Craftsman 247.886640 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CRAFTSMAN'
5.0 Horse Power 24” Two-Stage Wheel Drive

Snow Thrower

Model No.

247.886640

CAUTION: Before
read this manual and
follow all safety rules
and operating instructions.
Safety Assembly Operation
Service Maintenance Español

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

Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM N0.770-10433
(8/2000)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content
Page
.......2
.......3
.......5
.......6
.......10 Español
.......13
Content Service & Adjustment Off-Season Storage
Trouble-Shooting...........................
Parts List........................................
...................
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Page
15 19 20
34

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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 manuai, Sears wiii repair, free of charge, any defect in material and workmanship.
If this Craftsman snow thrower is used for commercial or rentai purposes, this warranty appiies for oniy 30 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as skid shoes, shave plate and spark
plugs. Repairs necessaiy 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 IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower:
Engine Oil
Spark Plug:
Engine:......................
.............
.................
...............
.............
.............
.............
.............
5.0
SAE 5W30 oil
RJ-19LM
143.015007
MODEL NUMBER
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.
A
A
A

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not 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 its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.____________________

Training

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manuai(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 proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read 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 serious personal injury. Plan your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area,
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects which could be tripped over or thrown by the auger/impeller.
2. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
3. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other
loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
4. Use a grounded three wire extension cord and receptacle
for all units with electric start engines.
5. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or 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 to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.
9.
To avoid personal inju ry or properly damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
c.
Never fuel machine indoors.
d.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running. 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
yi inch below bottom of filler 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 hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/ impeller housing or discharge chute. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller clutch lever is a safety device. Never bypass its operation. Doing so, makes the machine unsafe and may cause fiersonal injury.
3. The dutch 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 place and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
8. Exercise extreme caution whe n operati ng on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes.
10. Plan your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge towards windows, walls, cars etc. To avoid property damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or allow anyone in front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting or not in use.
15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug and ground It against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.
17. Disengage all clutch levers and stop engine before you leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before unclogging the discharge chute, making any adjustments, or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Always use a clearing tool to unclog the discharge opening.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g, wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgment. Contact your nearest Sears service center for assistance.

Maintenance and Storage

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Disengage ail clutch levers and stop engine. Wait until the auger/impeller come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting.
3.
Check bolts, and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
4.
Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
5.
Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to
wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently
check all components and replace with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
6.
Check clutch controls periodically to verify they engage
and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to
the adjustment section in this operator’s manual for
instructions.
7.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
8.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
9.
Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.
10.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace ,clothes dryer etc.
11.
Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

Your Responsibility:

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine. The most important safety labels are reproduced below. For a detailed labels map, see
Parts List section.

A DANGER

I.XEEP AWAT FSIM RDTATIH8IHPELIUI
ARDAU8ER. COnACnKIHMPELiaUHl AWER CAN AMPUTA1E HANDS AND FEH.
I. DISENCAGE CLUTCH LEVERS, SHIP ENCIHE,
AND REMAIN lEHIND HANDLES UNTIL ALL MDVIHG PARTS HAVE STOPPED lEFORE UNCLDGGING OR SERVICING MACHINE.
a. TO AVOID THROWN DBJECn INJURIES,
NEVER DUIECT mSCKARGE AT ITSTANDERS.
USE EXIRA CAUTHM WHEN DPERATDIG ON
GRAVEL SURFACES.
^4. REAU OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

HARDWARE PACK

Lay out the hardware according to the illustration below for identification purposes. Part numbers are shown in parentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
(2)Hex Bolts (A)
(710-3180)
0
B
(2) Hex Bolts (B)
710-3008
(4)Lock Washers (C)
(736-0119)
B
lI? CD" Cl?‘CD
DI
(2) Handle Tabs (I)
(784-5599)
(4) Carriage Bolts (E)
S
(2) "Z” Fitting (R)
ll
(4) Self-Tapping
Screws (F)
(710-0599)
1=
(710-0262)
(4) Lock
Washers (C)
(736-0119)
(746-0778)
(2) Hex Nuts (J)
(712-0121)
(2) Hex
Bolts (G)
(712-3015)
Cupped Washer (N)
(736-0242)
(2) Flat Washers (S)
(736-0185)
Replacement hardware only; not required in Initial assembly of the snow thrower.
1
(2) Hex Lock Nuts (H)
0
(712-3027)
(2) Hex Nuts (D)
(712-3010)
Hairpin Clip (T)
(714-0104)
(6) Hex Bolts (K)
(710-3015)
(2) Hex Lock Nuts
(712-0429)
(6) Hex Lock Nuts (M)
(712-3027)
(3) Chute Flange Keepers
(Not Shown) (731-0851)
(2) Shear Bolts
J Tlllllllll
=
jmi

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: References to right or ¡eft side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the operating position.
Unpacking
Remove staples from top flaps of the carton. Remove any loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.).
Cut corners of the carton and lay ends down flat.
Remove packing material,
Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
loose parts before discarding.
Loose Parts In Carton
Take the two *'Z" fittings from Group D of the Hardware Pack and insert the 2 end of these through the two holes on the two clutch grips on the handle panel. The handle panel was shipped as loose part with your snow thrower.
Assembly Tips:
1. For easier assembly purposes, remove the chute from the carton and lay it on top of the engine. Do not unwrap the chute till you have installed the handle panel and the clutch cables,
2. Look for stampings of L and R respectively on the
bottom of the left and the right handles to identify.

Tools Required

1. Two 7/16” wrenches or a set of adjustable wrenches.

Attaching Handles

(Use hardware group B.)
Raise both clutch grips,
Lower left and right handles down through handle panel between the pivot rod and the clutch grips and attach using two each of carriage bolts (E), lock washers (C) and hex nuts (D), See Figure 2.
Compare Figure 1 with the list below to identify loose parts in the carton.
Ref. Description
A Handles (Right and Left)
B
Handle Panel Speed Selector Plate
c
D
Shift Lever E Chute Directional Control Assembly F
Chute Assembly 1
G Hardware Pack*
H
' Shown on Page 5
Extension Cord
Qty.
2 1 1 1 1
1 1
Before Assembly
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
NOTE: AH hardware pieces identified by a letter code
here correspond to the letter code used in the description of the hardware pack on page 5.
Do not tighten at this time. Lay handle panel assembly behind snow thrower
as shown in Figure 3.
(Use hardware group A.) * Insert one each of hex bolt (B) and lock washer (C),
from Group A of the hardware pack, through the bottom hole in left handle and corresponding hole in snow thrower housing. See Figure 4. Do not tighten. Repeat on the other side.
Raise both handles up until the upper hole in each handle align with the 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,

Attaching Shift Lever

(Use hardware group C.)
• Insert the shift lever through slot in the speed selector plate. See Figure 6. The bend in the lever should be towards the operator.

Attaching Speed Selector Plate

(Use hardware group C.)
• Assemble the speed selector plate to the outside of the handles as shown in Figure 5. Secure using
two self-tapping screws (F) from hardware group C, Repeat on the other side.
Secure shift lever to the shift lever spring using two hex bolts (G) and hex lock nuts (H). See Figure 6. Tighten both bolts finger tight. At this point the 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 group D.)
Since the Z fitting Is already inserted into the hole on the clutch grip at this point, thread a hex nut (J) from hardware pack D on to each Z fitting. See
Figure 7.
Route the left cable between engine and speed
selector plate and then between handle panel and clutch lever pivot rod. Thread cable onto the left “Z” fitting.
Assemble the right cable in the same manner,
Both cables should have minimal slack, but not tight. Tighten or loosen hex nuts on the “Z" fitting to adjust.
IMPORTANT: If the right hand lock-out cable is not
adjusted correctly, the wheels will tend to turn. If the left hand lock-out cable is not adjusted correctly, the augers will keep on rotating.
NOTE: The drive clutch cable is routed over the axle.
WARNING: Do not over-tighten the clutch
A
cables. Tension on either cable in the disengaged (up) position may override the safety features of the machine.
Figure 7

Attaching Chute Assembly

(Use hardware group E.)
Place chute assembly over chute opening, with the opening in the chute assembly facing the front of the unit.
Place chute flange keepers beneath lip of chute assembly, with the flat side of chute flange keeper facing downward. See Figure 8.
Figure 9
Place one flat washer (S), from group F. 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 eyebolt head. See Figure
10 inset.
Place the eyebolt into the 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.
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: Locknuts cannot be threaded by hand; use two
7/16" sized or adjustable wrenches instead.

Attaching Chute Directional Control

(Use hardware group F.)
Loosen the two hex nuts which secure the lower chute directional control support bracket (see
Figure 9 inset) to the snow thrower housing.
Adjust the 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.
Check to make sure all nuts and bolts on the control panel and all four bolts which secure the handles to the frame are very tight.

Final Assembly & Adjustments

* If the wheels do not stop when you engage the
traction control grip, loosen the jam nut on the traction control cable and thread the cable in one turn.
Recheck the adjustment and repeat as necessary. Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when correct adjustment is reached.
NOTE: If you are not sure that you have adjusted
correctly, refer to the Adjustment section on page 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 a middle or lower position when the area
to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 12.
Auger Control
To check the adjustment of the auger control, push forward on the left hand clutch grip (depress the
rubber bumper). There should be slack in the cable. Release the clutch grip. The cable should be straight. Make certain you can depress the auger control grip against the left handle completely.
If necessary, loosen the hex lock nut and thread the
cable in (for less slack) or out (for more slack) as necessary. Refer to Figure 7.
Tighten the lock nut against the cable when correct
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 fonward. 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 iever or the wheels stop when they should not, loosen the
jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread
the cable one turn.
Adjust skid 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 tires are overinflated for shipping purposes.
• Check tire pressure. Maintain pressure between 15 to 20 psi. Refer to tire sidewalls for recommended tire pressure.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unit may pull to one side or the other.
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
ák
IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
any circumstance is 30 psi. Equal tire pressure 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.

Knowing your Snow Thrower

WARNING: Be familiar with all the controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine
A
and disengage them quickly.
Gas Fill
Oil Fill
Discharge Chute

OPERATION

Traction Control
Auger Control
Auger'
Figure 13

Operating Controis

Shift Lever
The shift lever is located below the handle panel. See
Figure 13. The shift lever may be moved into one of seven positions. Run engine with throttle in the fast position. Use the shift lever to determine ground speed.
There are five forward and two reverse speeds on this
snow thrower. Among the forward speeds, position one {1) is the slowest and position five (5) is the fastest.
Among reverse speeds, R2 is the faster.
Auger Control
The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the auger control grip to engage the augers. Release to stop the augers. See Figure 13.
Traction Control
The traction control is located on the right handle.
Squeeze the traction control grip to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop. See Figure 13.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine. See Figure 13.
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional control is located 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 clockwise to discharge to the left.
Crank counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Ignition Key
The ignition key must be inserted in the switch before the unit will start. See Figure 13 inset. Remove the ignition key when snow thrower is not in use. Do not turn ignition key.

Stopping the engine

To stop engine, move throttle control to “stop" or “off" position. Remove the ignition key. Do not turn key.
Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting white equipment is unattended.
10
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