Craftsman 917.292490 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

6 0 HP 26 INCH TINE WIDTH

FRONT TINE TILLER

WITH REVERSE

Model No.

917.292490

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Español

• Repair Parts

This product has a low emission engine which operates differently from previously built engines. Before you start the 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, II60179

Visit our Craftsman website:www,sears.com/craftsman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty

Safety Rules

Product Specifications....

Assembly Operation Maintenance

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2 Maintenance Schedule.....................11

2 Sen/ice and Adjustments...

4 Storage

6 Troubleshooting 7

11 Parts Ordering

Illustrated Parts List

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.. Back Cover

13 16 17 38

WARRANTY

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 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/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., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES. IL 60179

SAFETY RULES

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). 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.

SAFETY RULES

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by tbe 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 specificaily recommend ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing grave) drives, waiks, 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 piug, 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 wot1<ing condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel lank 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. ALook for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! 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. ^WARNING; Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain 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

CAPACITY:

3 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL (API-SF-SJ):

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 a

Sears or other qualified Service Center.

We have competent, well-trained techni

cians 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 maintain ing, caring 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 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. A spark arrester for the muffler Is available through your nearest Sears sen/ice center (See REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

ACCESSORIES

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

SPARK PLUG

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT

MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN

TINES SHEAR PIN

ENGINE OIL

HAIRPIN CLIP

fu-

STABILIZER

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 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).

Left

Operator’s Position

Front

Right

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON ^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).

1. Cut cable ties securing handle column and reverse rod.

2. Slide handle column onto handle mount.

3. Remove all packing from carton. ASSEMBLE HANDLE

1. Slide reverse rod through hole in reverse rod bracket as shown.

2. 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,

3. Attach reverse rod bracket to handle column using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2) flange locknuts and tighten securely.

4. Cut away carton.

5. Insert plastic cable clip into hole in

handle column.

6. Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on handle column.

7. Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.

Remove tiller from skid by pulling backwards.

ASSEMBLE REVERSE ROD

Handle Mount

Tine Control

Cable

Tine Control

Handle Column

• Secure upper reverse rod to lower reverse rod using clevis pin, washer and cotter pin.

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

1. Loosen nut "A”.

2. Insert stake support 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.

HANDLE HEIGHT

Engine Bracket Halves

Depth Stake

Support Bolt

^ Stake Spring

’'Hex Bolts, Lock Washers,

and hex Nuts

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See “HANDLE HEIGHT in the Sen/ice 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).

Reverse

Lower Reverse Rod

Cable Clip

Cotter Pin

Washer

Upper Reverse Rod Clevis Pin

Bushing

Flange Locknuts

OPERATION

KNOWYOURTILLER

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 yourTiller or in literature supplied with the product

Learn and understand their meaning.

TH.LMQ FOFWARO NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION EMONE ENQME

OR WARNING ON OFF

Sears tillers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages

tines in fonvard 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.

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 starting your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOWTO USEYOURTILLER

Know how to operate all controls before

adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING

TINES

1. Release forward tine control to stop forward movement,

2. Release reverse tine control to slop reverse movement.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to “STOP” posi

tion.

NOTE; Never use choke to stop engine.

Reverse Tine Control

Forward Tine Control “ON" (DOWN) Position

Forward Tine Control “OFF (UP) Position

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.

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

Stake

Throttle Control

Choke Control

TINE OPERATION

FORWARD

* Squeeze forward tine control to handle.

REVERSE

• With fonvard tine control “OFP (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.

Wheels

Spring

Hairpin Clip and Clevis Pin

TOTRANSPORT

^CAUTION; Before lifting or transporting,

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

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 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

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 SFSJ.

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 CHARr In the Mainte nance section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Mainte

nance section of this manual.

•

• 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.

^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.

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the

To avoid engine

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 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 drive control bar in

“DISENGAGED” 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 lank to the engine.

1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

2. Place throttle control in “FAST position.

3. Move choke control to choke position.

4. Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at

this point).

5. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter.

NOTE: If engine fires but does not start,

move choke control to half choke position.

Pull recoil starter handle until engine

starts.

6. When engine starts, slowly move choke control to “RUN” position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less

choking to start.

7. Move throttle control to desired running position.

a. 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.

BREAKING IN YOURTILLER

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 it 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 (mid-way between “FASr 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 of 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 titling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of )Tour 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 tilting 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"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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