Craftsman 917.292480 User Manual

Owner's Manual

]CRRFTSMRN'J

5.5 HP 24 INCH TINE WIDTH

FRONTTINE

TILLER

Model No. /

917.292480

• Safety ,_--_ _[ (" _.4_

• Assembly ___/_7_/_

• Operation ,_-w<.. _/

• Maintenance ('_,_'_,_

• Espa6ol "--_'_J_( ([ _//_f/'_

• Repair Parts _/-_ _<__ .=_-_(_.o.))

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the

This product has a low emission engine which operates

engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

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

Safety Rules ......................................... 2

Product Specifications .......................... 4

Assembly .............................................. 5

Operation ......................................... 3&7

Maintenance Schedule ...................... t 1

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 workman- 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/deparfment 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

Maintenance ....................................... 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 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 all

foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine

(motor).

o, 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 extensioncords and receptacles

as specifiedbythe manufacturer for all unitswithelectricdrivemotorsor

electricstartingmotors,

• Never attempttomake anyadjustments

whilethe engine(motor)is running (exceptwhere specificallyrecommend-

ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• Do notputhandsorfeet nearor under

rotatingparts.

• Exerciseextreme cautionwhen operatingon or crossinggravelddves,

walks,or roads.Stay alertfor hidden hazardsor traffic.Do notcarP/passen-

gers.

• Afterstdkinga foreignobject,stopthe engine (motor),removethe wirefrom

the sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectthe tillerfor anydamage,and"repairthe

damage beforerestartingandoperat- ingthe tiller.

• Exemisecautionto avoid slippingor

falling.

• If the unitshouldstartto vibrate

abnormally,stopthe engine(motor)

end check immediatelyfor the cause.

Vibrationis generallya warningof trouble.

• Stopthe engine(motor)whenleaving

the operatingposition.

• Take all possibleprecautionswhen

leavingthe machineunattended. Disengage the tines, shiftintoneutral,

and stopthe engine.

• Beforecleaning,repaidng,or inspect-

ing,shutofftheengineand make certainall movingparts have stopped.

Disconnectthe sparkplugwire, and keepthe wireaway fromtheplugto

preventaccidentalstarting.Disconnect thecord on electricmotors.

• Do not runthe engineindoors;exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never operate the tillerwithoutproper

guards,plates, or othersafetyprotec- tive devicesin place.

• Keep childrenand 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 end 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 _]round 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, end

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 it the

tiller is to be stored for an extended period.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safetyprecautions, It means GAUTIONH! BECOMEALERTlit YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED. ACAUTION: 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. AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and cedain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 3 QTS C,APACITY: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL(API-SF-SJ): SAE 30

CAPACITY:20 OZ,) (ABOVE32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW32°F)

SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION (GAP: .030') RJ19LMOR J19LM

:ONGRATULATIONSon your purchase ofa SearsTiller.It has been designed, engineeredand manufacturedto give

you the best possibledependabilityand performance.

Shouldyou experienceany problems you cannoteasilyremedy,please

contacta Sears or other qualified ServiceCenter. We havecompetent, well-trainedtechniciansand the proper

toolsto serviceor repairthisunit.

Please readand retainthismanual.The instructionswill enable you to assemble

and maintainyourtillerproperly.Always observethe "SAFETYRULES". Yournew tiller has been assembledat

thefactory withexceptionofthoseparts left unassembledfor shippingpurposes.

To ensuresafeand properoperationof yourtillerall partsand hardwareyou

assemblemustbe tightenedsecurely.

Usethe correcttoolsas necessaryto

insure propertightness.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain- ing, cadng for and using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under the

"Customer Responsibilities" 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 forest-covered, brush- covered or grass covered land unless the

engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrestsr 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. A spark arrester for the muffler is available

through your nearest Sears service center (See REPAIR PARTS section of

this manual).

These accessorieswereavailablewhenthe tillerwas pumhased. They are also availableat mostSears Retailoutletsand ServiceCenters. MostSears Storescan

order repairpartsfor you whenyouprovidethe modelnumberofyour tiller.

ENGINE

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES SHEAR PIN

HAIRPIN CLIP

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 Ensureproper 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).

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

LEFT _ RIGHT

FRONT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

(1) Manual

-©

(2) Lock

Washers 5/16

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18UNC

(1) Plastic

Cable Clip

(1) Bottle Engine Oil

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr. 5

(2) Hex Nuts

5/16-16

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE

• iLCAUTION:Becarefulof exposed stapleswhen handlingor disposingof cadoning material.

IMPORTANT:When unpackingand assemblingtiller,be carefulnot to stretch

or kink cable(s).

1. Cut cable ties securinghandle column.

2. Remove all packingfrom cation.

3. Secure handle columnto handle mountusingtwo (2) carriagebolts

and two (2)flangeIocknuts. Tighten bothflange Iocknutssecurely.

4. Remove packingmaterial from handle assembly.

5. Routetine controlcable through plasticcable clipon handle column.

6, Insertplasticcableclip intoholein

handle column.

7, Cut away carton.

8. Cut cable ties securingtillerto skid.

9. Removetillerfrom skidby pulling backwards.

Tine C_tro_

- Handle

Cable_i _

Column

" _'Flange

Locknut

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

1. Loosen nut "A".

2. Insert stake suppod between engine bracket halves with stake spring

down.

3. Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock washers and nuts.

Tighten securely. Tighten nut "A".

4. Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen support bolt.

ine BracketHalves

"A" Depth

Support

Bolt

"Stake Spring

and hex Nuts

.ock Washers,

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle heightmay be adjustedto

bettersuitoperator. (See"HANDLE HEIGHT"inthe Serviceand Adjust-

ments sectionofthismanual).

TILLING WIDTH

• Tillingwidthmay be adjustedto better

handle yourtillingconditions(See

"FINE ARRANGEMENT_ inthe Service

and Adjustmentssection of this

manual).

TINE OPERATION

• Check tineoperationbeforefirstuse.

(See "FINE OPERATION CHECK"in the Serviceand Adjustmentssectionof

this manual),

KNOW YOUR TILLER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOURTILLER

Compare the illustrationswithyour tillerto familiarizeyourselfwiththe locations of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

TILUNC; F_WARD _£UTr_L REvEqs_ CAUTX_N ENGINE _:_NE fAST SLOW CHOKE _UEL _L ST_ _)

FonNardTine Control

Choke Control

Control

Depth

Recoil Handle

Tine Shield

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. THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at which tiller will dig.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

engine speed.

Theoperationofanytillercanresultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes whichcanresultinsevereeyedamage.Awayswearsafetyglassesoreye shieldsbeforestartingyourtillerandwhiletilling.Werecommendawide

visionsafetymaskoverspectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses. HOWTOUSEYOURTILLER Knowhowtooperateallcontrolsbefore

addingfuel and oil or attempting to start

engine.

STOPPING TINES

• Release Une control to stop movement. ENGINE

• Move throttle control to =STOP" posi-

tion. NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine. TineControl

"Off" (UP) Position

WHEELS Adjustwheelsby removingthe hairpin

clipand clevispin. Changewheel position. Replacethe hairpinclip and clevispin.

• For normaltilling,set wheelsat the secondor thirdholefromthetop.

HairpinClipand

Depth Stake

"On"(DOWN) Position _ "

Contmt

Chokq Control

TINE OPERATION

• Squeeze Une control to handle. 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, 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.

HairpinClip andClevisPin

TO TRANSPORT ACAUTION: Before lifting or transporting

allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain

gasoline from fuel tank. AROUND THE YARD

1. Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spdng.

2. Push tiller handles down, raising tine._ off the ground.

3. Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUND TOWN

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Drain fuel tank.

3. Transport in upright position to

prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE IMPORTANT: Be very careful notto 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

1. Remove hangtag from engine.

2. With engine level, remove engine oil

filler plug.

3. Fill engine with oil to point of overflow ing. For approximate capacity see

=PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on

page 4 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF- SJ.

4, Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then

re-level.

5, 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 Leve_ _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 tempera- tures 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 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

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.

_CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top

of fue! tank to prevent spillsand 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 fine 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.

1. Make sure spark ptug wire is properly

connected.

2. Place throttle control in "FAST"

position.

3. 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).

4. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back

against starter. Repeat if necessary.

NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,

move choke control to half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine

starts.

5. When engine starts, slowly move

choke control to "RUN" position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less

choking to start.

6. Move throttle control to desired running position.

7. Allow engine to warm up for a few

minutes before engaging fines.

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.

Spa_ Plug

r_ __ Thro_e

',Jf_÷ _ _ Control

Choke \

Control _ _"

Starter---""_ °_:_

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER

Break-inyour belt(s),pulleys and tine

control beforeyou actuallybegin tilling.

• Start engine,tiptines offgroundby pressinghandles downand engage

linecontrolto startline rotation.Allow tinestoretatefor five minutes.

• Checktine operationand adjustif

necessary.See "TINEOPERATION CHECK"in the Serviceand Adjust-

mentssectionofthis manual. TILLING HINTS 4gl,CAUTION: Untilyouare accustomedto

handlingyourtiller,start actualfield use withthrottlein slowposition.

Tohelptiller moveforward, liftupthe handlesslightly(thusliftingdepthstake

outofground).Toslowdown thetiller, pressdownon handles.

It youare strainingor tilleris shaking,the wheelsand depthstake arenot set

propedyinthe soil beingtilled.The propersettingofthe wheelsand depth

stake isthroughtrialand errorand dependsuponthe soilcondition. (The harderor wetterthe ground,the slower

the engineand line speed needed. Under thesepoorconditions,at fast speed the

tillerwillrun and jumpover the ground).

Apropedyadjustedtillerwill digwithlittle

effortfrom the operator.

• Tillingis digginginto,turningover, and

breakingup packed soilbefore

planting. Loose, unpackedsoilhelps

rootgrowth.Besttillingdepthis 4"-6".

A tillerwillalsoclear thesoilof un-

wanted vegetation.The decomposition

ofthisvegetablematter endchesthe so=l.Dependingon the climate(rainfall andwind), it may be advisableto tillthe

soilat the end of the growingseasonto

further conditionthe soil.

• Soil conditionsare importantfor proper

tilling.Tineswill not readilypenetrate dry,hard soilwhichmay contributeto

excessivebounceand difficulthandling ofyour tiller.Hard soilshouldbe

moistenedbefore tilling;however, extremelywet soil will "bell-up"or

clumpduringtilling.Wait untilthe soil is lesswet in orderto achievethe best

results.When tillinginthe fall,remove

vinesand longgrassto preventthem from wrappingaroundthe line shaft

and slowingyourtillingoperation.

* You will find tilling much easier,if you

leave a row untilled between passes.

Then go back between tilted 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 tillingwben working extremely hard soil or sod. Then work across the

first cuts at normal depth.

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroyingthe weeds

betweenrowstopreventthemfrom

robbingnourishmentand moisturefrom

the plants.Atthe sametime, breaking up the upperlayerof soilcrustwillhelp

retainmoistureinthe soil.Bestdigging depthis 1"-3".

• You willprobablynot needto use the

depthstake. Beginby tippingthe depth stakeforward untilit isheldbythe stake spdng.

• Cultivateup and downthe rowsat a

speed whichwillallowtinesto uproot weedsand leavethe groundin rough

condition,promotingnofurther growth of weedsand grass.

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