Craftsman 917299691 Owner’s Manual
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
917.299691
Cauti6n;
Read and follow
all Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment
5.0 HP
17 INC TINE WIDTH
COUNTER ROTATING
EAR TI TILLER
• Assembly
, Operation
• Maintenance
• Service and Adjustment
• Repair Parts
TINES
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers
TRAINING
, Read the operating and service instruction manual care-
fuIly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
, Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu-
larly small children, and pets.
PREPARATIO N
• Thoroughly inspectthe area where the equipment isto 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 adequate
Outer garments. Wear footwear that wilt improve 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 bythe
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 recom+
mended by manufacturer)+
OPERATION
" Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating 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 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, before unclogging the tines, and when making
any repair, adjustments, and inspections.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Disengage the power take-off, lower the
attachment, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and
remove the key.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain al! 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 dan-
gerous.
• 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 capaci_ by attempting totill
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 bolts, 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 fuel tank inside
a buitding 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
importantdetails if the tiller isto be stored for an extended
period.
-IMPORTANT -
Cautions, [mportants, and Notes are a means of attracting attention to important or critical information in this manual,
_for this symbol to_
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 instructions.
NGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofaSearsTiller.
_sbeendesigned,engineeredandmanufacturedto
youthebestpossibledependabilityandperform-
;e.
_uid you experience any probiems you cannot easily
ledy, please contact your nearest authorized Service
qteriDepartment. They have competent, well-trained
hnicians and the proper tools to serwce or repair this
t.
ase read and retain this manual. The instructions will
_ble you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly.
/ays observe the "SAFETY RULES".
MODEL
NUMBER 917.299691
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATE OF
PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPIN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER: 5.0 H.P.
DISPLACEMENT: 12.57 cu. in.
GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 QUART
(UNLEADED)
OIL (20 OZ. CAPACITY): SAE 30W
(SAE 10W 30)
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030 IN.): Champion
RJ19LM
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this
product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBiLITiES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tiller.
• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this OwneCs Manual.
MMtTED 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 manuaf, 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 r_ecessary 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.
o 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 tN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS
PRODUCT IS tN USE tN 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/731CR-W SEARS TOWER, CHICAGO, IL 60684
-NOTE-
qis unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
"ush_covered orgrass covered tand unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable
ca1or state taws (if any). ff a spark attester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
the state of California the above is required by faw (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states
,ay have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester.
efer to page 33 of Repair Parts section of this manual for part number.
3
INDEX
OF CONTENTS
A
Accessories ...................................... 5
Adjustments:
Depth Stake ............................ 10
Ground Drive Belt .................... 16
Handle Height ......................... 15
Throttle .................................... 18
Tines ....................................... 17
Air Cleaner:
Maintenance ............................ 14
B
Belt:
Guard ...................................... 16
Ground Drive ........................... 16
Repair Parts ............................ 22
C
Cooling System:
Maintenance ............................ 14
Controls:
Choke ........................................ 9
Drive .......................................... 9
Throttle ...................................... 9
Cultivating:
Operation ................................ 12
D
Depth Stake:
Adjustment .............................. i 0
Repair Parts ............................ 25
E
Engine:
Air Cleaner .............................. 14
Cooling System ....................... 14
Fuel Type ................................ 11
Lubrication ............................... 14
Oil Level .................................. 11
Oil Type .............................. 11,14
Spark Plug ............................... 15
Starting .................................... 12
Stopping .................................. 10
Storage .................................... 19
Winter Operation ..................... t 4
F
Fuel:
Filling Tank .............................. 11
Storage .................................... 19
Type ........................................ 11
Finish:
Maintenance ............................ 15
H
Handle:
Height Adjustment ................... 15
Repair Parts ............................ 21
L
Lubrication:
Lubrication Chart .................... 13
Engine ..................................... t4
M
Maintenance:
Air Cleaner .............................. 14
Cooling System ....................... 14
Finish ....................................... 15
Maintenance Schedule ............ 13
Muffler ..................................... 15
Oil Change .............................. 14
Spark Plug ............................... 15
Transmission ........................... 15
Muffler:
Maintenance ............................ 15
Spark Arrester ...................... 3,31
O
Oil:
Level ........................................ 11
Type ................................... 11,14
Operation:
Cultivating ............................... 12
Fit! Fuel Tank ........................... 11
Start Engine ............................. 12
Stopping Tines & Engine ......... 10
Tilling .................................. 10,12
Tilling Hints .............................. 12
Tine Operation ........................ 10
Transporting Tiller ................... 11
Winter Operation ..................... 14
R
Repair Parts:
Tiller & Engine .................... 21-31
Rules for Safe Operation ................. 2
S
Service & Adjustments:
Bett Guard ............................... 16
Ground Drive Belt .................... 16
Handle Height ......................... 15
Throttle Control ....................... 18
Tines ....................................... 17
Service:
Maintenance Schedule ............ 13
Repair Parts ....................... 21-3t
Spark Plug:
Gap ........................................... 3
Maintenance ............................ 15
Storage:
Fuel System ............................ 19
Tilter ........................................ 19
T
Throttle:
Control Adjustment .................. 18
Tilling:
Operation ........................... 10,12
Tines:
Operation ................................ 10
Repair Parts ............................ 26
Replacement ........................... 17
Tires:
Removal/Replacement ............ I5
Repair Parts ....................... 22,23
Transmission:
Maintenance ............................ t5
Repair Parts ............................ 24
Troubleshooting:
Chart ....................................... 20
Transporting:
Operation ................................ 11
W
Warranty:
Tiller ........................................... 3
4
TILLER ACCESSORIES
SE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLE WHEN THE TILLER WAS PURCHASED. THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT
_TSEARS RETAIL OUTLETS, CATALOG AND SERVICE CENTERS, MOST SEARS STORES CAN ORDER REPAIR
;TS FOR YOU WHEN YOU PROVIDE THE MODEL NUMBER OF YOUR TILLER.
31NE
PARK PLUG
m,,,,i
MUFFLER AIR FILTER ENGINE OIL
LER PERFORMANCE
FURROW OPENER
...... ., i =1
STABILIZER
.LER MAINTENANCE
BELT TINES CLEVIS PIN HAIRPIN CLIP
m
5
,u ,i i
ASS LY
TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TILLER YOU WILL NEED:
(1) utility knife
(1) wire cutter
tli tire pressure gauge
pair of pliers
(1) screwdriver
Ill ratchet9/16"wrench (or adjustable wrench) or
(1) socket extension :
(I) 9/t6" socket
OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1)
The right hand (R.H.) and left hand (LH.) sides of your
titler are determined from the operator's position while
standing behind tiNer,
FRONT
LEFT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
FIGURE 1
RIGHT
• • .... lill ii i ii !
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(t) Owner's Manual (2) Hairpin Clips (1) Cabte Clip
©
(2) Carriage Bolts 3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr, 5
(2) Center Locknuts 3/8-16 UNC
(1) Handle Lock Lever (1) Flat Washer 13/32 x 1x t 1 Ga. (2) Handle Locks
......................... u
ASSEMBLY
INPACKiNG CARTON (See Fig. 2)
of ¢attoning material.CAUTION:Be careful of expose -----1
staples when handling or disposing i
_PORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
ILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
;ABLES.
While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing
handle assembly to top frame and depth stake. Let
handle assembly rest on tiller.
Remove top frame of carton.
Slowly ease handle assembly up and place upside
down on top of carton.
SHIFT ROD
HANDLE
ASSEMBLY
/
FIG. 2
Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners of
carton, lay side carton wall down,
Remove packing material from handle assembly.
Separate shift rod from handle assembly.
INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)
Insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) in
gearcase notch. (Apply grease on smooth side of handle
lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle assembly
is lowered into position,)
• Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up" position. Be sure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch, Slide handle
assembly into position.
"UP" POSITION
TIGHTEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVER TO
HOLD
HANDLE
ASSEMBLY
LOOSEN
LOCK LEVER TO
MOVE
FIG, 4
• Rotate handle assembly down to install two carriage
bolts and tocknuts. Insert rear carriage bolt (Fig. 5) first,
with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller. Lower the handle
assembly, Tighten bolts so handle moves with some
resistance,
, Insert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot
of the handle base.
• Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever,
• insert handle lock lever through handle base and
gearcase.
• With handle assemblyin !owest position, secureiytighten
handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving handle
assembly in lowest position will make it easier to remove
tilter from carton.
GEARCASE
SLOT
CARRIAGE
BOLT
HANDLE
LOCK
FLAT
WASHER
HANDLE
LOCK
LEVER
\ _,, HANDLEASSEMBLY
NOTCH
FiG. 3
HANDLE
LOCK
REAR
CARRIAGE
BOLT
HANDLE
BASE
FIG. 5
LOCKNUTS
7
ASSE BLY
CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 6, 7 & 8)
• Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hote of shift
lever indicator.
, Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.
• Insert other end of shift rod into hoie in shift lever.
• Insert second hairpin clip through hole of shift rod.
ATTACH THIS END TO
SHIFT LEVER
INDICATOR
ATTACH THIS END TO
SHIFT LEVER
INDICATOR
' /
SHIFT ROD
FIG. 6
SHIFT HAIRPIN
CLIP
SHIFT
LEVER
INDICATOR
SHIFT LEVER
HAIRPIN CLIP
SHIFT ROD
FIG. 8
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is
important for best tilling performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
FIG. 7
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
, Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N" position (See Fig.
7)
• Tilt filler forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard
cover from leveling shield.
, Rotate tiller handle to the right and putl tiller out of carton.
CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 9)
Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle
column. Push cables into clip.
CABLES
CABLE
CLIP
FIG, 9
HANDLE HEIGHT
, Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator
(See "TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).
8
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR T_LLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE
LEVELING
SHIELD
MEETS ANSl SAFETY REQUUREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute,
THROTTLE CONTROL - is used to control engine speed,
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - is used to engage tiller,
DEPTH STAKE - controls depth at which tiller witi dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - protects small plants from being
buried.
CHOKE CONTROL - is used when starting a cold engine
SAFETY DECAL
The decat shown below is located on the handle of your tiller.
©
FIGURE to
SHIFT LEVER - is used to shift transmission gears.
SNDFTLEVER iNDICATOR- shows which gear the tiller is
currently in.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - is used to start the engine.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - is adjustable for protecting small
plants from being buried,
9
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 til|ing. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles
or standard safety glasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
Know how to operate ali controls before adding fuel and
oil or attempting to start engine,
STOPPING (See Fig. 11)
TINES AND DRIVE -
. Release drive control bar to stop movement.
, Move shift lever to "N" neutral position,
ENGINE -
• Move throttle control to "STOP" position.
o Never use choke to stop engine,
DRIVE CONTROL BAR
"ENGAGED" POSiTiON
THROTTLE
CONTROL
LEVER
HANDLE
DRIVECONTROLBAR
"DISENGAGED"POSMON
FiG. 11
TfNE OPERATION - WiTH WHEEL DRIVE
DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 12)
The depth stake can be raised or iowered to allow you more
versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport
,our tiller+
SHALLOWEST
TILLING "_+-=_
DEEPEST,..--- "="
TILLING
DEPTH_
STAKE
I
c_
"__'_'-_""_ TRANSPORT
¢ POSITION
®
®
FIG. 12
TILLING (See Fig. 13)
• Release depth stake pin, Pull the depth stake up for
increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of
depth stake to lock in position.
. Place shift lever indicator in "T" position.
• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tiliing
movement. Tines and wheels wi]l both turn.
• Move throttle controf to "FAST" position for deep tilling.
To cultivate, throttle control can be set at any desired
speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to
cultivate,
• Always release drive control bar before moving shift
lever into another position.
- Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to "T"
position and engaging drive control bar.
FORWARD +WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED
" Release drive control bar and move shift lever indicator
to "F" position. Engage drive control bar and tiller wiit
move forward,
REVERSE-WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED
• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TELLER.
o Release the drive control bar.
• Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.
° Move shift lever indicator to "R" position.
° Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller
movement,
DEPTH
"LOCKED"
POSITION
OUTER
SIDE SHIELD
FIG. 13
10
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