Usage: Lawn-Boy 320 Snowthrower 28220 Owner Manual

Overview

The 320 Snowthrower 28220 is a single-stage snow thrower designed for clearing typical household driveways, walks, and similar surfaces with a 20-inch swath. It is built for operators who want a compact machine with simple controls, recoil starting, and direct snow discharge control.

This model uses a two-cycle engine, so it is meant to be fueled with a gasoline-and-oil mix rather than straight gasoline. The machine is aimed at homeowners who need a practical snow removal tool that can handle routine winter cleanup while remaining light enough to maneuver by hand.

Specifications

• Model number: 28220
• Product name: 320 Snowthrower 28220
• Series: 320
• Snow clearing width: 20 inches
• Design: single-stage snowthrower
• Engine type: 2-cycle engine
• Engine output: 3 hp
• Starter type: recoil starter
• Spark plug: Champion RCJ8Y or equivalent
• Spark plug gap: 0.030 in. (0.76 mm)
• Fuel mix ratio: 32:1 gasoline-to-oil
• Fuel recommendation: clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher
• Oil recommendation: high-grade NMMA- or TCW-certified two-cycle oil

Detailed description

The 320 Snowthrower 28220 moves snow with rotating rotor blades rather than a two-stage auger and impeller system. As the machine advances, the rotor blades contact the snow and throw it through the discharge chute, while the scraper helps clear material close to the surface.

Main operating parts include the key switch, primer, recoil starter, choke lever, control bar, chute handle, and chute deflector handle. The chute handle changes the direction of the snow stream, while the deflector handle changes how high or low the snow is thrown. The control bar starts and stops the rotor blades without shutting off the engine, which makes it easier to clear in passes.

Safety

The 320 Snowthrower 28220 must be used with caution because the rotor blades can cut or injure hands and feet, and the machine can throw stones or other debris. Operators should keep all body parts away from moving components, stay behind the handles, and make sure children, pets, and bystanders remain out of the work area.

Before any adjustment, cleaning, inspection, or repair, the engine should be stopped, the key removed, and the spark plug wire disconnected. Hands should never be used to clear a clogged discharge chute; a stick or similar tool is the safe method. The machine should also never be used indoors except when moving it in or out of storage, and it should not be operated on steep slopes or roofs.

Fuel handling is another major safety point. Gasoline is highly flammable, so fueling should be done outdoors, with the engine cold, away from flame or sparks, and with spill cleanup completed immediately.

Setup and operation

Assembly includes installing the wheels, discharge chute, chute handle, main handle, and control cable. The chute assembly is secured with carriage bolts, washers, and locknuts, and the control cable must be routed through the eyebolt and adjusted so the control bar has only a small amount of free play when engaged.

Before starting, gasoline must be mixed with two-cycle oil at a 32:1 ratio. For best results, the manual recommends placing a small amount of gasoline in an approved container first, adding the oil, shaking the container, and then adding the remaining fuel. A stabilizer can be used for storage and general fuel freshness, but only a stabilizer designed for gasoline equipment should be used.

To start the engine, turn the key on, move the choke to the on position, and prime the engine twice. Use the recoil starter to start the engine. When the engine begins running, move the choke gradually toward off as it warms up. The engine stops by turning the key to off.

To start the rotor blades, squeeze the control bar against the handle. Releasing the control bar stops the blades while the engine continues running. The discharge chute is aimed by moving the chute handle left or right, and the discharge height is changed with the deflector handle on top of the chute.

When clearing snow, overlap each pass and throw snow downwind when possible. On gravel or crushed rock, raise the handle slightly so the rotor blades stay above loose material. If controls freeze in cold weather, let the engine run a few minutes rather than forcing frozen parts.

Cleaning and maintenance

Routine maintenance keeps the 320 Snowthrower 28220 ready for winter use and reduces wear on moving parts. The recommended schedule includes checking the control cable, draining fuel before storage, inspecting the scraper, checking the drive belt, servicing the spark plug, inspecting the rotor blades, and tightening loose fasteners.

To adjust the control cable, stop the engine and confirm the control bar has the proper small gap when pulled back toward the handle. If adjustment is needed, the spring cover is lifted, the Z fitting is moved to a different hole on the cable adjuster, and the spring is reattached to the bracket.

Fuel can be removed from the tank with a pump-type siphon. After draining, the engine is started and allowed to run until it stops, and this is repeated to clear remaining fuel from the tank and carburetor.

The scraper should be replaced when its bottom thickness wears below 1/16 inch. Replacing it requires draining the fuel, tipping the machine forward, removing the fastening hardware, and installing the new scraper with the bolt heads positioned inside the housing.

The drive belt should be inspected each season and replaced if it is worn, slipping, or damaged. Replacing the belt requires removing the left side cover, rerouting the belt around the pulleys, and reinstalling the cover while the control bar is held in the engaged position.

The spark plug should be checked before each season. If it is worn or damaged, replace it with a Champion RCJ8Y or equivalent, set the gap to 0.030 inch, and tighten it securely without overdoing the torque.

The rotor blades should be inspected before each season and replaced as a pair when the wear indicator hole is reached. When installing new blades, both blades must be oriented the same way so the thick layer faces the inside of the curve; otherwise the machine can become unbalanced and bounce during use.

For storage, the fuel system should be conditioned, the tank drained, the engine run until it will not restart, and the recoil starter pulled to a compression point to help close the engine ports. After that, all loose fasteners should be tightened, the snowthrower cleaned, and the unit stored upright on its wheels in a clean, dry place.

Warranty

The 320 Snowthrower 28220 includes a limited warranty for two years from the date of purchase for residential use. Commercial, rental, or institutional use is covered for 45 days from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship and applies only when the product is maintained and used according to the manual.

Warranty coverage does not include normal wear parts, such as filters, fuel components, lubrication items, and other parts that wear through regular use. It also excludes damage caused by misuse, improper maintenance, accidents, or failure to prepare the fuel system correctly. Repairs under warranty must be performed with approved replacement parts.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Simple recoil-start operation makes the machine straightforward to use.
• Pros: The 20-inch clearing width is well suited to driveways and walkways.
• Pros: Rotor-blade action and adjustable chute control give good control over snow direction.
• Pros: Clear maintenance steps make seasonal care manageable for homeowners.
• Cons: The two-cycle fuel mix requires careful measuring and mixing.
• Cons: Single-stage design works best for light to moderate snow rather than heavy plowed drifts.
• Cons: Rotor blades and scraper wear parts need regular inspection and replacement.