Craftsman 247888500, 247885500 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
CRRFTSHRN
8.5 Horse Power
26" Two-Stage Track Drive
Snow Thrower
CAUTION: Before using this product,
read this manual and follow all Safety
Rules and Operating Instructions.
Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A. 770-0373A
Content Page Content Page
Warranty Information 2 Maintenance 17
Safe Operation Practices 3 Service & Adjustment 20
Accessories 5 Off-Season Storage 24
Assembly 7 Trouble-Shooting 25
Operation 12 Repair Parts 26
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.
This 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 RETU RNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOWTH ROWER TOTHE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT INTHE 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
Horsepower: 8.5
Engine Oil SAE 5W30 oil
Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
'Spark Plug: RJ-19LM
Engine: 143.988501
Model Number 247.885500
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
Record both serial number and date of purchase
and keep in a safe place for future reference.
2
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, 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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.
Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation inthis manual. As
_ll= DANGER: with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (ifany). If aspark arrester is used, itshould be
maintained in effective working order bythe operator.
Inthe State of California the above is required by taw (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section
ofthis manual.)
TRAINING
• Read this owner's guide carefully inits entirety before
attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
snow thrower. Chitdren 14 years old and over should
only operate a snow thrower under close parental
supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your
snow thrower.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
° Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards,
wires and other foreign objects.
Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate
outer garments for winter. Do not wear jewelry, long
scarfs or other loose clothing which could become
entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.
Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes
and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before
starting the engine. Gasoline isan extremely
flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors,
while the engine is running, or until engine has been
allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline
cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before
starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.
• Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electric starting motors.
• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
° Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine
is running (except where specifically recommended
by manufacturer).
• Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be
thrown from the machine in any direction.
OPERATION
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all
times.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
Do not carry passengers.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove
wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the
snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage
before restarting and operating the snow thrower.
Ifthe snow thrower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collectodimpeller
housing or discharge guide and before making any
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your
hand in the discharge or collector openings. Use a
stick or wooden broom handle to unclog the
discharge opening.
Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit
unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller, stop
the engine and remove the key.
When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain coilectodimpeller and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away
from ptug to prevent accidental starting.
Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting it
and!or transporting the snow thrower in or out of
building. Open doors before starting the engine in that
case. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
Never operate the snow thrower without guards,
plates or other safety protection devices in place.
o
Never operate the snow thrower near glass
enclosure, automobiles, window wells, drop off, etc.,
without proper adjustments of snow thrower
discharge angle. Keep children and pets away.
Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to
clear snow at too fast a rate. Never operate the
machine at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow anyone
in front of unit while throwing snow.
Disengage power to collector/impeller of the snow
thrower when transporting it orwhen the unit is not in use.
o
Use only attachments and accessories (such as
wheel weights, counter weights, cabs, etc.) approved
by the snow thrower manufacturer.
• Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep afirm
hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause severe
burn injury. Do not touch the muffler orthe engine
while starting or operating the snow thrower.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, etc., at
frequent intervals for proper tightness, thus ensuring
that the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank
inside a building where ignition sources are present,
such as hot water heaters, space heaters, clothes
dryers and the like. Allow engine to cool before storing
in any enclosure.
• Always refer to owner's guide instructions for
important details if the snow thrower is to be stored for
an extended period.
° Run machine a few minutes after throwing snow to
prevent freeze-up of the collector/impeller.
• Check clutch controls periodically to verify that these
engage and disengage properly and readjust if
necessary. Refer to Service and Adjustments section
page 20 of this owner's guide.
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.
Following are representations of some of the safety labels on your Craftsman snowthrower. Please follow the
instruction on these labels and maintain safety while using or servicing the equipment.
,A.DANGER
AWARNING
,A
DANGER
4
These accessories were available when the snow thrower was purchased. They are also
available at most Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can
order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your snow thrower.
Belt
II I
Gasoline Can
Scraper Bar
=
Four Cycle Oil Spark Plug
II..wl
Lay the hardware pieces from the hardware pack on the figure here and you will have automatically sorted these
according to the steps of the assembly procedure described later. (Only one unit of each hardware has been shown per group.
The number in parenthesis indicates the total number of the hardware needed in that group.)
A LookWasher(4) E
Hex Bolt (2)
__ ",,,
)--- _ Handle
_._ 5/16-18 x 1.75 //
Hex Bolt (2)
5/16-18 x .75
g Cupped Washer (4)
Tab 121
/
P
-- Hex Bolt (1) Hex (1)
Hex Nut (4)
HexBolt (6) Z_/Nut (6)
F- \ _
_ -
1/4-20 x .75 114-20
Chute Flange Keeper (3)
_ ",,, _
5/16-18 x 1.5
Lock Washer (1) 5/16-18
Flanged
m
m
k_J 5!16-18 x 1.50 Carriage Bolt (4)
C
Hex Bolt (2)
1/4-20 x .75 (J.O_ "-nged
1/4-20 Nut io_
g , Hairpin Clip (2)
I ........ '_"x
Fiat Washer (2) O
Replacement Part ,,;_,
Ferrule
G Hairpin Clip (1)
3/8
Flat
H __
0_"'"'"""'!"'"'""'"'"'""'"'_/ :L:_
,u,o<yi /
• / I [ "_ CableTie (2)
m
m
W
1
1
5/16-18 x 1,5
I_l [:-_-.----- Shear Bolt (2)
5/16-18
6
-_-- Lock Nut (2)
/
Chute
Traction Drive
Control
Handle
Panel
Rear
Front
Handles
Crank
IMPORTANT: This unit isshipped with engine oil, but
without gasoline, in the engine. After assembly, see
OPERATION section of this manual for fuel selection
and fill-up.
NOTE: To determine right and left hand sides of your
snow thrower, stand behind the unit with the engine
farthest away from you. See Figure 1 inset.
Your snow thrower has been completely assembled
at the factory, except the handle and the handle
panel, the discharge chute assembly, the chute crank
assembly and the shift rod. These parts are shipped
loose in the carton.
Removing From ca on
Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides
fiat on the ground. Remove all packing inserts.
Remove all loose parts. For a complete list of
the loose parts, refer to the following section.
Move the snow thrower out of the carton.
Make certain all parts and literature have been
removed before discarding the carton.
Loose Parts
(See Figure 1.)
a. Handle Panel and Chute Assembly
b. Right Hand Handle
c. Left Hand Handle
_ Shift
Rod
Figure I
d. Chute Crank Assembly
e. Shift Rod
f. Hardware Pack
AssernblyTips: 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.
Tools Required
1. 1/2", 7/16", 3/8" wrenches ora set of adjustable
wrenches
2. Set of standard head screw drivers
3. Set of philips head screw drivers
4. Funnel
WARNING: Make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected and moved away from
the spark plug before assembling the snow
thrower.
Attaching Handle Assembly
Stretch out control cables and place on the floor.
Place the right handle in position with the flat
side against the snow thrower. "Youcan identify
the right handle by the traction drive control label
on it and the left handle by the auger clutch
control label on it.
Secure bottom hole in the handle to the snow
7
thrower using 5/16 x3/4" hex bolt and lock
washer from the hardware pack (group A on
page 6). Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 2.
LockWasher&
HexBolt (I-3/4")
/
Right Handle
Handle ;k Washer &
Tab Hex Bolt (5/8")
Figure 2
Place a handle tab, included in the hardware
pack (group A on Page 6), over the upper hole in
handle so that the contour of the handle tab
matches that of the handle. See Figure 2.
Secure handle tab to the snow thrower using
hex bolt (5/I6 x 1-3/4" long) and lock washer
from the same group inthe hardware pack. Do
not tighten at this time.
o
Attach the left handle in the same manner. Do
not tighten at this time.
Place the handle panel in position between the
handles so the ends of the curved part of the
handles go through the slots in the handle panel.
Align the holes in the handle with the holes on
the two sides of the handle panel. See Figure 3.
the contour of the carriage bolt head with the
handle.
Attach each side of rear of handle panel with one
1/4-20 hex bolt and flange nut from the hardware
pack (group C on page 6). See Figure 3. Do not
tighten at this time.
Tighten all loose hardware on the handle
assembly in the following order -- first the hex
bolts at the bottom of the handle, then the
carriage bolts and lastly the hex bolts on the rear
of the handle panel.
Attaching Clutch Cables
The Z ends of the clutch cables are hooked into the
clutch grips on each handle.
• Locate two .375" wide hex jam nuts which were
placed on the Z ends for shipping purposes.
Thread these nuts all the "wayup the threaded
portion of the Z ends of the clutch cables. See
Figure 4.
• Place the clutch grip inthe raised (up) position.
• Thread the cable onto the threaded portion of
the Z fitting untilthere is no slack in the cable,
but the cable is NOT tight. See Figure 4. Do not
overtighten cable.
- When correct adjustment is reached, tighten the
hex nut against the bottom portion of the cable to
lock it in position. Use pliers and 3/8" wrench to
lock the hex nut.
• Tighten traction drive control cable in the same
manner.
Clutch
Gri
Handle Panel
Carriage Bolt,
CuppedWashel
and Hex Nut
Figure 3
Attach the handle panel to the handle with two
carriage bolts, cupped washers (cupped side
against the handle panel) and hex nuts on each
side. See Figure 3. You will find these fasteners
in the hardware pack (group Bon page 6). Align
Hex
Lever
Thread
nuthere
Cable is straight
but not tight
(Viewed from under the handle panel)
Z Fitting Shift \
Rod Ferrule
\
Figure 4
WARNING: Ifthere is tension on the cable
when the clutch grip is released, the safety
features of the snow thrower may be
overridden.
8
Attaching Shift Rod
Place the shift lever in the sixth (6) speed
position.
Place the bent end of the shift rod into the hole in
the shift arm assembly. See Figure 5. Secure with
5/16 flat washer and hairpin clip from the hardware
pack (group D on page 6).
Start threading the ferrule (included in the same
group in the hardware pack) onto the other end
of the shift rod. It has to line up with the upper
hole in the shift lever (beneath the handle
panel). Whi_e aligning the ferrule, push down on
the shift rod and the shift arm assembly as far as
it will go.
Once the ferrule slides into the hole, turn it
counter-clockwise one more full turn and insert it
in the hole in the shift lever.
Shift Chute Distance
Traction Lever Control
Drive Auger
Clutch ,ntrol
Upper
Hole in Flat
Shift Washer
Lever
Clip
Place the chute flange keeper (flat side down)
beneath lip of chute assembly as shown in
Figure 6.You will find the chute flange keepers in
group E of the hardware pack.
Insert !/4-20 hex bolt from group E of the
hardware pack (on page 6) up through chute
flange keeper and chute assembly as shown in
Figure 6. Do not tighten at this time. Rotate
chute to install all the flange keepers.
\
\ Chute
Hex
Flange
Nut
Chute
Flange
Keeper
Figure 6
After assembling all three chute flange keepers,
tighten,then back off 1/4 turnto allow easier
movement of the chute. Use (2) 7/16" wrenches.
Bolt
Spring
Washer
Clip
NOTE: It may be necessary to pull the shift lever out
of the sixth speed positio_tand move it towards the
fifth speed position until the ferrule slides into the hole
without force.
Secure the ferrule to the shift lever with another
5/16 flat washer and hairpin clip from group D of
the hardware pack. See Figure 5.
Make certain to check for correct adjustment of
the shift rod as instructed in the Adjustment
section before operating the snow thrower.
Fiat
Washer
Figure 5
Rod
Shift Arm
Assembly
Attaching Chute
• Place the chute assembly over the chute
opening with the latter facing the front of the unit.
NOTE: Make sure that the chute cables are
straightened while assembling the chute.
Attaching Chute Crank
Insert 5116 x 1.5" hex bolt (from group F of the
hardware pack on page 6) through the upper
chute crank bracket. This bracket is already
assembled on the chute crank, See Figure 7for
the position of the chute crank on the snow
thrower.
Hex Bolt Hex Nut
\
U!per Chute /
Crank Bracket .1t
Figure 7
Place the hex bolt intothe hole provided in the
left handle. Fasten with lock washer and 5/16
hex nut from the same group of the hardware
pack. Do not tighten until after attaching the
9
other end of the chute crank.
Lock Washer,
You may have to loosen the carriage boits and
hex lock nuts which secure the lower chute
crank bracket to the extension on the left side of
the chute assembly. See Figure 8.
Lower
Crank
Figure 8
Place one 3/8 ID flat washer (from group G of
the hardware pack) on the end of the chute
crank, then insert the end of the crank into the
eye hote in the plastic bushing in the chute crank
bracket. See Figure 9.
Place the other 3/8 ID flat washer (from the
same group of hardware) on the end of the
chute crank and insert hairpin clip into eye hole
at the end of the chute crank. See Figure 9.
Adjust the chute bracket so that the spiral on the
chute crank fully engages the teeth on the chute
assembly. Tighten the nuts on the lower chute
crank bracket securely.
CotterPin FlatWasher
Chute Crank
Attaching Turn Triggers
Check and make sure that the right hand trigger
cable is routed in front of the traction drive cable.
Feed the trigger cable up through the outer side of
the slot inthe handle panel. Do notfeed the cable
through the same side of the slot as the Z f'rtting.
Place the cable barrel fitting into the hole in the
trigger. You can find the triggers and associated
hardware ingroup H of the hardware pack (on
page 6). Pull on the cable and rotate it around the
bottom of the trigger, with the inner cable inthe
slot, until the cable end can be pushed into the
trigger housing and snapped tight. See Figure 11.
Trigger
Assembly {
Inner Cable _/_
Cal
Barrel
Fitting
Figure 11
Note: When the cable is installed correctly, you should
not be able to pull the cable out of the trigger housing.
___'_ I THriggsenrg
Cablesnapsinat
this end
Flat Washer
Lower Chute
Plastic Bushing
._igure 9
Using a wrench, tighten the hex bolt and the hex
nut on the upper chute crank bracket.
Fully rotate the chute, using the chute crank, to
make sure that it moves freely.
Slip the cables that run from the handle panel to
the chute into the cable guide located on top of
the engine. See Figure 10.
Cable Guide
Place the right turn trigger in position
underneath the right handle. Secure with screw
and weld nut from group H of the hardware pack.
See Figure 12. You will need a phillips
screwdriver for tightening the screw.
Secure with screw
WeldNut
\.
"rMrn
Trigger
Slot
Trigger
Cable
Figure 12
Figure 10
10
Secure the right turn trigger cable to the right
lower handle, using cable tie provided in the
hardwarepack.Makesuretoroutethecabletie
overthe drive cable. See Figure 13.
\
Figure 13
Secure the left turn trigger cable to the lower
handle using the other cable tie. Make sure to
route the cable tie below the auger drive cable
so that when the trigger cable is secured by the
cable tie, the auger drive cable is left outside the
cable tie.
Trim excess ends from each cable tie.
NOTE: The right side cable tie must be used to keep
cable from coming in contact with the moving shift
arm from the transmission.
Lamp Wiring
Wrap the wire from the lamp down the right
handle. Plug wire into the alternator lead wire
under the fuel tank.
IMPORTANT: Assemble your snow thrower, then
check the adjustments as instructed and make any
final adjustments necessary before operating the unit.
Failure to follow the instructions may cause damage
to the snow th rower.
Final Adjustments
Adjusting Auger Control
• 7ochecktheadjUStmentoftheaugercontrol,
squeeze the left hand clutch grip until the rubber
bumper is compressed. There should be slack in
the clutch 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 adjustment is necessary, loosen the hex jam
nut and thread the cable in (for less slack) or out
(for more slack).
° Recheck the adjustment. Tighten the jam nut
against the cable when correct adjustment is
reached.
Adjusting Traction Drive Control
° To check the adjustment of the traction drive
control and shift lever, move the weight transfer
lever to the transport position (shown in Figure
16 on page 13) and the shift lever all the way
forward to sixth (6) position,
° With the traction drive control released, pull the
triggers up to the handle and then push the snow
thrower forward to check that the tracks turn.
° Squeeze traction drive control against the handle
and pull the starter. The tracks should turn.
• Now release the traction drive control and pull
the starter again. The unit should not move.
• Before proceeding with adjustment, check to
make sure that the spark plug is
disconnected.
• If the traction drive control needs adjustment,
loosen the jam nut on the traction drive cable
and thread the cable one turn. Recheck
adjustment and repeat as necessary.
• Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached,
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Service and
Adjustment section.
Adjusting Skid Shoe
The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be changed by adjusting the skid shoe.
° Return weight transfer lever (shown in Figure
16) to normal position before adjusting skid
shoes.
° For close snow removal, adjust skid shoes
higher to minimize gap between the shave plate
and the ground.
° For snow removal from uneven ground like
gravel, adjust skid shoes downward to create
sufficient clearance between the bottom edge of
shave plate and the ground,
° Adjust the skid shoes by loosening the four hex
nuts and carriage bolts and moving 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. See Figure 14.
° Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
Ski
Hex Nut,
Carriage Bolt
Figure 14
11
Knowing Your Snow Thrower
Read this owner's manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare
Figure 15 with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any snow thrower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses for operating the
snow thrower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Traction Drive
Control
RightTurn
Trigger
Lamp
Weight
Transfer
Lever
Shift
Lever
Chute
Distance
Lever
Auger Control
Chute Crank
Discharge Chute
Auger
Skid Shoe
Figure 15
Meets ANS! Safety Standards
Sears snow throwers conform to the safety standards B71.3 of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
_ 12
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