MTD 31AS53TF799 Owner's manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFr MRN

26" SNOW THROWER

Model No. 247.886914

CAUTION" Before using this

product, read this manual and

follow all safety rules and operating

instructions.

,, SAFETY

o ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE

PARTS LIST

o ESPANOL

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

Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo. 769-051341

(June21,2013)

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

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

Assembly.................................... Pages8-13

Operation.................................. Pages14-17

Service&Maintenance....................... Pages18-23

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

Troubleshooting............................ Page26-27

PartsList................................... Pages28-47

RepairProtectionAgreement................... Page50

Espa_ol......................................... Page51

CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwillreceivefree

repairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.

ADDITIONALLIFETIMELIMITEDWARRANTYonUPPERand LOWERCHUTE

FORASLONGASITISUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthesecondyearfromthedateofpurchase,theupperandlowerchuteofthissnowthrowerare

warrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanshipasverifiedbyaSearsauthorizedserviceprovider.Withproofofpurchase,youwill receiveanew

chutefreeofcharge.Youareresponsibleforthelaborcostofinstallationandanycostincurredtoverifythedefect.

Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainrepairorreplacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsinmaterialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoaugers,augerpaddles,drift cutters,skid

shoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,aircleaner,belts,andoilfilter.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,ortune-ups.

• Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.

• Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyover-speedingtheengine,orfromimpactingobjectsthat

bendtheframe,augershaft,etc.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproperstorage,failureto

usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.

• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeusedwithin30days

ofitspurchasedate.

• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,NoffmanEstates,IL60179

Engine Oil: 5W-30

Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline

Engine: MTD

Model Number

Serial Number

Date of Purchase

Record the model number, serial number,

and date of purchase above.

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,ifnot

followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/orproperty of

yourselfandothers.Readandfollow all instructionsinthismanual

beforeattempting to operatethis machine.Failureto complywith these

instructionsmayresultinpersonalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,HEED

ITSWARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someofits constituents,and certainvehiclecomponents

containor emit chemicalsknowntoStateof Californiatocausecancerand

birth defectsorother reproductiveharm.

Thismachinewasbuilt tobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeoperation

practicesinthismanual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,

carelessnessorerroronthe part ofthe operatorcanresultinseriousinjury.

Thismachineiscapableof amputatingfingers, hands,toesandfeet and

throwingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowing safety instructionscould

resultinseriousinjuryor death.

Your Responsibility--Restrict theuseofthis powermachineto

personswhoread,understandandfollow thewarningsandinstructionsin

thismanualandonthe machine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

TRAINING

Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthemachineandinthe

manual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.Failuretodosocan

resultinseriousinjurytotheoperatorand/orbystanders.Keepthismanual

inasafeplaceforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacement

parts.

Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowtostop

themachineanddisengagethemquickly.

Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis machine.Children

14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation

practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandbetrainedandsupervised

byanadult.

Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithout properinstruction.

Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyoursnow-throwing

patterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,bystandersandthelike.

Keepbystanders,petsandchildrenatleast75feetfromthemachinewhileit

isin operation.Stopmachineif anyoneentersthearea.

Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling,especiallywhenoperatingin

reverse.

PREPARATION

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Removeall

doormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,wiresandotherforeignobjects,which

couldbetrippedoverorthrownbytheauger/impeller.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldsduringoperationandwhile

performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjects

whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.

Donotoperatewithout wearingadequatewinteroutergarments.Donot

wearjewelry,longscarvesorotherlooseclothing,whichcouldbecome

entangledinmovingparts.Wearfootwearwhichwill improvefootingon

slipperysurfaces.

Usea groundedthree-wireextensioncordandreceptacleforallmachines

with electricstartengines.

Disengageallcontrolleversbeforestartingtheengine.

Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushedrocksurfaces.

Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhileengineisrunning,except

wherespecificallyrecommendedintheoperator'smanual.

Letengineandmachineadjusttooutdoortemperaturebeforestartingto

clearsnow.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecareinhandling

gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.

Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyour

clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

Neverfillcontainersinsideavehicleorona truckortrailerbedwitha plastic

liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore

filling.

Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor

trailerandrefuelit ontheground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch

equipmentonatrailerwith aportablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline

dispensernozzle.

Keepthenozzleincontactwith therimofthefueltankorcontaineropening

atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.

Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesofignition.

Neverfuelmachineindoors.

Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotorrunning.Allow

enginetocoolatleasttwominutesbeforerefueling.

Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof

fillernecktoallowspacefor fuelexpansion.

Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Moveunitto

anotherarea.Wait.5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris

build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisanopen

flame,sparkorpilotlightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes

dryerorothergasappliances.

OPERATION

Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts,intheauger/impellerhousing

orchuteassembly.Contactwith therotatingpartscanamputatehandsand

feet.

Theauger/impellercontrolleverisasafetydevice.Neverbypassits

operation.Doingsomakesthemachineunsafeandmaycausepersonal

injury.

Thecontrolleversmustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothedisengagedpositionwhenreleased.

Neveroperatewith amissingordamagedchuteassembly.Keepallsafety

devicesinplaceandworking.

Neverrunanengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust

containscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.

Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch.Keep

childrenaway.

Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossinggravelsurfaces.Stay

alertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.

Exercisecautionwhenchangingdirectionandwhileoperatingonslopes.Do

notoperateonsteepslopes.

Planyoursnow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischargetowardswindows,

walls,carsetc.Thus,avoidingpossiblepropertydamageorpersonalinjury

causedbyaricochet.

Neverdirectdischargeatchildren,bystandersandpetsor allowanyonein

frontofthemachine.

Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtoclearsnowattoofastof

arate.

Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityorlight.Alwaysbesureof

yourfootingandkeepafirm holdonthehandles.Walk,neverrun.

Disengagepowertotheauger/impellerwhentransportingornotin use.

Neveroperatemachineathightransportspeedsonslipperysurfaces.Look

downandbehindandusecarewhenbackingup.

Ifthemachineshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengine,

disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengine.Inspect

thoroughlyfordamage.Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.

Disengageallcontrolleversandstopenginebeforeyouleavetheoperating

position(behindthehandles).Waituntiltheauger/impellercomesto

acompletestopbeforeuncloggingthechuteassembly,makingany

adjustments,orinspections.

Neverputyourhandinthedischargeorcollectoropenings.Donotunclog

chuteassemblywhileengineisrunning.Shutoff engineandremainbehind

handlesuntilallmovingpartshavestoppedbeforeunclogging.

Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanufacturer(e.g.

wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).

Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,thenpull

rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)will pullhandandarm

towardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Brokenbones,fractures,bruisesor

sprainscouldresult.

Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareandgood

judgment.

CLEARING A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

Handcontactwith therotatingimpellerinsidethedischargechuteisthemost

commoncauseofinjuryassociatedwith snowthrowers.Neveruseyourhandto

cleanoutthedischargechute.

Toclearthechute:

a. SHUTTHEENGINEOFF!

b. Wait10secondsto besuretheimpellerbladeshavestopped

rotating.

c. Alwaysuseaclean-outtool,notyourhands.

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproperoperationregularly.

Refertothemaintenanceandadjustmentsectionsofthismanual.

Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspectingmachinedisengageallcontrol

leversandstoptheengine.Waituntiltheauger/impellercometoacomplete

stop.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainsttheengineto

preventunintendedstarting.

Checkboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervalsto keepthe

machineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachineforany

damage.

Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingorover-speedtheengine.The

governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

Snowthrowershaveplatesandskidshoesaresubjecttowearanddamage.

Foryoursafetyprotection,frequentlycheckallcomponentsandreplace

with originalequipmentmanufacturer's(OEM)partsonlyaslistedinthe

Partspagesofthisoperator'smanual.Useofpartswhichdonot meetthe

originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadtoimproperperformanceand

compromisesafety!

Checkcontrolleversperiodicallytoverifytheyengageanddisengage

properlyandadjust,ifnecessary.Refertotheadjustmentsectioninthis

operator'smanualfor instructions.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.

Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.toprotectthe

environment.

Priortostoring,runmachineafewminutestoclearsnowfrommachineand

preventfreezeupofauger/impeller.

Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisanopen

flame,sparkorpilotlightsuchasawaterheater,furnace,clothesdryeretc.

Alwaysrefertotheoperator'smanualforproperinstructionsonoff-season

storage.

4

Checkfuelline,tank,cap,andfittingsfrequentlyforcracksor leaks.Replace

if necessary.

Donotcrankenginewith sparkplugremoved.

AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andthe

U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverage

Useful Lifeofseven(7)years,or60hoursofoperation.Attheendof

theAverage Useful Lifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybyan

authorizedservicedealertoensurethat allmechanicalandsafetysystems

areworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin

accidents,injuriesordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donotmodifyengineinanyway. Tampering

with the governorsetting canleadto arunawayengineandcauseit to

operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysetting ofengine

governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMiSSiONS

Engineswhich arecertifiedto complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA

emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOffRoadEquipment)arecertified

tooperateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayincludethefollowing

emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification (EM),OxidizingCatalyst(0C),

SecondaryAirinjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

e

Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould

not beusedonornearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brushcoveredor

grass-coveredland unlessthe engine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a

sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalorstate laws(ifany).

Ira sparkarrestorisused,it shouldbemaintainedin effectiveworking order

bythe operator.IntheStateofCaliforniathe aboveisrequiredbylaw (Section

4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstates mayhavesimilar

laws.Federallawsapplyonfederal lands.

Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethroughyournearestSearsParts

andRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispage 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.

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

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and

muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING: Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow

the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAVETHESEiNSTRUCTIONS!

6

This pageleft intentionallyblank.

7

NOTE:Referencestorightor leftsideofthesnowthroweraredeterminedfrom

behindtheunitin theoperatingposition(standingdirectlybehindthesnow

thrower,facingthehandlepanel).

Removing FromCarton

1. Cutthecornersofthecartonandlaythesidesflatontheground.Remove

anddiscardallpackinginserts.

2. Movethesnowthroweroutofthecarton.

3. Makecertainthecartonhasbeencompletelyemptiedbeforediscardingit.

Assembly

Observethelowerrearareaofthesnowthrowertobesurebothcablesare

alignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthehandleupward.

a. Placetheshift [everintheF6position.

b. Pullupandbackonupperhandleasshownin Figure1.Asyouare

raisingthehandleupward,makesurethatbothendsofthecenter

cablearepositionedproperlyinthe brackets.Alignupperhandle

withthe lowerhandle.

c. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandletolowerhandle.Remove

anddiscardanyrubberbands,if present.Theyarefor packaging

purposesonly.

Removecotterpin,wingnut,andhexscrewfromchutecontrolheadand

clevispinandbow-tiecotterpinfromchutesupportbracket.SeeFigure2.

Insertchutecontrolrodintoinputofchutecontrolhead.Pushrodasfarinto

thechutecontrolheadaspossible,keepingtheholesin therodpointing

upward.SeeFigure3.

f

ChuteSupport

Bracket

Chute

f

Figure2

.J

/ .....

j

Rgure3

Figure1

J

8

4. Placechuteontochutebaseandensurechutecontrolrodispositionedunder

handlepanel.Installhexboltpreviouslyremovedbutdonotsecurewith

wingnutatthistime.SeeFigure4.

5. Squeezethetriggeronthehandlepaneljoystickandrotatethechuteby

handtofaceforward.Theholesinthechutecontrolinputwill befacingup.

SeeFigure5.

NOTE:Thechutewill not rotatewithoutsqueezingthetriggeronthejoystick.

6. Rotatethejoysticktotheoneo'clockpositionsothesliverindicatorarrowon

theinputshaftbelowthecontrolpanelpointsupward.SeeFigure6.

NOTE:Thejoystickwill beangledslightlytotheright.SeeFigure5&Figure6.

f

TopView

f

//f "_

Figure5

FrontView

Joystick

_J

\

Figure6

9

7. Makesureallcablesareroutedtotheleftofthechutecontrolrod.Lineup

theholeintherodwith thearrowontheinputshaftandinserttherodinto

theinputshaftbelowjoystickonhandlepanel.SeeFigure7.

NOTE:Thechutecontrolrodwill fit snugglyintotheinputshaft.Supportthe

rearofthedashpanelwith onehandwhileinsertingtherodwith yourother

handtoensurethe rodisinsertedallthewayintotheinputshaft.

8. Nowpushthechutecontrolrodbacktowardsthehandlepaneluntilthe

holeintherodlinesupwith theholeinthechutecontrolinputclosesttothe

chutecontrolhead.Insertthecotterpin.SeeFigure8.

NOTE:Thesecondholeisusedtoachievefurtherengagementofthe

chutecontrolrodintotheinputshaftifrequiredandcanbeusedlater

foradjustmentifthechutedoesnotfully rotate.RefertotheService&

MaintenancesectionforChuteControlRodadjustments.

9. Finishsecuringchutecontrolheadtochutesupportbracketwith wingnut,

andclevispinandbow-tiecotterpinremovedearlier.Donotovertighten.

SeeFigure9.

f

Figure7

f

/ /

Figure8

f

\

Figure9

10

Checkthatallcablesareproperlyroutedthroughthecableguideonthe

engine.SeeFigure10.

NOTE:Ifthechutecontrolisnotassembledcorrectlyitwill notmovefreely

norwill it movefully totherightandleft.

Set-Up

ShearPins

Holesarelocatedintheplasticdashpanelforconvenientshearpinstorage.See

Figure11.RefertotheOperationsectionfor moreinformationregardingshearpin

replacement.

I

Figure10

J

f

Figure11

J

11

ChuteClean-OutTool f _

Achuteclean-outtoolisfastenedtothetopoftheaugerhousingwithamounting

clip.SeeFigure12.Thetoolisdesignedtoclearachuteassemblyoficeand

snow.Thisitemisfastenedwithacabletie atthefactory.Cutthecabletie before

operatingthesnowthrower.

Neveruseyourhandstoclearacloggedchuteassembly.Shutoff engine

andremainbehindhandlesuntil all movingpartshavestoppedbefore

usingthe clean-outtool to clearthe chuteassembly.

TirePressure

Underanycircumstancedo notexceedmanufacturer'srecommendedpsi.

Equaltire pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes. Excessivepressure

when seatingbeadsmaycausetireldm assemblyto burstwith force

sufficient tocauseseriousinjury. Refertosidewalloftire forrecommended

pressure.

Thetiresareover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Checkthetire pressurebefore

operatingthesnowthrower.Refertothetiresidewallfor tiremanufacturer's

recommendedpsianddeflate(orinflate)thetiresasnecessary.

NOTE:Equaltire pressureisto bemaintainedatalltimesforperformancepurposes.

Adjustments

SkidShoes

Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryforshipping

purposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperatingthesnowthrower.

Itisnotrecommendedthat youoperatethis snowthroweron gravelas

itcaneasilypickupandthrow loosegravel,causingpersonalinjuryor

damageto thesnowthrower andsurroundingproperty.

Forclosesnowremovalonasmoothsurface,raiseskidshoeshigheronthe

augerhousing.Referto Figure13.

Useamiddleorlowerpositionwhentheareatobeclearedisuneven,suchas

agraveldriveway.

NOTE:Ifyouchoosetooperatethesnowthroweronagravelsurface,keep

theskidshoesinpositionformaximumclearancebetweenthegroundand

theshaveplate.

Toadjusttheskidshoes:

1. Loosenthefourhexnuts(twooneachside)andcarriagebolts.Moveskid

shoestodesiredposition.SeeFigure13.

2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceofskidshoeisagainstthegroundto

avoidunevenwearontheskidshoes.

ChuteClean-outTool

///

f

Figure12

.J

SmoothSurface

UnevenSurface

\

Figure13

3. Retightennutsandboltssecurely.

12

AugerControl F

Priortooperatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadandfollowall

instructionsbelow.Performalladjustmentstoverifyyoursnowthroweris

operatingsafelyandproperly.

Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolasfollows:

1. Theaugercontrolislocatedonthelefthandle.SeeFigure14inset.When

theaugercontrolisreleasedandinthedisengaged"up"position,thecable

shouldhaveverylittle slack.ItshouldNOTbetight.

2. Inawell-ventilatedarea,startthesnowthrowerengine.Referto Starting

theEngineintheOperationsection.

3. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthesnowthrower),engage

theauger.

4. Allowtheaugerto remainengagedforapproximatelyten(10)seconds

beforereleasingtheaugercontrol.Repeatthisseveraltimes.

5. Withtheaugercontrolinthedisengaged"up"position,walkto thefrontof

themachine.

6.

Toreadjustthecontrolcable,loosenthe upperhexboltontheaugercable

bracket.SeeFigure14.

Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(ordownwardtoincrease

cabletension).

8. Retightentheupperhexbolt.

9. Repeatsteps2-6abovetoverifyproperadjustmenthasbeenachieved.

10. ConfirmthattheaugerhascompletelystoppedrotatingandshowsNOsigns

ofmotion.IftheaugershowsANYsignsofrotating,immediatelyreturnto

theoperator'spositionandshutofftheengine.WaitforALLmovingpartsto

stopbeforeadjustingtheaugercontrol.

J

/

f

AugerControl

Figure14

J

13

Drive Control

Shift Lever

J

Four=WayChute ControP (Joystick)

J

Auger Control

Gas Cap

\

Wheel Steering Control

Chute Assembly

Clean Out

Tool

Primer

Key

Throttle

Control

MUfti\er i_e;:_lleStarte_

IF ELLEVEL'

Choke

Control

Electric Start

/ Button

Oil Drain Electric Starter Outlet

Figure15

Nowthatyouhavesetupyoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecomeacquainted

with itscontrolsandfeatures.Referto Figure15.

Shift [ever

Theshiftleverislocatedontherightsideofthehandlepanel.Placetheshift

leverintoanyofeightpositionstocontrolthedirectionoftravelandground

speed.Forward

Yoursnowthrowerhassixforward(F)speeds.Positionone(1)isthe slowest

andpositionsix(6)isthefastest.

Reverse

Yoursnowthrowerhastworeverse(R)speeds.One(1)istheslowerandtwo(2)R1

isthefaster. R2

,ey6 Thekeyisasafetydevice.Itmustbefullyinsertedin Ii

5 orderfor theenginetostart.Removethekeywhenthe

snowthrowerisnotinuse. (_ O

4 NOTE:Donotturntheignitionkeyinanattempttostart

:3 theengine.Doingsomaycauseittobreak.

t 2 ChokeControl

activated byturning the rotarychoke knobto the CHOKE

position.Activatingthe choke controlclosesthe choke

plateon the carburetorand aids instarting the engine.

RecoUStarterHandle

Thishandleisusedtomanuallystarttheengine.

MeetsANSiSafetyStandards

CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

14

Throttlecontrol

Thethrottlecontrolislocatedontherearoftheengine.Itregulatesthespeedofthe

engineandwill shutoffthe enginewhenmovedintotheSTOPposition.

Primer

Depressingtheprimerforcesfueldirectlyintothe

engine'scarburetortoaidincold-weatherstarting.

ElectricStarter Button

Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectricstarterwhen

pluggedintoa120Vpowersource.

ElectricStarter Outlet

Requirestheuseofathree-prongoutdoorextensioncordanda120Vpowersource/

walloutlet.

OilFill

Engineoillevelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill.

GasCap

Unthreadthegascaptoaddgasolinetothefueltank.

Auger

Whenengaged,theaugerbladesrotateanddrawsnowintotheaugerhousing.

ChuteAssembly

Snowdrawnintotheaugerhousingisdischargedoutthechuteassembly.

SkidShoes

Positiontheskidshoesbasedonsurfaceconditions.Adjustupwardforhard-packed

snow.Adjustdownwardwhenoperatingongravelorcrushedrocksurfaces.

AugerControl

f

Theaugercontrolislocatedonthelefthandle.Squeezethecontrolgripagainstthe

handletoengagetheaugerandstartsnowthrowingaction.Releasetostop.

DriveControl/Auger Control Lock

/ DRIVE

CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolislocatedontherighthandle.Squeezethecontrolgripagainstthe

handletoengagethewheeldrive.Releasetostop.

Thedrivecontrolalsolockstheaugercontrolsoyoucanoperatethechute

directionalcontrolwithoutinterruptingthesnowthrowingprocess.Iftheauger

controlisengagedsimultaneouslywiththedrivecontrol,theoperatorcanrelease

theaugercontrol(onthelefthandle)andtheaugerswill remainengaged.Release

bothcontrolstostoptheaugersandwheeldrive.

flOTE:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.Failuretodosowill

resultinincreasedwearonyourmachine'sdrivesystem.

Four-WayChuteControrM

CHUTe: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

CHUTETILTDOWN

t

CHUTEROTATE CHUTEROTATE

LEFT RIGHT

CHUTETILTUP

_r n_

Thefour-waychutecontrolTM (Joystick)islocatedontheleft sideofthehandle

panel.

Tochangethedirectioninwhichsnowisthrown,squeezethebuttononthe

chutecontrolleverandpivotthechutecontrollevertotherightortothe

left.

Tochangetheangle/distancewhichsnowisthrown,pivotthechutecontrol

leverforwardtotilt thechutedownandbackwardtotilt thechuteup.

Wheel Steering Controls

Theleft andrightwheelsteeringcontrolsarelocatedontheundersideofthe

handles.Squeezetherightcontroltoturnright;squeezetheleftcontroltoturn left.

NOTE:Operatethesnowthrowerinopenareasuntilyouarefamiliarwiththese

controls.

15

Clean-OutTool

Neveruseyourhandstoclearacloggedchuteassembly.Shutoff engine

andremainbehindhandlesuntil all movingpartshavestoppedbefore

usingthe clean-outtool to clearthe chuteassembly.

Thechutedean-outtoolisconvenientlyfastenedtotherearoftheaugerhousing

with amountingclip.Shouldsnowandicebecomelodgedin thechuteassembly

duringoperation,proceedasfollowstosafelycleanthechuteassemblyandchute

opening:

1. ReleaseboththeAugerControlandthe DriveControl.

2. Stoptheenginebyremovingthe ignitionkey.

3. Removetheclean-outtoolfromtheclipwhichsecuresit totherearofthe

augerhousing.

4. Usetheshovel-shapedendoftheclean-outtooltodislodgeandscoopany

snowandicewhichhasformedinandnearthechuteassembly.

5. Refastentheclean-outtooltothemountingdipontherearoftheauger

housing,reinserttheignitionkeyandstartthesnowthrower'sengine.

6. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthesnowthrower),engage

theaugercontrolforafewsecondstoclearanyremainingsnowandicefrom

thechuteassembly.

BeforeStartingEngine

Read,understand,andfollow all instructionsandwarningsonthe

machineandinthismanualbeforeoperating.

Oil

Theunitwasshippedwithoilintheengine.Checkoillevelbeforeeachoperationto

ensureadequateoilin theengine.

flO?E:Besuretochecktheengineonalevelsurfacewith theenginestopped.

1. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,butdoNOTscrewit in.

3. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstick.Ifthelevelislow,slowlyaddoil(5W-30,

with aminimumclassificationofSF/SG)untiloillevelregistersbetweenhigh

(H)andlow(L).

4.

flOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwith oilmayresultin enginesmoking,hard

startingorsparkplugfouling.

Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Gasoline

Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedorlowleadedtominimizecombustionchamber

deposits)withaminimumof87octane.Gasolinewith upto10%ethanolor15%

MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbeused.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixture

ordirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt, dust,orwaterinthefueltank.DONOTuseE85

gasoline.

Refuelin awell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Donotsmokeor

allowflamesorsparksin theareawheretheengineisrefueledorwhere

gasolineisstored.

Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetankcapisclosed

properlyandsecurely.

Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapormay

ignite.If anyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdry beforestartingthe

engine.

Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinorbreathingofvapor.

Useextremecarewhenhandling gasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel the machineindoorsor

while the engineishotor running. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,pipesand

othersourcesofignition.

1.

2.

Cleanaroundfuelfill beforeremovingcaptofuel.

Afuellevelindicatorislocatedinthefueltank.SeeFigure15inset.Be

carefulnottooverfill.Filltankuntilfuelreachesthefuellevelindicatorto

allowspacefor fuelexpansion.

Starting TheEngine

Alwayskeephandsandfeet clearof movingparts.Donot useapressurized

starting fluid. Vaporsareflammable.

flOTE:Allowtheenginetowarmupforafewminutesafterstarting.Theenginewill

notdevelopfull poweruntilit reachesoperatingtemperatures.

1. Makecertainboththeaugercontrolanddrivecontrolarein thedisengaged

(released)position.

2. Insertkeyintoslot.Makesureit snapsintoplace.Donotattempttoturnthe

key.

NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthekeyfullyinsertedintothe

ignitionswitch.

ElectricStarter

Theelectric starterisequippedwith a groundedthree-wirepowerplug,

andisdesignedtooperateon 120voltAChouseholdcurrent.It must be

usedwith a properlygroundedthree-prongreceptacleatall timesto avoid

the possibilityof electrk shock.Followall instructionscarefullypriorto

operatingthe electricstarter. DONOTuseelectric starterinthe rain.

Determinethatyourhome'swring isathree-wiregroundedsystem.Askalicensed

electricianif youarenotcertain.

Ifyouhaveagroundedthree-prongreceptacle,proceedasfollows.Ifyoudonot

havetheproperhousewiring,DONOTusetheelectricstarterunderanyconditions.

1. Pluganextensioncordintotheoutletlocatedontheengine'ssurface.Plug

theotherendofextensioncordintoathree-prong120-volt,grounded,AC

outletinawell-ventilatedarea.

Theextensioncordcanbeanylength, but must beratedfor 15ampsat

125volts,groundedand ratedforoutdoor use.

16

2. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_Jl__ position.

3 MovechoketotheCHOKEI,'Ipos t on co,deng nestart),fengine s

warm,placechokein RUNposition.

4. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholeinprimerbulb

whenpushing.Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.Alwayscovervent

holewhenpushing.Coolweathermayrequireprimingtoberepeated.

5. Pushstarterbuttontostartengine.Oncetheenginestarts,immediately

releasestarterbutton.Electricstarterisequippedwith thermaloverload

protection;systemwill temporarilyshut-downtoallowstartertocoolif

electricstarterbecomesoverloaded.

6.

Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUNposition.Ifthe

enginefalters,restartengineandrunwith chokeathalf-chokepositionfora

shortperiodoftime,andthenslowlyrotatethechokeinto RUNposition.

Afterengineisrunning,disconnectextensioncordfromelectricstarter.

Whendisconnecting,alwaysunplugtheendatthewalloutletbefore

unpluggingtheoppositeendfromtheengine.

RecoilStarter

Donotpull the starter handlewhilethe enginerunning.

1. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_ _j position.

2. MovechoketotheCHOKEI,*'1position(coldenginestart).Ifengineis

warm,placechokein RUNposition.

3. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholewhenpushing.

Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.Alwayscoverventholewhen

pushing.Coolweathermayrequireprimingtoberepeated.

4. Pullgentlyonthestarterhandleuntilit beginsto resist,thenpullquickly

andforcefullytoovercomethecompression.Donotreleasethe handleand

allowit tosnapback.ReturnropeSLOWLYtooriginalposition.Ifrequired,

repeatthisstep.

5. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUNposition.Ifthe

enginefalters,restartengineandrunwith chokeathalf-chokepositionfora

shortperiodoftime,andthenslowlyrotatethechokeinto RUNposition.

Toavoidunsupervisedengineoperation,neverleavethe machine

unattendedwith theenginerunning. Turnthe engineoff after useand

removekey.

Stopping TheEngine

Afteryouhavefinishedsnow-throwing,runengineforafewminutesbefore

stoppingtohelpdryoffanymoistureontheengine.

1. Movethrottlecontrolto OFFposition.

2. Removethekey.Removingthe keywill reducethepossibilityof

unauthorizedstartingoftheenginewhileequipmentisnotinuse.Keepthe

keyina safeplace.Theenginecannotstartwithout thekey.

3. Wipeanymoistureawayfromthecontrolsontheengine.

ToEngageDrive

1. Withthethrottlecontrolinthe Fast(rabbit)_ _1 position,moveshiftlever

intooneofthesixforward(F)positionsortworeverse(R)positions.Selecta

speedappropriatefor thesnowconditionsandapaceyou'recomfortable

with.

flOTE:WhenselectingaDriveSpeed,usetheslowerspeedsuntilyouare

comfortableandfamiliarwiththeoperationofthesnowthrower.

2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthesnowthrowerwill

move.Releaseit anddrivemotionwill stop.

NOTE:NEVERrepositiontheshiftlever(changespeedsordirectionoftravel)

withoutfirstreleasingthedrivecontrolandbringingthesnowthrowertoa

completestop.Doingsowill resultin prematureweartothesnowthrower'sdrive

system.

ToEngageAuger

Toengagetheaugerandstartthrowingsnow,squeezetheaugercontrol

againstthelefthandle.Releasetostoptheauger.

ReplacingShearPins

Eachaugerbladeissecuredtothespiralshaftwith ashearpinandbow-tieclip.If

anaugerbladestrikesa foreignobjectoricejam,thepinwill shearoff toprevent

damagetotheblade.Ifanaugerbladedoesnotturn,checktoseeif itspinhas

shearedoff. SeeFigure16.

NEVERreplacethe augershearpinswith anything otherthan SearsSKU#

88389/0EMPartNo.738-04124Areplacementshearpins.Anydamageto

the augergearboxorother componentsasaresultoffailing to dosowill

NOTbecoveredbyyoursnowthrower'swarranty.

Alwaysturn off the snowthrower'sengineand removethe keypriorto

replacingshearpins.

J

Figure16

17

MAINTENANCESCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenance/service,disengageallcontrols

andstopthe engine.Wait until allmovingpartshavecometo a complete

stop.Disconnectsparkplug wireandgrounditagainstthe engineto

preventunintendedstarting.

EachUseand every5hours

Ist5hours

Annuallyor25hours

Annuallyor50hours

Annuallyor100hours

BeforeStorage

EngineMaintenance

CheckingEngineOil

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribesservice

guidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackofcompleted

maintenancetasks.TolocatethenearestSearsServiceCenterortoscheduleservice,

simplycontactSearsat1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

1. Engineoil level

2. Looseormissinghardware

3. Unitandengine.

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

2. Controllinkagesandpivots

3. Wheels

4. GearshaftandAugershaft

5. 4-WayChuteControlTM

1. Engineoil

1. Sparkplug

1. Fuelsystem

1. Check

2. Tightenorreplace

3. Clean

1. Change

1. Check

2. Lubewith lightoil

3. Lubewith multipurposeautogrease

4. Lubewith lightoil

5. Checkfor cableslackness

1. Change

1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlackoffuel

f

Beforelubricating, repairing,or inspecting,disengageall controlsandstop

engine.Waituntil all movingparts havecometo acompletestop.

NOTE:Checktheoillevelbeforeeachusetobesurecorrectoillevelismaintained.

Whenaddingoiltotheengine,refertoviscositychartbelow.Engineoilcapacity

is600ml(approx.20oz.).Donotover-fill.Usea4-stroke,oranequivalenthigh

detergent,premiumqualitymotoroilcertifiedtomeetorexceedU.S.automobile

manufacturer'srequirementsforserviceclassificationSG,SF.Motoroilsclassified

SG,SFwill showthisdesignationonthecontainer.

1. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstkkandwipethedipstkkclean.

2. Insertthecap/dipstkkintotheoilfillerneck,butdoNOTscrewit in.

3. Removetheoilfillercap/dipstick.Iflevelislow,slowlyaddoiluntiloillevel

registersbetweenhigh(H)andlow(L).SeeFigure17.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

ChangingEngineOil

NOTE:Changetheengineoilafterthefirst5hoursofoperationandoncea season

orevery50hoursthereafter.

1. Drainfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilthefueltankisempty.Besure

fuelfill capissecure.

2. Placesuitableoilcollectioncontainerunderoil drainplug.

3. Removeoildrainplug.SeeFigure18onnextpage.

Figure17

Tipunittodrainoil intothecontainer.Usedoil mustbedisposedofata

propercollectioncenter.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.Donot

discardwith householdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthorities or Sears

ServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

5. Reinstallthedrainplugandtightenitsecurely.

J

18

Refillwith therecommendedoilandchecktheoil level.SeeRecommended

OilUsagechart.Theengine'soilcapacityis20ounces.

(oF)-40o-20 o 0o 20o 40o

(oc) -30° -20° -10° 0°

DONOTusenondetergentoil or 2-strokeengineoil. it couldshortenthe

engine'sservicelife.

7. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipsticksecurely.

Thoroughlywashyourhandswith soapandwaterassoonaspossibleafter

handlingusedoil.

CheckingSparkPlug

DONOTcheckfor sparkwith sparkplug removed.DONOTcrankenginewith

sparkplug removed.

Ifthe enginehasbeenrunning,the muffler will beveryhot. Becarefulnot

to touchthe muffler.

NOTE:Checkthe sparkplugonceaseasonor every25hoursofoperation.Change

thesparkplugonceaseasonorevery100hours.Toensureproperengineoperation,

thesparkplugmustbeproperlygappedandfreeofdeposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchtoremovethe

plug.SeeFigure19.

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugifthereisapparent

wear,orif theinsulatoriscrackedorchipped.Cleanthesparkplugwith a

wirebrushifit istobereused.

3.

Measurethepluggapwith afeelergauge.Correctasnecessarybybending

sideelectrode.SeeFigure20.Thegapshouldbesetto.02-.03inches(0.60-

0.80mm).

4. Checkthatthesparkplugwasherisin goodconditionandthreadthespark

pluginbyhandtopreventcross-threading.

5. Afterthesparkplugisseated,tightenwith asparkplugwrenchtocompress

thewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinganewsparkplug,tighten1/2-turnafterthesparkplug

seatstocompressthewasher.Whenreinstallingausedsparkplug,tighten1/8-to

1/4-turnafterthesparkplugseatsto compressthewasher.

OilDrain

Plug \

Figure18

E

SparkPlug

SparkPlugBoot

Figure19

Electrode

Thesparkplug mustbetightened securely.Aloosesparkplugcanbecome

very hotandcandamagethe engine.

19

Figure20

Lubrication "I

GearShaft

Thegear(hex)shaftshouldbelubricatedatleastonceaseasonorafterevery25

hoursofoperation.

I. Topreventspillage,removeallfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilit

stops.

2. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat it restsontheauger

housing.

3. Removethelowerframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnowthrowerby

removingtheself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

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

21.

NOTE:Whenlubricatingthe hexshaft,becarefulnottogetanyoilonthealuminum

driveplateorrubberfrictionwheel.Doingsowill hinderthesnowthrower'sdrive

system.Wipeoffanyexcessorspilledoil.

Wheels

Atleastonceaseason,removebothwheels.Cleanandcoattheaxleswitha

multipurposeautomotivegreasebeforereinstallingwheels.

AugerShaft

Atleastonceaseason,removetheshearpinsonaugershaft.Spraylubricantinside

shaft,andaroundthespacersandflangebearingsfoundateitherendoftheshaft.

SeeFigure22.

ShavePlateand SkidShoes

Theshaveplateandskidshoesonthebottomofthesnowthroweraresubjectto

wear.Theyshouldbecheckedperiodkallyandreplacedwhennecessary.

flOT£:Theskidshoesonthismachinehavetwowearedges.Whenonesidewears

out,theycanberotated180°tousetheotheredge.

Toremoveskidshoes:

Removethetwocarriagebolts,washers,andhexflangenutsthatsecure

eachskidshoetothesnowthrower.

2. Reassemblenewskidshoeswith thefourcarriagebolts(twooneachside),

washers,andhexflangenuts.Referto Figure23.

Toremoveshaveplate:

1. Removethecarriageboltsandhexnutswhichattachittothesnowthrower

housing.

2. Reassemblenewshaveplate,makingsureheadsofcarriageboltsaretothe

insideofhousing.Tightensecurely.SeeFigure23.

f

Figure21

J

f

NOTE:Augersnot shownfor clarity.

Figure23

20

Page is loading ...

MTD 31AS53TF799, 247.886914, 247886914 Owner's manual

Related papers

Other documents