Craftsman 316.2926 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Electric
CULTIVATOR

Model No. 316.292600

®

CAUTION: Before using
this product, read this
manual and follow all
safety rules and operating
instructions.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our website: www.sears.com/craftsman

• SAFETY

• ASSEMBLY

• OPERATION

• MAINTENANCE

• PARTS LIST

FORM NO. 769-01643B

(04/18/2005)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty
Safety Rules Pages 3-7
Assembly Pages 8-9
Starting/Stopping Instructions Page 10
Operation Page 11
Maintenance and Repair Pages 12

Page 2

Troubleshooting Page 13
Specifications Page 13
Parts List Pages 14-15
Repair Protection Agreement Page 16
Español Page 17
Service Numbers Back Cover

WARRANTY STATEMENT

TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC CULTIVATOR

For two years from the date of purchase, when this Cultivator is used and maintained according to
the operator’s manual, Sears will repair any defect in material or workmanship free of charge.

This warranty excludes tines, which are expendable parts that can wear out from normal use in less
than two years.

This warranty is void if this Cultivator is used for commercial or rental purposes.

WARRANTY SERVICE AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THIS CULTIVATOR TO THE NEAREST
SEARS STORE OR SEARS PARTS & REPAIR CENTER 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., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

2

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all

warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders.

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and-their explanations, deserve your careful attention
and-understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions
or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.

DANGER:

to yourself or to others. Always follow the
safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.

WARNING:

yourself and others. Always follow the safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock and personal injury.

Failure to obey a
safety warning will
result in serious injury

Failure to obey a
safety warning can
result in injury to

SAFETY ALERT:

Indicates danger, warning or caution.
Attention is required in order to avoid serious
personal injury. May be used in conjunction
with other symbols or pictographs.

NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to

the operation or maintenance of the equipment.

CAUTION:

damage or personal injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

Failure to obey a
safety warning may
result in property

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

WARNING: When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the

risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:

TRAINING

WARNING:

read these instructions before operating
the unit in order to ensure the safety of the
operator and any bystanders. Please keep
these instructions for later use.

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the cultivator. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular reference
and for ordering replacement parts.

• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage tines
quickly.

• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained and
supervised by a parent.

• Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.

• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least
50 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.

When using the unit,
you must follow the
safety rules. Please

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other
foreign objects which could be tripped over and cause
personal injury.

WARNING:

extension cord suitable for outdoor use,
such as Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A,
STOW-A, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or
SJTOW-A.

• Extension Cord—Make sure your extension cord
set is in good condition, is heavy enough to carry the
current your cultivator will draw.

MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS

FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 6-10 AMPS
Cord Length (ft.)
Wire Size (AWG)

If in doubt, use the next heavier gage cord. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. To reduce
the likelihood of disconnection of the extension cord
set from the cultivator, be sure to use the cord restraint
provided.

25 50 100 150
18 16 14 12

To reduce risk of
electric shock use
only UL Listed

3

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

Grounding Pin

Cover of Grounded Outlet Box

Adapter

Rigid Ear/

Metal Screw

A

C

B

• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while
plugged in, disconnect extension cord from house
receptacle.

WARNING:

• Inspect cultivator cord periodically, and if damaged,
have it repaired by an authorized service facility.
Inspect extension cord periodically and replace if
damaged.

• Dress properly. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes
and close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting
clothes or jewelry can be caught in movable parts.
Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
Use of rubber gloves is recommended when working
outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long
hair.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this
unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
Such protective equipment is available from your
authorized service dealer or retailer.

• Use the right tool. Do not use cultivator for any job
except that for which it is intended.

• Grounding Instructions—The cultivator should be
grounded while in use to reduce the risk of electric
shock to the operator. The cultivator is equipped with
a three-conductor cord and a three-prong grounding
plug to fit the proper grounding receptacle. The green
(or green and yellow) wire conductor in the cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect the green (or green
and yellow) wire to a live terminal. Your cultivator has
a plug as illustrated in Fig. A. An adapter, illustrated in
Fig. C, is available for connecting plugs as illustrated
in Fig. B to two-prong receptacles. The green-colored
rigid ear, lug, or the like, must be connected to a
permanent ground, such as a properly grounded outlet
box.

Do not change the
plug on the
cultivator in any way.

• Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords that
have three-prong grounding plugs and grounding
receptacles that accept the cultivator’s plug.

• Keep handle dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

• Fuses—The cultivator should be operated on a 15 or
20 AMP circuit. If difficulty in starting is experienced
with a standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker or
the cultivator’s built-in overload protection switch
frequently trips, contact your nearest authorized
service location. Do not use a higher rated fuse without
consulting your power company.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection
should be provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to
be used for the cultivator. Receptacles are available
having built-in GFCI protection and may be used for
this measure of safety.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while motor is
running.

OPERATION

• Avoid dangerous environment. Don’t use cultivator in
damp or wet locations.

• Don’t use the cultivator in the rain.

• Do not operate cultivator on excessively steep slopes.

• Avoid unintentional starting. Don’t carry plugged-in
cultivator with your hands/fingers on the motor starting
controls.

• Do not abuse cord. Never pull or carry the cultivator
by cord or yank the cord to disconnect it from the
receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges.

• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while
plugged in, disconnect extension cord from house
receptacle.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact
with the rotating parts can amputate fingers, hands,
and feet.

• Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

• Only operate cultivator in daylight or good artificial
light. Don’t overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance and a firm hold on the handle at all times.

• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common
sense. Do not operate cultivator when you are tired.

• Don’t force cultivator. It will do a better job and with
less likelihood of a risk of injury if operated at the rate
for which it was designed

• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least
50 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.

4

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

• Be careful when cultivating in hard ground. The tines
may catch in the ground and propel the cultivator
forward. If this occurs, let go of the handle and do not
restrain the machine.

• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds
on hard or slippery surfaces.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• Look down, behind, and use care when pulling
machine towards you.

• Start the motor according to the instructions found in
this manual and keep feet well away from the tines at
all times.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the motor and
disconnect the power cord to prevent accidental
starting. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating.

• Stop the motor, disconnect the power cord to prevent
accidental starting and wait until the tines come to a
complete stop before unclogging the tines, making
any adjustments, or inspections.

• Use caution when cultivating near fences, buildings
and underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause
property damage or personal injury.

• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to
cultivate soil too deep or too fast of a rate.

• If the machine should start making an unusual noise
or vibration, stop the motor and disconnect the power
cord to prevent accidental starting. Inspect machine
thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before
starting motor and operating.

• Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place
and operating properly.

• To avoid an electrical shock hazard, never push or pull
the cultivator over the electrical cord while operating.

• When picking up the cultivator, use the handle
provided. Don’t grasp the tines when picking up or
holding the cultivator. Never pick up or carry machine
while the motor is running.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the cultivator manufacturer. Failure to do so can result
in personal injury and/or damage to your cultivator.

• If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at
frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe working
condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any
damage.

• Before leaving the equipment, changing tine width,
cleaning, repairing, making adjustments and the like,
stop the motor, disconnect the power cord to prevent
accidental starting and make certain the tines and all
moving parts have stopped.

• Do not wash cultivator with a hose. Avoid getting water
on motor and electrical connections

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

• Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.

• Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage. When not in use,
cultivator should be stored indoors in a dry, and high or
locked-up place out of the reach of children.

• Maintain cultivator with care. Follow instructions for
lubrication and cleaning.

• Check for damaged parts. Before further use, a guard
or other part that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate properly
and perform its intended function. Check alignment
of moving parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, mounting, and any other condition that
may affect its operation. A guard or other part that is
damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by
an authorized service center.

WARNING:

read, understand and follow the warnings
and instructions in this manual and on the
machine.

Restrict the use of
this power machine
to persons who

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

5

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.

SYMBOL MEANING

• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL

Indicates danger, warning,
or caution. May be used in
conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.

• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL

WARNING: Read the

Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in
serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders.

SYMBOL MEANING

• GARDEN CULTIVATORS–
ROTATING TINES CAN CAUSE
SEVERE INJURY

WARNING: Stop the

motor, unplug the extension cord
and allow tines to stop before
removing tines, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep

hands and feet away from rotating
tines.

6

RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

KNOW YOUR CULTIVATOR

APPLICATIONS

As a cultivator

• Tilling soil in home vegetable gardens, flower
beds and around shrubs

Handlebar

Tine Engage

Control

Starter Button

Tine Shield

Handlebar Knob

Front Handle

Overload

Protection Switch

Wheel Support

Bracket

Cord

Retainer

Cord Oulet

Receptacle

Cord Guide Bar

Tines

Wheels

7

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1

2

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the

cultivator is observed from the operating
position.

Removing Unit From Carton

1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape

at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

2. Remove all loose parts that may be included with

unit.

3. Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, remove and

set safely aside any packing material and/or loose
cardboard.

4. Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton

thoroughly for loose parts.

Loose Parts In Carton

• Operator’s Manual

Tools Needed for Assembly

• None

WARNING:

extension cord to unit until fully completing
cultivator assembly

To prevent serious
personal injury, do
not connect electric

ASSEMBLING CULTIVATOR

Handle Set-Up

1. Loosen each hand knob found on the inside of the

upper handle (Fig. 1).

2. Gently lift and pivot the upper handle into the

operating position (Fig. 2).

3. Secure the upper handle and lower handle by

tightening the hand knobs (Fig. 2). Each carriage
bolt must be seated properly into the square hole
found in the plastic connector.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

8

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Using the Cord Retainer

An extension cord retainer is suspended on the cord
guide bar found on the upper handle.

NOTE: Do not plug your extension cord into the power

source receptable (outlet) prior to routing it
through the cord retainer and connecting the
extension cord to the cultivator's cord outlet
receptacle.

To properly route your extension cord through the cord
retainer:

1. Approximately 14- to 16-inches from its end, crease
your extension cord to form a tight loop.

2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the cord
retainer (Fig. 3).

3. Position the loop over the clip found on the cord
retainer and pull down until the cord fits snugly into
the clip (Fig. 4).

NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord. A 100-foot,

14-gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16­gauge cord is acceptable. Refer to the small chart
found on Page 3.

The cord retainer and the guide bar work together to
secure your extension cord and safely limit its movement.

The cord retainer (with the extension cord) will slide along
the guide bar as the cultivator is moved to the left or to
the right (Fig. 5).

Fig. 3

Fig. 5

Fig. 4

9

STARTING/STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1

2

STARTING INSTRUCTIONS

Avoid accidental

WARNING:

operating position behind the cultivator
when using it. To avoid serious injury, the
operator and unit should be in a stable
position while starting.

Connecting to an Electrical Power Source
NOTE: Connect your extension cord to the cultivator as

instructed on the previous page prior to plugging
your extension cord into an electrical outlet.

1. Plug your extension cord into any convenient (
or outdoor) 120-volt, 60-cycle AC grounded outlet or
receptacle. Your cultivator will operate satisfactorily
on a circuit with a 15 ampere breaker.

NOTE: To avoid tripping circuit breakers, select an outlet

2. Stand behind the cultivator, in the operating position.

3. Pivot the cultivator slightly toward the rear, so that

4. Depress the (red) starter button and hold it in (Fig. 6).

NOTE: Starting

5. While holding the starter button in, pivot the bail

NOTE:

6. Release the (red) starter button and grasp the handle

on a circuit that is not overloaded. Do NOT select
an outlet that is on a circuit hosting appliances
such as a refrigerator.

its weight is resting on the wheels and the tines are
NOT in contact with the ground

action.

upward against the handle (Fig. 6) to start the motor
and engage the tines.

The cultivator's motor will NOT start if you fail to

hold the starter button in while pivoting the bail
upward

and bail together with

the cultivator's motor also starts tilling

.

both hands (Fig. 7).

starting. Make
sure you are in the

indoor

Overload

Protection Switch

Fig. 6

STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Release the bail.

2. The starter button will pop out, the bail will pivot
downward and the motor will stop.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH

This cultivator is equipped with an overload protection
switch to prevent overheating damage to the motor.

If the overload protection switch pops out:

1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator
for at least one minute, allowing for the electric motor
time to cool.

2. Press the overload protection switch inward
to reset (Fig. 6).

If the overload protection switch pops out shortly after
resetting:

1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator for
at least 15 minutes to allow the electric motor extra
time to cool.

Fig. 7

2. Press the overload protection switch inward to reset.

3. Restart unit.

NOTE:

If the overload protection switch pops out

repeatedly during operation or will not remain
in when attempting to reset, contact your Sears
Parts and Repair Center to arrange for repair.

10