Craftsman 917292403 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
£RAFTSMAN
5.5 HP
26 INCH TINE WIDTH
FRONT TINE TILLER
WITH REVERSE
Model No.
917.292403
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions before
operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................... 2
Product Specifications ............................ 4
Assembly ................................................ 6
Operation ................................................ 7
Maintenance ........................................ 11
EIMITEDTWO YE_.ARWARRANTY 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 workmaq
ship.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark
plugs, air cleaners and belts.
• 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 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 whi¢
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
Service and Adjustments ..................... 1
Storage ................................................ 1
Troubleshooting ..................................
Illustrated Parts List ............................. ,'.
Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cow
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.
Knew how to stop the unit and disen-
gage 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 8
foreign objects.
• 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 footin(,
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.
2
• Use extension cords and receptacles
as specified by the manufacturer for all
units with electric drive motors or
electric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments
while the engine (motor) is running
(except where specifically recommend-
ed by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
• Exercise 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 off the 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 tc
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.
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.
_I,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
GASOLINE 3 QUARTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
OtL (APt-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
(ABOVE 32°F)
CAPACITY: 20 OZ.) SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION
(GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR
J19LM
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Sears Tiller. It has been designed,
engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and
performance.
Should you experience any problems you
cannot easily remedy, please contact
your nearest authorized 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 as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure
proper tightness.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintair
ing, caring for and using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under the
"Maintenance" and "Storage" section=
of this Owner's Manual.
_I, WARNING: This unit is equipped witl
an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-
covered or grass covered land unless tt
engine's exhaust system is equipped wi
a spark arrester meeting applicable Ioc_
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester i
used, it should be maintained in effectiv
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. Sc
your Sears Authorized Service Center fc
spark arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts
sectibn of this manual for part number.
These accessories were available when the tillerwas 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
STABILIZER
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES SHEAR PIN
HAIRPIN CUP
0
1
:1
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) 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
Front
Left _ Right
Operator's Position
(1) Manual
[-'--I Cable Clip
(1) Plastic
(2) Hex Bolts
5/16-18 x 1-1/4
(1) Clevis Pin
ol© @
(1) Washer
9/32 x 1/2 x (2) Flange
14 Gauge
Locknuts
5/16-18 UNC
(1) Cotter Pin
(2) Hex Nuts (2) Lock
5/16-18 Washers (1) Bottle
5/16 Engine Oil
(1) Bushing
(2) Carriage Bolts
5/16-18 UNC x2 1/2
5
UNPACK CARTON
_1_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
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 Iocknuts and tighten
securely.
• Cut away carton.
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole in
handle 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
backwards.
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.
• 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.
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
"FINE ARRANGEMENT" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this
manual).
TINE OPERATION
• Check line operation before first use.
(See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in
the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual).
Tine Control
Cable
Handle Mount
Cotter
Oardage
Tine Control
Reverse Rod
Lower Reverse Rod,
® Stake
Hex Bolts,
Lockwashers, and Hex
nuts
Tine Control
Column
Reversq
Rod
Pin
,Flange
Locknuts
Bracket Halve_
Nut "A"
Support
Depth
Stake
SupportBolt
6
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR TILLER.
Compare the iltustrations 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.
TILLING FOflWARO NEUTRAL R£VF.J:ISE CAUTION
Reverse "line Control
Depth Stake_
Recoil Starter
OR WARN_NG ON OFF
°°"1
Choke Control
Control
0
O
Sears tillers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute.
FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages
tines in forward direction.
REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages
tines in reverse direction.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting
a cold engine.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine
speed.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed
and the depth at which the tiller will dig,
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to
start the engine.
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 forward tine control to stop
forward movement.
• Release reverse tine control to stop
reverse movement.
ENGINE
• Move throttle control to "STOP" posi-
tion.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
Reverse "line Control Forward "line Control
0 // _i.n .,Ceontrol
_._ "ON" (DOWN) Position
Choke
Control
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 deptt
stake to desired position. Replace the
clevis pin and hairpin clip.
• For normal tilling, set depth stake at th_
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
second or third hole from the top.
Hairpin Clip
and Clevis Pin
Dep_ Stake
Throttle
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 regu-
lated by the position of the depth stake
and wheel height. The depth stake should
always be below the wheels for digging.
Hairpin Clip
Spdng and Clevis Pin
TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
A CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool
Disconnect spark plug wire. DCain
gasoline from fuel tank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Tip depth stake forward until it is held
by the stake spring.
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines
off the ground.
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent
oil leakage.
8
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
• Remove hang tag from engine.
• With engine level, remove engine oil
filler plug.
• Fill 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 re-
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 CHAR'I-" in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Oil Filler
Plug
ADDGASOLINE
• 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.
/I, WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohoi 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 prod-
ucts in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur,
_kCAUTION: 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
ACAUTION: 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: 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: 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.
9
Plug
Control
Control
Recoil
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
line control to start tine rotation. Allow
tines to rotate for five minutes.
• Check tine operation and adjust if
necessary. See "-FINE 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 (mid-way
between =FAST" and "IDLE").
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" to
6". A tiller will also clear the soil ol
unwanted vegetation. The decomposi-
tion 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 "ball-up" or
clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is
less wet in order to achieve the best
results. When tilling in the fall, remove
vines and long grass to prevent them
from wrapping around the tine shaft
and slowing your tilling operation.
You will find tilling much easier if you
leave a row 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
between 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" to 3".
• You will probably not need to use the
depth stake. Begin by tipping the depth
stake forward until it is held by the
stake spring.
• Cultivate up and down the rows at a
speed which will allow tines to uproot
weeds and leave the ground in rough
condition, promoting no further growth
of weeds and grass.
, I
10
k _ ,.S ,; _
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