Craftsman 247.888510 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

CRRFTSMRN

9 Horse Power
26” Two-Stage Track Drive

Snow Thrower

Model No.

247.888510

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.

Form No. 770-10051B

(9/98)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content

Warranty Information
Safe Operation Practices
Assembly

Operation................................................................. .................12

Maintenance...........................................................

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Page

Content

2 Service & Adjustment.....................................

3 Accessories

Off-Season Storage
Trouble-Shooting

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17

Page

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24

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

Two -Year Warranty on Craftsman Snow Thrower

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

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 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, IL60179

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Horsepower; 9
Engine Oil

Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Spark Plug; RJ-19LM
Engine:

SAE 5W30 oil

143.999005

MODEL NUMBER

247.888510Model Number

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

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 your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol—

Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As

DANGER:''“'*^ 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 (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the 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
of this manual.)

heed its warning.

TRAINING

• Read this owner’s guide carefully in its 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. Children 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.

PREPARATION

• 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 is an 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.

• If the 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 collector/impeller
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
collector/impeller and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away from plug
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.
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 or when the unit is not in use.
Use only attachments and accessories {such as
wheel weights, counterweights, 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 a firm
hold on the handles. Walk, never run.

• Muffler and engine become hoi and can cause severe
bum injury. Do not touch the muffler or the 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 tor
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 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.

AWARNING

1. STOP ENGINE BEFORE REMOVING

DEBRIS AND SERVICING UNIT.

2. KEEP CLEAR OF IMPELLER WHILE

ENGINE IS RUNNING

3. NEVER DIRECT DISCHARGE AT
BYSTANDERS OR WINDOWS OR
ALLOW ANYONE IN FRONT OF
UNIT

4. THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE AREA
THE EQUIPMENT IS TO BE
USED AND REMOVE ALL DOOR
MATS, SLEDS, BOARDS, WIRES AND
OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS

5. REFER TO OWNERS MANUAL FOR
FULL INSTRUCTIONS

AVOID INJURY FROM
ROTATING AUGER ­KEEP HANDS, FEET
AND CLOTHING AWAY.

A I A I

\ \

I

DANGER

SHUT OFF ENGINE
BEFORE UNCLOG
GING DISCHARGE
CHUTE.

I

HARDWARE PACK

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.’

ASSEMBLY

Traction Drive ^
Control / /

Chute

■ '-? ' /■

/■/

..■ r

u

Chute
Crank

' Handle

Panel

JrV -

-k'k-'

Handles

& !

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped 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 Carton

• Cut the corners of the carton and lay the sides
flat 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

Figure 1

c. Left Hand Handle
d. Two-piece Chute Crank Assembly
e. Shift Rod

f. Hardware Pack

Assembly Tips: 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 or a set of adjustable
wrenches

2. Set of standard head screw drivers

3. Set of philips head screw drivers

4. Funnel to fill up gasoline
WARNING: Make certain the spark plug

A

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. You can 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 on the handle to the snow
thrower using 5/16 x3/4” hex bolt and lock
washer from the hardware pack (group A on
page 5 ). Do not tighten at this time. See Figure 2.

Lock Washer &

Place a handle tab, included in the hardware
pack (group A), 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 (5/16x1 -3/4" long) and lock washer
from the same group in the hardware pack. Do

not tighten at this time.

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

handies go through the slots in the handle panel.

While placing the handle panel, make sure to

route chute and chute cable between the handle

and the panel keeping the cable on top of the

engine. Align the holes in the handle with the

holes on the two sides of the handle panel. See

Figure 3.

• Attach the handie pane! 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 group B of the hardware pack. Align the

contour of the carriage bolt head with the

handle. Tighten the hardware.

Attaching Chute

• Place the chute assembly over the chute
opening with the chute facing front of the unit.

NOTE: Make sure that the chute cables are

straightened while assembling the chute.

• Place the chute flange keeper (flat side down)

beneath lip of chute assembly as shown in
Figure 4,You will find the chute flange keepers in
group E of the hardware pack.

• Insert 1/4-20 hex bolt and flange nut (group E of

the hardware pack) up through chute flange
keeper and chute assembly as shown in Figure

4. Do not tighten at this time. Rotate chute to
install all the flange keepers.

Figure 4

• After assembling all three chute flange keepers,
tighten, then back off 1/4 turn to allow easier
movement of the chute. Use (2) 7/16" wrenches.

Attaching Chute Crank

• On the left side of the handle panel, place the
upper chute crank bracket on to the inside of the
handle panel support. Locate this bracket and
associated harware in group F of hardware
pack. See Figure 5.

• Insert hex bolt through the upper chute crank

bracket, handle panel support, and upper left
handle. Secure the bracket using cupped
washer and hex nut. Make sure that the cupped
side of the washer is set against the contour of
the handle.

You may have to loosen the carriage bolts and
hex lock nuts which secure the lower chute
crank bracket to the extension on the left side of
the chute assembly. See Figure 6.

chute crank and insert hairpin clip into eye hole
at the end of the chute crank. See Figure 7.
Slide the upper chute crank through the plastic
bushing in the upper chute crank bracket and
then into the lower chute crank. See Figure 8.
Align the holes on the two pieces of the chute
crank, and secure with hairpin clip from group C

of the hardware pack.
Adjust the chute bracket so that the spiral on the

chute crank fully engages the teeth on the chute

assembly.

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. Tighten the nuts

on the lower chute crank bracket securely.

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 hole in the plastic bushing in the chute crank

bracket. See Figure 7.

Figure 7

Place the other 3/8 ID flat washer (from the

same group of hardware) on the end of the

Slip the cables that run from the handle panel to
the chute into the cable guide located on top of
the engine. See Figure 9.

Figure 9

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 clutch control cables are attached to the snow
thrower. If the cables are attached to the top of the
engine with cable ties, cut the cable ties now. The Z
ends of the clutch cables are hooked into the clutch
grips on each handle.

• Ensure there is a hex jam nut threaded all the
way up the threaded portion of the Z fitting;
extras are supplied in the hardware pack. See

Figure 10.

• Place the clutch grip in the raised (up) position.

Place the bent end of the shift rod into the hole in

the shift arm assembly. See Figure 11. Secure with

5/16 flat washer and hairpin clip from the hardware
pack (group D on page 5).
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).
While 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.

Figure 10

Swing the left auger up making sure the cable is
routed correctly in the cable roller guides located
at the lower rear of the unit.
Hold the end of the cable at the barrel so the
ferrule turns freely without twisting the cable.
Thread the ferrule on to the Z fitting. You may
have to pull on the cable slightly to relieve
tension. Keep the ferrule turning without twisting
the cable.
You will reach correct adjustment when there is
minimal slack in the cable but it is not tight.Hold
the flats on the ferrule with pliers and tighten the
jam nut against the ferrule.

CAUTION: Cables will

become loose if you do not tighten the jam nut.

WARNING: There must not be any tension

on either clutch cable with the drive or auger
clutch grip in the disengaged (up) position.
These clutches are a safety feature. Do not
override their function by allowing tension
on either cable with the clutches
disengaged.

Attaching Shift Rod

• Place the shift lever in the sixth (6) speed.

Figure 11

NOTE: It may be necessary to pull the shift lever out of

the sixth speed position and 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 11.

• Make certain to check for correct adjustment of
the shift rod as instructed in the Adjustment
section before operating the snow thrower.

Attaching Turn Triggers

• 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 in the handle panel. Do not feed the cable
through the same side of the slot as the Z fitting.

• Place the cable barrel fitting into the hole in the
trigger. You can find the triggers and associated

hardware in group H of the hardware pack (on
page 5). Pull on the cable and rotate it around the
bottom of the trigger, with the inner cable in the
slot, until the cable end can be pushed into the
trigger housing and snapped tight. See Figure 12.

Note: When the cable is installed correctly, it should
not be possible to pull cable out of the trigger housing.

• 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 13. You will need a phillips
screwdriver for tightening the screw. Repeat on
ieft side.

• 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. See Figure 15. Plug wire into the

alternator lead wire under the fuel tank (see inset).

Secure the right turn trigger cable to the right
lower handle, using cable tie provided in the
hardware pack. Make sure to route the cable tie

over the drive cable. See Figure 14.

Figure 14

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 thrower.

Final Adjustments

Adjusting Auger Control

• To check the adjustment of the auger control,
push forward 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).

10

• 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 on) 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.

Adjusting Skid Shoe

The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be changed by adjusting the skid shoe.

• Return weight transfer lever 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. See Figure 16.

• 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 16.

• Retighten nuts and bolts securely.

NOTE: Cables are out of adjustment if augers

continue to turn when auger clutch is released and/or
machine continues to run when drive clutch is
released. For more details, refer to the Service and
Adjustment section.

11

Knowing Your Snow Thrower

Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower. Compare
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.

OPERATION

Traction Drive
Controi

\

Shift

;

Lever

Right

Turn

Trigger

Auger
Control

Chute \
Distance \
Lever

Oii

Spark

Choke Plug \

Track

Auger

Skid Shoe

Figure 17

Meets ANSI Safety Standards

Sears snow throwers conform to the safety standards B71.3 of the American National Standards Institute {ANSI).

12