Craftsman 917295451 Owner’s Manual

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and instructions

Before Operating

Th=s Eqmpment

®

oAssembUy

Operation
Customer ResponsibiUities

eService and Adjustments

iii ii ii , ,lllll, i ii iiill ill,,i

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

illll

Repair Parts

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

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 disengage

the controls quickly_

= Never allow children to operate the equipmenL Never

allow adults to operate the equipment without proper

instruction_

- Keep the area of operation dear of all persons, pa rticu-
lady small children, and pets

PREPARATION

= Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

be used and remove ait foreign objects.

o Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor')..

o Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad-

equate outer garments. Wear footwear that will im-
prove footing on slippery surfaces.

- Handle fue! with care; it is highly flammable.

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

- FiNfuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel
tank indoors,

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean 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 manufactureO=

OPERATION
= Do not put hands or feet near or under' rotating parts.

= Exercise extreme caution when operating on or:CreSS-

inggravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do notcarry 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 titler.
= Exercise caution to avoid slipping or failing.
= 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 ma-

chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into

neutral, and stop the engine
o 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.
o Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates,

or other safety protective devices in place.

° Keep chitdren and pets away.
= Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to

till too deep at too fast a rate.

o Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery

surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing
= Never allow bystanders near the uniL
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 tiIler 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 rnachine 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.
o Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for

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

- IMPORTANT -

CAUTIONS, 1MPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS

OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR
CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS 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 instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means

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

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

_u, HIIHulllHi II

& WARNUNG&

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.

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, well-
trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair

this unit.,

P_ease read and retain this manual,, The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly,

Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 9t7.295451

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5 0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: &03 cu. in,

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SFISG): SAE 30 (Above 32°F)

(CAPACITY: 20 oz,) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG : Champion RJt9LM
(GAPi ,030") (STD361458)

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 tN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,

[

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 UNLESS THE
ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM tS 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 IS 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

n ,u i i , i n

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod_
uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details°

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

o Read and observe the safety rules°

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

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

Manua!,

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 material 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 tN USE INTHE 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

.............. i ii i lul,n, i ilu,,,ll

iitonii=, "N"I,HUlmHI......................

"TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

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

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

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

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

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

9NDEX

A

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

Adjustments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B

Belt, V-:

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

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

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

C

Cooling 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

D

Depth Stake:

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

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

E

Engine:

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

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

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

Lubrication ....................................13

Oil Level ..................................................10

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

Engine ConL:

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Operation ..................... !3

Fuel:

Filling Tank ....................................10

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 ......................... !0

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

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

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

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

Transporting Tiller ..................... 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING .................... Back Cover

R

Repair Parts

Tiller. ................................... 20-24

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

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

S

Service & Adjustments:

F

H

L

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

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

Tines ..............................................t4-15

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

T

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

Tines:

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

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

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

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

Transmission:

0

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

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

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

Transporting .........................................10

W

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

Wheels:

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

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

= == ..................

, =H...... =,=, _ .................

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 PLUG

._,,,,

MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT

........,, ,i ,,,,,,p,.

ENGINE 01L

TINES HAIRPIN CLIP

CLEVIS PIN

STABILIZER

,,,,,,,,

ASSE LY

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 andhardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set wilt make assembly easier Standard
wrench sizes are listed,

(1) Utility knife
(1) Screwdriver

(1) Pair' of pliers
(2) 1/2" wrenches

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

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 tiiler handles).

FRONT

LEFT IGHT

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

FIG. 1

U

(1) Manual

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-1/2

UUl,,,ll

J rrl!!lili iliJiiliaiiii itilirilii!

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1_1/4

(1) Plastic Cable Clip

(1)ClevisPin

Q

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

Q

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

6

(1) Washer

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

®

(1) Reverse Rod Bracket

®

1) Bushing

©

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

, =......... n,=,=r,qrl=

.............................. i,u

UNPACK CARTON

= nn,,,,H, ,= =,r, u,

staples when handling or disposing of !

! & CAUTION: Be careful of exposed t

.... ca,oning material. I

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING ANDASSEMBL]NG
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLE(S),,

• Cut cable ties securing handle column.

• Slide handle column onto handle mount,
. Remove alt packing from carton, Hardware pack is

found in folded cardboard packing.

ASSEMBLE HANDLE (See Fig. 2)

• Slide reverse red through hole in reverse rod bracket

as shown_

• Slide bushing over lower reverse rod and snap into
bracket hoteo

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

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

tighten securely,

. Cut away carton,

- Insert plastic cable dip into hole in handle column

o Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on

handle column.

o Cut cable ties secu ring tiller to skid Remove tiller from

skid by pulling backwards.

ASSEMBLE REVERSE ROD (See Fig. 2)

• Secure upper reverse rod to lower reverse rod using
clevis pin, washer and cotter pin_

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

. Loosen Nut "A"

o Insert stake support between engine bracket hafves

with stake spring down

° Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock

washers and nuts. Tighten securely Tighten nut "A"o

= Depth stake must move freely,, If it does not, loosen

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

o Tilling width may be adjusted to better handle your

• " ' J_ i

t I1ng cond t ons (See "FINE ARRANGEMENT n the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual),

TINE OPERATION

= Check tine operation before first use. (See "TINE

OPERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).

TINE CONTROL CABLE

HANDLE MOUNT

TINE CONTROL CABLE

CARRIAGE

REVERSE
ROD

BR

LOWER

REVERSE ROD

7

CABLE

CLEVIS
PIN

=BUSHING

FLANGE

LOCKNUTS

FIG. 2

ENGINE BRACKET

_,LVES

DEPTH STAKE

DEPTH
STAKE

SUPPORT BOLT

HEX BOLTS,
LOCKWASHERS, AND HEX NUTS

FIG. 3

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

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

Compare the illustrations with your tiller to famitiarize 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.

CAUTION ENGINE

OR WARNSNG ON

• i ,, i, ,u ...................................................................

REVERSE TINE

FORWARD TtNE CONTROL

DEI

ENGINE

OFF

\

FAST SLOW FUEL

CHOKE

RUN

OIL STOP O

CHOKE CONTROL

THROTTLE

CONTROL

T|NE SHIELD

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

O

\

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.

,' i=! =, u ==,,i,,n,H ,

OPERATION

=ulln i

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 TILLING

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

o Release forward tine control to stop forward move-

ment,,

. Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move-

ment,

ENGINE

- Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
o Never use choke to stop engine

REVERSE TINE CONTROL

FORWARD TtNE CONTROL
"OFF" (UP} POSITION

of the depth stake and wheel height°
The depth stake should always be below the wheels for

digging° It serves as a brake to slow the tiller's forward
motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground Atso,

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 removing the hairpin clip and clevis

pin., Change depth stake to desired position, Replace the

clevis pin and hairpin clip,
o For normal tilfing, set depth stake at the second or thhd

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 at the second or third hole
from the top,

FORWARD TINE CONTROL
"ON" (DOWN) POSITION

CHOKE
CONTROL_ CONTROL

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

FORWARD

• Squeeze forward tine control to handle.
REVERSE

° With forward tine control in "OFF" (up) position, pull

back and hold reverse tine control,,

WHEEL

HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN

FIG, 6

DEPTH

STAKE

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND CLEVIS PIN

9

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

................................. =

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

cool. Disconnectsparkplugwire. Drain

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-

gasoline from fuel tank.

AROUND THE YARD

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

spnng.

o Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.
= Push or pull tiller to desired focation.
AROUND TOWN
o Disconnect spark plug wire.

. Drain fuel tank°
= Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

BEFORE STARTBNG ENGUNE

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.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)

- With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

- Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi-
mate capacity see PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
page 3 of this manual.

- Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level

° Check oil level,, Refill to point of overflowing if neces-

sary. Replace oil filler plug.

= For cold weather operation you should change oil for

easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-
ties section of this manual,

' " "on

OIL

FILLER

PLUG

FIG, 7

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 TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (0oC), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gaseho] 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 sto_age, 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 products inthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur

• Ju_,=,1,1N=

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 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 |lave disappeared.

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

line near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

i _ CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"

_ position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the fh'st time or if engine has run
out of fuel, itwill take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move

fuel from the tank to the engine.
o Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected

o Place throttle control in "FAST" position,
. With engine fully choked, grasp recoil starter handle

with one hand and grasp tilter handle with other hand,

Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of com-
pression cycle (rope will pufl slightty harder at this
point),

- Pull recoil starter handle quickly Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter Repeat if necessary
in half choked position

o When engine starts, stowly move choke control to

"RUN" position as engine warms up_

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start
° Move throttle control to desired running position

= Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines,

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold tempera-

tures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to

be adjusted for best engine performance, See "TO AD-
JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual
NOTE: ifengine does not start, see troubleshooting points_

10