Craftsman 247887940 Owner’s Manual

Operator’s Manual

SNOW BLOWER

Model Nos. 247.88870*

247.88874*

247.88976*

247.88 97 8*

* -- Last digit of model number varies

SNOW BLOWER

Model Nos. 247. 88394*

247. 88396*

247. 88640*

247. 8 87 81*

247. 88789*

247. 8 87 94*

CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all safety
rules and operating instructions.

NOTE: The terms “snow thrower” and “snow blower”
may be used interchangeably for this product.

* -- Last digit of model number varies

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• ESPAÑOL

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.comUsed under license

Form No. 769-15950

(July 26, 2018)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Assembly ........................................Page 7

Operation ......................................Page 21

Service &Maintenance .......................... Page 28

Engine Oil: 5W-30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Spark Plug: F6RTC (Sears Part #951-10292)
Spark Plug Gap: .020” to 0.030”

Off-Season Storage ............................. Page 36

Troubleshooting ............................... Page 37

Warranty Statement ...........See Separate Supplement

Español ........................................ Page 39

MODEL NUMBERPRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Model Number ________________________________
Serial Number _________________________________
Date of Purchase _______________________________

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

© Sears Brands, LLC

2

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

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

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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.

NOTE: The terms “snow thrower” and “snow blower” may be used interchangeably
for this product.

TRAINING

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Failure to do so can
result in serious injur y to the operator and/or bystanders. Keep this manual
in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop
the machine and disengage them quickly.

• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this machine. Children
14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation
practices in this manual and on the machine and be trained and supervised
by an adult.

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

• Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan your snow-throwing
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, bystanders and the like.

• Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it
is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in
reverse.

PR E PAR ATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all
doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects, which
could be tripped over or thrown by the auger/impeller.

• 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.

• 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.

DANGER

This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation
practices 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 fingers, hands, toes and feet and
throwing debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could
result in serious injury or death.

WARNING

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

• Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle for all machines
with electric start engines.

• Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.

• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

• 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.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property 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.

• Use only an approved gasoline container.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic
liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before
filling.

• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening
at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

• Never fuel machine indoors.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow
engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of
filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion.

• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

3

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to
another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine. If fuel is spilled on
clothing, change clothing immediately.

• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

OPERATION

• 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.

• The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never bypass its
operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal
inj ury.

• The control levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically
return to the disengaged position when released.

• Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly. Keep all safety
devices in place and working.

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

• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. Keep
children away.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel surfaces. Stay
alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

• Exercise caution when changing direction and while operating on slopes. Do
not operate on steep slopes.

• Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge towards windows,
walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible property damage or personal injury
caused by a ricochet.

• Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or allow anyone in
front of the machine.

• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast of
a rate.

• 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.

• Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting or not in use.

• Never operate machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look
down and behind and use care when backing up.

• After striking a foreign object or if the machine should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground
it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage
before starting and operating.

• Disengage all control 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 chute assembly, making any
adjustments, or inspections.

• Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Do not unclog
chute assembly while engine is running. Shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer (e.g.
wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).

• When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm
toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.

• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good
judgment.

CLEARING A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge chute is the most
common cause of injury associated with snow throwers. Never use your hand to
clean out the discharge chute.

To clear the chute:

a. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!

b. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have stopped

rotating.

c. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Refer to the maintenance and adjustment sections of this manual.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine disengage all control
levers and stop the 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.

• 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.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine. The
governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

• 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 (OEM) parts only as listed in the
Parts pages of this operator’s manual. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!

• Check control levers periodically to verify they engage and disengage
properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to the adjustment section in this
operator’s manual for instructions.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

4

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the
environment.

• Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow from machine and
prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.

• 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.

• Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on off-season
storage.

• Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace
if necessary.

• Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

• According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product has an Average
Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 60 hours of operation. At the end of
the Average Useful Life have the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems
are working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can result in
accidents, injuries or death.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any way. Tampering
with the governor setting can lead to a runaway engine and cause it to
operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper with factory setting of engine
governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal EPA
emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified
to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC),
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

5

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before
attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol Description

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.

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

WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
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.

WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and
muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING: 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

6

ASSEMBLY

Electric Chute Control

Pag e 16

Chute

Control Rod

Chute

Assembly

Flex Shaft

Overhead Chute Control

(w/ Flex Shaft Steel Chute)

Pag e 14

Chute Assembly

Standard Side Crank Chute Control

Page 10

Standard Side Crank Rod

Assembly

Chute

Assembly

Overhead Chute Control

(w/ Chute Control Rod)

Pa ge 11

Overhead Chute

Control Rod

Chute

Assembly

2-Way & 4-Way Chute Control

Page 12

Chute Control Rod

Chute

Assembly

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all models and the model depicted may
differ from yours. Refer to Figure 1 which shows the different versions and match the contents of carton (chute and directional control rod/flex shaft) to identify your
specific unit.

Figure 1

7

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow blower are determined from
behind the unit in the operating position (standing directly behind the snow
blower, facing the handle panel).

UNPACKING: Removing From Carton

1. Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides flat on the ground. Remove
and discard all packing inserts.

2. Move the snow blower out of the carton.

3. Make certain the carton has been completely emptied before discarding it.

Handle Assembly

Refer to Figure 1 and proceed to your applicable chute style.

1. Cut cable ties securing chute control rod or upper handle to the lower handle
(if applicable), set aside the chute control rod (if applicable) and remove the
wrap around the handles (if applicable).

NOTE: Do not cut the cable tie securing the cables to the engine for units equipped.

NOTE: On units with Overhead Chute Control, Four-Way Chute Control, and Electric

Chute Control cut cable ties securing flex shaft to the lower handle and set the flex
shaft aside. Remove rubber bands securing cables to carriage screws and cut cable
tie securing shif t rod to lower handle. Refer to Figure to help identify your unit.

2. Observe the lower rear area of the snow blower to be sure both cables are
aligned with roller guides before pivoting the handle upward. See Figure 2.

3. Loosen the top two lock nuts securing the upper and lower handle and
remove the two carriage screws from the lower handle and set aside. See
Figure 3 or Figure 4 for units with side supports.

Figure 3

Figure 2

Figure 4

8

ASSEMBLY

4. Place shift lever in Forward-6 position or fastest forward speed (if equipped).

5. Pull up and back on upper handle as shown in Figure 5. As you are raising the
handle upward, make sure that both ends of the center cable are positioned
properly in the brackets. Align upper handle with the lower handle.

NOTE: On select units with steel rod speed selectors, you may need to lower shift
rod to the side slightly to maneuver handle panel over it when pivoting handle
upward.

Figure 7

7. Remove and discard any rubber bands, if present. They are for packaging
purposes only.

8. On units equipped with cable guides on top of the engine, check that all
cables are properly routed through the cable guide. Then pull the cables
towards the chute and pull the cable tie on the engine snug on the cables to
secure in place.

NOTE: For smoothest operation, cables should all be to the left of the chute
directional control rod.

Figure 5

6. Attach the two carriage screws and lock nuts removed in Step 2. Finish
securing the handle by tightening the top two lock nuts loosened in Step 2.
See Figure 6 or Figure 7 for units with side supports.

Figure 6

STOP

Refer to Figure 1 to identify your applicable chute style and continue to
Chute Assembly Options (page 9).

Chute Assembly Options

Refer to Figure 1 and proceed to your applicable Chute Control Style on pages 10-17.

9

ASSEMBLY

Standard Side Crank Chute Control

2. Close flange keepers to secure chute assembly to chute base. Flange keepers
will click into place when properly secure. See Figure 10.

Figure 10

NOTE: Ensure the lower chute is secured to the flange on the chute base. The lower
edge of the chute keeper should be positioned below the flange on the chute base
after being clicked into place. If flange keepers will not easily click into place, use
palm of your hand to apply swif t, firm pressure to the back of each.

Chute Directional Control Assembly

1. Remove plastic cap (if present), flat washer and hairpin clip from end of
chute directional control assembly. See Figure 11.

Figure 8

1. Position chute assembly over base. SeeFigure 9.

Figure 9

Fi gur e 11

2. Insert end of chute directional control assembly into lower bracket and
secure chute directional control assembly with flat washer and hairpin clip
removed in Step 1. If necessary, lower bracket can be adjusted. Refer to
Chute Bracket Adjustment in Service section on page 32.

STOP

Continue to Set-Up (page 18).

10

ASSEMBLY

Chute Support Bracket

Chute Control Head

Chute

Chute Base

Overhead Chute Control (w/ Chute Control Rod)

2. Place chute assembly onto chute base and secure chute control head to chute
support bracket with clevis pin and cotter pin removed in Step 1. See Figure

14.

Fig ure 14

3. Finish securing chute control head to chute support bracket with wing
nut (a) and hex screw (b) removed in Step 1. See Figure 15.

Figur e 12

1. Remove wing nut and hex screw from chute control head and clevis pin and
cotter pin from chute support bracket. Position chute assembly (forward­facing) over chute base. See Figure 13.

Figur e 13

Figur e 15

11

ASSEMBLY

Chute Control Head

Chute

Chute Support

Bracket

Chute Base

4. Insert chute control rod into the support bracket on rear of the dash panel.
See Figure 16.

Fig ure 16

5. Remove hairpin clip (a) from rear of chute control head. See Figure 17.

2-Way & 4-Way Chute Control

Fi gure 17

6. Insert chute control rod (b) into rear of chute control head. See Figure 17.
Secure chute control rod to chute control assembly with hairpin clip removed
in Step 5.

Continue to Set-Up (page 18).

STOP

Fig ure 18

1. Remove hairpin clip, wing nut and hex screw from chute control head and
clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin from chute support bracket. See Figure 19.

Fig ure 19

12