Craftsman 917.292402 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
CRRFTSMRN’
5 5 HP
26 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONT TINE TILLER
WITH REVERSE
Model No.
917.292402
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Español
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, -Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty
Safety Rules
Product Specifications
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
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3 & 7
Service and Adjustments....
2 Storage
Troubleshooting
4
Illustrated Parts List
6
Parts Ordering
11
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....Back Cover
WARRANTY
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubri
cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner’s manual. Sears will repair free of charge any defect in materiat or workmanship.
This Warranty does not coven
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs,
air cleaners and belts.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or neciigence, including bent crank
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment accc ding to the instructions con
tained 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 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
13
3&16
17
38
SAFETY RULES
TRAINING
• Read the Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with №e controls and
the proper use of the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengage the
controls quictdy.
• Never allow children to operate the
equipment. Never allow adults to oper
ate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children, and
pels.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
foreigri objects.
• Disengage all clutehes and shift into
neutral before stahing 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
white the engine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend
ed 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
falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnor
mally, 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 leav
ing 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 sparif 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
tiller.
• Never oji^rate the tiller without good vis
ibility 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 aMd STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and
accessories in safe working condition.
• Check shear pins, erigine mounting
bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter
vals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe woiidng 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 peri
od.
AcauTION; 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-
ling, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING; The engine exhuast from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of Califomia to cause cancer, birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOUNE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts
OIL(API-SF/SG/SH):
(CAPACITY: 20 oz.)
SPARK PLUG :
(GAP: .030“)
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sears Tiller. It has been designed, engi
neered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and perform
ance.
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 cor
rect tools as necessary to insure proper
tightness.
5.5 HP
13CU. IN.(221CC)
Unleaded Regular
SAE30
(Above 32“F)
SAE 5W-30
(Below 32“F)
Champnon RJ19LM
orJ19LM
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintain
ing, caring for and using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under the
“Maintenance" and “Storage” sections of
this Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not
be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, 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 main
tained 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.
ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also avail
able at most Sears Retail outlets and Senrice Centers. Most Sears Stores can order
repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.
ENGINE
SPARK PLUG
ê
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES
MUFFLER AIR RLTER
W)
GAS CAN
Of
SHEAR PIN
c
F
ENGINE OIL
Ù
HAIRPIN CUP
g
STABIUZER
ñ
BAG OF PARTS
Your new tiller has been assembled at the
factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operatiori of your
tiller all parts and hardware you assemble
must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to insure proper tight
ness.
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
When right or left hand is mentioned in
this manual, it means when you are in
the operating position (standing behind
tiller handles).
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Left
Front
Right
Operator’s Position
(1) Manual
(2) Hex Bolts
5/16-18x1-1/4
©
©
©
7^
(1) Plastic
Cable Clip
(1) Reverse
Rod Bracket
(1) Clevis Pin
(1) Washer
9/32 X1/2 X
14 Gauge
(1) Cotter Pin
(2) Hex Nuts (2) Lock
5/16-18 Washers /.>v n ui
(1) Bushing
wasners /.,v
(2) Flange
Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
Engine Oil
ltitifililllflillRffl
S
(2) Carriage Bolts ,
5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2
ASSEMBLY
UNPACK CARTON
ikCAUTION; Be careful of exposed sta
ples when handling or disposing of carton
ing material.
IMPOFtTANT When unpacking and as
sembling tiller, be careful not to stretch or
kink cable(s).
• Cut cable ties securing handle column
and reverse rod.
• Slide handle column onto handle mount.
• Remove all packing from carton.
ASSEMBLE HANDLE
• Slide reverse rod through hole in
reverse rod bracket as shown.
• Slide bushing over lower reverse rod
and snap into bracket hole.
NOTE: Make sure tine control cable is
routed in front of reverse rod bracket.
• Attach reverse rod bracket to handle
column using two (2) carriage bolts and
two (2) flange locknuts and tighten
securely.
• Cut away carton.
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole in han
dle column.
• Route tine control cable through plastic
cable clip on handle column.
• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
Remove tiller from skid by pulling back
wards.
ASSEMBLE REVERSE ROD
• Secure upper reverse rod to lower
reverse rod using clevis pin, washer and
cotter pin.
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
• Loosen Nut "A".
• Insert stake support between engine
bracket halves with stake spring down.
• Boltetake 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.
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See “HANDLE HEIGHr
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 the
Service and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TineConuol
Cable
Handle Mount
Cotter Pin
Carriage '
Boits
Tine Controi
Cable
Reverse
Rod Bracket Lower Reverse Rod
Tine Control
Range Locknuts
Washer
Upper
Reverse
Rod
Clevis Pin
Bushing
OPERATION
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 vari
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future referertce.
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the prod
uct. Learn and understand their meaning.
i
klwa FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CMinOH ENQME EHQlW FAST SLOW CHORE Ft«L OIL
Reverse Tine
Control
Forward Tine
Control
Recoil Starter Handle
ORWARNNQ ON OFF '
Choke Contrd
Depth Stake
O
Throttle Control
Tine Shield
Tines
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears tillers conform tn ttie safety standards of the American National Standards
FORWARD TiNE CONTROL - Engages
tines in fonward direction.
REVERSE TiNE CONTROL - Engages
tines in reverse direction.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a
cold engine.
institute.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine
speed.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls fonvard speed
and the depth at which the tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.
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 startinjg your tiller arKl 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 forward tine control to stop for
ward movement.
• Release reverse tine control to stop
reverse movement.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to “STOP" position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
Reverse Tine Control Forward Tine Control
I Position
fonvard Tine Control
“ON" (DOWN) Position
The depth stake ^ould always be below
the wheels for digging. It serves as a
brake to slow the tiller’s fonward 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 hair
pin clip and clevis pin. Change depth
stake to desired position. Replace the cle
vis 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 sec
ond or third hole from the top.
Hairpin Clip
and Clevis Pin
Throttle
Control
Choke
Control
TINE OPERATION
FORWARD
• Squeeze forward tine control to handle.
REVERSE
• With forward tine control in “OFF (up)
position, pull back and hold reverse tine
control.
TILLING ,
The speed and depth of tilling is regulated
by the position of the depth stake and
wheel height.
Hairpin Clip
Wheel
and Clews Pin
TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
AcaUTION: Before lifting or transport
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gaso
line 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
• Disconriect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage. - :
8
Depth Stake
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow
dirt to enter the engine when checldng or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered con
tainers. use clean fill funnels.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
• Remove hang tag from engine.
• With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
• Rll engine with oil to point of overflow
ing. For approximate capacity see
“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page
4 of this manual.
• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then relevei. .
• 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
Maintenance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the
Maintenance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Rll 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
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 gasohol or
using ethanol or methane!) 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 emp
tied 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 infomnation.. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
AcAUTION: Rll to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent ^ills 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 disap
peared. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
TO START ENGINE
AcAUTION: Keep tine control in “OFP
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. Puli rope out slowly until
engine 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 if necessary.
• If engine fires but does not start, move
choke control to half choke pos'rtion. 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 chok
ing to start.
• Move throttle control^to desired running
position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few min
utes before engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32“F), the car
buretor 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 trou
bleshooting points.
Spark Plug
Choke
Control
—Throttle
Control
BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your be)t(s). pulley® 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 nec
essary. See TINE OPERATION
CHECK” in the Sen/ice and Adjustments
section of this manual.
TILLING HINTS
AcAUHON: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position {mid-way be
tween “FAST and “IDLE").
To help tiller move forward, lift up the han
dles slightly (thus lifting depth stake out of
ground). To slow doy\m the tiller, press
down on handles. ?
If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the
wheels and depth stake are not set prop
erty in the soil being tilled. The proper set
ting 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.
• Tilting is digging into, turning over, and
breaking up packed soil before planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps root grovtrih.
Best tilling depth is 4“ to 6". A tiller will
also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta
tion. The decomposition of this veg
etable 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 fur
ther condition the soil.
Recoil
Starter
• Soil conditions are important for proper
tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate
. dry, nard 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 dump during till
ing. 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 unfilled 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 so ! or sod. Then work across the
first cuts at normal depth.
CULTIVATING
Cultivating is destroying the weeds
between rows to prevent them from rob
bing nourishment and moisture from the
plants. At the same time, breaWng up the
upper layer of soil crust will help retain
moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is
1"to3".
• 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.
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