Craftsman 917296351 Owner’s Manual

........ .....

Caution:

Read and follow all Safety Rules

and Instructions

Before Operating

Th=s Equipment

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5.0 P 26 mNC

FRONT

WroTH

° AssembUy

®Operation . Customer Responsibinities

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° Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

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

................ , ,i,i, ,ira,ll ul ill

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAINING

• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughfy 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

insttuction_

. Keep the area of operation clear of allpersons, particu-

larly small children, and pets_

PREPARATION

. ThorougHy inspect the area where the equipment is to

be used and remove all foreign objects°

o 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- 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 arid clean up spilled

fuel before restarting.

° Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by

the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or electric starting motors.

o 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, stopthe 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 failing..

= If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) arid 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 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 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 tiller' without good visibility or tight. . Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tiller for_vard_ If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the

machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

o Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe

working condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be

sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

° Never store the machine with fuel in the fuei tank inside

a building where ignition sources are present, such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the likeo 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, tMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OFATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT; USED TO ALERT YOU THAT-THERE IS A

_ CAUTION: Look for this symbol to point I

i ................................ . 'L I _I' 'L

out important safety precautions, it ! means--Attention! Become Alert! Your I

safety is involved. , _ •

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 CentedDepartment. We have competent, well- trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this uniL

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 917.29635'I

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: &0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 12,,57cu. in

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SG): SAE 30 (Above 32"F) (CAPACITY: 20 oz,) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG : Champion RJ19LM (GAP: •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 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 tiiler_

° Foltow the instructions under the "Customer

Responsibilities" and"Storage" sections of this 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 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 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,

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LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For two (2) years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, fubricated, 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 instructionscontained 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 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 rights which vary from state to state.

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNDEX

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

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

Controls:

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

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

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

Cultivating ...........................................1t

Customer' Responsibilities:

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

Cooling System ........................ i3

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 .............................. 13

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

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

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

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

Oi! Type ................................ 10,13

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

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

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

Stopping ...................................... ;9

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

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

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 ........................ 10

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

Repair Parts

Tiller ................................... 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,t 1

Tines:

Arrangement ...................... t4-15

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

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

Replacement ...............................t5

Transmission:

Maintenance ......................................t4

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

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

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

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

Wheels:

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

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

ACCESSORI

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

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES CLEVIS PIN HAIRPIN CLIP

rr, in l

AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

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ASSEM LY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory withexception of those parts leftunassembled for shipping purposes. To

ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely, Use the

correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

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

(1) Utility knife (1) 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 tiller handles),

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

FIG. 1

"JHJlH" HHI II IH ..........................

(1) Owner's Manual

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

(2) Hex Bolts 5/!6-18 x 1_1/4

(I) Plastic Cable Clip (1) Clevis Pin (!) Cotter Pin 9/32 x 1/2 x 14 Gauge

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

(2) Flange Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

(1) Washer

(t) Reverse Rod Bracket

(_(1) Bushing

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

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UNPACK CARTON

staples when handling or disposing of CAUTION: Be careful of exposed

cartoning material,

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK CABLE(S).

o Cut cable ties securing handle column,

o Slowly lift handle column and lay it over tiller. ° Remove packing from carton. Hardware pack isfound

in folded cardboard packing.,

° Slide handle column onto handle mount,

ASSEMBLE HANDLE (See Fig. 2)

= Slide reverse rod through hole in reverse rod bracket

as shown°

• Slide bushing over lower reverse rod and snap into bracket hole.

o Attach reverse rod bracketto handle column usingtwo

(2) carriage bolts and two (2) flange locknuts.

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

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

handle cotumno

• Remove packing material 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)

° 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"o ° Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, 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, loosen

support bolt.

HANDLE HEIGHT

° Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operaton

(See "HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual).

TILLING WIDTH

° Tilling 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 "TINE

OPERATION CHECK" inthe Service and Adjustments section of this manual)

3fINE CONTROL CABLE

HANDLE MOUNT

TINE CONTROL CABLE

CARRIAGE BOLTS

REVERSE ROD

LOWER

REVERSE ROD

TINE CONTROL

HANDLE

COLUMN

CABLE

UPPER

REVERSE ROD

COTTER PIN

BUSHING

FLANGE LOCKNUTS

FIG. 2

ENGINE BRACKET

HALVES

STAKE

SUPPORT

DEPTH STAKE

SUPPORT BOLT

HEX BOLTS,

LOCK WASHERS, 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 familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference°

CHOKE CONTROL

_ THROTTLE

CONTROL

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,,

__ T|NE SHIELD

FIG. 4

THROTTLE CONTROL - C_ntrols engine speed.

DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig,

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

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 for over the spec-

tacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

. Release forward tine control to stop forward move _

ment.

= Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move-

mento

ENGINE

o Move throttle control to "STOP" position_

. Never use choke to stop engine,,

REVERSE TINE CONTROL FORWARD TINE CONTROL

[ _ /',f FORWARD TINE CONTROL

"ON" (DOWN) POSITION

: ............ _1 i i,,11i,

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 wheels for

digging. It serves as a brake to slow the tiller'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 removing the hairpin clip and 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 topo

HAIRPIN CLIP AND CLEVIS PIN

DEPTH STAKE

CHOKE

CONTROL

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

Start engine and move throttle control to desired speed FORWARD

Squeeze forward tine control to handler

REVERSE

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

HAIRPIN CLIP AND CLEVIS PiN

WHEEL

FIG. 6

OPERATION

.=::;....................................................... ................

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

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

......................... '......... 7: iJl,t

! A CAUTION: Before lifting or transport- i | A _ ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to |

| ,_ cool. Disconnectsparkplugwire, Drain !

1_ gasoline from fuel tank. I

............................................ : IIIIII I LI_

AROUND THE YARD

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

spring.

o Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.

• Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUND TOWN ° Disconnect spark plug wire°

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

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DiRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR

ADDING 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 tevel, remove engine oil filler plug_ ° Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi-

mate capacity see"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"on page 3 of this manual.

° Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level. ° Check oil level. Refill to point of ove_owing 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.

OIL

OIL FILLER

PLUG

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank, Use fresh, clean, regular unteaded 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 gasohot or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moistu re 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 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.

....... ,ll,, ll,i ........................

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.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil

or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-

line near an open flame.

I .............................

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

i ................. -...... ii lll!,l,,,, i i, ,, i t t

"OFF" position when starting engine.

CAUTION: Keep the tine control in

- Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected° o Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

= To start acold engine, place choke control in"CHOKE"

position., A warm engine requires less choking to starL

= Grasp starter'handfe with one hand and grasp the tiller

with other hand, Putt rope out sfowly until engine

reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull 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" position as engine warms up.

= Move throttle control to desired running position_ o 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

+ 22 hidden pages

Craftsman 917296351 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual