Craftsman 944.629540 User Manual

SEARS

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

944.629540

CRAFTSMAN°

Caution: Read and follow

all Safety Rules and Instructtons

Before Operating

Th,s Equ,pment

5.5 HP 24 INCH TINE WIDTH

FRONT TINE TILLER

• Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8

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 howto stop the unitand 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 ofall persons, particu-

larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspectthe area where the equipment isto

be used and remove all foreign objects.

• Disengage all clutches _,nd shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor).

• Do not operate the equipment without weadng, ad- equate outer garments. Wear footwear that wm im- prove footing on slippery surfaces.

• " Handle fuel with care; ifi s highlyflammable.

• Use an approved fuel container.

• Never add fue_to a running engine or hot engine.

Fillfuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fillfuel

"=_..tank-indeers;-

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled

......... Tu-eTSbf6_'erestarting.

• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by

the manufacturer for all unitswith electric dik,e 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 rotaUngparts.

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on orcross-

ing gravel drives, walks, orroads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

• After stdklng a foreign object, stop the engine (motor), remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly in- spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the tiller.

• Exercise caution to avoid slippingor falling.

• If the unitshould start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) and check immediately forthe cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating

position.

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the me-

chine unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and stop the engine.

• Before cleaning, repaidng, or inspecting, shut off the engine and makecertain all movingpartshave stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

Disconnect the cordon electdc 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 pats away.

• Do notoverload the machine capacity by attempting to

tilltoo deep at too fast a rate.

• Never operate the machine at high speeds onslippery

surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.

• Use only attachments and accessodes approved by

the manufacturer of the tiller.

• Never operate the tiller without good visibilityor light.

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may

catch inthe ground and propelthe tillerforward. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrainthe

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 withfuel inthefuel tank inside a buildingwhere ignitionsources are present, suchas

hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, snd the like. Allow the engine to cool before stodng 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 petter understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set

of instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out im- iI

[

portant safety precautions. It means CAUTIONIII BECOME ALERT!It YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre- vent accidental starting when setting

up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

CONGRATULATIONSonyourpurchaseofaSearsTiller. It hasbeendesigned,engineeredandmanufacturedto

giveyouthebestpossibledependabilityandperformance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily

remedy, please contact your nearest authorized Sears Service Centre/Department. They have competent, well- trained technicians and the propertoolsto 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 944.629540

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: 5.5 HP

DISPLACEMENT: 13 cu.in. (221cc)

GASOLINECAPACITY: 4 Quarts(2,8L)

UnleadedRegular

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE30 (Above32°1=)

CAPACITY:20 oz. I0.6L]) SAE5W-30 (Below32°1=)

SPARKPLUG: Champion

GAP: .030"[0.76mm]) RJ19LM

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this prod-

uct. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Followa regularschedule inmaintaining, cadng forand

using your tiller.

• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities"and =Storage" sectionsofthisOwner'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.

SEE YOUR SEARS AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER. REFER TO THE REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL FOR PART NUMBER.

r 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 12-14

PRODUCT SPECIRCATIONS .............................. _....... 3

WARRANTY .................................................................. 5

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 6-7

OPERATION ............................................................. 8-11

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

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

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

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 19

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER .......... .............................. 20-25

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE ...................................... 26.30

SERVICE/PARTS ORDERING .................... Back Cover

WARRANTY

LIMITED TWO (2) YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

ForTwo (2) yearsfromdateofpurchaseSearsCanada, Inc,willrepairor replaceat Searsoptionfreeof chargepartswhichare

defectiveas a resultofmatedalor workmanship.

COMMERCIALOR RENTALUSE:

WarrantyonTillerwillbethirty(30) daysfromdateofpurchaseifusedfor commercialorrentalpurposes. This Warranty does NOTcoven

1. Pra-dellveryset-up.

2. Expandable Items which become worn dudng normal use, such as tines, spark plugs, air cleaners, shear pins,

and belts.

3, Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, Including the failure to oparate and maintain the

equipment accordingto the Instractlonscontained inthe Owner's Manual,

Warrantyserviceisavailableby returningthe CraftsmanTillerto thenearestSearsServiceCentre/Departmentin Canada.This warrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductisinuse inCanada.

This warrantyis in additionto any statutory warrantyand does not excludeor limitlegal dghtsyou may have but shallrun

concurrentlywithapplicableprovinciallegislation.Furthermore,someprovincesdoNOT allowlimitationonhowlonganimplied warrantywilllastsothe abovelimitationsmaynotapplytoyou.

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

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception ofthose parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensureosafe 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) Utilityknife " (1) Screwdriver

(1) 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

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSITION

FIG. 1

(1) Manual

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

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

(1) Bottle Engine Oil

(1) Plastic Cable Clip

(2) Flange Locknuts 5116-18 UNC

(2) Hex Nuts 5/16-18 (2) Lock Washers 5/16

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See Fig. 2)

I _ CAUTION: iBe careful of exposed I _U_ staples when handling or disposing of |

I_] _ cartoning material. I IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK CABLE(S).

• Cut cable ties secudng handle column.

Remove all packing from carton.

• Secure handle column to handle mount using two (2)

carriage bolts and two (2) flange Iocknuts. Tighten both flange Iocknuts securely.

• Remove packing material from handle assembly.

• Route fine control cable through plastic cable clip on

handle column.

• Insert plastic cable clip into hole in handle column.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid.

• Cut away carton and remove tiller from skid by pulling

backwards.

TINE CONTROL. I

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY

(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen nut "A".

• Insert stake support between engine bracket halves

with stake spdng down.

• Boltstake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock

washers and nuts. Tighten securely. Tighten nut "A'.

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

support bolt.

DEPTH STAKE

MOUNT _ _ f

TINECONTROL\ / "__ I

CABLE\ _ / J _HANDLE I

CARRIAGE" \ / YY_ _ _ / /

CUP ]

FIG. 2

SUPPORT

HEX BOLTS, LOCK WASHERS, AND HEX NUTS

FIG. 3

BOLT

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 tillingconditions (See WINE ARRANGEMENT" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual).

TINE OPERATION

• Check tine operation before first use. (See =TINE

OPERATION CHECK" inthe Service and Adjustments

section of this manual).

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the illustrationswith your tillerto familiarize yourself with the location ofvarious controls 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.

RUN I

OR WARNING ON OFF

FORWARD 11NE CONTROL

CHOKECONTROL

THROTTLE

DEPTI

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

FIG. 4

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward direction.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

THROTTLE CONTROL - Controls engine speed. DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig. RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine,

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller and while tilling. We recommend 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. 5)

TINES

• Release tine control to stop movement. ENGINE

• Move throttle controlto =STOP" position.

Never use choke to stop engine.

TINE CONTROL "OFF" (UP) 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 tiller's forward

motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also,

the more the depth stake is lowered into the ground the

deeper the tines will dig. DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)

Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clip and clevis

pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the

clevis pin and hairpin clip.

• Fornormaltilling, set depthstake at the secondorthird hole from the top.

WHEELS (See Fig. 6) Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin.

Change wheel position. Replace the hairpinclipand clevis pin.

• Fornormal tilling,setwheels at the second orthird hole from the top.

HAIRPIN CUP

AND CLEVIS PIN

CHOKE ,THROTTLE

FIG. 5

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

• Squeeze tine control to handle.

DEPTH

STAKE

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND CLEVIS PIN

WHEEL

FIG. 6

OPERATION

TO TRANSPORT

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

]_ AUTION: Before lifting or transport- I

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

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuel tank.

• 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 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 (SeeFig. 7)

• Remove hangtag from engine.

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

• Fill engine with oilto point ofoverflowing. For approxi-

mate capacity see =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual.

• Tilt tiller back on itswheels and then re-level.

• With engine level, refillto point of overflowing ifneces-

sary. Replace oil filler plug.

• 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 ofthis manual.

OIL FILLER

PLUG

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline. (Use of leaded 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 toseparation 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. Drainthe gas tank, startthe engine and let itrun until the fuel lines and carburetor are

empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage section ofthis manualfor additionalinformation. Never useengine

orcarburetor cleaner productsinthe fueltank or permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spiels and to

allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline ts 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 spiEled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso-

line near an open flame.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

I _ CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF" I

When startingengine for the first time or ifengine has run out of fuel, itwilltake extra pullsofthe recoil starterto move

fuel from the tank to the engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

• Place throttle control in "FAST" position.

• 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 compression cycle (rope will

pull slightlyharder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat ifnecessary.

• Ifengine fires butdoes notstart, movechoke control to

half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to =RUN" positionas engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• 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 adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO AD- JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

NOTE: Ifengine does not start, see troubleshooting points.

position when starting engine.

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