Craftsman 24729934 Owner’s Manual
Operator's Manual
I:Rl FI'SlVl N
208cc Engine
Front Tine Tiller
Model No. 247.29934
* SAFETY
* ASSEMBLY
* OPERATION
CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
* MAINTENANCE
* PARTS LIST
* ESPANOL
safety rules and operating
instructions.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, iL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit our web site: www.craftsman.com
FORMNO.769-05511F
11/1/2011
WarrantyStatement..................................Pac
Safetyinstructions....................................Pac
Assembly..................................................Pac
Operation..................................................Pac
ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pac
Off-SeasonStorage..................................Pac
Troubleshooting........................................Pac
CRAFTSMAN TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthe dateof purchase,this productis warrantedagainstanydefectsin materialorworkmanship.A defectiveproductwill
receivefreerepairorreplacementif repairis unavailable.
Forwarranty coverage details to obtain free repairor replacement,visittheweb site:www.craftsman.com
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:
• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchastheblades,tines,orbelts.
Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationor repairorcausedbyproduct accessories.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailureto operateormaintaintheproductaccordingtoall suppliedinstructions.
Preventivemaintenance,or repairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuel mixture,contaminatedor stalefuel.
e2
es3-6
es7-10
es11-15
es16-19
e20
e21
PartsList...................................................Page22-33
LabelMap.................................................Page34
RepairProtectionAgreement...................Page37
Espa_ol.....................................................Page38
ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover
Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhile providingcommercialservicesorif rentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyou mayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
EngineSeries: 208cc
EngineOilType: 10w30
EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces
Fuel: UnleadedGasoline
SparkPlug: F6RTC
SparkPlugGap: .030"
Model Number.................................................................
Serial Number .................................................................
Dateof Purchase.............................................................
Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber
anddateof purchaseabove
©KCDIP,LLC 2
Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual
beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith
theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyou seethis
symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuiltto beoperatedaccordingto thesafeopera-
tionpracticesinthismanual.Aswithanytypeof powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe partof theoperatorcan resultin
seriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,
toesandfeetandthrowingdebris.Failureto observethefollowing
safetyinstructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle
componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateof California
tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.Bat-
tery posts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand lead
compounds,chemicalsknowntothe Stateof Californiatocause
cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.
TRAINING
• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson the machineand
in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.
Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference
andfororderingreplacementparts.
• ReadtheOperator'sManualand followallwarningsand safety
instructions.Failuretodosocan resultin seriousinjuryto the
operatorand/or bystanders.Forquestions,call1-800-4MY-HOME.
• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow
tostopthe machineanddisengagethemquickly.
• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsof agetooperatethis
machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe
instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon
themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper
instruction.
• Keepbystanders,pets,andchildrenatleast75feetfromthe
machinewhileit isin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters
thearea.
• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.
Your Responsibility--Restrictthe useof thispowermachineto
personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsandinstruc-
tionsin thismanualandon the machine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
PREPARATION
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.
Removeall rocks,bottles,cans,or otherforeignobjectswhich
couldbepickedupor thrownandcausepersonalinjuryor
damageto themachine.
• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation
andwhileperformingan adjustmentorrepair,to protectyour
eyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto
theeyes.
• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand
shirts.Loosefittingclothesorjewelrycan becaughtin movable
parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.
• Beforestarting,checkallboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessto
besurethe machineisinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually
inspectmachinefor anydamageatfrequentintervals.
• Disengageclutchleversandshift(if provided)intoneutral("N")
beforestartingtheengine.
• Neverleavethismachineunattendedwiththeenginerunning.
• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis
running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe operator's
manual.
• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionslabels,asnecessary.
3
SafeHandling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein
handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare
explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineisspilled
onyourselforyourclotheswhichcan ignite.Washyourskinand
changeclothesimmediately.
• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.
• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailerbed
witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthe groundaway
fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck
ortrailerand refuelitonthe ground.Ifthisis notpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentona trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather
thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.
• Keepthe nozzleincontactwiththerimofthe fueltankor
containeropeningatalltimes untilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse
a nozzlelock-opendevice.
• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sourcesof
ignition.
• Neverfuel machineindoors.
• Neverremovegascapor addfuel whilethe engineishot or run-
ning.Allowenginetocool atleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
• Neveroverfillfueltank.Fill tankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow
bottomoffillerneckto allowspacefor fuelexpansion.
• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipe itoff theengineandequipment.Move
unitto anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
• To reducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeof grass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany
fuelsoakeddebris.
• Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereis an
openflame,sparkor pilotlightas on awaterheater,spaceheater,
furnace,clothesdryerorothergasappliances.
OPERATION
• Do notputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts.Contactwiththe
rotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.
• Do notoperatemachinewhileunderthe influenceof alcoholor
drugs.
• Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Always
be sureof yourfootingandkeepa firmholdonthehandles.
• Keepbystandersawayfromthe machinewhileit isinoperation.
Stopthe machineif anyoneentersthearea.
• Becarefulwhentillinginhardground.Thetines maycatchinthe
groundandpropelthetillerforward.Ifthis occurs,let goofthe
handlebarsanddo not restrainthemachine.
• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossinggravel
surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic. Donotcarry
passengers.
• Neveroperatethemachineat hightransportspeedsonhardor
slipperysurfaces.
• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling.
• Lookdownand behindandusecarewheninreverseorpulling
machinetowardsyou.
• Startthe engineaccordingtothe instructionsfoundinthis manual
and keepfeetwell awayfromthetinesat all times.
• Afterstrikingaforeignobjector ifyourmachineshouldstartmak-
inganunusualnoiseor vibration,immediatelyshutthe engineoff.
Disconnectthe sparkplugwire,grounditagainstthe engineand
performthefollowingsteps:
a. Inspectfordamage.
b. Repairorreplaceanydamagedparts.
c. Checkforanyloosepartsandtightento assurecontinued
safeoperation.
• Disengageall clutchlevers(iffitted)andstopenginebeforeyou
leavethe operatingposition(behindthe handles).Waituntil
thetinescometo a completestopbeforeuncloggingthe tines,
makinganyadjustments,or inspections.
• Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engine
exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.
• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donot
touch.
• Usecautionwhentillingnearfences,buildingsandunderground
utilities.Rotatingtinescan causepropertydamageorpersonal
injury.
• Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtotillsoiltoo
deepattoo fastof a rate.
• Ifthemachineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoiseorvibration,
stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwire andgroundit
againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany
damagebeforestartingandoperating.
• Keepallshields,guards,andsafetydevicesinplaceandoperat-
ing properly.
• Neverpick uporcarrymachinewhiletheengineis running.
• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanu-
factureras listedin thePartsListpagesofthisoperator'smanual.
Failuretodosocan resultin personalinjury.
• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthismanual,usecare
andgoodjudgement.ContactCustomerSupportat 1-800-4MY-
HOMEforassistanceandthenameof thenearestservicedealer
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
• Keepthemachine,attachmentsandaccessoriesinsafeworking
order.
• Allowthemachinetocoolat leastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation
regularly.
• Checkboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessat frequentintervals
to keepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually
inspectmachineforanydamage.
• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stoptheengineand
makecertainthetinesandall movingpartshavestopped.
Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventunintendedstarting.
4
• Do notchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedthe
engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed
ofengine.
Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionlabels,as necessary.
Followthis manualfor safeloading,unloading,transporting,and
storageof thismachine.
Alwaysreferto theoperator'smanualforimportantdetailsifthe
machineisto bestoredforan extendedperiod.
If thefuel tankhasto be drained,do thisoutdoors.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil, etc.to
protecttheenvironment.
Accordingtothe ConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)
andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct
hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 130hoursof
operation.Atthe endof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine
inspectedannuallybyanauthorizedservicedealertoensurethat
allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot
wornexcessively.Failureto do socan resultinaccidents,injuries
ordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donot modifyenginein anyway.
Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcan leadto a runawayengineand
causeitto operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting
ofenginegovernor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal
EPAemissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are
certifiedto operateonregularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude
thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),
OxidizingCatalyst(CO),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay
Catalyst(TWO)if soequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand
shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,
brushcoveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust
systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor
statelaws(if any)
Ifa sparkarrestorisused,it shouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking
orderbytheoperator.Inthe StateofCaliforniatheaboveis required
bylaw (Section4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other
statesmayhavesimilarlaws. Federallawsapplyonfederallands.
A sparkarrestorforthe muffleris availablethroughyournearestSears
PartsandRepairServiceCenter.
SAFETY SYMBOLS
Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionson themachine
beforeattemptingto assembleandoperate.
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
i
i
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate
WARNING-- ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING-- ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING-- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: YourResponsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthe
warningsand instructionsinthis manualandonthemachine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
6
NOTE:Thisunit isshippedwithoutgasolineor oilin theengine.Be
certaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoil as instructedin the
Operationsectionofthis manualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.
NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideof theTillerisobserved
fromtheoperatingposition.
OPENING CARTON
1. Cuteachcornerofthe cartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.
2. Removealllooseparts.
3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.
REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON
1. Usethehandlebartoliftand pullthetiller backwardstoa flat
area.Checkthecartonthoroughlyforlooseparts.
2. Besurenotto kinkthe forwardclutchcable.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
• HandlebarAssembly
• Tiller
• EngineOil
• Operator'sManual
• DepthGageAssembly
ATTACHING THE CABLE
1. Identifytheforwardclutchcable(A). SeeFigure1.
2. Hookthe"Z"endof theforwardclutchcable(A)intotheforward
fineengagementlever.SeeFigure2.
f
Figure2
NOTE:Besurenotto kinkthecable whileattaching.
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1. Removethehexbolt andcuppedwasherfromthe rightside ofthe
frame.Holdthecableguidebracketonthe left sideof frameas it
willfall whenthe boltis removed.Step 1inFigure3.
Forward Clutch
Cable
Figure1
//': , "-d,.......
Figure3
.
Insertthehandleintothe tillerframe.Step2 in Figure3.
3.
Inserttheboltthroughthecuppedwasher,frame,handleandinto
thecableguidebracket(notethenotchinthe cableguidebracket
goesovertheflangeon theframe.)Step3 in Figure3.
7
4. Tightentheboltsecurelyaftersecuringthe handlebrace.See
Figure4.
Insertthedepthstakeassemblyintothe frameandreinstallthe
two screwsremovedearlier.Tightenthehexboltssecurely.See
Figure6.
DepthStake
Assembly
/ /
Handle Brace
Bell Washer
Figure4
5. Locatethecarriagebolt,bellwasherandhandknobpackedwith
yourtiller.
6. Insertthe carriageboltthroughtheweldedbracketon thehandle,
bellwasher,handlebraceandintothe handknob.SeeFigure4.
7. Selectoneofthe threehandleheightpositions(threenotchesin
theweldedhandlebracket)andtightenthe handknobtosecure
thehandleinthe desiredposition.SeeFigure4. Returntothe
lowerhandleandtightenthe hexbolt securely.
ATTACHING THE DEPTH STAKE
1. Removethetwo screwsfromthe depthstakeassembly.See
Figure5.
Depth Stake
Assembly
Figure6
Securethepinwiththeclip removedearlier.Thedepthstakecan
beplacedat variouspositions.Forsetuppurposesit issuggested
thatthedepthstakebeassembledwiththestakejustabove
or levelwiththe groundsurface.Forfurtherinstructionsonthe
DepthStakereferto theOperationSectionof thismanual.
Figure5
Screws
8
SET-UP
Checking and Adding Oil
Theengineis shippedwithoutoil intheengine.Youmustfill the
enginewithoil beforeoperating.Runningtheenginewithinsufficient
_o cancauseserous engnedamageandvod the productwarranty.
Initial Use
1. Removetheoil filldipstick.
2. Placethetilleron levelground,usea funnelto emptyentire
contentsofthe oil bottleprovidedwiththe unitintotheengine.
3. Replacetheoil fill dipstickandtighten.
Checkingand adding oil
1. Placethetillerona flat, levelsurface.
2. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.See
Figure7.
Fuel Recommendations
Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedorlowleadedtominimizecombus-
tionchamberdeposits)witha minimumof 87 octane.Gasolinewith
up to 10%ethanolor 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbe
used.Neverusean oil/gasolinemixtureordirty gasoline.Avoidgetting
dirt, dust,or waterinthe fueltank.DONOTuse E85gasoline.
• Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Donot
smokeorallowflamesor sparksin theareawheretheengineis
refueledor wheregasolineisstored.
• Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetank
capis closedproperlyandsecurely.
• Becarefulnotto spillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapor
mayignite.Ifany fuelis spilled,makesurethe areaisdry before
startingthe engine.
• Avoidrepeatedor prolongedcontactwithskinorbreathingofvapor.
Adding Fuel
Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthe machine
indoorsorwhilethe engineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.
1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandina well-ventilatedarea.
2. Cleanareaaroundthefuelfill capandremovethefuelfill cap.
3. UsinganapprovedredGASOLINEcontainer,addfuelslowly,being
carefultoavoidspilling.
4. Fillthetankuntilthefuelreachesthe "fuelfull"indicatormark.See
Figure8.
Figure7
3. Insertthe cap/dipstickintothe oilfillerneck,butdo not screwitin.
4. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Ifthelevelislow,slowlyaddoil
untiloil levelregistersbetweenhigh(H) and low(L), Figure8.
NOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausesmoking,hard
starting,or sparkplugfouling.
5. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.
NOTE:DONOTallowoil leveltofall belowthe"L"markon the
dipstick.Doingsomayresultinequipmentmalfunctionsordamage.
NOTE:Tochangethe oilon yourengine,seethe Maintenance
Sectionofthismanual.
Fuel Level Indicator
TopView
Figure8
.
Replacethefuelcapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuel
beforestartingengine.IffuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Move
machineawayfromareaofspillage.Avoidcreatinganysourceof
ignitionuntilfuelvaporsaregone.
9
ADJUSTMENTS
Priortooperatingyourtiller,carefullyreadandfollowall instructions
below.Performall adjustmentsto verifyyourtilleris operatingsafely
andpropery.
Depth Stake & Wheels
Thetillerisshippedwiththewheelsadjustedsothatthemachinesits
level.Thewheelsneedto beadjustedtomeetyourtillingneedsbefore
operation.Thisadjustmentismadebyremovingtheclevispinfromthe
wheelyokeandraisingthewheelstothedesiredheight.SeeFigure9.
Wheel Yoke
Pin
Clutch Cable Adjustment
Beforeoperatingthetiller theadjustmentof theforwardclutchcables
mustbechecked.
1. Disconnectandgroundthe sparkplugwireagainstthe engine.
2. Adjusttheforwardclutchcablebylooseningthehexnut.See
Figure10.
Figure9
Depth
Stake
Figure10
3. Turnthecablecollarsectiononeortwoturnsto increaseor
decreasetensiononthecable.See Figure10.
4. Retightenthe locknutagainstthe cablecollar.SeeFigure10.
5. Withtheforwardfineengagementhandleintheneutral-- re-
leased-- position,pullthe starterropeseveraltimes.Thetines
shouldnotturn.
6. Iftheyturnadjustthe forwardclutchcableto releasetension
usingthepreviousstepsinthis section.
7. Checkagainforcorrecttensiononthe cable.
8. Aftertilling,ifthe tinesstopmoving,re-adjustthe cables.
10
Fuel Cap
Forward Tine
Engagement Lever
Handle Height
Adjustment
OU Fill Cap
& Dipstick
Tiller Tines
Figure10
Nowthat youhavesetup yourtillerforoperation,getacquaintedwith
itscontrolsandfeatures.Thesearedescribedonthe nexttwopages
andillustratedonthispage.Thisknowledgewillallowyouto useyour
newequipmenttoits fullestpotential.
Theoperationofanytillercan resultinforeignobjectsbeingthrown
intothe eyes,whichcan damageyoureyesseverely.Alwayswear
Isafetyglassesduringoperationor whileperforminganyadjustments
[or repairs.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
Thishandleisusedto starttheengine.
THROTTLE CONTROL
@
Thethrottlecontrolis locatedonthe sideof theengine.Itregulatesthe
spreadoftheengineandwill shutoff theenginewhen movedintothe
STOPposition.
)th Stake
CHOKE CONTROL
CHOKE RUN
Thechokecontrolisfoundon the sideof theengineandis activated
bymovingthe leverto theCHOKEposition.Activatingthechoke
controlclosesthe chokeplateon the carburetorandaidsinstartingthe
engine.
AIR FILTER
Theairfilteris a deviceon theengineairintakethatpreventsdustand
dirtenteringtheengine.SeeFigure10.
MUFFLER
Engineexhaustexitstheenginevia themuffler.SeeFigure10.
DEPTH STAKE
Thedepthstakecontrolsthetillingdepth.See Figure10.
TINES
Tillingtinesareusedtocultivate,furrowandprepareyourgardenfor
seeding.SeeFigure10.
Meets ANSi Safety Standards
CraftsmanTillersconformtothe safetystandardofthe AmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).
11
OiL FiLL CAP & DIPSTICK
Engineoil levelcanbecheckedandoiladdedthroughtheoil fill. See
Figure10.
NOTE:ThisunitwasshippedWITHOUToil inthe engine.Oilis
includedintheplasticbag packedwiththemanualinwiththeunit.
Addtheoil as directedintheGas & OilFillUp section.Checktheoil
levelbeforeeachoperationtoensureadequateoil is intheengine.
Forfurtherinstructions,refertothestepsintheEngineMaintenance
sectionof thismanual.
FORWARD TINE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
Theforwardtine engagementlevercontrolstheengagementof the
tines.Releasetheleverto stopthetines.SeeFigure10.
HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Thehandleheightmaybeadjusted.Loosenthe knobto changethe
position.Tightenhardwarewhencomplete.SeeFigure10.
TO START ENGINE
1. Attachsparkplugwireand rubberboottosparkplug.
2. Filltankto nomorethan1/2"belowbottomof fillerneckto provide
spaceforfuelexpansion.
3. Makesurethe fineclutchcontrolisdisengaged.
4. Movethechokeleverontheengineto CHOKEI'_1 position.(A
warmenginemaynotrequirechoking.)SeeFigure11.
6. Standingon the sideof theunit,graspstarterhandleandpull
ropeoutuntilyoufeela drag.
7. Pullthe ropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarm stroke.Keepafirm
gripon thestarterhandle.Letthe roperewindslowly.
8. Repeat,ifnecessary,untilenginestarts.Whenenginestarts,
movechokecontrolgraduallytowardthe RUNI _'I position..
9. Ifenginefalters,movechokecontrolbacktowardtheCHOKE
I'_1 positionandrepeatsteps5 though8.
10. ALWAYSkeepthethrottlecontrolintheSTART/RUN(Rabbit)
positionwhenoperatingthetiller.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. To stopthewheelsandtines, releasetheForwardClutchBail.
2. Movethrottlecontrolleverto slow(turtle)_ position.
Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeedbefore
stoppingengine.
3. Movethrottlecontrolleverto STOP or OFFposition.
4. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto
preventaccidentalstartingwhilethe equipmentisunattended.
TO ENGAGE DRIVE & TINES
1. Forforwardmotionofthewheelsandpowertothe tinespullthe
ForwardClutchBailupagainstthe handlebar.
2. Whentilling,relaxandletthewheelspullthemachinewhilethetines
dig.Walkslowlybehindthetillerallowingittomoveatitsownpace
whilekeepingasecuregriponthehandlebarwithyourelbowsflexed.
3. Releasethebailto stoptheforwardmotionof wheelsandtines.
TURNING THE TILLER
1. Practiceturningthetiller ina level,openarea.Beverycarefulto
keepyourfeetand legsawayfromthetines.
2. Tobeginaturn,liftthe handlebarsuntilthetinesare outofthe
groundandtheengineandtinesarebalancedoverthewheels.
3. Withthetillerbalanced,pushsidewaysonthe handlebartosteer
inthedirectionof theturn.Afterturning,slowlylowerthetinesinto
thesoil toresumetilling.
SETTING THE DEPTH
Figure11
5. Movethrottlecontrolto START/RUN(Rabbit),_ position.See
Figure11.
Becertainsparkplugwireis disconnectedandgroundedagainstthe
enginewhenperforminganyadjustments.
Yoke Forward
Attachthe wheelyokeso thatthewheelsareforward(nearestto tines)
forshallowtilling,cultivatingandtransportbyremovingtheclevispin
12
andcotterpin. SeeFigure12.
\
Wheel
Figure12
Yoke Back
Attachthe wheelyokeso thatthewheelsaretowardthe rear(closest
todepthstake)for deeptillingandcultivatingby removingtheclevis
pinandcotterpin.SeeFigure13.
Wheel Yoke
Depth Stake
Thedepthstakeactsasa brakeforthe tillerandcontrolsthedepth
and speedatwhichthemachinewilloperate.Removethe clevispin
and hairpinclipto raiseorlowerthedepthstake.SeeFigure14.
Depth Stake
Figure14
ADJUSTING THE HANDLE HEIGHT
Thehandleshouldbeadjustedsothat whenthetiller isdigging3-4"
intothesoil,thehandlefallsto aboutwaste-high.Toadjusthandle,
simplyloosenthehandleknob,movethe handletothe desiredheight
and retightenthehandleknob.SeeFigure15.
Wheel
Figure13
J
Figure15
13
CLEARING THE TINES
Beforeclearingthetinesby hand,stoptheengine,allowall moving
partstostopanddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failuretofollowthis
warningcouldresultinpersonalinjury.
Thetines havea self-clearingactionwhicheliminatesmostof the
tanglingofdebris.However,occasionallydrygrass,stringystalksor
toughvinesmaybecometangled.Followtheseproceduresto help
avoidtanglingandtoclear thetines, ifnecessary.
• Tryto tillundercrop residuesor covercropswhiletheyaregreen,
moistandtender.
• Whiletilling,try swayingthehandlebarsfromsideto side(about
6"to 12").This"fishtailing"actionoftenclearsthetinesof debris.
TILLING TiPS & TECHNIQUES
Beforetilling,contactyourtelephoneor utilitiescompanyandinquire
l ifundergroundequipmentorlinesareusedon yourproperty.Donot
[till nearburiedelectriccables,telephonelines,pipesor hoses.
Tilling Depth
• Thisisa FRT(forward-rotatingfine) tiller.Whenthe forwardtine
engagementleveris pressedagainstthehandlethe tinesrotate
forward.Thiscreatesan "uppercut"fine actionwhichdigsdeeply,
uprootingsoiland weeds.Don'toverloadtheengine,butdigas
deeplyas possibleon eachpass.
• Whencultivating(breakingupthe surfacesoilaroundtheplantsto
destroyweeds,SeeFigure16),trytohavethetinesonlydig1"to
2"deep.Usingtheshallowtillingdepthhelpspreventinjurytothe
plantswhoserootsoftengrowcloseto thesurface.If needed,lift
uponthehandlebarsslightlytopreventthetinesfromdiggingtoo
deeply.(Cultivatingona regularbasisnotonlyeliminatesweeds,it
alsoloosensandaeratesthe soilfor bettermoistureabsorptionand
fasterplantgrowth.)Wateringthegardenareaa fewdayspriorto
tillingwillmaketillingeasier,aswilllettingthenewlyworkedsoilset
fora dayortwobeforemakinga final,deeptillingpass.
f
Choosing the Correct Tine Speed
Withexperience,youwillfindthetillingdepthandtillingspeedcombina-
tionthatis bestforyourgarden.Settheenginethrottleleverataspeed
togivetheengineadequatepowerandyetallowitto operateat theslow-
estpossiblespeeduntilyouhaveachievedthemaximumtillingdepth
youdesire.Fasterenginespeedsmaybedesirablewhenmakingfinal
passesthroughtheseedbedor whencultivating.Selectionofthe correct
enginespeed,inrelationto thetillingdepth,willensurea sufficientpower
leveltodo thejobwithoutcausingtheenginetolabor.
Suggested Tilling Patterns
• Whenpreparinga seedbed,go overthe samepathtwice in the
firstrow,then overlapone-halfthetiller widthon therestof the
passes.See Figure17.
J
Figure17
Whenfinishedin onedirection,makea secondpassata right
angle,SeeFigure18.Overlapeachpassfor thebestresults(in
very hardground,itmaytakethreeor fourpassesto thoroughly
pulverizethesoil).
Figure16
mm_
,J
14
Figure18
Ifthegardensizewillnotpermitlengthwiseandthencrosswise
tilling,thenoverlapthefirstpassesbyone-halfatillerwidth,fol-
lowedbysuccessivepassesatone-quarterwidth.SeeFigure19.
Terrace Gardening
1. Tocreatea terrace,startatthe topof theslopeandworkdown
Go backandforthacrossthe firstrow.SeeFigure20.
f
,e
L' REPEAT
Figure19
Tilling on a Slope
Donotoperatethetilleron a slopetoosteepfor safeoperation.Till
slowlyandbe sureyouhavegoodfooting.Neverpermitthetillerto
freewheeldownslopes.Failuretofollowthis warningcouldresultin
_persona njury.
1. Tillonlyon moderateslopes,neveronsteepgroundwherethe
footingisdifficult.
2. Tillingupanddownslopesisrecommendedoverterracing.Tilling
verticallyona slopeallowsmaximumplantingareaandalso
leavesroomfor cultivating.
NOTE:Whentillingonslopes,besurethe correctoil levelismain-
tainedinthe engine(checkeveryone-halfhourofoperation).The
inclineof theslopewillcausetheoil toslantawayfromitsnormal
levelandthiscan starveenginepartsof requiredlubrication.Keepthe
motoroil levelat thefull pointat alltimes.
Tilling Lip and Down a Slope
1. Tokeepsoilerosiontoa minimum,besuretoaddenoughorganic
matterto thesoil sothatit hasgoodmoisture-holdingtextureand
try toavoidleavingfootprintsorwheel marks.
2. Whentillingvertically,tryto makethefirst passuphillasthe tiller
digsmoredeeplygoinguphillthan itdoesdownhill.Insoft soilor
weeds,youmayhaveto lift thehandlebarsslightlywhilegoingup-
hill.Whengoingdownhill,overlapthefirstpassbyaboutone-half
thewidthof thetiller.
Figure20
.
Eachsucceedinglowerterraceisstartedbywalkingbelowtheter-
raceyouarepreparing.Foraddedstabilityofthetiller,alwayskeep
theuphillwheelinthesoft,newlytilledsoil.Donot tillthe last12"
or moreofthedownhilloutsideedgeofeachterrace.Thisuntilled
striphelpspreventtheterracesfrombreakingapartandwashing
downhill.Italsoprovidesawalkingpathbetweentherows.
15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall
controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo
acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe
enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumnto keeptrackof
completedmaintenancetasks.To locate the nearest Sears Service
Centeror to scheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat
1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.
Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes
= =
EachUse
1st2 hours
1st5 hours
Every10hours
Every25 hours
Every30 hours
Every50 hours
Every100hours
BeforeStorage
.
Engineoillevel
2.
Looseormissinghardware
3.
Engineandaroundmuffler
4.
Aircleaner
1.
Drivebelttension
2.
Nutsand Bolts
1.
Engineoil
1.
Drivebelttension
2.
Unit
1.
Sparkplug
1.
Tinesforwear
2.
Tirepressure
1.
Engineoill-
1.
Aircleaner
2.
SparkPlug
1.
Fuelsystem
1. Check
2. Tightenor_place
3. Clean
4. Check
1. Check
2. Check
1. Change
1. Check
2. Lubricate
1. Check
1. Check
2. Check
1. Change
1. Change
2. Change
1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof
fueloradda gasolineadditivetothe
gasin thetank.
Changeoileverytwentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorinhightemperatures
Alwaysstopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwirebeforeperforming
lanymaintenanceor adjustments.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring
_operationorwhile performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
• Alwaysobserveallsafetyrulesfoundonproductlabelsandin
thisoperator'smanualwhenperforminganymaintenance.Safety
rulescan befoundonthe productlabelsandin thisOperator's
Manualbeginningon page3.
• Thewarrantyonthistillerdoesnotcoveritemsthathavebeen
subjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefullvalue
fromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas
instructedhere.
• Someadjustmentswillhaveto be madeperiodicallytomaintain
yourunit properly.
• Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesurethesearetight.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Spark Plug
DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DONOTcrank
enginewithsparkplug removed.
Iftheenginehas beenrunning,themufflerwillbeveryhot. Becareful
notto touchthemuffler.
Thesparkplugmustbesecurelytightened.Animproperlytightened
sparkplugcanbecomeveryhot andmaydamagetheengine.
Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbeproperly
gappedandfreeof deposits.Checkthe sparkplugevery25hoursand
replaceitevery100hours.
16
1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto
removetheplug.See Figure21.
Figure21
2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugif thereis
apparentwear,orif the insulatoriscrackedorchipped.Cleanthe
sparkplugwitha wirebrush ifit isto be reused.
3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctasnecessaryby
bendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure22.Thegapshouldbe0.030".
F
Servicing the Air Cleaner
Neverusegasolineor lowflashpoint solventsforcleaningtheair
cleanerelement.A fireor explosioncouldresult.
Theaircleanerpreventsdamagingdirt,dust,etc.,fromenteringthe
carburetorandbeingforcedintothe engineandis importanttoengine
lifeandperformance.Neverruntheenginewithoutanair cleaner
completelyassembled.Checktheair cleanerbeforeeachuse.
Paperfilterscannotbecleanedand mustbereplacedoncea year
or every100operatinghours;moreoftenif usedinextremelydusty
conditions.
1. Pressthetab ontheair filtercover,liftthecoverand removethe
air filter.SeeFigure23.
.............
Air Filter
Cover
Filter
Figure22
4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasherisingoodconditionandthread
thesparkplugin by handtopreventcrossthreading.
5. Afterthesparkplugis seated,tightenwitha sparkplugwrenchto
compressthewasher.
NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthespark
plugseatstocompressthewasher.Whenreinstallinga usedsparkplug,
tighten1/8-1/4turnafterthesparkplugseatstocompressthewasher.
Figure23
2. Discardoldair filter.
3. Installnewair filter.
4. Closethecover.
NOTE:ifthefilteris tornor damagedinanyway,replaceit.
Cleaning the Engine
Donotsprayenginewithwatertocleanbecausewatercould
contaminatefuel.Usinga gardenhoseor pressurewashingequip-
mentcanalsoforcewaterintothe muffleropening.Waterthatpasses
throughthe mufflercanenterthe cylinder,causingdamage.
Accumulationofdebrisaroundmufflercouldcausea fire. Inspectand
cleanbeforeeveryuse.
Iftheenginehas beenrunning,allow itto coolfor at leasthalf anhour
beforecleaning.Periodicallyremovedirt build-upfromtheengine.
Cleanaroundthemuffler.Cleanwitha brushor compressedair.
17
Check Engine Oil
1. Checkoilbeforeeachuse.Stopengineandwaitseveralminutes
beforecheckingoil level.Withengineon levelground,theoilmust
beto FULLmarkon dipstick.
2. Refertothe Assemblysectionof thismanualforinstructionson
checkingtheoil.
Change Engine Oil
• Refertotheviscositychart(Figure24)foroilrecommendations.Do
notover-fill.Usea 4-stroke,oranequivalenthighdetergent,premium
qualitymotoroilcertifiedto meetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufac-
turer'srequirementsforserviceclassificationofa minimumlevelSF
orSG(higherletterratingsareacceptablesuchas SJ,SLandSM
grades).Motoroilwilldisplaythisdesignationonthecontainer.
! t
o I -_1 I l
I oC)=30° -20o =I0o 0o 100 200 300 400
_. (OF) -20o 0o 150 300 500 700 850 1050 j
Figure24
NOTE:Donotuse non-detergentoil or2-strokeengineoil. Itcould
shortentheengine'sservicelife.
• Changeengineoil afterthefirst fivetoeight hoursofoperation,
andeveryfifty hoursoreveryseasonthereafter.Changeoil every
twentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorin
hightemperatures.
To Drain Oil
Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly
IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-
[tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.
Beforetippingengineor equipmenttodrainoil, drainfuelfromtank by
runningengineuntilfuel tankisempty.
1. Drainthefuelfromthe tankbyrunningthe engineuntilthe fuel
tankisempty.Besurefuelfill capis secure.
2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand
keepit awayfromsparkplug.
3. Removeoil drainendcap locatedatthe baseof theengine,and
drainoil intoanappropriatereceptacle.See Figure25.
Drain
Figure25
4. Replaceandtightentheoildrainendcap.
5. Whenengineisdrainedofall oil, placeenginelevel.Refillwith
approximately20oz.offreshoil. Fillto FULLlineondipstick.
Donot overfill.Referto CheckEngineOilinthis SERVICE&
MAINTENANCEsection.
6. Replacesparkplugwirebeforestarting.
LUBRICATION
Afterevery10operatinghours,oilor greasethelubricationpoints.Use
cleanlubricatingoil (#30weightmotoroilis suitable)andcleangeneral
purposegrease(greasecontaininga metallubricantis preferred,if
available).
• Removethetinesand cleanthetineshaft.Useafileor sandpa-
pertogentlyremoveanyrust,burrsor roughspots(especially
aroundtheholesin theshaft).Applygreaseto theendsofthe
shaftbeforeinstallingthetines.
Removethe beltcoverandlubricateallthe pivotpointsand
linkageswitha lightcoatof oil.Keepthe beltsfreeof lubrication.
Thechaincaseispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryand
requiresnomaintenance.
HARDWARE
Checkfor looseor missinghardwareafterevery10operatinghours
andtightenor replace-- asneeded-- beforereusingthetiller.Be
sureto checkthe screwsunderneaththe tillerhoodthat securethe
transmissioncoverandthe DepthRegulatorLevertothetransmission.
Usedmotoroilmaycauseskincancerifrepeatedlyleftincontactwith
theskinforprolongedperiods.Althoughthisisunlikelyunlessyouhandle
lusedoilonadailybasis,it isstilladvisabletothoroughlywashyourhands
[withsoapandwaterassoonaspossibleafterhandlingusedoil.
8
BELT REPLACEMENT
Beforeperformingany typeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor
all partsto stopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure
tofollowthis instructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor property
damage.
Ifthedrivebeltneedstobe replaced,makesureyouuseonlyafactory
authorizedbeltlistedinthe Partspagesofthisoperator'smanual,asan
"over-the-counter"beltmaynotperformsatisfactorily.Theprocedure
requiresaveragemechanicalabilityandcommonlyavailabletools.
Toreplacethe Drivebelt,followthesesteps:
1. RemovethebeltcoverfromtheIdt sideofthetillerbyremovingthe
twoselftappingscrewsandhexstopnutandwasher.SeeFigure26.
Hex Stop
Nut
\
Washer
3. Removethe beltkeeperassemblylocatedbehindtheengine
pulleybyremovingthetwohex boltsand lockwashers.See
Figure27.
4. Removethe oldbeltfromaroundthe transmissionpulleyand
installthenewbelt. SeeFigure27.
5. Followtheinstructionsinreverseorderto re-installthebeltkeeper
and idlerpulley.
NOTE:Uponreassembly,makecertainthattheidlerpulleykeeperisas
shownin Figure27.Takenoteofthenotchonthebottomofthekeeper
andthealignmentwhenreassemblingwiththe replacementbelt.
NOTE;Afterre-installingthebelt,double-checkthe cableadjustment.
RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingthe cable.
TINES
Thetineswillwearwithuse andshouldbeinspectedatthe beginning
ofeach tillingseasonandafterevery30operatinghours.Thetines
canbe replaced.RefertothePartsListsectionofthis manualforpart
numbers.
Tine Inspection
Withuse,thetineswill becomeshorter,narrowerandpointed.Badly
worntineswill resultina lossoftillingdepth,and reducedeffective-
nesswhenchoppingup andturningunderorganicmatter.
Removing/Installing a Tine Assembly
1. A fine assemblyconsistsofa left handtineanda righthandfine.
NOTE:Thesharpedgesof thetinesare positionedto enterthesoil
firstwhenrotating.Notethispositionof thetinesfor reinstallationof the
newfineassemblies.
2. Toremoveafineassembly,simplyremovethecotterpinsecuring
theclevispinforeachtine.SeeFigure28.
Figure26
.
Removetheidlerpulleybolt andmovethebeltfromunderthe
idlerpulleykeeper.SeeFigure27.
f
Belt Keeper IdJer Transmission
Assembly Pulley Pulley
Figure27 5.
J
Figure28
.
Removethe clevispinfor eachfine,andslidetheassemblytothe
outsideofthe unitandoffof thefine shaft.
4.
Beforereinstallingthe tineassembly,inspectthefineshaftfor
rust,roughspotsor burrs.Lightlyfileor sand,as needed.Applya
thincoatof greasetotheshaft.
Installeachfineof theassemblysothatthecutting(sharp)edge
ofthe tineswillenterthesoilfirstwhenthetillermovesforward.
19
NeverstoretillerwithfuelintankindoorsorinpoorlyventilatedareasI
wherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark,orpilotlightason
a furnace,waterheater,cothesdryer,orgasapp ance. 1
PREPARING THE ENGINE
Neverleaveengineunattendedwhileit is running.
Enginesstoredbetween30and 90daysneedto betreatedwitha
gasolinestabilizerandenginesstoredover90daysneedto bedrained
offuel topreventdeteriorationandgumfromforminginfuelsystemor
on essentialcarburetorparts.Ifthegasolineinyourenginedeterio-
ratesduringstorage,youmayneedtohavethecarburetor,andother
fuelsystemcomponents,servicedor replaced.
1. Removeallfuel fromtankbyrunningengineuntilit stopsfrom
lackoffuel.
2. Changetheoil.SeeChangeEngineOil inSERVICEAND
MAINTENANCEsection.
3. Removesparkplugand pourabouta 1/2ounceof engineoilinto
thecylinder.Replacesparkplugandcrankit slowlytodistribute
oil.
4. Cleandebrisfromaroundtheengineandthe muffler.Touchup
anydamagedpaint,andcoatotherareasthatmayrustwitha light
filmofoil.
5. Storein aclean,dry andwellventilatedareaawayfromanyap-
pliancethatoperateswitha flameorpilot light,suchasa furnace,
waterheater,orclothesdryer.Alsoavoidany areawitha spark
producingelectricmotor,orwherepowertoolsare operated.
6. Ifpossible,alsoavoidstorageareaswithhighhumidity,because
that promotesrustandcorrosion.
7. Keeptheenginelevelinstorage.Tiltingcancausefuelor oil
leakage.
PREPARING THE TILLER
Whenthe tillerwon'tbeusedforanextendedperiod,prepareitfor
storageasfollows:
1. Cleanthetillerandengine.
2. Followthelubricationrecommendationsandcheckfor looseparts
and hardware.
3. Storethe tillerinaclean,dryarea.
4. Neverstorethetillerwithfuelinthe fueltankinan enclosedarea
wheregas fumescouldreachanopenflameor spark,or where
ignitionsourcesare present(spaceheaters,hotwaterheaters,
furnaces,etc.).
2O
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