Craftsman 917.295550 User Manual
OWNER^S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.295550
EiSfffSIiiil*
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
5.0 HP
MINCH TINE WIDTH
REAR TINE TILLER WITH
COUNTER ROTATING TINES
Assembly
Operation
Customer Responsibilities
Service and Adjustments
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
A
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers
A
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 equipment Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation dear 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 dutches 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
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 fill
fuel tank indoors,
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for ail 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
• 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 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.
Take alt 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, piates,
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 aiiow 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 tiller without good visibility or light.
Be careful when tiiling 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 intervais for proiDer tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fue! 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 tilier is to be stored for an
extended period.
CAUTION
CAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL
A
MPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITl-
CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point
out Important safety precautions. It
means—Attention! Become Alert! Your
safety is Involved.
- IMPORTANT -
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.
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 They have competent, welltrained 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”.
MODEL
NUMBER 917.295550
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
GASOLINE CAPACITY:
OIL: SAE 30W (Above 32°F)
(CAPACITY: 20 oz.) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32'>F)
SPARK PLUG : Champion
(GAP: ,030") RJ19LM (STD361458)
5.0 HP
12.57 cu in.
3 Quarts
Unleaded Regular
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 BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AisiD KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod
uct, Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
® 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
Manual.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one year 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 wiil 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 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 state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES. ILLINOIS 60179
- 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 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 is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code) Other states
■ ■ - - ■ ■ fonfederaflands. SeeyourSearsAuthorizedServiceCenter/Departmentforspark
Repair Parts section of this manual for part number.
TABLE OF CONTENT!
SAFETY RULES ..............................
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .......
WARRANTY
ACCESSORIES ..............................
ASSEMBLY ......................................
OPERATION....................................
.....................................
3.14-16
-a
.
.......
6-8
,,....9-13
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS
«STnRÄftF ..............................................
TBAIIRI F«iHnATlNf3
REPAIR PARTS-TILLER
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE
SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING
..........................
...
...............
....................
....
.......................
.........................
..................
.
.......................
.
.................16-19
.
...............
.
..................
...BACK COVER
........
29-33
14
21
Accessories
Adjustments:
Carburetor.................
Depth Stake....
Handle Height
" Side Shields................
Throttle
Tines...................
V-Belt (Ground Drive)
Wheels,...,
Air Cleaner.......
......
............
............
.............
....................
.......
..................
............
.
B
Belt:
Beit Guard..................
Repair Parts
V-Belt (Ground Drive)
Cooling System
Controls:
Choke
Throttle .........................
Drive (Tines)
Cultivating ...............
Customer Responsibilities:
Air Cleaner
Cooling System
Finish ...........................
Maintenance Schedule
Muffler
Oil Change
Spark Plug
Tines............................
Transmission
V-Beit (Ground Drive),,
...............
.................
.........................
................
...........
.........
.......
............
..........................
................
..................
..............
D
Depth Stake:
Adjustment,.,
Repair Parts,
Engine:
Air Cleaner
Cooling System
Fuel Type
.....
......
.
.
Engine (cont’d)
Lubrication
Oil Level
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
,19
,10
.16
,11
.19
,18
17
.13
,15
,17
.23
.17
.15
...9
.,.9
...9
.13
.15
.15
.16
.14
.16
.15
.16
.18
16
17
10
26
,15
15
,11
Oil Type .............
Spark Plug..........
Starting...............
Stopping ............
Storage..............
Winter Operation
Fuel:
Filling Tank
Storage ..................
Type
Finish:
Maintenance
Handle:
Height Adjustment
Repair Parts.........
Lubrication:
Lubrication Chart
Engine ......................
Muffler:
Maintenance.............
Spark Arrester..........
Oil:
Level
Type..,,,,.
Operation:
Cultivating
Fill Fuel Tank...................
Starting Engine .„
Stopping Tines & Engine,
Tilling
Tilling Hints......................
Tine Operation.................
Transporting Tiller.
Winter Operation
..........
..............
.
.
.
............
......................
..........
H
.
......
M
...............................
.....................
........................
......
.............................
...........
..............
...
.......
.....
....
,11,15
......16
.....
......10
......20
.....
......
...11,15
.......
.......
........12
....
...10
.......
.
........12
.
.......
.
.......
,.....„.15
15
Repair Parts:
11
12
15
.11
.20
.11
.16
.16
.22
..14
.,15
..16
....3
.11
13
11
10
10
11
Tiller ................................. ■•>22-28
Engine
Rules for Safe Operation
Service & Adjustments:
Carburetor
Handle Height
Side Shields................. 11
Throttle
”T*in©s 1S
V-Belt (Ground Drive)
Wheels..,..
Service:
Repair Parts.................22-33
Service Record ....................
Shear Pins:
Operation
Repair Parts.......
Spark Plug:
Gap.................................
Maintenance..........
Storage:
Fuel System
Tiller
..........................
Tilling..
Tines:
Transmission:
Troubleshooting ....
Transporting ............................
Warranty...
Wheels:
.........................
Arrangement/Replacerneni
Operation ......................
Repair Parts...
Shear Pins
Maintenance
Repair Parts.....
Adjustment...
Removal ......
Repair Parts.
................................29-33
R
.................2
........ 19
........ .............
..............................
.............
.........
....
............
.........................
.........
....
.
................
..............
.....................
......................
.............
..........
...
—
.
w
.........
.
.
.
....
16
..-19
17
13,16
14
..12
-.27
..,.3
„16
..20
..20
10,12
....
......10
......27
......12
.....,16
......25
.„...21
.....
.18
11
,13
.16
.24
ACCESSORIES
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 mo del
number of your tiller.
ENGINE
ENGINE OIL 1 STABILIZER i
TILLER PERFORMANCE
TILLER MAINTENANCE
\J
...
V
1“
ASSEMBLY
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. Standar d
wrench sizes are listed.
{1) Utility knife
(1) Wire cutter
{1) Screwdriver
(1)Tire pressure gauge
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench
OPERATOR’S POSITION (See Fig. 1)
When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means whan you are in the operating position (standing
behind tiller handles).
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(2) Handle Locks
(1) Rat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.
(2) Carriage Bolts 3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5 (2) Center Locknuts 3/8-16 UNC
(1) Cable Clip
(1) Owner's Manual
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
A
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLES.
« While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties secu ring
handle assembly to top frame and depth stake. Let
handle assembly rest on tiller.
» Remove top frame of carton,
• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of
carton.
• Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners
of carton, lay side carton wall down,
» Remove packing material from handle assembly.
o Separate shift rod from handle assembly.
staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material.
Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up” position. Be sure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.
Rotate handle assembly down to install two carriage
bolts and locknuts. Insert rear carriage bolt (Fig.5)first,
with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller. Lower the handle
assembly. Tighten bolts so handle moves with some
resistance.
Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever.
Insert handle lock lever through handle base and
gearcase. Screw in handle lock lever just enough to
hold lever in place.
I nsert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot
of the handle base (just inside of washer).
With handle assembly in lowest position, securely
tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leav
ing handle assembly in lowest position will make it
easier to remove tiller from carton.
INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)
» 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 handle
assembly is lowered into position.)
ASSEMBLY
CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 6)
• Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hole of
shift lever indicator.
• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.
• Insert other end of shift rod Into hole in shift lever.
• Insert second hairpin clip through hole of shift rod.
ATTACH THIS END
TO SHIFT LEVER
INDICATOR
ATTACH THIS
END TO SHIFT
LEVER
SHIFT ROD
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
" 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,
• 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 LEVER
SHIFT ROD
FIG. 6
D
■ HAIRPIN CUP
TfD!:: DDCCCiiDir
iMwlw^ |V I IIiWm V*'it Cm C) Vi/1« Cl
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 PS!.
HANDLE HEIGHT
• Handle I
(See “TOand Adjustments section of this manual).
8
OPERATION
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.
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,
LEVELING SHIELD ■ Levels tilled soll.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants
from being burled.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.
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.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
OPERATION
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 wide vision safety mask for over the spec
tacles or standard safety glasses.
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.
• Move shift lever to “N” (neutral) position.
ENGINE
• _ Move throttle control to “STOP" position,
o Never use choke to stop engine.
TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE
« Always release drive control bar before moving shift
lever into another position.
• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to‘T"
(till) position and engagirrg drive control bar,
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
your tiller.
TILLING (See Fig. 11)
® Release depth stake pin. Puli the depth stake up for
increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of
depth stake to lock in position.
» Place shift lever indicator in "T” position.
» Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start
tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn.
» Move throttle control to “FAST" position for deep ti lling.
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, ,
FORWARD-WHEELS ONLYfriNES STOPPED
® Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator
to“F" (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and
tiller will move for ward.
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 tiller
movement.
10
OPERATION
TURNING
• Release the drive control bar.
• Move throttle control to “SLOW” position
• Place shift lever indicator in “F" (forward) position.
Tines wiit not turn.
• Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.
• Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to
turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from
tines.
• When you have completed your turn-around, release
the drive control bar and lower handle. Place shift lever
in "T” (till) position and move throttle controi to desired
speed. To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against
the handle.
OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See Fig. 11)
The front edges of the outer side shields are slotted so that
the shields can be raised for deep tiliing and lowered for
shallow tilling to protect small plants from being buried.
Loosen nut “A" in siot and nut "B" Move shield to desired
position (both sides). Retighten nuts,
TRANSPORTING
CAUTION: Before lifting or transport
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 12)
• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil,
• With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and
remove plug.
• Engine oil should be to point of overflowing. For
approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICA
TIONS" on page 3 of this manual All oil must meet
A P.l Service Classification SQ.
• For coid 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 in this manual.
• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake
down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place
depth stake pin in hole of depth stake to lock in position.
This prevents tines from scuffing the ground
• Place shift lever indicator in “F" (forward) position for
transporting.
• Hold the drive controi bar against the handle to start
tiller movement . Tines will not turn.
• Move throttle control to desired speed.
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 F!LL FUNNELS.
• Fiil fuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular unfeaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline wiH increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
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 stor
age 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 in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
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 have disappeared.
11
Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso
line near an open flame.
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