Craftsman 944627592 Owner’s Manual

SEARS

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

944.627592

CRAFTSMAN+

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Instruct,ons

Before Operating

This Equipment

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

9.0 HP 21 INCH TINE WIDTH

REAR TINE TILLER WITH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

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.

• Keepthe area of operaUon clear ofall persons, particu- larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspect the 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 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.

• Fillfuel 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 unitswith electricdrive 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-

inggravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After strikinga foreign object, stopthe engine (motor)

remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in- spect the tillerfor 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 certainall movingpartshave stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

Disconnect the cordon 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

tilltoo 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.

• 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 tillerforward. Ifthis occurs, letgo of the handlebars and do notrestrainthe

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 insafe working condition.

• Never stora the machine with fuel inthefueltank inside a buildingwhere 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 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.

Look for this symbol to point out im-

portant safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONllt BECOME ALERTHI YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire end place wire where It can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre- vent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs. .,

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears Tiller.

It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to giveyouthe 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- trainedtechnicians and the propertoolsto serviceor 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 944.627592

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 SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 9.0 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 19 cu. in. (31 l cc)

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 4 Quarts (3.8L)

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH) : SAE 30 (Above 32°F)

CAPACITY: 44 oz.) SAE 3W-30 (Below 32°F)

SPARK PLUG : Champion

3AP: ,030") RJ19LM

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is ava ab e on th sprod-

uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details._ CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow e regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tiller.

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

Manual.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, BRUSH,COVERED OR GRASS COVERED LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL OR STATE LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY

THE OPERATOR. IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA THE ABOVE IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC

RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS.

SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE REPAIR

PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.

LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

ForTwo (2) years from date of purchase Sears Canada, Inc. will repair or replace at Sears option free of charge pads which are

defective as a result of matedal or workmanship.

COMMERCIAL OR RENTAL USE:

Warranty on Tiller will be thirty (30) days from date of purchase if used for commercial or rental purposes.

This Warranty does NOT cover:

1. Pre-dellvery set-up.

2. Expendable Items which become worn during normal use, luoh as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners, shear pins, and belts.

3. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, Including the failure to operate and maintain the equipment according to the Instructionscontained in the Owner's Manual.

Warranty service is available by retuming the Craftsman Tiller to the nearest Sears Service Centre/Department in Canada. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in Canada.

This warranty is in acldition to any statutory warranty and does not exclude or limit legal rights you may have but Shall run concurrently with applicable provincial legislation. Furthermore, some pmvincas do NOT allow limitation on how long an implied

warranty will last so the above limitations may not apply to you

SEARS CANADA, INC., TORONTO, ONTARIO M5B 2B8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... 3,13-15

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

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

ASSEMBLY ......................... ....................................... 5-7

OPERATION ............................................................. 8-12

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15-18

STORAGE ................................................................... 19

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 20

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ........................................ 21-31

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at thefactory with exception of those parts leftunassambled for shippingpurposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tillerall parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the

correct toolsas 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) Wire cutter (1) Screwdriver (1) Tire pressure gauge

(1) Pair of pliers (1) 9/16" wrench

OPERATOR'S POSITION (See Fig. 1) When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it

means when you are in the operating pesitior_ (standing behind tiller handles). -

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

FIG. 1

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Handle Lock

(Black)

(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x I x 11 Ga. (1) Cable Clip

(1) Handle Lock

(Silver)

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Handle Lock Lever

(2) Hairpin Clips

(1) Pivot Bolt

3/8-16 UNC Grade 5

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)

I & CAUTION: Be careful of exposed I

staples when handling or disposing of cartoning material.

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

,..' / "UP" POSITION

IMPORTANT: WHEN uNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLES.

• While holding handle assembly, cutcable ties securing handle assembly to top frame. Let handle assembly

rest on tiller.

• Remove top frame of carton.

• Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of

carton.

• Cut down right hand front and right Rand rear corners

of carton. Lay side qarton wall down.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly.

SHIFT ROD

HANDLE

ASSEMBLY

FIG. 2

INSTALL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

• Insertthe thicker black handle lock (withteeth facingto

the dght) in gearcase notch.

• Grasphandleassembly. Hold in"up"position. Besure

handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position.

VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER

HANDLE ASSEMBLY

GEARCASE NOTCH

BLACK HANDLE

TIGHTEN HANDLE

LOCK LEVER TO HOLD

MOVE

FIG. 4

Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely assemble Iocknut (See Fig. 5).

Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and tighten. Cut down left hand rear corner of carton. Lay roar

carton wall down, which will remove the protective cardboard flap from leveling shield.

Cut down remaining comers of carton and lay panels

flat.

Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut on cardage bolt so handle moves with some resistance. This will

allow for easier adjustment. Place flat washer onthreaded end of handle lock lever.

Insert handle lock lever through handle base and geamase. Screw in handle lock lever just enough to hold lever in place.

Insertthe smaller silver handle lock(with teeth inward)

in the slot of the handle base (just inside of washer). With handle assembly in lowest position, securely

tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leav-

ing handle assembly in lowest position will make it easier to remove tiller from carton.

HANDLE LOCK FLAT

SLOT

WASHER

HANDLE

LOCK LEVER

FIG. 3

REAR CARRIAGE

BOLT

BASE

FIG. 5

//_ PIVOT

LOCKNUT

BOLT

ASSEMBLY

INSERT CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 6)

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole onthe back ofhandle column. Push cables into clip.

HANDLE COLUMN

CABLES

CABLE CLIP

FIG. 6

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7)

• Insert end of shift into hole of shift lever indicator.

• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure shift lever indicator is in "N"(neutral) posi- tion (See Fig. 7)

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of

carton.

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 tillingperformance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.

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).

SHIFT HAIRPIN SHIFT

ROD _ INDICATOR

CLIP LEVER

FIG. 7

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER. Compare the illustrationswith your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of variouscontrols and adjustments. Save

this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your TIller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their

meaning.

F R,& o

TILLING FORWARD REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE FUEL

OR WARNING ON OFF

DRIVE CONTROL

BAR

DEPTH STAKE

LEVELING SHIELD

OUTER

SIDE SHIELD

THROT'rI.E

CONTROL

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR

RECOIL STARTER

HANDLE

CHOKECONTROL

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tines. DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tille[ will dig.

LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil. OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants

from being buried. THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.

FIG. 8

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears.

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the

transmission is in.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine. CHOKE CONTROL o Used when starting a cold 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 a wide vision safety mask over spectacles or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop movement.

• Move shift lever to "N" (neutral) position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to "STOP" position. If equipped with stop switch, move switch to "STOP" position,

• Never use choke to stop engine.

DRIVE CONTROL BAR "ENGAGED" POSITION

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

"DISENGAGED" POSITION

FIG. 9

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

• Always release drive control bar before moving shift

lever into another position.

• Tins movement isachieved bymoving shiftleverto (_) till position and engaging ddve control bar.

FORWARD- WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• Release drive control bar andmove shift lever indicator

to "F" (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and tiller will move forvvard.

THROTTLE

SHIFT

LEVER

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10).

The depth stake can be raised or lowsredtoallowyou more versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport

'ourtiller.

_TRANSPORT

SHALLOWEST j TILUNG -

(CULTIVATING)

DEEPEST _

TILLING

OEPTH__. _ STAKE

" POSITION

FIG. 10

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

• Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for

increased tillingdepth. Place depth stake pininhole of depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in till position.

• Hold the drive contro_bar against the handle to start

tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn.

• Move throttlecontrolto"FAST" positionfordeep tilling. To cultivate, throttlecontrol can be set at any desired

speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to cultivate.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER

POSITION,

DEPTH STAKE PIN "RELEASED" POSITION

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.

• Release the drive control bar.

• Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.

• Move shift lever indicator to "R" (reverse) position.

• Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller

movement.

"LOCKED"

POSITION

SIDE SHIELD NUT "A"

9 FIG. 11

OPERATION

TURNING •

Release the drive control bar. Move throttle control to "SLOW" position.

Place shift le_,er indicator in "F" (forward) position.

Tines will not turn.

Lift handle to raise tines out of ground.

Swing the handle in the opposite direction you wish to turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from tines.

• When you have completed your turn-around, release

the ddve controlbar and lower handle. Placeshift lever

in till position and move throttle control to desired speed. To begin tilling, hold drive control bar against

the handle.

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS (See_Fig. 11)

The back edges ofthe outer side shields are slottedso that the shields can be raised for deep tilling and lowered for

shallow tilling to protect small plants from being buded. Loosen nut"A" in slot and nut "B". Move shield to desired

position (both sides). Retighten nuts.

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION: Before lifting or transport- ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

AROUND THE YARD

• Release the depth stake pin. Move the depth stake down to the top hole for transporting the tiller. Place

depth stake pin inhole of depth stake to lockinposition. This prevents tines from scuffing the ground.

• Place shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position for transporting.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tiller movement. Tines will not turn.

• Move throttle control to desired speed.

AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fueltank.

• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from fuel tank.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT TO ENTER THE ENGINE W'HEN CHECKING OR '_DDING OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE

IN APPROVED, CLEAN/COVERED CONTAINERS. USE CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 12)

• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with SAE 30 summer weight oil.

• With engine level, clean area around oil filler plug and

remove plug.

Engine oil should be to point of overflowing when engine is level. For approximate capacity see "PROD-

UCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SF, SG or SH.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for

easier starting(See oilviscositychart inthe Customer Responsibilities section,of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-

ties section in this manual.

OIL LEVEL

FILLER PLUG

PLUG

FiG. 12

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline. (Use ofleaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)

IMPORTANT= WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW32°F (0°C), 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) can

attract moisturewhich 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, startthe

engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage section

ofthis manual for additional information. Never use engine orcarburetor cleaner productsinthe fuel tank orpermanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 112inch 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.

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