Craftsman 917.293470 User 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

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the en-

This product has a low emission engine which operates

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

LIMITED ONE YEARWARRANTY ONCRAFTSMAN TILLER

Forone (t) year from dateofpumhase,whenthisCraftsmanTilleris maintained,

lubricated,and tunedupaccordingto the operatingand maintenanceinstructionsin the owne¢smanual,Sears will repairfree ofchargeany defectin matedal orworkman-

ship.

ThisWarrantydoes notcover:.

• Expandableitemswhichbecome wornduringnormaluse, such as tines,spark plugs,air cleaners and belts.

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

containedin the owner'smanual.

• IfthisCraftsmanTilleris usedfor commercialor rentalpurposes,thisWarranty appliesfor onlythirty(30) days from thedate ofpurchase.

Warrantyserviceis availableby returningthe craftsmanpowermowertothe nearest seam servicecentar/departmentinthe 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORTANT: This cuttingmachineiscapableof 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 allowchildrento operate the equipment.Never allowadults to

operatethe equipmentwithoutproper instruction.

• Keepthe area of operationclear ofall persons,padiculadysmall children,

and pats.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughlyinspectthearea wherethe

equipmentisto be used and remove all

foreign objects.

• Disengageall clutchesand shiftinto

neutralbefore startingthe engine (motor).

• Do notoperate the equipment without

wearingadequate outer garments. Wear footwear that willimprovetooting

on slipperysurfaces.

• Handlefuel withcare; it is highly flammable.

• Use an approvedfuel container.

• Never add fuel to a runningengineor

hot engine.

• Fillfuel tank outdoorswithextreme 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 bestpossibledependabilityand

performance. Shouldyou expedence any problemsyou cannoteasily remedy, please contacta

Searsor other qualifiedServiceCenter. We havecompetent,well-trainedtechni-

ciansandthe propertoolstoserviceor repairthisunit.

Please readand retainthismanual.The instructionswillenable you to assemble

and maintainyourtillerproperly.Always observethe =SAFETYRULES".

Yournew tillerhasbeen assembledat the factory withexceptionof thosepartsleft

unassembledfor shippingpurposes.To ensuresate and properoperationof your tillerall parts and hardwareyou as-

semblemustbe tightenedsecurely.Use thecorrecttoolsas necessaryto insure

propertightness.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observethe 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 grasscovered landunlessthe engine'sexhaustsystemis equippedwith

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

workingorderby the operator. In thestate of Californiathe aboveis

requiredby law (Section4442 of the CalitomiaPublicResourcesCode).

Otherstatesmay havesimilarlaws. 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 youprovidethe modelnumberof 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).

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

LEFT

FRONT

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Hairpin Clips

(2) Shear Pins & Clips

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5

, (1) FlatWasher

13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

O (1) Handle Lock Lever "_

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Cable Clip

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

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. Removetopframeof 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 shiftrodfromhandle 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

"UP"Position

old

Loosen Handle Lock Lever to Move

4. Insertpivotboltinfrontpartofplate and tighten.

5. Cutdown remainingcomersof carton and lay panelsfiat.

6. Lower thehandleassembly. Tighten nuton cardagebolt sohandlemoves

withsomeresistance. Thiswillallow foreasier adjustment.

7. Place flat washer onthreadedend of handle locklever.

8. Insert handlelock leverthrough handle baseand gearcase. Screwin

handlelock leverjust enoughto hold

lever in place.

9. Insertsecondhandlelock(withteeth inward)in theslot ofthe handlebase

(justinsideofwasher).

tO.Raise handleassemblyto highest

positionand securelytighten handle

lockleverby rotatingclockwise. Leavinghandle assemblyin highest

positionwillmake it easierto connect

shiftrod.

• Flat Washer Handle Lock

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,withheadof bolton L.H. side oftillerandloosely

assemble Iocknut.

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

Cables

Cable Clip

Shift Lever Indicator

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 SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR

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

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

FNR& 0<,

TLLII_ FORWARD NEUTRAL Rk_._SE CNJTION Eq_tE ENGINE FAST

ThrottleControl

_w_m _ c+T

Sh_ Lever

Drive Control Bar

Shift Lever Indicator

Recoil Starter

Handle

MEETS ANSISAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillersconformto the safetystandardsofthe AmedcanNationalStandardsInstitute.

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

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 (_) till position 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.

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

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

"Locked"

Position

"B"

Side Shield

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 slottedsothat the 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,

allowtillerengineand mufflertocool. 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 handletostart tillermovement. 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 enginewhencheckingor addingoil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel and store in approved,clean, covered

containers, use clean fill funnels.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL , The engine inyour 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

• Fillfuel 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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