The Craftsman Yard Vacuum, Model No. 247.770330, is a versatile outdoor power equipment designed for vacuuming, shredding, and blowing yard waste such as leaves, pine needles, and small twigs. It is powered by a Briggs & Stratton engine and requires unleaded gasoline and SAE 30 engine oil.
Function Description:
The primary function of the yard vacuum is to collect and shred yard waste. It can operate in two main modes:
- Nozzle Vacuum Mode: In this mode, the front nozzle is used to vacuum up leaves, pine needles, and other small debris directly from the ground. The material is then fed into the impeller assembly for shredding and discharged into a catcher bag or through the blower chute.
- Hose Assembly Vacuum Mode: For hard-to-reach areas, the hose assembly can be attached as an alternative to the nozzle. This allows for more targeted vacuuming of yard waste.
- Chipper Chute: The unit features a dedicated chipper chute that allows for feeding twigs and small branches up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter into the impeller for chipping.
- Blower Chute: When attached, the blower chute is used to discharge processed yard waste across the yard, effectively acting as a blower.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: 247.770330
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton
- Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON), up to 10% ethanol is acceptable).
- Engine Oil: SAE 30 (for temperatures above 40°F/4°C), 10W-30 (for temperatures above 80°F/27°C, requiring more frequent oil level checks), Synthetic 5W-30 (for temperatures below -4°F/-20°C).
- Nozzle Height Adjustment: Five positions, ranging from 5/8" to 4-1/8" ground clearance.
- Chipper Chute Capacity: Twigs and small branches up to 1-1/2" in diameter.
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.020 in. (0.51 mm).
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The handle, hose assembly, and bag/blower chute are designed for straightforward attachment. The handle unfolds and secures with wing nuts and knobs. The hose assembly slides into a base adapter and locks with a spring-loaded pin. The bag or blower chute slips over the discharge opening and secures with a locking rod.
- Nozzle Height Adjustment: An adjustment lever allows the user to easily change the nozzle's ground clearance to suit different yard conditions or when using the blower chute.
- Throttle Control: The throttle lever has three positions: FAST (Rabbit symbol) for operation, SLOW, and STOP. The engine should always be operated in the FAST position for optimal performance.
- Choke Control: A choke control assists in starting a cold engine. It has CHOKE and RUN positions.
- Fueling: The unit requires clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Fueling should be done outdoors in a well-ventilated area, with the engine stopped and cooled. The fuel tank should not be overfilled, leaving 1½ inches below the filler neck for expansion.
- Oil Fill-Up: The engine is shipped without oil and must be serviced with the recommended SAE 30 oil before first use. Oil level should be checked regularly using the dipstick.
- Starting the Engine: Ensure the bag/chute switch button is fully depressed (by the front tab on the bag handle or blower chute) for the engine to start. Move the throttle to FAST, the choke to CHOKE (if cold), grasp the starter handle, and pull the rope with a rapid, continuous stroke.
- Stopping the Engine: Move the throttle control lever to the STOP position.
- Emptying the Bag: The bag is removed by unhooking straps, unsnapping the clip, and pulling the lock rod. It features two buttons on the back to unlock and empty contents.
- Removing Blower Chute: Similar to bag removal, the blower chute is removed by pulling the lock rod and lifting it off the discharge opening.
- Safety Features: The unit includes safety symbols and warnings regarding rotating blades, thrown objects, bystanders, eye protection, flammable gasoline, and carbon monoxide. A safety switch prevents the engine from starting if the bag or blower chute is not properly secured.
Maintenance Features:
- Maintenance Schedule: A detailed schedule outlines regular maintenance tasks, including checking engine oil level, hardware tightness, and overall unit cleanliness (each use and every 5 hours), changing engine oil (1st 5 hours, then annually or every 50 hours), cleaning air filter (annually or every 25 hours), lubricating control linkages, pivots, and wheels (annually or every 25 hours), replacing spark plug (annually or every 50 hours), and fuel system preparation before storage.
- Engine Oil: Check oil level before each operation. Change oil after the first five hours, then annually or every fifty hours.
- Air Filter: Inspect the air filter each time the engine is operated. Clean it every 25 hours or once a season, and replace it annually. Do not use pressurized air or solvents for cleaning.
- Spark Plug: Clean the spark plug and reset the electrode gap to 0.020" at least once a season; replace annually.
- Cleaning Equipment: Clean the engine and underside of the yard vacuum annually to prevent debris build-up. Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean the unit.
- Flail Screen: If the discharge area becomes clogged, the flail screen should be removed and cleaned. This involves removing the bag/blower chute, belt cover, and specific screws to access the screen.
- Chipper Blade Sharpening/Replacement: The chipper blade should be kept sharp for optimal performance. Sharpening can be done with a file or grinding wheel. Wear leather work gloves when handling the blade.
- Lubrication: Lubricate wheels, nozzle height adjustment levers, locking rod, and nozzle/hose vac lever once a season with light oil or SAE 30 oil.
- Off-Season Storage: For storage over 30 days, prepare the engine by running it until out of fuel or adding a gasoline additive. Change the oil while warm and clean surface debris. Clean and lubricate the yard vacuum thoroughly, and store it in a dry, clean area away from corrosive materials. Rust-proof the equipment with light oil or silicone, especially cables and moving parts.
Safety Instructions:
The manual emphasizes reading and following all safety rules to prevent personal injury or property damage. Key safety warnings include:
- Never allow children under 16 to operate the machine.
- Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet away.
- Never run the engine indoors or in poorly ventilated areas due to carbon monoxide risk.
- Keep hands and feet away from rotating parts, feeding chambers, and discharge openings.
- Always shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire before attempting to unclog, inspect, or repair the machine.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles during operation and maintenance.
- Handle gasoline with extreme care due to its flammability and explosive vapors.
- Never operate without the vacuum bag and discharge chute properly attached.
- Do not modify the engine or tamper with governor settings.
- Do not shred or chip material larger than specified.
The Craftsman Yard Vacuum is designed to meet ANSI safety standards.
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