Clearing A Clogged Discharge Chute - Craftsman 247.889720 Operator's Manual

• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.
OPERATION
• 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.
• The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never bypass its
operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe and may cause personal
injury.
• The control levers must operate easily in both directions and automatically
return to the disengaged position when released.
• Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly. Keep all safety
devices in place and working.
• Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch. Keep
children away.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel surfaces. Stay
alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• Exercise caution when changing direction and while operating on slopes. Do
not operate on steep slopes.
• Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge towards windows,
walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible property damage or personal injury
caused by a ricochet.
• Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or allow anyone in
front of the machine.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast of
a rate.
• Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of
your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk, never run.
• Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting or not in use.
• Never operate machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look
down and behind and use care when backing up.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine. Inspect
thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.
• Disengage all control levers and stop engine before you leave the operating
position (behind the handles). Wait until the auger/impeller comes to
a complete stop before unclogging the chute assembly, making any
adjustments, or inspections.
• Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings. Do not unclog
chute assembly while engine is running. Shut off engine and remain behind
handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
•
•
•

CLEARING A CLOGGED DISCHARGE CHUTE

Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge chute is the most
common cause of injury associated with snow throwers. Never use your hand to
clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer (e.g.
wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback) will pull hand and arm
toward engine faster than you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or
sprains could result.
If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good
judgment.
a. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!
b. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have stopped
rotating.
c. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Refer to the maintenance and adjustment sections of this manual.
Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine disengage all control
levers and stop the engine. Wait until the auger/impeller come to a complete
stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the
machine in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any
damage.
Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed the engine. The
governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to wear and damage.
For your safety protection, frequently check all components and replace
with original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) parts only as listed in the
Parts pages of this operator's manual. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!
Check control levers periodically to verify they engage and disengage
properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer to the adjustment section in this
operator's manual for instructions.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the
environment.
Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow from machine and
prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open
flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.
Always refer to the operator's manual for proper instructions on off-season
storage.