Craftsman 486.245071 User Manual

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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 and follow all instructions in this manual before 
attempting to assemble or operate this equipment. Failure 
to comply with these instructions may result in personal 
injury. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference 
and for ordering replacement parts.
Read this operating and service instruction manual 
carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper 
use of this power vacuum.
Read the vehicle owners manual and vehicle safe operation 
rules before using this equipment.
Never allow children under 16 to operate this Vac System. 
Children 16 years and older should only operate under 
close parental supervision.
DO NOT allow anyone to operate this equipment without 
proper instructions.
DO NOT allow passengers to ride on this equipment or the 
towing vehicle.
Keep the area of operation clear of others, particularly small 
children and pets.
Check fuel before starting engine. Do not fill fuel tank 
indoors, while engine is running or while engine is hot. Wipe 
off any spilled fuel before starting engine.
Engine and muffler get hot. Do not touch! To avoid fire 
hazard, keep clean of debris and other accumulations.
Never store Vac System with fuel in tank. Allow engine to 
cool before storing in any enclosure.
Do not change engine governor settings.
Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover is removed 
except for adjustment. Removal of these parts could create 
a fire hazard.
Keep hands, feet, face, long hair and clothing out of inlet 
and discharge area. There are ROTATING BLADES inside 
these openings.
Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain 
all moving parts come to a complete stop. Disconnect 
spark plug wire and keep wire away from plug to prevent 
accidental starting. Keep throttle control lever in stop 
position.
If the Vac System should become blocked with debris at any 
point, shut engine off and wait until the impeller comes to a 
complete stop before attempting to remove the obstruction. 
Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
If the cutting mechanism strikes a foreign object, or if your 
Yard Vac should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine 
immediately, disconnect spark plug wire and move the wire 
away from the spark plug. Allow the machine to stop and 
take the following steps. 
 
a. Inspect for damage. 
 
b. Repair or replace any damaged parts. 
 
c. Check for loose parts and tighten to assure  
 
 
continued safe operation.
Check all bolts for tightness at frequent intervals to help 
insure safe operation.
Check top cover frequently for wear. Replace if worn or 
damaged.
Never operate Yard Vac unless deck adapter, hose, hose 
adapter (nozzle), discharge chute (elbow), and top cover 
are properly attached in their place.
Do not remove top cover or attempt to empty contents of 
cart while engine is running.
Never attempt to change hose adapter (nozzle) or to install 
remote hose attachment when engine is running.
Keep all shields and guards (e.g. discharge chute (elbow) 
and hose adapter (nozzle) in place and securely attached.
Always wear safety glasses or other suitable eye protection 
when operating or maintaining this equipment.
Do not stand behind cart in exhaust discharge area while 
engine is running.
Do not operate this equipment while intoxicated or while 
taking drugs or medication that impairs the senses or 
reactions.
When using this equipment, start the vehicle transmission 
in first (low) gear and then gradually increase speed only as 
conditions permit.
Operate this equipment at reduced speed on rough terrain, 
along creeks and ditches and on slopes to prevent tipping 
or loss of control. Do not drive too close to a creek or ditch.
Vehicle braking and stability are affected by the addition of 
this equipment. Do not fill the Yard Vac to its full capacity 
without checking the capability of the towing vehicle to 
safely pull and stop with Yard Vac attached.
Before operating on any grade (hill) refer to the safety rules 
in the vehicle owner's manual concerning safe operation on 
slopes. Also refer to the SLOPE GUIDE on page 27 of this 
owner's manual. Do not operate on slopes in excess of 10 
degrees. 
STAY OFF STEEP SLOPES!
Follow the maintenance instructions outlined in this manual.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means — 
Attention!! Become alert!! Your 
safety is involved. 
DANGER:
 
This Vac System was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this 
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can 
result in serious injury. This unit is capable of amputating fingers and hands and throwing objects. Failure 
to observe the safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.