Craftsman 917299013 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFTSMRN°

F T TI E TILLE

900 Series

18 Inch Tine Width

Model No.

917.299013

• EspaSol, p. t9

This product has a low emission engine which operates

differently from previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand this Owner's Manual.

IMPORTANT: Read and follow all Safety

Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment.

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

Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman

428611 Rev. 1

Warranty ................................................ 2

Safety Rules .......................................... 2

Product Specifications ........................... 4

Assembly/Pre-Operation ....................... 5

Operation ............................................... 7

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER For one (1) 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 crank- shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

• If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty ap-

plies for only thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower 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.

Manintenance ...................................... 11

Service and Adjustments ..................... 14

Storage ................................................ 16

Troubleshooting ................................... 17

Illustrated Parts List ............................. 36

Sears Service ........................ Back Cover

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179 U.S.A.

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

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 op-

erate the equipment without proper

instruction.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, particularly 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 (mo- tor).

• Do not operate the equipment without

wearing adequate outer garments. Wear

footwear that wil! improve footing on slippery surfaces.

• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flam- mable.

• 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 al!

units with electric drive motors or elec-

tric starting motors.

. Never attempt to make any adjustments

while the engine (motor) is running (ex- cept where specifically recommended

by manufacturer).

OPERATION

.. Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operat- ing on or crossing 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 inspect the

tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating

the tiller.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or fall- ing.

• If the unit should start to vibrate ab- normally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving

the operating position.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Dis-

engage 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 acci-

dental 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 be-

hind and use care when backing.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer of the

tiller.

• 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 acces-

sories in safe working condition.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent inter-

vals 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 in- structions for important details if the tiller

is to be stored for an extended period.

_ILLook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means

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

_CAUTION: Always disconnect spark

plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent acci- dental starting when setting up, transport-

ing, adjusting or making repairs. _ILWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L)

Unleaded Regular

Oil (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 Above 32°F/0°C (Capacity:20 oz./0.6L) SAE5w30Below32°F/0°C

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030"/0.76mm)

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tiller. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and per-

formance. Should you experience any problems you

cannot easily remedy, please contact a Sears or other qualified Service Center.

We have competent, well-trained techni- cians 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".

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 cor-

rect tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintain- ing, caring for and using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under the "Main-

tenance" and "Storage" sections of this Owner's Manual.

_WARNING: This unit is equipped with

an interna! 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, A spark ar- rester for the muffler is available through

your nearest Sears service center (See

REPAIR PARTS section of this manual). REPAIR PROTECTION

AGREEMENTS Congratulations on making a smart pur-

chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products,

it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourseff from unexpected hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not

covered by the agreement; also, 10% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

• Fast help by phone- phone support

from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve- nient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you

to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5 million quality parts and accessories.

That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your new purchase for years to come. Pur-

chase your Repair Protection Agreement today! Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information

call 1=800-827=6655. SEARS INSTALLATION SERVICE

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-

HOME@

These accessorieswere availablewhen thetillerwas produced. They arealso available

at mostSearsretailoutletsand servicecenters. Someof these accessoriesmay not applyto yourtiller.

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILIZER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

BELT TINES

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Manual

SHEAR PIN

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

HAIRPIN CLIP

(2) Flange

Locknuts

5/16-18 UNC

(1) Bottle Engine Oil

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

(2) Lock 5/16-18

(2) Hex Nut

Washer 5/16

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with the 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. Standard wrench sizes are listed. (1) Utility knife

(2) 1/2 Wrench OPERATOR'S POSITION

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the oper-

ating position (standing behind tiller handles).

Front

Left

Operator's Position

Right

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE

_CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta-

ples when handling or disposing of carton- ing material.

IMPORTANT: When unpacking and as- sembling tiller, be careful not to stretch or

kink cable(s).

1. Cut cable ties securing handle column.

2. Route cable(s) as shown and slide handle column onto handle mount.

3. Remove all packing from carton.

4. Secure handle column using two (2)

carriage bolts and two (2) flange lock-

nuts. Tighten securely.

5. Cut away carton.

6. Route tine control cable(s) through plastic cable clip on handle mount.

NOTE: Cables must not touch the muffler.

7. Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid. Remove tiller from skid by pulling back-

wards.

8. Remove screws securing depth stake

to skid and discard the screws.

Control

Handle Mount

Tine Control Cable

Tine

Column

Flange Locknut

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE

ASSEMBLY

1. Loosen nut'S'.

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

3. Bolt stake support to engine brackets

with bolts, lock washers and nuts. Tighten securely. Tighten nut '_'.

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

,Engine Bracket Halves

Nut '_,"

Depth Stake Support

Depth Stake

pport Bolt

Spring

Hex Bolts, Lock

Washers, and hex Nuts

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better

suit operator. (See "HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service and Adjustments 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" in the Service and Adjustments section of

this manual).

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 locations of vari- ous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

FILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL STOP V

Forward Tine Control

OR WARNING ON OFF

Choke Control

Control

Tine Shield

Depth

Stake

Recoil Starter Handle

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine. DEPTH STAKE =Controls forward speed and the depth at which tiller will dig.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control

engine speed.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages

tines in forward direction.

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 standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER Know how to operate all controls before

adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING TINES

• Release tine control to stop movement. ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" position. NOTE: Never use choke to stop engine.

Tine Control "Off" (UP) Position

/ / /

Control

Choke Control

TINE OPERATION

• Squeeze tine control to handle. 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

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

Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin. Change wheel position.

Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin.

• For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole from the top.

Hairpin Clip and Clevis Pin

Wheel Spring

TO TRANSPORT ,ACAUTION: Before lifting or transporting,

allow tiller engine and muffler to cool. Dis- connect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline

from fuel tank. AROUND THE YARD

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

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

3. Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUND TOWN

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Drain fuel tank.

3. 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 clean oil and fuel and store in approved, clean, covered

containers, use clean fill funnels.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL

Remove hangtag from engine.

With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

Fill engine with oil to point of overflow- ing. For approximate capacity see

"PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this manual. All oil must

meet A.RI. Service Classification SG- SL.

Depth Stake

4. Tilt tiller backon itswheels andthen re-level.

5. With enginelevel,refillto point ofover- flowing if necessary. Replaceoilfiller plug.

• Forcoldweatheroperationyou should

change oil for easierstarting (See "OIL VISCOSITYCHART"in the Mainte-

nancesectionofthis manual).

• Tochangeengineoil, seethe Mainte-

nancesectionofthis manual.

Oil Level

ADD GASOLINE

* Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do

not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide depos- its and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-

ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_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 acciden- tally spilled, move machine away from

area of spill. Avoid creating any source of

ignition until gasoline vapors have disap- peared.

Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open

flame.

IMPORTANT: When operating in temper-

atures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

CAUTION: 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 storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

Oil Filler

Plug

TO START ENGINE

,I_CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF"

position when starting engine.

When starting engine for the first time or

if engine has run out of fuel, it will take

extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

2. Place throttle control in "FAST" posi- tion.

3. Move choke control to full "CHOKE" position. Grasp recoil starter handle

with one hand and grasp tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly

until engine reaches start of compres- sion cycle (rope will pull slightly harder

at this point).

4. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back

against starter. Repeat if necessary.

NOTE: If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke posi-

tion. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.

5. When engine starts, slowly move choke control to "RUN" position as

engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less

choking to start.

6. Move throttle control to desired running position.

7. Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F), the

carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance.

See "TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this

manual. NOTE: If engine does not start, see

troubleshooting points.

Spar Plug

Control

Recoil Starter

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER

Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine con- trol before you actually begin tilling.

• Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles down and engage tine

control to start tine rotation. Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.

• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See "TINE OPERATION

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

TILLING HINTS

_f_CAUTION: Until you are accustomed

to handling your tiller, start actual field use

with throttle in slow position.

To help tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake

out of ground). To slow down the tiller, press down on handles. If you are straining or tiller is shaking,

the wheels and depth stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled. The proper setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon

the soil condition. (The harder or wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed needed. Under these poor condi- tions, at fast speed the tiller will run and

jump over the ground).

A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little

effort from the operator.

• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth.

Best tilling depth is 4"-6". A tiller will

also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta- tion. The decomposition of this vegeta-

ble matter enriches the soil. Depending

on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may

be advisable to till the soil at the end of

the growing season to further condition the soil.

• Soil conditions are important for proper

tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute to

excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard soil should be mois- tened before tilling; however, extremely

wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in

order to achieve the best results. When tilling in the fall, remove vines and long

grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.

., You will find tilling much easier if you

leave a row untilled between passes. Then go back between tilled rows There

are two reasons for doing this. First,

wide turns are much easier to negoti-

ate than about-faces. Second, the tiller

won't be pulling itself, and you, toward

the row next to it.

• Set depth stake and wheel height for shallow tilling when working extremely

hard soil or sod. Then work across the first cuts at normal depth.

CULTIVATING Cultivating is destroying the weeds be-

tween rows to prevent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants.

At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture

in the soil. Best digging depth is 1"-3".

• You will probably not need to use the depth stake. Begin by tipping the depth

stake forward until it is held by the stake spring.

• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot

weeds and leave the ground in rough

condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass.

\lj -_

LJ-_

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL tN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

SERVICE DATES

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil

Oil Pivot Points

Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler If Inspect Air Screen If

Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge t_2

Clean Engine Cylinder Fins if

Replace Spark Plug If

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.

t! ii

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this tiller does not cover

items that have been subjected to opera- tor abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must

maintain tiller as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made

Q Engine

periodically to properly maintain your tiller. All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual should be

checked at least once each season.

• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter,

and check tines and belts for wear. A

new spark plug and clean air filter as-

sure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check tine operation.

3. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART").

0 Idler Arm

O SAE 30 OR 10W-30 MOTOR OIL Q Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE" section

LUBRICATION CHART

_CAUTION:Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance

(except carburetor adjustment) to prevent accidental starting of engine. Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of

grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Remove fuel from tank before tipping unit for main- tenance. Clean muffler area of all grass, dirt, and debris.

Do not touch hot muffler or cylinder fins as contact may cause burns.

ENGINE LUBRiCATiON

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SG-SL.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade ac- cording to your expected temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

i i i i i

C -30 -2_0 -10 0 1_0 20 30 40

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

oilviscchartl e

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W- 30, 10W-30, etc.) improve starting in cold

weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in

increased oil consumption when used above 32°F (0°C). Checkyourengine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage

from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 50 hours of op- eration or at least once a year if the tiller is not used for 50 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Add SAE 30 mo- tor oil or equivalent. Tighten oil filler plug

securely each time you check the oil level.

5. Refill engine with oil. See "FILL ENGINE WITH OIL" in the Operation

section of this manual.

Oil Drain Plug

Oil Level

Oil Filler Plug

AIR CLEANER Service air cleaner cartridge every

twenty-five hours, more often if engine is used in very dusty conditions.

1. Loosen air cleaner screw.

2. Remove air cleaner cover.

3. Carefully remove air cleaner cartridge. Be careful. Do not allow dirt or debris

to fall into carburetor.

4. Clean by tapping gently on a flat sur-

face. NOTE: If very dirty or damaged, replace cartridge.

5. Clean and replace cover. Tighten

screw securely.

_CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such

as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do

not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

Air Cleaner

Cartri

Cover

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Determine temperature range expected

before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SG-SL.

• Be sure tiller is on level surface.

• Oil will drain more freely when warm.

• Catch oil in a suitable container.

1. Remove drain plug.

2. Tip tiller forward to drain oil.

3. After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten se-

curely.

4. Remove oil filler plug. Be careful not

to allow dirt to enter the engine.

Air Screw

COOLING SYSTEM Your engine is air cooled. For proper en-

gine performance and long life keep your engine clean.

• Clean air screen frequently using a stiff-bristled brush.

• Remove blower housing and clean as necessary.

• Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff.

Muffler

C Fins

Blower

!_Housing

/__! Air Screen

MUFFLER Do not operate tiller without muffler. Do

not tamper with exhaust system. Dam- aged mufflers or spark arresters could create a fire hazard. Inspect periodically and replace if necessary. If your engine is equipped with a spark arrester screen as-

sembly, remove every 50 hours for clean- ing and inspection. Replace if damaged.

SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each tilling season or after every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in "PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 4 of this

manual. TRANSMISSION

Your transmission is sealed and will not

require lubrication unless serviced.

CLEANING

Do not clean your tiller when the engine and transmission are hot. We do not rec-

ommend using pressurized water (garden

hose, etc.) to clean your unit unless the gasket area around the transmission and

the engine muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine will shorten the useful life of your

tiller.

• Clean engine, wheels, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• Protect painted surfaces with automo- tive type wax.

j_,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come into contact with plug.

TILLER

TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT

Factory assembly has provided lowest handle height. Select handle height best suited for your tilling conditions. Handle

height will be different when tiller digs into soil.

1. If a higher handle height is desired, loosen the four nuts securing handle

panel to engine brackets.

2. Slide handle panel to desired location.

3. Tighten the four nuts securely.

MID-WIDTH TILLING - 22" PATH

• Assemble holes '%' in tine hubs to holes "C" in tine shaft.

A C C A

NARROW TILLING/CULTIVATING -

12-3/4" PATH

• Remove outer tines.

Engine Brackets

Panel

Nuts(Also 2 on Left Side

of Tiller

TINE ARRANGEMENT Your outer tines can be assembled in

several different ways to suit your tilling or cultivating needs.

_CAUTION: Tines are sharp. Wear

gloves or other protection when handling tines.

NORMAL TILLING - 24" PATH

• Assemble holes '_' in tine hubs to holes "B" in tine shaft.

-- Clevis Pin Outer Tine

[oo oo]

tine 6

Inner Tines Only

NOTE: When reassembling outer tines, be sure right tine assembly (marked "R") and left tine assembly (marked "L') are

mounted to correct side of tine shaft. TINE OPERATION CHECK

AI_WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug to prevent starting while

checking tine operation.

For proper tine operation, tine control lever must be against control body and all slack

removed from inner wire of control cable when control is in the "OFF" (up) position.

If lever and cable are loose, loosen cable clip at lower end of cable. Pull up on

cable to remove slack, without extend- ing spring on end of cable, and retighten

cable clip.

FINAL CHECK "OFF" POSITION

1. With tine control "OFF" (up), push down on handle to raise tines off the

ground.

2. Slowly pull recoil starter handle while observing tines. Tines should not

rotate.

3. If tines rotate, inner wire of control cable is too tight which is extend-

ing lower spring and engaging tines. Loosen cable clip and push down on cable only enough to relieve spring

tension. Tighten cable clip.

4. Recheck in "OFF" position and adjust if necessary.

FINAL CHECK "ON" POSITION

5. With tine control "ON" (held down to handle) push down on handle to raise

tines off the ground.

6. Slowly pull recoil starter handle while observing tines. Tines should rotate

forward.

7. If tines do not rotate, inner wire of con- trol cable is too loose. Loosen cable

clip and pull cable up to remove slack and retighten clip.

8. Recheck in "ON" position and adjust if necessary.

NOTE: If "ON" position check required adjustment, recheck "OFF" position ad-

justment to insure tines do not rotate when

control is "OFF" (up).

Tine Control "OFF" Position

Tine Control "ON" Position

Tine Control Cable

Cable Clip .....

TO REPLACE V-BELT Replace V-belt if it has stretched consider-

ably or if it has cracks or frayed edges.

1. Belt guard must be removed to ser- vice belt. See "TO REMOVE BELT

GUARD" in this section of manual.

BELT REMOVAL

2. Remove V-belt from transmission pul- ley first and then from engine pulley.

BELT REPLACEMENT

Install new V-belt to engine pulley first

then to transmission pulley. Be sure

belt is positioned on inside groove of both pulleys, inside all belt guides and rests on idler pulley.

CHECK TINE OPERATION

4. See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in

this section of manual.

5. Replace belt guard

Belt Guide

Engine Pull

TO REMOVE BELT GUARD

1. Remove screws from side of belt guard.

2. Pull belt guard out and away from unit.

3. Replace belt guard by reversing above procedure. Be sure slot in bottom of

belt guard is under head of tine shield bolt and all nuts are tightened securely.

Belt

Guard

Screw

V-Belt

Belt Idler Pulley Transmission

Pulley

ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of

the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers ex-

pense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an

authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet.

TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the

factory and adjustment should not be

necessary. However, engine performance can be affected by differences in fuel, tem-

perature, altitude or load. If the carburetor does need adjustment, contact your near- est authorized service center/department

IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set for

proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think

the engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact your nearest sears or other qualified service center which has

the proper equipment and experience to

make any necessary adjustments.

+ 33 hidden pages

Craftsman 917299013 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual