Craftsman 917.293300 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
CRRFTSMRN'
5 5 HP 17 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
TILLER
Model No.
917.293300
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Repair Parts
. ' : This product has a low amission engine which operates ciiffer> ■-
. :ently:from previously built engines; Before, you start the ^
engine» read and uhdei^hd this Owner's Manual.. , .
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Warranty
Safety Rules
Product Specifications
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance.......
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Service and Adjustments
Storage ................................
4
Troubleshooting
5
illustrated Parts List.....
Parts Ordering.......................
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..Back Cover
WARRANTY
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubri'
Gated, 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 norma! use, such as tines, spark plugs,
air cleanem 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^
talned 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, !L 60179
15
3&19
20
22
TRAINING
o 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 oper
ate 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 (mo
tor).
■> 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 flam
mable.
• 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 al!
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 operat
ing on or crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards
or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• 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 operating
the tiller.
«• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
® If the unit should start to vibrate abnor
mally, 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.
a Take all possible precautions when leav
ing the machine unattended. Disengage
the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the
engine.
a Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting,
shut off the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spait plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting. Disconnect the cord on electric
motors.
a Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
a Never operate the tiller without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices in place.
a 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 vis
ibility or light.
® Be careful when tilling in hard ground.
The tines may catch in the ground and
propel the tiller fonward. 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 inter
vals 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 coo! 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 peri
od.
AcAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent acci
dental starting when setting up, transport
ing, adjusting or making repairs,
WARNING
The engine exhuast from this product con
tains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defectd, or
other reproductive harm.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
iORSEPOWER: 5.5 HP
DISPUCEMENT:
13 CU. IN.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears y aintenance Agreement is avail
able on this product. Contact your nearest
Sears store for details.
GASOLINE CAPACITY:
OIL{APi-SF/SG/SH):
(CAPACITY: 20 oz.)
SPARK PLUG :
(GAP: .030")
Congratulations on your purchase of a
Craftsman Tiller, ft has been designed, en
gineered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and perform
ance.
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 rejsair 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 cor
rect tools as necessary to insure proper
tightness.
4 Quarts
Unleaded Regular
SAE30
(Above 32“F)
SAE5W-30
(Below 32°F)
Champion RJ19LM
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 “Stor
age” 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 forestcovered, 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 main
tained 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.
ACCESSORIES
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also avail
able at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order
repair parts for you when you provide the mode! number of your tiller.
ENGINE
SPARKPLUG
1
TILLER PERFORMANCE
TILLER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLER
t®
BELT
AIR FILTER
TINES
CASCAN
CT
SHEAR PIN
C0
ENGINE OIL
ê è
STABILIZER
HAIRPIN CUP
r
ASSEMBLY
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 gauge
(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
1
. '......
1
RIGHT
i\
OPERATOR’S
POSITION
UNPACKING CARTON
¿CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta
ples when handling or disposing of carton
ing 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 from handle
assembly.
® Separate shift rod from handle assem
bly.
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
-Handle Assembly
f Handle Assembly
Position
Tighten handle lock
lever to hold
Loosen Handle Lock
Lever to Move
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 eas
ier adjustment.
Place flat washer on threaded end of
handle lock lever.
Insert handle lock lever through handle
base and gearcase. 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 posi
tion and securely tighten handle lock
lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest position wifi
make it easier to connect shift rod.
Handle Lock
Gearcase
Fiat Washer
Handle Lock
ever
Gearcase Notch
Handle Lock
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 bolt first, with head of bolt
on LH. side of tiller and loosely assem
ble locknut.
Rear Cartridge
Bolt
-5®
Pivot Bolt
.ocknut
Handle Base
INSERT CABLE CUP
® insert plastic cable clip into hole on the
back of handle column. Push cables
into 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.
® Insert other end of shift rod into hole in
shift lever.
» Insert second hairpin clip through hole of
shift rod.
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
® Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi
tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened
securely.
® Make sure shift lever indicator is in “N"
(neutral) position.
-o Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.
Separate cardboard cover from leveling
shield.
® Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull
tiller out of carton,
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinfiated at
the factory for shipping purposes. Correct
and equal tire pressure Is important for
best tilling performance.
» Reduce tire pressure to 20 PS I.
HANDLE HEIGHT
® Handle height may be adjusted to better
suit operator. (See ‘TO ADJUST HAN
DLE HEIGHT’ in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual).
Attach this end to shift lever
Attach this End To shift
Lever Indicator
Shift Rod Hairpin Clip
V
Shift Rod
Shift Lever
indicator
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
|FNKA@©-fe
TILL1NS FOiWARD NEl/TRAL REVERSE CAUTiON ENGINE ENGINE FAST
KNOW YOUR TILLER
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 vari
ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
OR WARNING ON OFF
SLOW
CHOKE FUa OIL Vte*/
STOP I I
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage
lines.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which
tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to pro
tect small plants from being buried.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used lo control
engine speed.,
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission
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 the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
I
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
Know how to operate ail controls before
adding fuel and oil or attempting to start
engine.
STOPPING
TINES AND DRIVE
® Release drive control bar to stop move
ment.
3 Move shift lever to “N” (neutral) position.
STOPPING 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
“ENGAGED” Position k s Shift Lever
Drive Control Bar
“DISENGAGED”
Position
Throttle Contrdt
TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL
DRIVE
e Always release drive control bar before
moving shift lever into another position.
« Tine movement is achieved by moving
shift lever to ( Ш } 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.
REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY^INES
STOPPED
* DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND
TILLER.
» Release the drive control bar,
» Move throttle control to “SLOW” posi
tion,
«I Move shift lever indicator to “R”
(reverse) position.
e Hold drive control bar against the handle
to start tiller movement.
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake can be raised or lowered
to allow you more versatile tilling and culti
vating, or to more easily transport your
tiller.
Shallowest Tilling
(Cultivating)
Deepest Tilling
Depth Stake
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 con
trol 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
Transport Position
TURNiNQ
“ Release the drive control bar.
o Move throttle control to “SLOW” posi
tion.
o Place shift lever indicator In “P (forward)
position. Tines will not turn,
o Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
° Swing the handle in the opposite direc
tion 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 de
sired 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 shal
low tilling to protect smali plants from
being buried. Loosen nut “A” in slot and
nut “B”. Move shield to desired position
(both sides). Retighten nuts.
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,
o Engine oil should be to point of overflow
ing when engine is level. For approxi
mate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECI
FICATIONS" 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 Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual),
o To change engine oil, see the Customer
Responsibilities section in this manual.
TO TRANSPORT
AcaUTION: Before lifting or transport
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gaso
line 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 posi
tion. This prevents tines from scuffing
the ground.
o 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 fuel tank.
® 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 con
tainers. use clean fill funnels.
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.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alco
hol 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 dam
age the fuel system of an engine while in
storage.
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 addition
al information. Never use engine or carbu
retor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
To avoid engine problems, the
10
A.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 disap
peared.
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 and access cover is com
pletely closed to create proper seal.
® Move shift lever indicator to “N" (neutral)
position.
<* Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
® Turn fuel shut-off valve to “ON” position.
» Push stop switch to “ON" 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 compression
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.
Choke Control
Starter
Handle
To Open;
1/4 Turn
Counter
Clockwise'
Fuel shut-off Valve
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.
Stop
Switch
NOTE: A warm engine requires less chok
ing to start.
® Move throttle control to desired running
position,
« Allow engine to wann up for a few min
utes before engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or
in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the car
buretor 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 trou
bleshooting points.
TILLING HINTS
AcaUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position (mid-way
between “FASF and “IDLE”).
® Tilling is digging into, turning over, and
breaking up packed soil before planting.
Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth.
Best titling 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.
Depending 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.
® Sol! 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 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 unfilled 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.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes
weight off the wheels and reduces trac
tion.
11
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