Craftsman 917292391 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
CRAFTS[MAN+
5.5 HP
24 INCH TINE WIDTH l
FRONT TINE
TILLER
Model No.
917.292391
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa6ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment,
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty................................................2
SafetyRules..I.....,,...:....L: ................... 2
Product Sprcifications ............................ 4
Assembly .............................................. 5
Operation ......................................... 3&7
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 normat 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 Ti!ler 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 power mower 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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Manintenance ..................................... 11
Service and Adjustments .................... 13
Storage .......................................... 3&16
Troubleshooting .................................. 17
Illustrated Parts List ............................. 36
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
IMPORTANT." This cutting machine is •
capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructions could •
result in serious injury or death.
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, particularly small children, and
pets.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
.foreign objects.
2
Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before starting the engine
(motor).
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
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 adjust-
ments while the engine (motor) is
running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
• Exe;clse extreme caution when
operating on or crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen-
gers.
• 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 operat-
ing 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 all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended.
Disengage the tines, shift into neutral,
and stop the engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, shut offthe engine and make
certain all moving 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.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
• Never operate the tiller without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protec-
tive 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
extended period.
Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOMEAWARE!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect
spark plug wire and place wire where
it cannot contact spark plug in order to
prevent accidental starting when
setting up, transporting, adjusting or
making repairs.
_, WARNING: The engine exhuast
from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.5 HP
GASOLINE 3 QTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
CAPACITY: 20 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION
(GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sears ]31ter. 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 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 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
correct tools as necessary to insure
proper tightness.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is
available on this product. 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
"Maintenance" and "Storage"
sections of this Owner's Manual.
.q, WARNING: 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.
See your Sears Authorized Service
Center for spark arrester. Refer to the
Repair Parts section of this manual for
part number.
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also
available at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can
order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.
ENGINE
JSPA_LUG I _MUFFLER Jl_AIRFILTER IIGASCAN ENGINEOIL STABILIZER
TILLER MAINTENANCE
SHEAR_PIN I HAIRPIN_CLIP
4
]
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) Pair of pliers
(2) 1/2 Wrench
OPERATOR'S POSITION
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means when you are in
the operating position (standing behind
tiller handles).
FRONT
RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
CONTENTS OF.HARDWARE PACK
m
(1) Manual
@
(2) Lock
Washers 5/16
(1) Plastic
Cable Clip_
0
@
(2) Flange Eocknuts
5/16-18 UNC
(1) Bottle Engine Oil
©
(2) Hex Nuts
5/16-18
U--;;;;;;:--
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5
5
UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL
HANDLE
_, CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.
IMPORTANT: When unpacking and
assembling tiller, be careful not to stretch
or kink cable(s).
• Cut cable ties securing handle column.
• Remove all packing from carton.
• Secure handle column to handle mount
using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2)
flange Iocknuts. Tighten both flange
Iocknuts securely.
• Remove packing material from handle
assembly.
• Route tine control cable through plastic
cable clip on handle column.
• insert plastic cable clip into hole in
handle column.
• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
• Cut away carton and remove tiller from
skid by pulling backwards.
C Tine Control
Tine Control Cable (
Handle Mq
7 : _-_®
Tine
\
qut "A"
Depth Stake
Hex Bolts, Lockwashers,
and Hex Nuts
alves
Stake
Bolt
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).
TINE OPERATION
• Check tine operation before first use.
(See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual).
Bolts
Flange
Locknuts
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE
ASSEMBLY
• 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".
• Depth stake must move freely. If it does
not, loosen support bolt.
6
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn
and understand their meeting.
TFLUNG FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL STOp O
OR WARNING ON OFF
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize with the location of various controls
and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Choke Control
Tine Shield
Depth Stake
Recoil Starter
Handle 0
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our 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.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed
and the depth at which tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.
7
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 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
TINES
• Release tine control to stop movement.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to "STOP"
position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
Forward "FineControl "OFF"
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.
f._ Hairpin Clip and
"_ C_evisPin
// /_t" Depth Stake
P Y=_'_/ Stake \/_
(DOWN) Positiol
,.,Choke
Control
Throttle
Control
TINE OPERATION
• Squeeze tine control to handle.
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.
_p and
Clevis Pin
TO TRANSPORT
CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow 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 fueltank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirt to enter the engine wher, 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
• Remove hangtao flrom engine.
• With engine lev,-, remove engine oil
filler plug.
• Fill engine with oil to point of overflow-
ing. For approximate capacity see
"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS".
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-
8 level.
• With engine level, refill to point of
overflowing 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
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: When operating in tem-
peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean, winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.
_1= WARNING: Experience indicates that
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
empUed 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 prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
_i, CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acciden-
tally 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 gasoline
near an open flame.
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.
• Make sure spark plug wire is properly
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 engine reaches start of compres-
sion 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.
• 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: Awarm 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: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the
carburetor fuel mixture may need to be
adjusted for best engine performance.
See 'TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see
troubleshooting points.
:_!_Spark Plug
_ Choke
__ Control
_'_" _y_JJ_ Throttle
9
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.
• Check tine operation and adjust if
necessary. See "TINE OPERATION
CHECK" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
_, CAUTION: Until you are accustomed
to handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.
To help tiller move forward, lift up the
handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake
out of ground). To slow 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
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 soil of un-
wanted 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 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
moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will "baU-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
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.
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 wil! allow tines to uproot
weeds and leave the ground in rough
condition, promoting no further growth
of weeds and grass.
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10
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