Craftsman 917293480 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRAFTSMAWI

6.5 HP

17 INCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

TILLER

Model No.

917.293480

• Safety• Assembly

• Operation f

• Maintenance _ __'_- _

EspaSol

• 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

SafetyRules.........................................2

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

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

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

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

ServiceandAdjustments....................15

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

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

IllustratedPartsList............................42

PartsOrdering.....................BackCover

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

LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANTILLER

Fortwo(2)yearsfromdateof purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained,

lubricated, 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 workman-

ship.

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 operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.

• If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty
applies for only thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the 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, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

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.

F{ILfuel tank outdoors with extreme

care, Never fill fuel tank indoors.

Replace gasoline cap securaly 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,

2

• 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 should start to vibrate
abnormally, step the engine (motor)

and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving
the operating position.

• Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended.

Disengage the tines, shift into neutral,
and stop the engine:

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, shut off the engine and make

certain all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and
keep the wire away from the plug to

prevent accidental starting. Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.

• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous,

• Never operate the tiller without proper
guards, plates, or other safety protec-

tive devices in place.

• Keep children and pets away.

• Do not overload the machine capacity
by attempting to till too deep at too fast

a rate.

• Never operate the machine at high
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look

behind and use care when backing.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessories
approved by the manufacturer of the

tiller.

• Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground.
The tines may catch in the ground and
propel the tiller forward, ifthis 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 this symbol to point out
important safety precautions, ttmeans

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

-&,CAUTION: 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: 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.

3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE 3 QUARTS
CAPACITY: UNLEADED

REGULAR

OIL (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30

CAPACITY: 19OZ.) (ABOVE 40°F)

SAE5W-30/t 0W-30

(BELOW 40°F)

_PARK PLUG : CHAMPION
GAP: .030") RJt9LM OR

J19LM

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase
of a Sears Tiller. It has been designed,

engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possibre dependability and

performance.
Should you experience any problems you
cannot easily remedy, please contact a

Sears or other qualified Service Center.
We have competent, well-trained techni-

cians and the proper tools to service or

repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The

instructions will enable you to assemble
and maintain your tiller properly. Always
observe the "SAFETY RULES".
Your new tiller has been assembled at the

factory with exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. To

ensure safe and proper operation of your
tiller all pads and hardware you as-

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

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

"Storage" sections of this Owner's
Manual.

4_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 arrester meeting applicable local
or state taws (if any). If a spark arrester is
used, it should be maintained in effective

working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is
required by law (Section 4442 of the

California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws.

Federal taws apply on federal lands. A

spark arrester for the muffler is available
through your nearest Sears service

center (See REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual).

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also

avairable 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

I FUR_ISNSR

TILLER MAINTENANCE

4

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
(t) 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) Center Locknut

(1) Carriage Bolt 3/8-16 UNC

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5 (1) Cable Clip

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

, (1) Flat Washer

!3/32 x 1 x 11 Qa.

©

(1) Handle Lock Lever

%

5

UNPACKING CARTON

_LCAUTION: Be careful of exposed

staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.

IMPORTANT: When unpacking and
assembling tiller, be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of

cartoning material.

1. While holding handle assembly, cut
cable ties securing handre assembly

to top frame. Let handle assembly

rest on tiller.

2. Remove top frame of carton.

3. Slowly ease handle assembly up and
place on top of carton.

4. Cut down right hand front and right
hand rear corners of carton, lay side

carton wall down.

5. Remove packing material from handle
assembly.

6. Separate shift rod from handle
assembly.

te

mbly

INSTALL HANDLE

1. 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 handJe assembly is
lowered into position,)

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER

..ond,eA.somb,y

arcase Notch

ndle Lock

::::_'.,_;_..;2J HandleAssembly

":::::,_..'._"UP" Position

"_'_'_ '"?_'_,_ Tighten handle

--_.:"_%'ock lever 10hold

Loese

Lever to Move

to Move :_

4. Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate
and tighten.

5. Cut down remaining corners of carton
and lay panels flat.

6. Lower the handle assembly. Tighten
nut on carriage bolt so handre moves

with some resistance. This will allow
for easier adLustment.

7. Place flat washer on threaded end of

handle lock lever.

8. Insert handle lock lever through

handle base and gearcase. Screw in
handle lock lever just enough to hold
lever in place.

9. Insert second handle lock (with teeth

inward) in the slot of the handle base
(just inside of washer).

10.Raise handle assembly to highest
position and securely tighten handle
lock lever by rotating clockwise.

Leaving handle assembly in highest
position will make it easier to connect
shift rod.

Flat Washer Handle Lock

Handle Lock, _ Lever

Gearease-_ /._j

Rear Cartridge _ \ "_/

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

in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.

3. Rotate handle assembly down. Insert

rear carriage bolt first, with head of
bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely

assemble Iocknut.

\\ _rc'_v_ _ PivotBolt

HandleBas_B_e_c_mt f

6

INSERT CABLE CLIP

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

into clip.

Handle Column

Cables

Cable Clip

Indicator

Shift Rod

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

1. Insed end of shift rod farthest 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 thisEndTo shift _ Shift Rod

Lever Indicator

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

1. Adjust handle assemby to lowest
position. Be sure lock lever is 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).

ThesesymbolsmayappearonyourTiller or in literature supplied with the product.

Learn and understand their meaning.

KNOWYOURTILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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,

TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL R£VERSE CAUTK_N ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW _E FUEL OIL SlOP O

Throttle Control

OR WA_ING ON OFF

Shift Lever

Drive Control Bar "_

-. _. Shift Lever ndcater

Depth Stake--._ "_. f _': I ! - '

//]

Leveling Shield_ / / "'/'_/ ....:: 'ih_I()':"" ': '_"\I "

_. __ _'_ Starter

"7"/iLl '__I . f_f/t' L _; ;1 Recoil

Outer Side Shield/_ _ _ _--; Handle

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute,

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage
tines.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which

tiller will dig.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to
protect small plants from being buried.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control
engine speed.

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.

Theoperationofanytiller 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 grasses.
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.
DriveControlBar

"ENGAGED"Position .-_-:::,_ Shift Lever

Drive ControlBar X \\ /
"DISENGAGED" '\ "_/

Position _._ /

ThrottleControl _

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL
DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before

moving shift lever into another posi-
tion.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving

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

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move

shift lever indicator to "F" (forward)
position. Engage drive control bar and

tiller will move forward.

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES
STOPPED

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.

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_

De_h S_ke_-

Transport Position

J

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.

DepthStake Pin

"RELEASED" Position

"Locked"

Nut

Shield

Position

TURNING

1, Release the drive control bar.
2, Move throttle control to "SLOW"

position.

3. Place shift lever indicator in "F"
(forward) position. Tines will not tum.

4. Lift handle to raise tines out of ground,
5, Swing the handle in the opposite

direction you wish to turn, being
careful to keep feet and legs away

from tines.

6. 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.

1. Loosen nut "A" in slot and nut "B".

2. Move shield to desired position (both
sides),

3. Retighten nuts.

TOTRANSPORT
_I,CAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,

allow tiller engine and muffler to cool.
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain

gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

1. Release the depth stake pin. Move
the depth stake down to the top hore

for transporting the tiller. Place depth
stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock

in position. This prevents tines from
scuffing the ground.

2. Place shift lever indicator in "F"

(forward) position for transporting.

3. Hold the drive control bar against the

handle to start tiller movement. Tines
will not turn.

4. Move throttle control to desired speed.

AROUND TOWN

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Drain fuel tank.

3. Transport in upright position to
prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
IMPORTANT: Be very careful not to allow

dirt to enter the engine when checking or
adding oil or fuel. Use clean oil and fuel

and store in approved, clean, covered
containers, use clean fill funnels.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your unit has been

shipped, from the factory, already filled
with BAE 30 summer weight oil.

1. With engine level, clean area around
oU filler plug and remove plug,

2, Engine oil should be to point of

overflowing when engine is level.

• For approximate capacity see "PROD.
UCT SPECIFICATrONS" on page 3 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.

Oil Fill _

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.

_WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids during storage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an

engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be

emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer, Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. Bee 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.

10

_,CAUTION: Fillto within 1/2inch 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 soume 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

ACAUTION: 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 butdoes 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 "3"0 ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.

NOTE: If engine does not start, see
troubleshooting points.

ChokeControl __>--_.s )_ __ ___

StarterHandle/ "_

TILLING HINTS
_aCAUTION: Until you are accustomed to

ndling your tiner, 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 tillingdepth is4" 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.

• 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.

11