• Always follow the instructions in the operator’s manual, if the snowthrower will be
stored for an extended period. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as
necessary.
• Never attempt to make major repairs on the snowthrower unless you have been
properly trained. Improper servicing of the snowthrower can result in hazardous
operation, equipment damage, and voiding of the product warranty.
Operation and Equipment Safety
WARNING
This snowthrower is only as safe as the operator. If it is misused, or not properly
maintained, it can be dangerous. Remember: you are responsible for your safety
and that of those around you.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the snowthrower will be used and remove all
doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate the snowthrower without wearing adequate winter clothing.
• Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces. Use caution to avoid
slipping or falling especially when operating the snowthrower in reverse.
• Never operate the snowthrower without good visibility or light.
• Disengage the auger while transporting.
• Always be sure of your footing, and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Use extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow too quickly.
• Never operate the snowthrower at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look
behind the snowthrower and use care when operating in reverse.
• Do not use the snowthrower on surfaces above ground level such as roofs of
residences, garages, porches, or other such structures or buildings.
• Operators should evaluate their ability to operate the snowthrower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from injury.
• The snowthrower is intended to remove snow only. Do not use the snowthrower for
any other purpose.
• Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, shut OFF the engine, disconnect the cord on electric
motors, thoroughly inspect the snowthrower for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the snowthrower.
• If the snowthrower vibrates abnormally, shut OFF the engine. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble. See an authorized dealer if necessary for repairs.
• For models equipped with electric starting motors, disconnect the power cord after
the engine starts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• Run the machine a few minutes after throwing snow to prevent freeze-up of the
collector/impeller.
Fuel Handling
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Always handle fuel
with extreme care.
Failure to observe these safety instructions can cause a fire or explosion which
could result in severe burns or death.
When adding fuel:
• Never add fuel to a running engine or to a hot engine.
• Turn off engine and let cool at least 2 minutes before removing the fuel cap and adding
fuel.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground, away from your vehicle, before filling.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it
on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a
portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all
times, until refueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and allow spilled fuel evaporate before starting the
engine.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. To allow for the expansion of gasoline, do not fill above
the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights, heat, and other ignition sources.
• Check fuel lines, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting engine.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
When starting the engine:
• Ensure that spark plug, muffler, fuel cap, and air cleaner (if equipped) are in place
and secured.
• Do not crank the engine with the spark plug removed.
• If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine, but move the snowthrower away
from the area of the spill, and avoid creating any source of ignition, until the fuel vapors
have dissipated.
• Do not over-prime the engine. Follow the engine starting instructions in this manual.
• If the engine floods, set choke (if equipped) to OPEN/RUN position, move throttle (if
equipped) to FAST position and crank until engine starts.
When operating the equipment:
• Do not tip the snowthrower at an angle which causes the fuel to spill.
• Do not choke the carburetor to stop the engine.
• Never run the engine with the air cleaner assembly (if equipped) or the air filter (if
equipped) removed.
• If you drain the oil from the top oil fill tube, the fuel tank must be empty or fuel can leak
out and result in a fire or explosion.
When transporting equipment:
• Transport with fuel tank EMPTY, or with fuel shut-off valve OFF.
When storing gasoline or equipment with fuel in the tank:
• Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Fumes may travel to a
distant ignition source and an explosion and/or fire may result.
• Handle gasoline carefully. Never store a unit, with fuel in the tank, indoors in a poorly
ventilated enclosure where fuel fumes could reach an open flame, spark, or pilot light,
such as a furnace, water heater, or clothes dryer.
• Store away from furnaces, stoves, water heaters, or other appliances that have pilot
light or other ignition source because they can ignite fuel vapors.
Moving Parts
DANGER
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Rotating parts can contact
or entangle hands, feet, hair, clothing, or accessories.
Failure to observe these safety instructions will result in traumatic amputation
or severe laceration.
• Whenever cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the snowthrower, make sure the engine
is OFF, the engine key is removed, and all moving parts have stopped.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Never operate the snowthrower without proper guards, and other safety devices in
place and working.
• Never leave the snowthrower unattended while engine is running. Always disengage
the auger and traction controls, stop engine, and remove keys.
• Keep all loose clothing away from the front of the snowthrower and auger. Scarves,
mittens, dangling drawstrings, loose clothes, and pants can quickly become caught
in the rotating device and amputation will occur. Tie up long hair and remove jewelry.
• Run the machine a few minutes after discharging snow to prevent freeze-up of the
collector/impeller.
• Disengage power to the collector/impeller when snowthrower is transported or not in
use.
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