Craftsman 247.88854 - Manual (Page 13)

13
Operating Controls
(See Figure 18.)
Chute Crank
The chute crank is located on the left hand side of the
snow thrower. To change the direction in which snow
is thrown, turn chute crank as follows:
Turn clockwise to discharge to the left;
Turn counterclockwise to discharge to the right.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the engine. It
regulates the speed of the engine.
Safety Ignition Switch
The ignition key must be inserted into the switch for
the unit to start. Remove the ignition key when the
snow thrower is not in use.
Left and Right Turn Trigger
The left and right turn triggers are located on the
underside of the handles and are used to assist in
steering your snow thrower. Squeeze the right turn
trigger when turning right, squeeze the left turn trigger
when turning left. Operate your snow thrower in open
areas until you become familiar with these controls.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located in the center of the handle
panel. It may be moved into one of eight positions:
a. Forward—one of six speeds; position one (1)
is the slowest and position six (6) is the
fastest.
b. Reverse—two reverse (R) speeds; R
2
is
faster.
Use the shift lever to determine ground speed. Do not
shift to different speed while the unit is moving.
Auger Control
The auger control is located on the left handle.
Squeeze the auger control against the handle to
engage the augers; release to disengage the augers.
(Traction drive control must also be released.)
Traction Drive Control
The traction drive control is located on the right
handle. Squeeze the traction drive control to engage
the wheel drive; release to stop.
This same lever also locks the auger control so
that you can turn the chute crank without interrupting
the snow throwing process. If the auger control is
engaged with the traction drive control engaged, you
can release the auger control (on the left handle) and
the augers will remain engaged. Release the traction
drive control to stop both the augers and the wheel
drive. (Auger control must also be released).
Chute Distance Control Lever
The distance that snow is thrown can be adjusted by
adjusting the angle of the chute assembly. Push the
chute distance control lever forward to move the
upper chute down and decrease the distance. Pull the
lever back toward the rear to move the upper chute up
and increase the distance.
Stopping Snow Thrower
• To stop the wheels, release the traction drive
lever of the snow thrower.
• To stop throwing snow, release the auger drive
lever.
• To stop the engine, push the throttle control
lever to OFF and pull out the ignition key. Do not
turn key.
Before Starting Engine
Fill Gas
WARNING: Gasoline is flammable and cau-
tion must be used when handling or storing it.
Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is
running, when it is hot or when it is in an
enclosed area.
Keep your snow thrower away from any
open flame or an electrical spark and do not
smoke while filling the fuel tank.
Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the
tank to within 1/4"-1/2" from the top to
provide space for expansion of fuel.
Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and use a
funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
• Store gasoline in a clean, approved container
and keep the cap in place on the container.
• Make sure that the container from which you
pour the gasoline is clean and free from rust or
other foreign particles.
• Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline.
• At the end of the job, empty the fuel tank if the
snow thrower is not going to be used for 30 days
or longer. See storage instructions on page 25
of this manual.
CAUTION: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol) or those using ethanol or meth-
anol can attract moisture which leads to separation
and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.