Owner’s manual
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How to find snowblower model number?
For your MTD snow thrower, the model number is on the model plate located at the rear of the frame. Stand in the operator’s position (behind the handles) and look down at the back of the frame to find the plate, then record the model and serial number in your owner's manual.
Use these quick checks in order:
- Stand behind the snowblower at the operator position.
- Look down at the rear of the frame for the model plate.
- Wipe off snow, salt, and grime so the numbers are readable.
- Record both the model number and serial number (you often need both for parts lookup).
- Take a clear photo of the plate for future reference.
Most MTD model plates include these fields:
| Label item | What it’s used for | Example (what to enter) |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Identifies the exact snowblower version | 31A-32AD706 |
| Serial number | Identifies production run details | The full serial shown |
| Brand | Helps narrow parts families | MTD |
If the rear-frame plate is damaged, we use the next-best identifiers to match parts correctly:
- Check for any secondary stickers on the frame near the handle supports.
- Look for stamped numbers on metal surfaces (paint can hide light stamping).
- Use your recorded belt and hardware specs as clues when comparing parts (for example, auger belt size).
- Match common wear items by application (shear pins, skid shoes, belts) once the model is confirmed.
The model number ensures you get the correct parts for your exact MTD configuration, especially for fit-critical items like belts, skid shoes, and auger components. Ordering by “looks the same” often leads to wrong length belts or mismatched mounting holes.
Last updated: February 2026
What happened to MTD snow blowers?
MTD snow blowers are still supported; the MTD brand name is simply less prominent today because MTD’s outdoor power equipment business was acquired by Stanley Black & Decker in 2021. If you own an older MTD snow thrower such as model 31A-32AD706, you can still maintain it using the procedures in the owner's manual and by replacing common wear parts as needed.
Even if you see different brand names on similar machines, your snow thrower is serviced the same way: keep up with maintenance, and replace wear items when performance drops.
Common service items for this model include:
- Shear pins (protect the auger and gearbox if you hit a solid object)
- Auger and drive belts (restore throwing and self-propel performance)
- Skid shoes (protect the housing and set scraper height)
- Cables and hardware (keep controls responsive and secure)
Your manual’s troubleshooting table points to a few high-frequency causes:
- Clogged chute or auger housing (clear with the engine off)
- Shear pin(s) broken after hitting ice, gravel, or a hidden object
- Auger belt loose or damaged
- Drive belt loose or damaged
- Auger control cable out of adjustment
| Symptom | Most common cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t discharge snow | Shear pin(s) sheared | Replace shear pin(s) and recheck auger rotation |
| Won’t discharge snow | Chute clogged | Clear chute and housing safely |
| Won’t self-propel | Drive belt loose/damaged | Replace drive belt and verify tension |
| Weak throwing | Auger belt loose/damaged | Replace auger belt and adjust cable |
MTD two-stage snow throwers rely on simple mechanical protection and drive systems. Keeping shear pins, belts, and skid shoes in good shape prevents bigger failures (like gearbox damage) and restores normal throwing distance and drive power.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I tell how old my snowblower is?
To tell how old your MTD snow thrower model 31A-32AD706 is, we use the serial number on the model and serial tag and decode it to find the manufacturing date. The exact year is determined by the serial format used on your unit; the 31A-32AD706 owner's manual shows where to find identification information and how to use it for parts and service.
On most MTD snowblowers, the model and serial tag is on the main frame (often near the rear of the unit, under the handle area, or on the auger housing side).
- Look for a metal or durable sticker tag labeled MODEL and SERIAL
- Wipe off snow, salt, and grime so every character is readable
- Write the serial number exactly as shown (letters and numbers)
- If the tag is damaged, check for a secondary tag on the engine shroud
- Keep the number with your records for ordering parts and maintenance
MTD has used different serial number formats over the years. In many cases, the serial number contains a date code (often early in the string) that indicates the year and sometimes the day or week of manufacture.
- Identify whether the serial starts with numbers only or letters and numbers
- Look for a 2-digit year pattern (example: a “YY” segment)
- Look for a day-of-year pattern (001 to 365) if present
- Compare the decoded year with the machine’s features (controls, chute style, etc.)
| What you have | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Clear model and serial tag | You can decode the build date from the serial format | Decode the serial, then confirm by matching parts diagrams |
| Missing or unreadable tag | Age is harder to pin down from the chassis | Use engine ID tag and compare parts |
| Engine tag present | Engine has its own model/type/code | Use engine code as a cross-check |
Knowing the build year helps us match the correct parts and revisions for your 31A-32AD706, especially wear items like belts, skid shoes, and shear pins that can vary by production run.
If you are already servicing the machine, these are common maintenance replacements for this model:
- MTD snowblower auger drive belt 954-04014
- MTD snowblower ground drive belt 954-04013
- Craftsman snowblower shear pin 738-04124A
- Skid shoe 784-5580
Last updated: February 2026
