Craftsman C459-52831 Operator's Manual
Operator’s Manual
21” Snowthrower
Model No. C459-52831
®
CAUTION: Before using this
product, read this manual
and follow all safety rules
and operating instructions.
Sears Canada Inc., 290 Yonge Street, Toronto, On M5B 2C3
Visit our web: sears.ca
• SAFETY
• ASSEMBLY
• OPERATION
• MAINTENANCE
• PARTS LIST
769-04202A
5/26/2009
02488
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sears Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warranty Statement .........................3
Safe Operation Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Symbols .............................6
Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Adjustments & Maintenance ..................12
Off-Season Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Parts List .................................14
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
WARRANTY STATEMENT
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:
Pre-delivery set-up. 1.
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as belts, spark plugs, air cleaners, and shear pins, as well damage to the 2.
engine resulting from operating snow thrower with insufficient oil.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to operate and maintain 3.
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the Owner’s Manual. 4.
Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps or glass. 5.
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman Snow Thrower to 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
shall 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 M5B 2C3
MODEL NUMBER
Model Number .................................................................
Serial Number .................................................................
Date of Purchase .............................................................
Record the model number, serial number
and date of purchase above
3
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!
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.
TRAINING
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in
a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop
the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children
14 years old 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.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan your snow-throwing
pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
7. 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle for all units with
electric start engines.
4. Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
5. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
6. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except
where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual.
7. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to
clear snow.
DANGER
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for
safe operation 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 hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
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.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom
of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move
machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing
k. 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.
l. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equip-
ment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
m. 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.
4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATION
1. 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.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never bypass its
operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal
injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically
return to the disengaged position when released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly. Keep all safety
devices in place and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel surfaces.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while operating on slopes.
10. 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.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or allow anyone in
front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast
of a rate.
13. 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.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting or not in use.
15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
Look down and behind and use care when backing up.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Always use
the clean-out tool provided to unclog the discharge opening. Do not unclog
chute assembly while engine is running. Shut off engine and remain
behind handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer (e.g.
wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. 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.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and
good judgment. Contact your Sears Service Center for assistance.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Refer to the maintenance and adjustment sections of this manual.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine. The
governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
5. 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. “Use of
parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
6. Check controls periodically to verify they engage and disengage properly
and adjust, if necessary. Refer to the adjustment section in this operator’s
manual for instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect
the environment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow from machine
and prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.
10. 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.
11. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on off-season
storage.
12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks.
Replace if necessary.
13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
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.
Average Useful Life
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.
5
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate.
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades
inside.
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating blades
inside.
WARNING— ROTATING AUGER
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact
with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING— ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine’s electric starter in the rain.
6
NOTES
7
Figure 1
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: All references to left or right side of the snow thrower is
from the operating position only.
Positioning the Upper Handle
1. Remove packing material, if present.
2. Raise the upper handle in the direction shown in Figure 1 until it
clicks into the operating position. Make sure not to pinch or crimp
the cable.
3. Tighten the knobs. See Figure 2.
Chute Assembly
The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the snow
is thrown. Adjust the chute assembly by following the instructions
below.
1. Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the chute assembly
and pivot the upper chute upward or downward to the desired pitch.
Retighten the wing knob before operating the snow thrower.
2. Position the chute assembly opening by using the chute control
handle to throw the snow in the desired direction. See Figure 3.
IMPORTANT: Do not use the chute control handle to lift the snow
thrower
Figure 2
Figure 3
8
Auger Control
Recoil Starter
Gasoline Cap
Chute Control Handle
Chute
Assembly
Shave Plate
Auger
Oil Fill
Ignition Key
Oil Fill
Primer
Gasoline
Cap
Electric
Starter
Outlet
Recoil
Starter
Oil Drain
Choke
Control
Throttle
Control
Electric
Starter
Button
ASSEMBLY
Be familiar with all the controls on the snow thrower and their proper
operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
Choke Lever
Activating choke control closes the choke plate on carburetor and aids
in starting engine. Refer to the engine manual packed with unit for
more detailed instructions.
Primer
Depressing primer forces fuel directly into engine’s carburetor to aid
in cold-weather starting. Refer to engine manual packed with unit for
more detailed instructions.
Ignition Key
The ignition key must be inserted and snapped in place in order for the
engine to start. Remove the ignition key to prevent unauthorized use of
equipment. Do NOT attempt to turn the key.
Recoil Starter
The starter handle is used to manually start the engine.
Electric Starter (If Equipped)
Used to start engine with a 120V power source.
NOTE: On certain models the electric starter is located on the right
side of the shroud.
Figure 4
Plug for Electric Start
Requires use of a three-prong outdoor extension cord and a 120V
power source.
Auger
When engaged, the augers rotation draws snow into the auger
housing and throws it out the discharge chute. Rubber paddles on the
augers also aid in propelling the unit as they come in contact with the
pavement.
Auger Control Handle
Located on the upper handle, the auger control handle is used to
engage and disengage drive to the auger. Squeeze the control handle
against the upper handle to engage auger; release it to disengage.
Discharge Chute / Chute Handle
Rotate the discharge chute to the left or right using chute handle.
The angle of the discharge chute controls the distance that the snow
is thrown. Tilt the discharge chute up for greater distance; tilt down
for less distance. Loosen the hand knob on the side of the discharge
chute to adjust. Tilt the chute to the desired position, and tighten the
knob.
Shave Plate
The shave plate maintains contact with pavement as the snow
thrower is propelled, allowing snow close to pavement’s surface to be
discharged.
9
OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on
the machine and in this manual before operating.
Before Starting
IMPORTANT: For complete and detailed engine starting, stopping
and storing instructions, it is recommended that you read the engine
manual also included with this unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Check oil and gasoline level and add if necessary. Follow related
instructions in the separate engine manual packed with your snow
thrower.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
To Start Engine
1. Insert ignition key into slot. See Figure 5.
2. Now follow the instructions below as it pertains to your unit.
Electric Starter (if so equipped)
WARNING: The electric starter is equipped with
a grounded three-wire power cord and plug, and
is designed to operate on 120 volt AC household
current. It must be used with a properly grounded
three-prong receptacle at all times to avoid the
possibility of electric shock. Follow all instructions
carefully prior to operating the electric starter.
WARNING: DO NOT use electric starter in rain.
Figure 6
Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire grounded system.
Ask a licensed electrician if you are unsure. If you have a grounded
three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows. If you do not have the
proper house wiring, DO NOT use the electric starter under any
conditions.
2. Insert ignition key fully into slot. See Figure 5. Make sure it snaps
into place. DO NOT turn ignition key. The engine cannot start
unless the key is inserted into ignition switch.
3. Plug the extension cord into the electric switch box located on
the engine. See Figure 6. (On certain models the electric starter
is located on the right side of the shroud.) Plug the other end of
extension cord into a three-prong 120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a
well-ventilated area.
4. Move throttle control to FAST (rabbit) position.
5. Move choke to the ON position (cold engine start). If engine is
warm, place choke in OFF position.
6. Push primer three to five (3-5) times, making sure to cover vent
hole when pushing. If engine is warm, push primer only once.
Always cover vent hole when pushing. Cool weather may require
priming to be repeated.
7. Push starter button to start engine. Once the engine starts,
immediately release starter button. Electric starter is equipped with
thermal overload protection; system will temporarily shut-down to
allow starter to cool if electric starter becomes overloaded.
8. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to OFF
position. If the engine falters, restart engine and run with choke at
half-choke position for a short period of time, and then slowly rotate
the choke into OFF position.
9. After engine is running, disconnect power cord from electric starter.
When disconnecting, always unplug the end at the wall outlet
before unplugging the opposite end from the engine.
Figure 5
10
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