Craftsman 917.29347 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

14 INCH TINE WIDTH

REAR TINE WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No,

917.293470

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa._ol

• Repair Parts

This product has a low emission engine which operates

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en- gine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before

operating this equipment.

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

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

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

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

ProductSpecifications..........................4

Assembly.............................................. 5

Operation..............................................8

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

Maintenance....................................... 13

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

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

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

IllustratedParts List ............................42

Pads Ordering..................... BackCover

LIMITED ONE YEARWARRANTY ONCRAFTSMAN TILLER

Forone (t) year from date ofpumhase,whenthisCraftsmanTillerismaintained, lubricated,and tunedup accordingto the operatingand maintenanceinstructionsin the owne¢smanual,Sears willrepairfree of chargeany defectin matedal orworkman- ship.

ThisWarrantydoes notcover:.

• Expandableitemswhichbecome wornduringnormaluse,suchastines,spark plugs,air cleaners and belts.

• Repairsnecessarybecause of operatorabuse or negligence,includingbent crankshaftsand the failure to maintainthe equipmentaccordingtothe instructions

containedin the owner'smanual.

• If thisCraftsmanTilleris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thisWarranty appliesfor onlythirty(30) days from the date of purchase.

Warrantyserviceis availableby returningthe craftsmanpowermowertothe nearest seam servicecentar/departmentin the unitedstates.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhile thisproductis in usein the unitedstates.

ThisWarrantygivesyou specificlegalrights,and youmay alsohave other rightswhich varyfrom statetostate.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES,IL 60179

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachineis capableof amputatinghandsand feet and throwingobjects.Failureto observethe following safetyinstructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryor death.

TRAINING

• Readthe Owner'sManual carefully.Be

thoroughlyfamiliar withthe controls and theproper useof the equipment. Knowhowto stop the unitand disen- gage the controlsquickly.

• Never allow childrento operate the equipment.Never allowadults to operatethe equipmentwithoutproper

instruction.

• Keepthe area of operationclearof all persons,padiculadysmall children,

and pats.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughlyinspectthe area wherethe

equipmentisto be usedand remove all

foreign objects.

• Disengageall clutchesand shiftinto

neutralbefore startingthe engine (motor).

• Do notoperatethe equipment without

wearingadequate outer garments. Wear footwear that willimprovetooting on slipperysurfaces.

• Handlefuel withcare; itis highly flammable.

• Use an approvedfuel container.

• Never add fuel to a runningengine or

hot engine.

• Fillfuel tankoutdoorswithextreme care. Never fillfuel tank indoors.

• Replacegasolinecap securelyand

clean up spilledfuel before restarting.

• Use extensioncordsand receptacles as specifiedbythe manufacturerfor all

unitswithelectricdrivemotorsor electricstartingmotors.

• 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 pads.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden

hazards or traffic. Do not carry passen-

gere.

• 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 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 motom.

• 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.

ALook for thissymbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!fl BECOME ALERTll! 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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCTSPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 3QUARTS

CAPACITY: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL(API-SF-SJ): SAE30

CAPACITY:20OZ.)(ABOVE32°F)

SAE5W-30 (BELOW32°F)

SPARKPLUG: CHAMPION

GAP:,030") RJtgLMOR

J19LM

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchase ofaSearsTiller.Ithasbeendesigned,

engineeredand manufacturedto give

you the best possibledependabilityand

performance. Shouldyou expedence any problemsyou cannoteasily remedy, please contacta

Searsor otherqualifiedServiceCenter. We havecompetent,well-trainedtechni-

ciansandthe propertoolstoserviceor repairthisunit.

Please readand retainthismanual.The instructionswillenable you to assemble

and maintainyourtillerproperly.Always observethe =SAFETYRULES".

Yournew tillerhasbeenassembledat the factory withexceptionof thosepartsleft

unassembledfor shippingpurposes. To ensuresate and properoperationofyour tillerall parts and hardwareyou as-

semblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Use thecorrecttoolsas necessaryto insure

propertightness.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Readandobservethe safety rules.

• Followa regularschedulein maintain- ing,caringfor and usingyour tiller.

• Followthe instructionsunderthe "Customer Responsibilities"and

"Storage"sectionsof thisOwner's Manual,

_,WARNING: Thisunitisequippedwith

an intemal combustionengine and shouldnot be used on or near any

unimprovedforest-covered, brush- coveredor grasscoveredlandunlessthe engine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwith

a spark arrestermeetingapplicablelocal orstatelaws(ifany). If a sparkarrester is used,it shouldbe maintainedineffective

workingorderby the operator. In thestateofCaliforniathe aboveis

requiredby law (Section4442 of the CalitomiaPublicResourcesCode).

Otherstatesmay have similarlaws. Federal lawsapply on federal lands. A

sparkarresterfor the mufflerisavailable throughyour nearestSears service

center (See REPAIRPARTSsectionof this manual).

These accessorieswere availablewhenthe tillerwas purchased. They are also availableat mostSears Retail outlets and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can

orderrepairpartsfor you when youprovidethemodelnumberof yourtiller.

ENGINE

ISP_mKPLUal UU_Lm I MRtqL'rBt I _SC_ I B,mm_o_. I s'rJ_mLr_.RI

TILLER PERFORMANCE

FURROWOPENER

111LLERMAJNTENA_ICE

Your new tiller has been assembled at the

factory with exception of those pads left

unassembled for shipping purposes. To

ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller al! 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

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

RIGHT

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Hairpin Clips

(2) Shear Pins & Clips

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Cable Clip

(1) Pivot Bolt 3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

, (1) FlatWasher

13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

O (1) Handle Lock Lever "_

UNPACKING CARTON

_I_CAUTION: 8e carefulof exposed

stapleswhen handlingor disposingof cartoningmatedaL IMPORTANT:When unpackingand assemblingtiller,be carefulof exposed stapleswhen handlingor disposingof cartoningmetedal.

1. While holdinghandleassembly,cut

cable ties securinghandle assembly totopframe. Lethandleassembly

rest ontiller.

2. Removetop frame of carton.

3. Slowly ease handleassemblyup and placeon topof carton.

4. Cut down dght hand front and right handrear comersof carton,lay side cartonwall down.

5. Remove packingmaterial fromhandle

aasemb_y.

6. Separate shiftrod fromhandle assembly.

mbly

INSTALL HANDLE

1. Insertone handle lock(withteeth

facing outward)in gearcasenotch. (Applygrease on smoothsideof handlelock to aid in keepinglockin place untilhandleassembly is loweredintoposition.)

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OFTILLER

Gearcase Notch

HandleLock

2. Grasp handleassembly. Holdin "up" position. Be sure handle lockremains

in gearcase notch. Slide handle assemblyintoposition.

3. Rotate handleassemblydown. insert

rear cardageboltfirst,withhead of bolton L.H. side oftillerand loosely

assemble Iocknut.

Loosen Handle Lock Lever to Move

"UP"Position

old

4. Insertpivotboltinfrontpartofplate and tighten.

5. Cutdown remainingcomersof carton and lay panelsfiat.

6. Lowerthehandleassembly. Tighten nuton cardageboltsohandlemoves

withsomeresistance. Thiswillallow foreasier adjustment.

7. Placeflat washer onthreadedend of handle locklever.

8. Inserthandlelock leverthrough handle baseand gearcase. Screwin

handlelock leverjust enoughto hold

lever in place.

9. Insertsecondhandlelock(withteeth inward)in theslotofthe handlebase

(justinsideofwasher).

tO.Raise handleassemblyto highest

positionand securelytighten handle

lockleverby rotatingclockwise. Leavinghandle assemblyin highest

positionwillmake it easierto connect

shiftrod.

• Flat Washer Handle Lock

x 'Z

INSERT CABLE CLIP

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the Hairpir

back of handle column. Push cables Shift Rod

into clip,

Handle Column

Shift Lever Indicator

Cables

Cable Clip

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

1. Insert end of shift rodfarthest from

bend into hole of shift lever indicator.

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

side.

[_ Attach this End To shift

Lever tndicator

ShiftRod

REMOVETILLER FROM CRATE

1. Adjust handle assemby to lowest position. Be sure lock lever iF tight-

ened securely,

2, Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"

(neutral) position,

3, Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle.

Separate cardboard cover from leveling shield.

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

CHECKTIRE 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 HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual).

ThesesymbolsmayappearonyourTillerorinliteraturesuppliedwiththeproduct.

Leamandunderstandtheirmeaning. KNOWYOURTILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

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

various controls and adjustments. Save this manualfor future reference.

FNR& 0<,

TLLII_ FORWARD NEUTRAL Rk_._SE CNJTION Eq_tE ENGINE FAST

_w_m _ c+T

ThrottleControl

Sh_ Lever

Drive Control Bar

Shift Lever Indicator

Recoil Starter

Handle

MEETS ANSISAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillersconformto the safetystandardsof theAmedcan NationalStandardsInstitute.

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 boded.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed.

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.

SHIFT LEVER o Used to shift transmission 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. HOWTO USEYOURTILLER Know how to operate all controls before

adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING

TINES AND DRIVE

1. Release drive control bar to stop

movement,

2. 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.

NOTE= Never use choke to stop engine.

Drive Control Bar "ENGAGED" Position

ShiffLever

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 lowered

to allow you more versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport your tiller.

Shallowest Tilling (Cultivating)

Deeptest Tilling_

Depth Stake _--

"_ Transport Position

Dnve Contml Bar

"DISENGAGED"

Poslr_n

ThrottleContml

TINE OPERATION -WITHWHEEL

DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before

moving shift lever into another posi-

tion,

• Tine movement is achieved by moving

shift lever to (_) tillposition and engaging drive control bar.

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

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

position. Engage ddve control bar and

tiller will move forward.

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES

STOPPED

1. DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND

TILLER.

2. Release the drive control bar.

3. Move throttle control to "SLOW"

position.

4. Move shift lever indicator to =R"

(reverse) position.

5. Hold drive control bar against the

handle to start tiller movement.

TILLING

1. 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.

2. Place shift lever indicator in till position.

3. Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tilling movement. Tines

and wheels will both turn.

4. 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"

Side Shield

"Locked"

Position

g I'A"

TURNING

I. Release thedrive controlbar.

2. Move throttlecontrolto"SLOW"

position.

3. Place shiftlever indicatorin "F" (forward) position. Tineswillnot turn.

4. Lifthandleto raisetinesout of ground.

5. Swingthe handle inthe opposite

directionyouwish toturn,being

carefulto keep feet and legsaway from tines.

6. When you have completedyourtam-

around, releasethe drivecontrolbar and lowerhandle. Place shift lever in

(till)positionand move throttlecontrol todesiredspeed. To begintilling, holdddve controlbar againstthe

handle. OUTER SIDE SHIELDS The back edges ofthe outerside shields

are slottedsothatthe shieldscanbe

raised for deep tillingand loweredfor

shallowtillingto protectsmallplantsfrom

being buried. 1, Loosennut"A"inslotand nut=B_.

2. Move shieldto desiredposition(both sides).

3. Retightennuts.

TOTRANSPORT _I,CAUTION: Beforeliftingor transporting,

allowtillerengineandmufflertocool. Disconnectsparkplugwire. Drain gasolinefrom fuel tank. AROUND THE YARD

I. Releasethe depth stake pin. Move

thedepthstake down to the tophole

for transportingthetiller. Place depth

stake pinin hole of depthstaketo lock in position.This preventstinesfrom scuffing the ground,

2. Place shiftlever indicatorin"F"

(forward)positionfor transporting.

3. Hold the drivecontrolbar againstthe handletostarttillermovement. Tines

willnottam.

4. Move throttlecontrolto desiredspeed.

AROUND TOWN

1. Disconnectsparkplug wire,

2. Drainfuel tank.

3. Transportin updghtpositionto

preventoil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE IMPORTANT:Be very carefulnotto allow

dirtto enter the enginewhen checkingor addingoil or fuel. Use clean oilandfuel 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 filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

1. With engine level, clean area around

oil filler plug and remove plug.

2. Engine oil should be to point of overflowing when engine is level.

• For approximate capacity see =PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of

this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I.

Service Classification SF-SJ.

• 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.

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 indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gesohol 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 fuel next season. See Storage section of this

manual for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner prod- ucts in the fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

ACAUTION: Fillto 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 not overfill. Wipe offany spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame. TO START ENGINE

_CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in "DISENGAGED" 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.

1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

2. Move shift lever indicator to "N"

(neutral) position.

3. Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

4, Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 turn to

open position. 5, Move choke control to choke position. 6, 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).

7. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do

not let starter handle snap back

against starter. NOTE: If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke position.

Pull recoil starter handle until engine

starts.

8. When engine starts, slowly move

choke control to "RUN" position as

engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

9. Move throttle control to desired running position.

10.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 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this

manual. NOTE: Ifengine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

Choke Control

Starter Handle

TILLING HINTS _aCAUTION; 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.

• Boil 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 dudng 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 line 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.

• 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.

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