Poulan Pro 428550, Owner'S Manual

12

OPERATION

TO ADJUST SKID PLATES (See Fig. 18)
NOTE:

 The wrench provided in your parts bag may be 

used to adjust the skid plates.
Skid plates are located on each side of the auger housing 

and adjust the clearance between the scraper bar and the 

ground surface. Adjust skid plates evenly to proper height 

for current surface conditions. For removal of snow in 

normal con di tions, such as a paved driveway or side walk, 

place skid plates in the highest position (lowest scraper 

clear ance) to give a 1/8" clearance between the scraper 

bar and the ground.  Use a middle position if the surface 

to be cleared is uneven.

NOTE:

 It is not recommended to operate the snow thrower 

over gravel or rocky surfaces. Objects such as gravel, rocks 

or other debris, can easily be picked up and thrown by the 

impeller, which can cause serious personal injury, property 

dam age or damage to the snow thrower. 
• 

If snow thrower must be operated over gravel surface, 

use extra caution and be sure skid plates are adjusted 

to lowest (highest scraper clear ance) position.

1.  Shut off engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2.  Adjust skid plates by loosening the hex nuts, then 

moving skid plate to desired position. Be sure both 

plates are adjusted evenly. Tighten securely.

SKID PLATE

LOW POSITION (HIGH GROUND CLEAR ANCE)

HEX 

NUTS

HIGH POSITION

(LOW GROUND

CLEARANCE)

AUGER 

HOUSING

FIG. 18

SCRAPER BAR

SCRAPER BAR (See Fig. 18)

The scraper bar is not adjustable, but is reversible.  After 

con sid er able use it may become worn.  When it has worn 

almost to the edge of the housing, it can be reversed, 

providing additional service before requiring replacement.  

Replace a dam aged or worn scrap er bar.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 19)

The engine on your snow thrower has been shipped, from 

the factory, already filled with oil.
1.  Check engine oil with snow thrower on level ground.
2.  Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert 

the dipstick and screw tight, wait for a few seconds, 

remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until 

“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.

• 

To change engine oil, see “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” 

in the Main te nance sec tion of this manual.

WARNING:  Wipe off any spilled oil or 

fuel.  Do not store, spill or use gasoline 

near an open flame.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol 

or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-

ture which leads to separation and for ma tion of 

acids dur ing storage.  Acidic gas can damage 

the fuel system of an engine while in storage.  To 

avoid engine problems, the fuel system should 

be emptied be fore stor age of 30 days or longer.  

Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run 

until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.  Use 

fresh fuel next season.  See Storage In struc tions 

for ad di tion al information.  Never use engine or 

car bu re tor cleaner products in the fuel tank or 

per ma nent damage may occur.

FIG. 19

NOTE:  ALL ITEMS ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL LOCATION.  

ACTUAL LOCATION MAY VARY WITH ENGINE ON YOUR UNIT.

PRIM ER

SAFETY 

IG NI TION KEY

CHOKE 

CONTROL

FUEL SHUT-OFF 

VALVE

THROTTLE

POWER 

CORD 

PLUG

ENGINE OIL FILL

CAP / DIPSTICK

RECOIL 

(AUXILIARY) 

STARTER 

HANDLE

ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 19)

• 

Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.  Do not over-

fill.  Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with 

a minimum of 87 octane.  Do not mix oil with gasoline.  

Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 

days to assure fuel freshness.

TO START ENGINE 

•  Be sure fuel shut-off valve is in the “OPEN” position.
Your snow thrower engine is equipped with both a 120 Volt 

A.C. electric starter and a recoil starter.  The electric starter 

is equipped with a three-wire power cord and plug and is 

designed to operate on 120 Volt A.C. household current.
•  Be sure your house is a 120 Volt A.C. three-wire 

ground ed system.  If you are uncertain, consult a 

li censed electrician.

WARNING: Do not use the electric 

start er if your house is not a 120 Volt 

A.C. three-wire grounded system.  Se ri-

 ous per son al injury or damage to your 

snow thrower could result.