Craftsman 917.29332 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN

65 HP

19 INCH TINE WIDTH REAR TINE WITH

DUAL ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No.

917.293320

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Warranty ............................. ;................... 2

Safety Rules ..................... :..................... 2

Product Specifications .......................... 4

Assembly ........................... _.................... 5

Operation ......................................... 3 & 8

Maintenance .................................. _...... 13

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubri-

cated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the

owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

This Warranty does not cover:

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

• Repairs necessary because of opbrator 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 onlythirty (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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

Service and Adjustments ...................... 15

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

Troubleshooting .................................... 20

Illustrated Parts List .............................. 42

Parts Ordering ....................... Back Cover

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, particulady small children, and

pets. ,,

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the 6quipment 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. Wear footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam- mable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and

clean up spilled fuel before restarting.

• _Jse extension cords and receptacles as specified by the manufacturer for all

units with electdc drive motors or electric starting motors.

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

(except where specifically recommend- ed by manufacturer).

OPERATION

• 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 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.

• 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 (such as wheel weights, counter- weights, cabs, and the like).

• 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

accessories 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 _,nk 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 peri-

od.

_.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 California to cause cancer, birth defects, or

other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

-IORSEPOWER: 6.5.HP

1 !

)ISPLACEMENT: 12.48 CU. IN.

(266CO)

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quads

Unleaded Regular

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

(Above 40°F)

CAPACITY: 19 oz.) SAE5W-30/10W-30

(Below 40°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-

ante.

Should you experience any problem_ 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 correcttools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is avail-

able on this product. Contactyour 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 "Customer Responsibilities" and "Stor-

age" sections of this Owner's Manual.

WARNING: This unit is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not

be used on or near any unimproved forest- covered, brush-covered or grass covered

land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrcster meeting

applicable local or state laws (if any). If a

spark arrester is used, it should be main-

tained in effective working order by the

operator.

In the state of California the above is

required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other

states may have similar laws. Federal

laws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark

arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts section of this manual for part number.

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also avail- able at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order

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

ENGINE

TILLER PERFORMANCE

FUR_ENER I

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES SHE_R pIN HAIRPIN CLIP

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to insure proper tightness. TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly

easier. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) Utility knife

(1) Wire cutter (t) 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 whenyou are in the operating position (standing behind

tiller handles).

LEFT

FRONT

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

CONTENTSOF HARDWARE PACK

/IIIIIII/Y

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Carriage Bolt ,

3/8-16 UNC x I Gr. 5

121Ha,_,nc,,pst L ) )

_J"3/32x 1 x 11 Ga. '

°1 O

Extra Shear Pins & Clips

(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

_,CAUTION: Be careful of.exposed sta-

ples when handling or disposing of carton- ing material.

IMPORTANT:When unpacl_ing 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

Handle Assembly

rcase Notch

Handle Lock

,IW. ,_=,,_ --Hand e Assembly

f %..:,.>.,;_ .,,,J UP Position

_'_'_"J_'.,_'*.:.',,o Tighten handle lock

toho,°

Lever to Move . _"_--d_

Loosen Handle_Lock'_'__

• 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 car,iage 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

Gearcase

Slot

Rear Cartddge Bolt

Flat Washer

Handle Lock

• G_asp 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 cardage bolt first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assem-

ble Iocknut.

Handle Base

Pivot Bolt

Locknut"

INSERTCABLECLIP

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle column. Push cables

into clip.

Handle Column

Attach this end to shiftlever

_"_Attach this EndTo shi" _ Shift Rod

Lever indicator

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 rinht 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 dght and pull

tiller out of carton.

Hairpin Clip Shift Lever

Shift Rod

Shift Lever

ndicator

Shift.od\ Lk

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).

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

Learn and understand their meaning.

TILLINO TILLING FOI_WARD NEUTRAL REVERSE ORWA_I_tG' ON OFF

CAUTION ENGIN_ ENGINE

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 vari-

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

Drive ControlBar

:Lever

Shift Lever Indicator

Dra!

Depth

Leveling

Recoil Starter

Outer Side Shield

Handle

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conformto the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage

tines.

DEPTH STAKE - Cont!_ols depth at which

tiller will dig.

OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to pro- tect small plants from being buried. THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engir, e speed.

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears.

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

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

DRAG STAKE - Controls forward speed. In forward rotating till mode.

Theoperationofany 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 tilhng. We recommend a wide

vision safety maskover spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER Know how to operate all controls before

add!ng 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- _..--::;/_ ._n=nr

D,ve

"DISENGAGED" _ "_ _'_\

ShallowestTilling

""" Transport

Position

Deepest Tilling .------

Depth Stake _-_

DRAG STAKE

The drag stake should be raised when till-

ing in the counter rotating (_)till position. The drag stake should be lowered when

tilling in the forward rotating (_)till position.

Lowered_

-.--........._

Raised

Position T_r_t_loe; _. _ 1

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position.

• "line movement is achieved by moving shift lever to either the counter rotating

(_;) till position or the forward rotating (_) till position and engaging drive con-

trol bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES

STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator to "F" (forward) .p,osition.

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 ddve 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.

TILLING

• Use the counter rotating tine drive when

tilling hard or rockey soil, virgin ground,

or sod.

the depth stake up for increased tilling depth. Raise the drag stake. Place prop-

er pin in hole of depth stake or drag

i elease depth and drag stake pins. Pull

stake to lock in position. Place shift lever indicator in counter

rotating till position.

• Holplthe 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,

IMPORTANT: Always release drive control bar before moving shift lever into another position.

Nut

=B"

Outer / =RELEASED"

Side Shield "A". Position

=Locked" Position

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to =SLOW" posi-

tion.

• Place shift lever indicator in "F_ (forward)

position. Tines will not turn.

: Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.

Swing the handle in the opposite direc-

tion you wish to turn, bein'g careful to

keep feet and legs away from tines.

• Whenyou 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.

CULTIVATING

• Use the forward rotating tins drive.when

cultivating, tilling soft ground or tilling

pre-tilled soil.

• Release depth and drag stake pins.

Lower drag stake. Pull the depth §take up for increased tilling depth. Place

proper pin in hole of depth stake or drag stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in forward

rotating 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.

• Always lower the drag stake when using the forward rotating tins drive.

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 =l_". 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 s_takepin. Move the dr.pth 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 '.;hi_ 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 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.

ADD GASOLINE

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

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

IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera- tures below 40°F (4°C), use fresh, clean,

winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

WARNING:Experienceindicatesthat alco- h01blendedfuels(calledgasoholor using

ethanolormethanol)canattractmoisture whichleadsto separationandformation 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 P_rcmanent damage may occur.

AUTION: 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 disap-

peared.

o not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE ._,CAUTION: 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. Pul/rope out slowly until engine

reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

Fuel shut-off Choke controls

Rewind start_

pep

• 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 starting.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few min-

utes before engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 40°F), the carbu- retor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted

for best engine pertomrance. See 'q-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 thro_le in slow positio.n.(mid-way

between FAST" and "IDLE ).

• Tilling is digging into. turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting.

Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6". A tiller will

also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta- tion. The decomposition of this veg-

etable matter enriches the soil.

Depending on the climate (rainfall and

wind), it may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing season to fur-

the. condition the soil.

• Soil conditions are important for proper tillinQ. 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 tne shaft and sow ng 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-feces. Second, the tille=

won't be pulling itself, and you, toward

the row next to it.

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