EasyManua.ls Logo

MTD 500 Series - User Manual

MTD 500 Series
44 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Service • Troubleshooting
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Operators Manual
FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE 1-800-668-1238
Form No. 769-11740A
(April 28, 2017)
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 2
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 5
Controls & Operation .............................................14
Service .....................................................................18
Troubleshooting .................................................... 22
Parts/Warranty .............. See Separate Supplement
French ..................................................................... 23
Table of Contents
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
Snow Thrower
2-Stage & 3-Stage
500 & 800 Series - Models with steering trigger controls.
600 Series - Models without steering trigger controls

Other manuals for MTD 500 Series

Questions and Answers

  • K
    Karen MahoneySep 18, 2025
    Why MTD Lawn Mower provides uneven cut?
    • K
      Kelly AdamsSep 18, 2025
      An uneven cut with your MTD Lawn Mower can occur if the wheels aren't positioned correctly (place all four wheels in the same height position) or if the blade is dull (sharpen or replace the blade).
  • D
    Donna KimAug 25, 2025
    How to fix MTD Snow Blower engine that fails to start?
    • S
      Sue MeyersAug 25, 2025
      If your MTD Snow Blower engine won't start, several factors could be at play. First, ensure the choke is in the CHOKE position and the spark plug wire is securely connected. Next, check that the fuel tank isn't empty or filled with stale fuel; if so, replenish it with clean, fresh fuel. Make sure you've primed the engine as per the Engine Manual. Inspect the spark plug for faults, cleaning, adjusting the gap, or replacing it if necessary. Verify the safety key is fully inserted into the switch. Lastly, if your model has an electric start, confirm the extension cord is properly connected to both the snow blower and a grounded 120V AC outlet.
  • N
    Nicholas LeonardAug 25, 2025
    What to do if MTD 500 engine fails to start?
    • M
      Michelle WagnerAug 26, 2025
      If your MTD Snow Blower engine won't start, here's what you can check: 1. Ensure the choke control is in the ON position. 2. Make sure the spark plug wire is securely connected. 3. Verify the fuel tank isn't empty and contains fresh gasoline. 4. Prime the engine as detailed in the Operation section of your manual. 5. Inspect the spark plug; clean, adjust the gap, or replace it if necessary. 6. Confirm the safety key is fully inserted into the switch.
  • M
    Matthew ThomasAug 27, 2025
    Why MTD Lawn Mower engine fails to start?
    • T
      Tiffany LeeAug 27, 2025
      The MTD Lawn Mower engine might fail to start due to several reasons. It could be that the blade control handle is disengaged (engage it), the spark plug wire is disconnected (connect it), the fuel tank is empty or contains stale fuel (fill it with clean, fresh gasoline), the engine isn't primed (refer to the engine manual), the spark plug is faulty (clean, adjust the gap, or replace it), the fuel line is blocked (clean it), or the engine is flooded (wait a few minutes to restart, without priming).
  • S
    stevensavageSep 23, 2025
    How to troubleshoot poor idling in MTD Lawn Mower?
    • N
      Nicole BullockSep 23, 2025
      Poor idling in your MTD Lawn Mower could be caused by a fouled or faulty spark plug, or a spark plug gap that is too wide (reset the gap to .030” or replace the spark plug), an improperly adjusted carburetor (refer to the engine manual), or a dirty air cleaner (refer to the engine manual).
  • S
    Stephanie SmithSep 23, 2025
    What to do about excessive vibration in MTD Lawn Mower?
    • M
      Megan MooreSep 23, 2025
      Excessive vibration in your MTD Lawn Mower may be caused by a cutting blade that is loose or unbalanced (tighten the blade and adapter) or a bent cutting blade (replace the blade).
  • J
    Jason RamosSep 10, 2025
    What to do if MTD 500 fails to discharge snow?
    • S
      Sarah PerkinsSep 10, 2025
      If your MTD Snow Blower fails to discharge snow, several issues could be responsible. First, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire, and check for any clogs in the chute assembly. Clean the chute assembly and the inside of the auger housing using a clean-out tool. Also, stop the engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug wire and inspect the auger for any foreign objects and remove them with a clean-out tool. Finally, check the shear pins and replace them if sheared.
  • V
    Victor KaneSep 12, 2025
    Why MTD 500 Snow Blower plows snow instead of blowing it?
    • P
      Peter MooreSep 12, 2025
      If your MTD Snow Blower is plowing snow instead of blowing it, it could be due to a low ground speed in wet or slushy snow that is 1-3 inches deep. Increase your ground speed and always operate the snow thrower engine at FULL throttle. Another potential cause is sheared shear pins, which should be replaced.
  • J
    Jill FischerSep 3, 2025
    Why MTD 500 unit plows snow instead of blowing it?
    • V
      vmorenoSep 4, 2025
      Your MTD Snow Blower might be plowing snow instead of blowing it due to low ground speed in wet or slushy snow, or sheared shear pins. Increase the ground speed and always operate the snow thrower engine at FULL throttle. Also, replace any sheared shear pins.
  • K
    Kelly ParkerSep 1, 2025
    What to do if MTD 500 Snow Blower engine running erratically?
    • C
      Christopher AllenSep 1, 2025
      If your MTD Snow Blower engine is running erratically, it might be due to the engine running on CHOKE, stale fuel, water or dirt in the fuel system, a carburetor out of adjustment, or the engine being over-governed. Try moving the choke lever to the RUN position, fill the tank with clean, fresh fuel, or drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel. For carburetor or over-governed issues, contact an authorized Service Center.

Summary

Important Safe Operation Practices

Training

General instructions for safe operation of the machine.

Safe Handling of Gasoline

Precautions for handling gasoline safely to prevent fire and injury.

Preparation

Steps to prepare the area and yourself before operating.

Operation

Instructions for operating the snow thrower safely.

Maintenance & Storage

Guidelines for maintaining the machine and storing it properly.

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Procedures to safely clear snow or ice from the chute.

Assembly & Set-Up

Adjustments

Auger Control Test

Procedure to test and verify proper operation of the auger control.

Controls & Operation

Auger Controls

Operation of augers and related controls.

Drive and Steering Controls

Operation of drive control lever and steering triggers.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

To Engage Augers

How to engage the augers to start throwing snow.

Clearing a Clogged Chute Assembly

Service

Drive Control Adjustment

Adjusting drive control cable for both hydro and non-hydro models.

Troubleshooting

Engine Issues

Problems related to engine starting, running, and overheating.

Operational Issues

Troubleshooting unit propulsion, snow discharge, and chute rotation.

MTD 500 Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeTwo-Stage
Engine Type4-Cycle
Auger MaterialSteel
StagesTwo-Stage
Engine Displacement (cc)179 cc
Max Throw Distance (ft)40 ft
Number of Forward Speeds6
Number of Reverse Speeds2
Chute ControlManual

Related product manuals