MTD 615 - User Manual

SNOW THROWER
Models 615, E6AE5,
E645E, & E665F
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10025F.fm
(6/2003)

Summary

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

Training and Preparation

Safe Operation Guidelines

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Operational Safety Warnings

Operator responsibilities and warnings about machine use and safety labels.

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Attaching Handles and Controls

Attaching Handle Panel and Control Cables

Attaching Chute Assembly and Control

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

Operating Controls Overview

Throttle and Ignition Key Controls

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Pre-Operation Checks and Starting

Safety checks, fuel/oil, and engine starting procedures.

Engine Starting and Stopping

Detailed steps for electric/recoil start, stopping engine, and preventative measures.

Engaging Drive and Augers

How to engage the drive system and augers for snow throwing.

Auger Control Test and Chute Cleaning

SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS

SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR SNOW THROWER

Lubrication Procedures

SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR SNOW THROWER

SECTION 9: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document is an operator's manual for a Snow Thrower, specifically models 615, E6AE5, E645E, and E665F. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, operation, and maintenance of the device.

Function Description:

The snow thrower is a power machine designed to clear snow from various surfaces. It features an internal combustion engine, an auger/impeller system to collect and discharge snow, and a drive system for mobility. The unit is capable of throwing snow in a controlled direction and at varying speeds.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Engine: Internal combustion engine. The manual emphasizes that the engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues, including performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty, and service. A separate engine manual is provided for detailed information.
• Spark Arrester: Required for operation on unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land to prevent fires.
• Fuel: Gasoline. The manual stresses the importance of using an approved gasoline container and handling gasoline with extreme care due to its flammability and explosive vapors.
• Oil: Engine oil, as instructed in the separate engine manual.
• Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires): Recommended between 15 psi and 20 psi. Tires are over-inflated for shipping and should be adjusted before operation. Unequal pressure can cause the unit to pull to one side.
• Auger/Impeller System: Features shear bolts designed to break if a hard foreign object or ice jam is encountered, protecting the gearbox and other components. Replacement shear bolts and hex lock nuts are provided.
• Drive System: Includes a friction wheel and drive plate mechanism for engaging the wheels. V-belts are specifically designed for safe engagement and disengagement; non-OEM belts can be dangerous.
• Wheel Sizes: Models come with different wheel sizes: 13x4 (Model 615), 13x5 (Models E6A5E, E645E), and 15x5 (Model E665).
• Speeds: Five forward speeds (1-5, with 1 being slowest and 5 fastest) and two reverse speeds (R1 slower, R2 faster).
• Headlight (If equipped): 18 Watt.

Usage Features:

• Controls:
  • Shift Lever: Located below the handle panel, controls ground speed and direction (forward and reverse).
  • Auger Drive Control: Located on the left handle; squeezing engages the augers to throw snow, releasing stops them.
  • Traction Control: Located on the right handle; squeezing engages the wheel drive, releasing stops motion.
  • Chute Directional Control: Located on the left side of the snow thrower; crank clockwise to discharge left, counterclockwise to discharge right.
  • Throttle Control: Located on the engine, regulates engine speed and shuts off the engine when pushed down completely.
  • Primer Button: Used for starting the engine, especially in cold weather.
  • Choke Control: Used for starting the engine, especially in cold weather.
  • Ignition Key: Must be fully inserted to start the unit; remove when not in use. Do not turn the key.
  • Electric Starter (If equipped): Requires a grounded three-wire extension cord and a 120-volt AC household receptacle.
  • Recoil Starter: Manual pull-rope start.
• Chute Clean-out Tool: Provided and conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing for safely clearing clogged discharge chutes. WARNING: Never use hands to clear a clogged chute.
• Skid Shoes: Adjustable to control the height of the collector housing from the ground. Low position for close snow removal, middle/high for uneven or gravel surfaces.
• Drift Cutters (Optional Equipment): Used in heavy drift conditions.
• Safety: The manual emphasizes numerous safety precautions, including wearing safety glasses, avoiding loose clothing, keeping bystanders away, never operating indoors, and ensuring all safety devices are in working order.
• Operating Tips: Allow engine to warm up, discharge snow downwind, overlap previous paths, and clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use to prevent freeze-up.

Maintenance Features:

• Regular Checks: Inspect bolts and screws for tightness, check for damage, and verify proper operation of safety devices and clutch controls.
• Lubrication:
  • Engine: Refer to the separate engine manual.
  • Gear Shaft: Lubricate with all-weather multi-purpose light grease at least once a season or every 25 hours.
  • Worm Gear Case: Filled with grease at the factory; if disassembled, lubricate with 1-1/2 ounces of shell grease (part number 737-0168). Do not overfill.
  • Wheels: Oil or spray lubricant into bearings at least once a season; clean and coat axles with multi-purpose automotive grease.
  • Chute Directional Control: Worm gear should be greased with multi-purpose automotive grease.
  • Auger Shaft: Remove shear bolts, oil or spray lubricant inside the shaft, and lubricate auger bearings at least once a season.
  • Drive and Shifting Mechanism: Oil chains, sprockets, gears, bearings, shafts, and shifting mechanism at least once a season with engine oil or spray lubricant. Avoid oil on the friction wheel and aluminum drive plate.
• Friction Wheel: Rubber is subject to wear and should be checked after 25 hours of operation and periodically replaced if signs of wear or cracking are found.
• Shave Plate and Skid Shoes: Subject to wear and should be checked periodically and replaced.
• Belt Removal and Replacement: Instructions provided for auger belts and drive belts.
• Friction Wheel Rubber Replacement: Detailed steps for replacing the friction wheel rubber.
• Off-Season Storage: Prepare the engine according to its manual, remove dirt, and rust-proof metal components with light oil or silicone. Never store indoors near open flames or sparks.
• Troubleshooting Guide: Provides common issues, possible causes, and corrective actions for engine, drive, and snow discharge problems. For repairs beyond minor adjustments, contact customer support or an authorized service dealer.

MTD 615 Specifications