CRAFTSMAN 486.248463 2 Stage Snow Thrower Tractor Attachment Owner’s Manual

CRAFTSMAN 486.248463 2 Stage Snow Thrower Tractor Attachment

CAUTION
Before using this product, read this manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.

IMPORTANT – READ THIS FIRST!

• For Missing Parts or Assembly Questions
• Please Call 866-576-8388
• Mon.-Fri. 7 am – 5 pm CST.
• FAX 217-728-2032 or e-mail info@agri-fab.com
• Missing parts will be sent by UPS in 24 hours directly to your home.

WARRANTY

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON 46″ 2-STAGE SNOW THROWER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this snow thrower is maintained and lubricated according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge. If this snow thrower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not cover repairs necessary because of operator negligence or abuse, including the failure to maintain the equipment according to instructions contained in the owner’s manual.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co. D/817 WA. Hoffman Estates, Chicago, IL 60179

ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

These accessories were available when the unit was purchased. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service centres. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model numbers of your tractor and snow thrower.

The model number and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the snow thrower. You should record both the serial number and the date of purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.

• MODEL NUMBER: 486.248463
• SERIAL NUMBER: __
• DATE OF PURCHASE: __

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 the engine.
• Do not operate equipment without wearing ad e equate winter outer garments.
• Wear substantial footwear that 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 extreme ly flammable fuel.
• Make sure the snow thrower height is adjusted to clear the type of 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 shields during operation or while performing an adjustment or repair.
• Do not place your hand 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 23 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 en clo sures, 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 the material at high speeds.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by at tempt ing 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.
• 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, counterweights, 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.

HARDWARE PACKAGE CONTENTS

SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

• Two shear bolts (R) and hex lock nuts (S) are provided as replacement parts for the spiral augers. Store in a safe place until needed.

NOT SHOWN ACTUAL SIZE

ASSEMBLY

CARTON CONTENTS

1. Frame Brackets (2)
2. Hanger Bracket, L.H. 54″
3. Hanger Bracket, R.H. 54″
4. Hanger Bracket, L.H.
5. Hanger Bracket, R.H.
6. Side Plate, L.H.
7. Side Plate, R.H.
8. Cross Brace
9. Plastic Weight Keg
10. Weight Tray
11. Side Brace Arms (2)
12. Chute Crank Assembly
13. Lift Handle with Cable
14. Clutch/Idler Assembly
15. Drive “V” Belt
16. Auger “V” Belt (Attached to Housing Assembly)
17. Anti-rotation Bracket
18. Chute and Control Cable Assembly
19. Housing Assembly

Hardware Package (Stored inside Plastic Keg)

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

• (2) 7/16″ Wrenches
• (2) 1/2″ Wrenches
• (2) 9/16″ Wrenches
• (1) 5/8″ Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
• (1) 11/16″ Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
• (1) 3/4″ Wrench or Adjustable Wrench
• (1) Knife

General Purpose Grease

REMOVAL OF PARTS FROM CARTON

Remove all parts and hardware packages from the carton. Lay out all parts and hardware and identify them using the illustrations on pages 4 and 5.

CAUTION: Before starting to assemble the snow thrower, remove the spark plug wire(s), set the parking brake and remove the key from the tractor ignition.

TRACTOR PREPARATION
Before proceeding with these instructions, refer to the Service and Adjustments section of your tractor owner’s manual for specific safety instructions.

• Allow the engine, muffler and exhaust deflector to cool before beginning.
• Remove any front or rear attachment which is mounted to your tractor.
• Remove the mower deck. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual for removal instructions. Mark all loose parts and save them for reassembly.
• Remove the tractor hood and grill assembly. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual for removal instructions.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM TRACTOR
Store all brackets and fasteners removed from the tractor during the assembly of the snow thrower, unless the instructions call for their use.

ASSEMBLING PARTS TO TRACTOR FRAME

The right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are determined from the operator’s position while seated on the tractor.

• Remove the hex bolt from the threaded hole at the top front corner of the R.H. front suspension bracket.
• Remove either a or b depending on the tractor:
  • the hex bolt from the threaded hole at the top rear corner of the R.H. front suspension bracket.
  • the nut from the carriage bolt at the top rear corner of the bracket, leaving the carriage bolt in the tractor frame. See Figure 1.
• Repeat for the L.H. front suspension bracket.

Attach the front of the side plate to the threaded hole in the tractor frame using a 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolt and a 3/8″ lock washer. Attach the rear of the R.H. side plate to the tractor using either a 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolt and lock washer or a 3/8″ hex lock nut and lock washer. Repeat for the L.H. side. See Figure 2.
NOTE: If the side plates are removed from the tractor frame, be sure to reassemble bolts and nuts back into the frame.

If you have a 54″ mower deck go directly to page 8. All other deck sizes use the following instructions.

• Remove the mower stop bracket and its two bolts and nuts from the R.H. side of the tractor frame as shown in Figure 3.

• If the tractor has a muffler guard at the front of the R.H. footrest, remove the bottom bolt and nut, and the washer which is located between the guard and the tractor frame. See Figure 3.

• Remove the two bolts from the bottom of both the R.H. and L.H. footrests. See Figure 3.

• Assemble the R.H. hanger bracket to the bottom hole where the mower stop bracket was removed and to the upper hole under the front of the footrest. Fasten with two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts, 3/8″ lock washers and 3/8″ hex lock nuts. (On tractors with muffler guards, slide the hanger bracket between the guard and the tractor frame.) See Figure 4.

• Assemble the L.H. hanger bracket to the left side of the tractor frame using two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts, two 3/8″ lock washers and two 3/8″ hex lock nuts as shown in Figure 5.

• Assemble a frame bracket to the L.H. footrest and sway bar bracket as shown in Figure 6. Use two 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolts, three spacers and two 3/8″ lock washers.

• Assemble a shoulder bolt to the inside of the L.H. frame bracket, securing it with a 3/8″ lock washer and a 3/8″ hex lock nut. See Figure 6.

• Repeat with a frame bracket on the R.H. side of the tractor. Attach in the same manner but use four spacers (two per bolt).

• Proceed.

This page is for tractors with 54″ mower decks only.

• Remove and store the mower stop bracket and bolt from both sides of the tractor frame. See Figure 3.

• Remove the two bolts from the bottom of the footrests on both sides of the tractor frame. See Figure 7.

• Assemble the 54″ R.H. hanger bracket to the holes where the mower stop bracket was removed on the right side of the tractor frame. Fasten with two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts, two 3/8″ lock wash ers and one 3/8″ hex lock nut. See Figure 8.

• Assemble the 54″ L.H. hanger bracket to the holes where the mower stop bracket was removed on the left side of the tractor frame. Fasten with two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts, two 3/8″ lock wash ers and two 3/8″ hex lock nuts. See Figure 9.

• Assemble a frame bracket to the L.H. footrest as shown in Figure 10. Use two 3/8″ x 1-1/4″ hex bolts, four spacers (2 per bolt) and two 3/8″ lock washers.

• Assemble a shoulder bolt to the inside of the frame bracket, securing it with a 3/8″ lock washer and a 3/8″ hex lock nut. See Figure 10.

• Repeat with a frame bracket on the R.H. side of the tractor.

ATTACHING CLUTCH/IDLER ASSEMBLY

• Connect the end link of each chain to the springs shown in Figure 11. Use this paragraph if your mower deck is less than 48″

• If you have a mower deck smaller than 48″, measure the outer diameter of the tractor’s engine pulley. If the di am e ter of the pulley is less than 6″, move the inside hairpin clip in the L.H. ad just the chain from link #8 to link #5. (Links are counted from the end of the chain attached to the spring).

• Use this paragraph if your mower deck is 48″

• Attach the rear of the clutch/idler assembly to the tractor frame by sliding the notched arms of the assembly onto the shoulder bolts as sem bled to the frame brackets. Lift the front of the assembly, positioning the upper idler pulley so that it clears the engine pulley. Attach the front of the assembly to the hanger brackets using two pivot lock pins and two hairpin clips. See Figure 12.

Use this paragraph if your mower deck is 54″

• Attach the rear of the clutch/idler assembly to the tractor frame by sliding the notched arms of the assembly onto the shoulder bolts as sem bled to the frame brackets. Lift the front of the assembly, positioning the upper idler pulley so that it clears the engine pulley. Attach the front of the assembly to the hanger brackets using two pivot lock pins and two hairpin clips. See Figure 13.

ASSEMBLY OF SNOW THROWER

• Place the lift handle into the lift bracket on the right side of the snow thrower. Fasten the handle to the bracket using two 5/16″ x 1-3/4″ hex bolts, 5/16″ lock washers and 5/16″ hex nuts. See Figure 14.

NOTE: Be sure the lift release cable’s plastic covering remains inserted into the trigger assembly while completing the next step.

Push the lift handle down into the locked position. Insert the end of the cable wire into the hole in the lift rod. Place the threaded fitting into the slot in the lift bracket, with one hex nut above and one hex nut and the lock washer below the slot. Tighten the nuts, and just ing them to eliminate any slack in the cable wire. See Figure 15. Refer also to the Service and Adjustments section on page 18 in this manual.

• Remove the nylon tie which fastens the chute crank rod to the crank support tube.

• Assemble the crank support tube (fl at side) to the two brackets on the left side of the thrower housing using two 3/8″ x 1-1/2″ hex bolts, 3/8″ lock washers and 3/8″ hex lock nuts. See Figure 16.

• Attach the chute tilt control assembly to the top side of the crank support tube using two 5/16″ x 1-3/4″ carriage bolts, bowed washers, 5/16″ lock washers and 5/16″ hex nuts. See Figure 17.

• Attach the chute crank assembly to the plastic bracket on the left side of the thrower housings as shown in Figure 18. Use two 5/16″ x 1″ carriage bolts, 5/16″ fl at washers, 5/16″ lock wash ers and 5/16″ hex nuts. Do not tighten yet.

• Coat the top of the ring around the discharge opening with general-purpose grease. See Figure 19.

• Place the discharge chute (facing forward) onto the discharge opening, aligning the crank rod spiral with the notch es in the chute flange.

• Attach the three chute keepers (right side up as shown in Figure 19) and the anti-rotation bracket to the bottom of the chute flange. Use six 1/4″ x 1″ hex bolts, 1/4″ flat washers and 1/4″ flanged lock nuts. Tighten carefully so that the plastic parts are not deformed. See Figure 19.

• Place the plastic grip onto the back end of the anti-rotation bracket. See Figure 19.

• Position the chute crank assembly so that the crank rod spiral does not rub the bottoms of the notch es in the chute fl ange and then tighten the nuts left loose in Figure 19.

• Check if the crank rod rotates the chute freely. If not, loosen by 1/4 turn of each of the six flanged nuts holding the chute keepers to the chute flange.

MOUNTING SNOW THROWER TO TRACTOR

NOTE: The help of another person may be required to mount the snow thrower to the front of the tractor.

• Place the tractor and snow thrower on a flat, level surface.
• Remove the plastic tie from the auger belt and extend the belt out behind the snow thrower, making sure the belt remains as sem bled around the top of the large auger drive pulley and passing under neath the two side idler pulleys.
• Align the tractor behind the snow thrower.
• Remove the attachment pin from the snow thrower.
• Squeeze the release trigger on the lift handle and raise the handle out of the locked position. (If the handle will not release out of the locked position, refer to the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.)
• Grasp the round bar just behind the auger drive pulley and lift to align the rear mounting notches on the snow thrower with the mounting pins on the tractor. Slide the pins into the notches.
• HINT: If you are unable to fit the mounting pins into the notches, try placing 1″ or 2″ blocks of wood under the front skid shoes on the snow thrower.
• Assemble a 3/4″ washer and a 1/8″ hairpin clip to each mounting pin.
• Secure the snow thrower to the tractor using the attachment pin and 1/8″ hairpin clip. Insert the attachment pin from the left side. See Figure 20.

ASSEMBLING THE BELTS
IMPORTANT: The tapered “V” section of the belts must be seated into the grooves of the V-pulleys.
DRIVE BELT

• Remove the two outside 1/8″ hairpin clips which are assembled to the L.H. and R.H. tension and just the chains outside of the clutch idler as sem bly frame. (The clips will be reinstalled after both belts have been as sem-bled.) Do not remove the 3/32″ hairpin clips as sem bled to the chains on the inside of the as sem bly frame. See Figure 21.
• Assemble the drive belt onto the tractor’s engine pulley and then onto the upper rear pulley on the clutch/idler assembly. Keep the fl at the idler pulley on the outside of the belt. See Figure 21.

Hold this diagram above you while viewing the Clutch/Idler Assembly from underneath the tractor. Right and left in this diagram will be the reverse of the viewer’s right and left.

AUGER BELT

• Make sure the auger belt is correctly assembled to the snow thrower. The belt must pass over the top of the auger pulley and then twist 1/4 turn to pass underneath the two side idler pulleys on the snow thrower. The “V” side of the belt must seat in the grooves of all three pulleys. See Figure 22.

• Raise the snow thrower to the transport position.

• Place the auger belt around the bottom rear pulley on the clutch/idler assembly and between the two pulleys on the lower idler arm. Keep the fl at the idler pulley to the outside of the belt. See Figure 23.

• Pull the flat idler pulley against the auger belt using the R.H. tension and just ing chain. For correct belt tension, pull the chain as far as the inside hairpin clip will allow and then reinstall the outside 1/8″ hairpin clip into the chain. See Figure 23.

IMPORTANT: If the R.H. inside hairpin clip is removed, reinstall it in link #4 (counted from the end of the chain attached to the spring).

• Pull the upper fl at the idler pulley against the drive belt using the L.H. tension and just ing chain. For correct belt tension, pull the chain as far as the inside hairpin clip will allow and then reinstall the outside 1/8″ hairpin clip into the chain. See Figure 23.

IMPORTANT: If the L.H. inside hairpin clip is removed, reinstall it in link #8 on tractors with 6″ diameter engine pulleys or in link #5 on tractors with smaller engine pulleys. (Links are counted from the end of the chain attached to the spring.)

ATTACHING WEIGHT TRAY TO TRAC TOR

• Loosen the two hex bolts and nuts that fasten the top of the tractor drawbar to the rear of the tractor frame. See Figure 24.

• Assemble the notched end of the side brace arms down onto both loosened bolts. Do not tighten yet. See Figure 24.

• Fasten the weight tray to the drawbar using two 3/8″ x 1″ hex bolts, 3/8″ lock washers and 3/8″ hex lock nuts. Do not tighten yet. See Figure 24.

• Fasten the weight tray to the side brace arms using two 5/16″ x 1″ carriage bolts, 5/16″ lock washers and 5/16″ hex nuts. Do not tighten yet. See Figure 24.

• Fasten the weight tray cross brace to the side brace arms using two 5/16″ x 1″ carriage bolts, 5/16″ lock washers and 5/16″ hex nuts. Tighten all loose bolts at this time. See Figure 24.

• Place the weight keg on the weight tray and fill with approximately 100 lbs. of dry sand.

• Secure the keg with the rubber tarp strap hooked into the holes in the cross brace. See Figure 25.

CHECKLIST
Before you operate your snow thrower, please review the following checklist to help ensure that you will obtain the best performance from your snow thrower.

• All assembly instructions have been completed with all bolts and nuts properly tightened.
• Check the engine belt and the auger belt. Make sure they are routed properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.
• Check the discharge chute for proper rotation.
• Check the operation of tilt control for the upper chute.
• Verify that the snow thrower can be locked into and released from the raised transport position using the lift handle. (Refer to the Service and Adjustments section.)

Accessories
The following additional items are available from Sears to help enhance the performance of your snow thrower.

• Tire chains can be installed to improve traction.
• Rear wheel weights which can be installed in addition to the rear weight tray to improve traction.
• Drift cutter bars which can be installed to help slice off the edges of tall drifts.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR SNOW THROWER
Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your snow thrower.
Compare the illustration below with your snow thrower to familiarize yourself with the various controls and their locations.

• CHUTE TILT HANDLE Pivots the Upper Chute up or down to control the angle and distance of the charge.
• CRANK ROD Rotates the Lower and Upper Chutes to control the direction of discharge.
• LEVELING SHOE Helps maintain the snow thrower in a level position.
• LIFT HANDLE Used to lift or lower the snow thrower to transport or op er at ing position.
• LIFT RELEASE TRIGGER Releases the lock that holds the snow thrower in the up, transport position.
• UPPER AND LOWER DISCHARGE CHUTE Controls direction and height of snow discharge.
• SCRAPER PLATE Replaceable plate that absorbs wear and impact from contact with the ground.
• SKID SHOE Controls the amount of clearance between the scraper plate and the ground.
• SPIRAL AUGER, R.H. & L.H. Feed snow to the impeller fan at the centre of the housing.

BEFORE STARTING

• Use the end-of-assembly checklist to verify that all instructions have been properly completed.
• Make sure the skid shoes are adjusted to maintain adequate ground clearance between the snow thrower and the type of surface to be cleared. The skid shoes are factory-adjusted for clearing a smooth surface. (Refer to the Service and Adjustments section in this manual.)
• Make sure the tractor engine has the correct oil for winter operation. Refer to your tractor owner’s manual.

HOW TO START YOUR SNOW THROWER

• The tractor should be sitting with the engine running at full throttle. Pull the attachment clutch switch out to the engaged position, starting the snow thrower before starting the tractor in motion.

HOW TO STOP YOUR SNOW THROWER

• To stop the snow thrower, push in the attachment clutch switch on the tractor. Refer to the Operation section in your tractor owner’s manual.

HOW TO USE YOUR SNOW THROWER

CAUTION: Never direct discharge towards bystanders or windows. Do not allow anyone in front of the unit.

CONTROLLING SNOW DISCHARGE

• To control the direction snow is thrown, the discharge chute has 180 degrees of rotation. Turn the crank rod clockwise to rotate the chute to the right. Turn the crank rod counterclockwise to rotate the chute to the left.
• To control the distance snow is thrown, the upper section of the discharge chute pivots up and down. Push forward on the chute tilt handle to pivot the chute down, decreasing the distance snow is thrown. Pull back on the handle to pivot the chute up, increasing the distance snow is thrown.

RAISING AND LOWERING

• To raise, push down on the lift handle until the snow thrower locks in the raised transport position.
• To lower, push down slightly on the lift handle and pull the trigger. With the trigger pulled, slowly lower the snow thrower until it reaches the ground.

CAUTION: Do not operate the snow thrower without the rear weight attached to the tractor to provide extra traction and stability.
REMOVING SNOW
Snow removal conditions vary greatly from light fluffy snowfall to wet heavy snow. Operating instructions must be flexible to fit the conditions encountered. The operator must adapt the lawn tractor and snow thrower to a depth of snow, wind direction, temperature and surface conditions.

• Before beginning operation, thoroughly inspect the area of operation and remove all door mats, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects.
• The spiral auger speed is directly related to engine speed. For maximum snow removal and discharge, maintain high engine r.p.m. (full throttle). It is advisable to operate the lawn tractor at a slow ground speed (1st gear) for safe and efficient snow removal.
• In deep, drifted or banked snow it will be necessary to use full throttle and a slow ground speed (1st gear). Drive forward into the snow, depress the tractor’s clutch-brake pedal and allow the spiral auger to clear the snow. Repeat this method until a path is cleared. On the second pass, overlap the first enough to allow the snow thrower to handle the snow without repeated stopping and starting of forward motion.
• In extremely deep snow, raise the snow thrower from the ground to remove the top layer and drive forward only until the tractor’s front tyres reach the uncleared bottom layer of snow. Depress the tractor’s clutch-brake pedal and allow the spiral auger to clear the snow. Reverse the tractor and lower the snow thrower to the ground. Drive the tractor forward until the snow again becomes too deep. Re-peating, this process into and out of drifts will eventually clear even the deepest of snow piles.
• If the snow thrower becomes clogged with snow or jammed with a foreign object, dis en gage the snow thrower im me di ate ly and shut off the tractor engine. Unclog the snow thrower before resuming operation.

DANGER: Shut off the engine and disengage the snow thrower before unclogging the discharge chute. Unclog using a wooden stick, not your hands.

OPERATING TIPS

• Discharge snow downwind whenever possible.
• To help prevent snow from sticking to the snow thrower, allow the snow thrower to reach outdoor temperature before using it. A light coat of wax may also be applied to the inside surface of the snow thrower housing and discharge chute.
• Use tyre chains to improve traction.
• Use rear wheel weights to improve traction.
• Before the first snowfall, remove all stones, sticks and other objects which could become hidden by the snow. Permanent obstacles should be marked for visibility.
• Overlap each pass slightly to ensure complete snow removal.

MAINTENANCE

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
Read and follow the maintenance schedule and the maintenance procedures listed in this section.

CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS

• Before each use make a thorough visual check of the snow thrower for any bolts and nuts which may have loosened. Retighten any loose bolts and nuts.

CHECK BELTS FOR WEAR

• Visually check both of the “V” belts on the snow thrower for wear or damage. Replace if the belt cover has become torn, frayed or worn through.

CHECK SCRAPER AND SHOES FOR WEAR
(Refer to figures 27 and 28 on page 18.)

• The scraper plate, skid shoes and levelling shoes on the snow thrower are subject to wear through normal use. To prevent damage to the spiral auger housing, replace the plate and shoes before wear is ex ces sive.

CLEANING

• Clean out any dirt and debris from the auger and impeller after each use.
• Before storing at the end of each season rinse out the auger and impeller housing. Allow to dry thoroughly.
• Before storing at the end of the season, paint any exposed metal surfaces to protect them from rust.

LUBRICATION

• Oil all pivot points on the snow thrower lift mechanism.
• Oil upper and lower idler arm pivot points on the clutch/idler assembly.
• Apply a good grade of spray lubricant to the trigger assembly on the lift handle and the chute tilt control as sem bly and cables on the crank support tube. See Figure 26.
• Apply a small amount of oil between the inside of the discharge chute and the top of the discharge opening on the auger housing as needed to maintain easy rotation of the discharge chute. See Figure 26.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

CAUTION: Before servicing or adjusting the snow thrower, shut off the engine, remove the spark plug wire(s), set the parking brake and remove the key from the tractor ignition.

REPLACING AUGER BELT

• Raise the snow thrower to the transport position.
• Release the spring tension on the drive belt idler.
• Release the spring tension on the auger belt idler.
• Remove the belt cover and loosen the belt keeper bracket.
• Remove the auger belt from the clutch/idler assembly and the spiral auger housing.
• Install a new belt around the top of the auger drive pulley and underneath the two side idler pulleys. Twist the belt 1/4 turn to seat it in each idler pulley.
• Reinstall the belt cover and tighten the belt keeper brack.
• Assemble the belt onto the clutch/idler assembly as instructed in the figure.

LIFT RELEASE CABLE ADJUSTMENT

• If the lift rod does not lock the snow thrower securely in the transport position, loosen the upper hex nut on the lift bracket a few turns and tighten the lower hex nut. See Figure 17.
• If the lift rod fails to unlock completely to lower the snow thrower to the ground, loosen the lower hex nut on the lift bracket a few turns and tighten the upper hex nut.

SPIRAL AUGERS

• The spiral augers are secured to the auger shaft with two shear bolts and hex lock nuts. If you hit a foreign object or if ice jams the augers, the snow thrower is designed so that the bolts will shear.
• If the augers will not turn, check to see if the shear bolts have sheared. See Figure 27. Two replaced shear bolts and hex lock nuts have been provided with the snow thrower. For future use order part number 710-0891 shear bolt and number 43064 hex lock nut.

SKID SHOE, LEVELING SHOE ADJUSTMENT
(The snow thrower must be attached to the tractor for correct adjustment of the shoes.)

• The skid shoes regulate the distance the scraper plate is raised above the ploughing surface. They are mounted on each side of the spiral auger housing. The levelling shoes help maintain the snow thrower in a level position. They are mounted just behind the auger housing.
• When re-moving snow from a gravel driveway or an uneven surface, it is ad can keep the scraper plate as high above the surface as possible to prevent possible damage to the spiral auger. On a smooth blacktop or concrete surface, keep the scraper plate as close to the surface as possible.
• To adjust the skid shoes, raise the snow thrower off the ground and place a wood block under each end of the scraper plate. Loosen the six hex nuts securing the skid shoes to the housing. Adjust the skid shoes up or down to the desired position and tighten the nuts securely. Both skid shoes should be the same height to keep the housing and the scraper plate level. See Figure 28.
• The skid shoes may be turned to face either in or out. To obtain the lowest setting, where the scraper blade fully contacts the ground, the skid shoes must be facing out as shown in Figure 28.
• Before adjusting the levelling shoes, make sure the skid shoes are properly adjusted. With the snow thrower in the lowered position, loosen the bolts which fasten the levelling shoes to the thrower and adjust the levelling shoes to solidly contact the ground. Re-tighten the bolts. See Figure 28.

STORAGE

STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Lower the snow thrower to the ground and remove it from the tractor.
• Clean the snow thrower thoroughly. Wash off any salt deposits that may have dried on the thrower and housing.
• Any bare metal that has become exposed should be painted or coated with a light oil to prevent rust.
• Store in a dry place.

REMOVING THE SPIRAL AUGER HOUSING

• Raise the snow thrower to the transport position.
• Release the spring tension from the auger belt idler arm on the bottom of the clutch/idler assembly.
• Remove the auger drive belt from the clutch/idler assembly. See Figure 23 on page 13.
• Lower the snow thrower to the ground.
• Remove the attachment pin and pull the auger housing assembly off of the tractor. Refer to Figure 20

HINT: If the auger housing does not remove easily from the tractor, try placing 1″ or 2″ blocks of wood under the front skid shoes on the snow thrower. See the instructions for Figure 20 on page 11.

PARTS TO REMOVE AT THE END OF THE SEASON

• Remove the “V” belt from the engine pulley and the clutch/idler assembly. See Figure 21 on page 12.
• Remove the clutch/idler assembly. (The two hanger brackets and the two frame brackets should not create any interference with the mower deck and may be left at tached to the tractor frame.)
• If a rear-mounted attachment is to be used, remove the rear weight tray by removing the two bolts that fasten it to the tractor drawbar and by loosening the two bolts fas ten ing the tray’s brace arms to the tractor. Be sure to re-tighten the two bolts and nuts that fastened the brace arms to the tractor. See Figure 24 on page 13.
• If a front-mounted attachment is to be used, remove the side plates from the front of the tractor. Be sure to reassemble the removed bolts and nuts to the tractor frame. See Figures 1 and 2 on page 6.

TROUBLESHOOTING

2. Upper or lower V belt broken

3. Shear bolts are sheared.

| 1. Increase tension on the V belt

2. Replace the V belt

3. Replace shear bolts in the auger

Clogged discharge chute| 1. Tractor ground speed too fast

2. The tractor throttle set too low

3. Snow too deep

4. Snow melts during contact with the snow thrower.

| 1. Use lower tractor gear

2. Increase to full throttle

3. Raise the snow thrower

4. Allow the snow thrower to cool to outdoor temperature before using

Snow thrower stalls tractor engine| 1. Object jammed in spiral auger

2. Hard or heavy snow

| 1. Stop the engine, disengage the snow thrower and clear the auger

2. Increase to full throttle and decrease ground speed

Front wheels slide instead of steering| Not enough traction on the front wheels| 1. Lower skid shoes, raising scraper plate to reduce resistance

2. Pull down slightly on the lift handle to temporarily increase the weight on the front wheels

Snow thrower rides up over snow| 1. Tractor ground speed too fast

2. Bottom snow is icy or hard-packed

| 1. Reduce ground speed

2. Lower the skid shoes so that the front of the skid shoe is lower than the rear

Snow thrower rocks backward while blowing snow| Levelling shoes set too high| Adjust levelling shoes as instructed in the Service and Adjustments section

PARTS

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.248463 46″ SNOW THROWER

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.248463 46″ SNOW THROWER

REF.

NO.

| PART

NO

| QTY.| DESCRIPTION| REF.

NO.

| PART

NO

| QTY.| DESCRIPTION
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1| 63576| 1| Housing Assembly| 59| 784-5149| 1| U-Joint
2| 64517| 1| Impeller Assembly| 60| 43850| 2| Roll Pin, 1/8″ x 5/8″
3| 47368| 2| Spring Pin, 5/16″ x 1-3/4″| 61| 43070| 10| Flat Washer, 3/8″
4| 47369| 2| Spring Pin, 3/16″ x 1-3/4″| 62| 24300| 1| Chute Crank Bracket, Rear
5| 63772| 1| Spiral Assembly, R.H.| 63| 24299| 1| Chute Crank Bracket, Front
6| 63771| 1| Spiral Assembly, L.H. (Not Shown)| 64| 64504| 1| Idler Arm Assembly
7| 618-04045| 1| Auger Gear Assembly| 65| 24286| 1| Pivot Spacer
8| 24308| 1| Gear Housing Support Plate| 66| 63762| 1| Idler Bracket Assembly
9| 784-5076| 1| Gear Housing Support Bracket| 67| 24472| 1| Pivot Spacer
10| 46703| 1| Bolt, Self Thd., 5/16-18 x 3/4″| 68| 48883| 2| Flat Pulley
11| R19111116| 7| Flat Washer, 11/32″ x 11/16″| 69| 47044| 1| V-Idler Pulley, 4″
12| 43063| 3| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″| 70| 47064| 1| V-Pulley, 5.9″
13| 43064| 38| Hex Lock Nut, 5/16-18 Thd.| 71| 48102| 1| V-Pulley, 10″
14| 43086| 30| Lockwasher, 5/16″| 72| 738-0680| 1| Shaft
15| 24913| 1| Bearing Offset Bracket| 73| 750-0456| 1| Spacer
16| 48593| 1| Spacer| 74| 750-0660| 1| Spacer
17| 47598| 6| Flanged Lock Nut, 1/4-20 Thd.| 75| 714-0161| 2| Key
18| 24942| 1| Belt Keeper Bracket| 76| 741-0919| 2| Ball Bearing
19| 24941| 1| Belt Cover| 77| 08253B| 1| Bearing Housing
20| 47810| 12| Nylock Nut, 5/16-18| 78| 15296A| 1| Bearing Housing, Open
21| 47044| 2| V-Pulley, Idler| 79| 14088B| 1| Spindle Spacer
22| 05845B| 2| Bearing Housing| 80| 44377| 2| Hex Bolt, 3/8-24 x 1″
23| 24911| 1| Idler Bracket, L.H.| 81| 736-0247| 2| Flat Washer, 3/8″ x 1-1/4″
24| 24910| 1| Idler Bracket, R.H.| 82| 43063| 3| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″
25| 24912| 1| Cross Tie Bracket| 83| 43054| 3| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 2″
26| 48595| 1| Key, 3/16″ x 3/4″| 84| 43432| 2| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 2-1/2″
27| 43353| 2| Lockwasher, 1/2″| 85| 24571| 1| Spacer
28| 43262| 2| Hex Lock Nut, 1/2-13 Thd.| 86| 46963| 2| Chain, Tensioning
29| 711-0242| 2| Spacer| 87| 43343| 4| Hair Cotter Pin, 3/32″ x 2-5/16″
30| 44917| 1| Palnut, 3/8″| 88| 43055| 2| Hair Cotter Pin, 3/32″ #3
31| 24309| 1| Wear Plate| 89| 46959| 2| Spring
32| 43080| 20| Carriage Bolts, 5/16-18 x 3/4″| 90| 49392| 1| V-Belt, Auger
33| 43081| 16| Flat Washer, 5/16″| 91| 48569| 1| V-Belt, Drive
34| 24279| 2| Skid Shoe| 92| 24295| 1| Clutch & Pulley Frame
35| G586868| 2| Levelling Shoe| 93| 731-0851A| 3| Chute Keeper
36| 24481| 2| Skid Shoe Bracket| 94| 1643-60| 1| Plastic Grip
37| 43001| 8| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1″| 95| 24482| 1| Anti-Rotation Bracket
38| 43003| 18| Lockwasher, 3/8″| 96| 43661| 6| Hex Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1″
39| 43082| 17| Hex Lock Nut, 3/8″| 97| 43088| 6| Flat Washer, 1/4″
40| 44326| 10| Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″| 98| 43182| 1| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 3/4″
41| 48570| 1| Bearing, Self Aligning| 99| 43083| 2| Hex Nut, 5/16-18 Thd.
42| 48572| 1| Pulley, 9″| 100| 48106| 2| Shoulder Bolt, 3/8-16 x 5/8″
43| 710-0696| 1| Hex Bolt, 3/8-24 x 7/8″| 101| 43038| 2| Pivot Lock Pin
44| 736-0247| 1| Flat Washer, 3/8″ x 1-1/4″| 102| 710-0891| 2| Shear Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1-3/4″
45| 731-1696| 1| Discharge Chute Adapter| 103| 738-0492| 1| Shaft, Spiral Axle
46| 784-5711| 1| Chute Bracket, 6″| 104| 714-0135| 1| Woodruff Key, 1/4″ x 3/4″
47| 48015| 5| Nylon Washer, 5/8″| 105| 741-0494| 4| Flange Bushing
48| 731-0903D| 1| Lower Discharge Chute| 106| 736-0250| 6| Flat Washer, 1″ x 1-3/4″
49| 731-0846C| 1| Upper Discharge Chute| 107| 741-0192| 2| Flange Bearing W/Flats
51| 731-1313C| 1| Cable Guide| 108| 46703| 6| Bolt, Self Thd. 5/16-18 x 3/4″
52| 784-5594| 1| Cable Bracket| 109| 63572| 1| Hanger Bracket Assembly, R.H.
53| 746-0928| 1| Chute Control Cable| 110| 63571| 1| Hanger Bracket Assembly, L.H.
54| 746-0929| 1| Chute Control Cable w/Clip| 111| 25301| 2| Frame Bracket
55| 43085| 1| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1-1/2″| 112| 23625| 8| Spacer
56| 710-0896| 1| Hex Screw, 1/4-14 x 5/8″| 113| 64943| 1| Hanger Bracket, L.H. (54″)
57| 741-0475| 2| Plastic Bushing, 3/8″| 114| 64944| 1| Hanger Bracket, R.H. (54″)
58| 684-0061| 1| Chute Crank Assembly| 115| 43087| 4| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1-1/4″
 |  |  |  | 116| 41576| 1| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1-3/4″
 |  |  |  |  | 49788| 1| Owner’s Manua

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.248463 46″ SNOW THROWER

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 486.248463 46″ SNOW THROWER

REF.

NO.

| PART

NO

| QTY.| DESCRIPTION| REF.

NO.

| PART

NO

| QTY.| DESCRIPTION
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1| 24820| 1| Lift Bracket| 34| 46957| 1| Chute Crank Rod
2| 63773| 1| Handle Lift Bracket Assembly| 35| 720-0201A| 1| Knob, Crank
3| 48049| 1| Index Lift Rod| 36| 44917| 2| Palnut, 3/8″
4| 142| 1| Cotter Pin, 1/8″ x 3/4″| 37| 741-0475| 1| Plastic Bushing, 3/8″
5| 732-0306| 1| Compression Spring| 38| 47339| 1| Lift Handle Tube
6| R19131316| 2| Flat Washer, 13/32″ x 13/16″| 39| 49912| 1| Cable-Trigger Assembly
8| 43064| 4| Hex Lock Nut, 5/16-18 Thd.| 41| 710-1233| 1| Oval Screw, #10-24 x 1″
9| 43063| 2| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″| 42| 46446| 1| Handle Grip
10| 47368| 1| Spring Pin, 5/16″ x 1-3/4″| 43| 726-0178| 2| Plastic Tie
11| 47369| 1| Spring Pin, 3/16″ x 1-3/4″| 44| 63568| 1| Side Plate Assembly, R.H.
12| 603-0365| 1| Frame Assembly| 45| 63569| 1| Side Plate Assembly, L.H.
13| 784-5706| 2| Upper Link| 46| 47033| 1| Weight Keg
14| 24310| 2| Lift Link| 47| 24331| 1| Weight Tray
15| 63675| 1| Lift Arm Assembly| 48| 24288| 1| Cross Brace, Weight Tray
16| 741-0192| 2| Flange Bearing W/ Flats| 49| 23812| 2| Brace Arm, Side
17| 24312| 2| Mounting Bracket| 50| 43062| 2| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1-1/2″
18| 43093| 1| Cotter Pin, 1/8″ x 1-1/2″| 51| 43003| 8| Lockwasher, 3/8″
19| 48114| 6| Shoulder Bolt, 1/2-13 x 5/8″| 52| 43082| 6| Hex Lock Nut, 3/8-16 Thd.
20| 48115| 6| Hex Lock Jam Nut, 1/2-13 Thd.| 53| 44215| 2| Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1-3/4″
21| R19171616| 2| Flat Washer, 17/32″ x 1″| 54| 43083| 8| Hex Nut, 5/16-18 Thd.
22| 43055| 4| Hair Cotter Pin, 3/32″ #3| 55| 47599| 2| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″
23| 44062| 2| Clevis Pin, 1/2″ x 1″| 56| 44695| 2| Bowed Washer
24| 47364| 2| Spacer| 57| 43084| 2| Hex Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1-3/4″
25| 24418| 1| Bracket Support Rod| 58| 43009| 2| Flat Washer, 3/4″
26| 43086| 12| Lockwasher, 5/16″| 59| 43001| 6| Hex Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1″
27| R19212016| 4| Flat Washer, 21/32″ x 1-1/4″| 61| 43790| 1| Tarp Strap
28| 43010| 2| Cotter Pin, 1/8″ x 1″| 62| 44326| 4| Carriage Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1″
29| 47066| 1| Attachment Pin| 63| 731-1313C| 1| Cable Guide
30| 43343| 3| Hair Cotter Pin, 3/32″ x 2-5/16″| 64| 43081| 1| Flat Washer, 5/16″
31

32

| 603-0302

784-5604

| 1

1

| Chute Tilt Bracket Assembly

Chute Tilt Handle

| 65| 46956| 1| Crank Support Tube
33| 720-0232| 1| Knob|  |  |  |

SLOPE GUIDE
(Keep this sheet in a safe place for future reference.) Use this guide to determine if a slope is safe for the operation of your tractor and snow thrower. Refer also to the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.

CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE YOUR TRAC TOR AND SNOW THROWER ON A SLOPE ABOVE 10 DEGREES. BE SURE OF YOUR TRAC TOR’S TOWING AND BRAKING CA PA BIL I TIES BEFORE OPERATING ON A SLOPE. AVOID ANY SUDDEN TURNS OR MA NEU VERS WHILE ON A SLOPE.

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• Sears Parts & Repair Center.
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CONTACT

• To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A.) or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:
• 1-800-827-6655 (U.S.A.) 1-800-361-6665 (Canada)
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• 1-888-SU-HOGAR®
• (1-888-784-6427)
• Au Canada pour service en français:
• 1-800-LE-FOYERMC
• (1-800-533-6937)
• www.sears.ca.

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