MTD 31AM62EE799 Owner's manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFTSMRN

24" SNOW THROWER

Model No. 247.88955

CAUTION: Before using

this product, read this

manual and follow all

safety rules and operating

instructions.

o SAFETY

ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE

PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORM1/0. 769-03972A

2/6/2009

WarrantyStatement.................... Page2

SafeOperationPractices.............. Pages3-6

SafetyLabels......................... Page7

Assembly......................... Pages8-11

Operation........................ Pages12-15

Service&Maintenance.............. Pages16-23

Off-SeasonStorage................... Page24

Troubleshooting...................... Page25

PartsList......................... Pages26-34

RepairProtectionAgreement............ Page38

Espadol............................. Page39

CRAFTSMANLiMiTED WARRANTY

Two Years on Snow Thrower

Whenoperatedand maintainedaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,ifthissnowthrowerfailsdueto a defectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithin

twoyearsfromthedateorpurchase,returnittoanyauthorizedCraftsmandrop-offlocationforfreerepair.Forthe nearestauthorizedlocation,

call1-800-4MYHOME.

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90 daysfromthedateof purchaseifthissnowthroweriseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.

Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. SearswillNOTpayfor:

• Expendableitemsthatbecomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoskidshoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,air

cleaner,belts,andoil filter.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.

• Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthat bendtheframeor

crankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,or failureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontained

intheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedto becontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeused

within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisusedinthe UnitedStates.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears, Roebuckand Co.,NoffmanEstates,IL 60179

EngineOilType: 5W-30

EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces

FuelCapacity: 2.3Quarts

SparkPlug: TorchF6RTC(F6TC)

SparkPlugGap: .020"to.030"

Model Number.................................................................

Serial Number .................................................................

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

©SearsBrands,LLC

2

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not

followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof

yourselfandothers.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle

componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia

tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm,

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-

tionpracticesinthis manual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,

carelessnessorerroron thepartoftheoperatorcanresultin serious

injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes

andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety

instructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto

personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine,

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

TRAiNiNG

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

Failuretodo socan resultinseriousinjurytotheoperatorand/

orbystanders.Keepthismanualin a safeplaceforfutureand

regularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.Forques-

tionscall,1-800-659-5917.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow

tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis

machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon

themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper

instruction.

• Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour

snow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward

roads,bystandersandthelike.

• Keepbystanders,petsandchildrenat least75feetfromthe

machinewhileitisinoperation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling,especiallywhen

operatinginreverse.

PREPARATION

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.

Removeall doormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,wiresandother

foreignobjects,whichcouldbe trippedoverorthrownbytheauger/

impeller.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldsduringoperationand

whileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.

Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe

eyes.

Donotoperatewithoutwearingadequatewinteroutergarments.

Donotwearjewelry,longscarvesorotherlooseclothing,which

couldbecomeentangledinmovingparts.Wearfootwearwhich

willimprovefootingonslipperysurfaces.

Usea groundedthree-wireextensioncordand receptacleforall

machineswithelectricstartengines.

Disengageall controlleversbeforestartingtheengine.

Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushedrock

surfaces.

Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhileengineis running,

exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedintheoperator'smanual.

Letengineandmachineadjusttooutdoortemperaturebefore

startingtoclearsnow.

3

SafeHandlingof Gasoline

Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare

explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled

onyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand

changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishot

or running.

• Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktono morethan1/2inch

belowbottomoffillerneckto providespaceforfuel

expansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offtheengineandequipment.

Movemachinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbefore

startingtheengine.

• Neverstorethemachineor fuelcontainerinsidewhere

thereisanopenflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,

waterheater,spaceheater,clothesdryeretc.).

• Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailer

bedwitha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe

groundawayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• If possible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck

ortrailerand refueliton theground.If thisisnotpossible,

thenrefuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portable

container,ratherthanfromagasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththe rimofthefueltankor

containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Do

notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.

OPERATION

• Donotputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts,in theauger/impeller

housingor chuteassembly.Contactwiththerotatingpartscan

amputatehandsandfeet.

• Theauger/impellercontrolleverisa safetydevice.Neverbypass

itsoperation.Doingsomakesthemachineunsafeandmaycause

personalinjury.

• Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsand

automaticallyreturntothedisengagedpositionwhenreleased.

• Neveroperatewitha missingor damagedchuteassembly.Keep

all safetydevicesin placeandworking.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

• Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor

drugs.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot

touch.Keepchildrenaway.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingon orcrossinggravel

surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsor traffic.

• Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperatingon

slopes.

• Planyoursnow-throwingpatternto avoiddischargetowards

windows,walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossibleproperty

damageor personalinjurycausedbya ricochet.

• Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersand petsor allow

anyoneinfrontofthemachine.

• Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclearsnowat

toofastof a rate.

• Neveroperatethis machinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.Always

be sureofyourfootingand keepa firmholdon thehandles.Walk,

neverrun.

• Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhentransportingor not

in use.

• Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedson slippery

surfaces.Lookdownand behindand usecarewhenbackingup.

• Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengine,

disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengine.

Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairanydamagebefore

startingandoperating.

• Disengageall controlleversandstopenginebeforeyouleave

theoperatingposition(behindthehandles).Waituntiltheauger/

impellercomestoa completestopbeforeuncloggingthechute

assembly,makinganyadjustments,or inspections.

• Neverputyourhandinthedischargeor collectoropenings.Do

notunclogchuteassemblywhileengineisrunning.Shutoff

engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave

stoppedbeforeunclogging.

• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanufac-

turer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).

• Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then

pull rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpull

handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken

bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.

• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare

andgoodjudgment.ContactCustomerSupportforassistance

andthenameofyournearestservicingdealer.

CLEARING A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

Handcontactwiththe rotatingimpellerinsidethedischargechute

is themostcommoncauseofinjuryassociatedwithsnowthrowers.

Neveruseyourhandtocleanoutthedischargechute.

Toclearthechute:

1. SHUTTHEENGINEOFF!

2. Wait 10secondstobe suretheimpellerbladeshavestopped

rotating.

3. Alwaysusea clean-outtool,notyourhands.

4

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation

regularly.Refertothemaintenanceandadjustmentsectionsof

thismanual.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspectingmachinedisengageall

controlleversandstoptheengine.Waituntiltheauger/impeller

cometoa completestop.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireand

groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.

Checkboltsand screwsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervals

tokeepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually

inspectmachineforanydamage.

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor over-speedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeed

oftheengine.

Snowthrowershaveplatesand skidshoesaresubjecttowear

anddamage.Foryoursafetyprotection,frequentlycheckall

componentsand replacewithoriginalequipmentmanufacturer's

(OEM)partsonly."Useofpartswhichdo notmeettheoriginal

equipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceand

compromisesafety!"

Checkcontrolleversperiodicallytoverifytheyengageanddisen-

gageproperlyandadjust,ifnecessary.Refertotheadjustment

sectioninthisoperator'smanualforinstructions.

Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.

• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsforgas,oil,etc.to

protecttheenvironment.

Priorto storing,runmachinea few minutestoclearsnowfrom

machineand preventfreezeupofauger/impeller.

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkorpilotlightsuchasa waterheater,furnace,

clothesdryeretc.

Alwaysrefertotheoperator'smanualforproperinstructionson

off-seasonstorage.

Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor

leaks.Replaceifnecessary.

Donotcrankenginewithsparkplugremoved.

AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)

andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct

hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 60 hoursof

operation.AttheendoftheAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine

inspectedannuallybyan authorizedservicedealertoensurethat

allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyand not

wornexcessively.Failuretodo socanresultinaccidents,injuries

ordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryor death,do notmodifyengineinanyway.

Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadtoa runawayengineand

causeittooperateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting

ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are

certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude

thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),

OxidizingCatalyst(OC),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay

Catalyst(TWO)if soequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineand

shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,

brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust

systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor

statelaws(ifany)

Ifa sparkattesterisused,itshouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking

orderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis required

bylaw(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarresterforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine

beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

i

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 ISFLAMMABLE

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

1.KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGiMPELLER

ANDAUGER,CONTACTWiTHiMPELLEROR

AUGERCANAMPUTATEHANDSANDFEET.

2. USECLEAN-OUTTOOLTOUNCLOG

DISCHARGECHUTE.

3.DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVERS,STOPENGINE,

AND REMAINBEHINDHANDLESUNTILALL

MOVING PARTSHAVESTOPPEDBEFORE

UNCLOGGING OR SERViCiNGMACHINE.

TO AVOIDTHROWN OBJECTSiNJURiES,

NEVERDIRECTDISCHARGEATBYSTANDERS.

USEEXTRACAUTIONWHEN OPERATINGON

GRAVELSURFACES.

5.BEAD OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

7

NOTE:Referencesto rightorleft sideofthesnowthrowerare

determinedfrombehindtheunitintheoperatingposition(standing

directlybehindthesnowthrower,facingthe handlepanel).

REMOVING FROM CARTON

1. Cutthecornersofthecartonandlaythesidesflaton theground.

Removeanddiscardallpackinginserts.

2. Movethesnowthroweroutofthecarton.

3. Makecertainthecartonhasbeencompletelyemptiedbefore

discardingit.

LOOSE PARTS

Tworeplacementaugershearpinsare includedwiththis manual.Refer

toReplacingShearPinsintheOperationsectionformoreinformation

regardingshearpin replacement.

ASSEMBLY

1. Placetheshiftleverin theForward-6position.

2. Observethe lowerrearareaofthesnowthrowertobesureboth

cablesarealignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthehandle

upward.See Figure1.

Figure1

NOTE:Makecertaintheupperendsofeachcableare seatedproperly

in itsbracket.

.

Securethehandlebytighteningtheplasticwingknoblocatedon

boththeleft andrightsidesofthehandle.SeeFigure2.Remove

anddiscardanyrubberbands,ifpresent.Theyareforpackaging

purposesonly.

f

!

/

Figure2

8

.

5.

Positionthechuteassemblyoverthebase.See Figure3.

Closetheflangekeepersto securethechuteassemblytothe

chutebase.SeeFigure4.Theflangekeeperswillclickintoplace

whenproperlysecure.

NOTE:Iftheflangekeeperswillnoteasilyclickintoplace,usethe

palmofyourhandtoapplyswift,firmpressuretothebackofeach.

.

a.

b.

Removetheflatwasherand hairpinclipfromtheendofthe

chutedirectionalcontrol.

Inserttheendofthechutedirectionalcontrolintothelower

bracketandsecurewiththeflatwasherandhairpinclipjust

removed.See Figure5.If necessary,thelowerbracketcan

beadjusted.Referto ChuteBracketAdjustmentinthe

Service& Maintenancesection.

Figure4

f F

Figure3

\

J

Figure5

9

SET-UP

Chute Clean-Out Tool

Achute clean-out tool isfastenedtothetopoftheaugerhousing

witha mountingclip.SeeFigure6.Thetoolisdesignedtocleara

chuteassemblyoficeandsnow.Thisitemisfastenedwitha cabletie

atthefactory.Cutthecabletiebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.

Neveruseyourhandsto cleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut

offengineand remainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave

stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclearthechuteassembly.

Tire Pressure

Beforeoperating,checktirepressureand reducepressureinbothtires

tobetween15psiand20 psi.

NOTE:If thetirepressureis notequalin bothtires,theunitmaynot

travelin a straightpathandtheshaveplatemaywearunevenly.

ADJUSTMENTS

Skid Shoes

Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryfor

shippingpurposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperat-

ingthesnowthrower.

It isnotrecommendedthatyouoperatethis snowthrowerongravel

asitcaneasilypickup andthrowloosegravel,causingpersonal

njuryordamageto thesnowthrowerand surroundngproperty.

• Forclosesnowremovalona smoothsurface,raiseskidshoes

higherontheaugerhousing.

• Usea middleor lowerpositionwhentheareatobe clearedis

uneven,suchasa graveldriveway

NOTE:If youchoosetooperatethesnowthrowerona gravelsurface,

keeptheskidshoesin positionformaximumclearancebetweenthe

groundandtheshaveplate.

ChuteClean-outTool

Figure6

f

Toadjusttheskidshoes:

1. Loosenthefourhexnuts(twooneachside)andcarriagebolts.

Moveskidshoestodesiredposition. SeeFigure7.

2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceof skidshoeisagainstthe

groundtoavoidunevenwearontheskidshoes.

3. Retightennutsand boltssecurely.

Figure7

10

Chute Assembly

Thedistancesnowisthrowncanbeadjustedbychangingtheangleof

thechuteassembly.Todoso:

1. Stoptheenginebyremovingtheignitionkeyandloosenthe

plasticwingknobfoundontheleft sideofthechuteassembly.

2. Pivotthechuteupwardordownwardbeforeretighteningthewing

knob.See Figure8.

Auger Control

Priorto operatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadandfollowall

instructionsbelow.Performalladjustmentstoverifyyoursnow

throwerisoperatingsafelyandproperly.

Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolasfollows:

1. Whentheaugercontrolis releasedandin thedisengaged"up"

position,thecableshouldhavevery littleslack.ItshouldNOTbe

tight.

2. Ina well-ventilatedarea,startthesnowthrowerengine.Referto

StartingtheEngineintheOperationsection.

3. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthe snow

thrower),engagetheauger.

4. Allowtheaugertoremainengagedforapproximatelyten(10)

secondsbeforereleasingtheaugercontrol.Repeatthisseveral

times.

5. Withtheaugercontrolin thedisengaged"up"position,walktothe

frontofthemachine.

6. Confirmthattheaugerhascompletelystoppedrotatingand

showsNOsignsofmotion.If theaugershowsANYsignsof

rotating,immediatelyreturntotheoperator'spositionandshutoff

theengine.WaitforALLmovingpartstostopbeforeadjustingthe

augercontrol.

7. Toreadjustthecontrolcable,loosentheupperhexboltonthe

augercablebracket.SeeFigure9.

8. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or downward

toincreasecabletension).

9. Retightentheupperhexbolt.

10. Repeatsteps2-6aboveto verifyproperadjustmenthasbeen

achieved.

Figure8

Figure9

11

f

Drive Control

ShiftLever

/

J

Auger Control

Gas Cap

Chute Assembly OilFill

\ \,

\

_ ChuteDirectionalControl

Clean Out

Tool

\

Augers

SkidShoe

Primer

Mumer Recoil Starter

andle

Ignition

Key

Throttle

Control

Choke

Control

:lectric Start

Button

Oil Drain

Electric Starter Outlet

Figure10

Nowthat youhavesetup yoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecome

acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure10.

SHIFT LEVER

1 2345 6

Theshiftleverislocatedonthedashpanel.Placetheshiftleverinto

anyofeightpositionstocontrolthedirectionoftravelandground

speed.

Forward

Yoursnowthrowerhassixforward(F)speeds.Positionone(1)is the

slowestandpositionsix(6) isthefastest.

Reverse

Yoursnowthrowerhastwo reverse(R)speeds.One(1)istheslower

andtwo(2) isthefaster.

IGNITION KEY

Theignitionkeyisa safetydevice.Itmustbe

fullyinsertedinorderfortheenginetostart.

Removetheignitionkeywhenthesnowthrower

isnotinuse.

NOTE:Donotturntheignitionkeyinan attempt

to starttheengine.Doingsomaycauseitto

break.

CHOKE CONTROL

Thechokecontrolisfoundon therearofthe

engineand isactivatedbyturningthe rotary

chokeknobtotheONposition.Activatingthe

chokecontrolclosesthechokeplateonthe

carburetorandaidsinstartingtheengine.

J

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSi).

12

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle controlis located on the rear ofthe engine. It regulates the

speed of the engine and willshut offthe engine when moved intothe

STOP position.

PRIMER I _TY-"-L

Depressingtheprimerforcesfueldirectlyintothe

engine'scarburetortoaid incold-weatherstarting.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

Thishandleisusedto manuallystarttheengine.

ELECTRIC STARTER BUTTON

Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectric

starterwhenpluggedintoa 120Vpowersource.

ELECTRIC STARTER OUTLET

Requirestheuseof athree-prongoutdoorextensioncord(included)

anda 120Vpowersource/walloutlet.

OIL FILL

Engineoil levelcanbecheckedand oiladdedthroughtheoil fill.

GAS CAP

Unthreadthegascaptoaddgasolinetothefueltank.

AUGERS

Whenengaged,theaugersrotateanddrawsnowintotheauger

housing.

CHUTE ASSEMBLY

Snowdrawnintotheaugerhousingisdischargedoutthechute

assembly.

AUGER CONTROL

J AUGER

CONTROL

Theaugercontrolislocatedon thelefthandle.Squeezethecontrol

gripagainstthehandletoengagetheaugersand startsnowthrowing

action.Releasetostop.

DRIVE CONTROL/AUGER CONTROL LOCK

J DRIVE

CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolis locatedon therighthandle.Squeezethecontrol

gripagainstthehandletoengagethewheeldrive.Releasetostop.

Releasebothcontrolsto stoptheaugersandwheeldrive.

NOTE:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.

Failureto dosowillresultinincreasedwearon yourmachine'sdrive

system.

CHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

/_CCHUTE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

ADJUSTABLE

CHUTETILT

DISCHARGE DISCHARGE

LEFT

,....

#

\ J

Thechutedirectionalcontrolislocatedonleft sideofthesnowthrower.

Tochangethedirectioninwhichsnowisthrown,turnchutedirectional

controlasfollows:

* Crankclockwiseto dischargetotheleft.

* Crankcounterclockwisetodischargetothe right.

SKID SHOES

Positiontheskidshoesbasedonsurfaceconditions.Adjustupward

forhard-packedsnow.Adjustdownwardwhenoperatingongravelor

crushedrocksurfaces.

13

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

Neveruseyourhandstocleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut

off engineandremainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave

stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclearthechuteassembly.

Thechuteclean-outtoolisconvenientlyfastenedtotherearofthe

augerhousingwitha mountingclip. Shouldsnowandicebecome

lodgedin thechuteassemblyduringoperation,proceedasfollowsto

safelycleanthechuteassemblyandchuteopening:

1. ReleaseboththeAugerControlandtheDriveControl.

2. Stoptheenginebyremovingtheignitionkey.

3. Removetheclean-outtoolfromtheclipwhichsecuresittothe

rearoftheaugerhousing.

4. Usetheshovel-shapedendof theclean-outtooltodislodgeand

scoopanysnowand icewhichhasformedin andnearthechute

assembly.

5. Refastentheclean-outtooltothemountingclipontherearof

theaugerhousing,reinserttheignitionkeyandstartthesnow

thrower'sengine.

6. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthesnow

thrower),engagetheaugercontrolfora fewsecondstoclearany

remainingsnowandicefromthechuteassembly.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsandwarningson the

machineand inthismanualbeforeoperating.

Oil

Theunitwasshippedwithoil intheengine.Checkoil levelbeforeeach

operationto ensureadequateoilin theengine.Forfurtherinstructions,

refertothestepsonpage16.

NOTE:Besuretochecktheengineon a levelsurfacewiththeengine

stopped.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoil fillerneck,butdo not screwit in.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Ifthelevelislow,slowlyadd

oil (5%30, witha minimumclassificationof SF/SG)untiloil level

registersbetweenhigh(H) andlow(L).

NOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil mayresultinenginesmoking,

hardstartingor sparkplugfouling.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Gasoline

Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedor lowleadedtominimizecombus-

tionchamberdeposits)witha minimumof87octane.Gasolinewith

upto 10%ethanolor 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbe

used.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixtureor dirtygasoline.Avoidgetting

dirt,dust,or waterin thefueltank.DONOTuseE85gasoline.

• Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Donot

smokeorallowflamesor sparksin theareawheretheengineis

refueledor wheregasolineisstored.

• Donotoverfillthefueltank.After refueling,makesurethetank

capisclosedproperlyandsecurely.

• Becarefulnotto spillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapor

mayignite.Ifanyfuelis spilled,makesuretheareaisdrybefore

startingtheengine.

• Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinor breathingof

)or.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableandthevaporsare explosive.Neverfuelthemachine

indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

1. Cleanaroundfuelfillbeforeremovingcaptofuel.

2. A fuellevelindicatorislocatedin thefueltank.Filltankuntilfuel

reachesthefuellevelindictor.SeeFigure10inset.Becarefulnot

tooverfill.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Alwayskeephandsandfeetclearof movingparts.Donotusea

pressurizedstartingfluid.Vaporsare flammable.

NOTE:Allowtheenginetowarmupfora fewminutesafterstarting.

Theenginewillnotdevelopfullpoweruntilit reachesoperating

temperatures.

1. Makecertainboththeaugercontrolanddrivecontrolarein the

disengaged(released)position.

2. Insertignitionkeyintoslot.Makesureitsnapsintoplace.Donot

attempttoturnthekey.

NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthekeyisfully insertedintothe

ignitionswitch.

Electric Starter

Theoptionalelectricstarterisequippedwitha groundedthree-wire

powercordand plug,andisdesignedtooperateon 120voltAC

householdcurrent.Itmustbe usedwitha properlygroundedthree-

prongreceptacleatall timestoavoidthepossibilityofelectricshock.

Followall instructionscarefullypriortooperatingtheelectricstarter.

DONOTuseelectricstarterinthe rain.

Determinethatyourhome'swiringisa three-wiregroundedsystem.

Aska licensedelectricianifyouarenotcertain.

Ifyouhavea groundedthree-prongreceptacle,proceedasfollows.

Ifyoudonothavetheproperhousewiring,DONOTusetheelectric

starterunderanyconditions.

1. Plugtheextensioncordintotheoutletlocatedon theengine's

surface.Plugtheotherendof extensioncordintoa three-prong

120-volt,grounded,ACoutletina well-ventilatedarea.

14

2. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_ position.

3. MovechoketotheONposition I,"1(c denginestart).If

engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

4. Pushprimerthreetofive(3-5)times,makingsureto covervent

holewhenpushing.Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.

Alwayscoverventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermayrequire

primingto berepeated.

5. Pushstarterbuttontostartengine.Oncetheenginestarts,im-

mediatelyreleasestarterbutton.Electricstarterisequippedwith

thermaloverloadprotection;systemwilltemporarilyshut-downto

allowstartertocoolifelectricstarterbecomesoverloaded.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE

1. Withthethrottlecontrolinthe Fast(rabbit)'_ position,move

shiftleverintooneof thesix forward(F)positionsortwo reverse

(R)positions.Selecta speedappropriateforthesnowconditions

anda paceyou'recomfortablewith.

NOTE:Whenselectinga DriveSpeed,usetheslowerspeedsuntil

youarecomfortableandfamiliarwiththeoperationofthesnow

thrower.

2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthesnow

throwerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.

6. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUN

position.If theenginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke

athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly

rotatethechokeintoRUNposition.

7. Afterengineisrunning,disconnectpowercordfromelectric

starter.Whendisconnecting,alwaysunplugtheendatthewall

outletbeforeunpluggingtheoppositeendfromtheengine.

RecoiJ Starter

NOTE:NEVERrepositiontheshiftlever(changespeedsordirection

oftravel)withoutfirstreleasingthedrivecontrolandbringingthesnow

throwertoa completestop.Doingsowill resultin prematurewearto

thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.

TO ENGAGE AUGERS

1. Toengagetheaugersandstartthrowingsnow,squeezethe

augercontrolagainstthelefthandle.Releasetostoptheaugers.

Donotpullthestarterhandlewhiletheenginerunning.

1. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_ position.

2. MovechoketotheONposition I,,_q(coldenginestart).If

engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

3. Pushprimerthreetofive(3-5)times,makingsureto covervent

holewhenpushing.Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.

Alwayscoverventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermayrequire

primingto berepeated.

4. Pullgentlyonthe starterhandleuntilitbeginstoresist,then

pullquicklyandforcefullytoovercomethecompression.Do

notreleasethehandleandallowitto snapback.Returnrope

SLOWLYtooriginalposition.If required,repeatthisstep.

5. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUN

position.If theenginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke

athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly

rotatethechokeintoRUNposition.

Toavoidunsupervisedengineoperation,neverleavethemachine

unattendedwiththeenginerunning.Turntheengineoffafteruseand

removeignitionkey.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Afteryouhavefinishedsnow-throwing,runenginefora few minutes

beforestoppingtohelpdryoffanymoistureontheengine.

1. MovethrottlecontroltoSTOP_ position.

2. Removetheignitionkey.Removingthekeywill reducethepos-

sibilityofunauthorizedstartingof theenginewhileequipmentis

notinuse.Keepthekeyin a safeplace.Theenginecannotstart

withouttheignitionkey.

3. Wipeanymoistureawayfromthecontrolson theengine.

REPLACING SHEAR PINS

Theaugersare securedtothespiralshaftwithfourshearpinsand

bow-tieclips.Iftheaugershouldstrikea foreignobjector icejam,the

snowthrowerisdesignedsothatthe shearpinsmayshear.If augers

willnotturn,checkto seeif thepinshavesheared.SeeFigure11.

NEVERreplacetheaugershearpinswithanythingotherthanSears

SKU#88389/0EMPartNo.738-04124Areplacementshearpins.

Anydamagetotheaugergearboxor othercomponentsasa resultof

[fa ngto dosow NOTbecoveredbyyoursnowthrowerswarranty.

Alwaysturnoff thesnowthrower'sengineandremovethekeypriorto

replacingshearpins.

15

s ¸......

iJ

Figure11

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall

controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo

acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe

enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring

operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.

EachUseandevery5

hours

1st5 hours

Annuallyor 25 hours

Annuallyor 50 hours

Annuallyor 100hours

BeforeStorage

1. Engineoil level

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. Unitandengine.

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

2. Controllinkagesandpivots

3. Wheels

4. GearshaftandAugershaft

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

1. Fuelsystem

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes

serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof

completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService

Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

1. Check

2. Tightenor replace

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Check

2. Lubewithlightoil

3. Lubewithmultipurposeautogrease

4. Lubewithlightoil

1. Change

1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlack

offuel

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,disengageall controls

Iandstopengine.Waituntilall movingpartshavecometo a complete

_stop.

Checking Engine Oil

NOTE: Checktheoil levelbeforeeachuseto besurecorrectoil level

ismaintained.

Whenaddingoiltotheengine,referto viscositychart below.Engine

oilcapacityis 600ml(approx.20 oz.).Donotover-fill.Usea 4-stroke,

oran equivalenthighdetergent,premiumqualitymotoroilcertified

tomeetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor

serviceclassificationSG,SRMotoroilsclassifiedSG,SFwillshow

thisdesignationonthecontainer.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoil fillerneck,butdo not screwitin.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Iflevelislow,slowlyadd oiluntil

oil levelregistersbetweenhigh(H)andlow(L).SeeFigure12.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Changing Engine Oil

NOTE:Changetheengineoilafterthefirst5 hoursof operationand

oncea seasonorevery50 hoursthereafter.

1. Drainfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilthefueltankisempty.

Besurefuelfillcapissecure.

2. Placesuitableoilcollectioncontainerunderoildrainplug.

Figure12

J

3. Removeoil drainplug.SeeFigure13on nextpage.

4. Tipenginetodrainoil intothecontainer.Usedoil mustbe

disposedofata propercollectioncenter.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.

IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

lties or SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

16

.

6.

Reinstallthedrainplugandtightenit securely.

Refillwiththerecommendedoil andchecktheoil level.See

RecommendedOil Usagechart.Theengine'soilcapacityis20

ounces.

(%-400 -200 0o 200 400

("c) -300 -200 -10° 0°

DONOTusenondetergentoilor 2-strokeengineoil.itcouldshorten

theengine'sservicelife.

7. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipsticksecurely.

Oil Drain

Plug

Figure13

afterhandling usedoil.

Checking Spark Plug

DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DONOTcrank

enginewithsparkplugremoved.

Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,themufflerwillbevery hot.Becareful

nottotouchthemuffler.

NOTE: Checkthesparkplugoncea seasonorevery25hoursof

operation.Changethesparkplugoncea seasonor every100hours.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbe properly

gappedandfreeofdeposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto

removetheplug.See Figure14.

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugifthereis

apparentwear,orifthe insulatoriscrackedor chipped.Cleanthe

sparkplugwitha wirebrushifitisto be reused.

3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctas necessary

bybendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure15.Thegapshouldbeset

to.02-.03inches(0.60-0.80ram).

4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasherisingoodconditionandthread

thesparkplugin byhandtopreventcross-threading.

5. Afterthesparkplugisseated,tightenwitha sparkplugwrenchto

compressthewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2-turnafterthe

sparkplugseatstocompressthewasher.Whenreinstallinga used

sparkplug,tighten1/8-to 1/4-turnafterthesparkplugseatsto

compressthewasher.

17

Spark Plug

0

J

Figure14

Electrode

Figure15

become hotandcan inc.

LUBRICATION

Gear Shaft

Thegear(hex)shaftshouldbe lubricatedatleastoncea seasonor

afterevery25 hoursofoperation.

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtank byrunningengine

untilitstops.

2. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson

theaugerhousing.

3. Removethe lowerframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnow

throwerbyremovingthefourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

4. Applya lightcoatingofengineoil (or3-in-1oil) tothehexshaft.

SeeFigure16.

NOTE:Whenlubricatingthehexshaft,be carefulnottogetanyoilon

thealuminumdriveplateor rubberfrictionwheel.Doingsowillhinder

thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.Wipeoff anyexcessor spilledoil.

Wheels

Atleastoncea season,removebothwheels.Cleanandcoattheaxles

witha multipurposeautomotivegreasebeforereinstallingwheels.

Chute Directional Control

Oncea season,lubricatetheeyeboltbushingand thespiralwith3-in-1

oil.

Auger Shaft

Atleastoncea season,removetheshearpinson augershaft.Spray

lubricantinsideshaft,andaroundthespacersandflangebearings

foundateitherendoftheshaft.SeeFigure17.

f

Figure16

SHAVE PLATE AND SKID SHOES

Theshaveplateand skidshoesonthebottomofthesnowthrowerare

subjecttowear.Theyshouldbecheckedperiodicallyandreplaced

whennecessary.

Toremoveskidshoes:

1. Removethefourcarriagebolts,washers,andhexflangenuts

whichsecurethemtothesnowthrower.

2. Reassemblenewskidshoeswiththefourcarriagebolts(twoon

eachside),washers,andhexflangenuts.RefertoFigure18.

Toremoveshaveplate:

1. Removethecarriageboltsand hexnutswhichattachit tothe

snowthrowerhousing.

2. Reassemblenewshaveplate,makingsureheadsofcarriage

boltsaretotheinsideof housing.Tightensecurely.SeeFigure18.

Figure17

NOTE:Augers not shown for clarity.

Figure18

/

18

ADJUSTMENTS

Shift Cable

If thefull rangeofspeeds(forwardandreverse)cannotbe achieved,

refertothefiguretotherightandadjusttheshiftcableasfollows:

1. Placetheshiftleverin thefastest forwardspeedposition(F6).

2. Loosenthehex nuton theshiftcableindexbracket.SeeFigure

19.

3. Pivotthebracketdownwardtotakeupslackinthecable.

4. Retightenthehexnut.

Drive Control

Whenthedrivecontrolisreleasedandin thedisengaged"up"position,

thecableshouldhaveverylittle slack.It shouldNOTbetight.Also,

ifthereisexcessiveslackin thedrivecableor iftheunitexperiences

intermittentdrivewhileusing,thecablemayneedtobeadjusted.

Checktheadjustmentofthedrivecontrolasfollows:

1. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,pushthesnowthrowergently

forward.Theunitshouldrollfreely.

2. Engagethedrivecontrolandgentlyattempttopushthesnow

throwerforward.Thewheelsshouldnotturn.Theunitshouldnot

rollfreely.

3. Withthedrivecontrolreleased,movetheshiftleverbackand

forthbetweenthe R2positionandtheF6positionseveraltimes.

Thereshouldbeno resistancein theshiftlever.

4. If anyoftheabovetestsfailed,thedrivecableisin needofadjust-

ment.Proceedasfollows:

5. Loosenthelowerhexboltonthedrivecablebracket.SeeFigure

20.

6. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or downward

toincreasecabletension).

7. Retightenthelowerhexbolt.

Chute Bracket

If thespiralatthe bottomofthechutedirectionalcontrolisnotfully

engagingwiththechuteassembly,thechutebracketcanbeadjusted.

Todo so:

1. Loosenthetwonutswhichsecurethechutebracketandreposi-

tionitslightly.See Figure21.

2. Retightenthenuts.

Figure19

f

Figure20

f

19

Figure21

Auger Control f "_

RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheauger

controlcable.

Skid Shoes

RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingtheskid

shoes.

BELT REPLACEMENT

Auger Belt

Toremoveandreplaceyoursnowthrower'saugerbelt,proceedas

follows:

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtank byrunningengine

untilitstops.

2. Removethe plasticbeltcoveronthefrontoftheenginebyremov-

ingthetwoself-tappingscrews.SeeFigure22.

3. Rolltheaugerbeltoff theenginepulley.See Figure23.

4. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson

theaugerhousing.

5. Removetheframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnowthrower

byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.SeeFigure

24.

f

Figure22

J

f

Figure 23

//

2O

Figure24

J

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