Craftsman 917292350 Owner’s Manual

OWNER'S

MANUAL

Caution:
Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and instructions

Before Operating
This Eqmpment

5,0 HP
24 CH TUNEW_DTH

FRONT TiNE T_LLER

oAssembUy

Operation
Customer Responsibilities

Service and Adjustments

- Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, UL60179 U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind PoweCed Rotary Tillers

SAFETY RULES

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 attpersons, particu-

farly small children, and pets

PREPARATION

Thoroughfy inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove a{Iforeign objects_

, Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor).

o Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad-

equate outer garments. Wear footwear that wi{l im-
prove footing on slippery surfaces.

- Handle fuet with care; it is high{y 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.

o Repiace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled

fuel before restarting.

o Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by

the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors

o 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-
ing gravel drives, walks, or roads Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic.. Do not carp/passengers,.

- After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in-

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

o Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falting_

• tf 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 all possible precautions when leaving the ma-

chine unattended, Disengage the fines, shift into

neutral, and stop the engine.

o Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the

engine and make certain a!tmoving parts have stopped.

DisconneCt the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

o Do not run the engin e indoors; exhaust fumes are

dangerous.

o Never operate the tiiler without proper guards, plates,

or other safety protective devices in place=

• Keep children and pets away..
o Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to

til! too deep at too fast a rate,

o Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery

surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

o Never allow bystanders near the unit,.
o Use only attachments and accessories approved by

the manufacturer of the tiller (such as wheel weights,

counterweights, cabs, and the like).

o Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light
o Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tilter 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.

o 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°

o 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 coot before storing in any
enclosure.

o Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for

important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.

- iMPORTANT -

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

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THEREIS A
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS 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!!! BECOME ALERT!!! 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.

.... i ,, ,i ¸¸

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains criemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

........ _1,,,, ,,,,,, ,,,,, ,,,_

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

give you the best possible dependability and perfoi'mance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears
Service CentedDepartment. They 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 assembfe and maintain your tiller properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 50 HP

DISPLACEMENT: I2.57cu. in (206cc)

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL TYPE (APFFGISG): SAE 30W (Above 32°F)
(CAPACITY: X oz.) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)

MODEL
NUMBER 917.292350

SPARK PLUG : Champion
(GAP: .030") RJ19LM (STD361458)

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATE OF
PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-
uct Contact your nearest Sears store for details

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules,

= Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under the "Customer

Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections ofthis Owner's
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 OR STATE

LAWS (tF ANY), tFASPARKARRESTERISUSED, IT SHOULD BE MAfNTAtNED iN EFFECT1VE WORKfNG ORDER BY
THE OPERATOR.

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE ABOVE IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4.442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS.

SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER FOR SPARK ARRESTER, REFER TO THE REPAIR PARTS
SECTION OF TH1S MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER

iii ..ql.l... i _1._.:.._ n . uulln ..................... IT.i i lol

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:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts,
o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

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

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST SEARS
SERVtCE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS
PRODUCT lS 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

, ,,,., .... . ii. . i.i, . .nil irl

SAFETYRULES...........................................................2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12.,14

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

WARRANTY ............... ................................................... 3

ACCESSORIES ............................................................. 5

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 6-7

OPERATION ............................................................. 8-11

BNDEX

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... t2

SERVICE & ADJUSTMEI_JTS ................................. 14-17

STORAGE ................................................................... 18

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ........................................ 20-25

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 26-30

SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING .................... Back Cover

A

Accessories ............................................5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ...................................17

Depth Stake ................................ 9

Handle Height ........................... 14

Tines .......................................14-15

V-Belt ............................................16

Wheels ......................................... 9

Air Cleaner ....................................... 13

B

Belt, V-:

Belt Guard ............................... 17

Repair Parts ............................ 21

V-Belt Replacement ................. 16

C

Cooling System ..................................13

Controls:

Choke ............................................ 8

Throttle ....................................... 8

Tines ................................................8

Cultivating ..............................................11

Customer Responsibilities:

Air Cleaner ....................................13

Cooling System ...................... 13

Finish ....................................... 14

Maintenance Schedule ............ '12

Muffler ....................................... 14

Oil Change .................................. 13

Spark Plug ................................ 14

Transmission ........................... 14

D

Depth Stake:

Adjustment .......................................9

Re#air Parts ..........................................22

E

Engine:

Air Cleaner ............................... 13

Cooling System .............................13

Fuel Type ............................... 10

Lubrication .............................. 13

Oil Level ,.:................................ 10

Oil Type ................................ 10,t3

Repair Parts ........................ 26-30

Spark Plug ...................................14

Starting ..................................... 10

Stopping .........................................g

Storage ..........................................18

Winter Operation ..................... 13

F

Fuel:

Filling Tank .............................. t 0

Storage ................................ 18

Type ........................................... 10

Finish:

Maintenance ...............................14

H

Handle:

Height Adjustment ..................... 14

Repair Parts ......................................20

L

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart .................. 12

Engine ............................................13

M

Muffler:

Maintenance .......................... 14

Spark Arrester .......................... 3

O

Oil:

Level ...................................................10

Type ...................................... 10,13

Operation:

Cultivating .....................................11

Fill Fuel Tank ................................10

Starting Engine .......................... 10

Stopping Tines & Engine .......... 9

Tilling ...............................................9

Tilling Hints ...................................11

Tine Operation ......................................9

Transporting Tiller ........................10

Winter Operation ...................... 13

R

Repair Parts

Tiller .........................................20-24

Engine .................................. 26-30

Rules for Safe Operation ................... 2

S

Service & Adjustments:

Carburetor ........................... t7

Handle Height ..............................14

Tines ..................................... 14,-15

V-Belt ...................................... 16

Wheels ........................................... 9

Service:

Repair Parts ........................ 20-30

Service Record ....................... 12

Spark Plug:

Gap ..................................................3

Maintenance .......................... 14

Storage:

Fuel System .....................................18

Tiller ...................................... 18

T

Tilling ......................................................9,11

Tines:

Arrangement ........................ 14-15

Operation .........................................9

Repair Parts ............................... 23

Replacement ...............................15

Transmission:

Maintenance ........................... 14

Repair Parts .............................. 24

Troubleshooting ............................... 19

Transporting ....................................... 10

W

Warranty .........................................................3

Wheels:

Adjustments ...................................9

Repair Parts,: .................................22

4

i...... =,,,,==,,, _ i _L,I._ ill, i

ACCES$ORUE$

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also available at most Sears Retail

outlets, Catalog and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model
number of your tiller.

ENGINE

, , i .............

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN

,T_,,

,,,,, ........ ,,, ,

TILLER MAINTENANCE

ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

, i, ,,,,,,_,,

BELT TINES

CLEVIS PIN

HAIRPIN CLIP

, ,,, , ,,,_,,,,_,,J .......

5

.... • : ......... ,,,,====...... .,, . •

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 wilt make assembly easier° Standard

wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife
(1) Screwdriver

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

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

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 IGHT

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

FIG. 1

(1) Manual

(2) Cardage Bolts 5116-18 UNC x 2_3/8 Gr. 5

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

©

(2) Hex Nuts 5/I6-t8

6

(1) Plastic Cable Clip

1,1 t i, J J i J _,JJ,itui

0

(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

........ =, , i, u ,,,i, i,l_[j_ , u =.... i

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See

Fig, 2)

i, =,i,=,= , i,,i,i .... H

staples when handling or disposing of |

I & CAUTION_ Be careful of expOsed '

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER. BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLE(S).

= Cut cabte ties securing handle cotumn.
o Slowly lift handle column up and slip over handle

mount._ -

, Remove packing from carton.
, Secure handle column to handle mount using two (2)

carriage bolts and two (2) flange lecknuts Tighten both
flange locknuts securely.

• Insert plastic cable dip into hole in handle column_
. Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on

handle celumn_
, Remove packing material from handle assembly.
, Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid

• Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by pulling

backwards°

cartoning material. I

i= i H,I..

i, = ,i,,=, ,,i.... ................... =,, ,i, ,=m

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

= Insert stake support between engine bracket halves

with stake spring down.

NOTE: it may be necessary to Ioosen nut "A"o

- Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock
washers and nuts, Tighten securely. Also tighten nut
"A" if it was necessary to loosen.

• Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, !oosen
support boll

ENGINE BRACKET

NUT"A"

DEPTH STAKE

_ORT

DEPTH
STAKE

TINECONTROL

CABLE

HANDLE

MOUNT

BOLT

TINECONTROL

-HANDLE

COLUMN

SUPPORT

HEXBOLTS,
LOCK WASHERS,

AND HEX NUTS

BOLT

FIG. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

o Hand!e height may be adiusted 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),

TINE OPERATION

o Check tine operation before first use (See 'q'INE

OPERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual).

FLANGE

LOCKNUT

FIG. 2

CABLE

CLiP

7

OPERATHO

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with 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.

, , i'n , ,................... ' ..... i

R0.H

&

TILUNG FORWARD NEUTRAL

FORWARD TINE CONTR_

DEPTH5

REVERSE CAUTION

ORWARNING

i,,, i,i ,,,u

ENGINE ENGINE FAST

ON OFF

FUEL OIL

CHOKE CONTROL

- THROTTLE

_=_/_ CONTROL

'" p

STOP0

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute,,

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward

direction.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed,

FIG. 4

DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine,,

8

,' ,,................. _,r,.,

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting

your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over the spectacles
or standard safety glasses.

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

• Release tine control to stop movement,
ENGINE

o Move throttle control to "STOP" position,

• Never use choke to stop engine..

TINE CONTROL

"OFF" (UP) POSITION

TINE CONTROL

"ON" (DOWN) POSITION

CHOKE

CONTROL

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 tilter'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 tilting, set wheels at the second or third hole
from the top,

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND CLEVIS PIN

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)
Start engine and move throttle control to desired speed.

• Squeeze line control to handle.

DEPTH
STAKE

HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN

FIG. 6

9

OPERATHON

TO TRANSPORT

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-

cool. Disconnect sparkplugwire. 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 tiiler to desired Iocation_
AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.
o Drain fuel tank.

o Transport in upright position to prevent oil feakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGUNE

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 (See Fig. 7)

= With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug
. Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi*

mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on

page 3 of this manual

o Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-leveL

= With engine level, refill to point of overflowing {fneces-

sary_ Replace oil filler pfugo

o For cold weather operation you should change oil for

easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manuat)_

. To change engine oil, see the CtJstomer ResponsibiiF

ties section of this manual.

OIL

OIL

FILLER

PLUG

FIG. 8

...... ,LI_..... __ ......

ADD GASOLINE

o Fill fuel tank_ Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline. (Use of leaded gasotine wil_increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve tife)

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING iN TEMPERATURES

BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP iNSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasoho! 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 section
of this manual for additional information, Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

of fuel tank to prevent spills and to
allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
accidentally spilled, move machine

away from area of spill. Avoid creating
any source of ignition until gasoline

vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill, Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-
line near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)
t _ CAUTION: Keeptine control in "OFF"

U_jtion when starting engine.

When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run
out of fuel, itwill take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move

fuel from the than to the engine.
= Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected

= Ptace 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. Pul! rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope wili

pull slightly harder at this point)

= Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter

handle snap back against starter_ Repeat if necessary_

• Ifengine 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 Iess choking to start°
o Move throttle control to desired running position_

= Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold tempera-

tures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to

be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO AD-
JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments

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

10