Craftsman 917292360 Owner’s Manual

8F=AR8

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.292360

£RI:IFTSMI:IN°

Caution:
Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating
This Equipment

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

5.0 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDTH

FRONT TINE TILLER

• Assembly

• Operation

- Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

SAFETY RULES &

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manuat 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 at! persons, particu-
larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

= Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment isto

be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

° Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad-

equate outer garments, Wear footwear that wilt im-

prove footing on slippery surfaces.

- Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.

• Use an approved fuei container.

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

o Filf 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 withelectric 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-

ing 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 in-
spect 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 atl possible precautions when leaving the ma-
chine 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 havestopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to 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 filler (such as wheel weights_
counterweights, cabs, and the like).

• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
= Be careful when tiltingin hard ground. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the titler forward, tfthis

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.

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 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
extended period.

- IMPORTANT - --

CAUTIONS,1MPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS

OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT'OR
CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE ISA
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.

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

of instructions,

,i i.. ii ,,,, i ml

portant safety precautions, It means
Look for this symbol to point out im-

CAUTION!t! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

plug wire and place wire where it can-

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

.,..,qmH i H i.,,.,_ i ii i. i

A WARNING A

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

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

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

CONGRATULATIONS onyour purchase of a Sears Tiller,
It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to
giveyouthe best possible dependability andperformance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears

Service Center/Department. 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 assemL:le and maintain_your tiller properly.
Always observe _he"SAFETY RULES".

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER:

DISPLACEMENT:

GASOLINE CAPACITY:

OIL (API-SF/SG):

CAPACITY:20 oz,)

5.0 HP

12.57cu. in. (206cc)

3 Quarts
Unleaded Regular

SAE 30 (Above 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)

MODEL

SPARK PLUG :
(GAP: .030_;)

Champion RJ19LM
(STD361458)

NUMBER 917,292360
SERIAL

NUMBER
DATE OF

PURCHASE

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

THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET.

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.

o Fotlow a regutar schedule in maintaining, caring for and

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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 (IF ANY), IFASPARKARRESTERfSUSED, IT SHOULD BE MAfNTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDERBY-

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.

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

i,ilrr i ,, nu nil I1,11 I

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years 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.
o Repahs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

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

= If this Craftsman Titler is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty applies for only thirty (30) days

from the date of purchase.

WARRANTY SERVICE tS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST SEARS
SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., Di817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, tL 60179

LE OF CONTE

SAFETY RULES ........................................................... 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

INDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Air Cleaner .................................... t3

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

Repair Parts ............................ 22

E

Engine:

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

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

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

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

Oil Levet .................................. 10

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

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

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

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

Stopping .................................... 9

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

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

Fue!:

Filling Tank ............................. 10

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

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

Finish:

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

Handle:

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

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

Lubrication:

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

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

Muffler:

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

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

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

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 14-17

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

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

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

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

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

R

Repair Parts

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

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

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

S

F

H

L

Service & Adjustments:

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

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

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

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

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

Service:

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

Service Record ....................... !2

Spark Plug:

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

Maintenance ........................... t4

Storage:

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

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

T

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

M

O

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

i,, ! iil!l i i i¸, i,

ACCESSORIES

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

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

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG

MUFFLER

AIR FILTER

i,i,i!, ,,i....

GAS CAN

i,ii

ENGINE OIL

STABILIZER

iii

III

,i

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES

, , ,11,11,11 ii ,, ii i ,

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CLEVIS PIN

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HAIRPIN CLIP

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ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of thoseparts left unassemb ed 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 assembty 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 tillerhandles).

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

FiG. 1

(1) Manual

_uli,,u, n, = =uum,ilu n n=

(2) Carriage Botts 5/16-t8 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5

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

, = L, .... _

(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC

©

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

U

(1) Plastic Cable Clip

, = ........

O

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

iiii ii ii iiii ii i1,11111111 ii i1,1111 iiii i,i1,, iiiiii

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)

ii i iii i

staples when handling or disposing of

I _ CAUTION: Be careful of exposed i

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING ,_.NDASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLE(S).
° Cut cable ties securing handle column.

• Remove a{t packing from carton.

• Secure handle cotumn to handle mount using two (2)
carriage bolts and two (2) flange tocknuts. Tighten both
flange Iocknuts securely.

• Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by pulling
backwards.

• Insert plastic cable clip into hote in handle column.

• Route tine control cable through ptastic cable clip on
handle column.

Cut cab{e ties securing tiller to skid,

cartoning material

TINECONTROL

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen Nut "A:.

• 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 "A".

o Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen

support boit.

ENGINE BRACKET
HALVES

DEPTH STAKE
SUPPORT

DEPTH

STAKE

T|NECONTROL
CABLE

HANDLE
MOUNT

CARF
BOLT

FLANGE

LOCKNUT

FIG. 2

HANDLE
COLUMN

CABLE

CLIP

SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS,
LOCK WASHERS,

AND HEX NUTS

BOLT

FIG. 3

HANDLE HEIGHT

- Handle height may beadjusted to better suit operator.

(See "HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual),

TILLING WIDTH

o 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 "FINE

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

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. _

u iii HII lu i

I',,I

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW

OR WARNING ON OFF

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

CHOKE FUEL OIL STOP O

CHOKE CONTROL

THROTTLE
CONTROL

TINE SHIELD

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.

FIG. 4

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller wilt dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE _ Used to start the engine.

OP

i i ,i,_11 ii ,-- , ii

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.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

, Release forward tine control to stop forward mov_-

merit.

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

ENGINE

- Move throttle control to "STOP" position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

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 stow 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 ctip.

• 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 orthird hole
from the top.

HAIRPIN CLiP
AND CLEVIS PiN

CHOKE

CONTROL

FlG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

FORWARD

• Squeeze forward tine control to handle.
REVERSE

• With forward tine control in "OFF" (up) position, pull
back and hold reverse tine control.

DEPTH
STAKE

HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN

"WHEEL

FIG. 6

RATION

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

i

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

l_ AUTION: Before lifting or transport- i

AROUND THE YARD

o Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake

spring.

= Push titlerhandles down, raising tines off the ground.

• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.
. Drain fue! tank.

, Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

cool. Disconnectsparkplugwire. Drain
gasoline from fuei tank.

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 (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.

- Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then reqevet.
, Check oil level. Refill to point of overflowing if neces-

sary. Replace oil filler plug.

° For cold weather operation you should change oil for

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

= To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-

ties section of this manual.

OIL _'_ _

OIL

FILLER
PLUG

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon

and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)

IMPORTANT: ,/'.!HENOPERATING 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 gasohot 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 carburetorcleaner products inthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

CA_ to within i/2 inch of top ]
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to

allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is
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 of]
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-

line near an open flame. ...............

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

l_ CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF" I

This engine on this product is designed for maximum
performance and life if operated with the choke (lXI) fully

open and the throttle control in the fast (,_) position. To
open the choke fully requires an engine warm-up period of
several seconds to several minutes, depending on the

temperature.

After starting the engine, first open the choke slowly until
the engine just begins to run smoothly. Then open the
choke in small steps, allowing the engine to accept small

changes in speed and load, until the choke is fully open.

During engine warm-up, the equipment can be operated.

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 tank to the engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
" Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

= With engine fully choked, grasp recoil starter handle

with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand,
Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of com_
pression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).

° Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter

handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary
in half choked position.

• 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), 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.

position when starting engine.

10_

i