Craftsman 917.293310 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

tRRFTSMRH'

6 0 HP

17 INCH TINE WIDTH REAR TINE WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No.

917.293310

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Español

• Repair Parts

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CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

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before operating this equipment

gears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, iL 60179

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Service and Adjustments Storage

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

Illustrated Parts List

Parts Ordering...............................Back Cove

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WARRANTY

ECITWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

o years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Ttller Is maintained, lubr

I, arid tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the

r’s manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship

i/ar^anty does not cover:

)endable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugi

^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, IL 60179

1 1

SAFETY RULES

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 ailow 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. Weai 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 all units with electric drive motors or electri* starting motors.

Never attempt to 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 tilier.

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. Take all possible precautions when leav ing the machine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine. t

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 tilier.

Never operate the tilier 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

accessories in safe working condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting

bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter vals for prqper 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 coot before

storing in any enclosure. :

• Always refer to the operator’s guide

instructions for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.

A.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 I

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

HORSEPOWER: DISPLACEMENT:

GASOLINE CAPACITY:

0IL(AP1-SF/SG/SH): SAE30 (CAPACITY; 19 oz.)

SPARKPLUG: (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 sen/ice or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES’^ Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your

tiller all parts and hardware you assemble rriust be tightened securely. Use the cor

rect toots as necessary to insure proper

tinhtness ’

6.0 HP

13.53 CU. IN.

3 Quarts Unleaded Regular

(Above 40®F) SAE5W-3(yi0W-30

(Below AO^F)

Champion RJ19LM ORJ19LM

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail able on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for 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.

^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 shout

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). 0th states rnay have similar laws. Federal taws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spa arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts sect« 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 model number of your tiller.

ENGINE ‘

TIU.ER PERFORMANCE

FUnnOW OPENER

mxER maintenance

BELT

UNES

SHEAR pm

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HAIRPIN CUP

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 cor

rect 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

RIGHT

OPERATOR’S POSITION

UNPACKING CARTON

AcAUTION: 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

' Tighten handle lock

V'. 'lever to hold

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 Gust 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 wilt make it easier to connect shift rod.

Handle Lock

Gearcase

Rat Washer

andle Lock

Lever>

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 L.H. side of tiller and loosely assem ble locknut.

Pivot Bolt

Handle Base

INSERT CABLE CLIP

• 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 dip 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 fonvard 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 shift lever

Attach this End To shift Shift Rod

Lever indicator

Uatmir. i'lin Lever

■ Hairpin pp 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).

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your Tllter or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

|FNRA§©-i*

TlLUHa FOAWARO NEUTRAL REVERSE CAURON 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.

ORWAfWiNQ ON OfF

l\l i

SLOW

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

tiller will dig.

OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to pro tect small plants from being buried.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed. .

LEVELING 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 controls before

adding fuel and oil or attempting to 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 “STOP” position. If equipped with stop switch, move switch to “STOP” position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

Drive Control Bar

“ENGAGED" Position ^ ^ Shift Lever

Drive Control

“DISENGAGED"

Position

Throttle ContrSh

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before

moving shift lever into another position.

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

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift

lever indicator to “P (fonvard) position. Engage drive control bar and tiller will move fonward.

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 Tilling (Cultivating)

Deeptest 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

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to “SLOW” posi tion.

• Place shift lever indicator in “P (fonward)

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 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 towered 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). Retighlen 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 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.P.I. 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.

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.

• Place shift lever indicator in “P* (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.

Oil RII

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 befow 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

fuel system should be emptied before

storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tanki 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.

i^CAUTION: Fill to within V2 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, spilt or use gasoline

near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

A.CAUT10N: Keep drive control bar in

“DISENGAGED* position when starting en

gine.

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. ’

• 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: A warm engine requires less chok

ing to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running

positiorh

• Allow engine to warm up for a few min utes before engaging tines.

Fueî shut-off Choke cxxitrols

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 “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 “FASr 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 soli.

• 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 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. To get through a really tough sec tion of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure on handle or lower the depth stake.

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