Craftsman 944.524591 User Manual

SEARS

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

944.524591

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

ICRIIFT.TMIIN°[

9.5 HP 27" TWO-STAGE

POWER-PROPELLED SNOW THROWER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

This snow thrower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.

Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in serious injury.

Look for this symbol to point out im- portant safety precautions. It means

Training

1. Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before operating this unit. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper

instruction.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par- ticularly small children.

4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating the snow thrower in reverse.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is

to be used and remove all doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other foreign objects.

2. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (motor).

3. Donot operate the equipment without wearing adequate winter garments. Avoid loose fitting clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Wear footwear that will

improve footing on slippery surfaces.

4. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable

(a) Use an approved fuel container. (b) Never add fuel to a running engine or hot en-

(d) Never fill containers inside avehicie or on atruck or

(e) When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

CAUTION!H BECOMEALERT!H YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

WARNING: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place it where it cannot

contact plug in order to prevent acci-

dental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING: This snow thrower is for

use on sidewalks, driveways and other ground level surfaces. Caution should be exercised while using on sloping

surfaces. Do not use snow thrower on surfaces above ground level such as

roofs of residences, garages, porches or other such structures or buildings.

gine. fuel tank indoors.

trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place contain-

ers on the ground, away from your vehicle, before filling.

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.

WARNING: Snow throwers have ex-

posed rotating parts, which can cause

severe injury from contact, or from ma-

terial thrown from the discharge chute.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, small children and pets at all times including startup.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during

operation and remain hot after engine

has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemi-

cals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or

other reproductive harm.

(f) Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

tank or container opening at all times, until refuel-

ing is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open

device.

(g) Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe upspilled

fuel.

(h) If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing im-

mediately.

Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting motors.

Adjust the collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surface.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except when specifically recommended by manufacturer).

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during op- eration or while performing an adjustment or repair to

protect eyes from foreign objects that may be thrown from the machine.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating pads. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

2. Exercise extreme caution when operating on orcross-

inggravel drives, walks, orroads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, disconnect the cord on electric motors, thoroughly inspect the snow thrower for any damage, and repair the damage before

restarting andoperating the snow thrower.

4. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

5. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the oper- ating position, before unclogging the collector/impeller

housing or discharge chute, and when making any

repairs, adjustments or inspections.

6. Whencleaning,repairingor inspectingthe snow thrower,stoptheengineandmakecertainthecollector/

impellerandallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnect

thesparkplugwireandkeepthewireawayfromthe

plug.topreventsomeonefromaccidentallystartingthe engine.

7. Donotruntheengineindoors,exceptwhenstarting theengineandfortransportingthesnowthrowerinor

outofthebuilding.Opentheoutsidedoors;exhaust fumesaredangerous.

8. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonslopes.

9. Neveroperatethesnowthrowerwithoutproperguards, andothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplaceandwork-

ing.

10.Neverdirectthedischargetowardpeopleorareas wherepropertydamagecanoccur.Keepchildrenand othersaway.

11.Donotoverloadthemachinecapacitybyattempting toclearsnowattoofastarate.

12.Neveroperatethemachineathightransportspeeds onslipperysurfaces.Lookbehindandusecarewhen operatinginreverse.

13.Disengagepowertothecollector/impellerwhensnow throweristransportedornotinuse.

14.Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedby themanufacturerofthesnowthrower(suchaswheel weights,counterweights,orcabs).

15.Neveroperatethesnowthrowerwithoutgoodvisibility orlight.Alwaysbesureofyourfooting,andkeepa

firmholdonthehandles.Walk;neverrun.

16.Nevertouchahotengineormuffler.

Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute

Hand contactwith the rotating impeller insidethe discharge

chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the dis-

charge chute. To clear the chute:

1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!

2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impetler blades have stopped rotating.

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

Maintenance and Storage

1. Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

2. 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, or clothes dryers. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

3. Always refer to operator's manual for important details if the snow thrower is to be stored for an extended

period.

4. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

necessary.

5. Run the machine a few minutes after throwing snow to prevent freeze-up of the collector/impeller.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................ 4

WARRANTY .................................................................. 4

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION ............................... 6-8

OPERATION ............................................................ 9-15

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-16

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 17-19

STORAGE ................................................................... 19

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 20

REPAIR PARTS ..................................................... 22-38

SEARS SERVICE ................................... BACK COVER

LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER

For two (2) years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace, at Sears option, free of charge parts which are defective as a result of material or workmanship.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE: Warranty on Snow Thrower will be 90 days from date of purchase if used for commercial or rental purposes.

This Warranty does NOT cover:

1. Pre-delivery set-up.

2. Expendable items which become worn during normal use such as belts, spark plugs air cleaners, and shear pine, as we damage to the engine resu ting from operating snow thrower with insufficient oil.

3. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to operate and main- tain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the Owner's Manual.

4. Tire replacement or repair caused bypunctures from outside objecta, such as nails,thorns, stumps or glass.

Warranty service isavailable by returning the Craftsman Snow Throwerto the nearest Sears Service Centre/Department in Canada. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in Canada.

This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty and does NOT exclude or limit legal rights you may have but shalll run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some provinces do not allow limitations

on how long an implied warranty will last, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario MSB 2B8

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new snow

thrower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest Sears service centre/ department. We have competent, well-trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your snow thrower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SERIAL NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:

THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERSWtLLBE FOUND ON A D ECALA'I-I'ACH EDTO THE REAR OFTH ESNOW THROWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 4,54 Liters and Type: Unleaded Regular only

Oil Type SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

(API SG-SL): (0°F to +40°F/-18°C to +5°C)

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

(below 0°F / -18°C) Oil Capacity: 0,8 Liters Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

Gap: 0,072 mm

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for ' and using your snow thrower.

• Follow the instructions under"Maintenance" and "Stor-

age" sections of this owner's manual.

PARTS PACKED SEPARATELY IN CARTON

(1) DISCHARGE CHUTE

(1) POWER

(1) TRACTION DRIVE CONTROL ROD

EXTRA SHEAR BOLTS AND NUTS

(1) MULTI-

WRENCH

(1) AUGER CONTROL ROD

I L

(4) SHOULDER BOLTS

1/4-20 x 2 (AUGER SHAFT)

ROTATER HEAD MOUNTING

(1)WASHER 3/8

(1) LOCKNUT (1)WASHER

5116-18

(8) LOCKNUTS

1/4-20

(4) CAPSCREWS

1/4-20x 1-5/8 (IMPELLER)

(1) LOCKNUT 3/8

CHUTE DEFLECTOR REMOTE CONTROL

(1) CARRIAGE

BOLT 5/16-18 x 5/8

(1) LOCKNUT (1) NYLON (1) SHOULDER

1/4-20 WASHER BOLT 1/4-20

I I

(3) RETAINER SPRINGS

]

(1) SPRING

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before

you attempt to assemble or operate your new snow thrower. Your new snow thrower has been assembled at the factory

with the exception of those parts left unassembled for ship- ping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your snow thrower, all parts and hardware you assemble must

be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary

to ensure proper tightness.

REMOVE SNOW THROWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove all accessible loose parts and parts boxes from carton.

2. Cut down all four corners of carton and lay panels flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except plastic tie holding

speed control rod to lower handle.

4. Remove snow thrower from carton and check carton

thoroughly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR SNOW THROWER

TOOL BOX (See Fig. 10) Atoolbox is provided on your snow thrower. The toolbox is

located on top ofthe belt cover, Store the extra shear bolts,

nutsand multi-wrench provided in parts bag inthe toolbox. NOTE: The multi-wrench may be used for assembly of the

chute rotator headtosnow thrower and making adjustments to the skid plates.

UNFOLD UPPER HANDLE

1. Raise upper handle tothe operating position and tighten handle knobs securely.

INSTALL SPEED CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 1 and 2)

1. Remove plastic tie securing rod to lower handle.

2. Insert rod into speed control bracket and secure with retainer spring.

SPEED CONTROL

UPPER HANDLE

HANDLE KNOB

LOWER

FIG. 1

SPEED SPEED CONTROL CONTROL

BRACKET LEVER

FIG. 2

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

INSTALL TRACTION DRIVE CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 3 and 4)

The traction drive control rod has the long loop on the end of the spring as shown.

1. Slide rubber sleeve up rod and hook end of spring into pivot bracket with loop opening down as shown,

2. With top end of rod positioned under left side of control panel, push rod down and insert top end of rod into hole

in drive control bracket. Secure with retainer spring.

TRACTION DRIVE

ROD

INSTALL AUGER CONTROL ROD (See Figs. 5 and 6)

The auger control rod has the short loop on the end of the

springas shown.

1. Slide rubber sleeve up rod and hookend ofspring into controlarm with loop opening up as shown.

2. With topend ofrod positioned under rightside ofcontrol panel, push down on rodand insertend of rod intohole

in auger control bracket. Secure with retainer spring.

AUGER

CONTROL ARM

PIVOT BRACKET

FIG. 3

TRACTION DRIVE RETAINER

CONTROL LEVER

CONTROL

BRACKET

FIG,4

FIG. 5

AUGER

CONTROL

RETAINER LEVER SPRING \

CONTROL BRACKET

FIG. 6

ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION

INSTALL DISCHARGE CHUTE/CHUTE ROTATER HEAD (See Fig. 7) NOTE: The multi-wrench provided in your parts bag may

be used to install the chute rotater head.

1. Place discharge chute assembly on top of chute base with discharge opening toward front of snow thrower.

2. Positionchuterotaterheadoverchutebracket. Ifneces- sary, rotate chute assembly to align square and pin onun-

derside of chute rotater head with holes in chute bracket.

3. With chute rotater head and chute bracket aligned, position chute rotater head on pin and threaded stud of mounting bracket.

4. Install 3/8 washer and Iocknut on threaded stud and tighten securely.

CHUTE ROTATER

INSTALL CHUTE DEFLECTOR REMOTE CONTROL (See Figs. 8 and 9)

1. Install remote cable bracket to discharge chute with 5/16-18 carriage bolt, flat washer and 5/16-18 Iocknut as shown. Tighten securely.

2. Install remote cable eyelet to chute deflector with

1/4-20 shoulder bolt, nylonwasher and 1/4-20 Iocknut

as shown. Tighten securely.

3. Install spring hooks between hex nutson chute rotater

head and into hole in chute deflector as shown.

CHUTE

NYLON

WASHER

CABLE HEX NUTS EYELET ON CHUTE

REMOTE

CABLE

SPRING 1/4-20

SHOULDER

BOLT

HOOK BETWEEN

ROTATER HEAD

_1_18

CARRIAGE

BOLT

FIG. 7

STUD

ROTATER HEAD

MOUNTING

BRACKET

FLAT

WASHER

5/1_18 LOCKNUT

FIG. 8

CHUTE DEFLECTOR CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 9

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your snow thrower were overinflated at the fac- tory for shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is important for best snow throwing performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 14-17 PSI (19-24.5 N-m).

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR SNOW THROWER. Compare

the illustrations with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your snow thrower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

DANGER ENGINE SLOW CHOKE PRIMER

OR WARNING ON

FUEL OIL FORWARD REVERSE

IGNITION KEY.

INSERT TO START

AND RUN,

PULL OUT TO STOP.

ENGINE FAST

OFF

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INFORMATION

AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE OF THIS PRODUCT.

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

SNOW

DISCHARGE

DISENGAGED

ENGAGED

TRACTION

DRIVECONTROL

OPERATION

GASOLINE ELECTRIC AUGER FILLER I START CONTROL

CHOKE"

CON-

TROL

PRIMER"

SAFETY

IGNWION

SWITCH FUEL

SHUT-OFF VALVE

THROTTLE / ENGINE

CONTROL

BUTTON LEVER

(AUXILIARY)

STARTER

CHUTE

RECOIL

HANDLE

CHUTE

DEFLECTOR

DISCHARGE CHUTE CONTROL LEVER

DRIVE SPEED DEFLECTOR REMOTE CONTROL LEVER CONTROL LEVER

DRIVE

CONTROL

LEVER

LHTURN

TRIGGER

GHT

KNOB

TOOLBOX

NOTE: ITEMS ABOVE

ARE SHOWN IN THEIR TYPICAL

LOCATIONON THE

ENGINE. ACTUAL

LOCATIONMAYVARY

WITH THE ENGINE

ON YOUR UNIT,

FIG. 10

MEETS A.N.S.I. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Our snow throwers conform to the standards of the American National Standards Institute.

Toolbox - used to store spare shear bolts, Iocknuts and wrench.

Safety ignition switch- must bepushed inforthe engineto start and run. Pull out when snow thrower is not in use.

Electric start button - used for starting the engine. Recoil (auxiliary) starter handle- usedforstarting engine. Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the

cylinder for use when starting a cold engine. Choke Control - used for starting a cold engine.

Throttle / Engine control - used to select either FAST or SLOW engine speed and to STOP the engine.

LH and RH turn triggers- used to steer the snow thrower. 10

Drive speed control lever - used to select forward or reverse motion and speed of snow thrower,

Traction drive control lever- used toengage power-pro- pelled forward or reverse motion of snow thrower.

Auger control lever - used to engage auger motion

(throw snow). Discharge chute control lever - used to change the

direction the snow isthrown.

Deflector remote control lever - used to change the distance the snow is thrown.

Skid plate - used to adjust height ofscraper barfrom ground. Drift cutter - used to cut through deep snowdrifts.

OPERATION

The operation of any snow thrower can result

in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye clamage. Always wear

safety glasses or eye shields while operating

your snow thrower or performing any adjust- ments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR SNOW THROWER Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel or

attempting to start the engine.

STOPPING

TRACTION DRIVE

• Release traction drive control lever to stop the forward

or reverse movement of the snow thrower.

AUGER

• Release the auger control lever to stop throwing snow. ENGINE

1. Move throttle control to "STOP" position.

2. Pull safety ignition switch out to prevent unauthorized

use.

NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.

TO USE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE (See Fig. 11)

The fuel shut-off valve is located beneath the fuel tank on the engine. Always operate the snow thrower with the fuel shut-off valve in the OPEN position.

TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 13)

The choke control is located on the engine. Use the choke

control whenever you are starting a cold engine. 0o not use to start a warm engine.

• To engage choke, turn knob clockwise. Slowly turn knob counterclockwise to disengage.

/,.ml\l

OFF (_ FULL

FIG.13

TO CONTROL SNOW DISCHARGE (See Fig. 14)

WARNING: Snow throwers have ex- posed rotating parts, which can cause

severe injury from contact, orfrom ma- terial thrown from the discharge chute.

Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, small children and pets at all times including startup.

WARNING: Ifthe discharge chuta orau-

and wait for all moving parts to stop. Use

ger become clogged, shut-off engine

the clean-out tool, NOT YOUR HANDS, to unclog the chute and/or auger.

I i

! I

I j

OFF

FIG. 11

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 12) The throttlecontrolislocatedonthe engine. Always operate

the snow thrower with the engine at full throttle. Full throttle offers the best snow thrower performance.

_ OPEN

C "=bt )

The DIRECTION in which snow isto bethtown is controlled by the discharge chute control lever.

• To change the discharge chute position, press down-

ward on discharge chute control lever and move lever left or right until chute is in desired position. Be sure lever springs back and locks into desired position.

The DISTANCE that snow is thrown is controlled by the position of the chute deflector. Set the deflector low to

throw snow a short distance; set the deflector higher to throw snow farther.

Press downward on chute deflector control lever and move lever forward to lower the deflector and decrease

the distance. Move lever back to raise the deflector

and increase the distance. Be sure lever springs back and locks into desired position.

DISCHARGE CHUTE

CONTROLLEVER

SLOW _ FAST

FIG. 12 11 FIG. 14

CHUTE DEFLECTOR

REMOTE CONTROL LEVER

OPERATION

TO THROW SNOW (See Fig. 15) The auger rotation is controlled by the auger control lever

located on the right side handle•

• Squeeze auger control lever to handle to engage the

auger and throw snow.

• Release the auger controllever to stopthrowing snow.

AUGER CONTROL

LEVER

FIG. 15

USING THE CLEAN-OUT TOOL (See Fig. 16) In certain snow conditions, the discharge chute may be-

come clogged with ice and snow. Use the clean-out tool to dislodge this blockage.

When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make

certain all controls are disengaged and the auger/impeller and all moving parts have

stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away from the spark plug to pre- vent accidental starting.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See Fig. 17) SELF-PROPELLING, forward and reverse movement of

the snow thrower, is controlled by the traction drive control

lever located on the left side handle.

• Squeeze tractiondrive control lever to handle to engage

the drive system.

• Release traction drive control lever to stop theforward or reverse movement of the snow thrower•

SPEED and DIRECTION are controlled by the drive speed control lever.

Press downward on the speed control lever and move lever to desired position BEFORE engaging the trac-

tion drive control lever. Be sure lever springs back and

locks into desired position.

CAUTION: Do not move speed control lever | when traction drive control lever is engaged.

Damage to the snow thrower can result.

• Slower speeds are for heavier snow and faster speeds are for lightsnow and transporting the snowthrower. It

isrecommended that you use a slower speed untilyou

are familiar with the operation of the snow thrower.

NOTE: When both traction drive and auger control tevers are engaged, the traction drive control lever will lock the

auger control lever in the engaged position.This will allow you to release your right hand from the handle and adjust

thedischarge chute direction withoutinterruptingthe snow throwing process.

• Release the auger control lever and shut offthe engine.

• Remove the clean-out toot from it's mounting clip. Grasp the tool firrnlyby the handle and push and twist the tool

into the discharge chute to dislodge the blockage.

After the packed snow has been dislodged, return the clean- out tool to it's mounting clip by pushing it into the clip.

• Make sure the discharge chute is pointed in a safe di-

rection (no vehicles, buildings, people, or other objects are in the direction of discharge) before restarting the

engine.

• Restart the engine, then squeeze the auger control lever to the handle to clear snow from the auger hous-

ing and the discharge chute.

DISCHARGE CHUTE

CLEAN-OUT_

TOOL

MOUNTING

TRACTION DRIVE F/_

CONTROL LEVER

FIG. 17

POWER STEERING OPERATION (See Fig. 18)

Steeringtriggersareusedtoassistinsteeringyoursnowthmw-

er. The triggersare located onthe undemide of each handle. When atrigger issqueezed, itdisengages the ddvewheel on

thatsideof snowthrowerand allowsittoturn inthatdirection.

• To turn left- squeeze left side trigger.

• To turn right- squeeze right side trigger•

LH TURN RH TURN

TRIGGER TRIGGER

FIG. 16 12 FIG. 18

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