Craftsman 917295450 Owner’s Manual

MODEL NO.

917.295450

Caution: Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Instructions

Before Operating This Eqmpment

MDM°

5.0 HP 26 H TiNE WIDTH

FRONTTi E TILLER

WITH E

=Assembly =Operation

=Customer Responsibilities

° Service and Adjustments

° Repair Parts

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

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

SAFETY RULES

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manual carefully° Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stopthe unit and disengage the controlsquickly_

• Never allow childrento operate the equipment. Never

allow adults to operate the equipment withoutproper

instruction..

° Keepthe area ofoperation clear of all persons, particu-

larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment isto 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. Wear footwear that will im- provefooting on slippery surfaces_

° Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable_

° Use an approved fuel container. ° Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care_Never fill

fuel tank indoors..

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled

fue! before restarting.

° Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by

the manufacturer for alt units with electric ddve motors or electric starting motors..

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine (motor) is running (except where specifically

recommended by manufacturer)°

OPERATION

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts..

° Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross-

ing gravel 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 anydamage, and repair'the damage

before restarting and operating the tiller'.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling,

• If the unitshould 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 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 partshave 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 operatethe 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 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 (such as wheel weights, counterweights, cabs, and the like).

° Never operate the tillerwithout good visibilityor lighL ° Be careful when tilling in hard ground.. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tiller' forward. Ifthis occurs, let go ofthe 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 intervalsfor proper tightness to be

sure the equipment is insafe working condition.

• Neverstore the machine withfuel inthefuel tank inside a building where ignitionsources are present, such as

hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the like. Allow the engine to cool before 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.

- IMPORTANT-

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL INFORMATION 1NTHIS MANUAL

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

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of instruc- tions,.

CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It

means ---Attention! Become Alert! Your safety is involved.

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, please contact your nearest authorized Sears Service Center/Department.. We have competent, welt- trained technicians 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'L

MODEL NUMBER 917.295450

SERIAL

NUMBER DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET°

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE°

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: &0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 12o57cu, in..

GASOLINECAPACITY: 3 Quarts

UnleadedRegular

OIL (API-SF/SG): SAE30 (Above 32°F) (CAPACITY:20oz.) SAE5W_30(Below32°F)

SPARKPLUG: ChampionRJ19LM

(GAP: ,030") (STD361458)

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on thisprod-

uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules,.

• Followa regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your tiller,

• Follow the instructions under the "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections ofthis Owner's

Manual

IMPORTANT: 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 UNI.ESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY).. IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY

THE OPERATOR.. IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE ABOVE tS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC

RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS. SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE REPAIR PARTS

SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years from date of 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 matedal or workmanship°

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 TILLER 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 staten

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

............................................. . i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBIUTIES ..................... 3, 12-14

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

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

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

ASSEMBLY ............................................................... 6-7

OPERATION ............................................................ 8-11

INDEX

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

Adjustments:

Carburetor .............................................17

Depth Stake .......................................9

Handle Height .............................14

Tines .................................................14-15

V-Belt ..............................................16

Wheels ..............................................9

Air Cleaner ...................................... 13

Belt, V<

Belt Guard ..........................................17

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

V-Belt Replacement ......................16

Coo}ing System ..........................................13

Controls:

Choke ...........................................8

Throttle ..............................................8

Tines ................................................8

Cultivating .....................................................11

Customer Responsibilities:

Air Cleaner .........................................13

Cooling System ...........................13

Finish ............................................14

Maintenance Schedule ................12

Muffler. ...............................................14

Oil Change ....................................13

Spark Plug ..............................................14

Transmission ..............................14

Depth Stake:

Adjustment ......................................9

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

Engine:

Air Cleaner ........................................t3

Cooling System ................................13

Fuel Type ........................................10

Lubrication .................................i3

Oil Level .......................................i0

Oil Type ......................................10,13

Repair Parts ..........................26-30

Spark Plug .....................................14

Starting ................................................10

Stopping ..........................................................9

Storage ..................................................18

Winter Operation ..............................13

Fuel:

Filling Tank ........................................t0

Storage ..........................................18

Type ...................................................10

Finish:

Maintenance ........................................14

Handle:

Height Adjustment ...........................14

Repair Parts ......................................20

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart .........................12

Engine ...............................................13

Muffler:

Maintenance .................................14

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

Oil:

Level ................................................10

Type ..............................................10,13

Operation:

Cultivating ......................................11

Fill Fuel Tank ............................ 10

Starting Engine ........................ 10

Stopping Tines & Engine .......... 9

Tilling .....................................................9

Tilling Hints .........................................11

Tine Operation ........................................9

Transporting Tiller. .......................t0

Winter Operation .............i.............13

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 12

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 14-17

STORAGE ................................................................... 18

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ....................................... 20-25

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 26-30

SERVICEJPARTS ORDERING .................... Back Cover

Repair Parts

Tit{er ...........................................................20-24

Engine ..........................................26-30

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

Service & Adjustments:

Carburetor .....................................17

Handle Height .............................14

Tines .......................................14-15

V-Belt .............................................16

Wheels ...................................................... 9

Service:

Repair Parts ...........................20-30

Service Record ...........................12

Spark Plug:

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

Maintenance .................................14

Storage:

Fuel System ................................18

Tiller .............................................................18

Tilling .......................................................9,11

Tines:

Arrangement ................................14-15

Operation ...............................................9

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

Replacement .......................................15

Transmission:

Maintenance ................................14

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

Troubleshooting .......................................19

Transporting .......................................I0

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

Wheels:

Adjustments ....................................9

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

ACC

These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also available at most Sears Retail outlets, Catalog and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller.

ENGINE

SPARK rpLUG

MUFFLER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES CLEVIS PIN

AIR FILTER GAS CAN

HAIRPIN CLIP

MBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception ofthose parts left unassembled for'shipping purposes, To

ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller' all partsand 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) Screwdriver (I) Pair of pliers

(2) 1/2" wrenches

................ , ,, ,,, ,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..,,,...,,

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

I J I I II I lUUlIIIlUlIIII

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

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

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

FIG. 1

........... lllj

I J L L II

(1) Manual

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-t8 UNC x 2-1/2

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

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

(1) Plastic Cable Clip (1) Clevis Pin

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(2) Hex Nuts 5/t6-18

(1) Washer

(1) Cotter Pin 9/32 x 1/2 x 14 Gauge

)

(1) Reverse Rod Bracket

(_(1) Bushing

0 I

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

UNPACK CARTON

i CAUTION: Be careful Of exposed a

staples when handling or disposing of ! cartoning materia I, !

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KiNK CABLE(S)

= Cut cable ties securing handle column. = Slowly lift handle column and lay it over tiller+

° Remove packing from carton+,Hardware pack isfound

in folded cardboard packing.

o Slide handle column onto handle mount,

ASSEMBLE HANDLE (See Fig. 2) o Slide reverse rod through hole in reverse rod bracket

as shown.

° Slide bushing over lower reverse rod and snap into

bracket hole,+

• Attach reverse rod bracket to handle column using two (2) carriage bolts and two (2) flange tocknuts,,

NOTE: Make sure tine control cable is routed in front of reverse rod bracket+

= Insert plastic cable clip into hole in handle column., o Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on

handle column.

o Remove packing matedal from handle assembly+ ° Cut away carton. = Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid+ Remove tiller from

skid by pulling backwards+

ASSEMBLE REVERSE ROD (See Fig, 2) o Secure upper reverse rod to lower reverse rod using

clevis pin, washer and cotter pin+

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

(See Fig. 3)

• insert stake support between engine bracket halves with stake spring down+,

NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen nut "A",

• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with botts, lock washers and nuts. Tighten securely+ Also tighten nut

"A" if it was necessary to loosen.

° Depth stake must move freely+ If it does not, toosen

support bolt.

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator., (See "HANDLE HEIGHT'' in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual).

TILLING WIDTH

• T+lling width may be adjusted to better handle your tilling conditions (See "TINE ARRANGEMENT" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual)°

TINE OPERATION

= Check tine operation before first use+, (See "FINE

OPERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual),,

TfNE CONTROL CABLE

HANDLE MOUNT

TtNECONTROLCABLE

CARRIAGE

BOLTS

REVERSE ROD

LOWER

TfNE CONTROL

COLUMN

CABLE CLII:

LOCKNUTS

FIG. 2

ENGINE BRACKET HALVES

STAKE

SUPPORT

SUPPORT BOLT

HEX BOLTS, LOCK WASHERS, AND HEX NUTS

FIG. 3

UPPER REVERSE

ROD

WASHER

DEPTH STAKE

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the illustrationswith your tillerto familiarize yourselfwith the location of variouscontrols and adjustments, Save this manual for' future reference.

REVERSE "ftNE CONTRO!.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

CHOKECONTROL

THROTTLE CONTROL

DEPTH STAKE

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward

direction, REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse

direction,

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine,.

TINE SHIELD

FIG. 4

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed. DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller' will dig_

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine,

OPEBATn

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.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

• Release forward tine control to stop forward move- mento

= Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move-

mento

ENGINE . Move throttle controt to "STOP" position,

- Never use choke to stop engine.

REVERSE TINE CONTROL FORWARD TINE CONTROL

I " //./ FORWARD TINE CONTROL

/_ "ON" (DOWN) POSITION

TILLING

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position of the depth stake and wheel height.

The depth stake should always be below the wheets for digging. It serves as a brake to slow the filler's forward

motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also, the more the depth stake is lowered into the ground the

deeper the tines will dig.

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)

Adjust depth stake by removingthe hairpin clipand clevis pin,, Change depth stake to desired position° Replace the clevis pin and hairpin clip,,

° For normal tilling, set depth stake at the second or third

hole from the top.

WHEELS (See Fig. 6)

Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin°

Change wheel position_ Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin_

• For normal tilling, set wheels atthe second or third hole from the top,,

HAIRPIN CLIP AND CLEVIS PIN

DEPTH STAKE

CHOKE CONTROL_,

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

Start engine and move throttlecontrol to desired speed.. FORWARD

• Squeeze forward tine control to handle,, REVERSE

• With forward tine control in "OFF" (up) position, putt back and hold reverse tine control,,

HAtRPIN CL|P AND CLEVIS PIN

WHEEL

FIG, 6

OPERATION

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport,- ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

cool. Disconnectsparkplug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

. Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake

spdng.

. Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground

• Push or pull tiller to desired location°

AROUND TOWN ° Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuet tank_ . Transport in upright positionto prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW

DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR

ADDING OILOR FUEL. USE CLEAN OILAND FUELAND

STORE IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED

CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)

• With engine level, remove engine oilfiller plug. ° Fillengine withoil to pointof overflowing. Forapproxi-

mate capacitysee "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual°

• Tilt tillerback on its wheels and then re-leveL

° Check oil level. Refillto pointof overflowingifneces-

saryo Replace oilfiller plug_

. For cold weather operation you should change oilfor

easterstarting (See OIL VISCOSITY CHART' Jnth

Customer Responsibilitiessection of this manual).

° To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-

tiessection of thismanual.

OIL

FILLER PLUG

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fitl fuel tank° Use fresh, c_ean, regular unleaded gasoline_ (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon

and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F, 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 stor-

age of 30 days or longer'. Drain the gas tank, start the

engine and Iet it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See the Storage section of this manual for'additional information. Never use

engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or

_ermanent damage may occur,,

CAUTION: Fill to within 1t2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to

allow for fuel expansion, If gasoline is accidentally spilled, move machine away from area of spill, Avoid creating

any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared.

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

line near an open flame.

i iiii iii i

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

"OFF" position when starting engine.

CAUTION: Keep the tine control in

• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

• Place throttle control in "FAST" position,

° Tostart acoldengine; placechoke controlin "CHOKE"

position. A warm engine requireslesschokingto start_

• Grasp starter handle with one handand graspthe tiller with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine

reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pult slightly harder at this point)_

° Pull starter handle quickly_ Do not let starter' handle

snap back against starter.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to "RUN" positionas engine warms up.

o Move throttlecontrolto desired running position.

= Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines.,

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or incold tempera- tures(below32°F), thecarburetorfuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance, See 'q'O AD-

JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual

NOTE: If engine does not start, see "TROUBLESHOOT- ING POINTS".

+ 22 hidden pages

Craftsman 917295450 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual