Craftsman 917298353 Owner’s Manual
MODEL NO,
917o298353
w iii,,,i i i, i i
Caution:
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, JL 60179 U.S.A.
5°0 HP
24 HNCHTNNE DTH
FRONT TINE T_LLER
oAssembBy
Operation
Customer ResponsibiBities
, Service and Adjustments
oRepair Parts
,IIHIIII,,,,,,,,,,, , .......................
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 equipment. Never'
a!iow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction..
= Keep the area of operation clear of al}persons, particu-
larly small children, and pets.
PREPARATION
o Thoroughly 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.
o Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill
fuel tank indoors.
o Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting..
o Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer for a_{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
o Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
o Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross-
ing gravet 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.
o 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 generaliy a warning of trouble..
o Stop the engine (mote 0 when leaving the operating
position..
o 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.
° Never operate the ti!ler without proper guards, plates,
or other safety protective devices in place_
° Keep children and pets away.
o Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to
tin 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 whee{ weights,
counterweights, cabs, and the like)..
° Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light..
o Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may
catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward tf 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 machine with fuel inthe fuel tank inside
a building where ignition sources ate 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 {MPORTANT OR CRITICAL
INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL,,
! _ cAUTIONI'Look for this symbolto point
_ out important safety precautions. It
means _Attention{ Become Alert{ Your
_ safety is involved,
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
2
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Titler.
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 toots 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 9't7.298353
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE RIGHT HAND ENGINE BRACKET.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0 HP
DISPLACEMENT: 12_57cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts
Unleaded Regular
elL (API-SG): SAE 30 (Above320F)
(CAPACITY; 20 oz) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32°F)
SPARK PLUG : Champion
(GAP; .030") RJ19LM (STD361458)
, , . J
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,
• Fo!lowa regular schedule inmaintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under "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). IFA SPARK ARRESTER tS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY
THE OPERATOR°
IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE ABOVE tS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS.
SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARKARRESTER REFER TO THE REPAIR
PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER
For one (1) year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Til_er is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according
to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears wilt 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 beltSr
" 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 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/8t7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179
3
SAFETY RULES ........................................................... 2
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3
WARRANTY .................................................................. 3
ACCESSORIES ............................................................. 5
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 6-7
OPERATION ............................................................ 8-11
iNDEX
MAINTENANCE SCH EDULE ...................................... 12
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 14-17
STORAGE ................................................................... 18
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. !9
REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ....................................... 20-25
REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 26-30
SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING .................... Back Cover
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 ....................................16
Repair Parts ...................................21
V-Belt Replacement ...................16
C
Cooling System ....................................13
Controls:
Choke ...........................................................8
Throttle .....................................................8
Tines ...........................................................8
Cultivating ...................................................t 1
Customer Responsibilities:
Air Cleaner. ...................................t3
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 .......................................t3
Cooling System ............................13
Fuel Type ...............................................10
Lubrication ......................................13
Oil Level ...............................................10
Engine (cont'd):
Oil Type ......................................10,13
Repair' Parts ................................. 26-30
Spark Plug .......................................14
Starting .....................................................10
Stopping ..............................................9
Storage .........................................18
Winter Operation ............................13
F
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
Muffler:
Maintenance ..............................................14
Spark Arrester ..................................3
O
Oil:
Level ..........................................................10
Type ................................................10,13
Operation:
Cultivating ...........................................1t
Fill Fuel Tank ........................................10
Starting Engine ..............................10
Stopping Tines & Engine ...............9
Tilling ......................................................9
Tilling Hints ..................................11
Tine Operation ...............................g
Transporting Tiller ................... 10
Winter Operation ...........................13
R
Repair Parts
Tiller ...........................................20-25
Engine ....................................26-30
Rules for Safe Operation .......................2
S
Sen,ice & 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 .......................................t4
Storage:
Fuel System .....................................18
Ti!ler .................................................... 1 8
T
Tilling ...........................................................9,11
Tines:
Arrangement ...........................t4-15
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
ACCESSO
i
These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased. They are also available at most Sears Retail outlets
and Service Centers. Most Sears Stores can order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your
tiller.
ENGINE
SPARKPLUG
.....MUFFLER
._-- LL
TILLER MAINTENANCE
BEEr
,,, ._ ,
TINES
"AIRFILTER STABILIZER""" '
GAS CAN
ENGINE OIL
CLEVIS PIN ...... HAIRPIN CLIP
ii,q , i HIIII ll,jl 2
CD
I
€
BLY
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 atl 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
(t) 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
[_ IGHT
LEFT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
FIGoI
................. i
(1) Owner's Manual (1) Plastic Cable Clip
Q
(2) Flange Locknuts 5/16-18 UNC
D!ijiililiait!t!s!a! ! !
(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4
J
©
(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18
,H i I IIH, I, IHmIH
6
(2) Lock Washers 5/16
UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE
(See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing of
cartontng material.
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLE(S),
• Cut cable ties securing handle column°
• Slowly lift handle column up and slip over handie
mount_
• Remove packing from carton,
• Secure handle column to handle mount using two (2)
carriage bolts and two (2) flange locknuts. Tighten both
flange ]ocknuts securely,
• Insert piastic cable clip into hole in handIe column,
• Route tine control cable through plastic cable clip on
handle column,
, Remove packing material from handle assembly.
• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.
° Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by pulling
backwards.
TINECONTROL
INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)
. Insert stake support between engine bracket halves
with stake spring down°
NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen nut "A".
• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with 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 bolto
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
• 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 operationbefore first use. (See "TtNE
OPERATION CHECK inthe Service and Adjustments
section of this manual)_
ENGINE BRACKET
TINECONTROL
CABLE
HANDLE
MOUNT
BOLT
FLANGE
LOCKNUT
FIG. 2
HANDLE
COLUMN
CABLE
Cl.IP
HEX BOLTS,
LOCK
WASHERS_
AND HEXNUTS
FIG. 3
DEPTH
STAKE
SUPPORT
BOLT
......................... ii ii illlll iiilll i ii ,i,,llll,!,l
OPERATION
................ ii i HIIIII
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 manua_ for future reference,
TINE CONTROL
5CONTROL
tROTTLE
DEPTH STAKE
CONTROL
SHIELD
RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE
MEETS ANSl SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute,
TINE CONTROL - 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 will dig,
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.
f i,l,lll, i iii ii,, i i,iiii .....................................
OPERATION
i i ,, ,...... ,i,,m,m, 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 for over the spec-
tacles or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)
TINES
" Release tine control to stop movement.
ENGINE
, Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
• Never use choke to stop engine°
TINE CONTROL
"OFF" (UP) POSITION
TINE CONTROL
"ON" (DOWN) POSITION
TILLING
The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position
of the depth stake and wheel height.
The depth stake should always be below the wheels for
digging. It serves as a brake to slow the titler'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 wiII 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
pm.
• For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole
from the top.
HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVIS PIN
CHOKE _THRO't'FLE
CONTROL,_
FIG. 5
TINE OPERATION (See Fig, 5)
Start engine and move throttle control to desired speed,
• Squeeze tine control to handle,
DEPTH
STAKE
SPRING HAIRPIN CLIP
AND CLEVfS PIN
_WHEEL
FIG, 6
9
i1.11 .i.i ...i.=1.....i. . i i..... ' f i i i ..... i..i ..H , i i.i .I.I.........HI
m i H 'HHH ' I'
OP RATnO
TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER
, ,111,1,,1111,1
CAUTION: Before lifting or transport-
ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to
cool. Disconnect sparkplugwire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.
i ,i,,, Hll
AROUND THE YARD
° Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring
• Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground°
• Push or pull tiller to desired location.
AROUND TOWN
o Disconnect spark plug wire.
= 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 OIL OR FUEL USE CLEANOILANDFUELAND
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.
o Fill engine with oif to point of overflowing. For approxi-
mate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFtCATIONS" on
page 3 of this manual.
° Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-leveL
o Check oil level. Refill to point of overflowing if neces-
sary_ Replace oil filler plug.
o 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
o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline.. (Use of leaded gasoline wiil increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life_
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING iN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F, USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP iNSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or' using ethanol or methanol) cart
attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and Iet it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty_ Use fresh fuel next season. See the Storage
section of this manual for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
)ermanent damage may occur..
i i HI_,H ' 'H,
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)
" _ CAUTION: Keep the tine control in
OFF position when starting engine,
° Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
o Place throttle control in "FAST" position.
° To start acold engine, piace choke control in"CHOKE"
position. A warm engine requires less choking to starL
o 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 will pull
slightly harder at this point).
Pull starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle
snap back against starter.
o 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 ad'iusted for best engine performance. See "TO AD-
JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
10
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