This document is an operator's manual for a Craftsman Dual Stage Snowthrower, Model No. C950-52456-0 (1696668-00).
The snowthrower is designed for clearing snow and is not intended for any other purpose. It is equipped with a Briggs & Stratton Snow Series™ 4-cycle OHV engine with recoil/electric start. The engine has an oil capacity of 37.0 oz (5.68 L) and a fuel tank capacity of 3.2 qts (3.0 liters) with a fuel shutoff. The spark plug gap is .030 in (0.76 mm) and the spark plug torque is 180 lb-in (20 Nm). The spark ignition system complies with Canadian standard ICES-002.
Function Description:
The snowthrower is a dual-stage machine, meaning it uses both an auger and an impeller to clear snow. The auger collects snow and feeds it into the impeller, which then throws the snow out through the discharge chute.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton Snow Series™ 4-Cycle OHV
- Starting System: Recoil / Electric Start
- Oil Capacity: 37.0 oz (5.68 L)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.2 qts (3.0 liters) with Fuel Shutoff
- Sparkplug Gap: .030 in (0.76 mm)
- Sparkplug Torque: 180 lb-in (20 Nm)
- Power Ratings: Gross power ratings are labeled in accordance with SAE code J1940 and J1995. Torque values are derived at 2600 RPM, and horsepower values at 3600 RPM. Net power values are taken with exhaust and air cleaner installed.
- Emissions Durability Period: Categorized as Moderate, Intermediate, or Extended, indicating the number of hours the engine is certified to be emissions compliant, assuming proper maintenance. For engines at or less than 80 cc displacement, Category C = 50 hours, B = 125 hours, A = 300 hours. For engines greater than 80 cc and less than 225 cc, Category C = 125 hours, B = 250 hours, A = 500 hours. For engines of 225 cc or more, Category C = 250 hours, B = 500 hours, A = 1000 hours.
Usage Features:
- Speed Select Lever (A): Allows the operator to choose forward and reverse speeds. It is crucial not to move this lever while the Traction Control is engaged to prevent severe damage to the drive system.
- Auger Control Lever (B): Engages and disengages the auger and impeller. Push down to engage, release to disengage.
- Chute Rotation Crank (C): Rotates the discharge chute left or right.
- Deflector Control Switch (D): Controls the angle of the chute deflector (up or down).
- Easy-Turn™ Traction Control (E): When engaged, this feature allows the operator to release one drive wheel, enabling easier turning while the other wheel continues to drive. It is more difficult to activate under a heavy load, so it should be engaged before beginning a turn.
- Free-Hand™ Control (F): After engaging both the traction control (left hand) and auger control (right hand), this feature allows the operator to release the auger control lever to use other controls. The auger will continue to run until the traction/Free-Hand™ control lever is released.
- Traction Control Lever (G): Propels the snowthrower forward or reverse. Push down to engage, release to disengage.
- Clean-Out Tool (H): Provided for safely removing snow and debris from the discharge chute and auger housing.
- Skid Shoes (I): Used to adjust the ground clearance of the auger housing, preventing damage to surfaces or the unit itself.
- Headlight (J): For operating in poor lighting conditions.
- Grip Warmer Switch (K): Heats the hand grips for operator comfort.
- Engine Controls:
- Choke Control Knob (A, Figure 4): Used to start a cold engine.
- Electric Start Button (B, Figure 4): Starts the engine using the electric starter.
- Primer Button (C, Figure 4): Injects fuel directly into the carburetor manifold for fast starts in cool weather.
- On/Off Key (D, Figure 4): Turns the engine ON or OFF.
- Starter Cord Handle (E, Figure 4): Used for manual engine start.
- Throttle Control Lever (F, Figure 4): Controls engine speed. FAST position for best performance, SLOW for warming the engine.
- Fuel Shut-Off Valve (G, Figure 4): Turns off the fuel supply for out-of-season storage.
- Fuel Tank and Cap (H, Figure 4): Fill to approximately 1-1/2 in. (38 mm) below the neck to allow for fuel expansion.
- Oil Fill Cap (Extended Dipstick) (I, Figure 4): For checking and adding engine oil.
- Drain Plug (J, Figure 4): For draining engine oil.
Maintenance Features:
- After Each Use: Remove snow and slush to prevent controls from freezing.
- Every 8 Hours or Daily: Perform snowthrower safety tests and check engine oil level.
- Every 25 Hours or Annually: Check tire pressure and snowthrower for loose hardware.
- See Dealer Annually: Lubricate control levers, linkages, deflector hinge, deflector motor (if equipped), and chute rotation gear (if equipped). Replace spark plug and check valve clearance (if problems occur).
- Engine Oil: Check crankcase oil level before starting and every 8 hours of continuous use. Change engine oil every 50 hours or annually. Use high-quality detergent oil (API service "SF, SH, SJ, SL, or higher"). For extreme cold (0°F/-18°C and below), synthetic 5W30 motor oil is recommended. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
- Fuel System: Use clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane / 87 AKI (91 RON)). Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol is acceptable. Do not use unapproved gasolines (E15, E85) or modify the engine for alternate fuels. A fuel stabilizer is recommended for storage to prevent gum formation.
- Auger Control Cable Adjustment: Ensure the hook barely touches the lever with a maximum of 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) clearance when the lever is released. Adjust by loosening nuts and turning the adjustment screw.
- Auger Shear Bolt Replacement: Use only original replacement shear bolts. These are designed to break if an object becomes lodged in the auger housing, protecting the unit.
- Traction Cable Inspection: Cables are factory-adjusted, but if stretched or sagging, adjustment by an authorized dealer is necessary.
- Traction Drive Belt Adjustment: The belt is under constant spring tension and typically requires no adjustment. If slipping, consult an authorized dealer.
- Speed Control Rod Adjustment: If adjustment is needed, consult an authorized dealer.
- Skid Shoe Height Adjustment: Adjust skid shoes to maintain desired ground clearance. For hard surfaces, raise skids; for rocky or uneven surfaces, lower them to prevent picking up debris.
- Storage: Thoroughly clean the snowthrower. Remove, clean, and re-gap (or replace) the spark plug. Ensure all fasteners are tight. Inspect for wear or damage. Lubricate controls and moving parts. Spray unpainted metal surfaces with rust preventative. For indoor storage, cover the unit and store it in a dry area away from ignition sources. For outdoor storage, raise the unit off the ground and cover it with a heavy tarpaulin.
Safety Features:
The snowthrower is equipped with several mechanical safety systems. These include:
- Auger/Impeller Control Test: Ensures the auger/impeller stops within 5 seconds of releasing the control lever.
- Traction Drive Control Test: Ensures the unit stops when the traction control lever is released.
- Free Hand Control Test: Ensures both auger and traction controls release when the traction control lever is released after engaging both.
- Safety Decals: Various decals (Engine Decal, Chute Danger Decal, Auger Danger Decal, Shift Decal, Main Dash Decal, Traction Control Decal, Auger Control Decal) provide warnings and instructions for safe operation.
- Clean-out Tool: Provided to prevent hand contact with rotating parts when clearing a clogged discharge chute.
- Engine Shut-off: The engine must be turned OFF, and the key removed before performing any maintenance or clearing clogs.
- Carbon Monoxide Warning: Emphasizes starting and running the engine outdoors to avoid toxic fumes.
- Flammable Fuel Warning: Highlights the importance of handling fuel with extreme care, filling the tank outdoors, avoiding overfilling, and keeping fuel away from ignition sources.
- Thrown Objects Hazard: Warns against discharging snow toward bystanders or property and advises wearing safety glasses.
- Children Safety: Instructs operators to keep children away from the operating area and to turn off the unit if children enter the area.
- Hot Surface Warning: Advises against touching hot engine parts, especially the muffler, and allowing them to cool before contact.
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