Craftsman 917293311 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

I:RRFTXMRN"

6.0 HP 17 INCH TINE WIDTH

REAR TINE WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINE_

TILLER

Model No.

917.293311

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

For answers to your questions

about thisproduct, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Sears Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pro, Mon - Sat

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II60179

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

S_"_yL,_ul_s.........................................2

W a@.........:......................................2

Pr0(_uc[- Specifications ..:........................ 4

Asserd_ly ,,_,. * _

Operat_nMainten....................._ .:'"", .................. f 83

For two (2) lubricated, arid t'

the owner's ship.

This Warranty does _ot oh."ver:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.

• Repairs necessary bedause of operator abuse or negligence, including bent

crankshafts and the faifure:to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained 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 neares'

Sears service center/department m the United States. This warranty applies only whi this product is in use in the United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights whi

vary from state to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, |L 60179

,., ........ H,.,'.....o,,. ...... ,*. ...... • 5

:_RANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

da_e o! purchase, when thns Craftsman Tiller is maintained,

acc(_rdlng to the operating and maintenance instructions in

wan repair free of charge any defect in material or workm_

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

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

Troubleshooting ................................ ;

Illustrated Parts List .......................... z

Parts Ordering ...................... Back Coy

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is

capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe

the following safety instructions could

result in serious injury or death.

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 disen- gage the controls quickly.

• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never allow adults to

operate 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 fore=gn objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before starting the engine (motor).

• Do not operate the equipment withoul wearing adequate outer garments.

Wear footwear that will improve footm on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; ntis highly flammable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine ol

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

units wuth electric dnve motors or electric starting motors.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments • while the engine (motor) is running

(except where specifically recommend- •

ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when

operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or reads. Stay alert for hidden

hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen- gers.

• Affer 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 operat- ing the tiller.

• Exemise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• If the unit should start to vibrate

abnormally, 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

leaving the machine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral,

and stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect- ing, 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 protec-

tive 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

visibility 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 intervals 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

period.

Al_.Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOMEAWARE!!! YOU R SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

ACAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making repairs. _:_WARNING: The engine exhuast from

this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 3 QUARTS

CAPACITY: UNLEADED

REGULAR

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

3APACITY: 19 OZ.) (ABOVE 40°F)

SAE5W-30/10W-30 (BELOW 40°F)

SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION

GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR

J19LM

Congratulations on your purchase of a Craftsman Tiller. It has been designed,

engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance. 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 purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your

tiller all parts and hardware you as-

semble must be tightened securely. Use

the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available 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

of this Owner's Manual.

_kWARNING: This unit is equipped with

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

unimproved forest-covered, 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 maintained 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 available 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

_LLERPERFORMANC

FURROW OPENER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TIMES SHEAR pin HAIRPIN CLIP

Yournewtiller hasbeen assembled at the

factory with exception of those parts left

unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble

must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure

proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife (1) Wire cutter

(1) Tire pressure gauge (1) Screwdriver (1) Pair of pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the

operating position (standing behind tiller handles).

LEFT

front

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Carriage Bolt 3/8-16 UNC x I Gr. 5

(1) Hairpin Clips I (_) _

_ , (1) Flat Washer

°1 0

(2) Shear Pins & Clips

13/32 x 1 xll Ga.

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Cable Clip

(1) Pivot Bolt

3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

(1) Handle Lock Lever

UNPACKING CARTON

_kCAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples when handling or disposing of

cartoning 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 geamase 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

bly

"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 easier 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 po-

sition and securely tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving handle assembly in highest position

will make it easier to connect shift rod.

Flat Washer Handle Lock

Handle Lock Lever

Gearcase Notch

Handle Lock

• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up" position. Be sure handle lock remains

in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position.

• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert

rear carriage bolt first, with head of bolt

on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assemble Iocknut.

Slot

Rear Cartridge

Locknut.F_ PivotBolt

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

Shift Rod

Hairpin

Shift Lever Indicator

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 with bend of clip on right

side.

[J"'_-Attach this End To shift Shift Rod

Lever Indicator

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Adjust handle assemby to lowest posi-

tion. Be sure lock lever is tightened se- curely.

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"

(neutral) position.

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard cover from level-

ing shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of carton.

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 bet-

ter suit operator. (See "TO ADJUST

HANDLE 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.

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

TILLER.

Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of

various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

Control

Shift Lever

Drive Control Bar

Depth

Leveling

Outer Side Shield

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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 protect small plants from being buried.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed.

Shift Lever Indicator

Recoil

Starter Handle

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmissior gears.

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

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to

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 movement.

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

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" posi- tion. If equipped with stop switch, move

switch to "STOP" position.

• Never usa choke to stop engine.

Drive Control Bar

"ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever

• Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller movement.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

• Briefly engage drive control bar and release or rock tiller forward and

backward until are able to shift gears.

DEPTH STAKE

The depth stake can be raised or Iowere_ to allow you more versatile tilling and

cultivating, or to more easily transport

your tiller.

Shallowest'Filling .._ (Cultivating) '_" Transport Position

Deeptest Tilling_

Depth Stake

Ddve Control Bar

"DISENGAGED"

Position

Throttle Control

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another posi-

tion.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to (_) till position and

engaging drive control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES

STOPPED

• Release ddve 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"

position.

• Move shift lever indicator to "R"

(reverse) position,

TILUNG

• 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 control 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 "RELEASED" Position

- \

=Locked"

Position

Shield

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to "SLOW"

position.

• 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 direction 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 desired 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

shallow tilling to protect small plants from

being buried. Loosen nut =A" in slot and nut "S". Move shield to desired position (both sides). Retighten nuts.

TO TRANSPORT

_I_CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain

gasoline 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 position. This prevents tines from scuffing the 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.

• 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

containers, use clean fill funnels.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the factory, already fUle¢

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 overlowing when engine is level. For

approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this

manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Servic_ Classification SF, SG or SH.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten

• For cold weather operation you shouIc change oil for easier starting (See oil

viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Mainte- nance section in this manual.

Oil Fill

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. (Use of leaded

gasoline will increase carbon and leac oxide deposits and reduce valve life.

IMPORTANT: When operating in tem-

peratures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh, clean, winter grade gasoline to help

insure good cold weather starting.

• 1,WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol 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 damage 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 fue

next season. See Storage section of thL,

manual for additional information. Neve_

use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-

ucts in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

_I_CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top

of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is acciden-

tally spilled, move machine away from

area of spill. Avoid creating any source of

ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared. Do net 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

ISENGAGED" 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 propedy

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 choking to start.

Fuel shut-off Choke controls

• Move throttle control to desired runnin! position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few

minutes before engaging tines.

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

carburetor 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

troubleshooting points.

TILLING HINTS

_kCAUTION: Until you are accustomed t 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 un- wanted vegetation. The decomposition

of this vegetable matter enriches the

soil. Depending on the climate (rainfal and wind), it may be advisable to till th_ soil at the end of the growing season to

further 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 handlin!

of your tiller. Hard soil should be

moistened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil i.,

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 t( 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

traction. To get through a really tough section of sod or hard ground, apply

upward pressure on handle or lower

the depth stake.

+ 25 hidden pages

Craftsman 917293311 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual