To avoid possible freeze-up of the starter, proceed as follows: ELECTRIC STARTER 1. Connect the power cord to the engine. 2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole grounded 120 Volt A.C. receptacle. 3. While the engine is running, push starter button and spin the starter for several seconds. NOTE: The unusual sound made while starter is spinning will not harm the engine or starter. 4. Disconnect the power cord from the receptacle first, then from the engine. RECOIL STARTER 1. While the engine is running, pull the recoil starter handle with rapid, full arm strokes three or four times. NOTE: The unusual sound made while pulling the recoil starter handle will not harm the engine or starter. IF RECOIL STARTER HAS FROZEN If the recoil starter has frozen and will not turn the engine, proceed as follows: 1. Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull as much rope out of the starter as possible. 2. Release the recoil starter handle and let it snap back against the starter. If the engine still fails to start, repeat the above steps or use the electric starter. SNOW THROWING TIPS • Go slower in deep, freezing or heavy wet snow. Use the drive speed control, NOT the ON / OFF switch, to adjust speed. • It is easier and more efficient to remove snow im mediately after it falls. • The best time to remove snow is the early morning. At this time the snow is usually dry and has not been exposed to the direct sun and warming tem peratures. • Slightly overlap each successive path to ensure all snow will be removed. • Throw snow downwind whenever possible. • Ad just the skid plates to proper height for current snow conditions. See “TO ADJUST SKID PLATES” in this section of this manual. • For extremely heavy snow, re duce the width of snow removal by over lapping previous path and moving slowly. • Keep engine clean and clear of snow during use. This will help air flow and extend engine life. • After snow-throwing is completed, allow engine to run for a few minutes to melt snow and ice off the engine. • Clean the entire snow thrower thoroughly after each use and wipe dry so it is ready for next use. WARNING: Do not operate snow thrower if weather conditions im pair visibility. Throwing snow dur ing a heavy, windy snowstorm can blind you and be hazardous to the safe operation of the snow thrower. 13 MAINTENANCE GENERAL REC OMMENDATIONS LUBRICATION CHART The warranty on this snow thrower does not cover items that have been sub jected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain snow thrower as in structed in this manual. Some ad justments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your snow thrower. At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • At least once a year, you should replace the spark plug and check belts for wear. A new spark plug will help your engine run better and last longer. • Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual. NOTE: Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to service this unit. Failure to do so can cause the unit to malfunction and pose a risk of injury to the operator. BEFORE EACH USE 1. Check engine oil level. 2. Check for loose fasteners. 3. Check controls to be sure they are functioning properly. LUBRICATION Keep your snow thrower well lubricated (See “LU BRICATION CHART”). 1 SAE 30 Motor Oil 2 See “ENGINE” in Maintenance section 2 Engine oil 1 Pivot points SNOW THROWER Always observe the safety rules when performing any • Keep tires free of gasoline and oil, which can harm maintenance. rubber. TIRES NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent flat tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local • Maintain proper air pressure in both tires (14–17 parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and PSI). corrosion. 14 MAINTENANCE V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after every 50 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not ad justable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. (See “TO REMOVE BELT COVER” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). The V-belts on your snow thrower are of special con struction and should be replaced by original equipment man ufacturer (OEM) belts avail able from your nearest dealer. Using other than OEM belts can cause personal injury or damage to the snow thrower. AUGER GEAR CASE • The gear case was filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case. • If lubricant is required, use only Ronex ED #1 grease. TRACTION DRIVE SYSTEM DO NOT lubricate the drive components inside the snow thrower. The sprockets, hex shafts, drive disc and friction wheel require no lubrication. The bearings and bushings are lifetime lubricated and require no maintenance. CAUTION: Any lubricating of the above com ponents can cau...