MTD 31AH553G401 - Manual

5 SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the snow thrower in this manual is from behind the unit in theoperating position. IMPORTANT: After assembling, check the adjustments as instructed on page 6 before operating your snow thrower. Failure to follow the in...

6 Final Adjustments Auger Drive Clutch • To check the adjustment of the auger drive clutch, push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. See Figure 6. • Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight. Make certain you can depress t...

7 SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare illustration below with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. The operation of a...

8 Traction Drive/Auger Clutch Lock The traction drive clutch is located on the right handle. Squeeze the traction drive clutch to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop. This same lever also locks the auger clutch to avoid interruption of the snow throwing process. If the auger drive clutch is enga...

9 SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER 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 ...

10 IMPORTANT: Do not lose the ignition key. Engine will not start without it. • Disconnect spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended. • Wipe all snow and moisture from the carburetor cover in the area of the control levers. Also, move control le...

11 SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to clean chuteor make any adjustments while engine isrunning. Traction Drive Clutch Refer to the Final Adjustment section of the Set-Up Instructions to adjust the traction drive clutch. To check the adjustment, proceed as follows: • With the sn...

12 SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER General Recommendations • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this snow thrower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must...

13 Carburetor WARNING: If any adjustments are made tothe engine while the engine is running(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of all movingparts. Be careful of heated surfaces andmufflers. Minor carburetor adjustments may be required to compensate for differences in fuel temperature, altitude and load. R...

14 Check Friction Wheel Follow the instructions below to check the condition of the friction wheel rubber every 25 hours of operation. • Remove the six self-tapping screws from the frame cover underneath the snow thrower. See Figure 12. Figure 12 • Visually inspect the friction wheel rubber for exce...

15 SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR SNOW THROWER WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire andground against engine before performingany repairs or maintenance. Augers The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. See Figure 13. If you hit a foreign object or ice jam, the sno...

17 • Reinstall the belt cover on the front of the engine with the two self-tapping screws and flat washers. Refer to Figure 15. NOTE: Make sure that the auger cable is routed in front of the belt. Drive Belt • Drain the gasoline from the snow thrower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap. •...

18 rubber from between the friction wheel plate. • Reassemble new friction wheel rubber to the friction wheel assembly, tightening the six screws in rotation and with equal force. It is important to assemble the rubber on the friction wheel symmetrically for proper functioning. • Insert the pin from...

19 SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, please contact your local authorized service dealer. Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action Engine fails to start 1. Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. 2. Blocked fuel line. 3. Choke not in the ON pos...

20 SECTION 10: PARTS LIST FOR MODEL 553 1 2 3 5 4 6 6 6 22 22 22 6 37 36 38 34 22 13 28 21 26 11 32 8 28 21 15 31 6 6 22 22 22 24 12 19 35 7 10 23 16 10 23 9 14 17 30 20 25 18 27 13 18 18 13 18 13 13 18 29 39 40 33 42 52 46 47 50 49 54 51 48 56 41 43 55 45 53 43 33 44 57

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTDPRODUCTS INC (“MTD”) with respect to new merchandisepurchased and used in the United States, its possessionsand territories. MTD warrants this product against defects in material andworkmanship for a period of t...