Craftsman 91725009 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.25009

CRRFTSMRN°

important:

Read and follow all Safety Rules

and instructions Before Operating

This Equipment

IES

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El0) is acceptable for use in this machine.

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will void the product warranty.

Sears Canada, inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

01.13.12 SR

532 44 72-54 Rev. 3 PrintedintheU.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK=BEHIND POWERED ROTARY TILLERS

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 operate the equipment without proper

instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par- ticularly 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 (motor).

• Do not operatethe equipmentwithout wearing adequate outer garments. Wear footwear that will improvefooting

on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.

• 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 electric starting motors.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifically

recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross- inggravel 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 falling.

• if the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position.

• Take allpossible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage 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 plugto prevent accidental 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 behind 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. If this

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

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals 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 instructions for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an ex-

tended period.

= IMPORTANT =

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTESARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.

iMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGINGTHIS EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set

of instructions.

portant safety precautions. It means

Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS iNVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can= not contact spark plug in order to pre= vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc=

tive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity: 2.9 Quarts (2.7L)

Unleaded Regular Oil (API:SG-SL): SAE 30 (Above32°F/0°0)

(Capacity: 20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5W30 (Below 32°F/0°0)

Spark Plug : Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030"/0.76mm)

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give

you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. We have competent, well-trained technicians 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".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tiller.

• Follow instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this Manual.

iMPORTANT: 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 LAWS (IF ANY).

IFA SPARKARRESTER IS USED, ITSHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, A SPARK ARRESTER IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWSAPPLYON FEDERAL LANDS.

SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 10=12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 13=15

STO RAG E.................................................................... 16

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 17

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 18=23

WARRANTY ............................................................ 24=27

ASSEMBLY

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 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 (1) Screwdriver

(1) Pair of pliers (2) 1/2" wrenches

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller handles).

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

Fig. 1

(1) Manual

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

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2

//' kh

(1) Bottle Engine Oil

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed

iMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING TILLER, BECAREFUL NOTTO STRETCHORKINKCABLE(S).

• Cut cable ties securing handles.

• Slowly lift handle assembly up, route cable(s) asshown and align handle holes with handle panel hole and slot.

• Loosely assemble hardware as shown. Be sure the shorter (1" long) hex bolt is assembled in lower hole

of handle. Repeat for opposite side. Tighten all

hardware securely.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller from skid.

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

• Remove plastic film from engine.

CABLE(S]

staples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.

LOCK

NUT WASHER

HEX BOLT 5/16-18Xl"

TILLER HANDLES

TILLER

HANDLE

FLAT

WASHER

HEX BOLT

5/16-18X1-1/4"

HANDLE PANEL

BOLTS

PLASTIC

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen nut '_'.

• Insert stake support between engine bracket halves

with stake spring down.

• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock washers and nuts. Tighten securely. Tighten nut '_'.

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

ENGINE BRACKET HALVES

NUT "A"

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT

STAKE

SPRING

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS, LOCK WASHERS,

AND HEX NUTS

BOLT

Fig. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and Adjust-

ments 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).

Fig. 2

TIN E OPERATION

• Check tine operation before first use. (See "TINE OP- ERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual).

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

N R & 6 _ IXI _--_ _ STopRUN _

TILLING FORWARD

REVERSE TINE CONTROL

NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL

OR WARNING ON OFF

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

\ \

DEPTH STAKE

RECOIL

STARTER HANDLE

MEETS ANS! SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

Fig. 4

CHOKE CONTROL

THROTTLE

TINE

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine. DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig. FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward

direction.

REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

direction. THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.

OPERATION

SAFETYGLAS$E$

in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your til= let and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and

oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

• Release forward tine control to stop forward move- ment.

Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move-

ment.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" position. Never use choke to stop engine.

REVERSE TINE REVERSE TINE FORWARD

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result

CONTROL iN CONTROL TINE CONTROL

"OFF" (UP) iN "ON" (DOWN) POSITION POSITION _ POSiTiON

iN "OFF" (UP)

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 (See Fig. 6)

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 (See Fig. 6) 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

CHOKE__

CONTROL

Fig. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

FORWARD

• With reverse tine control in the "OFF" (up) position, Squeeze forward tine control to handle.

REVERSE

• With forward tine control in the "OFF" (up) position, Squeeze reverse tine control to handle.

HAIRPIN CLiP

AND CLEVIS PiN

DEPTH

STAKE

WHEEL

Fig. 6

OPERATION

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting, aJiow tiller engine and muffler to cool.

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

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

Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground. Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUND TOWN

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain fuel tank.

• 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 FUELAND STORE IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVEREDCONTAINERS. USECLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

FiLL ENGINE WiTH OiL (See Fig. 7)

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approx- imate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.

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

• With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if nec- essary. Replace oil filler plug.

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

Maintenance section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of this manual.

LEVEL

OIL

FILLER PLUG

Fig. 7

ADD GASOLINE

Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. 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" of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow

for fuel expansion. If gasoline is ac= cidentally spilled, move machine away

from area of spill. Avoid creating any

source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an

open flame.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES 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 at= tract 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 (See Fig. 8)

= =

i CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"

position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the first time or ifengine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to

move fuel from the tank to the engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire isproperly connected.

• Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

• Move choke control to full "CHOKE" position. Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller

handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until en- gine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull

slightly harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat ifnecessary.

• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to "RUN" position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

NOTE: Ifat a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold tempera- tures (below 32°F/0°C), the carburetor fuel mixturemay

need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual. NOTE: Ifengine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

OPERATION

Fig. 8

BREAKING iN YOUR TILLER

Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control 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.

• Checktine operation andadjust ifnecessary. See"TINE OPERATION CHECK" inthe Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

TILLING HINTS

CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position.

Tohelp tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake out of ground). To slow down the tiller,

press down on handles.

Ifyou are straining or tiller is shaking, the wheels and depth

stake are not set properly inthe 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 conditions, at fast speed the tiller will run and jump over the ground).

A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the operator.

• 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 soilof unwanted vegetation. The decomposition

of this vegetable 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 importantfor 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 moistened 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 un- tilled between passes. Then go back between tilled

rows. (See Fig. 9) There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate 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.

Fig. 9

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre- vent 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 (See Fig. 10).

Fig. 10

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