Craftsman 917293180 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

£RAFTIMRN

3.75 HP 14 INCH TINE WIDTH REAR TINE WITH COUNTER

ROTATING TINES-

TILLER

Model No.

917.293180

• 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, II 60179

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

Warranty ................................................ 2

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

Product Sprcifications ........................... 4

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

Operation ....................................... 3 & 8

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 normal 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 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

Manintenance ..................................... 13

Service and Adjustments .................... 15

Storage ........................................ 3 & 19

Troubleshooting .................................. 20

Illustrated Parts List ............................. 42

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.

• 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 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 pats 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!!! BECOME AWARE!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_I,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. AWARNING" The engine exhuast

from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to

cause cancer, birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 2 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 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 assemble

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

maintaining, caring for and using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under the "Maintenance" and "Storage"

sections of this Owner's Manual.

AWARNING" 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

TILLER PERFORMANCE

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 insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife (1) Wire cutter

(1) Tire pressure guage

(1) Screwdriver (1) Pair of pliers (1) 9/16 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).

LEFT

FRONT

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Hairpin Clips

(1) Flat Washer

13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

/llllll//

(1) CrownLocknut

3/8-16 UNC

(3) Fin Hex Bolts

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5

(1) Cable Clip

°L

(2) Handle Locks

(2) Shear Pins & Clips

UNPACKING 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 cables.

• While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing handle assembly to top frame. Let handle assembly rest on

tiller.

• Remove top frame of carton.

• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of carton.

• Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners of carton, lay side

carton wall down.

• Remove packing material lrom handle assembly.

• Separate shift rod from handle assem- bly.

Assembly

INSTALL HANDLE

• Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in gearcase notch.

(Apply grease on smooth side of handle lock to aid in keeping lock in

place until handle assembly is lowered

into position.)

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER

Gearcase Notch

Handle Lock

...._:..:'!i:./ Handle Assembly

_"::: ;_" ",JP" Position

_::::_:::= Tightenhex

hold

LoosenHex Bol_

toMove /f_ .*_

Insert second hex bolt in front part of plate and tighten.

Cut down remaining corners of carton and lay panels flat. Lower the handle assembly. Tighten

nut on hex bolt so handle moves with

some resistance. This will allow for

easier adjustment. Place flat washer on threaded end of

hex bolt. Insert hex bolt through handle base

and gearcase. Screw in hex bolt just enough to hold bolt in place.

Insert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot of the handle base. Raise handle assembly to highest

position and securely tighten remaining hex bolt. Leaving handle assembly in

highest position will make it easier to connect shift rod.

Handle Lock

Slot.._ Flat

Washer

Rear HexBelt _/

Hex Bolt

bo_t

• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up" position. Be sure handle lock remains

in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position.

• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert

rear hex bolt first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assemble

Iocknut.

Locknut/_

Handle Base

INSERT CABLE CLIP

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle column. Push cable

into clip.

Handle Column

Cable Clip

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

• Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hole of shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift

rod to secure with bend of clip on right

side.

[J-"_-AttachthisEndTo shift "_'Shift Rod

Lever Indicator

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Adjust handle assemby to lowest

position. Be sure hex bolt is tightened securely.

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N" (neutral) position.

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard cover from levelin!

shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull

tiller out of carton.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes, Correc and equal tire pressure is important for best tilling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST

HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual).

Shift Rod Hairpin Clip Shift Lever

Indicator

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn

and understand their meeting.

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.

TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL srop V

Drive Control Bar

Depth Stake

Leveling Shield

OR WAANING ON OFF

Shift Lever

Choke Control

Throttle Control

Shift Lever Indicator

Recoil

Starter Handle

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which

tilter will dig.

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmis- sion gears.

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows

which gear the transmission is in.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to

start the engine,

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting

a cold engine.

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 AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop

movement.

• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral)

position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" position. If equipped with stop switch,

move switch to "STOP" position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

Drive Control Bar

Position

Drive Control Bar "DISENGAGED"

Position

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to (_) till position and engaging drive control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator to "F" (forward)

position. Engage drive control bar and tiller will move forward.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

• Briefly engage drive control bar and release or rock tiller forward and

backward until are able to shift gears.

DEPTH STAKE

The depth stake can be raised or lowered to allow you more versatile tilling and

cultivating, or to more easily transport your tiller.

Shift Lever

Shallowest'nlling

(Cultivating)

Deepest Tilling

Depth Stake

TILLING

"_"TransportPositior

• Release depth stake pin. Pull the

depth stake up for increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of

depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in (_)till position.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tilling movement. Tines

and wheels will both turn.

• Move throttle control to "FAST" position for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle control can be set at any desired

speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to cultivate.

IMPORTANT: Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position.

Depth Stake Pin "RELEASED" Position

"Locked"

Position

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to =SLOW" position.

• Place shift lever indicator in "F"

(forward) position. Tines will not turn.

• Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.

• Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to turn, being careful

to keep feet and legs away from tines.

• When you have completed your turn-

around, release the drive control bar and lower handle. Place shift lever in

till position and move throttle control to desired speed. To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against the handle.

TO TRANSPORT

A_.CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain

gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake down to the top hole for

transporting the tiller. Place depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock

in position. This prevents tines from

scuffing the ground.

• Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position for transporting.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tiller movement. Tines will not turn.

• Move throttle control to desired speed.

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 when checking or adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel

and store in approved, clean, covered

containers, use clean fill funnels. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the factory, already filled

with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

• With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and remove plug.

• Engine oil should be to point of

overflowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this

manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF, SG or SH.

• 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 Mainte- nance section in this manual.

Oil Filler

Oil Level Plug

Oil Drai_

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. _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 avo(d engin_

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 rue

next season. See Storage section of thi: 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 a

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

_I,CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF" position when starting engine. When starting engine for the first time or i 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.

Spark Plug

Control

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 vegeta- tion. The decomposition of this veg-

etable matter enriches the soil. De-

pending 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.

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 ne- gotiate than about-faces. Second, the

tiller won't be pulling itself, and you, to- ward the row next to it.

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 mois- tened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during till-

ing. Wait until the soil is less wet in or- der 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.

Do not lean on handle. This takes weight off the wheels and reduces trac-

tion. To get through a really tough sec- tion of sod or hard ground, apply up-

ward pressure on handle or lower the depth stake.

Recoil Starte_

TILLING HINTS

_:I_CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use

with throttle in slow position.

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Craftsman 917293180 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual