Sears 247.88557 - 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.
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WARNING: 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 snow thrower under close parental supervi­
sion. 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, especial­
ly 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
winter outer garments. 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 en­
gine 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 en­
gine 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 opera­
tion 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 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 forthe cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
• Stop engine whenever you leave the operating position,
before unclogging the collector/impeller housing or dis­
charge guide, and making any repairs, adjustments, or
inspections. Never place your hand in the discharge or
collector openings. Use a stick or wooden broom handle
to unclog the discharge opening.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit unat­
tended. Disengage the collector/impeller, stop the
engine, and remove the key.
• When cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain
collector/impeller and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect spark plug wire and keep away from plug to
prevent accidental starting.
• Do not run engine indoors, except when starting engine
and transporting snow thrower in or out of building. Open
doors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes. Do
not attempt to clear steep slopes.
• Never operate snow thrower without guards, plates, or
other safety protection devices in place.
• Never operate snow thrower near glass enclosure, auto­
mobiles, window wells, drop off, etc., without proper ad­
justments of snow thrower discharge angle. Keep
children and pets away.