Craftsman 247889780, 247886400 Owner’s Manual

Operator’s Manual

SNOW THROWER

Model Nos. 247.88976*

247.88 97 8*

247.88870*

247.88874*

* -- Last digit of model number varies

SNOW THROWER

Model Nos. 247.88172*

247.88173*

247.88 39 4*

247.88396*

247.88 433*

247.88640*

247.88694*

247.88 781*

247.88 78 9*

* -- Last digit of model number varies

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

• SAFETY

• UNPACKING

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• ESPAÑOL

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com

Form No. 769-12240

(June 23, 2017)

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.

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.

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.

PREPARATION

• 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.

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

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!

• 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.

• 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.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• 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.

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.

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 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!

ASSEMBLY

Electric Chute Control

Pag e 16

Manual 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

ASSEMBLY

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow thrower are determined from behind the unit in the operating position (standing directly behind the snow thrower, 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 thrower 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 thrower 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

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.

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”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. See Figure 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).

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

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

ASSEMBLY

Chute Control Input

Top Vie w

Joystick

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

2. Insert chute control rod into chute control head. Push rod as far into chute control head as possible, keeping holes in rod pointing upward. See Figure 20.

Figure 20

3. Place chute onto chute base and ensure chute control rod is positioned under handle panel. Install hex screw removed in Step 1, but do not secure with wing nut at this time. Figure 21.

4. Squeeze trigger on joystick and rotate chute by hand to face forward. The holes in chute control input will be facing up. See Figure 22.

Figure 22

NOTE: Chute will not rotate without squeezing trigger on joystick.

5. Rotate joystick to one o’clock position so that indicator arrow on pinion gear below control panel faces upward. See Figure 23.

Figure 21

Figure 23

6. Insert chute control rod into pinion gear below joystick. Make sure to line up hole in rod with arrow on pinion gear. See Figure 24.

ASSEMBLY

Chute

Assembly

Chute Base

Chute Suppor t Bracket

Chute Control

Head

Figu re 24

NOTE: Chute control rod will fit snug into pinion gear. Support rear of dash panel with one hand while inserting rod with your other hand to ensure rod is inserted all the way into pinion gear.

NOTE: The hole in the chute directional control rod is a reference for aligning rod with indicator arrow on pinion gear, and will be visible after rod has been inserted.

7. Push chute control rod toward control panel until hole in rod lines up with hole in chute control input closest to chute control head and insert hairpin clip (a)removed in Step 1. See Figure 25.

Overhead Chute Control (w/ Flex Shaft & Steel Chute)

Figur e 26

1. Remove lock nuts and hex screws from chute support bracket (this will require two wrenches). See Figure 27.

2. Place chute assembly onto chute base and chute control head onto chute support bracket. See Figure 27.

Figure 25

NOTE: Second hole is used to achieve further engagement of chute control rod into pinion gear if required. Refer to Service section for Chute Control Rod adjustments.

8. Finish securing chute control head to chute support bracket with wing nut, clevis pin, and bow-tie cotter pin (e) removed in Step 1.

STOP

Continue to Set-Up (page 18).

Figur e 27

ASSEMBLY

3. Secure chute control head to chute support bracket with lock nuts and hex screws removed in Step 1. See Figure 28.

Figure 28

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

4. Remove hairpin clip from rear of chute control assembly. See Figure 29.

6. Insert hex end of flex shaf t into chute control rod coupling under dash panel. See Figure 30.

Figure 30

7. Ensure speed selector is in fastest forward speed.

8. Remove cotter pin and washer from ferrule on end of shift rod. See Figure 31 inset.

Figure 29

5. Insert flex shaft removed during handle assembly from lower handle into rear of chute directional control head. See Figure 29. Secure f lex shaft to chute control head with hairpin clip removed in Step 4.

Fig ure 31

ASSEMBLY

Chute Control Head

Chute

Support

Bracket

Chute Base

9. Make sure the shift lever on the back of the transmission is rotated downward to the full extent of its rotation. See Figure 32.

Figu re 32

10. Insert ferrule into top hole of shif t lever and secure with cotter pin (a) and washer (b) removed in Step 8. See Figure 31. Ferrule may need to be adjusted up or down.

Electric Chute Control

Continue to Set-Up (page 18).

STOP

Figu re 33

1. Remove cotter pin, wing nut, and hex screw from chute control head and clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin from chute support bracket. See Figure 34.

Figure 34

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

ASSEMBLY

2. Insert the round end of the chute control rod into input of chute control head. Push rod as far into the chute control head as possible, keeping the holes in the rod pointing upward. See Figure 35.

Figu re 35

3. Place chute onto chute base and ensure chute control rod is positioned under handle panel. Secure chute control head to chute support bracket with clevis pin and bow-tie cotter pin removed in Step 1. See Figure 36.

4. Finish securing chute control head by installing hex screw and wing nut removed in Step 2. See Figure 37.

Figure 37

5. Insert the other end of the chute control rod into the input shaf t below the handle panel. Make sure to line up the flat end of the rod and the flat end of the input shaft. You may need to rotate the rod around until these two surfaces line up. See Figure 38.

Figure 36

Figure 38

ASSEMBLY

6. Push the chute control rod toward the control panel until the hole in the rod lines up with the middle hole in the chute control input and insert the cotter pin removed in Step 1. See Figure 39.

Figure 39

NOTE: There is a reference hole provided at rear end of control rod to help know when holes are vertical.

NOTE: The hole fur thest from the chute control head is used to achieve further engagement of the chute control rod into the input shaft if required. Refer to Page 33 of the Maintenance & Adjustments section for Chute Control Rod adjustment. The hole closest to the chute control head is used for manual movement of the chute assembly if required. Refer to page 24 of the Operation section.

Set-Up

Chute Control Cable Routing (If Equipped)

For units equipped with 2-way or 4-way chute control joystick, electric chute control and/or chute-pitch controls, ensure control cables are routed properly.

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

NOTE: The number of cables routed through the wire guides will depend on

unit model.

1. Locate cable guide on top of engine and ensure cable(s) are properly routed through the cable guide. See Figure 40.

Figure 40

Continue to Set-Up (page 18).

STOP

Shear Pins

Holes are located in the plastic dash panel for convenient shear pin storage. See Figure 41. Refer to page 16 28 in the Operation section for more information regarding shear pin replacement.

NOTE: If the extra shear pins are not already assembled in the handle panel, they can be found in the manual bag.

Fig ure 41

ASSEMBLY

Chute Clean-Out Tool

A chute clean-out tool is fastened to the top of the auger housing with a mounting clip. See Figure 42. The tool is designed to clear a chute assembly of ice and snow. This item is fastened with a cable tie at the factory. Cut the cable tie before operating the snow thrower.

WARNING

Never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Shut OFF engine and remain behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before using the clean-out tool to clear the chute assembly.

Figur e 42

Drift Cutters (if equipped)

1. Remove the two screws and wing knobs that secure each drift cutter, and remove them from the sides of the auger housing.

2. Turn the drift cutters around and position them as shown in Figure 43 to the outside of the auger housing.

3. Attach the drift cutters with the screws and wing knobs on the outside of the auger housing as shown in Figure 44.

Figure 44

Tire Pressure (If Applicable)

WARNING

Under any circumstance do not exceed manufacturer’s recommended psi. Equal tire pressure should be maintained at all times. Excessive pressure when seating beads may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with force sufficient to cause serious injury. Refer to sidewall of tire for recommended pressure.

The tires are over-inflated for shipping purposes. Check the tire pressure before operating the snow thrower. Refer to the tire side wall for tire manufacturer’s recommended psi and deflate (or inflate) the tires as necessar y.

NOTE: Equal tire pressure is to be maintained at all times for per formance purposes.

Adjustments

Figur e 43

Skid Shoes

The snow thrower skid shoes are adjusted at the factory to be approx 1/8” below the bottom surface of the shave plate. Adjust them downward, if desired, prior to operating the snow thrower.

CAUTION

It is not recommended that you operate this snow thrower on gravel as it can easily pick up and throw loose gravel, causing personal injury or damage to the snow thrower and surrounding property.

• For close snow removal on a smooth surface, raise skid shoes higher on the auger housing. Refer to Figure 45.

• Use a middle or lower position when the area to be cleared is uneven, such as a gravel driveway.

NOTE: If you choose to operate the snow thrower on a gravel surface, keep the skid shoes in position for maximum clearance between the ground and the shave plate.

ASSEMBLY

Smooth Surface

Uneven Surface

Auger Control

To adjust the skid shoes:

1. Loosen the four hex nuts (two on each side), flat washers, and carriage bolts. Move skid shoes to desired position. See Figure 45.

2. Make certain the entire bottom sur face of skid shoe is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the skid shoes.

3. Retighten nuts, washers, and bolts securely.

6. Confirm that the auger has completely stopped rotating and shows NO signs of motion. If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating, immediately return to the operator’s position and shut OFF the engine. Wait for ALL moving parts to stop before adjusting the auger control.

Figur e 45

NOTE: The skid shoes on your unit may look slightly different (and have different hardware) than ones shown in Figure 45.

Auger Control

WARNING

Prior to operating your snow thrower, carefully read and follow all instructions below. Perform all adjustments to verif y your snow thrower is operating safely and properly.

Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:

1. The auger control is located on the left handle. See Figure 4646 inset. When the auger control is released and in the disengaged “UP” position, the cable should have very little slack. It should NOT be tight.

2. In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower engine as instructed in Starting Engine on page 15 46 in the Operation section of this manual.

3. While standing in the operator’s position (behind the snow thrower), engage the auger.

4. Allow the auger to remain engaged for approximately ten seconds before releasing the auger control. Repeat this several times.

5. With the auger control in the disengaged “UP” position, walk to the front of the machine.

Figure 46

7. To readjust the control cable, loosen the upper hex bolt on the auger cable bracket. See Figure 46.

8. Position the bracket upward to provide more slack (or downward to increase cable tension).

9. Retighten the upper hex bolt.

10. Repeat Step 2 through Step 6 above to verify proper adjustment has been achieved.

OPERATION

† If Equipped

Standard Chute Directional Control †

Shift Lever

Augers

Skid Shoe

Clean Out

Too l

Chute Assembly

Drive Control Lever

Auger Control Lever

Auger Housing

LED Light Bar †

Drift Cutters †

Overhead Chute Directional Control †

Heated Grips

†

Shift Lever

4-Way/2-Way Chute Directional Control Joystick

†

Shift Rod

Manual Chute Directional Control

†

Electric Chute Directional Control Joystick

†

Steering Trigger Control

†

Shift Lever

Muffler

Choke Control

Safety Key

Throttle Control

Recoil Starter Handle

Oil Drain

Fuel Cap

Oil Fill

Electric Starter Outlet/Switchbox

Primer

Electric Starter Button

Electric Starter Outlet

Figure 47

Meets ANSI Safety Standards

Craftsman Snow Throwers conform to the safety standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

OPERATION

Now that you have set up your snow thrower, it’s important to become acquainted with its controls and features. Refer to Figure 47.

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Snow thrower features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all snow thrower models and the snow thrower depicted may differ from yours.

NOTE: All references to the left or right side of the snow thrower are from the operator’s position. Any exceptions will be noted.

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located on the right side of the handle panel. Place the shift lever into any of eight positions to control the direction of travel and ground speed.

Forward

Your snow thrower has six forward (F) speeds. Position one (1) is the slowest and position six (6) is the fastest.

Reverse

Your snow thrower has two reverse (R) speeds. Position one (1) is the slower and position two (2) is the faster.

Drift Cutters (If Equipped)

The drift cutters are designed for use in deep snow. Their use is optional for normal snow conditions. Maneuver the snow thrower so that the cutters penetrate a high standing snow drif t to assist snow falling into the augers for throwing.

Safety Key

The safety key is a safety device. It must be fully inserted in order for the engine to start. Remove the safety key when the snow thrower is not in use.

NOTE: Do not turn the safety key in an attempt to start the engine. Doing so may cause it to break.

Throttle Control

The throttle control is located on the rear of the engine. It regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine when moved into the STOP position.

Primer

Depressing the primer forces fuel directly into the engine’s carburetor to aid in cold-weather starting.

Electric Starter Button (If Equipped)

Pressing the electric starter button engages the engine’s electric starter when plugged into a 120V power source.

Electric Starter Outlet (If Equipped)

Requires the use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord and a 120V power source/ wall outlet.

Oil Fill

Engine oil level can be checked and oil added through the oil fill.

Fuel Cap

Unthread the fuel cap to add gasoline to the fuel tank.

Auger

When engaged, the auger blades rotate and draw snow into the auger housing.

Chute Assembly

Choke Control

The choke control is found on the rear of the engine and is activated by turning the rotary choke knob to the CHOKE position. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine.

Recoil Starter Handle

This handle is used to manually start the engine.

LED Light (If Equipped)

The LED light is located inside of the handle panel and is ON when the engine is running.

LED Light Bar (If Equipped)

The LED headlight is located on top of the auger housing and is automatically turned ON when the engine is started.

Snow drawn into the auger housing is discharged out the chute assembly.

Skid Shoes

Position the skid shoes based on surface conditions. Adjust upward for hard-packed snow. Adjust downward when operating on gravel or crushed rock surfaces.

Wheel Steering Controls (If Equipped)

The left and right wheel steering controls are located on the underside of the handles. Squeeze the right control to turn right; squeeze the left control to turn left.

NOTE: Operate the snow thrower in open areas until you are familiar with these controls.

OPERATION

Auger Control

AUGER

CONTROL

The auger control is located on the left handle. Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage the auger and start snow throwing action. Release to stop.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the Auger Control information in the Assembly & Set-Up section

prior to operating your snow thrower. Read and follow all instructions carefully and perform all adjustments to verify your snow thrower is operating safely and properly.

Drive Control/ Auger Control Lock*

Overhead Chute Directional Control (If Equipped)

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

ADJUSTABLE

DISCHARGE

LEFT

The overhead chute directional control is located in the center of the snow thrower between the handle panel and lower handle. To change the direction in which snow is thrown, rotate the chute directional control.

DISCHARGE

RIGHT

CHUTE TILT

Two-Way Chute Control (If Equipped)

DRIVE

CONTROL

The drive control is located on the right handle. Squeeze the control grip against the handle to engage the wheel drive. Release to stop.

*On select models, the drive control also locks the auger control so you can operate the chute directional control without interrupting the snow throwing process. If the auger control is engaged simultaneously with the drive control, the operator can release the auger control (on the lef t handle) and the augers will remain engaged. Release both controls to stop the augers and wheel drive.

NOTE: Always release the drive control before changing speeds. Failure to do so will result in increased wear on your machine’s drive system.

The two-way chute control (Joystick) is located on the left side of the handle panel.

• To change the direction in which snow is thrown, squeeze the button on the chute control lever and pivot the chute control lever to the right or to the left.

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