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 before operating this equipment

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

cr ^ S ^^		TABLE OF CONTENTS
		2	Service and Adjustments		1
Sa^tySulei,.S„„**.............................................
;WSflr£®.....|4-...................................................		2	Storage........................................................		1
jproduct Spelifieations .....................................		4	Troubleshooting............................................		2
tmb|f *...............	i.....................................	5	Illustrated Parts List......................................		4
..................jpaatiA^	.....................................L	8	...............................Parts Ordering		Back Cove
1ai|len|n^"..............	1...................................	13

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

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:	6.0 HP
DISPLACEMENT:	13.53 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY:	3 Quarts
	Unleaded Regular
0IL(AP1-SF/SG/SH):	SAE30
(CAPACITY; 19 oz.)	(Above 40®F)
	SAE5W-3(yi0W-30
	(Below AO^F)
SPARKPLUG:	Champion RJ19LM
(GAP; .030”)	ORJ19LM

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 ’

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	‘

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TIU.ERPERFORMANCE

FUnnOWOPENER

mxERMAINTENANCE

BELT

UNES

SHEAR pm

HAIRPIN CUP

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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).

FRONT

LEFT

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

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.

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 Rat Washer

	Gearcase	andle Lock
		Lever>

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

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	OfF	SLOW	l\l i
	ORWAfWiNQ ON

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.

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					DEPTH STAKE
	Know	how	to operate	all controls	before	The depth stake can be raised or lowered
						to allow you more versatile tilling and culti­
	adding	fuel	and oil or	attempting	to start
						vating, or to more easily transport your
	engine.
						tiller.
	STOPPING
	TINES AND DRIVE					Shallowest Tilling	Transport Position
	• Release drive control bar to stop move­					(Cultivating)
	ment.

•Move shift lever to “N” (neutral) position.

	ENGINE		Deeptest Tilling
	• Move throttle control to “STOP” position.
	If equipped with stop switch, move
	switch to “STOP” position.		Depth Stake
	• Never use choke to stop engine.
	Drive Control Bar
	“ENGAGED" Position ^	^ Shift Lever	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.
	Drive Control I		• Place shift lever indicator in till position.
	“DISENGAGED"		• Hold the drive control bar against the
	Position		handle to start tilling movement. Tines
	Throttle ContrSh		and wheels will both turn.
	TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL		• Move throttle control to “FAST” position
			for deep tilling. To cultivate, throttle con­
	DRIVE		trol can be set at any desired speed,
	• Always release drive control bar before		depending on how fast or slow you wish
	moving shift lever into another position.		to cultivate.
	• Tine movement is achieved by moving		IMPORTANT: Always release drive control
	shift lever to ( a ) till position and		bar before moving shift lever into another
	engaging drive control bar.		position.
	FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES		Depth Stake Pin
	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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10

i^CAUTION: Fill to within V2inch 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

Rewind starter

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.

11