MTD Bolens Premium 31AH5WL3, Operator'S Manual

Page: 10 / 48

10
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 operating 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. Do not shift speeds
while the drive is engaged.
2. Squeeze drive control against the right handle and
the snow thrower will move. Release it and the drive
motion will stop.
3. To turn the unit left or right, squeeze the respective
wheel steering control. See Figure 4-1.
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: This drive 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.
WARNING
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.
If your home’s wir-
ing system is not a
three-wire grounded
system, do not use
this electric starter
under any conditions.
If your home
electrical system
is grounded, but a
three-hole receptacle
is not available, do
not use your snow
thrower’s electric
starter.