Craftsman 247.887000 Owner's Manual page 11

Auger Control Test
Perform the following test before
IMPORTANT:
operating the snow thrower for the first time and at the
start of each winter season.
Check the adjustment of the auger control as follows:
• When the auger control is released and in the
disengaged "up" position, the cable should have
very little slack, but should NOT be tight.
WARNING:
Over-tightening may prevent the auger from
disengaging and compromise the safety of the
snow thrower.
• In a well-ventilated area, start the snow thrower
engine as instructed earlier in this section under the
heading Starting Engine. Make sure the throttle is set
in the FAST position.
• While standing in the operator's position (behind
the snow thrower) engage the auger.
• Allow the auger to remain engaged for
approximately ten (10) seconds before releasing
the auger control. Repeat this several times.
• With the engine running in the FAST position and
the auger control in the disengaged "up" position,
walk to the front of the machine.
• Confirm that the auger has completely stopped
rotating and shows NO signs of motion.
If the auger shows ANY signs of rotating,
IMPORTANT:
immediately return to the operator's position and shut
off the engine. Wait for all moving parts to stop before
readjusting the auger control cable as shown in the
"Adjustments" on page 14.
Clearing the Snow
CAUTION: Check the area to be cleared for foreign
objects. Remove, if any.
1. Start the engine following Starting instructions.
2. Rotate the chute assembly to the desired direction,
away from bystanders and/or buildings.
3. Making certain no bystanders or obstacles are in
front of the unit, squeeze the auger control
completely against the upper handle to fully engage
the augers.
4. While the auger control is engaged, squeeze the
drive control completely against the upper handle
to engage the wheels.
5. As the snow thrower starts to move, maintain a firm
hold on the handle, and guide the snow thrower
along the path to be cleared.
6. Release the auger and drive controls to stop the
snow throwing action and forward motion.
NOTE: Your unit is equipped with a clutch in the
transmission. If the wheels stop turning while trying to
discharge large volumes of snow, immediately
disengage drive control and allow rotating augers to
discharge snow from the housing. Continue operation
Do not over-tighten the cable.
on a narrower stretch with less volume of snow.
7. On each succeeding pass, readjust the chute
assembly to the desired position and slightly
overlap the previously cleared path.
Operating Tips
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes
as the engine will not develop full power until it reaches
operating temperature.
WARNING:
surrounding areas may exceed 150
these areas.
• For most efficient snow removal, remove snow
immediately after it falls.
• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
Slightly overlap each previous swath.
• Set the skid shoes 1/4" below the scraper bar for
normal usage. The skid shoes may be adjusted
upward for hard-packed snow.
NOTE: It is not recommended that you operate this
snow thrower on gravel as loose gravel can be easily
picked up and thrown by the auger causing personal
injury and/or damage to the snow thrower.
• If for some reason, you have to operate the snow
thrower on gravel, keep the skid shoe in the highest
position for maximum clearance between the
ground and the shave plate.
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly after each use.
Clean-Out Tool
WARNING:
lever to stop position and wait for ALL moving
parts to stop, before using the clean-out tool.
The clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the
auger housing with a mounting clip.
When snow and ice collect in the chute assembly during
operation, use this tool to safely clean the chute and chute
opening. Follow the steps below to operate it:
1. Release both auger and drive control.
2. Stop the engine by moving throttle lever to stop
position.
3. Remove the clean-out tool from the clip which secures
it to the rear of the auger housing.
4. Use the shovel-shaped end of the clean-out tool to
dislodge and scoop any snow and ice which has
formed in and near the chute assembly.
WARNING:
snow and ice from the chute assembly or auger
housing.
5. Re-fasten the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the
rear of the auger housing.You can now re-start the snow
thrower's engine for more snow cleaning.
10
The temperature of muffler and
o
F. Avoid
Stop engine by moving throttle
Never use your hands to clean