Craftsman 247.88173 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFr MRN

24" SNOW THROWER

Model No. 247.88173

,, SAFETY o ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE

CAUTION" Before using this product, read this manual and

follow all safety rules and operating

instructions.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-08174

PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL

(May24,2012)

WarrantyStatement.................... Page2

SafeOperationPractices.............. Pages3-6

Assembly......................... Pages8-11

Operation........................ Pages12-15

Service&Maintenance.............. Pages16-23

Off-SeasonStorage................... Page24

Troubleshooting...................... Page25

PartsList......................... Pages26-32

RepairProtectionAgreement............ Page37

Espa_ol............................. Page38

CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwill receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.

Forwarrantycoveragedetails to obtain repairor replacement,visit the website: www.craftsman.com

This warranty covers ONLYdefects in materialandworkmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:

• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedto augers,augerpaddles,drift cutters,skidshoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,air cleaner,belts,andoil filter.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tire replacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance. Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyover-speedingthe engine,orfromimpacting

objectsthatbendthe frame,augershaft,etc.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,or failureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontained intheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfuel determinedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

Normaldeteriorationandwearof theexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanotherperson.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstateto state.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineOilType: 5W-30 EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces FuelCapacity: 2 Quarts

SparkPlug: F6RTC(951-10292) SparkPlugGap: .020"to.030"

©SearsBrands,LLC

Model Number.................................................................

Serial Number .................................................................

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof yourselfandothers. Readandfollowallinstructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingto operatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera- tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment, carelessnessorerroron thepartofthe operatorcanresultin serious injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm,

TRAiNiNG

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthe machineand in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

Failuretodo socan resultinseriousinjurytothe operatorand/ orbystanders.Keepthismanualin a safeplaceforfutureand regularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheir properoperation.Knowhow tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

Neverallowadultsto operatethismachinewithoutproper instruction.

• Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour snow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward roads,bystandersandthelike.

Keepbystanders,petsandchildrenat least75feetfromthe machinewhileitis in operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling,especiallywhen operatinginreverse.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseof thispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsin thismanualandonthemachine,

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

PREPARATION

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.

Removeall doormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,wiresandother

foreignobjects,whichcouldbe trippedoverorthrownbytheauger/

impeller.

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldsduringoperationand whileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes. Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe

eyes.

Donot operatewithoutwearingadequatewinteroutergarments.

Donot wearjewelry,longscarvesorotherlooseclothing,which couldbecomeentangledin movingparts.Wearfootwearwhich willimprovefootingonslipperysurfaces.

Usea groundedthree-wireextensioncordandreceptacleforall

machineswithelectricstartengines.

Disengageall controlleversbeforestartingthe engine. Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushedrock

surfaces.

• Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhileengineis running, exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedintheoperator'smanual.

Letengineandmachineadjustto outdoortemperaturebefore startingtoclearsnow.

SafeHandling of Gasoline Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineis spilled onyourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite. Washyour skinand changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

• Neverfuel machineindoors.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineis hotor running.

• Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Fill tankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow bottomoffillerneckto providespaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe itoff theengineandequipment.Move machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe engine.

• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan openflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,waterheater,space

heater,clothesdryeretc.).

• Allowmachinetocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring.

• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailerbed witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway

fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• If possible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthe truckor trailerandrefuelitonthe ground.Ifthisisnot possible,thenrefuel suchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthan froma gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthe nozzlein contactwiththe rimofthefueltankor containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingis complete.Donotuse a nozzlelock-opendevice.

OPERATION

• Do notputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts,in the auger/impeller housingorchuteassembly.Contactwiththerotatingpartscan amputatehandsandfeet.

• Theauger/impellercontrolleveris a safetydevice.Neverbypass itsoperation.Doingsomakesthe machineunsafeandmaycause personalinjury.

• Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyinbothdirectionsand automaticallyreturntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatewitha missingordamagedchuteassembly.Keep all safetydevicesinplaceandworking.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

• Do notoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor drugs.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot touch.Keepchildrenaway.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossinggravel surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.

Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperatingon

slopes.Do notoperateon steepslopes.

Planyoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargetowards windows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossibleproperty damageorpersonalinjurycausedby a ricochet.

Neverdirectdischargeat children,bystandersand petsorallow anyoneinfrontof themachine.

Donot overloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclearsnowat toofastof a rate.

Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.Always be sureofyourfootingandkeepafirmholdon thehandles.Walk,

neverrun.

Disengagepowerto theauger/impellerwhentransportingor not in use.

Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slippery surfaces.Lookdownand behindand usecarewhenbackingup.

Ifthemachineshouldstartto vibrateabnormally,stoptheengine, disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit againsttheengine.

Inspectthoroughlyfor damage.Repairanydamagebefore startingandoperating.

Disengageall controlleversandstopenginebeforeyouleave theoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Waituntiltheauger/ impellercomestoa completestopbeforeuncloggingthechute assembly,makingany adjustments,or inspections.

Neverputyourhandinthe dischargeorcollectoropenings.Do notunclogchuteassemblywhileengineis running.Shutoff engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshave stoppedbeforeunclogging.

Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanufac- turer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.). Forinformation concerningtheseitems,call1-800-469-4663.

Whenstartingengine,pullcord slowlyuntilresistanceis felt,then pull rapidly.Rapidretractionof startercord(kickback)willpull handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanlet go.Broken bones,fractures,bruisesorsprainscouldresult.

Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare andgoodjudgment.

Forin-warrantysafety,operationor maintenancequestions,orto orderpartsandscheduleservice,call 1-800-469-4663.

CLEARING A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

Handcontactwiththe rotatingimpellerinsidethedischargechute

is themostcommoncauseof injuryassociatedwithsnowthrowers.

Neveruseyourhandto cleanoutthedischargechute.

Toclear thechute:

1. SHUTTHEENGINEOFF!

2. Wait 10secondstobe surethe impellerbladeshavestopped rotating.

3. Alwaysusea clean-outtool,not yourhands.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation

regularly.Refertothemaintenanceandadjustmentsectionsof thismanual.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspectingmachinedisengageall controlleversandstoptheengine.Waituntilthe auger/impeller cometoa completestop.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand groundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting.

Checkboltsand screwsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervals tokeepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually inspectmachineforanydamage.

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-speedthe engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed ofthe engine.

Snowthrowershaveplatesandskidshoesaresubjecttowear anddamage.Foryoursafetyprotection,frequentlycheckall componentsand replacewithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's (OEM)partsonlyaslistedinthe Partspagesof thisoperator's manual.Useofpartswhichdonot meettheoriginalequipment specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro- misesafety!

Checkcontrolleversperiodicallytoverifytheyengageanddisen- gageproperlyandadjust,ifnecessary.Refertotheadjustment sectioninthisoperator'smanualfor instructions.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary. Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsforgas,oil,etc. to

protecttheenvironment. Priorto storing,runmachineafew minutestoclearsnowfrom

machineand preventfreezeupof auger/impeller. Neverstorethemachineorfuel containerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkorpilot lightsuchasa waterheater,furnace, clothesdryeretc.

Alwaysrefertothe operator'smanualforproperinstructionson off-seasonstorage.

Checkfuelline,tank, cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replaceif necessary.

Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved. AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)

andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 60 hoursof operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine inspectedannuallybyanauthorizedservicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyand not wornexcessively.Failuretodo socan resultinaccidents,injuries

ordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinany way. Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMiSSiONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayinclude thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),

OxidizingCatalyst(OC),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay

Catalyst(TWO)if so equipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand shouldnotbe usedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered, brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaust systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any)

Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveis required

bylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands. A sparkarrestorfor the mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)

. +

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and

operate

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades

inside

WARNING-- ROTATING BLADES

Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades

inside

WARNING-- ROTATING AUGER

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute assembly.

Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

"JIp

WARNING--THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas+

WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain

Thispageleftintentionallyblank.

NOTE:Referencesto rightorleft sideofthesnowthrowerare determinedfrombehindtheunit intheoperatingposition(standing directlybehindthesnowthrower,facingthe handlepanel).

REMOVING FROM CARTON

1. Cutthecornersof thecartonandlaythe sidesflaton the ground. Removeanddiscardallpackinginserts.

2. Movethesnowthrowerout of thecarton.

3. Makecertainthecartonhas beencompletelyemptiedbefore discardingit.

/ s

ASSEMBLY

1. Placethe shiftleverin theForward-6position.

2. Observethe lowerrearareaofthe snowthrowertobesureboth cablesarealignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthe handle

upward.See Figure1.

NOTE:Makecertainthe upperendsofeachcableare seatedproperly in itsbracket.

3. Securethehandlebytighteningtheplasticwingknoblocatedon boththe leftand rightsidesofthe handle.SeeFigure2.Remove anddiscardanyrubberbands,if present.Theyareforpackaging purposesonly.

4. Removewingnut andhexscrewfromchutecontrolheadand clevispinandcotterpinfromchutesupportbracket.Position chute(forward-facing)overchutebase.SeeFigure3.

Figure2

Chute Control Head

pport

Bracket

Figure1

Figure3

5. Placechuteontochutebaseandsecurechutecontrolheadto chutesupportbracketwithclevispinandcotterpin removed

earlier.SeeFigure4.

6. Finishsecuringchutecontrolheadtochutesupportbracketwith wingnut andhexscrewremovedearlier.See Figure5.

7. Insertthe chutedirectionalcontrolintothesupportbracketonthe rearofthedashpanel.SeeFigure6.

8. Removethehairpinclipfromthe rearof thechutecontrolhead.

9. Insertchutedirectionalcontrolinto rearof thechutecontrolhead. Securethechutedirectionalcontroltothe chutecontrolheadwith

thehairpinclip removedearlier.SeeFigure7.

Figure6

Figure4

Figure7

Figure5

SET-UP

Chute Clean-Out Tool Achute clean-out tool isfastenedtothe topofthe augerhousing

witha mountingclip.SeeFigure8.The toolisdesignedtocleara chuteassemblyofice andsnow.Thisitemisfastenedwithacabletie atthe factory.Cutthecabletiebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.

Neveruseyour handsto cleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut offengineand remainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclear thechuteassembly.

Tire Pressure

Underanycircumstancedo notexceedmanufacturer'srecom- mendedpsi.Equaltirepressureshouldbemaintainedat all times. Excessivepressurewhenseatingbeadsmaycausetire/rim assemblytoburstwithforcesufficienttocauseseriousinjury.Refer tosidewallof tirefor recommendedpressure.

Thetiresareover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Checkthetire pressurebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.Referto thetiresidewall fortiremanufacturer'srecommendedpsianddeflate(orinflate)the tiresasnecessary.

.........................ii

:: :/4Y.....

Chute Clean-Out

Tool

Figure8

NOTE:Equaltire pressureis tobe maintainedat alltimesforperfor- mancepurposes.

ADJUSTMENTS

Skid Shoes Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryfor

shippingpurposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperat- ingthesnowthrower.

It isnotrecommendedthatyouoperatethis snowthrowerongravel asit caneasilypickup andthrowloosegravel,causingpersonal

njuryordamageto thesnowthrowerandsurroundng property.

• Forclosesnowremovalona smoothsurface,raiseskidshoes higherontheaugerhousing.Referto Figure9.

• Usea middleorlowerpositionwhentheareatobe clearedis uneven,suchasa graveldriveway.

NOTE:If youchooseto operatethesnowthrowerona gravelsurface, keepthe skidshoesin positionfor maximumclearancebetweenthe groundandtheshaveplate.

Toadjustthe skidshoes:

1. Loosenthefourhexnuts(twooneachside)andcarriagebolts. Moveskidshoestodesiredposition. SeeFigure9.

Smooth Surface

Surface

Figure9

2, Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceof skidshoeis againstthe

groundtoavoidunevenwearontheskidshoes,

3, Refightennutsandboltssecurely,

Chute Assembly Thedistancesnowisthrowncan beadjustedbychangingthe angleof

thechuteassembly,Todoso:

1, Stoptheenginebyremovingthe ignitionkeyandloosenthe

plasticwingknobfoundontheleft sideof thechuteassembly.

2, Pivotthechuteupwardordownwardbeforeretighteningthewing

knob,See Figure10,

Auger Control

Priortooperatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadandfollowall instructionsbelow,Performalladjustmentstoverifyyour snow throwerisoperatingsafelyandproperly,

Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolas follows:

1. Theaugercontrolislocatedontheleft handle.SeeFigure11 inset.Whentheaugercontrolis releasedandin the disengaged "up"position,thecableshouldhaveverylittleslack.Itshould NOTbetight.

2. Ina well-ventilatedarea,startthesnowthrowerengine.Referto StartingtheEngineinthe Operationsection.

3. Whilestandinginthe operator'sposition(behindthe snow thrower),engagethe auger.

4. Allowtheaugertoremainengagedforapproximatelyten (10) secondsbeforereleasingthe augercontrol.Repeatthisseveral

times.

5. Withtheaugercontrolin thedisengaged"up" position,walktothe frontofthe machine.

6. Confirmthatthe augerhas completelystoppedrotatingand showsNOsignsofmotion.If theaugershowsANYsignsof rotating,immediatelyreturntothe operator'spositionandshutoff theengine.WaitforALLmovingpartsto stopbeforeadjustingthe augercontrol.

7. Toreadjustthecontrolcable,loosentheupperhexbolt onthe augercablebracket.SeeFigure11.

8. Positionthe bracketupwardto providemoreslack(ordownward toincreasecabletension).

9. Retightentheupperhex bolt.

10. Repeatsteps2-6aboveto verifyproperadjustmenthasbeen achieved.

Figure10

Figure11

ChuteAssembly

\\\

Drive Control

Oil Fill

GasCap

Shift Lever

Auger Control

Chute Directional Control

Recoil Starter Handle

_ugerHousing_\\_

,L!,

Augers

"Skid Shoe

Nowthat youhavesetup yoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecome acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure12.

SHIFT LEVER

1 2345 6

Theshiftleverislocatedonthedash panel.Placethe shiftleverinto anyof eightpositionstocontrolthedirectionoftravelandground speed.

Forward

Yoursnowthrowerhassixforward(F) speeds.Positionone(1)is the slowestandpositionsix(6) isthefastest.

Reverse Yoursnowthrowerhastwo reverse(R)speeds.One(1)is theslower

andtwo(2) isthefaster.

Throttle Control

Choke Control

Oil Drain Electric Starter Outlet

,.. j

Figure12

KEY

Thekeyisa safetydevice.Itmustbefully _,'t_ insertedinorderforthe enginetostart. Remove

thekeywhenthesnowthrowerisnotinuse. NOTE:Donotturntheignitionkeyinan attempt

to startthe engine.Doingsomaycauseitto break.

CHOKE CONTROL

Thechokecontrolis foundontherearof the engineand isactivatedbyturningthe rotary

chokeknobto theCHOKEposition.Activating thechokecontrolclosesthechokeplateon the carburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.

:lectric Start

Button

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothe safetystandardof theAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

THROTTLE CONTROL

aiW'

Theaugercontrolis locatedon thelefthandle.Squeezethe control gripagainstthehandleto engagetheaugerand startsnowthrowing action.Releaseto stop.

DRIVE CONTROL/AUGER CONTROL LOCK

J DRIVE

Thethrottlecontrolis locatedon the rearoftheengine.It regulatesthe speedof theengineandwillshutoff the enginewhenmovedintothe STOPposition.

Depressingthe primerforcesfueldirectlyinto ___144

theengine'scarburet°rt° aid inc°'dweather [k, _"_'-_ 3" Jstarting.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

Thishandleisusedto manuallystarttheengine.

ELECTRIC STARTER BUTTON

Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectric starterwhenpluggedintoa 120Vpowersource.

ELECTRIC STARTER OUTLET

Requirestheuseof athree-prongoutdoorextensioncord(included) anda 120Vpowersource/walloutlet.

OIL FILL

Engineoil levelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill.

r 1

CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolis locatedon the righthandle.Squeezethecontrol gripagainstthehandleto engagethewheeldrive.Releasetostop. Thedrivecontrolalsolockstheaugercontrolso youcanoperate thechutedirectionalcontrolwithoutinterruptingthesnowthrowing

process.If the augercontrolisengagedsimultaneouslywiththe drive control,the operatorcanreleasetheaugercontrol(onthe lefthandle) andtheaugerswillremainengaged.Releaseboth controlstostopthe augersandwheeldrive.

NOTE:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.

Failureto doso willresultinincreasedwearon yourmachine'sdrive

system.

OVERHEAD CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

GAS CAP

Unthreadthegascap toaddgasolinetothefuel tank.

AUGER

Whenengaged,theaugerbladesrotateanddrawsnowintothe auger housing.

CHUTE ASSEMBLY

Snowdrawnintotheaugerhousingisdischargedoutthechute assembly.

AUGER CONTROL

/_CCHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

LEFT

DISCHARGE CHUTETILTDISCHARGE

_ J

The overhead chute directional control is located in the center of the

snow thrower between the handle panel and lowerhandle. To change the direction inwhich snow is thrown,rotate the chute directional

control.

SKID SHOES

Positiontheskidshoesbasedonsurfaceconditions.Adjustupward forhard-packedsnow.Adjustdownwardwhenoperatingon gravelor

crushedrocksurfaces.

ADJUSTABLE

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

Neveruseyourhandstocleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut off engineandremainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclear thechuteassembly.

Thechuteclean-outtoolisconvenientlyfastenedtothe rearofthe augerhousingwitha mountingclip. Shouldsnowandice become lodgedin thechuteassemblyduringoperation,proceedasfollowsto safelycleanthechuteassemblyandchuteopening:

1. Releaseboththe AugerControlandthe DriveControl.

2. Stopthe engineby removingthe ignitionkey.

3. Removetheclean-outtoolfromtheclip whichsecuresittothe rearofthe augerhousing.

4. Usetheshovel-shapedendof theclean-outtool to dislodgeand scoopanysnowand icewhichhasformedin andnearthechute assembly.

5. Refastenthe clean-outtool tothemountingclipontherearof theaugerhousing,reinserttheignitionkeyandstartthesnow thrower'sengine.

6. Whilestandinginthe operator'sposition(behindthesnow thrower),engagethe augercontrolforafewsecondstoclearany remainingsnowandice fromthechuteassembly.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsandwarningsonthe machineand inthismanualbeforeoperating.

Oil Theunit wasshippedwith oil inthe engine.Checkoillevelbefore

eachoperationtoensureadequateoilinthe engine.Forfurther instructions,refertothe stepsonpage16.

NOTE:Besuretochecktheengineon a levelsurfacewiththeengine stopped.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,butdo NOTscrewit

in.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick,ifthe levelislow,slowlyadd oil (5%30, witha minimumclassificationof SF/SG)untiloil level registersbetweenhigh(H) andlow(L).

NOTE:Do notoverfill.Overfillingwithoil mayresultinenginesmoking, hardstartingorsparkplugfouling.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Gasoline Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedor lowleadedto minimizecombus-

tionchamberdeposits)witha minimumof87octane.Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanolor 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbe used.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixtureor dirtygasoline.Avoidgetting dirt,dust,or waterinthefuel tank.DONOTuse E85gasoline.

• Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththe enginestopped.Donot smokeorallowflamesor sparksinthe areawheretheengineis

refueledor wheregasolineisstored.

• Donotoverfillthefueltank.After refueling,makesurethetank capis closedproperlyandsecurely.

• Becarefulnotto spillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapor mayignite,ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybefore startingthe engine.

• Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinor breathingof

)or.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely flammableandthevaporsare explosive.Neverfuelthemachine indoorsorwhilethe engineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes, cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

1. Cleanaroundfuelfillbeforeremovingcap to fuel.

2. A fuel levelindicatorislocatedinthefueltank. SeeFigure12

inset.Becarefulnottooverfill.Filltank untilfuel reachesthe fuel levelindicatortoallowspacefor fuel expansion.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Alwayskeephandsandfeetclearof movingparts.Donot usea pressurizedstartingfluid.Vaporsareflammable.

NOTE:Allowtheengineto warmupfora fewminutesafter starting. Theenginewill notdevelopfull poweruntilit reachesoperating

temperatures.

1. Makecertainboththe augercontrolanddrivecontrolareinthe disengaged(released)position.

2. insertkeyintoslot. Makesureitsnapsintoplace.Donotattempt toturn thekey.

NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthekeyfullyinsertedintothe ignitionswitch.

Electric Starter

Theoptionalelectricstarterisequippedwitha groundedthree-wire

powercordand plug,andisdesignedtooperateon120voltAC householdcurrent.Itmustbe usedwithaproperlygroundedthree- prongreceptacleat all timestoavoidthepossibilityofelectricshock. Followall instructionscarefullypriorto operatingtheelectricstarter.

DONOTuseelectricstarterinthe rain.

Determinethatyourhome'swiringisa three-wiregroundedsystem.

Aska licensedelectricianifyouarenotcertain.

Ifyou haveagroundedthree-prongreceptacle,proceedasfollows. Ifyou donothavethe properhousewiring,DONOTusetheelectric

starterunderanyconditions.

1. Plugtheextensioncord intotheoutletlocatedon theengine's surface.Plugtheotherendof extensioncord intoa three-prong

120-volt,grounded,ACoutletina well-ventilatedarea.

2. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_T position.

3. Movechoketothe CHOKEIJl position(coldenginestart).If engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

4. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholein primerbulbwhen pushing.If engineiswarm,pushprimeronly once.Alwayscoverventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermay requireprimingtobe repeated.

5. Pushstarterbuttontostart engine.Oncetheenginestarts,im- mediatelyreleasestarterbutton.Electricstarterisequippedwith thermaloverloadprotection;systemwilltemporarilyshut-downto

allowstartertocool ifelectricstarterbecomesoverloaded.

6. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontrolto RUN position.Ifthe enginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly rotatethechokeinto RUNposition.

7. Afterengineisrunning,disconnectpowercordfromelectric starter.Whendisconnecting,alwaysunplugtheendatthewall outletbeforeunpluggingtheoppositeendfromtheengine.

Recoil Starter

Donotpullthestarterhandlewhilethe enginerunning.

1. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_J_ position.

2. Movechoketothe CHOKEI,'_¢1position(coldenginestart).If engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

3. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholewhen pushing.Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.Alwayscover ventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermayrequireprimingtobe repeated.

4. Pullgentlyonthe starterhandleuntilitbeginstoresist,then pullquicklyandforcefullytoovercomethe compression.Do notreleasethehandleandallowitto snapback.Returnrope SLOWLYto originalposition.Ifrequired,repeatthisstep.

5. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontrolto RUN position.Ifthe enginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly rotatethechokeinto RUNposition.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE

1. Withthethrottlecontrolinthe Fast(rabbit) '_ position,move shiftleverintooneof thesix forward(F)positionsortwo reverse

(R)positions.Selectaspeedappropriatefor thesnowconditions

anda paceyou'recomfortablewith.

NOTE:When selectinga DriveSpeed,usethe slowerspeedsuntil

youarecomfortableandfamiliarwiththe operationofthesnow thrower.

2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthe snow throwerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.

NOTE:NEVERrepositionthe shiftlever(changespeedsordirection oftravel)withoutfirstreleasingthedrivecontrolandbringingthesnow throwertoa completestop.Doingsowill resultin prematurewearto thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.

TO ENGAGE AUGER

1. Toengagetheaugerand startthrowingsnow,squeezethe auger controlagainsttheleft handle.Releasetostoptheauger.

REPLACING SHEAR PINS

Eachaugerbladeis securedto thespiralshaftwitha shearpinand bow-tieclip. Ifanaugerbladestrikesa foreignobjector icejam,the pinwillshearoff topreventdamagetotheblade.Ifanaugerblade

doesnotturn,checkto seeifits pinhasshearedoff.SeeFigure13.

NEVERreplacethe augershearpinswithanythingotherthanSears SKU#88389/0EMPart No.738-04124Areplacementshearpins. Anydamagetothe augergearboxorothercomponentsas a resultof

[fang to dosow NOTbe coveredbyyoursnowthrowerswarranty.

Alwaysturnoff thesnowthrower'sengineandremovethekeypriorto replacingshearpins.

Toavoid unsupervisedengineoperation,neverleavethemachine

unattendedwiththeenginerunning.Turnthe engineoffafteruseand removekey.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Afteryouhavefinishedsnow-throwing,runenginefora few minutes beforestoppingtohelpdryoffany moistureontheengine.

1. MovethrottlecontroltoOFFposition.

2. Removethekey.Removingthe keywillreducethepossibilityof unauthorizedstartingoftheenginewhileequipmentisnotin use. Keepthekeyina safeplace.Theenginecannotstart withoutthe key.

3. Wipeanymoistureawayfromthecontrolson theengine.

Figure13

s ¸......

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.

EachUseandevery5 hours

1st5 hours

Annuallyor25 hours

Annuallyor50 hours

Annuallyor100hours

BeforeStorage

1. Engineoil level

2. Looseor missinghardware

3. Unitand engine.

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

2. Controllinkagesandpivots

3. Wheels

4. GearshaftandAugershaft

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

1. Fuelsystem

1. Check

2. Tightenor replace

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Check

2. Lubewithlightoil

3. Lubewithmultipurposeautogrease

4. Lubewithlightoil

1. Change

1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlack

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking Engine Oil

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof

completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest Sears Service

Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

offuel

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,disengageallcontrols

Iandstopengine.Waituntilall movingpartshavecometo a complete _stop.

NOTE: Checktheoil levelbeforeeachuseto besurecorrectoil level ismaintained.

Whenaddingoilto theengine,referto viscositychart below.Engine oilcapacityis 600ml(approx.20oz.). Donotover-fill.Usea4-stroke, oran equivalenthighdetergent,premiumqualitymotoroilcertified tomeetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor

serviceclassificationSG, SRMotoroilsclassifiedSG, SFwillshow thisdesignationonthecontainer.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthe cap/dipstickintotheoilfiller neck,butdo NOTscrewit in.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Iflevelis low,slowlyaddoiluntil oil levelregistersbetweenhigh(H) andlow(L).SeeFigure14.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Changing Engine Oil NOTE:Changetheengineoilafterthe first5 hoursof operationand

oncea seasonorevery50 hoursthereafter.

1. Drainfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilthefuel tankis empty. Besurefuel fillcapis secure.

1 •

_i!_!iiii_ii!i!jili iiiI iiiii_H

marks

Figure14

2. Placesuitableoilcollectioncontainerunderoil drainplug.

3. Removeoil drainplug.SeeFigure15on nextpage.

4. Tipunitto drainoil intothecontainer.Usedoilmustbedisposed ofat a propercollectioncenter.

Usedoil isahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.

IDo notdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori- lties or SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

Reinstallthedrainplugandtightenit securely.

Refillwiththerecommendedoil andchecktheoil level.See RecommendedOil Usagechart.Theengine'soil capacityis20

ounces.

(%-400 -200 0o 200 400 ("c) -300 -200 -10° 0°

DONOTuse nondetergentoilor 2-strokeengineoil.Itcould shorten

theengine'sservicelife.

Oil Drain

Plug

7. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipsticksecurely.

afterhandling usedoil.

Checking Spark Plug

DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DONOTcrank enginewithsparkplugremoved.

Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,themufflerwillbevery hot.Becareful notto touchthemuffler.

NOTE: Checkthe sparkplugonceaseasonorevery25hoursof operation.Changethesparkplugoncea seasonor every100hours. Toensureproperengineoperation,the sparkplugmustbeproperly gappedandfreeof deposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto removetheplug.See Figure16.

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugif thereis apparentwear,orif the insulatoris crackedorchipped.Cleanthe sparkplugwitha wirebrushifitis to be reused.

3. Measurethe pluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctas necessary bybendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure17.The gapshouldbeset to.02-.03inches(0.60-0.80ram).

4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasheris ingoodconditionandthread thesparkplugin byhandto preventcross-threading.

5. Afterthesparkplugis seated,tightenwitha sparkplugwrenchto compressthewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2-turnafterthe sparkplugseatsto compressthe washer.Whenreinstallinga used sparkplug,tighten1/8-to 1/4-turnafterthesparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.

Figure15

Spark Plug

Figure16

Electrode

.02-.03 in.

{0.60-0.80 ram)

Figure17

become hotandcan inc.

LUBRICATION

Gear Shaft Thegear(hex)shaftshouldbe lubricatedat leastonceaseasonor

afterevery25 hoursofoperation.

1. Topreventspillage,removeallfuel fromtank byrunningengine untilit stops.

2. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson theaugerhousing.

3. Removethe lowerframecoverfromthe undersideofthesnow throwerbyremovingthe self-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

4. Applya lightcoatingofengineoil (or3-in-1oil) tothe hexshaft. SeeFigure18.

NOTE:Whenlubricatingthehexshaft,be carefulnotto getanyoilon thealuminumdriveplateor rubberfrictionwheel.Doingsowill hinder thesnowthrower'sdrive system.Wipeoffanyexcessorspilledoil.

Wheels Atleastoncea season,removebothwheels.Cleanandcoattheaxles

witha multipurposeautomotivegreasebeforereinstallingwheels.

Chute Directional Control Oncea season,lubricatethe eyeboltbushingand thespiralwith3-in-1

oil.

Figure18

Auger Shaft Atleastoncea season,removetheshearpinson augershaft.Spray

lubricantinsideshaft,andaroundthe spacersandflangebearings foundat eitherendoftheshaft.SeeFigure19.

SHAVE PLATE AND SKID SHOES

Theshaveplateand skidshoesonthebottomof thesnowthrowerare subjecttowear.Theyshouldbecheckedperiodicallyandreplaced whennecessary.

NOTE:Theskidshoeson thismachinehavetwowearedges.When onesidewearsout,theycan be rotated1800to usetheotheredge.

Toremoveskidshoes:

1. Removethetwocarriagebolts,washers,andhex flangenutsthat secureeachskidshoetothe snowthrower.

2. Reassemblenewskidshoeswiththefourcarriagebolts(twoon eachside),washers,andhex flangenuts.RefertoFigure20.

Toremoveshaveplate:

1. Removethecarriageboltsand hexnutswhichattachit tothe snowthrowerhousing.

2. Reassemblenewshaveplate,makingsureheadsofcarriage boltsaretothe insideofhousing.Tightensecurely.SeeFigure

20.

Figure19

NOTE:Augers not shown for clarity.

Figure20

ADJUSTMENTS

Shift Cable

If thefull rangeof speeds(forwardandreverse)cannotbeachieved, referto thefigureto therightandadjusttheshiftcableas follows:

1. Placetheshiftleverin thefastest forwardspeedposition(F6).

2. Loosenthehex nuton theshiftcableindexbracket.SeeFigure

21.

3. Pivotthebracketdownwardto takeupslackinthecable.

4. Retightenthehexnut.

Drive Control Whenthedrivecontrolis releasedandinthedisengaged"up"position,

thecableshouldhaveverylittle slack.It shouldNOTbetight.Also, ifthereisexcessiveslackin thedrive cableorifthe unitexperiences intermittentdrivewhileusing,the cablemayneedtobeadjusted. Checktheadjustmentofthedrivecontrolasfollows:

1. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,pushthesnowthrowergently forward.Theunitshouldrollfreely.

2. Engagethe drivecontrolandgentlyattempttopushthesnow throwerforward.Thewheelsshouldnotturn.Theunitshouldnot

rollfreely.

3. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,movethe shiftleverbackand forthbetweenthe R2positionandtheF6positionseveraltimes.

Thereshouldbeno resistancein the shiftlever.

4. If anyofthe abovetestsfailed,thedrivecableisin needof adjustment.Proceedasfollows:

a. Shutoff theengineas instructedinthe Operationsection. b. Loosenthelowerhexboltonthe drivecablebracket.See

Figure22.

c. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or

downwardto increasecabletension).

d. Retightenthelowerhexbolt.

Figure21

Chute If thechutefailstoremainstationaryduringoperation,thepreiloadd

thechutecan beadjustedbytighteningthehexnutfoundon thefront ofthe chutecontrolhead.

1. Toincreasethepreload,tightenthehexnutclockwisein1Aturn intervals.SeeFigure23.

2. If thechutedirectionalcontrolisdifficulttocrank,decreasethe preloadbylooseningthehexnutcounterclockwisein 1Aturn

intervals.

Figure22

Figure23

Auger Control f "_ Refertothe Assemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheauger

controlcable.

Skid Shoes Refertothe Assemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheskid

shoes.

BELT REPLACEMENT

Auger Belt

Toremoveandreplaceyoursnowthrower'saugerbelt,proceedas follows:

1. Topreventspillage,removeallfuel fromtank byrunningengine untilitstops.

2. Removethe plasticbeltcoveronthefrontof theenginebyremov- ingthetwoself-tappingscrews.SeeFigure24.

3. Rolltheaugerbeltoff theenginepulley.SeeFigure25.

4. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson theaugerhousing.

5. Removetheframecoverfromthe undersideofthe snowthrower byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.SeeFigure

26.

Figure24

Figure 25

Figure26

6. Removethebeltasfollows.RefertoFigure27. A. Loosenandremovetheshoulderscrewwhichactsasabelt

keeper.

B. Unhooktheaugerbrakebracketspringfromtheframe.

7. Removethebeltfromaroundtheaugerpulley,andslipthebelt betweenthesupportbracketandtheaugerpulley.SeeFigure28.

8. Reassembleaugerbeltbyfollowinginstructionsinreverseorder.

9. PerformtheAugerControltestoutlinedintheAssemblysection ofthismanual.

NOTE:DoNOTforgettoreinstalltheshoulderscrewandreconnect thespringtotheframeafterinstallingareplacementaugerbelt.

Drive Belt Toremoveandreplaceyoursnowthrower'sdrivebelt,proceedas

follows:

1. Topreventspillage,removeallfuelfromtankby runningengine untilit stops.

2. Removetheplasticbelt coveronthe frontoftheengineby remov- ingthetwoself-tappingscrews.See Figure24onpreviouspage.

3. Removethebeltas follows.Referto Figure29. A. Rolltheaugerbeltofftheenginepulley.

B. Useawrenchto pivottheidlerpulleytowardthe right. C. Liftthe drivebeltoffenginepulley.

Figure27

t j

Figure28

Figure29

+ 47 hidden pages

Craftsman 247.88173 Operator's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual