Craftsman 247.88664 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

5.0 Horse Power 24" Two-Stage Wheel Drive

Snow Thrower

Model No.

247.886640

CAUTION: Before

using this product, read this manual and

follow all safety rules

and operating instructions.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Service

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit ourwebsite: www.sears.com/craffsman

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO.770-10433

(8/2ooo)

Content Page

Warranty Information ......................................... 2

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 3

Hardware Pack .................................................. 5

Assembly ........................................................... 6

Operation ........................................................... 10

Maintenance ...................................................... t3

Content Page

Service &Adjustment......................................... 15

Off-Season Storage ........................................... 19

Trouble-Shooting ............................................... 20

Parts List............................................................ 21

Espanol .............................................................. 34

Two -Year Warranty on Craftsman Snow Thrower

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Snow Thrower is maintained, lubricated and tuned up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material

and workmanship. If this Craftsman snow thrower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days

from the date of purchase.

Thls warranty does not cover:

Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as skid shoes, shave plate and spark

plugs. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual

WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.

Thls warranty applies only while this product Is In use In the United States. This warranty gives you specific legalrights and you mayalso haveother dghtswhich may vary from stateto state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES,IL60179

Horsepower: ......................... 5.0

Engine Oil ............................. SAE 5W30 oil

Spark Plug: ........................... RJ-19LM

Engine: .................................. 143.015007

Model Number 247.886640

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

Date of Purchase ......................................................

Record both serial number and date of purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.

This symbolpoints out important safety instructionswhich, ifnot followed, could endanger the personal

safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal

injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of itsconstituents, and certainvehicle components containor emit

chemicalsknown to Stateof Californiato cause cancer andbirth defects or other reproductiveharm.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operatedaccordingto the rules for safe operation in this I

manual. As withany type ofpowerequipment, carelessnessor erroron the part of theoperatorcan resultI in seriousinjury.This machine is capable ofamputating hands and feet and throwingobjects. Failureto

observe the following safety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.

Training

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructionson the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place

for future and regular reference and for ordering

replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their properoperation.

Know how tostop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years oldto operate this

machine. Children 14 years old and over shouldread and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in

this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5. Thrown objects can cause seriouspersonal injury. Plan your snowthrowing pattern to avoid discharge ofmaterial

toward roads, bystanders and the like.

6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine whileit is inoperation. Stop

machineif anyone enters the area.

7. Exercise caution to avoid slippingor falling, especially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspectthe area where the equipmentis to

be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objectswhich could be trippedover orthrown bythe auger/impeller.

2. Always wear safety glasses oreye shields during

operationand whileperforming anadjustment or repairto protectyour eyes. Thrown objectswhich ricochetcan

cause serious injuryto the eyes.

3. Do not operate without wearing adequate winterouter

garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarvesor other loose clothingwhich coutdbecome entangled inmoving

parts. Wear footwear which will improve footingon slipperysurfaces.

4. Use a grounded three wireextensioncord and receptacle forall unitswith electricstart engines.

5. Adjust collectorhousingheight toclear gravelor crushed

rock surfaces.

6. Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.

7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is

running, except where specifically recommended in the operator's manual.

Let engine and machine adjust tooutdoortemperature before stadingto clear snow.

To avoidpersonal injuryor propertydamage use extreme care inhandling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely

flammable and the vapors are explosive.Serious personal injurycan occur when gasoline is spilledon yourselfor your clothes which can ignite. Wash yourskin

and change clothes immediately.

a. Use onlyan approved gasoline container. b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars,pipes and other

sourcesof ignition.

c. Neverfuel machine indoors. d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hotor running.

e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

refueling and at least 5 minutes before storing.

f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than

1,6inch below bottom offiller neck to provide space for fuel expansion.

g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.

i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes

dryer etc).

Operation

1. Do not put handsor feet near rotating parts,in the auger/

impellerhousing or discharge chute. Contactwith the rotatingparts can amputate handsand feet.

2. The auger/impeller clutchlever isa safety device, Never bypass itsoperation. Doing so, makes the machine

unsafe and may cause personal injury.

3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically return to the disengaged position when

released.

4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge chute. Keep all safety devices in placeand working.

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

6. Donotoperate machine while under the influence of

alcoholor drugs.

7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do nottouch.

8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravelsurfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazardsor traffic.

9. Exercise cautionwhen changing direction and while operatingon slopes.

tO. Plan your snow throwingpattern to avoid discharge

towardswindows, walls, cars etc. To avoid property damage or personal injurycaused by a ricochet.

t1. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets

orallow anyone in frontof the machine.

12. Do not overload machine capacity by attemptingtoclear snowat toofast of a rate.

13. Never operate thismachine withoutgood visibilityor light.Always be sure ofyour footing and keep a firmhold

onthe handles. Walk, never run.

14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transportingor not in use.

15. Never operate machine at hightransport speeds on slipperysurfaces. Lookdown and behind and usecare

whenin reverse.

16. If the machine shouldstart to vibrate abnormally,stopthe engine, disconnect the sparkplug and grounditagainst

the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before startingand operating.

17. Disengage all clutch levers and stop engine beforeyou leave the operating position(behind the handles). Wait

untilthe auger/impeller comes to a complete stopbefore uncloggingthe discharge chute, making any

adjustments, or inspections.

18. Never put your hand inthe discharge or collector openings. Always use a clearing toolto unclogthe

discharge opening.

19. Use onlyattachments and accessories apprcved by the

manufacturer (e.g. wheelweights, tirechains, cabs etc.).

20. If situabonsoccur which are not covered in thismanual,

usecare and goodjudgment. Contact your nearest Sears servicecenter for assistance.

Maintenance and Storage

1. Never tamper with safety devices. Checktheirproper operation regularly.

2. Disengage all clutch leversand stopengine. Wait until the auger/impeller come to a completestop. Disconnect the spark plugwire and groundagainst the engine to

prevent unintended startingbefore cleaning, repairing,or inspecting.

3. Check bolts, and screwsfor propertightness at frequent

intervalsto keep themachine insafe working condition, Also,visually inspect machineforany damage.

4. Do notchange the enginegovernor settingor over-speed the engine. The governorcontrolsthe maximum safe

operating speed ofthe engine.

5. Snow thrower shave plates and skidshoes are subject to

wear and damage. For your safety protection,frequently check all componentsand replace withoriginal

equipment manufacturer's (O.EM.) parts only. "Use of partswhich do not meet the originalequipment specifications may lead to improperperformance and

compromise safety!"

6. Check clutch controls periodicallyto verify they engage

and disengage properlyand adjust, if necessary. Refer to the adjustment section in thisoperator's manual for instructions.

7. Maintain or replace safety and instructionlabels, as

necessary.

8, Observe proper disposal laws and regulationsforgas,

oil, etc. to protectthe environment.

9. Priorto storing, runmachine afew minutes to clear snow

from machine and prevent freeze upof auger/impeller.

tO. Never store the machine orfuel container insidewhere

there is an open flame, spark or pilotlightsuch asa water

heater, furnace ,clothesdryer etc.

11. Always refer to the operator'smanual for praper

instructionson off-season storage.

Your Responsibility:

Restnct the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructionsin this

manual and on the machine. The mostimportantsafety labels are reproduced below. For a detailed labels map, see

Parts List section.

1.BENPAWAYEROMROTATINGIMPeJ,.ER ANDS. €_OT'_TEREHENPELL_ER

ACRERCANAMPUTATElaNDSAHDFEET.

E.DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVER|.STOPENGINE.

ANDPJUIAIHIERIIiRHANOLEN6RILLALL MOERi6PARTSHAVEOTOPPEOBEFORE

UNCLOG61i46ORSERVICINGMACHINE.

Lay outthe hardware according to the illustrationbelow for identificationpurposes. Part numbers are shown in

parentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)

A!_ (2)Hex Bolts (A)

(710-3180)

1111111111111111111111

IIIIIIIIII11i1111111II

(2) Hex Bolts(B)

710-3008

(4)Lock Washers (C) I:_

(736-0119)

©©

12)Handle Tabs 11)

___ Screws (F)

_ t_l _ FlO-O509)

(2)Hex @11t11111111111!111

Belle(G)_lllllllllllllllll]

(712-3015)

Cupped Washer (N)

(736°0242)

Q©

(2) Flat Washers IS)

(736-0185)

(2) Hex Nuts (D)

(712-3010)

©©

Hairpin Clip IT)

(714-0104)

(4) Carriage Bolts (E)

(710-0262)

G g,G

Washers (C)

(736-0119)

(7,,-'0'7%__")

(2) Hex Nuts (J)

_. .............................. (712-0121 )

(6) He(_1L_.c,k2N;_ts (M)

(6) Hex Bolts (K)

(710-3015)

(2) Hex Lock Nuts

(7120429)

" Replacement hardware only; notrequired in initial assembly of the snow thrower.

(3) Chute Flange Keepers

(Not Shown) (731-0051)

(2) Shear Bolts

(710-0890A)

L..._r

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow thrower are determined from behind the unit in the

operatingposition.

Unpacking

Remove staples fromtop flaps of the carton. Remove any looseparts included withunit (i.e.,

operator's manual, etc.). Cut corners of the carton and lay ends down fiat,

Remove packing material.

• Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for

loose parts before discarding.

Loose Parts In Carton

Figure 1

• Compare Figure 1with the list below to identify

looseparts inthe carton.

Ref. Description Qty.

A Handles (Right and Left) 2

B Handle Panel 1

C Speed Selector Plate 1

D ShiftLever 1 E Chute Directional Control Assembl 1

F 3hute Assembly 1 G Hardware Pack* 1 H Extension Cord 1

• S_own on page 5

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wireand ground it against the engine to prevent

unintendedstarting.

NOTE: All hardware pieces identified by a letter code

here correspond to the letter code used in the descriptionof the hardware pack onpage 5.

• Takethe two"Z" fittings from Group D ofthe

Hardware Pack and insert the Z end ofthese throughthetwo holeson the two clutchgripson the

handle panel. The handle panel was shipped as loosepart withyoursnow thrower.

Assembly Tips:

1. For easier assembly purposes, removethe chute

from thecarton and lay iton top ofthe engine, Do

not unwrap the chute till you have installed the handle panel and the clutch cables.

2. Lookfor stampinge of L and R respectivelyon the bottom of the left and the right handles to identify.

Tools Required

1. Two 7/16" wrenches ora set of adjustable

wrenches.

Attaching Handles

(Use hardwaregroupB,)

• Raise bethclutchgrips,

• Lower left and right handles down throughhandle panel between the pivotrod and theclutchgrips

and attach using two each of carriage bolts (E), lock washers (C) and hex nuts (D). See Figure 2.

_andle Clutch • Left Handle

_1I'.._ PivotRod

_// " Lock

Figure 2

• Do nottightenat this time.

• Lay handle panel assembly behind snowthrower as shown in Figure 3,

Handle Panel & Handles

Figure 3

(Usehardware group A.)

• Insert one each of hex bolt (B) and lock washer (C), from Group A ofthe hardware pack, throughthe

bottomhole in left handle and correspondinghole insnowthrower housing. See Figure 4. Do not

tighten.Repeat on theother side.

Raise both handles upuntil the upper hole in each handle align with lhe upper hole on each side of the snow thrower housing. Secure with hex bolt (A), lock washer (C) and handle tab (I) on each side. See Figure 4,

Left Handle

Tab I

Hex

Washer C Bolt A

Hex

Bolt B

Figure 4

Attaching Speed Selector Plate

(Use hardware groupC.)

• Assemble the speedselector plate to the outside ofthe handles as shown in Figure 5. Secure using

twoself-tappingscrews(F) from hardware groupC, Repeat on the otherside.

Self-Tapping Screws F

Figure 5

Attaching Shift Lever

(Use hardware groupC.)

• Insert the shiftleverthroughslot inthe speed selectorplate. See Figure 6. The bend in the lever shouldbe towards the operator.

Plate

PlexLock Nuts H

Shift Lever Spring

Figure 6

Secure shiftlever to the shiftlever spring usingtwo hex bolts (G) and hex locknuts (H). See Figure 6. Tighten both bolts finger tight. At this pointthe shift lever and shift lever spring are not against each other. As you tighten the bolts and nuts with two wrenches, these will pull together. Tighten all hardware assembled to this point. Make sure that clutch grips are moving freely.

Attaching Control Cables

(Use hardware groupD.)

• Since the Z fittingisalready insertedintothe hole on the clutchgripat thispoint, thread a hex nut (J) from hardware packD onto each Z fitting. See

Figure7. Route the leftcable between engine and speed selectorplate andthen between handle panel and clutchlever pivotrod.Thread cable ontothe left

"Z" fitting.

Assemble the rightcable in the same manner.

Bothcables shouldhave minimalslack, but not

tight. Tightenor loosenhex nutson the "Z" fitting to

adjust.

IMPORTANT:Ifthe righthand lock-outcable isnot adjusted correctly,thewheels willtend to turn. Ifthe left hand lock-outcable isnot adjusted correctly,the augers willkeep onrotating.

NOTE: Thedriveclutchcab/eisroutedovertheaxle.

WARNING: Do not over-tighten the clutch

cables. Tension on either cable in the disengaged (up) position may override the

safetyfeatures of the machine.

Clutch Grip

Hex Nut J

Figure 7

Attaching Chute Assembly

(Use hardwaregroup E,)

• Race chute assembly over chuteopening, with the opening inthe chute assembly facing the frontof

theunit,

• Place chute flange keepers beneath lipof chute assembly, withthe flat sideofchute flange keeper

facingdownward, See Figure 8.

Chute

Hex Bolt K_

Cl_ute Flange -----_

r_eeper

Figure 8

Insert two hex bolts (K) up through each chute

flange keeper and chute assembly as shown in

Figure 8. Secure with hex lock nuts (M). After assembling all three chute flange keepers, tighten

all nuts and bolts securely. Do not over-tighten.

NOTE: Lock nuts cannot be threadedby hand; use two

7/16"sized or adjustable wrenches instead.

Attaching Chute Directional Control

(Usehardware group F.)

• Loosenthe two hex nuts whichsecure the lower chute directionalcontrolsupportbracket (see

Figure9 inset) to the snow thrower housing,

_ Loosen hex nuts

under this bracket

Hairpin Clip T & Flat Washer S

Chute Directional

Control

Control Bracket

Figure 9

Place oneflatwasher (S), fromgroupF, over the

end of the chute directional control, then insert the end of the chute directional control into the hole in

the plastic bushing on the chute bracket. See

Figure 9. Place the remaining flat washer (S) on chute directional control, and secure with hairpin

clip (T). Thread one hex nut (D), from group F, onto the eyebolt on the chute directional control assembly

until there is at least two inches of threads showing between the nut and the eyeboit head. See Figure

10 inset. Place the eyebolt intothe hole located half way up

the left handle. See Figure 10. Secure with cupped washer (N) and hex nut (D), from group F, making sure that the cupped side of the washer is against

the handle.

e Bolt

Directional Control

Figure 10

Adjustthe chute directional control bracket so that the spiral on the chute directional control fully engages the teeth on the chute assembly. See

Figure 11. Tighten all hardware.

_ira[should engage

teeth of chutehere

Figure 11

Check to make sure all nutsand bolts on thecontrol paneland all four boltswhichsecurethe handlesto

the frame are verytight.

Final Assembly & Adjustments

Auger Control

• To check the adjustment ofthe auger control,push

forward on the left hand clutchgrip (depress the rubberbumper). There shouldbeslack inthecable.

Release the clutchgrip. The cabteshouldbe straight.Make certainyou can depress the auger

controlgrip against the left handle completely.

• Ifnecessary, loosenthe hex locknutand thread the

cable in (for less slack) or out (formore slack) as necessary. Refer to Figure7.

• Tighten the lock nutagainst the cable whencorrect

adjustment is reached.

Traction Control & Shift Lever

To check the adjustment of the traction control and

shift lever, move the shift lever all the way to the right to fifth (5) position. With the traction control

released, push the snow thrower forward. The unit should move forward freely. Then engage the traction control grip. The wheels should stop

turning. Now release the traction control grip, and push the

unit again. Move the shift lever back to the fast reverse position, then all the way forward again.

There should be no resistance in the shift lever, and the wheels should keep turning.

If you feel resistance when moving the shift lever or

the wheels stop when they should not, loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread

the cable one turn.

• Ifthe wheels do not stopwhen you engage the traction control grip, loosen the jam nut on the

traction control cable and thread the cable inone turn.

• Recheck the adjustment and repeat as necessary. Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when

correct adjustment isreached.

NOTE: If you are not sure that you have adjusted correctly, refer tothe Adjustment section onpage 15.

Skid Shoes

The space between the shave plate and the ground can

be adjusted.

a. For close snow removal on a smooth

surface, raise skid shoes higher on the auger housing. See Figure 12.

b. Use amiddle or lower position when the area

to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 12.

oe Hex Nuts tr-

CarriageBolts

Figure 12

• Adjustskid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts and carriage bolts as shown in Figure 12. Move skid shoes to desired position.

• Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.

Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)

The tiresare overinflatedfor shippingpurposes.

• Checktire pressure.Maintain pressurebetween 15 to20 psi. Refer totire sidewalls for recommended

tire pressure.

NOTE: Ifthe tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the

unitmay puff to one sideor the other.

WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under any circumstanceis 30 psi. Equal tirepressure

should be maintained at all times. Excessive pressure (over 30 psi) when seating beads

may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury.

IMPORTANT:After assembly, service enginewith gasoline, and check oillevel as instructedinthe

separate engine manual packed with your unit.

Knowing your Snow Thrower

,_ WARNING: Be familiar with all the controlsand their proper operation. Know howto stopthe machine

and disengage themquickly.

•, --Traction Control

Shift Lever

Gas Fill \

b_ Auger Control

Discharge Chute ---

Chute Directional

Control

Auger

Skid Shoe

Spark Plug _ _ 1

IgnitionKey___X |

Throttle Le_er "_ RecoilStarter_

Figure 13

Operating Controls

Shift Lever The shiftlever is locatedbelow the handle panel. See

Figure13. The shiftlevermay be movedintoone of

seven positions.Run engine withthrottle inthe fast

position.Use the shiftlever todetermine groundspeed.

There are five forward and two reverse speeds on this

snowthrower.Among the forward speeds, positionone (1) isthe slowest and positionfive (5) is the fastest. Among reverse speeds, R2 is the faster.

Auger Control The augercontrolis locatedon the lefthandle.

Squeeze the auger controlgripto engage the augers.

Release to stopthe augers. See Figure 13.

Traction Control The tractioncontrolis located on the righthandle.

Squeeze the tractioncontrol gripto engage the wheel drive. Release tostop. See Figure 13.

Throttle Control The throttlecontrolislocatedon the engine. Itregulates

the speedofthe engine. See Figure 13.

Chute Directional Control

The chute directional controlislocated on left side of the snow thrower. See Figure 13. To change the

direction in which snow is thrown, turn chute directional control as follows:

• Crank clockwiseto discharge to the left.

• Crank counterclockwise to discharge to theright.

Ignition Key

The ignitionkey must be inserted inthe switchbefore the unit willstart. See Figure 13 inset. Remove the

ignition kay when snow thrower is not in use. Do not turnignitionkey.

Stopping the engine

• To stop engine, movethrottle controlto "stop" or "off" position.Remove the ignitionkey. Do not turn key.

• Disconnectthe spark plug wire fromthe spark plug to prevent accidental starting while equipment is

unattended.

+ 23 hidden pages

Craftsman 247.88664 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual