MTD 769-04095 - Manual (Page 12)

12
WARNING
4
Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
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.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read
instructions carefully.
Starting The Engine
1. Make certain both the auger control and drive control
are in the disengaged (released) position.
2. Open fuel shut-off valve (If equipped) and make sure
the Rocker switch is in the On position (if equipped).
3. Push in the safety key.
4. Rotate choke control to FULL choke position
(for a cold engine start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke
control in the OFF position
instead of FULL.
5. Push the primer two times if temperature is above
15 o F (-9 o C), four times if temperature is below 15 o F
(-9
o
C) for cold engine start, making sure to cover
vent hole in the center of the primer when pushing.
NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.
Electric Starter (If Equipped)
1. Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician if you
are not certain.
WARNING: The optional electric
starter is equipped with a grounded
three-wire power cord and plug, and
is designed to operate on 120 volt AC
household current. It 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 operat-
ing the electric starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed
as follows:
1. Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the
engine’s surface. Plug the other end of extension
cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet
in a well-ventilated area.
2. Push starter button to start engine.
3. Once the engine starts, immediately release starter
button.
4. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control
to the OFF position . If the engine falters,
quickly rotate the choke control back to FULL and
then slowly into the OFF position again.
5. When disconnecting the extension cord, always
unplug the end at the three-prong wall outlet before
unplugging the opposite end from the snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
1. Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the rope
out. At the point where it becomes slightly harder to pull
the rope, slowly allow the rope to recoil.
2. Pull the starter handle with a firm, rapid stroke. Do not
release the handle and allow it to snap back. Keep a firm
hold on the starter handle and allow it to slowly recoil.
3. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to
the OFF position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate the
choke control back to the FULL position and then slowly
into the OFF position again.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
after starting. The engine will not develop full power until it
reaches operating temperatures.
Stopping The Engine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off
any moisture on the engine.
• Push the rocker switch to the “OFF” position.
• Pull out the safety key.
• Close fuel shut-off valve (If equipped).
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the area around the
engine as well as the area in and around the drive
control and auger control. Also, engage and release
both controls several times.
To Engage Drive
1. With the engine running near top speed, move
shift lever to one of six FORWARD positions or two
REVERSE positions. Select a speed appropriate for
the snow conditions that exist.
2. Squeeze drive control against the right handle and
the snow thrower will move. Release it and the drive
motion will stop.
To Engage Augers
1. To engage augers and start snow throwing, squeeze
the left hand auger control against the left handle.
Release to stop augers.
2. While the auger control is engaged, squeeze the drive
control to move, release to stop. Do not shift speeds
while the drive is engaged.
NOTE: The drive control lever also locks auger control
so you can turn the chute control without interrupting the
snow throwing process.
3. Release the auger control; the interlock mechanism
should keep the auger control engaged until the drive
control is released.
4. Release the drive control to stop both the augers and
the wheel drive. To stop the auger, both levers must be
released.
Operating
Your Snow
Thrower