Craftsman 247.885500 - Manual (Page 3)

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
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This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the
personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate your snow thrower. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in
personal injury. When you see this symbol—
heed its warning.
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Your snow thrower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
DANGER:'''''^^ any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious
injury. If you violate any of these rules, you may cause serious injury to yourself or others.
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This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be
maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest Sears Authorized Service Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section
of this manual.)
TRAINING
• Read this owner’s guide carefully in its entirety before
attempting to assemble or operate this machine. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual In a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
® Never allow children under 14 years old to operate a
snow thrower. Children 14 years old and over should
only operate a snow thrower under close parental
supervision. Only persons well acquainted with these
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your
snow thrower.
• No one should operate this unit while intoxicated or
while taking medication that impairs the senses or
reactions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
especially small children and pets.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards,
wires and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate
outer garments for winter. Do not wear jewelry, long
scarfs or other loose clothing which could become
entangled in moving parts. Wear footwear which will
improve footing on slippery surfaces.
• Before working with gasoline, extinguish all cigarettes
and other sources of ignition. Check the fuel before
starting the engine. Gasoline is an extremely
flammable fuel. Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors,
while the engine is running, or until engine has been
allowed to cool at least two minutes. Replace gasoline
cap securely and wipe off any spilled gasoline before
starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.
® Use a grounded three wire plug-in for all units with
electric drive motors or electric starting motors.
« Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or
crushed rock surface.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine
is running (except where specifically recommended
by manufacturer).
® Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor
temperature before starting to clear snow.
® Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation or while performing an adjustment or repair,
to protect eyes from foreign objects that may be
thrown from the machine in any direction.
OPERATION
“ Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of discharge opening and auger at all
times.
® Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
« Do not carry passengers.
® After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove
wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the
snow thrower for any damage. Repair the damage
before restarting and operating the snow thrower.
® If the snow thrower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
» Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the collector/impeller
housing or discharge guide and before making any
repairs, adjustments, or inspections. Never place your