Craftsman 917298352 Owner’s Manual

S A/ S

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

917.298352

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

£RR

5.0 P
24 C TJNE WIDTH

FRONT TI E TJLLE

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

, Service and Adjustment
oRepair Parts

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60195 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 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 operati on clear of all persons, particu-
larly small children, and pets,

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

• Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad-
equate outer garments. 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 all units with electric drive motors

or electric starting motors.

, Never attempt to make any adjustments while the

engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

° 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 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.

o 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

tilt 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 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, enginemounting 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 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.

. 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 IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE tS A

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

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

POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THtS 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, well-
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".

MODEL
NUMBER 917.298352

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.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 12.57 cu. in.

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 QUARTS

(UNLEADED)

OIL (20 OZ. CAPACITY): SAE 30W

(SAE t0W 30)

SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 IN,): Champion

RJ19LM

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 aregular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.

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

Manua].

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 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 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, CHICAGO, IL 60195

- 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 Pubiic 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.

3

INDEX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

, ! ii H,!,ll

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 12-14

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING ............... :................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ........................................ 20-24

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ....................................... 25-29

A

Accessories .....:................................ 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ............................... t7

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

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

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

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

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

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

,B

Belt, V-:

Belt Guard ............................... t6

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

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

C

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

Controls:

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

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

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

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

D

Depth Stake:

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

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

E

Engine:

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

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

Fuel Type ................................. t 0

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

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

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

Repair Parts ........................ 25-29

Spark Ptug ............................... 14

Starting .................................... t0

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

Storage ........ :........................... ! 8

Winter Opera[ion ...................... 1q

Fuel:

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

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

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

Finish;

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

H

Handle:

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

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

L

Lubrication:

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

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

M

Maintenance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Muffler:

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

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

O

Oil:

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

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

Operation:

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

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

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

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

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

Tilling Hints .............................. ! 1

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

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

Winter Operation ...................... t3

R

Repair Parts

Tiller .................................... 20*24

Engine ................................ 25-29

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

S

Service & Adjustments:

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

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

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

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

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

Service:

Repair Parts ........................ 20-29

Service Record ........................ t 2

Spark Plug:

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

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

Storage:

Fuel System ............................. t 8

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

T

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

Tines:

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

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

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

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

Transmission:

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

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

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

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

W

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

Wheels:

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

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

4

ACCESSORIES

i

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 mode!

number of your tiller.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES

A,RF,LTE_

GASCAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

CLEVIS PIN

i

HAIRPIN CLIP

t

5

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ASSEMBLY

....................................... == = =ill= , i = = HHIH,, H,=nl,I,

TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TILLER YOU WILL NEED:

(1) Utility knife
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) Screwdriver
(2) 1/2" wrenches
(1) Ratchet
(1) Socket extension
(t) 1/2" socket

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

The right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L,H,) sides of your
tiller are determined from the operator's position while
standing behind tiller,

FRONT

LEFT

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

FIGURE 1

RIGHT

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(I) Owner's Manual

iil i, ili]lli,iiii i

(2) Carriage Bolts 5/16-18 UNC x 2-3/8 Gr, 5

cONTENTs OF HARDWARE PACK

[ i i li ii, i ill I '11 i ii ' ii illliriilllilllllylll

• i

(1) Plastic Cabl e Clip

(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC

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

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16_18

"_v

(2) Lock Washers 5/16

ASSE _Y

UNPACK CARTON & iNSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)

I CAUTION: Be careful of exposed ]

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKLNG AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLE(S).

• Cut cable ties securing handle column.

• Slowly lift handle column up and slip over handle
mount.

• Remove packing from carton,

• Secure handle column to handle mount using two (2}
carriage bolts and two (2) flange Iocknuts. Insert

plastic cabIe clip into hole in handle column. Tighten
both flange locknuts securely,

Route clutch cable through plastic cable clip on handle
column.

• Remove packing material from handle assembIy.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid,

• Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by puliing
backwards.

staples when handling or disposing of
cartoning material,

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

Insert stake support between engine bracket halves
with stake spring down.

NOTE: tt may be necessary to loosen nut "A'.

• Bott stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock
washers and nuts. Tighten securely, AIso tighten nut

"A" if it was necessary to loosen.

• Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen
support bolt.

HANDLE HEIGHT

* Hand!e height may be adiusted to better suit operator,

(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).

TtNE CONTROL

CABLE

HANDLE

MOUNT

SOLT

ENGINE BRACKET

'HALVES

HEXBOLTS
LOCK

WASHERS
AND HEXNUTS

FIG. 3

DEPTH
STAKE

SUPPORT

BOLT

FLANGE CABLE
LOCKNUT CLIP

FIG. 2

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TfLLER

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.

CONTROL

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

TINECONTROL - Engages tines.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed.

FiG, 4

DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller wi!t dig.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the 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 spectacles

or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

, Release tine control to stop movement.

ENGINE
o Move throttle control to "STOP" position.

, Never use choke to stop engine.

TINE CONTROL

"OFF" (UP) POSITION

TINE CONTROL

"RUNNING" (DOWN) POSITION

TILLING

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

The depth stake shouId always be below the wheels for

digging, tt serves as a brake to stow 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 wheets at the second orthird hole

from the top.

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND CLEVIS PIN

CHOKE

THROTTLE

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

Start engine and move throttle control to desired speed.

• Squeeze tine controJ to handle.

DEPTH
STAKE

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND CLEVIS PIN

FIG. 6

OPERATIC

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

AROUND THE YARD

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

spring (See Fig. 6).

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

• Push or pull tiller to desired locatiOn.
AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.
, Drain fuel tank,

• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage,
_g 0;';ransport-

,_ A ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

_ cool. Disconnect .sparkplug wire, Drain

! IL,alSP gasoline from fuel tank.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig, 7)

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW

DiRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR
ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN SAE 30 OR10W-30
WEIGHT OIL AND STORE tN APPROVED, CLEAN,

COVERED CONTAINERS. ALL OILS MUST MEET A.P.I.

SERVICE CLASSIFICATION SG. USE CLEAN FiLL

FUNNELS.

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

, Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi-

mate capac'ty 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 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
Maintenance section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of
this manual.

/

OIL

OIL

FILLER

PLUG

FIG, 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fil! fue! tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon

and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life,

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATtNG INTEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F, USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (calted gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can

attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuet

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 untif the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See the Storage

section ofthis manual for addkional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or

)ermanent 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.

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)

• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

• Place throttle control in "FAST" position,
o Place choke control in "CHOKE" position if the engine

is cold. A warm engine may require choking to start.

• Grasp starter handle with one hand and grasp the tiller
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine

reaches start of compression cycle {rope wilt pult
slightly harder at this point).

• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep

a firm grip on starter handle and let rope rewind slowly.
Do not let starter handle snap back against starter.

• When engine starts slowly move choke control on

engine haifway between "CHOKE" and "RUN" posi-
tions and then to "RUN" position as engine warms up.

, Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines,

NOTE: If ata high altitude 3000 feet or in cold temperatures

below 32°F) the carburetor fue! mixture may need to be

djusted forbest engine performance. See "TO ADJUST

CARBURETOR in the Service and Adjustments section OT
this manual,

10