Craftsman 31AH5WTG799 Owner's manual

Category
Snow throwers
Type
Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

Operator's Manual
CRRFr MRN
28" SNOW THROWER
Model No. 247.88999
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.
o SAFETY
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
PARTS LIST
o ESPArqOL
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FORMNO.769-03955
2/4/2009
WarrantyStatement.................... Page2
SafeOperationPractices.............. Pages3-6
SafetyLabels......................... Page7
Assembly......................... Pages8-11
Operation........................ Pages12-15
Service&Maintenance.............. Pages16-21
Off-SeasonStorage................... Page22
Troubleshooting...................... Page23
PartsList......................... Pages24-36
RepairProtectionAgreement............ Page40
Espa_ol............................. Page41
ServiceNumbers................... BackPage
CRAFTSMAN LiMiTED WARRANTY
Two Years on Snow Thrower
Whenoperatedandmaintainedaccordingtoall suppliedinstructions,ifthissnowthrowerfailsduetoa defectin materialor workmanshipwithin
two yearsfromthedateorpurchase,call1-800-4-MY-HOME®toarrangeforfreerepair.
Thiswarrantyappliesforonly90daysfromthedateofpurchaseif thissnowthroweriseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes.
Duringthefirstyearof purchase,therewillbeno chargeforwarrantyservicein yourhome.Foryourconvenience,in-homewarrantyservicewill
still beavailableafterthefirstyearofpurchase,buta tripchargewillapply.Thischargewillbewaivedifyoutransportthesnowthrowertoan
authorizedCraftsmandrop-offlocation.Forthenearestauthorizedlocation,call1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects inmaterial and workmanship. SearswillNOTpayfor:
Expendableitemsthat becomewornduringnormaluse,includingbutnotlimitedtoskidshoes,shaveplate,shearpins,sparkplug,air
cleaner,belts,andoilfilter.
Standardmaintenanceservicing,oil changes,ortune-ups.
Tirereplacementor repaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchas nails,thorns,stumps,orglass.
Tireorwheelreplacementor repairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,or improperoperationor maintenance.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbyimpactingobjectsthatbendtheframeor
crankshaft,or over-speedingtheengine.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproper
storage,failuretousethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,orfailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingto theinstructionscontained
intheoperator'smanual.
Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningor repairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobe contaminatedor oxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbe used
within30daysofitspurchasedate.
Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,or productlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethis productisusedinthe UnitedStates.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears,Roebuckand Co.,NoffmanEstates, IL60179
EngineOilType: SAE5W-30
EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces
FuelCapacity: 3Quarts
SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC
SparkPlugGap: .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,
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-
tionpracticesin thismanual.Aswithanytypeofpowerequipment,
carelessnessor erroronthepartoftheoperatorcanresultinserious
injury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,toes
andfeetandthrowingdebris.Failuretoobservethefollowingsafety
instructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryor 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.
Keepthis manualinasafeplaceforfutureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
ReadtheOperator'sManualand followallwarningsand safety
instructions.Failuretodosocanresultin seriousinjurytothe
operatorand/orbystanders.Forquestionscall, 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
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.
Adjustcollectorhousingheighttocleargravelorcrushedrock
surfaces.
Disengageall controlleversbeforestartingtheengine.
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.
Alwaysusetheclean-outtoolprovidedtounclogthedischarge
opening.Donotunclogchuteassemblywhileengineisrunning.
Shutoff engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingparts
havestoppedbeforeunclogging.
Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanufac-
turer(e.g.wheelweights,tirechains,cabsetc.).
Whenstartingengine,pullcordslowlyuntilresistanceisfelt,then
pull rapidly.Rapidretractionofstartercord(kickback)willpull
handandarmtowardenginefasterthanyoucanletgo.Broken
bones,fractures,bruisesor sprainscouldresult.
Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgment.ContactCustomerSupportforassistance
andthenameofyournearestservicingdealer.
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
systemisequippedwithasparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor
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
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. Cutthecornersofthecartonandlaythesidesflatontheground.
Removeanddiscardallpackinginserts.
2. Movethesnowthroweroutofthecarton.
3. Makecertainthecartonhasbeencompletelyemptiedbefore
discardingit.
ASSEMBLY
1. Observethe lowerrearareaofthesnowthrowertobesureboth
cablesarealignedwith rollerguidesbeforepivotingthehandle
upward.
a. Placetheshiftleverin theF6position.
b. Pullupandbackon upperhandleasshownin Figure1.As
youare raisingthehandleupward,makesurethat bothends
ofthecentercablearepositionedproperlyinthebrackets.
Alignupperhandlewiththelowerhandle.
c. Tightenhandknobssecuringupperhandletolowerhandle.
Removeanddiscardanyrubberbands,ifpresent.Theyare
forpackagingpurposesonly.
2. Removewingnutandhexscrewfromchutecontrolassembly
andclevispinandcotterpinfromchutesupportbracket.See
Figure2.Positionthechuteassembly(forward-facing)overthe
chutebase.
3. Placechutecontrolleverinthecenteredposition.SeeFigure1.
4. Placechuteassemblyontochutebaseand securechutecontrol
assemblytochutesupportbracketwithclevispinand cotterpin
removedearlier.See Figure3.
f
Figure2
Figure1
8
Figure3
5. Finishsecuringchutecontrolassemblytochutesupportbracket
withwingnutandhexscrewremovedearlier.SeeFigure4.
6. Checkthatallcablesareproperlyroutedthroughthecableguide
onthelowerhandle.SeeFigure5.
7. Theextensioncordfortheelectricstarterisfastenedwithacable
tietotherearoftheaugerhousingforshippingpurposes.Cutthe
cabletieandremoveitbeforeoperatingtheunit.
SET-UP
Shear Pins
Holesare locatedintheplasticdashpanelforconvenientshearpin
storage.SeeFigure6. RefertotheOperationsectionformoreinforma-
tionregardingshearpinreplacement.
Figure5
f
/
\
Figure4
Figure6
J
9
Chute Clean-Out Tool
A chute clean-out tool isfastenedtothetopoftheaugerhousing
witha mountingclip.SeeFigure7.Thetoolisdesignedtocleara
chuteassemblyoficeandsnow.Thisitemis fastenedwith acabletie
atthefactory.Cutthecabletie beforeoperatingthesnowthrower.
Neveruseyourhandstocleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut
loft engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilall movingpartshave
[stoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclearthechuteassembly.
Tire Pressure
Beforeoperating,checktirepressureandreducepressurein bothtires
to between15psiand20 psi.
NOTE:Ifthetirepressureisnotequalinbothtires,theunitmaynot
travelina straightpathandtheshaveplatemaywearunevenly.
ADJUSTMENTS
Skid Shoes
Thesnowthrowerskidshoesareadjustedupwardatthefactoryfor
shippingpurposes.Adjustthemdownward,ifdesired,priortooperat-
ingthesnowthrower.
lit is notrecommendedthat this thrower
youoperate
snow on
gravel
as itcaneasilypickupandthrowloosegravel,causingpersonal
injuryordamagetothe snowthrowerandsurroundingproperty.
Forclosesnowremovalon a smoothsurface,raiseskidshoes
higherontheaugerhousing.
Usea middleor lowerpositionwhentheareatobeclearedis
uneven,suchasa graveldriveway
NOTE:Ifyouchooseto operatethesnowthrowerona gravelsurface,
keeptheskidshoesin positionformaximumclearancebetweenthe
groundandtheshaveplate.
Toadjusttheskidshoes:
1. Loosenthefourhexnuts(twoon eachside)andcarriagebolts.
Moveskidshoestodesiredposition.SeeFigure8.
2. Makecertaintheentirebottomsurfaceofskidshoeisagainstthe
groundtoavoidunevenwearon theskidshoes.
3. Retightennutsandboltssecurely.
Chute Clean=out Tool
Figure7
/
/
/
Figure8
10
Auger Control
Priortooperatingyoursnowthrower,carefullyreadand followall
instructionsbelow.Performalladjustmentstoverifyyoursnow
throwerisoperatingsafelyand properly.
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.
f
Figure9
11
f
Drive Control
Shift Lever
/
Four=WayChuteControP
/_ AugerControl
Chute Assembly
\
\
Gas Cap
'\
OU Fill
\
Wheel Steering Control
Clean Out
Tool
\
Augers Skid Shoe
Choke
Recoil Starter
Handle
Electric Star
Button
Key
Stop Switch
Electric
Starter
Outlet
Figure10
Nowthat youhavesetup yoursnowthrower,it'simportanttobecome NOTE:Donotturntheignitionkeyinan attemptto starttheengine.
acquaintedwith itscontrolsandfeatures.RefertoFigure10. Doingsomaycauseitto break.
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.
IGNITION KEY
Theignitionkeyisa safetydevice.It mustbefullyinsertedinorderfor
theenginetostart.Removetheignitionkeywhenthesnowthroweris
notinuse.
PRIMER
Depressingthe primerforcesfueldirectlyintotheengine'scarburetor
toaid incold-weatherstarting.
OIL FILL
Engineoil levelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill.
GAS CAP
Unthreadthegascaptoadd gasolinetothefueltank.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanSnowThrowersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
12
STOP SWITCH
PressintotheONpositionwhenstartingtheengineand willshutoff
theenginewhenmovedintotheOFFposition.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
Thishandleisusedto manuallystarttheengine.
ELECTRIC STARTER BUTTON
Pressingtheelectricstarterbuttonengagestheengine'selectric
starterwhenpluggedintoa 120Vpowersource.
ELECTRIC STARTER OUTLET
Requirestheuseof athree-prongoutdoorextensioncord(included)
anda 120Vpowersource/walloutlet.
AUGERS
Whenengaged,theaugersrotateanddrawsnowintotheauger
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
J AUGER
CONTROL
Theaugercontrolislocatedontheleft handle.Squeezethecontrol
gripagainstthehandletoengagetheaugersandstartsnowthrowing
action.Releasetostop.
DRIVE CONTROL/AUGER CONTROL LOCK
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
f
CHUTE DiRECTiONAL CONTROL
CHUTETiLTgOWN
jPUSHHUTTOHi
CHUTEROTATE_
LEFT
jPUSHHUTTOHi
_ CHUTENOTATE
HIGHT
©
_.. CHUTETiLTUP j
Thefour-waychutecontrolTM iSlocatedontheleft sideofthehandle
panel.
* Tochangethedirectioninwhichsnowisthrown,squeezethe
buttononthechutecontrolleverand pivotthechutecontrollever
tothe rightortotheleft.
* Tochangetheangle/distancewhichsnowisthrown,pivotthe
chutecontrolleverforwardtotiltthechutedownand backwardto
tilt thechuteup.
13
CLEAN-OUT TOOL
Neveruseyourhandstocleara cloggedchuteassembly.Shut
loft engineand remainbehindhandlesuntilallmovingpartshave
lstoppedbeforeusingtheclean-outtooltoclearthechuteassembly.
Thechuteclean-outtoolisconvenientlyfastenedtotherearofthe
augerhousingwithamountingclip. 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),engagetheaugercontrolforafewsecondstoclearany
remainingsnowandicefromthechuteassembly.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsandwarningsonthe
machineand inthismanualbeforeoperating.
Oil
Theunitwasshippedwithoil intheengine.Checkoil levelbeforeeach
operationto ensureadequateoilintheengine.Forfurtherinstructions,
refertothestepsonpage16.
1. Removethedipstickfromtheoil fill.
2. Checkand makesurethatthelevelofoil isuptothe FULLmark
onthedipstick.
3. Iftheoil levelisnotupto FULL,pourfreshmotoroil (5W-30,with
a minimumclassificationofSF/SG/SH/SJ)slowlythroughthe
opening.Replaceoil filldipstickandcheckoillevelagain.
Gasoline
o Storegasolineinaclean,approvedcontainerandkeepthecapin
placeonthecontainer.
Makesurethatthecontainerfromwhichyoupourthegasolineis
cleanandfreefromrustor otherforeignparticles.
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthemachine
indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.
Alwaysfillthefueltankoutdoorsand usea funnelor spoutto
preventspilling.
Fillfueltankwithclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewitha minimum
of85 octane.Freshfuelpreventsgumfromforminginthefuel
systemoronessentialcarburetorparts.Purchasefuelin a
quantitythatcanbeusedwithin30days.
Neverfillthefueltankcompletely.Fillthetanktowithin1-1/2"
fromthetoptoprovidespaceforexpansionoffuel.
Makesuretowipeoff anyspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Makecertainboththeaugercontrolanddrivecontrolarein the
disengaged(released)position.
2. Insertignitionkeyintoslot.Makesureitsnapsintoplace.Donot
attempttoturnthekey.
NOTE:Theenginecannotstartwithoutthekeyisfully insertedintothe
ignitionswitch.
Electric Starter
Determinethatyourhome'swiringisa three-wiregroundedsystem.
Aska licensedelectricianifyouarenotcertain.
Theoptionalelectricstarterisequippedwithagroundedthree-wire
powercordand plug,andisdesignedtooperateon 120voltAC
householdcurrent.It mustbeusedwitha properlygroundedthree-
prongreceptacleatalltimestoavoidthepossibilityof electricshock.
Followall instructionscarefullypriortooperatingtheelectricstarter.
DONOTuseelectricstarterin therain.
Ifyouhavea groundedthree-prongreceptacle,proceedasfollows:
1. Plugtheextensioncordintotheoutletlocatedon theengine's
surface.Plugtheotherendof extensioncordintoa three-prong
120-volt,grounded,ACoutletina well-ventilatedarea.
2. RotatechokecontroltoCHOKEI,._¢1position.
3. Depressprimer.If itis 15°For higherpushprimertwotimes,if
below15°F,pushprimerfourtimes.
14
4. PushStopswitchto ONposition.
5. Pushstarterbuttontostartengine.
2. Squeezethedrivecontrolagainstthehandleandthesnow
throwerwillmove.Releaseitanddrivemotionwillstop.
Toprolongstarterlife,useshortstartingcycles(5secondsmaximum
thenwaitoneminute).
6. Oncetheenginestarts,releasestarterbutton.
7. Allowtheenginetowarmup severalminutes,adjustingchoke
towardRUNposition.Waituntilenginerunssmoothlybeforeeach
chokeadjustment.
8. Whendisconnectingtheextensioncord,alwaysunplugtheend
atthethree-prongwalloutletbeforeunpluggingtheoppositeend
fromthesnowthrower.
Recoil Starter
1. RotatechokecontroltoCHOKE IJl position.
2. Depressprimer.Ifit is 15°For higherpushprimertwotimes,if
below15°F,pushprimerfourtimes.
3. PushStopswitchto ONposition.
4. Grasptherecoilstarterhandleand slowlypullthe ropeout.At
thepointwhereitbecomesslightlyhardertopulltherope,slowly
allowtheropeto recoil.
5. Pullthestarterhandlewitha firm,rapidstroke.Donotrelease
thehandleandallowittosnapback.Keepa firmholdonthe
starterhandleandallowittoslowlyrecoil.
6. Allowtheenginetowarmup severalminutes,adjustingchoke
towardRUNposition.Waituntilenginerunssmoothlybeforeeach
chokeadjustment.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Afteryouarefinishedsnow-throwing,runenginefora fewminutes
beforestoppingtohelpdryoffanymoistureontheengine.
1. PushStopswitchto OFFposition.
2. Removetheignitionkeyandstoreinasafeplace.
3. Wipeall snowandmoisturefromtheareaaroundtheengineas
wellastheareainandaroundthedrivecontrolandaugercontrol.
Also,engageand releasebothcontrolsseveraltimes.
TO ENGAGE DRIVE
1. Moveshiftleverintooneofthesixforward(F) positionsor two
reverse(R)positions.Selecta speedappropriateforthesnow
conditionsand a paceyou'recomfortablewith.
NOTE: Whenselectinga DriveSpeed,usetheslowerspeedsuntil
youarecomfortableandfamiliarwiththeoperationofthesnow
thrower.
NOTE:NEVERrepositiontheshiftlever(changespeedsor direction
oftravel)withoutfirstreleasingthedrivecontrolandbringingthesnow
throwertoa completestop.Doingsowill resultin prematurewearto
thesnowthrower'sdrivesystem.
TO ENGAGE AUGERS
1. Toengagetheaugersandstartthrowingsnow,squeezethe
augercontrolagainstthelefthandle.Releasetostoptheaugers.
REPLACING SHEAR PINS
Theaugersare securedtothespiralshaftwithfourshearpinsand
bow-tieclips.Iftheaugershouldstrikea foreignobjector icejam,
thesnowthrowerisdesignedsothattheshearpinsmayshear.If the
augerswillnotturn,checktoseeifthepinshavesheared.SeeFigure
11.
NEVERreplacetheaugershearpinswithanythingotherthanSears
PartNo.88389replacementshearpins.Anydamagetotheauger
gearboxor othercomponentsasa resultoffailingtodosowillNOT
becoveredbyyoursnowthrower'swarranty.
Alwaysturnoff thesnowthrower'sengineand removethekeypriorto
replacingshearpins.
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Figure11
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15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsorrepairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService
Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
EachUseandevery5
hours
1st5 hours
Annuallyor25hours
Annuallyor50hours
Annuallyor 100hours
BeforeStorage
1 Underheavyloadorinhightemperatures
1. Engineoil level
2. Looseor missinghardware
3. Unitandengine.
1. Engineoil
1. Engine0i11-
2. Controllinkagesandpivots
3. Wheels
4. GearshaftandAugershaft
5. 4-WayChuteControlTM
1. Engineoil
1. Sparkplug
1. Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor replace
3. Clean
1. Change
1. Change
2. Lubewith lightoil
3. Lubewith multipurposeautogrease
4. Lubewith lightoil
5. Checkforcableslackness
1. Change
1. Change
1. Runengineuntilitstopsfromlack
offuel
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
lBeforelubricating,repairing,or inspecting,disengage
all controls
and stopengine.Waituntilall movingpartshavecometoa complete
stop.
Checking Engine Oil
1. Besureengineisuprightandlevel
2. Unscrewoilfillcapfromoilfillertubeandwipedipstickclean.
3. Screwoilfillcapbackintooil fillertube.Tightensecurely.
4. Unscrewandremoveoil fillcapfromoil fillertube.Noteoillevel.
Ifoil readingondipstickisbelow"ADD"mark,slowlyaddoilto
reach"FULL"level.SeeFigure12.
5. Screwoilfillcapbackintooil fillertube.Tightensecurely.
6. Wipeawayanyspilledoil.
Changing Engine Oil
Toavoidenginedamage,it isimportantto:
Checkoil levelbeforeeachuseandeveryeightoperatinghours.
Changeoilafterfirst5 to8operatinghoursandevery50operat-
inghoursoroncea seasonthereafter.
1. Placeengineleveland removesafetykey.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromsparkplug.
(Refertonextsection).If connected,disconnectextensioncord
frompowersource.
f
16
,,.J
,,,,J
13
13
Maintain oil level
at FULL
Figure12
J
3. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,removeoildrainpluganddrainoil
intoanappropriatereceptacle.SeeFigure13.
Usedoilisahazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoilproperly.
Donotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
tiesorSearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
.
5.
Reinstalloildrainplugandtightensecurely.
Refilltheenginewith recommendedoil.SeeRecommendedOil
Usagechart.Theengine'soil capacityis20ounces.
Recommended Oil Usage
I
SiUiheiic 5W 3Q:i O_io
6. Wipeawayanyspilledoil.
Checking Spark Plug
Checksparkplugyearlyor every100operatinghours.
1. Removechokecontrolknobandsafetykey.
2. Loosenand removethemountingscrewsfromthesnowhood.
SeeFigure14.
3. Slowlyremovethesnowhood,makingsurethattheprimerbulb
hoseandignitionwireremainconnected.SeeFigure14inset.
4. Removeandinspectsparkplug.
5. Replacesparkplugifporcelainiscrackedorifelectrodesare
pitted,burnedorfouledwithdeposits.
6. Checkelectrodegapwitha feelergaugeandsetgapto .030
(0.76ram)ifnecessary.SeeFigure15.
7. Reinstallsparkplugandtightensecurely.
8. Remountthe snowhoodtotheenginewith themountingscrews,
againmakingsuretheprimerbulbhoseandignitionwireare
connected.
9. Connectthechokecontrolknobto thechokeshaftonthe
carburetor.Ifthechokecontrolknobisnotinstalledcorrectly,the
chokewillnotoperate.
10. Installthesafetykey.
NOTE:A resistorsparkplugmustbeusedforreplacement.Contacta
SearsPartsand RepairCenterfora replacementsparkplug.
Carburetor
Enginesoperatedatabout3000to5000feet(900to 1500meters)
abovesealevelmayrequireahighaltitudecarburetormainjet. If
erraticperformanceisobserved,contacta SearsPartsand Repair
Centerforcosttoinstall/purchasea highaltitudecarburetormainjet.
Oil Drain
Figure13
g
Screws
f
2
Figure14
1..030 (.76mm)Gap
2. Electrodes
3. Porcelain
Figure15
17
Engine Speed
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,DONOTmodifyengineinany
way.Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcancausetheengineand
equipmentto operateatunsafespeeds.NEVERtamperwithfactory
settingofenginegovernor.Runningtheenginefasterthanthespeed
setatthefactoryisdangerous.
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,becarefulnottogetanyoilon
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.SeeFigure17.
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.
Figure16
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Figure17
J
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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,
thecableshouldhaveverylittleslack.ItshouldNOTbetight.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 Control
Oncea seasonorevery25hoursofoperation,whicheverisearlier,
checkwhetherthefour-waychutecontrolTM cableshaveslackened.If
thechutedoesnotrotatefully,thechutecontrolcableswillhavetobe
adjusted.RefertoFigure21.
f
f
Figure20
Figure21
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J
19
Toadjustthesecables,proceedasfollows:
1. Usinga 1/2"wrench,loosentheupperandlowerhexnutsfoundon
onecableadjuster.
2. Graspthe metalcablehousingandgentlypushupwardtotake
up slack(usuallynomorethan1/4-inch)inthecablebefore
retighteningbothhexnuts.
3. Repeatontheothercableadjusteruntilthechuteassemblyhas
fullrangefromleft-to-right.
Auger Control
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. Rolltheaugerbeltofftheenginepulley.See Figure23.
4. Carefullypivotthesnowthrowerupandforwardsothat itrestson
theaugerhousing.
5. Removetheframecoverfromtheundersideofthesnowthrower
byremovingfourself-tappingscrewswhichsecureit.SeeFigure
24.
6. Removethe beltasfollows.RefertoFigure25.
a. Loosenand removetheshoulderscrewwhichactsasa belt
keeper.
b. Unhookthe supportbracketspringfromtheframe.
f
Figure23
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f _ f
Figure25 Figure24
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Craftsman 31AH5WTG799 Owner's manual

Category
Snow throwers
Type
Owner's manual
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