Craftsman 486.248531 User manual

Owner's Manual
ICRAFI",'SMAN+I
42"- 2 STAGE SNOW THROWER
TRACTO R ATTAC HMENT
Model No. 486.248531
CAUTION:
Before using this product, read
this manual and follow all
Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
•Maintenance
• Parts
IMPORTANT - READ THIS FIRST!!!
For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
Please Call 217-728-8388
Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 5 pm CST.
FAX [phone] or e-mail [email protected]
Missing parts will be sent UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com/craftsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 48935 (7/03)

ACCESSORIES ........................................................... 2
SAFETY RULES .......................................................... 3
FULL SIZE HARDWARE CHART ................................. 4
CARTON CONTENTS ................................................. 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5
OPERATION ............................................................. 15
MAINTENANCE ......................................................... 16
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 17
STORAGE ................................................................. 18
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................... 18
REPAIR PARTS ILLUSTRATION ......................... 20,22
REPAIR PARTS LIST ........................................... 21,23
SLOPE GUIDE .......................................................... 27
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE ................ BACK COVER
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON 42" 2-STAGE SNOW THROWER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this snow thrower is maintained and lubricated according to the operating
and maintenance instructionsinthe owner's manual, Sears willrepair any defect in materialor workmanship free ofcharge.
If this snow thrower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of
purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including thefailure to maintain
the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT
IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179
These accessories were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model numbers of your
tractor and snow thrower.
WHEEL WEIGHT TIRE CHAINS DRIFT CUTTER BARS
KIT NO. 71-88294
The model number and serial numbers will be found on a
decal attached to the snow thrower.
You should record both the serial number and the date of
purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
486.24853
2

Anypowerequipmentcancauseinjuryifoperatedimproperlyoriftheuserdoesnotunderstandhowtooperate
theequipment.Exercisecautionatall times,whenusingpowerequipment.
• Readthisowner'smanualcarefullyandknowhow
tooperateyoursnowthrowerandhowtostopthe
unitanddisengagethecontrolsquickly.
• Neverallowchildrentooperatetheequipment.
• Neverallowadultstooperatetheequipment
withoutproperinstruction.
• Keeptheareaofoperationclearof allpersons,
especiallysmallchildren,andpets.
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipment
istobeusedandremovealldoormats,sleds,
boards,wiresandotherforeignobjects.
• Disengageallclutchesandshiftintoneutralbefore
startingengine.
• Donotoperateequipmentwithoutwearingad-
equatewinteroutergarments.
• Wearsubstantialfootwearwhichwillprotectfeet
andimprovefootingonslipperysurfaces.
• Checkfuelbeforestartingtheengine.Donot
removethefuelcaporfillthefueltankwhilethe
engineis runningorhot.Donotfill thefueltank
indoors.Gasolineisanextremelyflammablefuel.
• Makesurethesnowthrowerheightisadjustedto
clearthetypesurfaceit willbeusedon.
• Donotusethesnowthrowerwithouttherear
weightattachedtothetractor.
• Nevermakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis
running.
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldduring
operationorwhileperformingandadjustmentor
repair.
• Donotplacehandor feetnearrotatingparts.Keep
clearofthedischargeopeningatalltimes.
• Useextremecautionwhenoperatingonorcrossing
gravelsurfaces.
• Donotcarrypassengers.
• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
removethewirefromthesparkplugandthen
thoroughlyinspectthesnowthrowerfordamage.
Repairanydamagebeforerestartingandoperating
thesnowthrower.
• Ifthesnowthrowerstartstovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineimmediatelyandcheckforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
• Stoptheenginewheneveryouleavetheoperating
position,beforeuncloggingthesnowthroweror
makinganyadjustmentsorinspections.
• Takeallpossibleprecautionswhenleavingtheunit
unattended.Disengagetheattachmentclutchlever
orswitch,lowerthesnowthrower,shiftintoneutral,
settheparkingbrake,stoptheengineandremove
thekey.
• Whencleaning,repairingorinspecting,make
certainallmovingpartshavestopped.Disconnect
thesparkplugwireandkeepitawayfromtheplug
topreventaccidentalstarting.
• Donotrunengineindoorsexceptwhentransport-
ingthesnowthrowerinoroutofthebuilding.Open
theoutsidedoors.Exhaustfumesaredangerous.
• Donotclearsnowacrossthefaceofslopes.
Exerciseextremecautionwhenchangingdirection
onslopes.Donotattempttoclearsteepslopes.
Refertotheslopeguideonpage27ofthismanual.
• Neveroperatethesnowthrowerwithoutguards,
platesorothersafetyprotectiondevicesinplace.
• Neveroperatethesnowthrowernearglassenclo-
sures,automobiles,windowwells,dropoffsetc.
withoutproperadjustmentofthesnowthrower
dischargeangle.
• Neverdirectdischargeatbystandersorallow
anyoneinfrontofthesnowthrower.
• Neverrunthesnowthrowerintomaterialathigh
speeds.
• Donotoverloadthemachinecapacitybyattempt-
ingtoclearsnowattoofastarate.
• Neveroperatethemachineathightransportspeed
onslipperysurfaces.Lookbehindandusecare
whenbacking.
• Watchfortrafficandstayalertwhencrossingor
operatingnearroadways.
• Disengagepowertothesnowthrowerwhentrans-
portingorwhennotinuse.
• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedby
themanufacturerofthesnowthrower(suchas
wheelweights,counterweights,cabsetc.)
• Neveroperatethesnowthrowerwithoutgood
visibilityor light.
,_ Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It mean--Attention!!
Become alert!! Your safety is involved.
3

SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE
SPARE PARTS BAG
Store these two boltsand nuts in a safe
)lace until needed, (See page 17.)
\
P
jAA NOT SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE
HH
REF.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
QTY.
1
4
2
6
2
4
2
2
6
4
1
10
12
6
2
2
2
DESCRIPTION
Hex Bolt, 1/2" x 1-1/4"
Hex Bolt, 3/8" x 1" (Thread Forming)
Hex Bolt, 5/16" x 1-3/4"
Hex Bolt, 1/4" x1"
Slotted Truss Head Bolt, 3/8" x 1"
Carriage Bolt, 3/8" x 1"
Carriage Bolt, 5/16" x 1-3/4"
Carriage Bolt, 5/16" x 1-1/4"
DESCRIPTIONREF. QTY.
R 6 Flanged Lock Nut, 1/4"
S 12 Hex Nut, 5/16"
T 1 Whizlock Nut, 5/16"
U 11 Hex Lock Nut, 3/8"
V 1 Hex Nut, 1/2"
W 1 Hairpin Cotter, 3/32"
X 3 Hairpin Cotter, 1/8"
Y 2 Shear Bolt (spare parts)
Carriage Bolt, 5/16" x 1"
Shoulder Bolt, 3/8" x 5/8"
Lock Washer, 1/2"
Lock Washer, 3/8"
Lock Washer, 5/16"
Washer, 1/4"
Bowed Washer
Washer, 5/16"
Washer, 1/2"
Z 2 Hex Lock Nut, 5/16" (spare parts)
AA 1 Tarp Strap
BB 1 Spring
CC 3 Chute Keeper
DD 2 Lock Pin
EE 1 Plastic Cap
FF 2 Tail Reflector
GG 1 Chain, Tensioning
HH 2 Nylon Tie
4

CARTON CONTENTS
1. Cross Brace (Weight Tray)
2. Side Brace (Weight Tray)
3. Right Hand Side Plate (Stamped "R")
4. Left Hand Side Plate (Stamped "L")
5. Anti-rotation Bracket
6. Chute Crank Rod Assembly
7. Support Tube, Crank Rod
8. Lift Handle Tube and Cable
9. Plastic Keg
10. Left Hand Hanger Bracket (Stamped "L")
11. Right Hand Hanger Bracket (Stamped "R")
12. Clutch Idler Assembly
13. V Belt, Drive
14. V Belt, Auger (Attached to Housing Assembly)
15. Chute and Control Cable Assembly
16. Housing Assembly
17. Weight Tray
Hardware Package (Stored inside Plastic Keg)
5
6
12
9
/10
5

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY INSTALLING SIDE PLATES ON TRACTOR
(2) 7/16" Wrenches
(2) 1/2" Wrenches
(2) 9/16" Wrenches
(2) 3/4" Wrenches
(1) Knife
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED
General Purpose Grease
REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTON
• Remove all parts and hardware packages from the
carton. Lay out parts and hardware and identify using
the illustrations on pages 4 and 5.
NOTE: Not all of the supplied parts and hardware
will be needed for your particular tractor. Unneeded
items may be discarded after you have completed
assembly.
CAUTION: Before starting to assemble
the snow thrower, remove the spark plug
wire(s), set the parking brake and
remove the key from the tractor ignition.
TRACTORS WITH FRAME MOUNTED FRONT
SUSPENSION BRACKETS (See figure 1.)
• Remove any bolts that are present in the two holes
shown as empty in figure 1.
• If there is a bolt in the third hole shown in figure 1,
remove the nut and washer but leave the bolt in place.
REMOVE NUT & WASHER
AND LEAVE BOLT (IF PRESENT)
THESE HOLES
MUST BE EMPTY
FIGURE 1
FRONT
SUSPENSION
BRACKET
RIGHT SIDE VIEW
TRACTOR PREPARATION
Before performing these instructions, refer to the Service
and Adjustments section of your tractor owner's manual
for specific safety instructions.
• Allow engine, muffler and exhaust deflector to cool
before beginning.
• Remove any front or rear attachment which is
mounted to your tractor.
• Remove the mower deck. Refer to your tractor
owner's manual for removal instructions. Mark all
loose parts and save for reassembly.
• Remove the tractor hood and grill assembly. Refer to
your tractor owner's manual for removal instructions.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM TRACTOR
Store all parts that you remove from the tractor and do
not re-use while assembling the snow thrower.
Right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) side of the tractor
are determined from the operators position while seated
on the tractor.
• Assemble the R.H. Side Plate (marked "R") to the
two now empty holes in the side of the tractor frame.
Use two 3/8" x 1" hex bolts and 3/8" lock washers as
shown in figure 2. Repeat for the L.H. side.
• If you removed a nut and washer from the bolt in
figure 1, assemble a whizlock nut onto the bolt.
NOTE: If you remove the side plates, be sure to
reassemble all bolts to tractor frame.
5/16" WHIZLOCK NUT
(IF BOLT IS PRESENT INTRACTOR)
6
J
FIGURE 2
3/8" LOCI<
WASHER
/
/
R.H. SIDE
PLATE
smaller tires
RIGHT SIDE VIEW

Assemble a shoulder bolt, a 3/8" lock washer and a
3/8" hex lock nut to the bottom hole in each side
plate. See figure 3.
Proceed to page 8.
J
FIGURE 3 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
• Attach the R.H. Side Plate (marked "R") to the right
side of the tractor frame as shown in figure 5. For the
front hole use a 3/8" x 1" hex bolt, a 3/8" lock washer,
and a 1/2" flat washer. Use the flat washer as a shim
between the frame and the side plate. For the rear
hole use a 3/8" x 1" hex bolt, and a 3/8" lock washer.
Repeat for the L.H. side.
NOTE: If the bolt inserts freely into the front hole, the
3/8" lock washer along with a 3/8" hex lock nut must
be assembled onto the bolt from inside the tractor
frame.
3/8" LOCK 1/2" FLAT
WASHER WASHER
[]
3/8" x 1"
HEX BOLT R.H. SIDE
PLATE
TRACTORS WITH AXLE MOUNTED FRONT
SUSPENSION BRACKETS
• Remove any bolts present in the holes shown in
figure 4 on both sides of the tractor frame.
FIGURE 5 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
• Assemble a shoulder bolt, a 3/8" lock washer and a
3/8" hex lock nut to the bottom hole in each side
plate. See figure 6.
THESE HOLES
MUST BE EMPTY
\
\\ \ \\
FRONT
SUSPENSION
BRACKET
FIGURE 4 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
3_"HEX LOCK NUT
3/_ LOCK
W_SHER
3/8" SHOULDER BOLT
FIGURE 6 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
7

INSTALLING HANGER BRACKETS
For better clearance, lower the tractor's suspension
arms using the attachment lift lever.
On Tractors With Foot Rest Brackets (Figure 7)
• Remove the bolt and nut that fasten the L.H. and
R.H. foot rest brackets to the frame. See figure 7.
• Attach the L.H. Hanger Bracket (marked "L") to the
inside of the tractor frame using two 3/8" x 1"
carriage bolts, 3/8" lock washers and 3/8" hex lock
nuts. The bolt heads go on the inside of the tractor
frame. Repeat for the R.H. side. See figure 7.
/ / / 318"LOCK
BOLTREMOVED WASHER
FROMTHIS HOLE
3/8" HEX
LOCKNUT
t
3/8" x 1"
CARRIAGE
BOLT
SUSPENSION ARM
\ \
LH. HANGER
BRACKET
FIGURE 7 LEFT SIDE VIEW
INSTALLING SHOULDER BOLTS
(All Tractors)
Remove the bolt, washer and nut which fasten the
sway bar bracket to the L.H. side of the tractor
frame. Replace with a shoulder bolt and a 3/8" hex
lock nut as shown in figure 9.
SHOULDER BOLT
I\
BOLT REMOVED
FROM THIS HOLE 3/8" HEX
\LOCK NUT
\\\\ SWAY BAR
\_ BRACKET
FIGURE 9 LEFT SIDE VIEW
On Tractors Without Foot Rest Brackets (Figure 8)
•Find the empty hole beneath the foot rest. Attach
the L.H. Hanger Bracket (marked "L") to the inside
of the frame using a3/8" x 1" carriage bolt (head to
inside), a 3/8" lock washer and a 3/8" hex lock nut.
See figure 8. Repeat for the R.H. side.
3/8" LOCK
WASHER _LOCKNUT
SUSPENSION ARM
\
\ \
8_"x1" L.H. HANGER \
CARRIAGE BRACKET
BOLT
Assemble a shoulder bolt and 3/8" hex lock nut to
the R.H. side of the tractor frame, using the first
empty hole to the rear of the R.H. hanger bracket.
See figure 10.
SHOULDER BOLT
R.H. HANGER BRACKET
RIGHT SIDE VIEW
FIGURE 8 LEFT SIDE VIEW FIGURE 10
8

INSTALLING CLUTCH/IDLER ASSEMBLY
• Turn the clutch/idler assembly upside down and
place the extra tensioning chain through the hole
shown in figure 11.
USE THIS HOLE
FIGURE 11
• Hook the loose spring through the end of the
tensioning chain. See figure 12.
• Hook the other end of the spring onto the bottom of
the bolt and nut which secure the idler pulley to the
upper idler arm. Hold the bolt head and assemble a
3/8" hex lock nut onto the bolt, leaving it loose
enough for the spring to pivot freely between the
two nuts. See figure 12.
• Attach a 3/32" hairpin cotter to the chain, placing it
in the fifth link from the spring. See figure 12.
SPRING 5TH LINK CHAIN
(L.H. SIDE)
3/8" HEX
LOCK NUT
3/32" HAIR
COTTER PIN
RIGHT LEFT
SIDE SIDE
FIGURE 12 VIEW OF BOTTOM
Attach the clutch/idler assembly to the tractor frame
as follows. Hook the assembly's notched arms onto
the two shoulder bolts you assembled to the inside
of the tractor frame. Lift the front of the assembly
and attach it to the R.H. and L.H. hanger brackets
using two pivot lock pins and 1/8" hairpin cotters.
See figure 13.
1/8 COTTER PIVOT LOCK PIN
(use second hole)
FIGURE 13 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
Assemble the short "V" belt onto the engine pulley
and then onto the large pulley on the clutch/idler
assembly. The belt must be placed to the inside of
the idler pulley and the keeper bolt. See figure 14.
IMPORTANT: Do Not assemble the "V" belt
around the outside of the keeper bolt.
Place tension on the belt by pulling the left side
tensioning chain out as far as the 3/32" hairpin
cotter will allow. Secure the chain with a 1/8"
hairpin cotter. See figure 14.
Hold this drawing above you while viewing the
Clutch/Idler Assembly from underneath the
tractor. Right and left in the drawing will be the
reverse of the viewer's right and left.
3/32" HAIRPIN
COTTER
1/8" HAIRPIN
COTTER
!
IDLER
9
©"_ _'_""" KEEPER
BOLT
-_Left Side
I°fTract°r
FIGURE 14 VIEWED FROM UNDERNEATH

ASSEMBLY OF THE SNOW THROWER •Tilt the snow thrower back down to the ground.
Place the lift handle into the lift bracket on the right
side of the snow thrower. Fasten the handle to the
bracket using two 5/16" x 1-3/4" hex bolts, 5/16"
lock washers and 5/16" hex nuts. See figure 15.
LIFT HANDLE _.
/
5116" LOCK
WASHER
l
5/16" x 1-3/4"
HEX BOLT
LIFT BRACKET
FIGURE 15 RIGHT SIDE VIEW
NOTE: Be sure the lift release cable's plastic covering
remains inserted into the trigger assembly while
performing the next step.
• Push the lift handle down into the locked position.
Insert the end of the cable wire into the hole in the
lift rod. Place the threaded fitting into the slot in the
lift bracket, with one hex nut above and one hex
nut and the lock washer below the slot. Tighten the
nuts, adjusting them to eliminate slack in the cable
wire. See figure 16. Refer also to the Service and
Adjustments section on page 17 in this manual.
HINT: For easier assembly of the lift release cable, tilt
the snow thrower forward onto the spiral auger.
LIFT RELEASE
CABLE
TRIGGER
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 16
HEX NUT
LOCK
WASHER
HEX NUT
;ABLE
WIRE
LIFT
ROD
RIGHT SIDE VIEW
Remove the nylon tie which fastens the auger drive
belt to the discharge housing, leaving the belt
assembled around the pulleys.
Remove the nylon tie which fastens the chute crank
rod to the crank rod support tube.
Assemble the crank rod support tube to the bracket
on the left side of the thrower housing using two
5/16" x 1-1/4" carriage bolts, 5/16" lock washers
and 5/16" hex nuts. See figure 17.
\ \
5/16" HEX NUT
FIGURE 17
CRANK ROD
_UPPORT TUBE
LEFT SIDE VIEW
Attach the chute tilt control assembly to the top
side of the crank support tube using two 5/16" x
1-3/4" carriage bolts, bowed washers, 5/16" lock
washers and 5/16" hex nuts. See figure 18.
CHUTE CRANK ROD
CRANK SUPPORT TUBE
TILT CONTROL HANDLE
5/16" x 1-3/4"
CARRIAGE BOLT
BOWED WASHER
5/16" LOCKWASHER
_16"HEX NUT
TILT
CONTROL
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 18 LEFT SIDE VIEW
lO
Attach the chute crank rod assembly brackets to
the plastic bracket on the left side of the thrower
housing. Align the chute crank bracket beneath the
rod support bracket and assemble both to the
plastic bracket using two 5/16" x 1" carriage bolts,
5/1 6" flat washers, 5/1 6" lock washers and 5/1 6"
hex nuts. Do not tighten yet. See figure 19.