Craftsman C459-52925, Operator'S Manual

Page: 14 / 52

14
OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions and
warnings on the machine and in this manual before
operating.
gas & Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and
the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
Starting The Engine
1. Make certain both the auger control and drive control are in the
disengaged (released) position.
2. Open fuel shut-off valve (If equipped) and make sure the Rocker
switch is in the On position (if equipped).
3. Push in the safety key.
4. Rotate choke control to FULL choke position
(for a cold
engine start).
NOTE: If the engine is already warm, place choke control in the OFF
position
instead of FULL.
5. Push the primer two times if temperature is above 15
o
F (-9
o
C),
four times if temperature is below 15
o
F (-9
o
C) for cold engine start,
making sure to cover vent hole in the center of the primer when
pushing.
NOTE: DO NOT use primer to restart a warm engine after a short
shutdown.
Electric Starter (If Equipped)
1. Determine that your home’s wiring is a three-wire grounded system.
Ask a licensed electrician if you are not certain.
WARNING: The optional electric starter is equipped
with a grounded three-wire power cord and
plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt AC
household current. It must be used with a properly
grounded three-prong receptacle at all times to
avoid the possibility of electric shock. Follow all
instructions carefully prior to operating the electric
starter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle, proceed as follows:
1. Plug the extension cord into the outlet located on the engine’s
surface. Plug the other end of extension cord into a three-prong
120-volt, grounded, AC outlet in a well-ventilated area.
2. Push starter button to start engine.
3. Once the engine starts, immediately release starter button.
4. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the OFF
position . If the engine falters, quickly rotate the choke control
back to FULL and then slowly into the OFF position again.
5. When disconnecting the extension cord, always unplug the end at the
three-prong wall outlet before unplugging the opposite end from the
snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
1. Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull the rope out. At the
point where it becomes slightly harder to pull the rope, slowly allow the
rope to recoil.
2. Pull the starter handle with a firm, rapid stroke. Do not release the
handle and allow it to snap back. Keep a firm hold on the starter
handle and allow it to slowly recoil.
3. As the engine warms, slowly rotate the choke control to the OFF
position. If the engine falters, quickly rotate the choke control back to
the FULL position and then slowly into the OFF position again.
NOTE: Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes after starting. The
engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.
Stopping The Engine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to help dry off any
moisture on the engine.
• Push the rocker switch to the “OFF” position.
• Pull out the safety key.
• Close fuel shut-off valve (If equipped).
• Wipe all snow and moisture from the area around the engine as well
as the area in and around the drive control and auger control. Also,
engage and release both controls several times.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator
is standing near the snow thrower while starting
engine or operating snow thrower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair
and loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and snow thrower.
To Engage Drive
IMPORTANT: When selecting a Drive Speed, use the slower speeds
until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation of the snow
thrower.
NEVER reposition the shift lever (change speeds or direction of travel)
without first releasing the drive control and bringing the snow thrower
to a complete stop. Doing so will result in premature wear to the snow
thrower’s drive system.
1. With the engine running near top speed, move shift lever to one
of six FORWARD positions or two REVERSE positions. Select a
speed appropriate for the snow conditions that exist. Do not shift
speeds while the drive is engaged.
2. Squeeze drive control against the right handle and the snow
thrower will move. Release it and the drive motion will stop.
3. To turn the unit left or right, squeeze the respective wheel steering
control. See Figure 14.