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. 12 13 GENERAL REC OM MEN DA TIONS The warranty on this snow thrower does not cover items that have been sub ject ed to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain snow thrower as in struct ed in this manual. Some ad just - ments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your snow thrower. All adjustments in the Service and Ad just ments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season. • 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 BRI CA TION CHART”). MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION CHART . SAE 30 Motor Oil . See “ENGINE” in Maintenance section . Engine oil . Pivot points SNOW THROWER Always observe the safety rules when performing any main te nance. TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in both tires (14–17 PSI). • Keep tires free of gasoline and oil, which can harm rubber. NOTE: To seal tire punctures and prevent fl at tires due to slow leaks, tire sealant may be purchased from your local parts dealer. Tire sealant also prevents tire dry rot and cor ro sion. V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after every 50 hours of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not ad just able. 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 struc tion and should be replaced by original equipment man u fac tur er (OEM) belts avail able from your nearest dealer. Using other than OEM belts can cause personal injury or damage to the snow thrower. MAINTENANCE 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 po nents can cause contamination of the friction wheel and damage to the drive system of your snow thrower. ENGINE See engine manual. LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG–SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the snow thrower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil fill cap / dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Determine temperature range anticipated before next oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG–SL. • Be sure snow thrower is on level surface. • Oil will drain more freely when warm. • Catch oil in a suitable container. NOTE: The left side wheel may be removed from snow thrower for easier access to the oil drain plug and placement of a suitable container. The unit tilted, resting on the frame with the left wheel removed, will help drain any oil trapped inside the engine. (See “TO REMOVE WHEELS” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. 2. Clean area around drain plug. 3. Remove drain plug and drain oil in a suitable container. 4. Install drain plug and tighten securely. 5. Wipe off any spilled oil from snow thrower and engine. 6. Install left wheel (if removed for draining oil). Be sure to install klick pin into proper hole in wheel axle (See “TO REMOVE WHEELS” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual). 7. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine. 8. Refill engine with oil through oil dipstick tube. Pour slowly. Do not overfill. For ap...