Craftsman 316292630 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

Electric
CULTIVATOR

Model No. 316.292630

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

• ESPANOL, P. 15

769-04589

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules .................................... 2

Warranty ....................................... 4

Know Your Cultivator ............................. 5

Assembly Instructions ............................ 6

Starting/Stopping Instructions ...................... 8

Operating Instructions ............................ 9

Maintenance and Repair Instructions ............... 10

Troubleshooting Chart ........................... 11

Specifications ................................. 11

Parts List ..................................... 12

Service Numbers ........................ Back Cover

• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •

All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual
are based on the latest product information available at the
time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any

time without notice.

WARNING: When using electric gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions should always

[A

TRAINING

[A

• 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.

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: To reduce risk of electric shock use

• Extension CordiMake sure your extension cord set is in
good condition, is heavy enough to carry the current your

cultivator will draw.

Cord Length (ft.) 25 50 100 150
Wire Size (AWG) 18 16 14 12

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.
If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged in,

disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.

be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock,
and personal injury, including the following:

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

only UL Listed 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.

MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS

FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 6-10 AMPS

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

cord periodically and replace if damaged.

_,[ ARNING: Do not change the plug on the

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 ifthe operation is dusty. Such protective equip-

ment 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 shockto 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 inthe cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect the green (or green and yellow)
wire to a liveterminal. The green-colored rigid ear, lug, or the like,
must be connected to a permanent ground, such as a properly
grounded outlet box.

• 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

cultivator in any way.

Grounding Pin

Cover of Grounded Outlet Box

Rigid Ear/

-- Metal Screw

Adapter

I

protectionandmaybeusedforthismeasureofsafety.

• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhilemotorisrunning.
OPERATION

• Avoiddangerousenvironment.Don'tusecultivatorindampor

wetlocations.

• Don'tusethecultivatorintherain.

• Donotoperatecultivatoronexcessivelysteepslopes.

• Avoidunintentionalstarting.Don'tcarryplugged-incultivator
withyourhands/fingersonthemotorstartingcontrols.

• Donotabusecord.Neverpullorcarrythecultivatorbycord
oryankthecordtodisconnectitfromthereceptacle.Keep
cordawayfromheat,oil,andsharpedges.

• Ifextensioncordisdamagedinanymannerwhilepluggedin,
disconnectextensioncordfromhousereceptacle.

• Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingparts.Contactwiththe
rotatingpartscanamputatefingers,hands,andfeet.

• Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcohol
ordrugs.

• Onlyoperatecultivatorindaylightorgoodartificiallight.Don't
overreach.Keepproperfootingandbalanceandafirmholdon

thehandleatalltimes.

• 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.

• 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 aforeign 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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Restrict the use of this power

machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual

and on the machine.

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.

• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read the operator's manual(s) and follow all

rinstructions. Failure to do

so can result inserious 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 the tines to stop

before removing tines, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep hands

and feet away from rotating tines.

CRAFTSMANTWOYEARLIMITEDWARRANTY

When operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions, if this Craftsman product fails due to a defect in material or
workmanship within two years from the date or purchase, take it to any Sears or other authorized Craftsman location in the United States
for free repair.
Call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® for the nearest authorized location.

This warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this product is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:

• Expendable items that become worn during normal use, including but not limited to blades, tines, or belts.

• Tire or wheel replacement or repair resulting from normal wear, accident, or improper operation or maintenance.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to damage caused by impacting objects that bend the frame
or motor crankshaft.

• Repairs necessary because of operator negligence, including but not limited to, electrical and mechanical damage caused by improper
storage, or failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the operator's manual.

• Normal deterioration and wear of the exterior finishes, or product label replacement.

This warranty applies only while this product is within 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., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

REPAIR PROTECTION AGREEMENTS

Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Craftsman<®product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable
operation. But like all products, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save
you money and aggravation.

Here's what the Repair Protection Agreement* includes:
[] Expert service by our 10,000 professional repair specialists
[] Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs
[] Product replacement up to $1500 if your covered product can't be fixed
[] Discount of 10% from regular price of service and related installed parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular

price of preventive maintenance check

[] Fast help by phone - we call it Rapid Resolution - phone support from a Sears representative. Think of us as a "talking owner's

manual."

Once you purchase the Repair Protection Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call
anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online.

The Repair Protection Agreement is a risk-free purchase. If you cancel for any reason during the product warranty period, we will
provide a full refund. Or, a prorated refund anytime after the product warranty period expires. Purchase your Repair Protection
Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional information in the U.S.A. call 1-800-827-6655.
*Coverage in Canada varies on some items. For full details call Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665.

SEARS INSTALLATION SERVICE

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A.
or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME <®

APPLICATIONS

• Cultivating sod and light to medium soil

• Cultivating in garden areas, around trees, etc.

Handlebar

Bail

Starter Button

Overload

Protection Switch

Cord

Retainer

Tine Shield

Handlebar Knob

Front Handle

Cord Guide Bar

Cord Outlet

Receptacle

Wheel Support

Bracket

Tines

Wheel

ASSEMBLINGTHEHANDLEBAR

I,_ WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury,

Before you can operate the unit, you must install the handlebar.

1. When you unpack the unit, hold the handlebar in the
position shown in Figure 1 and slide it onto the lower bars.

2. Align the holes in the handlebar with the holes in the lower
bars and insert the bolts through those holes.

3. Hold the handlebar in place while screwing the knobs onto
the bolts (Fig. 2).

4. Tighten the knobs to secure the handlebar in place.

NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.

5. Check to make sure the bail is assembled into the switch
assembly (Fig. 1, Inset A).

NOTE: Take care not to pinch the switch cable when

6. Clip the switch cable to the cable restraint on the lower bar
as shown in Figure 1, Inset B.

do not connect electric extension cord to unit until
fully completing cultivator assembly.

positioning the handlebars.

A

I

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

USING THE CORD RETAINER
There is an extension cord retainer to prevent the extension

cord from disconnecting during use. The retainer hangs from
the cord guide bar.

NOTE: Do not plug the extension cord into the power source

receptacle until the cord is connected to the cord
retainer and plugged into the unit.

To use the cord retainer:

1. Fold the extension cord in half, forming a tight loop near

the receptacle.

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

NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord. A 100-foot, 14-

gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16-gauge
cord is acceptable.

The cord retainer keeps the extension cord safely to the side of
the operator by sliding to the left and right on the guide bar as

the unit is moved. Connect your extension cord to the unit as
shown in Figure 5.

Fig. 3

3. Slide the loop over the retaining clip and pull down until the
cord fits snugly (Fig. 4).

Fig. 5

Fig. 4

STARTINGINSTRUCTIONS

you are in the operating position behind the
cultivator when using it. To avoid serious injury, the

Avoid accidental starting. Makesure

operator and un t shou d be n a stab e post onwhile 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 (indoor 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 on a

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

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

3. Pivot the cultivator slightly toward the rear, so that its
weight is resting on the wheels and the tines are NOT in
contact with the ground

4. Depress the (red) starter button and hold it in (Fig. 6, no. 1).

NOTE: Starting the cultivator's motor also starts tilling action.

5. While holding the starter button in, pivot the bail upward
against the handle bar (Fig. 6, no. 2) to start the motor and
engage the tines.

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

the starter button in while pivoting the bail upward.

6. Release the (red) starter button and grasp the handle and
bail together with both hands (Fig. 7).

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,
no. 3).

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.

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.

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

ADJUSTINGTHEWHEELSUPPORTBRACKET

USING YOUR CULTIVATOR

Iil_li WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Stop

To adjust the wheel support bracket, proceed as follows:

1. Remove cotter pin from the clevis pin and slide pin out of
tailpiece bracket (Fig. 8).

motor and disconnect extension cord prior to
adjusting the wheel support bracket.

/

I

'_1 WARNING: Never pick up or carry the unit while I

1. Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting the
motor. Transport the cultivator by pushing or pulling it

along on its wheels. Or you may choose to carry the
cultivator by its front handle.

2. Start the cultivator following all steps under STARTING
INSTRUCTIONS on the previous page.

3. With both hands on the upper handle, slowly pivot the
cultivator forward until the tines make contact with the soil.

4. Once the tines are in the ground, cultivate at a moderate
pace until you are familiar with the controls and the
handling of the cultivator.

NOTE: Be aware of the extension cord's location at all times.

Never allow the cultivator's tines to come into contact with
the extension cord while operating.

5. To adjust the cultivating depth, adjust the wheel support
bracket. See Adjusting The Wheel Support Bracket.

NOTE: For cultivation, a two to three inch depth is desirable.

When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough width
to permit cultivation between the rows.

the motor is running. Serious personal injury
could result

extension cord clear of the tilling path at all times.

w.°°..o.vodrs o,n'u 'ee theI

Do not allow the tines to contact the extension cord

I

Fig. 8

2. Slide the wheel support bracket up or down in the tailpiece,
aligning the holes to the desired height.

3. Place the clevis pin through the hole and secure with a
cotter pin.