Craftsman C950-52301-0, Operator'S Manual, Page: 12 / 92

BEFORE OPERATING SNOWTHROWER
Check the fasteners. Make sure all fasteners are tight.
Read this Operator’s Manual and Operator Safety before
operating your snowthrower. Compare the illustrations with
your snowthrower to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for fu -
ture reference.
NOTE : This snowthrower was shipped WITH OIL in the engine.
See “Before Starting Engine” instructions in the Operation
section of this manual before starting engine.
Operation
WARNING: The operation of any snowthrower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before beginning snowthrower
operation. We recommend standard safety glasses or Wide Vision Safety Mask over spectacles.
SAFETY SYSTEM TESTS
WARNING
Amputation Hazard
This snowthrower is equipped with several mechanical
safety systems designed to keep the operator safe while
using the unit. Check the operation of these systems
regularly using the safety system tests listed. If the unit
fails to operate as described, DO NOT operate it. See your
authorized dealer for service immediately.
Test 1 – Auger/Impeller Control
With the engine running:
• Press down on the auger control lever. (The auger/impeller
should rotate.)
• Release the auger control lever. (The auger/impeller should
stop within 5 seconds.)
Test 2 – Traction Drive Control
With the engine running and speed control in 1st gear:
• Press down on the traction control lever. (The unit should
move forward.)
• Release the traction control lever. (The unit should stop.)
Test 3 - Free Hand Control
With the engine running:
• Engage the auger and traction control levers, then release
the auger control lever. (Both controls should remain
engaged.)
• Next, release the traction control lever. (Both controls should
release.)
NOTICE: Before operating, make sure the area in front of the
snowthrower is clear of bystanders or obstacles.
OPERATE THE SNOWTHROWER
NOTICE: Do not throw snow toward a building as hidden objects
could be thrown with sufficient force to cause damage.
1. Start the engine. See Start the Engine in this section.
2. Press the chute rotation switch ( C , Figure 2) to rotate the dis-
charge chute left or right.
7. Use the speed select lever ( A ) to select the forward drive
speed. Set the speed select lever to one of the following posi-
tions as determined by snow conditions:
1-2 Wet, Heavy, Slushy, Extra Deep
3 Moderate
4-5 Very Light
6 Transport
NOTE: When clearing wet, heavy, snow, it is recommended that
the ground speed of the unit be reduced, maintained full throttle
and do not attempt to clear the full width of the unit.
8. Press the grip warmer switch ( K ) to heat the hand grips.
9. To stop moving forward, release the traction control lever ( G ).
10. To move the snowthrower backwards, move the speed select
lever into either first or second reverse position and engage
the traction control lever.
NOTE: Always release the traction control lever before moving
the speed select lever.
3. Press the deflector control switch ( D ) to control the angle of
the chute deflector.
4. Fully press and hold the auger control lever ( B ) to engage
the auger rotation. Releasing the auger control lever will
disengage the auger - unless the Free-Hand™ control is acti-
vated.
5. Fully press and hold the traction/Free-Hand™ control lever
( G ) to engage the traction drive and begin moving the snow-
thrower. To disengage the traction drive, completely release
the lever.
6. When BOTH levers are pressed, the Free-Hand™ control is
activated. This allows you to release the auger control lever to
use the other controls. The auger will continue to run until the
traction/Free-Hand™ control lever is released.
12
CAUTION: Operation with a Snow Cab. Wind may
blow exhaust gasses back towards the operator. If
you notice the smell of exhaust, change direction of
operation.