MTD 31BH54TG799 Owner's manual

Operator's Manual

CRRFr MRN

28" SNOW THROWER

Model No. 247.883950

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.769-08200A

(July9,2012)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PartsList......................... Pages26-40

RepairProtectionAgreement............ Page45

Espa_ol............................. Page46

ServiceNumbers................... BackPage

CRAFTSMANTWOYEARFULLWARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,thisproductiswarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.Defectiveproductwill

receivefreerepairorfreereplacementifrepairisunavailable.

ADDiTiONAL LiFETiME LiMiTED WARRANTY on UPPER and LOWER CHUTE

FORAS LONGAS ITISUSEDbytheoriginalownerafterthesecondyearfromthedateof purchase,theupperandlowerchuteofthissnow

throwerarewarrantedagainstanydefectsinmaterialorworkmanshipasverifiedbya Searsauthorizedserviceprovider.Withproofofpurchase,

youwill receivea newchutefreeofcharge.Youare responsibleforthelaborcostofinstallationandanycostincurredtoverifythedefect.

Forwarrantycoveragedetailsto obtainrepairor replacement,visitthewebsite:www.craftsman.com

ThiswarrantycoversONLYdefectsin materialandworkmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:

• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoaugers,augerpaddles,drift

cutters,skidshoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,air cleaner,belts,andoil filter.

• Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchanges,or tune-ups.

Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,or glass.

• Tireor wheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationor maintenance.

Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyover-speedingtheengine,or fromimpacting

objectsthat bendtheframe,augershaft,etc.

• Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper

storage,failureto usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,or failureto maintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructionscontained

intheoperator'smanual.

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

within30 daysof itspurchasedate.

Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.

Thiswarrantyisvoidifthisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor if rentedtoanotherperson.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineOilType: SAE5W-30

EngineOilCapacity: 37ounces

FuelCapacity: Approx.5Quarts

SparkPlug: F6RTC(951-10292)

SparkPlugGap: .020"to .030"

ModelNumber.................................................................

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 theuseofthispowermachineto

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.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow

tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis

machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon

themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper

instruction.

• Thrownobjectscancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyour

snow-throwingpatterntoavoiddischargeof materialtoward

roads,bystandersandthelike.

Keepbystanders,petsandchildrenat least75feetfromthe

machinewhileitisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling,especiallywhen

operatingin reverse.

PREPARATION

Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.

Removeall doormats,newspapers,sleds,boards,wiresandother

foreignobjects,whichcouldbe trippedoverorthrownbytheauger/

impeller.

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldsduringoperationand

whileperformingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.

Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytothe

eyes.

Donotoperatewithoutwearingadequatewinteroutergarments.

Donotwearjewelry,longscarvesorotherlooseclothing,which

couldbecomeentangledin movingparts.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.

• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor

running.

• Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillernecktoprovidespaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move

machinetoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingthe

engine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,waterheater,space

heater,clothesdryeretc.).

• Allowmachinetocoolatleast5 minutesbeforestoring.

• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway

fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• If possible,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor

trailerandrefuelitontheground.Ifthis isnotpossible,thenrefuel

suchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,ratherthan

froma gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzlein contactwiththerimofthefueltankor

containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse

a 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.Donotoperateon steepslopes.

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.). Forinformation

concerningtheseitems,call1-800-469-4663.

Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then

pull rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpull

handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken

bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.

Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare

andgoodjudgment.

Toorderpartsor scheduleserviceforthisproduct,call 1-800-

469-4663.

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,orinspectingmachinedisengageall

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)partsonlyaslistedinthe Partspagesof thisoperator's

manual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment

specificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompro-

misesafety!

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 sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor

statelaws(ifany)

Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking

orderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis required

bylaw(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine

beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

. +

i

"JIp

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 objects which can cause serious personal injury.

WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE

Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas+

WARNING-- ELECTRICAL SHOCK

Do not use the engine's electric starter in the rain

6

Thispageleftintentionallyblank.

7

NOTE:Referencesto rightorleft sideofthesnowthrowerare

determinedfrombehindtheunitintheoperatingposition(standing

directlybehindthesnowthrower,facingthe handlepanel).

REMOVING FROM CARTON

1. Cutthecornersofthecartonandlaythesidesflaton theground.

Removeanddiscardallpackinginserts.

2. Movethesnowthroweroutofthecarton.

3. Makecertainthecartonhasbeencompletelyemptiedbefore

discardingit.

ASSEMBLY

1. Observethe lowerrearareaofthesnowthrowertobesureboth

cablesarealignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthehandle

upward.

a. Placetheshiftleverin theF6position.

b. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshowninFigure1.As

youare raisingthehandleupward,makesurethat bothends

ofthecentercablearepositionedproperlyinthebrackets.

Alignupperhandlewiththelowerhandle.

c. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandletolowerhandle.

Removeanddiscardanyrubberbands,ifpresent.Theyare

forpackagingpurposesonly.

2. Removecotterpin,wingnut,and hexscrewfromchutecontrol

headandclevispinandbow-tiecotterpinfromchutesupport

bracket.See Figure2.

3. Insertthechutecontrolrodintoinputofchutecontrolhead.Push

rodasfarintothechutecontrolheadaspossible,keepingthe

holesinthe rodpointingupward.See Figure3.

t

Chute Control Head

Chute

Figure2

f

/

\

Figure3

Figure1

8

4. Placechuteontochutebaseandensurechutecontrolrodis

positionedunderhandlepanel.Installhexboltpreviouslyremoved

butdonotsecurewithwingnutatthistime.SeeFigure4.

5. Squeezethetriggeron thehandlepaneljoystickand rotatethe

chutebyhandtofaceforward.Theholesinthechutecontrolinput

willbefacingup.SeeFigure5.

NOTE:Thechutewillnotrotatewithoutsqueezingthetriggeronthe

joystick.

6. Rotatethejoysticktotheoneo'clockpositionsothesilverindica-

torarrowon theinputshaftbelowthecontrolpanelpointsupward.

SeeFigure6.

NOTE:Thejoystickwillbeangledslightlytotheright.SeeFigures5 &6.

f Chute

f "-,,

Figure4

f

Figure5

FrontView

Joystick

Figure6

J

9

. Makesureallcablesareroutedtotheleftofthechutecontrol

rod.Lineuptheholein therodwiththearrowon theinputshaft

and inserttheendoftherodintotheinputshaftbelowjoystickon

handlepanel.SeeFigure7.

NOTE:Thechutecontrolrodwillfit snugglyintotheinputshaft.

Supporttherearofthedashpanelwithone handwhileinsertingthe

rodwithyourotherhandto ensuretherodisinsertedell the way into

theinputshaft.

8. Nowpushthechutecontrolrodbacktowardsthehandlepanel

untiltheholeinthe rodlinesupwiththeholeinthechutecontrol

inputclosesttothechutecontrolhead.Insertthecotterpin.See

Figure8.

NOTE:Thesecondholeis usedtoachievefurtherengagementofthe

rodintotheinputshaftifrequiredandcanbe usedlaterforadjustment

ifthechutedoesnotfullyrotate.RefertotheService& Maintenance

sectionforChuteControlRodadjustments.

9. Finishsecuringchutecontrolheadto chutesupportbracketwith

wingnut,andclevispinandbow-tiecotterpin removedearlier.Do

notovertighten.SeeFigure9.

/i _

Figure8

/

' .....................................................i_"i

}

Figure7

Figure9

10

10. Checkthatall cablesare properlyroutedthroughthecableguide "_

ontheengine.SeeFigure10.

NOTE:Ifthechutecontrolisnotassembledcorrectlyitwillnotmove

freelynorwillit movefullytotherightandleft.

11. Theextensioncordfortheelectricstarterisfastenedwitha cable

tietotherearoftheaugerhousingforshippingpurposes.Cutthe

cabletieand removecordbeforeoperatingtheunit.

SET-UP

Shear Pins

Holesare locatedinthehandlepanelforconvenientshearpin storage.

SeeFigure11.RefertotheOperationsectionformoreinformation

regardingshearpin replacement.

/

Figure10

f

Figure11

J

11

Chute Clean=Out Tool

Achute clean-out tool isfastenedtothetopoftheaugerhousing

witha mountingclip.SeeFigure12.Thetoolisdesignedtocleara

chuteassemblyoficeandsnow.Thisitemisfastenedwitha cabletie

atthefactory.Cutthecabletiebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.

loft _1 .allmoving_oartshave

stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclearthechuteassembly.

Tire Pressure

Underanycircumstancedo notexceedmanufacturer'srecom-

mendedpsi. Equaltirepressureshouldbe maintainedatall times.

Excessivepressurewhenseatingbeadsmaycausetire/rim

assemblytoburstwithforcesufficienttocauseseriousinjury.Refer

tosidewallof tirefor recommendedpressure.

Thetiresareover-inflatedforshippingpurposes.Checkthetire

pressurebeforeoperatingthesnowthrower.Refertothetiresidewall

fortiremanufacturer'srecommendedpsianddeflate(or inflate)the

tiresasnecessary.

NOTE:Equaltirepressureistobe maintainedat alltimesforperfor-

mancepurposes.

ADJUSTMENTS

Skid Shoes

Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryfor

shippingpurposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperat-

ingthesnowthrower.

It isnotrecommendedthatyouoperatethis snowthrowerongravel

asitcaneasilypickup andthrowloosegravel,causingpersonal

[njury ordamageto thesnowthrowerand surroundngproperty.

• Forclosesnowremovalona smoothsurface,raiseskidshoes

higherontheaugerhousing.

• Usea middleor lowerpositionwhentheareatobe clearedis

uneven,suchasa graveldriveway

NOTE:Ifyouchoosetooperatethesnowthrowerona gravelsurface,

keeptheskidshoesin positionformaximumclearancebetweenthe

groundandtheshaveplate.

//

Chute Clean-out Tool

Figure12

Smooth Surface

Uneven Surface

Figure13

Toadjusttheskidshoes:

1. Loosenthefourhexnuts(twooneachside)andcarriagebolts.

Moveskidshoestodesiredposition.SeeFigure13.

2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceof skidshoeisagainstthe

groundtoavoidunevenwearontheskidshoes.

3. Retightennutsand boltssecurely.

12

Priortooperatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadandfollowall

instructionsbelow.Performall adjustmentsto verifyyoursnow

throwerisoperatingsafelyandproperly.

Checktheadjustmentoftheaugercontrolasfollows:

1. Theaugercontrolislocatedontheleft handle.SeeFigure11

inset.Whentheaugercontrolis releasedandin thedisengaged

"up"position,thecableshouldhaveverylittleslack.Itshould

NOTbetight.

2. Ina well-ventilatedarea,startthesnowthrowerengine.Referto

StartingtheEngineintheOperationsection.

3. Whilestandingintheoperator'sposition(behindthe snow

thrower),engagetheaugers.

4. Allowtheaugersto remainengagedforapproximatelyten(10)

secondsbeforereleasingtheaugercontrol.Repeatthisseveral

times.

5. Withtheaugercontrolin thedisengaged"up"position,walktothe

frontofthemachine.

6. Confirmthattheaugershavecompletelystoppedrotatingand

showNOsignsof motion.If anyaugershowsANYsignof

rotating,immediatelyreturntotheoperator'spositionandshutoff

theengine.WaitforALLmovingpartstostopbeforeadjustingthe

augercontrol.

7. Toreadjustthecontrolcable,loosentheupperhexboltonthe

augercablebracket.SeeFigure14.

8. Positionthebracketupwardtoprovidemoreslack(or downward

toincreasecabletension).

9. Retightentheupperhexbolt.

10. Repeatsteps2-6aboveto verifyproperadjustmenthasbeen

achieved.

I

i

Figure14

J

13

f

Drive Control

Headlight

Gas C_

\

ShiftLever

J

/ Four=WayChuteControP (Joystick)

)...................AugerControl

-Wheel Steering ControJ

ChuteAssembly

\\

Drift Cutter

CJeanOut

Tool

Auger

HOUSe,

Muffler

\

Primer

Choke

Control Throt

Control

Recoil Starter

Oil Fill

Handle

Augers _ SkidShoe Oil Drain

,_J

Figure15

Nowthat youhavesetup yoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecome NOTE:Donotturnthekeyinan attempttostarttheengine.Doingso

acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure15. maycauseit tobreak.

SHIFT LEVER

Theshiftleverislocatedonthe rightsideofthehandlepanel.

Placetheshiftleverintoanyofeightpositionstocontrolthe

directionoftravelandgroundspeed.

Forward

6 CHOKE CONTROL

5 Thechokecontrolisfoundon therearoftheengineand isactivated

4 byturningtherotarychokeknobtotheCHOKEposition.Activating

thechokecontrolclosesthechokeplateon thecarburetorandaidsin

3 startingtheengine.

Yoursnowthrowerhassixforward(F)speeds.Positionone(1)is t 2

theslowestand positionsix (6) isthefastest. F 1

Reverse

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

slowerandtwo(2) isthefaster.

KEY

Thekeyisa safetydevice.Itmustbefully insertedin orderforthe

enginetostart.Removethekeywhenthesnowthroweris notin use.

PRIMER

Depressingthe primerforcesfueldirectlyintotheengine'scarburetor

toaid incold-weatherstarting.

OIL FILL

Engineoil levelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill.

GAS CAP

Unthreadthegascaptoadd gasolinetothefueltank.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSi).

14

THROTTLE CONTROL

Thethrottlecontrolis locatedon therearoftheengine.It regulatesthe

speedoftheengineandwillshutoff theenginewhenmovedintothe

STOPposition.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

Thishandleisusedto manuallystarttheengine.

ELECTRIC STARTER BUTTON

Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectric

starterwhenpluggedintoa 120Vpowersource.

ELECTRIC STARTER OUTLET

Requirestheuseof athree-prongoutdoorextensioncord(included)

anda 120Vpowersource/walloutlet.

AUGERS

Whenengaged,theaugerbladesrotateand drawsnowintotheauger

housing.

SKID SHOES

Positiontheskid shoesbasedon surfaceconditions.Adjustupward

forhard-packedsnow.Adjustdownwardwhenoperatingon gravelor

crushedrocksurfaces.

CHUTE ASSEMBLY

Snowdrawnintotheaugerhousingisdischargedoutthechute

assembly.

WHEEL STEERING CONTROLS

Theleft andrightwheelsteeringcontrolsarelocatedon theunderside

ofthehandles.Squeezetherightcontroltoturnright;squeezetheleft

controltoturnleft.

NOTE:Operatethesnowthrowerinopenareasuntilyouarefamiliar

withthesecontrols.

AUGER CONTROL

Theaugercontrolislocatedon thelefthandle.Squeezethecontrol

gripagainstthehandletoengagetheaugerandstartsnowthrowing

action.Releasetostop.

DRIVE CONTROL/AUGER CONTROL LOCK

DRIVE

CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolis locatedon therighthandle.Squeezethecontrol

gripagainstthehandletoengagethewheeldrive.Releasetostop.

Thedrivecontrolalsolockstheaugercontrolsoyoucanoperate

thechutedirectionalcontrolwithoutinterruptingthesnowthrowing

process.If theaugercontrolisengagedsimultaneouslywiththedrive

control,theoperatorcanreleasetheaugercontrol(onthelefthandle)

andtheaugerswillremainengaged.Releasebothcontrolstostopthe

augersandwheeldrive.

NOTE:Alwaysreleasethedrivecontrolbeforechangingspeeds.

Failureto dosowillresultinincreasedwearon yourmachine'sdrive

system.

FOUR-WAY CHUTE CONTROL TM

CHUTE DiRECTiONAl CONTROL

CHUTETiLTgOWN

t

CHUTEROTATE CHUTEROTATE

LEFT RIGHT

#

CHUTETiLTUP J

Thefour-waychutecontroFM(Joystick)islocatedon theleft sideofthe

handlepanel.

* Tochangethedirectioninwhichsnowisthrown,squeezethe

buttononthechutecontrolleverand pivotthechutecontrollever

tothe rightortotheleft.

* Tochangetheangle/distancewhichsnowisthrown,pivotthe

chutecontrolleverforwardtotiltthechutedownand backwardto

tilt thechuteup.

15

CLEAN-OUT TOOL

Neveruseyourhandstocleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut

loft engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshave

lstoppedbeforeusingtheclean-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

Theunit wasshippedwith oil inthe engine.Checkoil levelbefore

eachoperationtoensureadequateoil intheengine.Forfurther

instructions,refertothe stepson page18.

NOTE:Besuretochecktheengineon a levelsurfacewiththeengine

stopped.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,butdo NOTscrewit

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 waterinthefueltank.DONOTuseE85gasoline.

• Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Donot

smokeorallowflamesor sparksin theareawheretheengineis

refueledor wheregasolineisstored.

• Donotoverfillthefueltank.After refueling,makesurethetank

capisclosedproperlyandsecurely.

• Becarefulnotto spillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapor

mayignite,ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybefore

startingtheengine.

• Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinor breathingof

)or.

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableandthevaporsare explosive.Neverfuelthemachine

indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

1. Cleanaroundfuelfillbeforeremovingcaptofuel.

2. A fuellevelindicatorislocatedin thefueltank.SeeFigure15

inset.Becarefulnottooverfill.Filltank untilfuelreachesthefuel

levelindicatortoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Alwayskeephandsandfeetclearof movingparts.Donotusea

pressurizedstartingfluid.Vaporsare flammable.

NOTE:Allowtheenginetowarmupfora fewminutesafter starting.

Theenginewillnotdevelopfullpoweruntilit reachesoperating

temperatures.

1. Makecertainboththeaugercontrolanddrivecontrolarein the

disengaged(released)position.

2. insertkeyintoslot.Makesureitsnapsintoplace.Donotattempt

toturnthekey.

NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthekeyfullyinsertedintothe

ignitionswitch.

Electric Starter

Theoptionalelectricstarterisequippedwitha groundedthree-wire

powercordandplug,and isdesignedto operateon 120voltAC

householdcurrent.It mustbeusedwitha properlygroundedthree-

prongreceptacleatall timestoavoidthepossibilityofelectricshock.

Followall instructionscarefullypriortooperatingtheelectricstarter.

DONOTuseelectricstarterintherain.

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,ACoutletinawell-ventilatedarea.

16

2. Movethrottlecontrolto FAST(rabbit)_J_" position.

3. MovechoketotheCHOKEI,'_1 position(coldenginestart).If

engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

4. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholein

primerbulbwhenpushing.If engineiswarm,pushprimeronly

once.Alwayscoverventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermay

requireprimingtobe repeated.

5. Pushstarterbuttontostartengine.Oncetheenginestarts,im-

mediatelyreleasestarterbutton.Electricstarterisequippedwith

thermaloverloadprotection;systemwilltemporarilyshut-downto

allowstartertocoolifelectricstarterbecomesoverloaded.

6. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUN

position.If theenginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke

athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly

rotatethechokeintoRUNposition.

7. Afterengineisrunning,disconnectpowercordfromelectric

starter.Whendisconnecting,alwaysunplugtheendatthewall

outletbeforeunpluggingtheoppositeendfromtheengine.

Recoil Starter

TO ENGAGE DRIVE

1. Withthethrottlecontrolinthe Fast(rabbit)position,moveshift

leverintooneofthesixforward(F)positionsor tworeverse(R)

positions.Selecta speedappropriateforthesnowconditionsand

a paceyou'recomfortablewith.

NOTE:Whenselectinga DriveSpeed,usetheslowerspeedsuntil

youarecomfortableandfamiliarwiththeoperationofthesnow

thrower.

2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthesnow

throwerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.

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)_J_ position.

2. MovechoketotheCHOKEI_¢1 position(coldenginestart).If

engineiswarm,placechokein RUNposition.

3. Pushprimerthree(3)times,makingsuretocoverventholewhen

pushing.Ifengineiswarm,pushprimeronlyonce.Alwayscover

ventholewhenpushing.Coolweathermayrequireprimingtobe

repeated.

4. Pullgentlyonthe starterhandleuntilitbeginstoresist,then

pullquicklyandforcefullytoovercomethecompression.Engine

shouldstart.Donotreleasethehandleandallowittosnapback.

ReturnropeSLOWLYtooriginalposition.If required,repeatthis

step.

5. Astheenginewarms,slowlyrotatethechokecontroltoRUN

position.If theenginefalters,restartengineandrunwithchoke

athalf-chokepositionfora shortperiodoftime,andthenslowly

rotatethechokeintoRUNposition.

Toavoidunsupervisedengineoperation,neverleavethemachine

unattendedwiththeenginerunning.Turntheengineoffafteruseand

removekey.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Afteryouhavefinishedsnow-throwing,runenginefora few minutes

beforestoppingtohelpdryoffanymoistureontheengine.

1. MovethrottlecontroltoOFFposition.

2. Removethekey.Removingthekeywillreducethepossibilityof

unauthorizedstartingoftheenginewhileequipmentisnotin use.

Keepthekeyina safeplace.Theenginecannotstartwithoutthe

key.

3. Wipeanymoistureawayfromthecontrolson theengine.

17

REPLACING SHEAR PiNS

Theaugersare securedtothespiralshaftwith shearpinsandcotter

pins.If theaugersshouldstrikeaforeignobjectoricejam,thesnow

throwerisdesignedsothatthepinsmayshear.If theaugerswillnot

turn,checktoseeifthepinshavesheared.SeeFigure16.

NEVERreplacetheaugershearpinswithanythingotherthanSears

SKU#88389/0EM PartNo.738-04124Areplacementshearpins.

Anydamagetotheaugergearboxorothercomponentsasa resultof

failingtodo sowill NOTbecoveredbyyoursnowthrower'swarranty.

Alwaysturnoff thesnowthrower'sengineand removethekeypriorto

replacingshearpins.

Figure16

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. Looseor missinghardware

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. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlack

d fuel

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking Engine Oil

Beforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,disengageall controls

Iandstopengine.Waituntilall movingpartshavecometo a complete

_stop.

NOTE: Checktheoil levelbeforeeachuseto besurecorrectoil level

ismaintained.

Whenaddingoiltotheengine,referto viscositychart below.Engine

oilcapacityis 1100ml(approx.37oz.).Donotover-fill.Usea 4-stroke,

oran equivalenthighdetergent,premiumqualitymotoroilcertified

tomeetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufacturer'srequirementsfor

serviceclassificationSG,SRMotoroilsclassifiedSG,SFwillshow

thisdesignationonthecontainer.

1. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.

2. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,andtightenthecap

untilseated.

3. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Iflevelislow,slowlyadd oiluntil

oil levelregistersbetweenhigh(H)andlow(L).SeeFigure17.

4. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

Changing Engine Oil

NOTE:Changetheengineoilafterthefirst5 hoursof operationand

oncea seasonorevery50 hoursthereafter.

1. Drainfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilthefueltankisempty.

Besurefuelfillcapissecure.

J

Figure17

2. Placesuitableoil collectioncontainerunderoil drainplug.

3. Removeoil drainplug.SeeFigure18on nextpage.

4. Tipunittodrainoil intothecontainer.Usedoil mustbedisposed

ofata propercollectioncenter.

Usedoil isa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly.

IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

lties or SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

18

.

6.

Reinstallthedrainplugandtightenit securely.

Refillwiththerecommendedoil andchecktheoil level.See

RecommendedOil Usagechart.Theengine'soil capacityis37

ounces.

i u

[

(%-40 °-20 o 0o 200 400

("c) -300 -200 -10° 0°

DONOTusenondetergentoilor 2-strokeengineoil.Itcouldshorten

theengine'sservicelife.

Oil Drain

Plug

7. Reinstalltheoilfillercap/dipsticksecurely.

Figure18

Thoroughlywashyourhandswithsoapandwaterassoonas

possibleafterhandling usedoil.

Checking Spark Plug

DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DONOTcrank

enginewithsparkplug removed.

Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,themufflerwillbevery hot.Becareful

nottotouchthemuffler.

NOTE: Checkthesparkplugoncea seasonorevery25hoursof

operation.Changethesparkplugoncea seasonor every100hours.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbe properly

gappedandfreeofdeposits.

1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto

removetheplug.See Figure19.

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugifthereis

apparentwear,orifthe insulatoriscrackedor chipped.Cleanthe

sparkplugwitha wirebrushifitisto be reused.

3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctas necessary

bybendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure20.Thegap shouldbe set

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.

19

Spark Plug

O

J

Figure19

Electrode

.02-.03 in.

{0.60-0.80 ram)

Figure20

hotandcan ine.

LUBRICATION

Gear Shaft

Thegear(hex)shaftshouldbe lubricatedatleastoncea seasonor

afterevery25 hoursofoperation.

1. Topreventspillage,removeall fuelfromtank byrunningengine

untilitstops.

2. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson

theaugerhousing.

3. Removethe lowerframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnow

throwerbyremovingtheself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.

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

SeeFigure21.

NOTE:Whenlubricatingthehexshaft,be carefulnottogetanyoilon

thealuminumdriveplateor rubberfrictionwheel.Doingsowillhinder

thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.Wipeoff anyexcessor spilledoil.

Wheels

Atleastoncea season,removebothwheels.Cleanandcoattheaxles

witha multipurposeautomotivegreasebeforereinstallingwheels.

Auger Shaft

Atleastoncea season,removetheshearpinson augershaft.Spray

lubricantinsideshaft,andaroundthespacersandflangebearings

foundateitherendoftheshaft.SeeFigure22.

SHAVE PLATE AND SKID SHOES

Theshaveplateand skidshoesonthebottomofthesnowthrowerare

subjecttowear.Theyshouldbecheckedperiodicallyandreplaced

whennecessary.

NOTE:Theskidshoeson thismachinehavetwowearedges.When

onesidewearsout,theycanbe rotated1800to usetheotheredge.

Toremoveskidshoes:

1. Removethetwocarriagebolts,washers(ifequipped),andhex

flangenutsthat secureeachskidshoetothesnowthrower.

2. Reassemblenewskidshoeswiththefourcarriagebolts(twoon

eachside),washers,andhexflangenuts.RefertoFigure23.

Toremoveshaveplate:

1. Removethecarriageboltsand hexnutswhichattachit tothe

snowthrowerhousing.

2. Reassemblenewshaveplate,makingsureheadsofcarriage

boltsaretotheinsideofhousing.Tightensecurely.SeeFigure

23.

O i

)

X" "?X

/ .... )

{;:7X

7/'................

Figure21

/

f

Figure22

J

Figure23

2O

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