign object lodged in auger
3. Drive cable out of adjustment
spark plug wire. Remove object.
3. Adjust the control cable as instructed on
page 9 of this manual.
4. Inspect the drive belt for damage and
replace if necessary as instructed on
page 10 of this manual
4. Drive belt loose or damaged
For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, contact your nearest authorized service representative or
call for the Customer Support Center. Refer to the engine manual for more engine related information.
For US Customers: 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310
For Canadian Customers: 1-800-668-1238
11
|