Craftsman 917293650 Owner’s Manual

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules and instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

6.0 HP 17 iNCH TINE WIDTH

TU TULLERWiTH

COUNTER F_OTATI TIN

®Assembly

- Operation

Customer Responsibilities

oService and Adjustments , Repa_r Parts

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Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

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SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAINING

, Read the Owner's Manual carefulty_ Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly

• Never allow children to operate the equipment.. Never allow adutts to operate the equipment without proper

instruction

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu- larly 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 ad- equate outer garments.r Wear footwear that will im- prove 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 fi!I fuel

tank indoors.

- Replace gasoline cap securely and ciean up spilled

fuel before restarting.

o 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 recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

o Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. = Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross-

inggravel drives, walks, or roads, Stay alert for hidden

hazards or traffic, Do not carry passengers.

- After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in-

spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the tiller

° Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling

• If the unit should start to vibrate 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,

o Take all possible precautions when leaving the ma-

chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into

neutral, and stop the engine.

° Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the

engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting,

Disconnect the cord on electric motors.

. Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are

dangerous,

. Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates,

or other safety protective devices in place,

= Keep children and pets away

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

• Never operate the maclqine at high speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit

o Use only attachments and accessories approved by

the manufacturer of the tiller (such as wheel weights, counterweights, cabs, and the like).

. 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, tet 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 inthe 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.

o Atways refer to the operator's guide instructions for

important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.

- IMPORTANT-

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR

CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE ISA POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.

NOTE: Gives essential information that witl aid you to better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instructions,.

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t ,_ Look for this symbol to point out im- I _ portant safety precautions. It means

I _ CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR

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,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

SAFETY IS INVOLVED

plug wire and place wire where it can-

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark not contact spark plug in order to pre-

vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

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WARNING ...........

The engine exhaust from this product con- tains chemicals known to the State of .Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tiller, 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, pfease contact your' nearest authorized Sears Service Center/Department. They have competent, welF

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

PIease read and retain this manual The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller' propedy

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES",

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 6,0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 11.88 cu_ino(195cc)

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 4 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

I i OIL (API-SF/SG) : SAE 30 (Above 32°F)

(CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30 (Befow 32°F)

SPARK PLUG :

MODEL NUMBER 917.293650

SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION, YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTHSERIALNUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD t_OT 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 LAWS (IF ANY)._ IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, tT 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 SIMILARLAWS_ FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS+

SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.

(GAP: 030")

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement isavailable on this prod- uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

° Read and observe the safety rules. o Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tiller.

o Follow the instructions under the "Customer

Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual..

Champion RN4C

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Ti_ler 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 workmanship.

This W&rranty does not cover: o Expendable items which become wom during normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners and belt&

° 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 owneCs manual.

o If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty applies for only 30 days from the

date of purchase.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVlCE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATE& 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 rightswhich vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,13-15

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

WARRANTY ................................................................... 3

ACCESSORIES ............................................................. 5

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 6-8

OPERATION ................ ;......;..................................... 9-12

UNDEX

Accessories ........................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor .....................................18

Depth Stake .................................10

Handle Height ...............................15

Side Shields ..................................11

Throttle .........................................18

Tines ............................................ 17

V-Belt (Ground Drive) .............. 16

Air Cleaner ....................................... 14

Belt:

Belt Guard .................................. 16

Repair Parts ............................. 22

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ............. 16

Cooling System ................................. 14

Controls:

Choke ...............................................9

Throttle .......................................... 9

Drive (Tines) ................................ 9

Cultivating ............................................12

Customer Responsibilities:

Air Cleaner .......................................14

Cooling System .............................14

Finish ..............................................15

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

Muffler ............................................ 15

Oil Change .................................. 14

Spark Plug ................................. 15

Tines ................................................17

Transmission ...............................15

WBelt (Ground Drive) ............... 16

Depth Stake:

Adjustment ..............:......................t0

Repair Parts ...................................25

Engine:

Air Cleaner ................................. 14

Cooling System ........................ 14

FuelType ......................................11

Engine (conrd)

Lubrication ................................ 14

Oil Level .........................................11

Oil Type .....................................11,14

Spark Plug ......................................15

Starting .............................................12

Stopping ..........................................10

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

Winter Operation ........................14

Fuel:

Filling Tank ...... .................................. t 1

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

Type ............................................ 11

Finish:

Maintenance ........................................15

Handle:

Height Adjustment .....................15

Repair Parts .................................21

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart ...................13

Engine .........................................14

Muffler:

Maintenance ................................15

Spark Arrester ...............................3

Oil:

Level .............................................11

Type .......................................... 11,14

Operation:

Cultivating .....................................12

Fill Fuel Tank ....................................1!

Starting Engine ...........................12

Stopping Tines & Engine ...........10

Tilling ...............................................10

Tilling Hints ..................................12

Tine Operation .......................... 10

Transporting Tiller ...................... 11

Winter Operation ........................14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15-18

STORAGE ................................................................... 19

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 20

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ........................................ 21-27

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 28-33

SERVICEIPARTS ORDERING ................ BACK COVER

Repair Parts:

Tiller .......................................................2!-27

Engine .........................................28-33

Rules for Safe Operation .................. 2

Service & Adjustments:

Carburetor .......................................18

Handle Height ...................................I5

Side Shields ....................................11

Throttle ..........................................t8

Tines ...............................................17

V-Belt (Ground Drive) ............... t6

Wheels .............................................15

Service:

Repair Parts ...................................21-33

Service Record ............................13

Shear Pins:

Operation ...................................12

Repair Parts ................................26

Spark Plug:

Gap ............................................. 3

Maintenance ........................... 15

Storage:

Fue! System ............................... 19

Tiller ........................................... 19

Tilling ...................................................10,12

Tines:

Arrangement/Replacement ..... 17

Operation .................................. 10

Repair Parts .................................26

Shear Pins ..........................................12

Transmission:

Maintenance ................................15

Repair Parts ................................24

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

Transporting ...........................................11

Warranty .....................................................3

Wheels:

Removal ................................... 15

Repair Parts ..............................23

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ACCESSORIES

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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=

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG

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MUFFLER

r,,,

AIR FILTER GAS CAN

ENG'i'NE"'O'iL STABILIZER

TILLER PERFORMANCE

_,r,T,,

FURROW OPENER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT

,, ,,,

L '',,' "

TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP

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BLY

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Your new flier 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 OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier Standard When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it wrench sizes are listed_

(1) Utility knife (1) Wire cutter (1) Screwdriver

(1) Tire pressure gauge (t) Pair of pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

means when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller handles)°

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

(2) Handle Locks

,,,, ii,,111

(1) Flat Washer 13t32 x I x 11 Ga,

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CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

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

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(1) Cable Clip

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OPERATOR'S POSITION

FIG. 1

(1) Center Locknut 3/8-16 UNC

(1) Handle Lock Lever

L_ ,i,

(2) Hairpin Clips

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

Extra Shear Pins & Ciips

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ASSEMBLY

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UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig, 2) o Grasp handle assembly, HoIdin"up"position. Be sure

handle lock remains in gearcase notch, Slide handle assembly into position,,

",j._., _:,: "UP" POSITION

IMPORTANT; WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLES,,

, While holding handle assembly, cutcabletiessecuring

handle assembly to top frame and depth stake_ Let handle assembly rest on tiller,

o Remove top frame of carton°

• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of carton,

o Cut down right hand front and right hand rear'corners

of carton, lay side carton wall down.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly°

• Separate shift rod from handle assembly,

SHIFT ROD

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

o Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in

gearcase notch_ (Apply grease on smooth side of

handl_ lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle assembly is lowered into position.)

VIEW FROM R,H. SIDE OF TILLER

\ HANDLE ASSEMBLY

GEARCASE

NOTCH

HANDLE LOCK

. Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt

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

o Cut down remaining corners of carton and lay panels

= Lower the handle assembly,, Tighten nut on carriage

• Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever. ° Insert handle 10ck lever" through handle base and

= Insert second handle 10Ck(with teeth inward) in the slot

• Raise handle assembly to highest position and se-

,_,:: .:_,_ +,j.f,_f HANDLE ASSEMBLY

LOCK LEVERTO HOLD

__ TIGHTENHANDLE

LOOSEN HANDLE _ LOCK LEVER TO

MOVE I

FIG. 4

first, with head of bolt on LH. side of tiller and loosely assemble Iocknut (See Fig. 5).

flat.

bolt so handle moves with some resistance. This wil! allow for easier adjustmenL

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

of the handle base (just inside of washer).

curely tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving handle assembly in highest position will make

it easier to connect shift rod.

GEARCASE HANDLE

LOCK

REAR FLAT

CARRIAGE SLOT WASHER

BOLT _ '

LOCK LEVER

HANDLE

FIG. 3

HANDLE "_ BASE PIVOT

LOCKNUT BOLT

FIG. 5

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 6)

o Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hole of

shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to securer ° Insert other end of shift rod into hole in shift lever.

° Insert second hairpin clip through hole of shift rod°

ATTACHTHISEND ATTACHTHIS TOSHIFTLEVER ENDTOSHIFT

INDICATOR LEVER _

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

, Adjust handte assembyto lowest position, Besure lock

lever is tightened securely°

o Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N" (neutral) posi-

tion (See Fig. 6)

° Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle° Separate cardboard

cover from leveling shield.

o Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of

carton.

INSERT CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 7)

° Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle

column_ Push cables into clip.

SHIFT

SHIFT ROD

...................... i,i i,,

HAIRPIN SHIFT CLIP LEVER

INDICATOR

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HANDLE

COLUMN

CABLES

FIG. 7

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°

o 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)_

SHIFT ROD

HAIRPIN CLIP

FIG. 6

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OPEF ATmON

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KNOW YOUR TILLER

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° These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their

meaning.

T{LL|NG FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE

DRIVE _ THROTTLE CONTROL _ CONTROL

BAR

DEPTH STAKE _

CAUTION ENG1NE ENGINE

OR WARNING ON OFF

FAST SLOW

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR

CHOKE FUEL OtL

STOP O

PRIMER

LEVELING _ _ _ _ _\_ SHIELD

OUTER SIDE

SHIELD

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine, DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller will dig

DRIVE CONTROL BAR _ Used to engage tines, LEVELING SHIELD * Levels tilled soil.

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

RECOIL STARTER

HANDLE

FIG. 8

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine, SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears,

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the trans-

mission is in_

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed..

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 the spectacles

or standard safety glasses.

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HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine_

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

- Release drive control bar to stop movement. o Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position.

ENGINE o Move throttle control to "STOP" position.

o Never use choke to stop engine_

DRIVE CONTROL BAR "ENGAGED" POSITION

DRIVE CONTROL BAR "DISENGAGED" POSITION

FIG. 9

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

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

• ..... r "T"

Tine movement ts achieved by mowng shift leve to (till) position and engaging drive control bar.

.THROTTLE

SHIFT LEVER

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

The depth stake can be raised or lowered to allow you more

versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport

'our tiller°

SHALLOWES=I

TILLING

POSITION

TILLING (See Fig, 11)

o Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for

increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin inhole of

depth stake to lock in position . Place shift lever indicator in 'q" position, o Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start

tilling movemenL Tines and wheels will both turn,

- 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

FORWARD- WHEELS ON LY/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

= DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER., ° Release the drive control bar.

° Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.

• Move shift lever indicator to "R" (reverse) position. = Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tifier

movement.

"LOCKED"

POSITION

NUT "A"

OUTER NUT "B" SIDE SHIELD

FIG. 11

+ 22 hidden pages

Craftsman 917293650 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual