Craftsman 486.248381, Operator'S Manual

3

SAFETY

Any power equipment can cause injury if operated improperly or if the user does not understand how to operate the equipment. 
Exercise caution at all times, when using power equipment.

•  Read this owner's manual carefully and know how to 

operate your snow thrower and how to stop the unit 
and disengage the controls quickly.

•  Never allow children to operate the equipment.
•  Never allow adults to operate the equipment without 

proper instruction.

•  Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, 

especially small children, and pets.

•  Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is 

to be used and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, 

wires and other foreign objects.

•  Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before 

starting engine.

•  Do not operate equipment without wearing adequate 

winter outer garments.

•  Wear substantial footwear which will protect feet and 

improve footing on slippery surfaces.

•  Check fuel before starting the engine. Do not remove 

the fuel cap or fill the fuel tank while the engine 
is running or hot. Do not fill the fuel tank indoors. 
Gasoline is an extremely flammable fuel.

•  Make sure the snow thrower height is adjusted to 

clear the type surface it will be used on.

•  Do not use the snow thrower without the rear weight 

attached to the tractor.

•  Never make any adjustments while the engine is 

running.

•  Always wear safety glasses or eye shield during 

operation or while performing adjustment or repair.

•  Do not place hands or feet near rotating parts. Keep 

clear of the discharge opening at all times.

•  Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing 

gravel surfaces.

•  Do not carry passengers.
•  After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove 

the wire from the spark plug and then thoroughly 
inspect the snow thrower for damage. Repair any 
damage before restarting and operating the snow 
thrower.

•  If the snow thrower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop 

the engine immediately and check for the cause. 
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

•  Stop the engine whenever you leave the operating 

position, before unclogging the snow thrower or 
making any adjustments or inspections.

•  Take all possible precautions when leaving the unit 

unattended. Disengage the attachment clutch lever or 

switch, lower the snow thrower, shift into neutral, set 

the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the 

key.

•  When cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain 

all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark 
plug wire and keep it away from the plug to prevent 

accidental starting.

•  Do not run engine indoors except when transporting 

the snow thrower in or out of the building. Open the 
outside 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. Refer to the 
slope guide on page 39 of this manual.

•  Never operate the snow thrower without guards, 

plates or other safety protection devices in place.

•  Never operate the snow thrower near glass 

enclosures, automobiles, window wells, drop offs 
etc. without proper adjustment of the snow thrower 
discharge angle. 

•  Never direct discharge at bystanders or allow anyone 

in front of the snow thrower.

•  Never run the snow thrower into material at high 

speeds.

•  Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting 

to clear snow at too fast a rate.

•  Never operate the machine at high transport speed 

on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when 
backing up.

•  Watch for traffic and stay alert when crossing or 

operating near roadways.

•  Disengage power to the snow thrower when 

transporting or when not in use.

•  Use only attachments and accessories approved by 

the manufacturer of the snow thrower (such as wheel 
weights, counter weights, cabs etc.)

•  Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility 

or light. 

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means — 

Attention!! Become 

alert!! Your safety is involved.