Craftsman 900-299011 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRI FTSMIIN°

FRO E TIL

900 Series 24 Inch Tine Width

Model No.

917.299011

, EspaSol, p. 20

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the

This product has a low emission engine which operates

engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

iMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

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

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

Warranty ................................................ 2 Manintenance ...................................... 12

Safety Rules .......................................... 2 Service and Adjustments ..................... 15

Product Specifications ........................... 4 Storage ................................................ 17

Assembly/P re-Operation ....................... 6 Troubleshooting ................................... 18

Operation ............................................... 7 Illustrated Parts List ............................. 38

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 12 Sears Service ........................ Back Cover

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER For one (1) year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

This Warranty does not cover:

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

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

• If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty ap- plies for only thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest sears service center/department inthe united states. This warranty applies only while

this product is in use 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and

the proper use of the equipment. Know

how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the

equipment. Never allow adults to op- erate the equipment without proper

instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, particularly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the

equipment is to be used and remove all

foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (mo-

tor).

• Do not operate the equipment without

wearing adequate outer garments. Wear footwear that will improve footing on

slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam- mable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before restarting.

Use extension cords and receptacles

as specified by the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or elec-

tric starting motors.

Never attempt to make any adjustments

while the engine (motor) is running (ex- cept where specifically recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION * Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts.

* Exercise extreme caution when operat-

ing on or crossing gravel drives, walks,

or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

* After striking a foreign object, stop the

engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the

tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating

the tiller.

. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or fall-

ing.

* If the unit should start to vibrate ab-

normally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

* Stop the engine (motor) when leaving

the operating position.

. Take all possible precautions when

leaving the machine unattended. Dis-

engage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine.

. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,

shut off the engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acci-

dental starting. Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

* Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

* Never operate the tiller without proper

guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

* Keep children and pets away.

Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.

Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery surfaces. Look be-

hind and use care when backing.

Never allow bystanders near the unit.

Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the

tiller.

Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and

propel the tiller forward. Ifthis occurs,

let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

* Keep machine, attachments, and ac-

cessories in safe working condition.

* Check shear pins, engine mounting

bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter- vals for proper tightness to be sure the

equipment is in safe working condition.

* Never store the machine with fuel in the

fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water

and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before

storing in any enclosure.

* Always refer to the operator's guide in-

structions for important details if the tiller

is to be stored for an extended period.

_Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_kCAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent acci- dental starting when setting up, transport-

ing, adjusting or making repairs.

dqLWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

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

PRODUCTSPECIFiCATiONS

Gasoline 3 Qts Capacity: Unleaded Regular

OiI(API-SG-SL): SAE 30

(Capacity: 16 oz.) (Above 32°F)

SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F)

Spark Plug : NGK-BPR6ES

(Gap: .030") TORCH-F6RTC

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tiller. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you

the best possible dependability and per- formance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact a

Sears or other qualified Service Center.

We have competent, well-trained techni-

cians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble

and maintain your tiller properly. Always

observe the "SAFETY RULES".

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your

tiller all parts and hardware you assemble

must be tightened securely. Use the cor- rect tools as necessary to insure proper

tightness.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES * Read and observe the safety rules.

* Follow a regular schedule in main-

taining, caring for and using your tiller.

* Follow the instructions under the "Main-

tenance" and "Storage" sections of this

Owner's Manual.

_kWARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should

not be used on or near any unimproved

forest-covered, brush-covered or grass

covered land unless the engine's exhaust

system is equipped with a spark arrester

meeting applicable local or state laws (if

any). If a spark arrester is used, it should

be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the

California Public Resources Code). Other

states may have similar laws. Federal

laws apply on federal lands. A spark ar- rester for the muffler is available through

your nearest Sears service center (See

REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). REPAIR PROTECTION

AGREEMENTS

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. 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.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourself from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement: * Expert service by our 12,000 profe-

sional repair specialists.

* Unlimited service and no charge for

parts and labor on all covered repairs.

* Product replacement if your covered

product can't be fixed.

* Discount of 10% from regular price of

service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

* Fast help by phone- phone support

from a Sears technician on products requiring in-home repair, plus conve- nient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the 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 ap-

pointment online.

Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can

count on to help prolong the life of your

new purchase for years to come. Pur-

chase your Repair Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply,

For prices and additional information

call 1-800-827-6655,

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. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME@

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthetillerwasproduced.Theyareatsoavailable atmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynot

applytoyourtiller.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Manual

(1) Bottle

Engine Oil

(2) Carriage Bolts

5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2

(2) Hex Bolt 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

(2) Flange

Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(2) Lock (2) Hex Nut Washer 5/16-18

5/16

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife

(2) 1/2 Wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION When right or left hand is mentioned in this

manual, it means when you are in the oper- ating position (standing behind tiller handles).

Front

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE

Left

Right

ASSEMBLY

1. Loosen nut'S'.

2. Insert stake support between engine bracket halves with stake spring down.

3. Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock washers and nuts.

Tighten securely. Tighten nut '_:'.

4. Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen support bolt.

Operator's Position

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE

_CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta-

ples when handling or disposing of carton- ing material. IMPORTANT: When unpacking and as-

sembling tiller, be careful not to stretch or

kink cable(s).

1. Cut cable ties securing handle column.

2. Route cable(s) as shown and slide handle column onto handle mount.

3. Remove all packing from carton.

4. Secure handle column using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2) flange lock- nuts. Tighten securely.

5. Cut away carton.

6. Route tine control cable(s) through plastic cable clip on handle mount.

NOTE: Cables must not touch the muffler.

7. Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid. Remove tiller from skid by pulling back-

wards.

8. Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and discard the screws.

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT"

in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

TILLING WIDTH

• Tilling width may be adjusted to better

handle your tilling conditions (See "TINE

ARRANGEMENT" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

TINE OPERATION

• Check tine operation before first use.

(See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in

rEngineBracket Halves

Nut'_'

Depth Stake Support

Stake

)ort Bolt

;pring

Hex Bolts, Lock

Washers, and hex Nuts

the Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

KNOWYOURTILLER

READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

TILLER

Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the locations of var- ious controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

F N

TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE EAST

ForwardTine

Control _

j_j- .... _ _ _ ._\_

.... _f_...........- iiiii 4", _-_

'_F -

Throttle Control

Depth /Off Switch

OR WARNING ON OFF

\\ \

Fuel Fill Port

Choke Control Valve

Recoil Starter Handle

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

CHOKE CONTROL- Used when starting a cold engine.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed

and the depth at which tiller wilt dig.

ENGINE ON/OFF SWITCH - The engine

switch enables and disables the ignition system.

FUEL VALVE =The fuel valve opens and closes the passage between the fuel tank

and the carburetor. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages

tines in forward direction.

Theoperationofanytillercanresultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,

whichcanresultinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye shieldsbeforestartingyourtillerandwhiletilling.Werecommendstandard

safetyglassesorawidevisionsafetymaskwornoverspectacles.

HOWTOUSEYOURTILLER Knowhowtooperateallcontrolsbefore

addingfuelandoilorattemptingtostart engine.

STOPPING

TINES

1. Release tine control to stop movement. ENGINE

2. Move throttle control to "SLOW" position and allow the engine to run

slowly for coot down.

3. Turn the engine switch to the "OFF" Position.

4. Turn the fuel valve lever to the "OFF" Position.

NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine. iMPORTANT: To stop engine in an emer-

gency, turn the engine switch to the OFF position.

Tine Control "Off" (UP) Position

TILLING The speed and depth of tilling is regulated

by the position of the depth stake and wheel height. The depth stake should always be below

the wheels for digging. It serves as a

brake to slow the tiller's forward motion to

enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also, the more the depth stake is lowered

into the ground the deeper the tines will

dig.

DEPTH STAKE Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin

clip and clevis pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the clevis pin

and hairpin clip.

* For normal tilling, set depth stake at the

second or third hole from the top.

WHEELS Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip

and clevis pin. Change wheel position.

Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin.

For normal tilling, set wheels at the

second or third hole from the top.

Throttle Control

Throttle

Fuel

Valve

TINE OPERATION

• Squeeze tine control to handle.

Engine Fuel Switch Valve

Engine Switch

Hairpin Clip and Clevis Pin

Stake

Wheel Spring

TO TRANSPORT _kCAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,

allow tiller engine and muffler to coot. Dis-

connect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

1. Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring.

2. Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.

3. Push or putt tiller to desired location.

Depth Stake

AROUNDTOWN

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Drain fuel tank.

3. Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow

dirt to enter the engine when checking or

adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel and store in approved, clean, covered

containers, use clean fill funnels. FILL ENGINE WiTH OIL

1. Remove hangtag from engine.

2. With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

3. Fill engine with oil to point of over- flowing. For approximate capacity

see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual. All oil must

meet A.RI. Service Classification SG- SL.

4. Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.

5. With engine level, refill to point of over- flowing if necessary. Replace oil filler

plug.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL

VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual).

To change engine oil, see the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

Oil Filler

Oil Level Plug

Max Upper Level_

Min Lower Level }_"

ADD GASOLINE

* Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do

not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide

deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in

quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow

for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acci- dentally spilled, move machine away from

area of spill. Avoid creating any source of

ignition until gasoline vapors have disap-

peared. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not

store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

IMPORTANT: When operating in temper- atures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean

winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called

gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation

and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system

of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should

be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE _CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"

position when starting engine. When starting engine for the first time or

if engine has run out of fuel, it will take

extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

2. Place the fuel valve to the "ON" posi- tion.

3. To start a cold engine, move the choke

lever to the "ON" position.

4. Move the throttle lever away from the

"SLOW" postiion, about 1/3 of the way

toward the "FAST" position.

5. Turn the engine switch to the "ON" po-

sition. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle

(rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

6. Pull recoil starter handle quickly.

Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary.

NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,

move choke control to half choke posi- tion. Putt recoil starter handle until engine

starts.

7. Ifthechokeleverhasbeenmovedto the"ON"positiontostarttheengine,

graduallymoveittotheoppositeposti- ionastheenginewarmsup.

NOTE:Awarmenginerequiresless chokingtostart.

8. Movethrottlecontroltodesiredrunning position.

9. Allowenginetowarmupforafew minutesbeforeengagingtines.

NOTE:Ifenginedoesnotstart,seetrou- bleshootingpoints.

Fuel Valve

Spark

Throttle

Choke Control

Recoil Starter

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine con-

trol before you actually begin tilling.

Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles down and engage tine

control to start tine rotation. Allow tines

to rotate for five minutes.

• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See "TINE OPERATION

CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

TILLING HINTS AI_CAUTION: Until you are accustomed

to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in stow position.

To help tiller move forward, lift up the

handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake out of ground). To stow down the tiller,

press down on handles. If you are straining or tiller is shaking,

the wheels and depth stake are not set

properly in the soil being tilled. The proper

setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon

the soil condition. (The harder or wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine

speed needed. Under these poor condi- tions, at fast speed the tiller will run and

jump over the ground).

A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little

effort from the operator.

Engine Switch

• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting.

Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will

also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta- tion. The decomposition of this vegeta-

ble matter enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may

be advisable to till the soil at the end of

the growing season to further condition the soil.

• Soil conditions are important for proper

tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate

dry, hard soil which may contribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling

of your tiller. Hard soil should be mois-

tened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during

tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in

order to achieve the best results. When

tilling in the fall, remove vines and long

grass to prevent them from wrapping

around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.

• You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untilled between passes.

Then go back between tilled rows There are two reasons for doing this. First,

wide turns are much easier to negoti- ate than about-faces. Second, the tiller

won't be pulling itself, and you, toward the row next to it.

Set depth stake and wheel height for

shallow tilling when working extremely

hard soil or sod. Then work across the

first cuts at normal depth.

CULTiVATiNG Cultivating is destroying the weeds be-

tween rows to prevent them from robbing

nourishment and moisture from the plants.

At the same time, breaking up the upper

layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is 1"-3".

You will probably not need to use the

depth stake. Begin by tipping the depth stake forward until it is held by the stake

spring. Cultivate up and down the rows at a

speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in rough

condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass.

i MAINTENANCE / / / / /

i FILL IN DATES /A@@_-k_O/z_,q;'7_

i AS YOU COMPLETE /l,_,u,/,,_"/__"/__"/ SERVICE DATES

REGULAR SERVICE _'¢' _"_ z_ z_ Check Engine Oil Level _ i# #

Change Engine Oil _1,2 Oil Pivot Points

Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler Inspect Air Screen

Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge _2 Clean Engine Cylinder Fins I##

Replace Spark Plug

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this tiller does not cover

items that have been subjected to op- erator abuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, the operator must

maintain tiller as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your tiller.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

Once a year you should replace the

spark plug, clean or replace air filter, and check tines and belts for wear. A

new spark plug and clean air filter as-

sure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check line operation.

3. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI- CATION CHART").

O SAE 30 OR 10W-30 MOTOR OIL (_) REFER TO MAINTENANCE "ENGINE" SECTION

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Tine Control

(_) Engine

d} idler Arm

_CAUTION:Disconnect spark plug wire

before performing any maintenance to prevent accidental starting of engine.

Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of

grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove fuel from tank before tipping unit for main- tenance. Clean muffler area of all grass,

dirt, and debris.

Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as

contact may cause burns.

ENGINE

LUBRiCATiON

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade ac-

cording to your expected temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

=20 0 20 40 60 80 100 ° F

I I ! ! I I I I

=30 =20 =10 0 10 20 30 40 ° C

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTiCiPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

(5W-30, 10W-30, etc.) improve starting

in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption

when used above 32°F (0°C). Check your

engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running low

on oil.

Change the oil after every 50 hours of op-

eration or at least once a year if the tiller is

not used for 50 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Add SAE 30

motor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler

plug securely each time you check the oil

level.

5. Refill engine with oil. See "FILL ENGINE WITH OIL" in the Operation

section of this manual.

Oil Drain

Plug

Oil Level

Oil Filler Plug

AIR CLEANER

Service air cleaner cartridge every

twenty-five hours, more often if engine is

used in very dusty conditions.

1. Loosen air cleaner screw(s).

2. Remove air cleaner cover.

3. Carefully remove air cleaner cartridge. Be careful. Do not allow dirt or debris

to fall into carburetor.

4. Clean by tapping gently on a flat sur-

face. NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.

5. Clean and replace cover. Tighten

screw(s) securely.

AI:_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do

not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

Air Cleaner

Cartridge

Pre-Cleaner

Cover

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API

service classification SG-SL

* Be sure tiller is on level surface. * Oil will drain more freely when warm.

* Catch oil in a suitable container.

1. Remove drain plug.

2. Tip tiller forward to drain oil.

3. After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten se-

curely.

4. Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine.

Air Cleaner Screws

COOLING SYSTEM

Your engine is air cooled. For proper en-

gine performance and tong life keep your engine clean.

Clean air screen frequently using a stiff-bristled brush.

Remove blower housing and clean as necessary.

Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff.

....' :2z_@)."_"'@'>-_'''_¢'/

,":-/,'@'/-\_,_',:,_{i__',",;,_u';

/ .... _lo_wer

Air Screen

Housing

MUFFLER

Do not operate tiller without muffler. Do not tamper with exhaust system. Dam-

aged mufflers or spark arresters could

create a fire hazard, inspect periodically

and replace if necessary. If your engine is

equipped with a spark arrester screen as-

sembly, remove every 50 hours for clean-

ing and inspection. Replace if damaged.

SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of

each tilling season or after every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first. Spark plug

type and gap setting are shown in "PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual.

TRANSMISSION Your transmission is sealed and will not

require lubrication unless serviced. CLEANING

Do not clean your tiller when the engine

and transmission are hot. We do not rec-

ommend using pressurized water (garden hose, etc.) to clean your unit unless the

gasket area around the transmission and

the engine muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in

engine will shorten the useful life of your

tiller.

Clean engine, wheels, finish, etc. of all

foreign matter.

Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

Protect painted surfaces with auto- motive type wax.

_CAUTION:Disconnectsparkplugwire fromsparkplugandplacewirewhereit

cannotcomeintocontactwithplug.

TILLER

TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT

Factory assembly has provided lowest handle height. Select handle height best

suited for your tilling conditions. Handle

height will be different when tiller digs into

soil.

1. If a higher handle height is desired, loosen the four nuts securing handle

panel to engine brackets.

2. Slide handle panel to desired location.

3. Tighten the four nuts securely.

• Assembleholes'_:' in tine hubs to holes

"C" in tine shaft.

• Remove outer tines. NOTE: When reassembling outer tines,

Engine Brackets

_N Handle

TINE ARRANGEMENT Your outer tines can be assembled in several different ways to suit your tilling or

cultivating needs.

_CAUTION: Tines are sharp. Wear

gloves or other protection when handling

tines.

• Assemble holes '_' in tine hubs to holes "B" in tine shaft.

-- Clevis Pin OuterTine

Aii A

_irpin Clip \ Inner Tine

nel

uts(AIso 2

on Left Side

of Tiller

Ioo _ooo01

Inner Tines Only

be sure right tine assembly (marked "R") and left tine assembly (marked "L') are mounted to correct side of tine shaft.

TINE OPERATION CHECK AqlLWARNiNG: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug to prevent starting while checking tine operation.

For proper tine operation, tine control lever

must be against control body and all slack

removed from inner wire of control cable

when control is in the "OFF" (up) position.

If lever and cable are loose, loosen cable

clip at lower end of cable. Pull up on cable to remove slack, without extend-

ing spring on end of cable, and retighten

cable clip.

1. With tine control "OFF" (up), push down on handle to raise tines off the

ground.

2. Slowly pull recoil starter handle while observing tines. Tines should not rotate.

3. If tines rotate, inner wire of control cable is too tight which is extend-

ing lower spring and engaging tines. Loosen cable clip and push down on

cable only enough to relieve spring

tension. Tighten cable clip.

4. Recheck in "OFF" position and adjust if necessary.

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 900-299011 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual