MTD 31AH7S3G701 - Manual (Page 7)

7
Chute Tilt Control
The distance snow is thrown can be changed by
adjusting the angle of the upper chute. Move the chute
tilt control forward to decrease the distance, and
backwards to increase distance. See Figure 5.
Skid Shoe
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted by positioning the skid shoes. Refer to Skid
Shoe Adjustment on page 11.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel and is used to determine both ground speed and
direction of travel. It can be moved into any of eight
positions. See Figure 5.
Forward
Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slowest speed.
Reverse
Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds, with
position number one (1) being the slowest speed.
IMPORTANT: Always release drive control before
changing speeds.
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
To change the direction in which snow is thrown, turn
chute directional control as follows:
• Crank clockwise to discharge to the left.
• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Heated Handles Switch
This switch is located on the right side of the snow
thrower dash panel. To activate the heated handles,
toggle the switch to the right to generate heat within the
handle grips. Toggle the switch to the left to the OFF
position after using the snow thrower. See Figure 5.
NOTE: The heated handles grips are a compliment to,
not a substitute for, proper cold weather outerwear for
the operator’s hands. It is recommended that the snow
thrower operator wear gloves/mittens to avoid
extremities of winter while operating this equipment.
Track Steering Controls
The left and right track steering controls are located on
the underside of the handles and they are used to
assist in steering the snow thrower. Squeeze the right
track control when turning right, squeeze the left control
when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open
areas until you become familiar with these controls.
See Figure 5.
NOTE: It is easier to maneuver a non-running snow
thrower with both track steering controls held in
simultaneously.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates
the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine
when pushed down completely. See Figure 5.
Safety Ignition Key
The safety ignition key must be fully inserted and
snapped in place before the unit will start. Remove the
ignition key to prevent unauthorized use of equipment.
See Figure 5.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Headlight
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
Track Lock Lever
The track lock lever is located on the right side of the
snow thrower and is used to select the position of the
auger housing and the method of track operation. Move
the lever to the right, then forward or backward to one of
the three positions. See Figure 6.
Transport: Raises the front end of the snow thrower for
easy transport. Using proper caution, this position may
also be used on many gravel driveways to clear snow
while leaving gravel undisturbed.
Normal Snow: Allows the tracks to be suspended
independently for continuous ground contact.
Packed Snow: Locks the front end of the snow thrower
down to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow
conditions.
Figure 6
Track Lock
Lever
Packed
Snow
Normal
Snow
Transport