Craftsman 917.293203 User Manual
Owner's Manual
CRRFTSMRN
5.0 HP
17 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH COUNTER
ROTATING TINES
TILLER
ModelNo.
917.293203
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and instructions before
operating this equipment.
For answers to your questions
about this product, Call:
1-800-659-5917
Sears Craftsman Help Line
5 am- 5 pro,Mort* Sat
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
?
Manintenance ..................................... 13
Service and Adjustments .................... 15
Storage ........................................ 3 & 19
Troubleshooting .................................. 20
Illustratsd Parts List............................. 42
Parts Ordering ...................... Back Cover
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one (1) year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller ismaintained,
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 orworkmanship.
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 instructionscon-
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 unitedstates. This warranty applies onlywhile
this product is in use in the united states.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rightswhich
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: Thiscutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Failure to observe
the following safety instructionscould
resultin 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
controlsquickly.
• 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 isto be used and remove all
foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into
neutral before startingthe 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.
• Fillfuel tank outdoorswith extreme
care. Never fillfuel 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
electdc starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjust-
ments while the engine (motor) is
running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
2
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotatingparts.
• 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 strikinga foreign object, stop the
engine (motor), remove the wire from
the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the
tillerfor any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operat-
ing the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slippingor
failing.
• If the unit should start to vibrate
abnormally, stopthe engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration isgenerally 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 offthe 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 onelectric motors.
• Do not runthe 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 tilltoo 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 manutacturer of the
tiller.
• Never operate the tiller without good
visibilityor light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground.
The tines may catch in the ground and
propel the tillerforward. Ifthis occurs,
let go of the handlebars and do not
restrainthe machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and
accessories in safe working
condition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting
bolts, and other belts 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 podod.
ALook for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME AWARE!!!
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: The engine exhuast
from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of Califomia to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
3
PRODUCT SPECIFICAT!ONS
GASOLINE 3 QTS
3APACITY: UNLEADED
REGULAR
DIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30
CAPACITY: 20 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30
(BELOW 32°F)
SPARK PLUG :
{GAP: .030")
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
toolsto service or repair this unit.
Please road and retain this manual. The
instructionswill enable you to assemble
and maintain your tillerproperly.Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
Yournew tiller has been assembled at the
factory with exception of those parts left
unessembled for shipping purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your
tillerall parts and hardware you assemble
must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure
proper tightness.
CHAMPION
RJ19LMORJ19LM
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is
available on this product. Contact
your nearest Sears store for details,
CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in
maintaining, caring for and using
yourtiller.
• Follow the instructionsunder 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 unimprovedforest-covered.
brush-covered or grass covered land
unless the engine's exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local orstate laws
(ifany). Ifa spark arroster 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 ofthe
California Public Resourcas Code).
Other states may have similarlaws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands.
See your Sears Authorized Service
Center forspark arroster. Refer tothe
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
1%c hl'i-i -°'
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 ofyour 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) ]ire pressure guage
(1) Screwdriver
(1) Pair of pliers
(t) 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
tillerhandles).
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
PosmoN
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Q
(1) Center Locknut
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
_, (1) Flat Washer " (_) Pi_B_;ItG rade 5
I 13/32 x 1 x 11Ga.
(2) Shear Pins & Clips (1) Handle Lock Lever
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
5
UNPACKING CARTON
ACAUTION: 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 comers of carton, lay side
carton wall down.
• Remove packing material from 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
\ Y
Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
HandleAssembly
"UP"Position%
Tightenhandle lock
leverto hold
Loosen Handle Lock
Lever toMove
Insert pivot 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 carriage bolt so handle moves
with some resistance. This will allow
for easier adjustment.
Place flat washer on threaded end of
handle lock lever.
Insert handle lock lever through handle
base and geamase. Screw in handle
lock lever just enough to hold lever in
place.
Insert second handle lock (with teeth
inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).
Raise handle assembly to highest
position and securely tighten handle
lock lever by rotating clockwise.
Leaving handle assembly in highest
position will make it easier to connect
shift rod,
Handle Lock Handle Lock
Gearcase_
Slot_
Rear Cartridge
Bolt
Rat Washer
• 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 carriage boltfirst, with head of bolt
on L.H. side oftiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut.
HandleBase
Locknut _ PivotBolt
6
INSERT CABLE CLIP
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into clip.
Handle Column
Cables
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.
Attach this EndTo shift _ ShiftRod
Lever Indicator
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
• Adjust handle assemby to lowest
position. Be sure hex bolt is tightened
securely.
• Make sure shiftlever indicatoris in=N"
(neutral) position.
• Tilt tillerforward by liftinghandle.
Separate cardboard cover from leveling
shield.
• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull
tiller out ofcarton.
CHECKTIREPRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
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 HairpinClip ShiftLever
Indicator
7
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product, Leam
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 FORWARO NEUTRAL REVERSE STOP
OR WARNqhiG ON OFF
Drive ControlBar
Shift Lever
Choke Control
Shift Lever Indicator
LevelingShield
Outer Side Shield
) Starter
Recoil
Handle
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillersconform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to
engage tines.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which
tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to
protect small plants from being buried.
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.
8
The operation of any tiller can result in foreignobjects thrown intothe eyes,
whichcan result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields before starting your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide
visionsafety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
Know how to operate all controlsbefore
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES AND DRIVE
• Release ddve control bar to stop
movement.
• Move shiftlever to "N" (neutral)
position.
ENGINE
• Move throttle controlto "STOP"
position. If equipped with stopswitch,
move switch to "STOP" position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.
DriveControl Bar
ShiftLever
HARD TO SHIFT GEARS
• Briefly engage drivecontrol bar and
release or reck tillerforward and
backward until are able to shift gears.
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or lowered
to allow you more versatile tillingand
cultivating, or to more easily transport
your tiller.
ShallowestTilling
(CultivaUng)
Deeptest "Riling
DepthStake /
/
"_Transport Position
=DISENGAGED"
Position
TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
• Always release ddve control bar before
• Tine movement is achieved by moving
FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/FINES
STOPPED
• Release drive control bar and move
REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/FINES
STOPPED
• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
• Release the drive control bar.
• Move throttle control to =SLOW"
• Move shift lever indicator to =R"
• Hold drive control bar against the
Throttle
moving shift lever into another position.
shift lever to (_) till position and
engaging ddve control bar.
shift lever indicator to "F" (forward)
position. Engage drive control bar and
tiller will move forward.
TILLER.
position.
(reverse) position.
handle to start tiller movement.
J
TILLING
• 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
Shield
9
TURNING
• Release the drive control barl
• Move throttle control to "SLOW"
position,
• Place shift lever indicator in UF"
(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.
OUTER SIDE SHIELDS
The back edges of the outer side shields
are slotted so that the shields can be
raised for deep tilling and lowered for
shallow tilling to protect small plants from
being buried. Loosen nut "A" in slot and
nut "B". Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts.
TO TRANSPORT
_CAUTION: Before liftingortransporting,
allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plugwire. Drain
gasoline from fueltank.
AROUND THE YARD
• Release the depth stake pin. Move the
depth stake down to the top hole for
transportingthe 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 UF"
(forward) positionfor transporting.
• Hold the drive controlbar against the
handle to start tiller movement. Tines
will nottum.
• Move throttle control to desired speed.
AROUND TOWN
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in uprightposition to prevent
oil leakage.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful notto allow
dirtto enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oiland fuel
and store in approved, clean, covered
Containers. use clean fillfunnels.
CHECK ENGINEOILLEVEL _
• The enginein your unit has been
shipped, from the factory, alreadyfilled
with SAE 30 summer weight oil, •
• With engine level, clean area around oil
filler plug and remove plug.
• Engine oilshould be to point of
overflowingwhen engine is level. For
approximate capacitysee "PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 ofthis
manual. Alloil must meet A.P.I.
Service ClassificationSF, SG or SH.
• For cold weather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See oil
viscositychart in the Maintenance
section of this manual).
• To change engine o11,see the Mainte-
nance section inthis manual.
OilLevel
Plug
ADD GASOLINE
• Fillfuel tank. Use freshl clean, regular
unleaded gasoline. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead
oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)
IMPORTANT: When operating intem-
peratures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean, winter grade gasoline to help
insure good cold weather starting.
_WARNING: Expedence indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich leads to separation and
formation of acids dudng storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while instorage. 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 untilthe fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage section ofthis
manual foradditional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-
ucts inthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
ACAUTION: Fillto within 1/2 inch oftop
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow
for fuel expansion. If gasoline isacciden-
tally spilled, move machine away from
area ofspill. Avoid creating any source of
ignitionuntil gasoline vapors have
10 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
_]LCAUTION: 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 putts of the recoil starter to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Make sure spark plug wire is propedy
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: Awarm 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.
;parkPlug
TILLING HINTS
_I,CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position.
• Tillingis digging into, turningover, and
breaking up packed soilbefore planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps rootgrowth.
Best tillingdepth is4' to 6'. A tillerwill
also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta-
tion.The decomposition of thisveg-
etable matter enriches the soil. De-
pending on the climate (rainfall and
wind), it may be advisable to tillthe soil
at the end of the growing season to fur-
ther condition the soil.
• You will find tillingmuch 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-feces. Second, the
tillerwon't be putting itself, and you, to-
ward the row next to it.
° Soil conditionsare important for proper
tilling.Tines willnot readily penetrate
dry, hard soil which may contributeto
excessive bounce and difficulthandling
of your tiller. Hard soilshould be mois-
tened before tilling;however, extremely
wet soil will "ball-up" or clumpduring till-
ing. Wait until the soilis less wet in or-
der to achieve the best results. When
tillingin the fall, remove vines and long
grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the fine shaft and slowingyour
tillingoperation.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight offthe 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
Starter Handle
Choke
Control
11
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