Sears 270-3250 User Manual

5.5 HP 2 Stage

Snow Thrower

SKU #270-3250

Owner's Manual

DO NOT RETURN TO STORE

Questions? Problems?

Please call our customer help line:

[phone] M-F 84 CT

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING
THIS SNOW THROWER.

Thank you for purchasing a Yardworks ®snow thrower. This manual provides information
regarding the setup, operation, and maintenance of this product. We have made every effort to
ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual. The manufacturer reserves the right to
change this product at any time without prior notice.

Please keep this manual available to all users during the entire life of the snow thrower.

Copyright 2005 Yardworks(R). Do not reprint without written authorization.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES ........................................................................ 3

PACKAGE CONTENTS ....................................................................................... 6

SNOW THROWER COMPONENTS ......................................................................... 7

ENGINE COMPONENTS ...................................................................................... 8

ASSEMBLY ..................................................................................................... 9

Chute Assembly ........................................................................................ 9

Handle Assembly ....................................................................................... 9

Attaching Drive Speed Control Lever ............................................................... 10

Chute Rotation Handle ................................................................................. 11

Drive Control and Auger Control Cable Assembly ................................................ 11

PREPARING THE SNOW THROWER FOR USE ........................................................ 13

Visually Inspect the Snow Thrower ................................................................... 13

Check Tire Inflation .................................................................................... 13

Add/Check Oil.......................................................................................... 13

Add/Check Gasoline ................................................................................... 14

Adjust Skid Shoes ...................................................................................... 15

OPERATION ..................................................................................................... 16

Starting the Snow Thrower ............................................................................ 16

Using the Snow Thrower .............................................................................. 17

STOPPING THE SNOW THROWER ....................................................................... 19

STORAGE/TRANSPORT PROCEDURES ................................................................ 19

MAINTENANCE / CARE ..................................................................................... 20

Cleaning the Snow Thrower ........................................................................... 20

Clearing Auger or hnpeller Jams .................................................................... 21

Checking Tire Pressure ................................................................................ 21

Checking/Adding Oil .................................................................................. 21

Replacing The Oil....................................................................................... 22

Air Filter Maintenance ................................................................................. 23

Spark Plug Maintenance ............................................................................... 24

Emptying the Gas Tank ................................................................................ 24

Adjusting Drive and Auger Cables ................................................................... 25

Replacing Shear Pins ................................................................................... 26

SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................. 27

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................... 27

SNOW THROWER EXPLODED VIEW .................................................................... 29

SNOW THROWER PARTS LIST ............................................................................. 30

ENGINE EXPLODED VIEW ................................................................................. 31

ENGINE PARTS LIST .......................................................................................... 32

WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 33

GENERAL SAFETY PROCEDURES
Pleasefamiliarizeyourselfwith thefollowing safetysymbolsandwords:

The safety alert symbol A is used with one of the safety words (DANGER, CAUTION,
or WARNING) to alert you to hazards. Please pay attention to these hazard notices both

in this manual and on the snow thrower.

DANGER: Indicates a hazard that will result in serious injury or death if instructions are
not followed.

WARNING: Indicates a strong possibility of causing serious injury or death if
instructions are not followed.

CAUTION: Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if
instructions are not followed.

O If you have any questions regarding the hazard and safety notices listed in this

manual or on the product, please call [phone] M-F 8-5CT before using the
snow thrower.

A DANGER: This snow thrower produces poisonous carbon monoxide gas when

running. This gas is both odorless and colorless. Even if you do not see or smell
gas, carbon monoxide may still be present. Breathing this poison can lead to

headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and eventually death.

• Use outdoors ONLY in non-confined areas.

A WARNING: The exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to cause

cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: This snow thrower may emit highly flammable and explosive

gasoline vapors, which can cause severe burns or even death. A nearby open flame
can lead to explosion even if not directly in contact with gas.

• Do not operate near open flame.

• Do not smoke near snow thrower.

• Always turn snow thrower off before refueling. Allow snow thrower to cool for
at least 2 minutes before removing fuel cap. Loosen cap slowly to relieve

pressure in tank.

• Do not overfill gas tank. Gas may expand during operation. Do not fill to the top
of the tank.

• Always check for spilled gas before operating.

• Empty gasoline tank before storing or transporting the snow thrower.

• Before transporting, turn fuel valve to off and disconnect spark plug.

A WARNING: Foreign objects entering the auger or impeller can create clogs,

jams, projectiles, and other dangerous conditions.

• Do not use in the path of wires, doormats, snow toys, or other foreign objects.

• If the snow thrower intakes a foreign object, stop the engine, wait for the auger
and impeller to stop rotating, and inspect the snow thrower for damage.

• Turn off the engine and make sure that all moving parts have stopped before
clearing any clogs or jams.

• If the snow thrower makes any abnormal sounds or vibrations, stop the engine
and inspect the snow thrower.

• Use extreme caution when operating on or near dirt or gravel roads.

A WARNING: The auger and impeller rotate at fast speeds that can cause
damage or even amputation of body parts. Even if you do not see the auger or
impeller rotating, they may start at any time if the engine is running.

• Always turn off the engine before attempting to clear any clogs or jams.

• Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts while the engine is running.

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing that can become entangled in rotating parts.

A WARNING: This snow thrower is intended for use in conditions that are cold,

slippery, and otherwise naturally hazardous. Take precautions when operating
machinery in these conditions.

• Always wear warm clothing and shoes intended for slippery surfaces.

• Always operate in daylight with good visibility.

• Never run with snow thrower and be alert to all surrounding people and traffic.

• Do not operate the snow thrower on steep inclines.

• Disengage the drive mechanism to neutral before starting the engine.

• Always hold on to the handles while operating. Never leave the snow thrower
while the engine is running.

A WARNING: This snow thrower produces heat when running. Temperatures

near exhaust can exceed 150°F (65 ° C).

• Do not touch hot surfaces. Pay attention to warning labels on the snow thrower
denoting hot parts of the machine.

• Even in cold conditions, allow the snow thrower to cool several minutes after use
before touching engine or areas that heat during use.

CAUTION: Misuse of this snow thrower can damage it or shorten its life.

• Use the snow thrower only for its intended purposes.

• After starting the engine, allow it to adjust to outdoor temperatures before
clearing snow.

• Do not attempt to clear snow at too fast a rate, as this may overload the snow
thrower.

• Use only Yardworks :_:approved attachments or replacement parts with this snow
thrower.

• Never make adjustments to the snow thrower while the engine is running.

A WARNING: In addition to the above warnings please note the following

precautions that should be followed when operating this or ANY machine.

• Read all manuals and warning labels before using a machine.

• Never operate a machine with any guard or cover removed.

• Remove all adjusting keys and wrenches before use.

• Do not allow children or uninstructed persons to operate.

• Use the right tool. Do not force the tool or attachment to do a job for which it was
not designed.

• Do not wear loose clothing, neckties, or jewelry that can get caught in moving
parts. Wear a protective hair covering to contain long hair. Do not wear open-

toed shoes.

• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

• Always wear safety glasses when operating.

• Always store machines in a clean dry area free from grease and oil. Never use
petroleum based products or any solvents to clean a tool.

• Allow motor to come up to full speed before operating.

In addition to the above safety notices, please familiarize yourself with the safety and
hazard markings on the snow thrower.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Your snow thrower comes with the items listed below. Please check to see that all of the
following items are included with your snow thrower.

O If you are missing components DO NOT RETURN TO STORE, please call

[phone] M-F 8-5 CT for customer service.

ITEM LIST

Handle

Snow thrower assembly

&

Chute assembly

Drive speed
control handle

Assembly
hardware

Spark plug

wrench

Chute rotation
handle

Replacement
shear bolts

(2 pcs)

Instruction
manual and

registration card

Set of three

wrenches for
assembly

SNOW THROWER COMPONENTS

Please familiarize yourself with the locations and functions of the various components
and controls of the snow thrower.

2

3

4

\

t0

(1) Drive Control- Drives the snow thrower at the
pre-selected speed and direction when depressed.

(2) Handle- Hold the snow thrower here when using.
(3) Auger Control- Rotates the auger when

depressed.
(4) Drive Speed Control- Sets the speed and
direction of the snow thrower.

(5) Chute Rotation Handle- Use to adjust throwing

direction of snow exhausted from the chute.
(6) Wheel Traction Drive Lock- Pin that locks the
wheel into the automatic drive system.

5

\

7 (internal)

(7) Impeller- Spinniug mechanisln that works to propel

snow out the chute.

(8) Auger Shield- A shroud that covers the auger. This
is the intake point for the snow.

(9) Adjustable Skid Shoes- Control the height of the
auger and auger shield from the ground.

(10) Auger- Spinning mechanism that intakes snow into
the snow thrower.

(11) Chute- Exit shaft of shoveled snow.
(12) Engine- Provides power to the snow thrower (see

engine components on next page).

ENGINE COMPONENTS

Please familiarize yourself with the locations and functions of the various components
and controls of the engine portion of the snow thrower.

9

10

(1) Recoil Starter Handle- Pull-cord for starting
engine.

(2) Throttle Lever- Use to control engine speed.
This should be set to the highest speed when using

the snow thrower.
(3) Fuel Valve Lever- Controls flow of fuel into the

engine.
(4) Choke Lever- Adjusts the amount of air let into

the engine.
(5) Spark plug- Provides proper engine ignition.

(6) Exhaust- Outlet for air from engine combustion.
(7) Air cleaner- a removable, cleanable element that

limits the amount of dirt pulled into the engfue.

(8) Fuel Cap- Access to the fuel tank for addfug fuel.
(9) Fuel Tank- Stores gas used to run engine.

(10) On/Off Switch- Used to start/stop engine.
(11) Oil Fill and Dipstick- Location for checking and

filling engine oil.

(12) Oil Drain Plug- Location for draining engine oil.

ASSEMBLY

In order to best protect the snow thrower while in the package, this product comes with
some components disassembled. Please complete the following assembly steps before

proceeding to use the snow thrower. For ease of assembly, we recommend attaching the
components in the order listed in this manual.

If after reading this section, you are unsure about how to perform any of the steps

please call [phone] M-F 8-5 CT for customer service

Chute Assembly

To attach the chute to the snow thrower:

1. Mount the chute to the snow output port on the snow thrower as shown in figure

1.

2. Place one of the brackets underneath the chute with the raised groove of the
bracket facing up (see figure la). Line up the holes in the bracket with the holes at

the base of the chute.

3. Attach the bracket to the chute using two bolts and two nuts as shown in figure

lb..

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining two brackets.

a b

Figure 1- Chute Assembly

Handle Assembly

Attach the handle to the snow thrower body using the two handle brackets and four bolts
as shown in figure 2. Each side of the handle will require one bracket and two bolts. The

upper hole with bracket on each side requires a long bolt. The lower hole requires a short
bolt with washer.

NOTE:Foreasiestassembly,we recommendnotattachingthelower boltof eachhandle
bracketuntil afterassemblingthechuterotationhandle,augeranddrivehandlecables,

anddrivespeedcontrollever.

Figure 2- Handle Assembly

Attaching Drive Speed Control Lever

To attach the drive speed control lever, slide it through the drive speed selection hole in
the handle and attach it at the base of the snow thrower using two bolts and two nuts as

shown in figure 3. Do not worry about the position of the handle in the drive speed
selection hole. It will naturally be correct.

b

Figure 3- Drive Speed Control Lever Attachment

10

Chute Rotation Handle

To attach the chute rotation handle:

1. Remove the handle grip from the handle by removing the screw at the end (see
figure 4).

2. Slide the end of the chute rotation handle, with the grip removed, through the eye
hole on the snow thrower handle as shown in figure 4 a.

3. Slide the other end of the chute rotation handle through the hole near the base of
the chute. Line the spiral of the handle up with the grooves in the base of the
chute (see figure 4b)..

4. Insert the fastener pin through the end of the chute rotation handle near the chute.
Bend the ends of the pin to hold the pin in place.

5. Reattach the grip to the chute rotation handle.

HOLE

HANDLE

_DLE GRIP

b

Figure 4- Chute Rotation Handle Assembly

Drive Control and Auger Control ('able Assembly

The cables that control the drive and auger are already attached to the snow thrower. To
connect them to their respective handles:

1. Attach the cable hooks to the holes on the inner portion of the drive control and
auger control handles as shown in figure 5a. The hook should dangle freely from

the handles.

2. Connect the drive control and auger control cables to the cable hooks using the
attached turnbuckles (see figure 5b). Rotate the turnbuckles to tighten. The
cables should be just barely taut when the drive and auger control handles are in

the raised position.

11