Yardworks snow blower model 31bh65kh515
Yardworks snow blower model 31bh65kh515
Yardworks snow blower model 31bh65kh515
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE OPERATION.
Table of Contents
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3 Service .....................................................................19
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7 Troubleshooting .................................................... 23
Controls ...................................................................12 Replacement Parts ................................................ 24
Operation ................................................................15 Warranty ................................................................ 25
Maintenance & Adjustment..................................16 Emission Control Warranty Statement ............... 26
Customer Support
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts.
Locate your nearest dealer from Customer Support: 1-866-523-5218.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
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 safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training Preparation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement auger/impeller.
parts. 1. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
quickly. injury to the eyes.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 2. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual clothing, which could become entangled in moving parts.
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
adult. surfaces.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper 3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
instruction. for all machines with electric start engines.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan 4. Adjust auger housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock
your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material surfaces.
toward roads, bystanders and the like. 5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
6. Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the 6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone running, except where specifically recommended in the
enters the area. operator’s manual.
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially 7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
when operating in reverse. before starting to clear snow.
Symbol Description
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING! 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.
Handle Assembly
• Place the shift lever in the Forward-6 position.
• Observe the lower rear area of the snow thrower to be sure
both cables are aligned with roller guides. See Fig. 3-1.Pull
up on the upper handle, align the upper handle with the
lower handle. See Fig. 3-2.
• Secure the handle by tightening the plastic wing knob
located on both the left and right sides of the handle.
Remove and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are Fig. 3-2
for packaging purposes only. Chute Assembly
• Remove wing nut and hex screw from chute control
assembly and clevis pin and cotter pin from chute support
bracket. See Fig. 3-3. Position the chute assembly (forward-
facing) over the chute base.
Fig. 3-1
Fig. 3-3
Fig. 3-6
Fig. 3-4
a
• Finish securing chute control assembly to chute support
bracket with wing nut and hex screw removed earlier. See
Fig. 3-5.
Fig. 3-7
Fig. 3-5
• Guide the chute crank rod through the bracket located on
the rear of the handle panel See Fig. 3-6.
a. Remove the cotter pin and insert the chute crank rod
into the connector on the chute control assembly.
See Fig. 3-7.
b. Align the hole in the chute crank rod with the hole
in the connector, secure with cotter pin previously
removed.
• Check that all cables are properly routed through the cable
guide on the right side of the chute crank rod. See Fig. 3-8.
Fig. 3-8
Fig. 3-11
Fig. 3-9
Shear Pin Storage (optional)
Clean-Out Tool On some models an area for convenient shear pin storage is
The clean-out tool is mounted to the rear of the auger housing located at the rear of the plastic dash panel.
and is designed to clear a clogged chute. Refer to page 13 for Tire Pressure
instructions on how to properly use it.
The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check the tire
NOTE: This item is fastened with a cable tie to the rear of the pressure before operating the snow thrower. Refer to the tire side
auger housing at the factory. Cut the cable tie before operating wall for tire manufacturer’s recommended psi and deflate (or
the snow thrower. See Fig. 3-10. inflate) the tires as necessary.
WARNING: Under any circumstance do not exceed
manufacturer’s recommended psi. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained at all times. Excessive
pressure when seating beads may cause tire/rim
assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause
serious injury. Refer to sidewall of tire for
recommended pressure.
NOTE: Equal tire pressure is to be maintained at all times for
Chute Clean-Out performance purposes.
Tool
Fig. 3-10
Fig. 3-13
Fig. 3-12
Skid Shoes
The snow thrower skid shoes are adjusted upward at the factory
for shipping purposes. Adjust them downward, if desired, prior
to operating the snow thrower.
Caution: It is not recommended that you operate this snow
Fig. 3-14
thrower on gravel as it can easily pick up and throw loose gravel,
causing personal injury or damage to the snow thrower and NOTE: Some models are equipped with reversible skid shoes
surrounding property. and may be turned over to increase their lifespan.
• For close snow removal on a smooth surface, raise skid
shoes higher on the auger housing.
• Use a middle or lower position when the area to be cleared
is uneven, such as a gravel driveway.
NOTE: If you choose to operate the snow thrower on a gravel
surface, keep the skid shoes in position for maximum clearance
between the ground and the shave plate.
To adjust the skid shoes:
1. Loosen the four hex nuts (two on each side) and carriage
bolts. Move skid shoes to desired position. See Fig. 3-13.
2. Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is
against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes.
3. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
Fig. 3-15
Auger Control
Shift Lever
Heated Grips (optional)
Clean Out
Tool
Drift Cutters
(optional)
Skid Shoe
Augers
Fig. 4-1
Snow thrower controls and features are described below and Skid Shoes
illustrated in Fig. 4-1.
Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions . Adjust
Shift Lever upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward when
operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
The shift lever is located on the handle panel and is used to
determine ground speed and direction of travel. Augers
Forward When engaged, the augers rotate and draw snow into the auger
There are six forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is the slowest housing.
and position six (6) is the fastest.
Chute Assembly
Reverse
Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out the chute
There are two reverse (R) speeds. One (1) is the slower and two (2) assembly.
is the faster.
Headlight (if so equipped)
The headlight is on whenever the engine is running.
12
This switch is located on the rear of the snow thrower dash panel.
To activate the heated handles, toggle the switch to the “ON” The left and right wheel steering trigger controls are located on
position to generate heat within the handle grips. Toggle the the underside of the handles.
switch to the “OFF” position after using the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the right control to turn right.
Auger Control • Squeeze the left control to turn left.
CAUTION: Operate the snow thrower in open areas
until you are familiar with these controls.
CHUTE TILT
UP
Fig. 5-1
15
Refer to “Assembly & Set-Up” section of this manual. 2. Carefully pivot the snow thrower up and forward so that it
rests on the auger housing.
Shave Plate and Skid Shoes 3. Remove the frame cover from the underside of the snow
The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the snow thrower by removing the self-tapping screws which secure
thrower are subject to wear. They should be checked periodically it. Refer to Fig 7-3.
and replaced when necessary. 4. Apply a light coating of engine oil (or 3-in-1 oil) to the hex
NOTE: Some units are equipped with reversible skid shoes and shaft. See Fig. 6-2.
may be turned over to increase their lifespan. NOTE: When lubricating the hex shaft, be careful not to get
To remove skid shoes: any oil on the aluminum drive plate or the rubber friction
1. Remove the four carriage bolts and hex flange nuts which wheel. Doing so will hinder the snow thrower’s drive
secure them to the snow thrower. system. Wipe off any excess or spilled oil.
Fig. 6-2
Wheels
At least once a season, remove both wheels. Clean and coat the
axles with a multipurpose automotive grease before reinstalling
wheels.
Auger Shaft
Fig. 6-1 At least once a season, remove the shear pins from the auger
shaft. Spray lubricant inside the shaft and around the spacers and
the flange bearings found at either end of the shaft.
See Fig. 6-3.
16
Skid Shoes
Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section for instructions on
adjusting the skid shoes.
Drive Control
When the drive control is released and in the disengaged “up”
position, the cable should have very little slack. It should NOT be
tight.
NOTE: If excessive slack is present in the drive cable or if the snow
thrower’s drive is disengaging intermittently during operation,
the cable may be in need of adjustment.
Check the adjustment of the drive control as follows:
1. With the drive control released, push the snow thrower
Fig. 6-3 gently forward. The unit should roll freely.
Adjustments 2. Engage the drive control and gently attempt to push the
snow thrower forward. The wheels should not turn. The
Shift Cable unit should not roll freely.
If the full range of speeds (forward and reverse) cannot be
3. With the drive control released, move the shift lever back
achieved, adjust the shift cable as follows:
and forth between the R2 position and the F6 position
1. Place the shift lever in the fastest forward speed position. several times. There should be no resistance in the shift
2. Loosen the hex nut on the shift cable index bracket. See lever.
Fig. 6-4. If any of the above tests failed, the drive cable is in need of
3. Pivot the bracket downward to take up slack in the cable. adjustment. Proceed as follows:
4. Retighten the hex nut. 1. Loosen the lower hex screw on the drive cable bracket. See
Fig. 6-5.
Auger Control 2. Position the bracket upward to provide more slack (or
downward to increase cable tension).
Refer to the Assembly & Set-up section for instructions on
adjusting the auger control cable. 3. Retighten the upper hex screw.
4. Repeat Drive Control Test to verify proper adjustment has
been achieved.
Fig. 6-7
Fig. 7-3
Fig. 7-4
Fig. 7-2
19
Fig. 7-5
20 SectioN 7 — Service
Stop Bolt
Fig. 7-7
7. Slip the drive belt off the pulley and between friction
wheel and friction wheel disc. See Fig. 7-7.
8. Remove and replace belt in the reverse order.
SectioN 7 — Service 21
Fig. 7-11
Fig. 7-10
22 SectioN 7 — Service
Engine running erratically/ 1. Engine running on CHOKE. 1. Move choke lever to RUN position.
inconsistent RPM (hunting or
2. Stale fuel. 2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
surging)
3. Water or dirt in fuel system. 3. Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
4. Carburetor out of adjustment. 4. Contact an authorized Service Center.
5. Engine over-governed 5. Contact an authorized Service Center.
Engine overheats 1. Carburetor not adjusted properly. 1. Contact an authorized Service Center.
Excessive vibration 1. Loose parts or damaged auger. 1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire.
Tighten all bolts and nuts. If vibration continues, have unit
serviced by an authorized Service Center.
Loss of power 1. Spark plug wire loose. 1. Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
2. Gas cap vent hole plugged. 2. Remove ice and snow from gas cap. Be certain vent hole
is clear.
Unit fails to propel itself 1. Drive control cable in need of 1. Adjust drive control cable. Refer to Maintenance &
adjustment. Adjustments section.
2. Drive belt loose or damaged. 2. Replace drive belt. Refer to Service section
3. Friction wheel worn. 3. Replace friction wheel. Refer to Service section.
Unit fails to discharge snow 1. Chute assembly clogged. 1. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire.
Clean chute assembly and inside of auger housing with
clean-out tool or a stick.
2. Foreign object lodged in auger. 2. Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire.
Remove object from auger with clean-out tool or a stick.
3. Refer to Auger Control Test.
3. Auger control cable in need of
adjustment.
4. Refer to Maintenance & Adjustments section.
4. Auger belt loose or damaged.
5. Replace with new shear pin(s).
5. Shear pin(s) sheared.
Engine fails to start 1. Extension cord not connected (when 1. Connect one end of the extension cord to the electric
using electric start button, on models so starter outlet and the other end to a three-prong 120-volt,
equipped) grounded, AC outlet.
Chute fails to easily rotate 180 1. Chute assembled incorrectly. 1. Unassemble chute control and reassemble as directed in
degrees the Assembly & Set-up section.
Chute does not stay stationary 1. Insufficient tension applied to chute 2. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section to adjust
while throwing snow using an control. chute preload.
overhead chute control.
23
725-1629 Lamp
951-10630 Key
NOTE: Download a complete Parts Manual, refer to customer support on page 2. Be sure to have your model number and serial
number ready. Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers.
24
12.16.06
25
NOTE: If you require warranty service in Canada and your product was sold by MTD Products Limited within Canada to the retailer you purchased it
from in Canada then the MTD Consumer Group Inc portion of this warranty will be honored by MTD Products Limited in Canada.
GDOC-100223CN Rev. A
28
Notes