BENCHMARK 22" ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER OWNER'S MANUAL

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Need Assistance? For problems or questions, DO NOT RETURN TO STORE. Please contact one of our Customer Service Agents who would be happy to assist you.

For Customer Assistance Please Call: 1-833-818-4111

SAFETY INFORMATION

FOLLOW THESE RULES WHILE OPERATING THE SNOWBLOWER

• Walk. Do not run.
• Verify that the snowblower is not in contact with anything before turning it on.
• Stay away from paddle openings at all times. Keep face, hands, and feet away from concealed, moving, or rotating parts.
• Be attentive when using the snowblower. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards or traffic.
• Move up and down slopes when clearing snow. Do not go across a slope. Use caution when changing direction. Do not use this snowblower to clear snow from steep slopes.
• Do not operate the power tool if the guards, plates, and other safety protective devices are not in place.
• Do not operate the snowblower near glass enclosures, automobiles, trucks, window wells, drop-offs, etc., without properly adjusting the angle of the snow discharge. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Do not operate the snowblower at high speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind when backing up and exercise caution.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
• Use the snowblower in daylight or in good artificial light.
• To avoid accidental start-ups, remain in the starting position when turning the snowblower on. The operator and the power tool must be in a stable position during start-up. See the section titled Powering On and Off, page 12.
• Use this power tool only for the purposes it was designed.
• Hold the snowblower with both hands while it is in use. Keep a firm grip on the handles.
• If the impeller does not rotate freely due to ice, thaw the snowblower thoroughly before attempting to use it.
• Keep the paddle clear of debris.
• Do not attempt to clear the impeller while the motor is running.
• If the snowblower starts to vibrate abnormally, stop the snowblower immediately and attempt to determine the cause. Vibration is generally an indication of danger.
• Do not use on gravelled surface unless the snowblower is adjusted for such a surface in accordance with the operator's manual.
• Keep Children Away - All visitors should be kept a safe distance from work area.
• Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. They can be caught in moving parts.
• Wear rubber boots when operating the snowblower. Always wear substantial footwear.

WARNING: Read the operating and service instruction manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.

• Keep guards in place and in working order.
• Don't force the snowblower - It will perform better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Don't overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• If the snowblower strikes a foreign object, follow these steps:
  1. Stop the snowblower. Release the switch.
  2. Unplug power cord.
  3. Inspect for damage.
  4. Repair any damage before restarting and operating the snowblower.
• Store snowblower indoors - When not in use, power tools should be stored indoors in a dry, locked-up place out of reach of children.
• Maintain snowblower with care - Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
• Allow the snowblower to run for a few minutes after clearing snow in order to prevent moving parts from freezing.
• Only use identical replacement parts and accessories for this snowblower. The use of nonidentical or accessories could lead to serious injury to the user or damage the snowblower, and will void the warranty.
• Do not pick up the snowblower while it is running. The snowblower is designed to travel along the ground.
• Never allow children to operate a snowblower. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
• Stop the paddle when crossing gravel driveways, walkways, or roads.
• To prevent disconnection of the power cord from the extension cord during operation. Refer to the section entitled Using the Cord Retainer.
• Avoid accidental starting - Don't carry a plugged in snowblower with your finger on the switch. Be sure switch is off when plugging in.
• If the cord is damaged in any manner while it is plugged in, disconnect it from the outlet immediately.
• Do not abuse the cord. Do not carry the snowblower by the power cord or yank the cord in order to disconnect it from the receptacle.
• Disconnect the snowblower from the power supply when: not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

• Verify that the snowblower is secure while transporting.
• Store the snowblower in a dry area that will prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep handles dry, clean, and free of debris. Clean the snowblower after each use. Refer to Maintenance section in this manual for more information.
• If the labels on the snowblower become defaced or start to lift off, contact the toll-free helpline at 1-833-818-4111.
• Keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference. Refer to them often, and use them to instruct other users. Anyone who uses this snowblower must read these instructions carefully.
• Maintain the snowblower with care. Follow the instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.

WARNING: To prevent electric shock use only with an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

ELECTRICAL

DOUBLE INSULATION

Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric snowblower which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated from the internal metal motor components with protecting insulation. Double insulated snowblower do not need to be grounded.

WARNING: Servicing of a product with double insulation requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be performed only by a qualified service technician. For service, we suggest you return the product to your nearest authorized service centre for repair. Always use identical factory replacement parts when servicing.

EXTENSION CORDS

When using a snowblower at a considerable distance from a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has the capacity to handle the current the product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) should be used.

**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.

NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge

When working outdoors with a product, use an extension cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is designated with "WA" on the cord's jacket.

Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or exposed wires and cut or worn insulation. It is possible to tie the extension cord and power cord in a knot to prevent them from becoming disconnected during use. Make the knot as shown in the figure at right, then connect the plug end of the power cord into the receptacle end of the extension cord. This method can also be used to tie two extension cords together.

WARNING: The double-insulated system is intended to protect the user from shock resulting from a break in the snowblower's internal insulation. Observe all normal safety precautions to avoid electrical shock.

• Inspect the extension cord and the power cord on a regular basis. Look for deterioration, cuts, or cracks in the insulation. Inspect the connections for damage. Repair or replace the extension cord or the power cord if any damage is found.
• Verify that the paddle and all moving parts have come to a complete stop, and disconnect the snowblower from the power supply in order to prevent accidental start- ups, before cleaning or performing any inspections or repairs.
• Do not abuse the extension cord. Do not carry the snowblower by the power cord or pull on the cord in order to disconnect it from the receptacle.
• Keep the extension cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges in order to prevent damage.
• If the extension cord is damaged in any manner while it is plugged in, disconnect it from the outlet immediately.
• Prevent any possible disconnection of the power cord from the extension cord while the snowblower is in use by using the cord retainer. Refer to the section entitled Using the Cord Retainer.
• Unplug the snowblower and allow it to cool down before putting it into storage. Store the snowblower indoors.
• Unplug the snowblower when it is not in use and before performing any maintenance or repairs.

WARNING: Keep the extension cord clear of the working area. Position the cord so that it will not get caught on obstacles while you are operating the snowblower. Failure to do so can result in serious personal injury.

ASSEMBLY

GETTING STARTED

1. Remove the snowblower and all other items from the box.
2. Determine the left and right hand side of the snowblower by standing in the normal operating position.
3. Check all items for shipping damage. If damage is found or suspected or if any of the parts are missing, do not assemble. Instead, promptly inform the dealer where you bought the snowblower or contact at 1-833-818-4111 for assistance.
4. Check to make sure the upper chute crank is included.

ASSEMBLING THE HANDLE

1. For easy assembly, the unit comes complete with most parts already connected. To complete the handle assembly, please follow the steps below. For storage, you can fold the handle as (Fig. 1).
2. Secure the connection of the lower frame to the middle frame by fastening the first set of joint fixing T-bolts and knobs on each side.
3. Before securing the upper frame, slide the extension cord restraint hook up the upper frame (Fig. 3).
4. Secure the connection of the upper frame to the middle frame by fastening the second set knobs and bolts on each side (Fig. 4).
5. Clip the 2 chute clean-out tool clips on the side of the middle frame, and insert the chute clean-out tool in the clips (Figs. 5 - 6).
6. Clip on the 2 cable clips on the frame, and insert the cable inside of the cable clips (Fig. 7).

DISCHARGE CHUTE ASSEMBLY

1. Loosen the knob to lift the chute deflector.
2. Lift the chute deflector and lock it securely onto the discharge chute.
3. Raise or lower the chute deflector to the desired height of the snow stream and tighten the knob. NOTE! Do not overtighten the knob.

CHUTE CRANK ASSEMBLY

1. Remove the cotter pin from the lower chute crank (Fig. 11).
2. Install the lower crank rod by inserting it into the opening at the back of the housing with holes aligned (Fig. 12).
3. Secure the lower chute crank in place with the cotter pin (Fig. 13).
4. Remove the thumbscrew on the crank rod connector by hand (Fig. 14).
5. Slide the upper chute crank through the rubber ring located on the middle frame (Fig. 15).
6. Slide the upper chute crank into the crank rod connector (Fig. 16).
7. Align the screw holes and tighten the thumbscrew by hand (Fig. 17).

NOTE: Before using this machine, make sure that the power source you will use complies with the specifications detailed in this manual. Before inserting the plug into the socket, verify that the snowblower's roll shaft and rubber plates are firmly secured with screws, and that the rubber plates are facing the correct direction. Perform a test run to ensure that the rotor turns freely.

SECURING THE EXTENSION CORD

WARNING: Electric shock may cause SEVERE INJURY or DEATH.

• Do not allow any part of snowblower to make contact with water while powered on. If the snowblower becomes wet while turned off, wipe dry before starting.
• Use only a UL, CSA, or ETL rated extension cord for outdoor, all weather use. Do not use an extension cord over $100 \mathrm{ft}(30 \mathrm{~m})$.
• Do not touch the appliance or its plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Wearing rubber boots offers some protection.

EXTENSION CORD CHART

1. For safe and efficient use of your snowblower, use only a UL-rated extension cord recommended for outdoor use.
2. Push the loop of the extension cord through the slot from the opposite side of the restraint hook. Position the loop over the hook and pull the cable back through the slot (Fig. 18).
3. Insert the female end of the extension cord into the appliance's polarized male plug (Fig. 19).
4. Note that the snow blower has a polarized male plug - one prong in the plug is slightly longer and wider than the other (Fig. 20). The extension cord female end should be likewise polarized so that the extension cord fits snugly into the snow blower plug.

WARNING: Damaged electrical cords present risk of fire, electrical shock, and serious bodily injury. Before operating the snow blower, carefully examine the electrical cord. If the cord is damaged, do not use the snow blower. Replace or repair the damaged cord immediately.

OPERATION

POWERING ON AND OFF

1. To power on, depress and hold the safety switch button found alongside the switch housing (Fig. 21).
2. While depressing the safety switch button, pull the ON/OFF switch bail toward you. Once the machine powers on, release the safety switch button and begin operation (Fig. 22). The machine can only be started by depressing the safety switch button first, followed by squeezing the ON/OFF switch bail; reverse operation will not start the machine.
3. To power off, release your grip on the ON/OFF switch bail.
4. The LED light can be used to illuminate the surface in front in the dark. To use the light, turn on the light switch located on the back side of the snow blower (Fig. 23).

NOTE: The light will only turn ON when the snowblower is running. After finishing your work session, REMEMBER to TURN OFF the light switch.

MOVING THE MACHINE & PLOWING THE SNOW

WARNING: Foreign objects, such as rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, or string, can be picked up and thrown by the snowblower, causing serious personal injury. Remove all foreign objects from the area to be plowed before operating the snowblower.

1. Keep the area of operation free of foreign objects that can become thrown by the rotating paddle. Perform a thorough inspection of the area since some objects may be hidden from view by surrounding snow. If the snowblower hits an obstruction or picks up a foreign object during use, stop the snowblower, disconnect the extension cord, remove the obstruction, and inspect the unit for damage. Repair or replace any damaged part before restarting and operating the unit.
2. Keep children, pets, and bystanders away from the area of operation. Be aware that the normal noise of the machine when turned on may make it difficult for you to hear approaching people.
3. When moving the snowblower, use the wheels on one side as the pivot point. Slightly tilt the snowblower on this pivot point to move it forward or backward.
4. Start your clearing path near the electrical outlet and work outward, throwing snow in a back and forth motion. To clear in the opposite direction, step over the cord and pivot the snowblower on its wheels. Make sure to overlap clearing paths.
5. Note the wind direction. If possible, move in the same direction as the wind so that the snow is not thrown against the wind (and then back into your face and onto the just cleared path).
6. While moving the snowblower, do not drag the power cable violently or roughly. The snowblower should move within the range that the cable can reach.
7. Do not push the snowblower with excessive force. You should push the machine gently and evenly in accordance with the unit's throw rate.
8. Do not apply additional man-made load to the engine since this may cause engine damage.
9. Some parts of the snowblower may freeze under extreme temperature conditions. Do not attempt to operate the snowblower with frozen parts. If the parts freeze while the snowblower is in use, stop the snowblower, unplug the extension cord, and inspect for frozen parts. Free all parts before restarting or operating the snowblower. Never force controls that have frozen.
10. When working on pebbles, gravel, or unpaved surfaces, avoid throwing loose surface material along with the snow by pushing down on the handle to raise the scraper bar at the base of the unit above the pebbles or gravel.

CHANGING THROW DIRECTION AND THROW HEIGHT

1. The discharge chute can be adjusted 180 degrees by rotating the chute crank. Rotate the chute control crank clockwise to move the discharge chute to the left (Fig. 24) and counterclockwise to move the chute to the right (Fig. 25).

NOTE: A little lubricant, such as WD-40, will provide a smoother operation of the chute (spray at points A and B as indicated in Fig. 24).

1. The chute deflector on the top of the discharge chute controls the height of the snow stream. Loosen the knob to raise or lower the deflector to the desired height of snow you wish to throw. Tighten the knob to secure the deflector (Fig. 26).

WARNING: Never direct the snow discharge chute at the operator, at bystanders, at vehicles, or at nearby windows. The discharged snow and foreign objects accidentally picked up by the snow blower can cause serious damage and personal injury. Always orient the discharge chute in the opposite direction from where you, bystanders, surrounding vehicles, or windows are located.

WARNING: Make sure that the chute deflector snaps and locks completely onto the discharge chute. An opening between the discharge chute and the chute deflector may allow foreign objects to be picked up by the snow blower and thrown in the direction of the operator causing serious bodily injury. Do not advance the chute deflector too far forward causing an opening to appear between the deflector and discharge chute. Do not overtighten the knobs on the chute deflector (Fig. 26).

MAINTENANCE

SERVICING

Servicing should be performed by a qualified technician. Replacement parts for this snow blower must be identical to the parts that they replace. If repairs are necessary, contact the toll-free helpline at: 1-833-818-4111.

STORAGE

• Allow the engine to cool completely before cleaning, storing, or transporting the snowblower. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Disconnect the extension cord from the snowblower. Inspect the extension cord closely for signs of wear or damage. Replace it if it is worn or damaged.
• Run the snowblower for a few minutes in order to melt any snow that may be left on the snowblower.
• Wipe the snowblower off with a dry cloth before storage. This will help prevent ice building up on the unit and parts freezing.
• Inspect the snowblower thoroughly for worn, loose, or damaged parts. If any parts must be repaired or replaced, contact the toll-free helpline at: 1-833-818-4111.
• Store the snowblower in a clean, dry place. Cover it in order to provide added protection.

NOTE: Identify the left and right sides of the snowblower when standing in the normal operating position.

LIFETIME LUBRICATION (MOTOR AND PADDLE)

Lubrication is not necessary and may damage the unit. The snowblower is lubricated for lifetime use at the factory before shipment.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Do not attempt to repair the machine unless you have the proper tools and instructions for disassembly and repair of the machine.
2. Check bolts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to ensure that the equipment is in safe working condition.
3. After each snow removal session, run the snowblower for a few minutes to prevent the collector/paddle from freezing. Shut off the motor, wait for all revolving parts to stop completely, and wipe residual ice and snow off the unit. Rotate the chute crank several times to remove any excess snow.

REPLACING THE RUBBER PLATES

NOTE: When replacing worn rubber plates, pay close attention to carefully distinguish between the coarse and smooth side of the plates. Place the coarse side inside and the smooth side outside.

1. Detach the worn rubber plate assembly by removing the two sets of nuts and bolts used to secure it to the paddle assembly (Figs. 27 & 28).
2. Loosen the middle two sets of nuts and bolts to detach the worn rubber plate from the metal frame (Fig. 29).
3. Attach the new rubber plate onto the metal frame by replacing and tightening the middle two sets of nuts and bolts (Fig. 29).
4. Reassemble the rubber plate assembly to the paddle assembly by replacing and tightening the two sets of nuts and bolts used to secure it (Figs. 20 & 21).

WARNING: Make sure to turn off the switch and disconnect the extension cord before performing any maintenance task on your snowblower.

REPLACING THE SCRAPER BAR

1. The scraper bar is located at the base of the snowblower beneath the rotor housing (Fig. 30).
2. Detach the worn scraper bar from the snowblower by removing the two screws that hold it in place (Fig. 31).
3. Install the new scraper bar and fasten it securely to the snowblower with the two screws (Fig. 32).

REPLACING THE BELT AND PULLEY

NOTE: Determine the left and right hand side of the snowblower by standing behind the unit in the normal operating position.

1. Remove the screws from the left panel of the snowblower and remove the left panel (Fig. 35).
2. Lift the belt tension pulley and roll the worn belt up and off the big pulley from the top of the big pulley (Fig. 36).
3. To replace the big pulley, remove the screw and washer from the middle of the pulley. While securing the paddle, so it does not spin, use a $7/8$-inch socket to turn the outer nut of the pulley clockwise (the pulley is left-handed, so loosening and tightening occur in reverse orientation; clockwise to loosen and counterclockwise to tighten). Once the old pulley is removed, replace the big pulley and tighten the outer nut counterclockwise with the $7/8$-inch socket. Replace and tighten the screw and washer (Fig. 35).

NOTE: Heavy wet snow puts a load on belts, thus requiring more frequent belt replacement.

1. To install the new belt, lift the belt tension and roll the new belt onto the little pulley at an angle. Then roll the belt onto the top of big pulley by rotating the big pulley counterclockwise as the belt grips the top of the big pulley (Fig. 36).
2. Replace the left panel of the snowblower with all screws (Fig. 35).

AUTOMATIC RESET

This snowblower has built-in automatic reset functions. In the event of a major obstruction that halts paddle movement, simply unplug your unit, clear the paddle obstruction, wait 60 seconds, and then resume use of your machine.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Keep hands away from the moving parts of the snowblower. The rotating parts can cause severe bodily injury.

Always keep the power cable away from heat sources, oils, or sharp edges. Immediately remove plug from the mains if the cable is damaged or entangled.

Wear safety gloves during use to protect hands. Wear safety footwear at all times to provide protection against objects that may accidentally fall on feet.

WARNING! Electrical shock hazard.

Keep the flexible power supply cord away from the rotating paddle.

WARNING! Turn the machine OFF and disconnect it from the power supply before inspecting, cleaning, changing accessories or conducting any other maintenance task.

KNOW YOUR 22" ELECTRIC SNOW THROWER

• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are included.
• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the product.
• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call 1-833-818-4111 for assistance.

Parts Identification:

1. Handle bar
2. Ball lever
3. Safety switch button
4. Power cord
5. Cable restraint holder
6. Joint fixing t-bolt & knob - 4 pieces
7. Discharge chute
8. Carrying or lifting handle (For transport only)
9. LED light
10. Main cover
11. Paddle
12. Scraper bar
13. Wheel
14. Lower frame
15. LED light switch
16. Chute clean-out tool
17. Lower chute crank
18. Middle frame
19. Upper chute crank

WARNING: If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate this product until the parts are replaced. Using a product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this product. Any such alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious personal injury.

TROUBLESHOOTING

EXPLODED VIEW

Refer to the Parts List for component identification.

PARTS LIST

BENCHMARK 22" ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER WARRANTY

If this Benchmark tool fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within five years from the date of purchase, return it to any Home Hardware store with the original bill of sale for exchange. This warranty does not include expendable parts including but not limited to blades, brushes, belts, light bulbs and/or batteries. This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship only. It does not cover normal wear and tear, failure due to abuse/misuse, or defects caused by careless or accidental mishandling. If this Benchmark product is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty does not apply.

22" ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER

120 V $\cdot$ 60 Hz $\cdot$ 15 AMP

BENCHMARK

EXCLUSIVE TO HOME HARDWARE

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