MTD 644E, Operator'S Manual

14

Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:

•

When the auger control is released and in the 
disengaged “up” position, the cable should have 
very little slack. It should NOT be tight.

•

In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower 
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the 
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is 
set in the FAST position.

•

While standing in the operator’s position (behind 
the snow thrower), engage the auger. 

•

Allow the auger to remain engaged for 
approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing 
the auger control. Repeat this several times. 

•

With the engine running in the FAST position and 
the auger control lever in the disengaged “up” 
position, walk to the front of the machine. 

•

Confirm that the auger has completely stopped 
rotating and shows NO signs of motion. 

IMPORTANT:

 If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating, 

immediately return to the operator’s position and shut 
off the engine. Wait for ALL moving parts to stop before 
re-adjusting the auger control.

•

To readjust the control cable, loosen the hex jam 
nut on the auger control cable “Z” fitting.

•

Rotate the coupling end of the cable 
counterclockwise to provide more slack.

•

Retighten the hex jam nut. See Figure 17. 

•

Repeat Auger Control Test to verify proper 
adjustment has been achieved.

Figure 17

Chute Clean-Out Tool

The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the 
rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. Should 
snow and ice lodge itself in the discharge chute during 
operation, proceed as follows to safely clean the chute 
and chute opening:

•

Release both the Auger Control Lever and the 
Traction/Auger Control Lock Lever

.

•

Stop the engine by removing the ignition key. 

•

Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which 
secures it to the rear of the auger housing. 

•

Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to 
dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has 
formed in and near the discharge chute.

WARNING: 

Never use your hands to clean

snow and ice from the discharge chute or
auger housing

•

Refasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on 
the rear of the auger housing, reinsert the ignition 
key and start the snow thrower’s engine.

•

While standing in the operator’s position (behind 
the snow thrower), engage the auger clutch lever 
for a few seconds to clear any remaining snow and 
ice from the discharge chute.

Drift Cutters

(If Equipped)

Drift cutters should be used when operating the snow 
thrower in heavy drift conditions. 

On models so equipped, drift cutters are assembled to 
the auger housing inverted. Remove the carriage bolts 
by unthreading the hex nuts which secure them, and 
reinstall the drift cutters in their proper position before 
operating the snow thrower. See Figure 18.

Figure 18

If your unit is not equipped with drift cutters, contact 
Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for 
information regarding price and availability.

Snow Thrower Model

Drift Cutter Kit

All models

OEM-390-679

Tire Chains 

(If Equipped)

Tire chains should be used whenever extra traction is 
needed. If your unit is not equipped with tire chains, 
contact Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for 
information regarding price and availability.

Operating Tips

NOTE: 

Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes

as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.

Z Fitting

Hex Nut

Cable Should 
Be Straight

Carriage Screws /

Hex Nuts

Drift

Cutter