Craftsman 316.2927 User Manual [en, es]

Operator’s Manual

4 Stroke

CULTIVATOR / EDGER

Model No. 316.29270

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual and follow all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions.

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

•Parts

• Español

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

Visit our Sears website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Printed in U.S.A.

FORM NO.

769-00027.fm (1/02)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Warranty 2 Safety 3 Assembly 5 Operation 6 Maintenance 9

Content Page

Service and Storage 11 Troubleshooting 12 Parts List 14

WARRANTY

Limited Warranty on Craftsman Cultivator / Edger

For two (2) years from the date of purchase, if this Craftsman Equipment is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the instructions to the operator’s manual, Sears will repair or replace free of charge any parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Warranty service is available free of charge by returning Craftsman equipment to your nearest Sears Service Center. In-home warranty service is available but a trip charge will apply. This Warranty applies only while this product is in the United States.

This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as spark plugs, air cleaners, belts, and oil filters.

• Tire replacement or repair caused by punctures from outside objects, such as nails, thorns, stumps, or glass.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse, including but not limited to, damage caused by objects, such as stones or metal debris, oversized stock, impacting objects that bend the frame or crankshaft, or overspeeding the engine.

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

• Engine (fuel system) cleaning or repairs caused by fuel determine to be contaminated or oxidized (stale). In general, fuel should be used within 30 days of its purchase date.

• Equipment used for commercial or rental purposes.

TO LOCATE THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER OR TO SCHEDULE SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT SEARS AT 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Engine 4 Stroke Engine Oil Type SAE 30 Engine Oil Capacity 3.4 Fluid Ounces Fuel Capacity: Approximately 1 Quart Spark Plug Champion RJ-19LM Spark Plug Gap .025" (0.655 mm)

Model Number.........................................................

Serial Number...........................................................

Date of Purchase......................................................

Record both serial number and date of purchase and keep in a safe place for future reference.

316.29270

SAFETY

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could

endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

Training

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on

the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper

operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.

3. 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.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine

without proper instruction.

5. 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked

as meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and ear/ hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.

4. This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary

when the engine is idling. If they do not, have the unit adjusted by an authorized service dealer.

5. Squeeze the throttle control and check that it

returns automatically to the idle position.

6. Never leave this machine unattended with the

engine running.

7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while

engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual.

8. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignition. c. Never fuel machine indoors. d. Never remove gas cap or add while the

engine is hot or running. e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling. f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion. g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move machine to another

area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the

engine. i. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark,

or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater,

space heater, clothes dryer, etc.) j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

OPERATION

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

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

3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

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

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

10. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

11. Disengage all clutch and stop engine before you leave the operating position (behind the handle). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or inspections.

12. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

13. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

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

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

16. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.

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

18. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

19. Use only attachments and accessories available by the Sears. Failure to do so, can result in personal injury.

20. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your nearest Sears service center.

Maintenance And Storage

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

2. 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.

3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

4. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

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

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

7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.

8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions on off-season storage.

9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

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.

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT:

oil in the engine. After assembly, see OPERATION

section of this manual for proper fuel and engine oil fill-up.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the cultivator / edger is observed from the operating position.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

• Remove any loose parts that may be included with unit (operator’s manual, oil, edger wheel, and edger blade).

• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove packing material.

• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

DISCONNECTING SPARK PLUG

Before setting up your cultivator / edger, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug and ground to a stud on the engine.

Wing Nut

Marked Lines

Carriage Bolt

Lower Handle Connector

Upper Handle Connector

Setting Up Your Cultivator / Edger

• Loosen each wing nut enough to separate the plastic connectors between the upper and lower handle. Gently lift up and pull out on the upper handle to raise the handle toward the operating position. See Figure 1.

• Separate the connectors and position the bottom tip of upper handle connector in front of the bottom tip of lower handle connector.

• The lower handle connector has three marked lines on the top and the upper handle connector has one marked line.

• Position the connectors aligning the marked line on the upper connector with the middle marked line on the lower connector.

• To secure the upper and lower handle, tighten the wing nuts and washers (carriage bolts must be seated properly into the outer handle and grooves must line up between connectors).

• If not already, tighten the cable tie on the right side of handle.

Figure 1

Starter Handle

Front Handle

Cultivator Tines

OPERATION

On/Off Switch

Throttle Lever

Handle Connectors

Primer

Edger Wheel

Edger Blade

Choke Lever

Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your cultivator / edger. Compare the illustrations with your unit to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. See Figure 3.

Starter Handle

The starter handle is attached to an eyebolt in the front of the engine.

Throttle Lever

The throttle lever is located on the upper handle. Squeezing the lever against handle speeds up the engine and engages the cultivator / edger tines. Release the handle to stop the tines.

Choke Lever

The choke lever is located on the left side of engine and it is used to enrich the fuel mixture when starting a cold engine.

Partial

Open

Primer Button

The primer button is located on the right side of engine and it is used in conjunction with the choke to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a cold engine.

On/Off Switch

The On/Off switch is located on the upper handle. The switch must be in the On (I) to start engine and

Figure 2

Off (O) to stop engine.

Handle Connectors

The handle connectors are on each side between lower and upper handle. They are used to lock the upper handle in a set position.

Front Handle

The front handle can be used when transporting the unit.

Tines

The tines are used to cultivate, furrow, and prepare your garden for seeding.

Wheel Support Bracket

The wheel support bracket is attached to the tailpiece bracket behind the cultivator / edger. It is used to adjust the wheels to a higher or lower resting position.

Edger Wheel and Blade

The edger wheel and blade are separate parts that do not come attached on the cultivator / edger. They are to be used instead of the cultivator tines for vertical edging.

Stopping Engine

• Push the On/Off switch to Off (O) position to stop engine and tines.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine.

Oil Fill-Up

Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is extremely important. Check the oil before each use and change the oil regularly. Failure to use the correct oil or using dirty oil can cause premature engine wear and failure. Refer to Maintenance Section.

Use a high-quality SAE 30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, or SH.

NOTE: This unit is shipped without oil in the engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, put the recommended oil in the crankcase before attempting to start unit.

This unit is shipped with one 3.4 fluid oz. (100ml) bottle of SAE 30 SF, SG, or SH oil.

NOTE: For cold weather operation, temperatures below 40°F (4°C) use a high-quality SAE 10W30 weight oil of API (American Petroleum Institute) service class SF, SG, or SH.

• When adding oil, the unit must be laid back in the horizontal position on a flat surface with the upper handle touching the ground.

See Figure 3.

• Wipe up any oil that may have spilled and reinstall the oil fill plug/dipstick.

Gas Fill-Up

Old fuel is the primary reason for the unit not running properly. Be sure to use fresh, clean, and unleaded gasoline. Use fresh fuel (less than 60 days old), when using alcohol-blended fuel.

• When adding fuel, unit must be laid back in the horizontal position on a flat surface.

• Remove fuel cap and remove the tag from the fuel tank neck. Refer to Figure 4.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.

• Place spout of gas container into the fill hole on the fuel tank and fill tank.

• Wipe up any gasoline that may have spilled and reinstall the fuel cap.

• Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1m) from the fueling source and site before starting the engine.

Add Fuel

Add Oil

Figure 3

• Remove the oil plug/dipstick from the crankcase

and pour 3.4 fl. oz. (100ml.) of oil into the oil fill hole. See Figure 4.

DipStick

Fuel Cap

Figure 4

IMPORTANT:

maintaining the proper oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized. DO NOT OVERFILL.

NOTE: This is a 4-cycle engine. In order to avoid damage to the unit, do not mix oil with gasoline.

The importance of checking and

Starting Engine

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.

• Check oil level and fill fuel tank with fresh fuel.

• Push On/Off switch on upper handle to On (I).

• Place choke lever in Close (A) position.

See Figure 5.

• Fully press and release the primer bulb slowly 5 to 7 times. Gasoline should be felt and visible in the bulb. Press primer a few more times, if gasoline is not noticed. See Figure 5.

Choke Lever

Figure 5

• Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open position.

• Place right foot on the right side of tiller wheel.

• Pull the starter rope briskly 3 to 5 times or until

engine attempts to run.

• Move the choke to Partial (B) position.

Primer Bulb

NOTE: The engine will not operate in the Close (A) position.

• Pull the starter rope again 1 to 3 times until engine starts.

• Move choke lever to Open (C) position and run at full throttle for 30 seconds.Release throttle lever.

• With tines off the ground, depress the throttle lever against the upper handle to increase engine speed and rotate tines.

WARNING: Never run the engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair, and loose clothing away from rotating tines.

Adjusting the Wheel Support Bracket

To adjust the wheel support bracket proceed as follows:

• Stop engine and disconnect spark plug to avoid accidental starting.

• Remove cotter pin from the clevis pin and slide pin out of tailpiece bracket. See Figure 6.

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

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

Clevis Pin

Cotter Pin

Starting A Warm Engine

• Push On/Off switch on upper handle to On (I).

• Move the choke to Partial (B) position.

• Fully press and release the primer bulb slowly 5

to 7 times. Gasoline should be felt and visible in the bulb. Press primer a few more times, if gasoline is not noticed. See Figure 5.

• Squeeze the throttle control to the wide open position.

• Place right foot on the right side of tiller wheel.

• Pull the starter rope briskly 3 to 5 times or until

engine starts.

• Move choke lever to Open (C) position.

• With tines off the ground, depress the throttle

lever against the upper handle to increase engine speed and rotate tines.

Using Your Cultivator

WARNING: Never pick up or carry the unit while the engine is running. Serious personal injury could result.

• Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting the engine. The cultivator may be transported by pushing it on the wheels or carrying it by the handles.

• Start the engine referring to Starting Engine.

• With both hands on the upper handle and

squeezing the throttle control, slowly lower the cultivator until the tines make contact with the ground.

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

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

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.

Wheel Support Bracket

Tailpiece Bracket

Figure 6

Attaching the Edger Wheel And Blade

To convert the cultivator to an edger proceed as follows:

• Push the On/Off switch to Off (O) position to stop engine and tines and disconnect spark plug to avoid accidental starting.

• It may be necessary to lay the cultivator / edger back in a horizontal position on a flat level surface with the upper handle touching the ground.

• Remove the click pin from each end of the tine shaft and slide the tines off the shaft.

• Slide the edger wheel, with the hub facing inward, onto the right side of the tine shaft and secure with the click pin in the inside hole. See Figure 7.

• Slide the edger blade with the hub facing out onto the left side of tine shaft and secure with the click pin in the inside hole. See Figure 7.

Hub

Click Pin

Edger Wheel

Edger Blade

Figure 7

• Guide edger blade along a flowerbed, garden, sidewalk, or driveway with the edger wheel along the outside edge.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Check Engine Oil

Change Engine Oil

E N

Clean Air Filter

G N

Check Spark Plug

Check Spark Arrester

Clean Engine

WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning or doing any kind of maintenance on your cultivator / edger.

Gas Fill-Up

Refer to the operation section.

Checking Oil

WARNING: To prevent extensive engine wear and damage to the unit, always maintain the proper oil level in the crankcase. Never operate the unit with the oil level below the bottom of the dipstick.

• Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and check oil level. Oil should be up to the top of the dipstick. Refer to Figure 4.

• If the level is low, add a small amount of oil to the oil fill hole and recheck. Repeat until the oil level reaches the top of the dipstick. See Figure 9.

NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill plug/dipstick when checking and changing the oil.

O-Ring

Full

Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick

• Check oil before each use.

• Stop engine and allow oil to drain into the

crankcase.

• When checking oil, the unit must be laid back in the horizontal position on a flat surface with the upper handle touching the ground.

See Figure 8.

Add Fuel

Add Oil

Figure 8

• Keep dirt and debris out of the engine. Clean the area around the oil fill plug/dipstick before removing it.

• Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and wipe off oil. Reinsert it all the way back in.

Figure 9

Changing Oil

• Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick.

• Tip the unit back or away from the air filter to pour

the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container.

• Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any oil that may have spilled. Dispose of the oil according to federal, state, and local regulations.

• When adding oil, the unit must be laid back in the horizontal position on a flat surface with the upper handle touching the ground.

See Figure 8.

• Refill the crankcase with 3.4 fl.oz. (100 ml.) of SAE 30 SF, SG, or SH oil.

• Replace the oil fill plug/dipstick.

Air Filter Maintenance

• Open the air filter cover on side of engine by pushing the tab on the left side in and swinging the air filter cover out and off. See Figure 10.

• Remove the air filter and screen.

• Wash the filter in detergent and water. Rinse the

filter thoroughly and allow it to dry.

• Apply enough clean SAE 30 motor oil to lightly coat the filter and squeeze the filter to spread and remove excess oil.

• Replace the screen and filter.

• Position the hooks on the right side of the air filter

cover into the slots at the right side of the air filter housing.

• Swing the cover to the left until the tab on the air filter cover snaps into place in the slot.

Air Filter

Air Filter Housing

Air Filter Cover

• Install a correctly gapped spark plug in the cylinder head and tighten by turning the socket clockwise until snug. Do not over tighten.

0.025 in. Gap

Figure 11

Spark Arrestor Maintenance

• Remove the muffler cover, if equipped, by pressing down on the corner with a flat blade screwdriver. Slide the notches on the sides of the muffler cover over the tabs on the engine cover and remove.

• Remove the screw attaching the spark arrestor cover to the muffler. See Figure 12.

Spark Arrestor

Muffler

Screen

Screw

Screen

Air Filter

Tab

Figure 10

Carburetor Adjustment

If the engine will not idle, hesitates or stalls on acceleration, or there is a loss of engine power have the carburetor adjusted by an Sears service center.

Replacing The Spark Plug

The spark plug should be removed and check after every 25 hours of operation. To replace the spark plug proceed as follows:

• Stop the engine and allow it to cool. Grasp the plug wire firmly and pull the cap from the spark plug.

• Clean dirt from around the spark plug and remove the spark plug from the cylinder head by turning counterclockwise using a socket.

• Set the air gap at 0.025 in (0.655 mm.) using a feeler gauge. See Figure 11.

Tab

Slot

Figure 12

• Pull the tab on the spark arrestor cover out of the muffler and remove the spark arrestor cover.

• Remove the spark arrestor screen from the spark arrestor cover.

• Clean the spark arrestor screen with a wire brush or replace screen.

• Reinstall the spark arrester screen, spark arrestor cover, and screw.

Spark Arrester Cover

CLEAN ENGINE

• Clean engine by removing dirt and debris with a cloth or brush.

• Frequently remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from cooling fins, air intake screen, levers, and linkage. This will help ensure adequate cooling and engine speed.

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