Craftsman 917293340 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

[RRFTSMRN*

9.0 HP 21 INCH TINE WIDTH

REAR TINE WITH COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No.

917.293340

* Safety * Assembly

* Operation e Maintenance e Espa_ol . Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

For answers toyour questions

about this product, Call:

1-800-659-5917

Seers Craftsman Help Line 5 am - 5 pm, Mon - Sat

Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179

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

Warranty................................................ 2

Safety Rules ................. ,........................ 2

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

Assembly ...................... i......:.................. 5

Operation ........ ._............i......_................. 8

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

LIMITED TWO , ,RR_NTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER Forltwo!(2)yearsfrom d_te(ifpurchase,when thisCraftsmanTillerismaintained, lubricated,and tune_ up!ac_rding to theoperatingand maintenanceinstructionsin

theowner'smanual,ISeslrs_illrepairfreeofchargeany defectinmaterialorworkman-

ship. _ " - This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items wh Ch becorne'!wom,, during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belts.

• Repairs necessary because ofoperator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in theowner'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, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

Maintenance Schedule ............ ........... 13

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

Storage ................................................ 19

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

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

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

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

foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into

neutral before starting the engine

(motor)

• 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

flammable.

• 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

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 roads. Stay alert for hidden

hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen- gers.

, 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 operat- ing the tiller.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

• If the unit shouldstart 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 electdc 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 tilltoo 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 accessodes

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 tillerforward. 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

ignitionsources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes

dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before stodng in any enclosure.

• Always refer to the operator's guide instructionsfor important details if the

tiller is to be stored for an extended

period.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!t! BECOMEAWAREt!!YOUR

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 Califomia to cause cancer,

birthdefects or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 4 QUARTS CAPACITY: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL(API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (CAPACITY: 44 OZ.) (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE3W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

SPARK PLUG : CHAMPION

GAP: .030") RJ19LM OR

J19LM

Congratulations on your purchase of a Craftsman l]ller. 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 instructionswill 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 .mustbe 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 instructionsunder the =Maintenance" and =Storage" sections

of this Owner's Manual.

AWARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-coversd, 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 Rasources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester. Refer tothe 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.

EIKIINE

IPARK PLUG MUFR.,F_ AIRFIL'III_

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 (1) Tire pressure gauge (1) Screwdriver (1) Pair of pliers

(1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION

When rightor 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

(1) Handle Lock

(Black)

(2) Hairpin Clips

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

(1) Flat Washer

13/32 x I xll Ga.

(1) Handle Lock Lever

(1_8.Cle_t_l_lLc°cknut

(1) Cable Clip

(1) Pivot Bolt

3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

UNPACKINGCARTON

_CAUTION: 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.

• Cut down left hand rear corner of

carton. Lay rear carton wall down, which will remove the protective cardboard flap from leveling shield.

• Remove packing material from handle

assembly.

Shift Rod

Assembly

INSTALL HANDLE

• Insert the thicker black handle lock

(with teeth facing to the right) in gearcase notch.

• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in =up" position. Be sure handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position.

VIEWED FROM R.H, SIDE OF TILLER

,. Handle Assembly

"UP"Posltion

Tighten har_e

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 cardage 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 geamase. Screw in handle lock lever just enough to hold lever in place.

Insert the smaller silver handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot of the

handle base (just inside of washer). With handle assembly in lowest position, seourely tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving

handle assembly in lowest position will make it easier to remove tillerfrom

carton.

FlatWasher HandleLock

HandleLock Lever

Gearcase_

Slot

Rear Cartridge

_. Ge _/HandHl_na_l:_So_:: bly

le Lock

• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear cardage bolt first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely

assemble Iocknut.

Handle Base

Locknut

INSERT CABLE CLIP

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the

back of handle column. Push cables

into clip.

Handle Column

Cables

Cable Clip

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

• Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend

into hole of shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure with bend of clip on right

side.

Shift Lever

Hairpin Indicator

Shift Rod

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in =N"

(neutral) position.

• Tilt tiller forward by liftinghandle.

• 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 "1"0 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.

F N R& @

T_LUNG FORWARO NEUTRAL REVERSE _ ENGINE ENGINE CHOKE FUEL OIL

Drive Control Bar

Depth

OR wARNING ON OFF

Control

Lever

Choke Control

Shift Lever Indicator

Leveling Starter

• @ Recoil

Outer

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the Amedcan 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.

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.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

Handle

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 aye 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 use choke to stop engine.

Drive Control Bar "ENGAGED" Position Shift Lever

• Hold ddve control bar against the

handle to start tiller movement.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

• Briefly engage ddve 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 lowered to allow you more versatile tilling and

cultivating, or to more easily transport

your tiller.

Shallowest Tilling (Cultivating Position

Deepest Tiffin

Depth

Drive Control Bar

=DISENGAGED"

Position

Throttle Control

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

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

tion.

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

engaging ddve control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shiftlever indicatorto =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 ddve control bar.

• Move throttlecontrol to =SLOW"

position.

• Move shift lever indicatorto =R"

(reverse) position.

TILLING

• Release depth stake pin. Pull the

depth stake up for increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in (_) till

position.

• Hold the ddve control bar against the

handle to start tillingmovement. Tines

and wheels will both tum.

• 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

\ \

"B"

Shield

TURNING

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttlecontrol to =SLOW"

position.

• Place shift lever indicator in up,

(forward) position. Tines will not tum.

• 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 =B'. Move shield to desired position

(both sides). Retighten nuts.

TO TRANSPORT

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 ovedowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see =PRODUCT

SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service

ClassificationSF, 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 Maintenance

section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Mainte-

nance section in this manual.

,Oil

Oil

Filler

_CAUTION: Before lifting ortransport- 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.

Drain

Plug

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 tem- peratures below 32°F (0°C), use fresh,

clean, winter grade gasoline to help

insure good cold weather starting. A WARNING: Experience indicatesthat 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, startthe engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage section of this

manual for additional information. Never

use engine or carburetor cleaner prod-

ucts inthe fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

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

for fuel expansion. If gasoline isacciden-

tally spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE

_CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in

ISENGAGED" position when starting

engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire is propedy

connected, and fuel shut-off valve is open.

• Move shift lever indicator to UN"

(neutral) position.

• Place throttle control in =FAST" posi- tion.

• Move choke control to full =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 compres- sion cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back

against starter. Repeat if necessary.

• 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.

• Move throttle control to desired running

position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few

minutes before engaging tines, NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may

need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See 9"O ADJUST CARBU-

RETOR" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

NOTE: If engine does not start, see

troubleshooting points.

Choke Control

Fuel Shut-Off Valve (Underneath Gas Tank)

To Open: Several Turns

Counterclockwise

Recoil Starter Handle

TILLING HINTS

_aaCAUTION: Until you are accustomed to

ndling 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 (rainfall

and wind), it may be advisable to till the 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 handling 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 is

less wet in order to achieve the best results. When tilling in the fall, remove

vines and long grass to prevent them from ,wrapping around the tine shaft

and slowing your tilling operation.

• You will find tilling much easier if you

leave a row untilled between passes. Then go back between tilled

rows.There are two reasons for doing

this. First, wide turns are much easier to

negotiate than about-faces. Second,

the tiller won't be pulling itself, and

you, toward the row next to it.

+ 25 hidden pages

Craftsman 917293340 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual