Craftsman 917.293301 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

KSliiir;';

5 5 HP

17 INCH TINE WIDTH REAR TINE WITH COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No.

917.293301

This product has a low emission engine which operates differ

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

ently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Pamial

For answers to your questions about this product, Call:

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment -^sàt Sears, Roebuck and Co,, Hoffman Estates, !L 60179

1-800-659-5917

Warranty*.

Safety Rules.,...

...........

Product Specifications Assembly Operation

.......

........

...............

Maintenance.,.............

.......

Service and Adjustments

..........

.....

...A

........5

..3&8

.„.„13

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

Troubleshooting

....................................

Illustrated Paris List Parts Ordering

....

......

............ 15

.................................

......................

.......

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, tubrh cated, 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: a 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, !L 60179

..22

Back Cover

SAFET

TRAI NING

® 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.

o Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, particularly small children, and pats,

PREPA RA TION

» Thoroughly inspect the area where the

equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.

» Disengage ail dutches arrd shift into

neutral before stailing Ihe engine (mo tor).

’V-S-

® 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. e 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 adjustments

while the engine (motor) is running

(except where specifically recommend

ed by manufacturer).

OPEBATiON ® 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 tier for any damage, and repair the

damage before restarting and operating the tiller.

» Exercise caution to avoid slipping or

falling.

a 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 spark 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. a Do not overload the machine capacity

by attempting to till too deep at too fast a

rate.

a Never operate the machine at high

speeds on slippery surfaces. Look

behind and use care when backing.

a Never allow bystanders near the unit. a Use only attachments and accessories

approved by the manufacturer of the

tiller.

a Never operate the tiller without good vis

ibility or light.

a Be careful when tilling in hard ground.

The tines may catch in the ground and

propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,

iet go of the handlebars and do not

restrain the machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE a Keep machine, attachments, and

accessories in safe working condition,

a 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,

a 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,

a 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 chemtcais known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defectd, or other reproductive harm.

¡PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.5 HP

DiSPLACEM ENT:

13 CU. IN.

MAINT EMÂ NC E AG REE MEN T

A Sears Mairrtenance Agreement is avail able on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 4 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL(API-SF/SQ/SH);

SAE 30

(Above 32°F)

(CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30

(Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG :

Champion RJ19LM

(GAP: .030")

Congratulations on your purchase of a Craftsman Tiller. It 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 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 pugioses. 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.

CUST OME R RE SPO NSIB lU TiE S

® Read and observe the safety rules. » Follow a regular schedule in maintain

ing, caririg for and using your tiller.

° Follow the instructions under the

“Customer Responsibifitles” 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.

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 model number of your tiller.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUÎ3

MUFFLER

TltLER PERFOflMANCE

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT

AiR FILTER

TINES

GAS CAN ENGINE OIL

SHEAR PIN

STABILIZER

HAIRPIN CUP

i iiTin' * ■* i’J “ I li *'^'**«j?irt^''iiK ■»--”

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 fiEOUiRED 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

I yy y.yy

L.iZr^ I

FRONT

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller handles).

OPERATOR’S

POSITION

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Carriage Bolt 3/8-16 UNC

U-16UNCx1Gr.5 (1) cable Clip

(2) Hairpin Clips

Î (1) Flat Washer

Extra Shear Pins &. Clips

(1) Center Locknut

■■

u—.

(1) Pivot Bolt 3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

13/32 X 1 X11 Ga.

(1) Handle Lock Lever

UMPÂ CKÎ NG CAR TON

AcAUTION*. Be careful of exposed sta

ples when handling or disposing of carton

ing materiaL !MPORTANT:When unpacking and assembling tiller, be careful not to stretch

or kink cables.

o While holding handle assembly, cut

cable ties securing handle assembly to top frame. Let handle assembly rest on

tiller.

e 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 materia! from handle

assembly.

® Separate shift rod from handle assem

bly.

INSTA LL HAN DLE

» 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.)

Handle Assembly °UP° 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 will make it easier to connect shift rod.

Handle Lock

Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up” position. Be sure fiandle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly

irfto position. Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assem

ble locknut

IMSERT CABLE CUP » Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the

back of handle column. Push cables into clip.

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

o Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend

into hole of shift lever indicator,

a Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift

rod to secure.

a Insert other end of shift rod into hole in

shift lever. a insert second hairpin clip through hole of shift rod.

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE a Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi

tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened

CPf'Eirpiy

a Make sure shift lever Indicator is in “N”

(neutral) position.

a Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.

Separate cardboard cover from leveling shield.

a Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull

tiller out of carton.

CHECii TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is important for best tilling performance. a Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.

HANDLE HEIGHT a Handle height may be adjusted to better

suit operator. (See “TO ADJUST HAN

DLE HEIGHT in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual).

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

Learn and understand their meaning.

iFMB^©e

■niilNQ fOfiWAM) MEUTWL BEVERS6 CAWiON BtölMS EWINE FAST

KNOW VOUR 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.

CSRWAHNMa « OFF

SÌ.OW CHOKE FUa OIL

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

tier will dig.

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil. OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to pro

tect small plants from being buried. THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

erìgine 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 o.f any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Aiways wear safely 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.

iOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

(now how to operate all controls before idding fuel and oil or attempting to start mgine.

STOPPING

1NES AND DRIVE

Release drive control bar to stop move ment. Move shift lever to “N" (neutral) position.

iTOPPING ENGINE

Move throttle control to “STOP" position. If equipped with stop switch, move switch to “STOP” position. Never use choke to stop engine.

)rive Control Bar ENGAGED" Position ^ ^ Shift Lever

)rtve Control Bar DISENGAGED"

Position

Throttle Contrdf

1NE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL iRIVE

Aiways release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position. Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to{ n ) till position and engaging drive control bar.

-ORWARD ■ WHEELS ONLY/TINES iTOPPED

Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator to “F” (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and tiller will move forward,

IEVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES iTOPPED

DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND

{ I Im* III« lim>i i In

Release the drive control bar. Move throttle control to “SLOW" posi tion. Move shift lever indicator to “R” (reverse) position. 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

Transport Position

TILLING o Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth

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

stake to lock in position. 9 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,

a Move throttle control to “FAST position

for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle con trol cart 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

immuQ

* Release the drive control bar. ® Move throttle control to “SLOW” posi

tion.

® 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 direc

tion you wish to turn, being careful to

keep feet and legs away from tines,

a When you have completed your turn

around, release the drive control bar and

lower handle. Piace 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 small 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.

® 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).

® To change engine oil, see the Customer

Responsibilities section in this manual.

TO TR ANS POR T

A.CAUTION: 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 tfie 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.

a Move throttle control to desired speed. AROUND TOWN

® Disconnect spark plug wire. ® Drain fuel tank. ® Trarrsport in upright position to prevent

or! leakage.

BEFOR E S TART IN G E NGI NE

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. To avoid engine problems, the foel 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 pext 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.

^CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion, if gasoline is accident 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. a 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. Pul! 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:

1/4Turrr

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.

o Allow engine to warm 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 ti

handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position (mid-way between “FAST’ and “IDLE"). ® 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. 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,

a 3Qjj 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 “ba!i-up” or clump during till

ing. Wait until the soil is less wet in orde 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. Then 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.

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