Craftsman 247.888550 User manual

Owner's Manual
9 Horse Power
28" Two-Stage Track Drive
Snow Thrower
Model No.
247.888550
CAUTION: Before
usingthis product,
read this manual and
follow all safety rules
and operating
instructions.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
•Service
•Maintenance
•Espafiol
Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit ourSears website: www.sears.condcraftsman
FormNo.770-10051C
PdntedJnU.S.A. (6/99)

Content Page
Warranty Information......................................... 2
Safe OperationPractices................................... 3
Hardware Pack .................................................. 5
Assembly........................................................... 6
Operation............... ............................................ 12
Maintenance ...................................................... 17
Content Page
Service & Adjustment......................................... 20
Off*Season Storage........................................... 24
Trouble-Shooting............................................... 25
PartsList............................................................ 26
Espanbl.............................................................. 40
Two -Year Warranty on Craftsman Snow Thrower
Fortwoyearsfrom the date ofpurchase,when this CraftsmanSnow Throwerismaintained,lubricatedand tuned
up accordingto the instructionsinthe owner'smanual, Sears willrepair,free of charge, any defectin material
and workmanship.
Ifthis Craftsman snow throwerisused for commercial or rental purposes, thiswarrantyapplies for only30 days
from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable itemswhich become worn duringnormal use, suchas skidshoes, shave plate and spark
plugs.
Repairs nec•ssary because of operatorabuse or negligence,includingbent crankshaftsand the failure to
maintainthe equipmentaccordingto the instructionscontainedin theowner'smanual.
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLEBYRETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOWTHROWER TOTHE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product Is In use in the United States.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegal rightsandyou mayalsohaveotherdghts whichmayvaryfrom statetostate.
SEARS,ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA,HOFFMAN ESTATES,IL60179
Horsepower: 9
EngineOil SAE 5W30 oil
FuelCapacity: 1 gallon
Spark Plug: RJ-19LM
Engine: 143.999005
Model Number 247.888550
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
Record both serial number and date of purchase and
keep in a safe place for future reference.

This symbol points out important safety instructions which, ifnotfollowed, could endanger the
personalsafetyand/or propertyofyourselfand others. Read and followall instructions in this manual
beforeattemptingtooperate your snow thrower.Failure tocomplywiththese instructionsmay resultin
personal injury.When yousee thissymbol--heed its warning.
,_ Your snow thrower was builttobe operated accordingto the rulesfor safe operationinthis manual. As
DANGER" withany type ofpowerequipment carelessness or erroron the partofthe operator canresultin serious
in ury. fyou vo ate anyof these rules, you may cause serious njurytoyourselfor others.
Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbe usedonornearany unimproved
forest-covered, brush-coveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha
sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalorstate laws(ifany). Ifa sparkarresterisused,itshouldbe
maintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.
In theStateofCaliforniathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section4442 ofthe CaliforniaPublicResources
Code).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederal lands.Asparkarresterfor the
mufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSearsAuthorizedServiceCenter(See theREPAIR PARTSsection
ofthismanual.)
TRAINING
Read thisowner'sguide carefullyin itsentiretybefore
attemptingto assemble oroperate this machine. Be
completelyfamiliar withthe controlsand the proper
useof this machinebefore operatingit. Keep this
manual ina safe placefor future and regular
reference and for orderingreplacement parts.
Never allowchildrenunder 14 years oldto operate a
snowthrower.Children 14 years oldand over should
onlyoperate asnow thrower underclose parental
supervision.Onlypersonswell acquainted with these
rulesof safe operationshould beallowed to useyour
snowthrower.
No one should operate thisunit whileintoxicated or
whiletaking medicationthat impairsthe senses or
reactions.
Keepthe area ofoperationclear ofall persons,
especially small childrenand pets.
Exercise caution toavoidslippingor falling,especially
when operatinginreverse.
PREPARATION
Thoroughlyinspectthe area where the equipment is
to be usedand remove alldoor mats, sleds,boards,
wires and other foreign objects.
Donotoperate equipmentwithoutwearing adequate
outergarments for winter. Do notwear jewelry, long
scarfs or otherlooseclothingwhichcould become
entangled inmoving parts.Wear footwear whichwill
improvefootingon slipperysurfaces.
Before workingwithgasoline,extinguishalt cigarettes
and othersourcesofignition.Check the fuel before
startingthe engine. Gasolineis an extremely
flammable fuel. Donotfillthe gasoline tank indoors,
while the engine isrunning,or untilengine has been
allowed to cool at least twominutes. Replace
gasolinecap securely and wipe off any spilled
gasolinebefore startingthe engine as itmay cause a
fireor explosion.
Use agrounded three wire plug-infor all unitswith
electricdrive motors or electricstarting motors.
Adjustcollector housingheightto clear gravelor
crushed rocksurface.
Never attemptto make any adjustmentswhile engine
is running(except where specificallyrecommended
by manufacturer).
Letengine and machine adjusttooutdoor
temperature before startingto clearsnow.
Always wear safety glasses oreye shields during
operationor whileperformingan adjustmentor repair,
to protecteyes from foreign objectsthat may be
thrownfrom the machinein any direction.
OPERATION
Do not puthandsorfeet near or under rotatingparts.
Keep clearofdischargeopening and auger at all
times.
Exercise extremecaution when operatingon or
crossinggravel drives, walks,or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
Do notcarry passengers.
Afterstrikinga foreign object,stopthe engine, remove
wire from the spark plugand thoroughlyinspectthe
snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage
before restartingand operatingthe snow thrower.
Ifthe snow thrower startstovibrate abnormally,stop
the engineand check immediatelyfor the cause.
Vibrationisgenerallya warningoftrouble.
Stopthe engine whenever you leave the operating
position,before uncloggingthe collector/impeller
housingor discharge guide and before making any
repairs,adjustments,or inspections.Never placeyour

hand in the dischargeor collectoropenings.Use a
stickor wooden broomhandle to unclogthe
discharge opening.
Take allpossible precautionswhen leaving the unit
unattended. Disengage the collector/impeller,stop
the engine and removethe key.
When cleaning, repairing,or inspecting,makecertain
collector/impellerand allmoving partshave stopped.
Disconnectspark plugwire and keep away from plug
to prevent accidentalstarting.
• Do notrunthe engine indoors,except when startingit
and/or transportingthe snowthrower in orout of
building.Open doors beforestartingtheengine inthat
case. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
Do notclearsnowacross theface ofslopes.Exercise
extreme caution when changingdirectionon slopes.
Do notattemptto clearsteep slopes.
Never operate the snow thrower withoutguards,
plates or othersafety protectiondevices in place,
• Never operate the snowthrower near glass
enclosure, automobiles,window wells, dropoff, etc.,
withoutproper adjustmentsof snow thrower
dischargeangle. Keep childrenand pets away.
Do notoverload machine capacity by attemptingto
clear snowat too fast a rate. Never operate the
machine at hightransportspeeds onslippery
surfaces. Lookbehindand use care whenbacking.
Never direct dischargeat bystandersor allowanyone
in front of unitwhilethrowingsnow.
•Disengagepower tocollector/impellerofthe srx)w
throwerwhentransportingitorwhen the unitisnotin use.
Use only attachments and accessories(such as
wheel weights,counter weights, cabs, etc.)approved
by the snow thrower manufacturer.
Never operatethe snow throwerwithoutgoodvisibility
or light.Always be sure of yourfooting and keep a firm
holdonthe handles.Walk, never run.
Mufflerand engine become hotand can cause severe
bum injury.Do not touchthe mufflerorthe engine
whilestarting oroperatingthe snowthrower.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Check shear bolts, enginemountingbolts,etc., at
frequent intervalsfor propertightness,thusensuring
thatthe equipment isinsafe workingcondition.
Never storethe machine withfuel in the fuel tank
insidea buildingwhere ignitionscumes are present,
suchas hotwater heaters,space heaters, clothes
dryersand the like. Allowengineto cool beforestoring
in anyenclosure.
Always refer to owner'sguide instructionsfor
importantdetails ifthesnow thrower istobe storedfor
an extended period.
Runmachinea few minutesafterthrowingsnow to
preventfreeze-up ofthe collector/impeller.
Check clutchcontrolsperiodicallytoverifythat these
engage and disengageproperlyand readjust if
necessary. Referto Service and Adjustmentssection
page of this owner'sguide.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Restrictthe useofthis powermachine topersonswho
read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructionsinthis manualand on the machine.
Following are representationsof some of thesafety labelson yourCraftsman snowthrower.Please follow the
instructionon these labels and maintain safety while usingor servicingthe equipment.
I ,A WARNING ADANGER

Lay the hardware pieces from the hardware pack on top of the figure here and you will have automatically soded these
aCCordingtothe steps ofthe assemblyprocedure described later. (Only one unitofeach hardware has been shownper group.
The number in parenthesis indicatesthe total number of the hardware needed in that group.)
q
m
h
A
B
LockWasher (4)
Hex Bolt (2) /_
5/16-18 x 1.75
Hex Bolt (2)
,/t
NN
5/16-18 x.75
Handle
Tab (2)
/
Cupped Washer (4)
HexNut (4)
_5/16-18 x 1,50 Carriage Bolt
_\ (4)
(_ Helrp_ ]
D
Clip
-_fi_ilrpln Clip (2)
I Ferrule
Flat Washer (2) _ ! (1)
3pare Part
"ShearBolt*(2) 5/16-18 x 1.5
Lock
Nut (2)*
Hex
Hot (2)*
*Used on auger; **Used on clutch lever
_/Flanged _;
E_ Hex Bolt (6) Nut (6)
-'N "--"
1/4-20 x.75 1/4-20
Chute Flange Keeper (3)
F
:-_"exBolt(2) _) Hex_, (2)
1/4-20 X .75" Cup_ped Washer (2) G
1/4-20
Upper Chute
'_/ Crank Bracket
(notshown
inactual
size)
G
m
i
m
m
b
b
m
Hairpin Clip (1) Flat
©7
3/8 I.D.
H
HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII_,@_ -
,1024x,375"/F "__
TurnTr_r_//// _" Cable Tie (2)_
//
_,/ Rat Weld Nut (2)

Chute Handte
Panel
Handles
Rear , Left
Chute
Crank
Shift
Rod Electric
Start Cord
iMPORTANT: This unitisshippedwithengine oil, but
without gasoline, in the engine.Afterassembly, see
OPERATION sectionofthismanLJalfor fuel selection
and fill-up.
NOTE: To determineright and lefthand sides ofyour
snow thrower,standbehind the unitin the operator's
position.See Figure I inset,
Your snowthrowerhas been assembledat the
factory, exceptthe handle and thehandle panel, the
dischargechute assembly,the chute crank assembly
and the shiftrod.These partsare shippedlooseinthe
carton.
Removing From Carton
• Cut the comersof thecartonand lay thesides
fiaton theground.Remove all packinginserts.
• Remove all looseparts,For a completelistof
the looseparts, refertothe following section.
• Move thesnow throweroutof the carton.
• Make certainall partsand literaturehave been
removedbefore discardingthecarton.
Loose Parts
(See Figure 1.)
a. Handle Panel & ChuteAssembly
b. Right Hand &Left Hand Handles
Figure I c. ElectricStartCord
d. Two-Piece ChuteCrank Assembly
e. Shift Rod
f. Hardware Pack
Assembly Tips: Foreasier assembly purposes,
remove thechute from the carton and lay iton top of
the engine. Do not unwrapthe chute tillyou have
installedthe handle paneland the clutchcables.
Tools Required
1. 1/2", 7/16", 3/8" wrenchesor a set ofadjustable
wrenches
2. Set ofstandardhead screwdrivers
3. Set ofphilipshead screw drivers
4. Funneltofill up gasoline
WARNING: Make certainthe spark plug
wire Is disconnected and movedaway from
the spark plugbeforeassemblingthe snow
thrower.
Attaching Handle Assembly
•Stretchout controlcables and place on thefloor.
Placethe righthandle in positionwiththeflat
side againstthesnow thrower. Youcanidentify
the right handleby the traction drive control label
on it and the left handle by the auger clutch
control label on it.
6

Securebottomholeonthehandletothesnow
throwerusing5/16x.75"hexboltandlock
washerfrom the hardware pack (groupA on
page 5 ). Donottightenatthistime.See Figure2.
Lock Washer &
He]( Bolt (1-3/4")
Right Handle
Handle
Tab Hex Bolt (.75")
Figure 2
•Place a handle tab, includedinthe hardware
pack (groupA ), overthe upperhole in handle so
thatthe contourofthe handle tab matchesthat
of thehandle. See Figure2.
•Secure handletab tothe snow throwerusing
hexbolt(5/16 x 1.75" long)and lockwasher
from the same groupinthe hardware pack. Do
nottightenat thistime.
•Attachthe lefthandle inthe same manner. Do
nottightenat this time.
•Placethe handle panelin positionbetween the
handles sothe ends ofthe curvedpart ofthe
handlesgo throughtheslotsinthe handlepanel.
While placingthehandle panel, make sure to
routechute andchute cable between the handle
and thepanel keepingthe cable on top ofthe
engine. Align the holesinthe handlewiththe
holesonthe two sides ofthe handlepanel. See
Figure3.
RightHandle 1
..xoo,t
/
Carriage Bolt
Handle
Panel
Washer
Figure 3
7
•Attachhandle paneltothe handle withtwo
carriagebolts,cupped washers (cuppedside
againstthe handle panel) and hex nutson each
side.See Figure3. You willfind these fasteners
ingroupBofthe hardware pack.Aligncontourof
thecarriage bolthead withthe handle.Tighten
thehardware. Repeat on otherside.
• Align the holeon thecurved partofthe right
handle withthecorrespondingholeon the right
side ofhandlepanel makingsure thatthisend of
the handle isfirmly placedinthe sloton the
handlepanel. See Figure3.
•Inserta hex bolt, cuppedwasher and flange nut
from Group F of the hardware pack through
these holes as shown in Figure 3.Tighten to
secure, Do notattach the left side now.
Attaching Chute
•Place thechute assemblyover thechute
openingwiththe chutefacing frontofthe unit.
NOTE: Make sure that thechute cables are
straightened while assemblingthechute.
Placethe chuteflange keeper (flat side down)
beneath lipofchute assembly as shownin
Figure 4.You will find the chute flange keepers in
group E of the hardware pack.
Insert 1/4-20 x .75" hex bolt and flange nut
(group Eof the hardware pack) up through chute
flange keeper and chute assembly asshown in
Figure 4. Do not tighten at this time. Rotate
chute to instal! all the flange keepers.
Figure 4
Afterassembling allthree chuteflange keepers,
tighten,then backoff 1/4turntoalloweasier
movementofthe chute.Use (2) 7/16" wrenches.
Attaching Chute Crank
•Onthe leftside ofthe handle panel, placethe
upperchute crankbracket ontothe insideofthe
handle panelsupport.Locate thisbracketand
associatedhardware ingroupF ofhardware
pack. See Figure5.

Inserthexboltthroughthe upper chutecrank
bracket,handle panelsupport,and upper left
handle.Secure thebracketusingcupped
washer and hex nut.Make surethat thecupped
side ofthewasher isset againstthe contourof
the handle.
Handle Panel l
Support*
\ "<
Hex Bolt
Crank Bracket
Placetheother3/8 ID flat washer (fromthe
same groupof hardware)on theend ofthechute
crank and inserthairpinclip intoeye holeat the
end ofthe chutecrank. See Figure7.
Slidethe upperchute crank throughtheplastic
bushinginthe upperchute crank bracketand
then intothe lowerchutecrank. See Figure8.
Alignthe holeson thetwo piecesofthe chute
crank,and securewith hairpinclipfrom groupC
ofthe hardwarepack.
Adjustthe chutebracketso thatthe spiralon the
chutecrankfully engagesthe teeth onthe chute
assembly.
Using a wrench, tightenthe hex boltand the hex
nut onthe upperchutecrank bracket.
Fullyrotatethechute, usingthe chute crank, to
make surethat itmovesfreely.Tightenthe nuts
on the lowerchutecrank bracketsecurely.
* This part isalready attached inside the handle panel
Figure 5
You may have to loosenthe carriage boltsand
hex locknutswhichsecurethe lowerchute
crank brackettothe extensionon theleft side of
the chute assembly.See Figure6.
Lrrlage Bolt,
CrankBracket ItexLockNut
Figure 6
Place one 3/8 ID flatwasher (fromgroupG of
the hardware pack) on theend ofthe chute
crank,then insertthe end of thecrank intothe
eye holeinthe plasticbushinginthechute crank
bracket.See Figure7.
Cotter Pin Flat Washer
Chute Crank
Tilt Upper
Chute Chute
Cables Crank
\
Upper
Chute
Crank
Bracket
LowerChute
Crank
Flgure 8
Slipthecables thatrunfrom the handle panelto
thechute intothecable guidelocatedon topof
theengine. See Figure9.
Cable Guide
Flat Rasher
Lower Chute /
Crank Bracl_t
Figure 7 Figure 9
8

Tightenallloose hardware on the handle
assemblyin thefollowingorder-- firstthe hex
boltsat the bottomof the handle, then the
carriagebolts and lastlythe hex boltson the rear
ofthe handle panel.
Attaching Clutch Cables
The clutchcontrolcables are attachedto the snow
thrower.Ifthe cables ere attachedto the top ofthe
engine withcable ties, cutthecable tiesnow.The Z
ends of theclutchcables are hooked intothe clutch
gripson each handle.
•Ensure there isa hexjam nutthreaded allthe
way upthe threaded portion ofthe Z fitting;
extras are supplied in the hardware pack. See
Figure 10.
• Place the clutch grip in the raised (up) position.
Z Fitting
Outer
ofcut-out
\Nut
HexJam
Nut
AWARNING: There mustnotbe any tension
on eitherclutchcable withthe driveor auger
clutchgripinthe disengaged (up) position.
These clutchesare asafety feature. Do not
override theirfunction by allowingtension
on eithercablewiththeclutchesdisengaged.
Attaching Shift Rod
•Placethe shiftlever inthesixth(6) speed.
•Placethebentendoftheshiftrodintotheholein
theshiftarmassembly.See Figuret 1.Securewith
5/16 flatwasherandhairpinclipfromthe hardware
pack(groupDon page 5).
•Startthreadingthe ferrule(includedinthe same
groupinthehardware pack)ontothe otherendof
the shiftrod. Ithas tolineup withthe upper hole
inthe shiftlever(beneath thehandle panel).
While aligningtheferrule,pushdown on theshift
rodand theshiftarmassemblyas far as itwillgo.
•Once theferrule slidesintothe hole, turnit
counter-clockwiseone more ful!turnand insertit
inthe holeinthe shiftlever.
Shift Chute Distance
Lever Control
Drive Auger
Clutch
Ferrule
Barrel
(Viewed from the underside of the controlpanel)
Upper
Shift
Lever
Clip
Figure 10
•Swingtheleftauger upmaking surethe cable is
routed correctlyin thecable rollerguideslocated
at thelower rear ofthe unit.
•Hold theend ofthe cable at the barrel sothe
ferrule turnsfreely withouttwistingthecable.
Thread theferrule on totheZ fitting.You may
have topullon the cable slightlyto relieve
tension.Keeptheferrule turningwithout twisting
thecable.
• You willreachcorrectadjustmentwhenthere is
minimalslackinthecable butitisnottight.Hold
theflats on theferrule withpliersandtightenthe
jam nutagainsttheferrule.
CAUTION: Cables willbecome looseifyoudo not
tighten thejam nut.
Rod
Clip Assembly
Figure 11
NOTE: Itmay be necessary topull theshiftlever outof
thesixthspeed positionand moveit towardsthe fifth
speedpositio n untiltheferruleslidesintothehole
withoutforce.
Secure theferrule tothe shift leverwithanother
5/16 flatwasher and hairpin clipfrom group Dof
the hardware pack. See Figure 11.
Make certain tocheckfor correctadjustmentof
the shiftrodas instructedintheAdjustment
sectionbeforeoperatingthesnow thrower.
9

Attaching Turn Triggers
Make surethatthe righthandtriggercable is
routedinfrontofthetractiondrivecable.
•Feedthetriggercableupthroughthe outersideof
theslotinthe handlepanel.Donotfeedthecable
throughthesamesideoftheslotastheZ fitting.
•Placethecablebarrelfitting intothe holeinthe
trigger.You canfindthetriggersandassociated
hardwareingroupHofthehardwarepack(on
page5). Pullonthe cable and rotateitaroundthe
bottomofthetrigger,withtheinnercable inthe
slot,untilthecable endcan bepushedintothe
triggerhousingand snappedtight.See Figure12.
Trigger
Assembly
Inner Cable
Y
Barrel Slot
Fitting thisend
Figure 12
Note: When the cable is installed correctly, itshould
not be possibletopullcable out ofthe trigger housing.
Place the rightturntriggerinposition
underneaththe righthandle.Secure withscrew
and weld nutfrom group Hof thehardware
pack. See Figure 13. You willneed a phillips
screwdriverfor tighteningthe screw. Repeat on
leftside.
Turn
S_ot ,Trigger
Cable
Figure 13
•Secure therightturntriggercable tothe right
lowerhandle, usingcable tieprovidedinthe
hardware pack. Make sure to routethecable tie
over thedrivecable. See Figure 14.
Figure 14
Secure the leftturntriggercable to the lower
handle usingthe othercable tie. Make sureto
route the cable tie below the auger drive cable
sothat when the trigger cable is securedby the
cable tie, the auger drive cable is left outside the
cable tie.Trim excess ends from eachcable tie.
NOTE: The right sidecable tiemust be used tokeep
cable from comingin contact withthemoving shift
armfromthe transmission.
Lamp Wiring
•Wrapthewirefrom thelampdownthe right
handle.Plugwireintothe aitemator leadwire
underthefuel tank. See Figure15.
I _ Hsn le
Figure 15
IMPORTANT: Assembleyoursnowthrower, then
checkthe adjustmentsas instructedand make any
final adjustmentsnecessarybeforeoperatingthe unit.
Failureto follow the instructionsmaycause damage
tothe snowthrower.
10