MTD 31AS6FEF729 snow thrower Parts

For the MTD snow thrower model 31AS6FEF729, we find the model number on the model plate. Stand in the normal operating position and look down at the rear of the deck; copy the full model number exactly as shown for parts lookup and service information (see the owner's manual).

Where to look on your snowblower

Use these quick checks first (in this order):

• Stand behind the handles in the operating position.
• Look down at the lower rear area of the unit.
• Find the model plate on the rear of the deck.
• Write down the full model number (and serial number if shown).
• Match every character exactly (letters, numbers, and dashes).

What the model number is used for

Having the correct model number helps us:

• Pull the correct illustrated parts list for your exact build
• Confirm fit for common wear items like belts, skid shoes, and shave plates
• Avoid ordering the wrong hardware or cables when multiple versions exist

Common examples (by task)

What you are doing	What you need to record	Why it matters
Ordering parts	Model number (example: 31AS6FEF729)	Ensures correct part match
Looking up diagrams	Model number	Shows the right exploded views
Maintenance reference	Model number and serial number	Helps identify production variations

Tips to avoid mix-ups

• Don’t use the engine brand or engine numbers as the snowblower model number.
• If the plate is dirty, wipe it clean; snow, salt, and grime can hide characters.
• If a character is unclear, compare similar-looking ones (0 vs O, 1 vs I).

Why it matters

MTD operator manuals often cover several snow thrower models, and features can vary by model. Using the exact model number from the model plate keeps parts selection and troubleshooting aligned with your specific machine.

Last updated: February 2026

A gas snowblower typically lasts 10 to 20 years. With consistent seasonal maintenance (oil changes, lubrication, correct tire pressure, and proper storage), many MTD machines like model 31AS6FEF729 reach the upper end of that range.

Typical lifespan ranges (what to expect)

Lifespan depends most on hours of use per winter, storage conditions, and whether wear items are replaced before they cause bigger damage.

Usage and care level	Typical lifespan	What usually ends it
Light use, well maintained	15 to 20 years	Corrosion, drivetrain wear, engine wear
Moderate use, average maintenance	10 to 15 years	Belts, friction drive wear, cable issues
Heavy use, minimal maintenance	5 to 10 years	Premature engine and gearbox wear

Maintenance that extends life the most

We recommend focusing on the items your operator guidance emphasizes: keeping fasteners tight, checking controls, lubricating key moving parts, and storing the unit correctly. See the owner's manual for the full maintenance and storage schedule.

• Lubricate the drive hex (gear) shaft at least once per season or every 25 hours.
• Remove wheels seasonally; clean and grease axles before reinstalling.
• Keep tire pressure balanced; many units run best around 15 to 20 PSI.
• Use fuel stabilizer for storage; run the engine after adding stabilizer.
• Inspect and replace worn wear parts (belts, skid shoes, shave plate) before they fail mid-season.

Wear parts that commonly affect performance

Replacing wear parts on time prevents slipping, poor throwing, and abnormal vibration.

• Drive or auger belt wear: slipping, burning rubber smell, weak drive
• Skid shoes and shave plate wear: scraping, poor clearing, housing damage risk
• Cables out of adjustment: auger or drive not fully engaging
• Shear pins: auger stops turning after hitting ice or debris

If you are troubleshooting belt slip on this model, the belt 256963 is a common replacement item.

Why it matters

A snowblower that is maintained and adjusted correctly is safer and more reliable. The manual also calls out critical safety steps like stopping the engine and disconnecting the spark plug wire before inspections or clearing clogs, which helps prevent injuries and avoids accidental damage.

Last updated: February 2026

A 2-stage snowblower is the better choice for most homeowners because it handles typical driveway snow well using an auger plus an impeller. A 3-stage is better when you regularly face deep, heavy, or icy snow and want faster intake, but it adds weight, complexity, and cost. For your MTD 31AS6FEF729, the owner's manual covers 2-stage operation and maintenance.

Quick comparison

Feature	2-stage snowblower	3-stage snowblower
Snow intake system	Auger feeds impeller	Accelerator plus auger plus impeller
Best for	Most driveways; moderate to heavy snow	Deep, wet, packed, or icy snow; large areas
Speed through tough snow	Good	Faster in extreme conditions
Machine complexity	Lower	Higher
Typical upkeep	Standard belts, cables, shear pins	More components to maintain

How we recommend choosing

• Choose 2-stage if you clear a standard driveway and want strong performance with simpler maintenance.
• Choose 3-stage if you frequently deal with plow berms, heavy wet snow, or hard-packed snow and want maximum throughput.
• If storage space matters, 2-stage units are typically easier to maneuver and store.
• If you prefer simpler repairs, 2-stage designs usually mean fewer wear points.
• If you already own a 2-stage (like many E/F style units), focus on correct adjustments and routine maintenance for best results.

Why it matters for performance and repairs

A snowblower that matches your conditions throws snow more consistently and puts less strain on the drive system and auger system. On 2-stage machines, common performance issues often come down to wear items and adjustments, such as:

• Worn or stretched drive/auger belt (see belt 256963)
• Shear pins breaking to protect the auger and gearbox (see craftsman snowblower shear pin 738-04124A)
• Cable adjustment affecting engagement (see snowblower auger clutch cable 746-04230)

Practical tip if you are upgrading

If your current 2-stage struggles, first restore it to peak condition (belt condition, cable adjustment, correct operating speed). Many “needs a 3-stage” complaints are actually belt slip or an auger control cable that is out of adjustment.

Last updated: February 2026

To tell how old your MTD snow thrower model 31AS6FEF729 is, find the model and serial number tag on the machine and use the serial number format to identify the build year or date code. The owner's manual shows typical ID tag locations and safe inspection steps.

Find the model and serial number tag

On most MTD snowblowers, the ID tag is on the main frame near the engine or around the handle support area.

• Check both frame rails near the engine
• Look at the rear frame near the handle mount
• Inspect the sides of the auger housing where it meets the frame
• Clean off snow, salt, and grease so every character is readable
• Copy the serial number exactly (letters and numbers)

Decode the year (what to look for)

MTD has used more than one serial-number pattern; match what you see on your tag to a date-code style.

What you find	What it tells you	Next step
Serial number includes a date-like group	Often the manufacture date is embedded	Identify the year from that group, then record it for future parts matching
Engine has its own model/type/code label	Engine build date can help estimate machine age	Compare engine date to the snowblower tag; they are usually close
Tag is missing or unreadable	Use parts and maintenance history to estimate age	Keep the model number 31AS6FEF729 for accurate parts lookup

Why it matters

The manufacture year helps us match the correct configuration for wear items and safety parts such as belts and shear pins. When replacing shear pins, use the correct part type, not standard hardware.

If you are already servicing the auger drive, a common replacement is the belt 256963 (part number 754-04050).

Last updated: February 2026