Craftsman 917.29331 User Manual

Owner's Manual

[RAFTSMAN+

6.0 HP 17 INCH TINE WIDTH

REAR TINE WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No

917.293310

• Safety _

• Assembly /_

• Operation I(_._

'"°n enonce/

• Espanol _

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Readand followall

Safety Rulesand Instructions

101eforeoperatingthisequipment

_ears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Service and Adjustments ...................... 1

i.._: .................................... 2

.,....._...,.............,4

................................... 5

J CRAFTSMAI_ TILLER

purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubr

tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the

Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanshiF

r does not cover:

items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plug.,

belts.

because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

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 pumhase.

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

Storage ................................................. 1

Troubleshooting .................................... 2

!llustratad Parts List .............................. 4

Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cov_

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 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 outergarments. Wea, footwear that will improve footing on slipperysurfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; itis highlyflam-

mable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never addfuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fillfuel tank outdoorswith extreme care Never fillfuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilledfuel before restarting.

• Use extensioncords and receptacles as specifiedby the manufacturer for all

unitswith electricdrivemotors or electri_ startingmotors.

• Never attemptto make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifically recommend- ed by manufacturer).

)PERATION

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 waming of trouble r

Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating position.

Take all possible precautions when leav-

ing the machine unattended. D,isengage

the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the

engine. 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.

Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are dangerous.

Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.

Keep children and pets away. :

Do not overload the machine capacity

by attempting to till too deep at too fast a

rate.

Never operate the machine at high

speeds on slippery surfaces. Look

behind and use care when backing.

Never allow bystanders near the unit.

Use only attachments and accessories

approved by the manufacturer of the

tiller.

Never operate the tiller without good vis- ibility 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 accessodes 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 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

_pedod.

CAUTION: 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 Califomia to cause cancer, birth defectd, or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6.0 HP

)ISPLACEMENT: 13.53 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30

(Above 40°F)

CAPACITY: 19 oz.) SAE5W-30/IOW-3

(Below40°F)

SPARK PLUG : Champion RJ19LM

GAP: .030") OR J19LM

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 maintainyour 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- reacttools as necessary to insure proper

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail- able onthis product. Contact your nearest

Sears storefor details.

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 "Maintenance" and =Storage" sections!

this Owner's Manual.

A, WARNING: This unit is equipped wk

an internal combustion engine and shou not be used on or near any unimproved

forest-covered, brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaus system is equipped with a spark arrestet

meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it shoul be maintained in effective working order

the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the

California Public Resources Code), Oth states may have similar laws, Federal

laws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spa arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts secti_ 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

[epair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.

ENGINE " -

SPARK PLUG MUffLER JJR FILTER GAS CAN 'ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

TILLER PERFORMANCE

TILLER MAINTENANCE

Your new tiller has been assembled at the

factorywithexception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To

ensure safe and proper operation of your tillerall pads and hardware you assemble must be tightenedsecurely. Use the cor-

recttoolsas necessary to insureproper

tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY A socketwrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) Utilityknife

(1) Wire cutter

(1) Tire pressuregauge

(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

//IIIIII/Y

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1Gr. 5

(2) Hairpin Clips i _ _ ]__

(1) Flat Washer

(_ . 13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

Extra Shear Pins & Clips (1) Handle Lock Lever

°I ©

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Cable Clip

(13/)8.P_NB_lt rade 5

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.

Shift Rod

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

::nca_':A_:::bly

/ Handle Lock

Loosen Handle Lock Lever to Move

• Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and tighten.

• Cut down remaining comers 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 Flat Washer

Gearcase

Slot \

Rear Cadddge

• 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 o-n L.H. side of tiller and loosely assem-

ble Iocknut.

22.

Pivot Bolt

Handle Base

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.

• Insert other end of shift rod into hole in shift lever.

• Insert second hairpin clip through hole of

shift rod with bend of clip on right side.

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.

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.

Separate cardboard cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull

tiller out of carton.

Attach this end to shiftlever -..-......_._..._

_-.-Attach this End To shift _ Shift Rod

Lever Indicator

Shift Lever

• Hairpin ;lip Indicator

Shift ROd

CHECK 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.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI. 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).

Thesesymbols mayappearonyourTillerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththe product,

Learnandunder'standtheirmeaning.

FNR& o

TILI*b_ FC_NARD NE_ REVERSE P.J,t.m_l

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.

Drive Control Bar

CRWNqI_G ON OFF

Throttle Control

Leveling

Recoil

Starter

Outer Side Shield

Handle

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

_Our tillers conform to the safety standards ofthe Amedcan National Standards Institute,

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage

tines.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which

tiller will dig. OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustab!e to pro-

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

engine speed.

LEVEUNG SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmissi-- gears.

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows wh gear the transmission is in.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used

start the 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 controlsbefore

adding fuel and oil or attemptingto start engine.

STOPPING

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop move- ment.

• Move shift lever to =N" (neutral) position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOW' position.

if equipped with stop switch, move

switch to "STOP" position.

• Never use choke to stop engine. Drive Control Bar "ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever

Bar

=DISENGAGED"

Position

Throttle

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before

moving shift lever into another position.

• "13nemovement 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.

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.

• 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'nlling (Cultivating)

Deeptest "1311ing

Depth Stake

"_"Transport Position

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

"Locked"

Nut "B"

Outer Side Shield

Position

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• IViove throttle control to "SLOW" posi-

tion.

• Place shift lever indicator in =P (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.

• When you have completed your turn- around, release the ddve control bar and

lower handle. Place shift lever in till position and move throttle control to de-

sired speed. To begin tilling, hold ddve 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.

TO TRANSPORT _.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

the ground.

• Place shift lever indicator in "P (forward)

position for transporting.

• Hold the drive control bar against the

handle to start tiller movement. Tines

_vill 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.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

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

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 overlow-

• ing when engine is level. For approxi-

mate capacity see =PRODUCT SPECI-

FICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual.

All oil must meet A.RI. Service Classification SF, SG or SH.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten

• 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.

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 be!ow 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean, winter gPade 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

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.

_CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow

for fuel expansion, if gasoline is accideno 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

,_.CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in

=DISENGAGED" position when starting en- gwine.

hen 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.

• Move shift lever indicator to_'N" (neutral)

position.

• Place throttle control in =FAST" position.

• Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 turn to OPEN

position. ,,

• Move choke control to 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.

• 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 chok- ing to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running positiom

• Allow engine to warm up for a few min-

utes before engaging tines.

Fuel shut-off Choke controls

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 40°F), the carbu-

retor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine perfomrance. See "1"O

ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

NOTE: If engine does not start, see trou- bleshooting points.

TILLING HINTS

_,CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle inslow 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". Atiller 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.

• 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 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 untilled between passes.

Then go back between tilled rows.There

are two reasons for doing this. First,

wide turns are much easier to negotiate

than about-faces. Second, the tiller

won't be pulling itself, and you, toward

the row next to it.

• 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 upward

pressure on handle or lower the depth

stake.

Rewind start_

+ 25 hidden pages

Craftsman 917.29331 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual